'I can say with sincerity that I like cats... A cat is an animal which has more human feelings than almost any other.'

Emily Bronte

'What cats most appreciate in a human being is not the ability to produce food which they take for granted but for his or her entertainment value.'

Geoffrey Household 'Rogue Male'

The Secret

'Oh...

I didn't know you were there.

I have just come from a secret place

Where I have had a secret thought

The secret thought

Was beautiful.

The secret place somewhere

Where you will never find it.

Sometimes I can't even find it

Myself.

I wish I could tell you

My secret thought

It was so beautiful

Or where I thought of it

But then it wouldn't be a secret anymore

For you'd know.

From 'Honourable Cat ' by Paul Gallico

Why Do Cats Purr ?

Cats purr for a multiple of reasons.

Kittens are born blind and deaf and start purring when only days old. Because of this the purring serves as a homing device. The kittens can feel their mother purring and it enables them to find her and encourages them to nurse.

We have always thought of purring cats as happy cats but cats also purr when they are under stress such as during a visit to a vet. When I took my cat to one a few years ago the vet could hardly hear her heart or lungs because she purred so loudly. Eventually she took her over to the tap and switched it on to try and calm her down. For reasons not known cats often stop purring whilst listening to running water. They also purr when they are in pain. Female cats can purr when giving birth, possibly in an attempt to calm themselves.

Research has shown that cats are trying to heal themselves when they purr. It may help to clear congestion, heal broken bones and other injuries and perhaps reduce pain.

A recent study by Dr Karen McComb a specialist in mammal vocal communication at Sussex University concludes that a certain type of purring has a high frequency element that makes humans want to respond to a cats needs.

Purring can also serve as a means of communication between adult cats. If a cat is approached by another cat it might purr to signal that it wants to be friends, it can also purr when it is playing.


There is still much to learn about why cats purr and research is still ongoing.

I recently came across this bizarre story in ‘londonist.’

Mrs Laursen and her husband moved into a new flat in London with their six domestic cats.

Strange to say whenever the cats were being fed a mysterious roar would echo around the apartment flowing down the corridor in which the cats were eating.

For a year it provided a bizarre form of entertainment whenever vistors arrived at the flat.

The obvious question that sprung to mind was had a big cat escaped from a zoo or was it some kind of supernatural phenomenon?

The couple eventually moved on. They were never plagued by the sound again.

londonist
The Saturday Strangeness (Disembodied Roar Article117) dated August 8th 2009.
Available at http://londonist.com/

Old Wives Tales About Cats

Cats Smother Babies

It’s a sad fact that already over populated pet shelters are sometimes asked to take in cats because their owners are worried about the safety of their baby if they keep it. They honestly think that the cat might smother a baby while it is sleeping peacefully in its crib. Some even suggest the cat might deliberately kill the baby out of jealousy, although I should imagine not many people hold this view.
After carrying out research I found only one vague case of this kind in the BMJ and no more. Some cats won’t go near a baby’s face because they dislike the small of human breath.

Cats might find a cot a comfortable place to sleep and the nice warm body of the baby pleasant to cuddle up against but there is no intention of harm. Recently a cat saved the life of a baby abandoned on the doorstep of a house in Germany in the middle of the night. It meowed loudly until someone woke up. If the cat had not been there the boy would have died of hypothermia. This much exaggerated rumour about smothering goes back hundreds of years. Doctors have only recently come to understand cot death. It’s possible that babies may have died suddenly in the presence of cats and in view of no other explanation the cat got the blame. So much superstitious nonsense has surrounded cats down the ages that it's not surprising some people don't trust them.

It’s never a bad idea to take precautions. If you’re worried purchase a fly shield to put over the crib to prevent the cat, or any other animal for that matter from sleeping there and keep the baby away from where the cat eats. Other objects in the crib could present a danger too; soft toys or blankets for example.

Cats suck the breath out of babies’ mouths

I think anyone with common sense won’t believe this one. This hundreds of years old tale probably goes back to when people believed cats to be witches' familiars. Maybe they believed the cats became possessed by evil spirits. Cats are supposedly drawn by the scent of milk on a baby’s breath. When cats are older a good majority are not that interested in milk anyway. All they are after is something warm to cuddle up to.

Accidents can happen and you can’t prevent them all, but if you think you should stop providing your cat with a home because it puts a new baby in danger, think about how many infants have been killed by dogs, by travelling in cars, or through parental neglect.

How A Cats Purr Can Manipulate Us

How A Cat's Purr Can Manipulate Us

I think most feline owners would agree that cats are good at getting their own way. After all we often put their comfort before our own. We’ll allow them to sleep in the most ridiculous places around the home, even though they get in our way, we avoid making the bed until they have finished sleeping on it, we get up and give them breakfast before we’ve even had a cup of tea and we’ll allow them to sit comfortably on our lap when we’ve really much better things to do.

