The Care and Feeding of Cats:

Cats and people share many commonalities, which are expressed in a variety of ways. The basic premise we should all strive to understand is like the human species, our feline companions need three fundamental elements critical to their emotional well being and long term survival: Love and companionship, proper nutrition for an efficient body and sound mind- which are interconnected, and compassion for their needs; since they rely on us to fulfill their most rudimentary needs, which are instinctive to their ancestors.

We as people really are not all that different. We all desire love, companionship, good food and health, and compassion from our human counterparts, when we need it, in our lives. Cats rely on their instincts when in the wild. But when domesticated, are at the mercy of the human caretaker to meet their most basic of needs: dietary provisions, social interaction, mental stimulation, and companionship. Perhaps the most amazing thing, is unlike people, which sometimes require great degrees of stimulation on the quest for instant gratification and satiation, cats - like dogs, and animals in general, require very little to make them content and sincerely happy. Besides curbing their hunger our Love is really all they need. If they have this - they have everything.

Comparatively speaking, Cats have fewer physical problems than dogs, since breeding practices have not altered the cat anatomy as greatly as in the canine world of incessant breeding. Inbreeding has caused many health risks associated with particular dog breeds while in pursuit of the “perfect” dog when in fact prior to tampering with an already perfectly designed species, disease and degenerative health disorders, had not been as prominent in the gene pool.

Felines on the other hand, have not suffered the inbreeding problem at the same rate as dogs, since cat breeding, fortunately, has not gained the same popularity. Unfortunately though, cats reproduce at more than three times the rate of dogs, leaving a prolific amount of stray and feral cats that remain most often with out a home, with out care.

Spaying and neutering is the best solution to this over abundance of homeless cats, as their quality of life is drastically diminished. The same holds true for dogs since approximately 12 million dogs and cats face euthanasia each year at the myriad of animal shelters that are simply wrought with too many homeless animals, and not enough space to house them. It is a sad fate they often face, which is why it is critical we do our part.

We have to do our part as a society of “animal guardians” who wish for a better quality of life for cats, dogs, and animals as a whole. Spaying and neutering is the advent to this process, particularly in relation to the domesticated cat or dog.

The reason so many will inevitably face such a sad fate, lies in the lack of responsibility of their once supposed “guardians,” in doing their part. It is our job to assist them in the best life possible, for they are reliant upon our intelligence, compassion and sheer will to act, on their behalf.

Why should we discriminate between the lives of animals’ verses the lives of our fellow people? Putting science aside, we must acknowledge the fact that every animal has a level of conscious awareness. They feel, think, and love, just as we do, and without debate. They do not ponder why they love or if they should. They just do, and with sincerity and loyalty. This serves as a lesson to us, with respect to our love quotient.

Ergo, we need to look introspectively with regard to our relationship with our animal companions and recognize accordingly, that although there are many enigmas, a higher source governs all things, which include animals and our feline children. This level of awareness should signify to us, the absolute necessity to ACT appropriately, as it serves the greater good. If we all choose to keep in mind such a philosophy, our actions would be better dictated. Then just maybe, we might ponder twice, the notion of being a society that “disposes” of things so easily, without regard for the consequences of our actions, which more often than not, are very painful to our once companions, who loved us.

While it is a blessing the breeding of cats is not as much a favorite past time as dog breeding, as their “guardians,” we must take responsibility to ensure a happy, healthy, nutritious, stimulating environment for them, to join us as our companions for life.

Do Cats Talk? Of Course They Do.

Cat Language: An integral component to the nature of cats and their relationship with “us.” Even though we may not understand everything they are trying to convey, they are indeed communicating to us about something. Now, what that something is, is up to us to discern. If we pay attention to their body language, vocal sounds, and eyes and ears and sometimes “that tail” it is amazing, how we can interpret their Feline language, which in the wild, is very lucidly understood by their families, prides, or acquaintances. In addition to their vocal sounds, 16 of which have been documented as authentic distinct meanings, their behavior paints a picture worth a thousand words. Watch, listen, and learn.

Vocal Language is usually divided into three recognizable categories: murmurs, vowels, and high intensity sounds. Murmurs often consist of purring, which is a signal of contentment and general greeting to whomever the feline wishes to announce its happiness toward. Notice the way you feline greets you upon entering from a long days work. They are elated at your arrival and want to express their delight.

Meow is constituted as the demanding vowel one can expect to hear when dissatisfied, in the immediate need of something, such as food-now; or that forceful greeting of “where have you been for so long.” Some meows are so high pitched they are out of our audible range. This is why paying attention to your cats posture and body language is so vital. These physical expressions often times are signals, which tell you essentially how they are, at a given moment.