According to a new study carried out by Dr Karen McComb, who is a specialist in mammal vocal communication at the University of Sussex, cats are even better at manipulating humans than we first thought by using something called solicitous purring.

Dr McComb carried out her research after noticing this type of purring in her own cat, and questioning why it was so hard to ignore. She talked to other cat owners whose cats exhibited similar behaviour. After carrying out tests on humans who listened to various purring types, the solicitous purr was found to be more exasperating and less pleasing, even people who had had no experience of cats voiced the same opinion.

What this means is that certain cats mask their pleas for attention with a pleasant purr instead of a loud miaow. This attention seeking purr has a high-frequency element that activates a sense of necessity in the human brain. This high frequency element makes the human feel driven to respond to the cat’s needs. When a cat miaows loudly we find it irritating, sometimes enough to want to throw the cat out of the room. This purr on the other hand, although a trifle annoying is not annoying enough to make us want to drive the cat away and instead we feel the urge to respond.

Not all cats have this purr. Research carried out on 10 cats found it only in those living in single person households. If the cat has a one to one relationship with its owner it learns to radically accentuate the peak.

Cat Behaviour

Sleeping

Cats are extremely good at sleeping. The average cat sleeps up to nineteen hours a day. Mostly they sleep lightly and sleep for short periods of time, hence the term ‘cat nap.' When they are very relaxed and do go into a deep sleep, their brainwave patterns are similar to ours when we dream. During this state their bodies will twitch indicating that they are dreaming, they’ll snore sometimes too, although this isn’t true of all cats. When asleep a cats hearing becomes sharper to provide warning of danger.

Interaction with other cats

Cats like humans have different personalities. For those who find it difficult to form friendships with other cats, coping with strangers who invade their territory can be difficult, often resulting in cat fights. In cities and towns cat fights are common. Cats create messages for one and other by leaving a scent to say that a certain territory is temporarily occupied. With this scent and knowing other cats in the area the cat can tell how long it has been since the leaver of the message passed by, who it was and whether or not he can safely venture forward. When cats do meet face to face, although physical fights do occur the more likely outcome is a stand off. The two cats will growl and stare one and other out until one eventually backs down.

Kneading

Many owners get annoyed when their cat jumps on their knee and starts kneading with its front paws. Sometimes it can dig in a bit with its claws. But really this behaviour is complimentary to the owner because it means that the cat is very relaxed and happy. As kittens cats will press against their mother with their paws in the same way when feeding.

Urinating or defecating in the house

If your cat starts to urinate or defecate in inappropriate areas in the house there is usually a problem. It’s an indication that your cat is not happy. It is feeling insecure within its territory. It may feel threatened and by leaving deposits around the house it is claming its territory in an attempt to warn off any perceived intruders.
A simpler reason is that maybe there is something wrong with its toilet arrangements. If its tray is very dirty it may not like to use it, or it may not like a certain type of cat litter.
Although this is an unpleasant situation remember it is not the cat's fault. It’s not doing it just to be troublesome. Investigate and try and find out why your cat is distressed.

Hunting

Cats are distinctive hunters. Big cats and feral cats still hunt. The way a cat hunts has led to them being called cruel as they appear to play with their pray. Studies have shown that the cat is taking measures necessary for its survival. Cats are proficient at catching their pray but not at killing it. They are far sighted making it difficult for them to initiate a successful death bite. Rodents will certainly bite back if they get the chance and injure the cat. Therefore it is necessary for the cat to exhaust it’s pray until it is safe to go in for the kill.

Some domestic cats hunt more than others. Some even bring dead pray home to their owners just as a mother cat will to its kittens. Others will not catch more than a fly or a crisp packet.

Cat Care

As any cat lover knows owning a cat, or should I say being owned by a cat is a very pleasurable experience. To get the most from your relationship with this beautiful, mysterious and fun loving animal you must care for it properly. A well cared for cat is a happy cat. One that will be less inclined to wonder off seeking adoption from someone else. Cats are far more independent than dogs but nonetheless still need love and attention.

Providing a place to sleep

Cats are territorial and like to find their own space. They can seek this out for themselves without any help from us. The top of a sofa, wardrobe, fridge, or cupboard will often do nicely. We can assist them by offering them somewhere warm and cosy. Putting a blanket or fluffy towel perhaps in a basket or box is a good idea. Cats seem to have a fascination with boxes and will usually attempt to climb inside one as soon as it’s emptied of its contents. Cat beds can be useful and they look nice. A cat though has a mind of its own and if you buy one there is no guarantee your cat will use it.

Outdoor or Indoor Cats

If your cat is an indoor cat it will need a litter tray. Try and put it somewhere hygienic if you can. You can buy deodorises to help inhibit smells. Make sure it’s big enough for your cat and easy for it to climb into. Cats are meticulously clean animals and won’t like using it if it’s dirty so wash it and refill it regularly, once a day if possible.

Feeding and Watering

Fresh water each day is a must provided in a nice clean dish. Cats can be fussy eaters and it’s not always easy to get them to eat foods that are good for them. Dry cat food is preferred because it’s better for their teeth. Many people wonder whether to give their cats milk. A small amount is okay if your cat likes it. They don’t need the calcium as they can get that from good cat food. Milk can also give some cats diarrhoea so if they get it avoid giving them milk.

Bathing

Cats don’t exactly queue up to be bathed. It’s not their favourite pass time. They spend many hours cleaning themselves with their tongue. Bathing is not something you should do to them on a regular basis as it can cause distress. Sometimes bathing is necessary if they’ve managed to get themselves covered in grime. Make sure the water isn’t too hot and use a mild shampoo such as a baby shampoo. Don’t let the water get into their ears and eyes. Wrap them up in a towel afterwards. You’ll need to be patient with your cat during the process because you can expect plenty of opposition. If your cat has a medical condition and needs to be bathed your vet will give you advice.

Cat Grooming

This is very important for long haired cats to prevent the fur from becoming mattered. If your cat is not used to grooming you must introduce it to it gradually starting with those areas of the body the cat most likes having stroked and don’t make the session too long.

Toys

Cats, especially young cats and kittens are extremely playful. Very often something like a dangling piece of string or a sheet of paper scrunched up into a ball will provide hours of fun. However it’s enjoyable to buy a toy for your cat, but when you do you can’t be sure it will play with it. My tabby tom cat has an old knitted mouse he’s had for years. It’s a miracle the toy is still around because he’ll kick, bite, chew and roll on top of it.

Some Popular Breeds

Pictures: left to right Siamese, Persian, Abyssinian.

Abyssinian

The origin of the Abyssinian cat is obscure. The word Abyssinian refers to Ethiopia, suggesting that Ethiopia may have been the cat’s original home. It’s a common belief that the Abyssinian’s origins can be traced back to ancient Egypt. If you look at the statues and murals of cats in Egyptian art they have the same physical characteristics as today’s Abyssinian; long ears, a long body and a long tail. One belief is that the breed originated from an Egyptian kitten called Zula who was brought to England from a port in Alexandria by a British soldier. There is however no firm link between Zula and the cat first listed as an Abyssinian in 1882. The physical characteristics of these cats also bare a resemblance to African wild cats.

Behavioural characteristics

These are very friendly and affectionate cats, dog like in the sense that they can pine without human company. They are energetic active cats that love to climb, and unlike most other cats actually like water. They’re talkative and have a trilling voice resembling a bird but they don’t prattle and will only talk when they have something to say. Their nature is a trusting one and that coupled with their desire to explore can get them into trouble sometimes. Children will get on with them because of their playful personalities. Other pets are not a problem either, so long as the Abyssinian can run things – they like to be in charge.

Basically they are healthy cats and with a good intelligent owner can live into their late teens. They are a natural breed. One that developed without the intervention of human beings.

Siamese

Siamese cats are a very popular and well known breed. Like the Abyssinian their origins are vague but they are very much believed to have been temple cats in Thailand (then Siam). There they were highly prized by royalty and the nobility and considered sacred. Their beautiful blue eyes were said to be a gift from the gods. When a person of high rank died their soul would enter the body of a Siamese cat for a while.

Behavioral Characteristics

These cats are thought to be the most intelligent of the domestic cats. When their calling for you they have the same high pitch as a new born baby, but that doesn’t mean they are loud. It is fair to say that most of the time you’ll simply be having a mild pleasant conversation with your pet. Loving and loyal these cats will form a firm bond with their owners. They are active and love to run about and climb. Because they are social cats they are generally good with children and other pets but some can become jealous of new arrivals.

With good owners they have long life spans for cats and can live until about twenty years old. These cats are also a natural breed developing without the intervention of humans.

Persian Cat

Although opinions as to the origin of the Persian cat differ it is generally believed that a portion of early Persian cats came from Persia (now Iran) and Turkey. They were brought into Britain during the crusades and by early travelers to Europe. Interestingly though there are hieroglyphics on pyramid walls that bare a resemblance to the Persian cat. This is another cat favoured by Royalty including the King of Persia and English monarchs such as Queen Victoria and Edward VII. This gentle long haired cat is sought after for its beauty and passive temperament.

Behavioral Characteristics

These cats are most suited to an indoor life as most of them are home loving, although there are a few who like to go out hunting. They are docile undemanding cats but very affectionate, even tempered and love to be petted and nursed. They can make wonderful sleeping companions too. Although they are quiet they still love to play. They are good with children. Other pets are not a problem as long as they share a similar temperament.

They can live to about fifteen years of age.