Growls, snarls, and shrieks, usually represent fear or pain of some sort, and are classified as High-intensity sounds. Watching a standoff for territory, or competing for position, will encompass some of these emotions and depict the physical expressions in their face, ears, eyes, and body posture, such as: a buffed tail, and arched back, with flatten ears, and perhaps, some hissing and spitting involved.

The chatter isn’t really classified in any particular category but usually involves the acknowledgment of a bird outside the window or a bug crawling across the floor in the house. Such displays are more prominent with “indoor only” cats as they silently yearn to explore what they see beyond their indoor boundaries.

Communication is essential to the cat lifestyle as it is indigenous to their wild heritage. Some breeds such as the Siamese are more vocal than others and can be quite demanding. But studies have determined there to be at least 16 distinct sounds, which a kitten will learn and master by the time they are 12 weeks old. Despite their independent nature, cats need to communicate with us since they have chosen us as their family. We are like a matriarch to them. They perceive us as their mother-cat: and thus, look to us for guidance and understanding. It is from the mother cat they learn by mimicking her behavior. Through our various interactions with them we are teaching and influencing, as does the Mother Cat, just in slightly different ways.

We know cats talk by using their vocal messages. But they also convey their moods by the use of their eyes, ears, and body language. A cat that is fearful will flatten their ears to show their caution, whereas, an uncertain cat will twitch their ears in contemplation. In an angry cat you will see constricted pupils, while a content cat will have half closed eyes usually accompanied by purring. During a bout of aggression, pupils will be fully dilated with bared teeth; conversely an inquisitive cat’s pupils will be only slightly dilated, with ears forward, to capture the essence of the external stimuli.

Like people cats have different feeling at different times. Cats, like us, share the plethora of emotions, and have days that are better than others. Every cat will delight us with a unique and individualized personality. Just as no person is exactly the same, no cat will ever be entirely the same, which is why each and every experience with a feline is unique, different and special.

What Part Do We Play in Their Personality?

Personality is attributed to genetics, hormones, environment, and learning. But studies have concluded that the more you interact with a kitten in play, love, and affection, the more apt they are to grow into confident adults. The same applies for human babies that have enjoyed a loving and supportive environment, which again offers another parallel in our symbiosis. Cats rely on us to stimulate them through our physical touch just as in the wild, or with other domesticated cat families; physical contact is part of their itinerary for social activity, bonding, and personality formation. Synonymous with people, some cats will be extroverted and others more introverted. Socialization through play and vocal communication helps to shape their being as adults.

The more we indulge a kitten in the act of “playing” with us the less fearful they will be when adulthood is reached. Playing forges a bond between them and us. Through play we establish the touch that they associate as trustworthy and kind.

A kitten will then grow to be a relaxed, intelligent, curious, and friendly CAT, as their confidence in us, and thereby in themselves, has been established early on. A simple act of playing ball teaches them to focus their concentration, which is vital to honing their hunting skills. Just as in human babies when we play with kittens we stimulate further brain cell development, as opposed to kittens or babies deprived of such interaction.

By stimulating our feline with toys, touch, and talk, we provide the needed outlet for the domesticated Cat, which in the wild occupy their time with savvy hunting skills, and complex social groups. This converges the mind body connection, which is imperative for them to be content with us, in our environment. When we forfeit the opportunity to engage them in healthy activity and misinterpret their needs, behavioral problems may ensue, since usually boredom and a feeling of not being understood, makes for a frustrated feline.

Too much inactivity breeds a discontented cat. Toys are the tools for mental and physical stimulation and dexterity, and some more extensive ones, even plays an important role in stimulating the senses of sight and sound.

The Science Behind Cats

It is from the mother cat a kitten will learn by mimicking her behavior. Through our interactions with them we are teaching, as would their mother cat, just in our human ways.

When a mother cat brings home a mouse to master the skill of hunting, we involve similar skill requirements when we play cat and mouse toy games with them. This type of play stimulates their innate instincts of hunting and retrieving, and keeps them mentally challenged and sharp, along with honing their physical dexterity and agility.

A mother cat takes the liberty of grooming her kittens assiduously, thereby creating the emotional bonds forged by touching. Additionally, their littermates enjoy touching each other through creative play, as early as two weeks of age. This teaches them about forming relationships. Touch is absolutely paramount to social development.

As their human parent it is vital for their emotional health and development that we fully involve ourselves in their life, and touch is one of the required and primary needs. Touch deprivation causes cats to become withdrawn, frightened, or overly submissive. Touch is a part of the learning and nurturing experience and a true confidence builder, which generates sound emotional development. It is through touch they learn to explore. Exploration engenders a stimulated cat – stimulation comforts their spirit, and creates a happy Cat.

As a Mother Cat meows to her kittens, in various ways, all signifying a certain meaning, we speak to them with our human voice. Studies have verified that when we speak softly to kittens, immediately after being born, they are more apt to grow into confident, felicitous, independent adults. Why should they not? They have had all the encouragement, to be so.

The Significance Of Sensory Acuity

Ever Notice how cats have a substantially high level of sensory acuity? As it is said, “GOD gives everyone a special gift.” Well for cats it seems to be the gift of sensory acuity. They smell something once and it becomes a lifelong memory. Smell governs their territory marking, eating preferences, mate selection, and hunting targets. Scent alerts them of impending danger and the presence of other cats. Through scent they can determine if a Tom Cat owns the territory they are about to enter, and trouble may soon be approaching.

A chamber in the roof of the mouth is comprised of cells, which trap the odor, then, converted to electrical signals, and transferred to the brain to establish, scent memories. Once this transference takes place it will be forever. Their acute senses are a protective measure, which will serve them in all that they do, during their life. As humans have intuition, Cats have dramatically developed sensory acuity.

Cats have an innate ability to know if what they are eating is healthy, by the use of their sensory acuity. Unlike dogs, which are much less finicky about their food, Cats are truly carnivorous creatures. The FAT in meat is a smell they naturally gravitate to. After exploring the meat through their highly developed sense of smell, if desirable, they will indulge in eating it. Nitrogen and Sulphur, the component of amino acids, which make up meat, are preferential in taste to the finicky feline. In fact it is through their vomeronasal organ they take in the specific scent of these two chemicals, and feel the urge to eat this healthy meal. Once a smell memory is identified,it will exist for life.

Those Ears!

Acute hearing directly correlates to their supreme balance and agility. Their ostensibly innate sense of balance is indicative of acute hearing. In each ear more than 20 muscles reside which lend precision skill to locating prey by zoning in on there exact location, through sound.

They can orient themselves quickly by tiny floating crystals and sensitive hairs that lie deep in the ear. Cats can hear more acutely than either dogs or humans when it comes to high notes. Cats can literally distinguish between your car and an identical make and model by discerning the difference in engine sound. Just like with the “silent meow,” which is inaudible to us, is quite audible to other cats.

The frequency is out of our range of hearing. Their hearing range has been identified as over ten octaves and can distinguish between two different notes by one-tenth of a tone. Their outstanding hearing, flexible body structure, keen, eyesight, whisker receptors, and acute smell make them supreme hunters.

A cat appearing to be napping may seem sound asleep, but do not be fooled. Those ears continue to funnel sounds regardless, to alert them of anything unusual. Cats are completely in touch with the greatest subtleties of their environment, despite them sleeping approximately 16 hours a day. When they do wake, there perfect balance is attributed to their acute hearing.

In fact, of all mammals, the Cat has the most adept ability to balance themselves. When they fall they can rotate 180 degrees due to their loose and flexible backbones, with messages being sent to the brain to orient their body position, upon landing. Forepaws land first, which absorb the shock of the landing. This uncompromised agility addresses the old adage, “Cats always land feet first.”

The Eyes Have It!

Bold, expressive, beautiful, and mysterious, are synonymous adjectives used to describe the eyes of a cat. Although flattering they are not restricted to beauty. They are efficient. With respect to the eyes as a function, the eyesight of a Cat is designed to absorb the maximum amount of light possible.

Ever notice how a cats eyes glow in shades of green or gold? This transpires as light reflects from layers of cells that act like a mirror behind the retina. At night a cat relies on these cells by reflecting the light back, which enables them to have unimpeded vision during nightfall. It is through the dilation process, which allows as much light as possible to pass through. At night the pupils are more spherical conversely in the day the pupils take on an oval form, these altered shapes occur in accordance to the amount of light.

Cats see colors of blue and green but not red. They focus on the center of their vision, with the periphery clouded. Similar to dogs, cats have binocular vision, which is critical to any hunting animal, as it allows for accuracy of distance. Cats are able to have 285 degrees of field vision being binocular, while the dog has up to 110 degrees. Having this expanded field of vision enables the cat to see more and take note of potential danger.

The Whiskers are Sensors.

At night cats will utilize their whiskers for deciphering a clear path. Whiskers are acutely sensitive since they are loaded with a vast supply of nerve endings. They replicate antennae. As they brush across any surface they dictate to the brain the messages comprised in the given objects.

From these whiskers they can judge a space’s parameters, or the minute changes in the whether. The whiskers give width and depth to their experiences. With whiskers, a cat is never blind. They are a must have; and a useful tool.

Those “Tail” Tell Signs

Don’t let the tail of a cat fool you into thinking they are merely just pretty appendages. Those tails however long or short depict much to the watchful eye. Tails are balance assisters. Tails that bat up and down like a switch, are usually associated with annoyance, or uncertainty. Sometimes the tail twitching will be the prelude to an angry Cat.

When angry, a cat’s tail will expand sufficiently in bulk with an erect, arched posture, to make the cat appear larger and more threatening to its offender. Often times, when feeling intimidated by another cat or intruder, the tail while still remaining close to the body, will began to buff out quite a bit, to show the apprehension being felt with the meeting. Mail cats use their tails to coat their scent on bushes and objects of importance, which dictate to other cats who they are, and what they are all about.

Cats Are Ritualists.

Grooming is just part of the nature of a cat. It is an innate action which serves to maintain a lustrous coat, and akin to us enjoying the ritual of taking a bath. Cats are meticulously clean creatures. A sign of poor health can often be seen, in the lack of desire to groom. Grooming to cats is personal hygiene, and enjoyed most when relaxed- for instance, upon waking the need is inherently present. The Cat’s saliva is a tool, which regulates body temperature, when it evaporates after a washing.

The washing of the face is a thorough and routine oriented grooming session. The syntax in which your cat washes will always remain the same. Saliva is applied to the forepaw, then rubbed in a circular motion around each side of the face, into one big circle; followed by sweeping her paw over the ear to complete the circle, which ensures those ears are pristine, clean, so she can hear the world. Then a second application of saliva will be applied to rub over her eyes, as her forepaw comes down from the ear duty.

Spine mobility enables a cat to groom most parts of the body. Body washing tends not to hold a particular syntax; it is just done. With every lick of saliva, the glands of the skin are stimulated which produce a film comprised of oil that waterproofs the coat. The unique shape of the tongue removes mats and loose and excessive hair.

Due to selective breeding as with the Persian or Himalayan, there is simply too much hair for them to remove at the rate in which is needed. Their coats tend to tangle easily and become matted quickly. As their companions we need to offer aid by assisting them with a good brushing. Our assistance makes for a more pleasurable experience during their grooming sessions, and yields less hairball disturbance, which amongst the more hairy cats if not helped, suffer more so from, with a increased hairballs.

Grooming is not the only part of ritualistic behavior. Upon waking, cats will yawn, stretch, and groom. It is after sleep they often have the urge to scratch something and thus, should be provided a scratching post or scratch board to satiate the need and remove the sheaths that at times, can become painful, if not removed. Claws need to be sharpened in the same way we need to file our nails. Marking their territory with their claws is innate to a cat. It allows others to decode their information.

Scratch posts will avert the destruction of furniture, and be virtually "magical" in their desire to scratch at these designated posts, if you supplement them with a layer of catnip on top where typically, they scratch. If you want an easy all time favorite solution, do the "Catnip" thing. Any type is better than none at all. But the more potent, the better.

Catnip is a natural aphrodisiac, which cats respond most favorably to. It relaxes them and activates their biochemical pathways, via a chemical compound known as, nepetalactone. Typically, cats will proceed to roll as much of their body onto the catnip as possible, and accompanying the excitement, often will be drooling. Kittens response to cat nip is not developed until three months of age, so exhibiting such behavior will have to wait.

But for the now frisky Cat, such jubilant behavior can be seen best with the scratch-posts that have a flat surface, which you can then sprinkle with catnip. When you sprinkle it on, think of it as frosting a cake. “You just can’t wait to taste it.” Well, Cats feel the same way about Catnip. They can’t wait to take in that “smell.” It’ s a natural, fun central nervous system relaxant, without addictive qualities. Catnip is a must have, as it is a true furniture saver.

The Catnip experience is one to relish as a viewer. Watching them is telling; they are in “another world,” full of pleasure and contentment. Designing such a scratching tool will be rewarding for them. Consequently, they will not have the propensity to scratch elsewhere, as another place holds no “excitement value.” Giving them this inexpensive and convenient pleasure is a furniture saver, and a "happy cat" maker.

The Need To Be Private

Litter boxes will provide a safe haven for your feline to do their private business. Litter preferences are individual, and over time, they will let us know which they prefer. The preferred litter depends on the texture of it under their feet. Once they adapt to a certain one, they can be obstinate in changing. So the rule of thumb, “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.”

There are a myriad of litter choices on the market some better than others, it is wise to explore with your Cats personality in mind. A foot note though, Cats generally speaking, are more accepting of non-scented granules, which sometimes are so endowed with a potent smell it violates their sensitive nose, in addition to contaminating their paws with the antibacterial chemical agents, of which later during grooming is bitter and disdainful in taste. Not a real enticement to go back in to that box. Better use the floor.

Cats that are permitted outdoors and allowed unlimited access, will usually prefer doing their business inconspicuously. It is the indoor only Cat, or the Cat with restricted access, that such litter strategies should be appropriately devised. Replicating the out door bathroom can be established, by supplying a litter box that has a cover. Then your cat can be discreet, when using the restroom. Enough styles are available now, at a variety of price points, which are actually quite attractive and super efficient. Remember, just as we like privacy during our lavatory use, so too, do cats, appreciate the same opportunity.

When Cats and Dogs Meet

It is inevitable that one day your cat may have a new friend, a cat addition or perhaps, a DOG. Considering American’s share there home with approximately 70 million Cats, and with the surge of animal love on the rise, chances are a new DOG might interface with your old cat. If you have a kitten the introduction process is of course much simpler. From the age of two weeks, kittens learn to associate new friends as simply other kittens or Cats that look and smell different. This acceptance is ephemeral though, with a five-week cap on their receptivity, no matter what type, the animal.

Serving as a good example of this are farms. Some farms where animals of all sorts are kept in abundance as pets, established bonds between Cats and other farm animals are more common, since usually the introduction takes place early on.

A Cats fear of a dog or a fox or the natural instinct to prey on rats, develop after seven weeks of age. Studies have determined that when a Cat is raised with a rat as a kitten, they will refuse to prey not only on them, but that particular breed of rat for life.

The Adult Cat has already identified their home as their territory; and so respecting and acknowledging their way of life must be taken into consideration, when a new pet is brought home. A proper introduction is the key to success, or at least for tolerance. Now how is that for some amazing Cat trivia?

Life, Love, and the Aging Cat.

People get older and so do Cats. Our feline children are much more sensitive to things as they age. Sometimes you will notice an increased food desire or decline, coupled with food preferences, personality alterations, and weight gain.

In parallel to people, Cats experience delayed reactions to and from the brain; and thus, requires our understanding, compassion, and patience. Personality may even change a bit as their mood is affected by the brain not working as efficiently as it should. When they seem to be crabby and yet you have done nothing to provoke such behavior, take not of the aging process.

As Cats age there is a marked tendency toward weight gain, due to less frequent exercise, and the desire of more food with less activity. With the reduction in energy output, a reduced protein diet will aid the less efficient kidneys. The aging Cat simply slows down just as we do. Mindful of this, it is important we recognize this and try our best not to obstruct their sleeping patterns or cause needless stress, which could interrupt their slower paced routine. All the joy they have given us will continue to shower us-just with a little bit of time, in between.

To most of us our Cat is our child, we cannot merely let them exist-we have to be actively involved in their life. They want to share their experiences with us and feel important when we are interested. Dispelling the theory that Cats are solitary creatures is an understanding us feline loving guardians understand, without further discussion.

When Cats are Kittens they need us to teach and guide them. As the Senior Cat, they need us to accept them for who they are, with love. As seniors they need us most. As their caregiver, this is when we must really show we care.

A Cat’s life is in our hands: to sustain them is gracious, to be kind is compassion in action and through this we express love, and to love them, is everything. Lets feed them, treat them, and watch over them wisely, as we should all our animals no matter what form they take.

We will never be a cat; but we can try to interpret them through understanding their way of communication, as best we can. And through our love and play, the bond that binds us, will only get stronger. If we seek to understand them and strive whole-heartedly to be their friend, caretaker, companion, and guardian, their bold, expressive, fastidious nature, will be a joy to get know, and if we are blessed, for many years to come.

They are swift, quiet agile creatures, which simply yearn to share a relationship with us. They reward us by teaching us one of the most important life lessons, “loving unconditionally.”

When we have compassion for them as their own species, they honor us with a lifetime of pure love and loyalty. They always are eager to see us, and content in just the moment-with us. They live in the moment, hum, not a bad idea. Cherish the moment. It only comes by once.


FOR THE 5 STAGES OF FEEDING FOR CATS AND DOGS....click below
 
5 STAGES OF FEEDING FOR CATS AND DOGS