P.A.W. Pets Are Wonderful. A Happy & Healthy Pet = A Happy & Healthy Home.: The Amazing Cat Species

The Amazing Cat Species

We all know that cats are loving and truly wonderful creatures. These days, it is not out of the ordinary to see a cat in virtually every other home, sleeping in the window or cuddling up on the laps of their owners. If a cat-lover was not in a position to own one then they'd usually adorned their homes with ornamental and decorative cat and kitten figurines as well as pictures and other items - Some more than others. Not everyone is a cat-lover though and that is absolutely ok. Each to their own. Good for you though if you happen to be a multi-animal lover therefore sharing a love and kindness towards ALL creatures on Earth.

Although cats have been popular pets for as long as most can remember, they were not domesticated approximately less than 5,000 years or so ago. Research tells us today that domestication originally took place in Ancient Egypt, in the valley of the Nile; but, New Studies recently revealed the Fossilized bones of multiple cat breeds dating back up to 5300 years old which have been discovered in Rural China Although evidence suggests the beginning of the 'Era Of The Cat' may have begun up to 8000 BC in West Asia. Researchers believe these cats lived alongside farmers as pets and/or pests found on farmlands in Ancient China.

Cats were thought to be the Goddess Bast in Ancient Egypt

It is theorised that Egyptians acquired the animals through trade and were commonly believed to also have been domesticated in Egypt. However there have been many instances showing the possibility of domestication from around 9500 years ago as early as the Neolithic Era (7500 BC). Cats quickly became cult animals as Egyptians realised the cats potential abilities regarding hunting rodents and killing snakes (cobras) therefore they began to Worship cats in every way.

In the beginning, people were very grateful to cats and encouraged them to stay with them by feeding them various scraps of food. Once they were fed and perceived humans to be no threat, the cats would move in permanently with their human owners. As time went by, even the wildest of cat would allows humans to approach him, often times even hold and touch as well.

Egyptians worshipping their cats in Ancient times

In those days, cats were very loyal and endearing pets. They proved to be great hunters, as they done their sleeping in short periods and were much easier to wake up than dogs. Cats also have better night vision than dogs, and much better hearing as well. If someone moved through the house or if they heard suspicious noises, they would wake while dogs would sleep right through it. Humans loved having cats around, and they seemed to get along well with most dog breeds as well.

These days, cats are used for both companionship and show. They are not used much at all for hunting mice and rodent anymore at all. There are a lot of breeds available, from the traditional alley cat to the well known Siamese. All breeds are unique in their own way, even providing you with a strong friendship and years of companionship if you take care of them.

Before you get a kitten or older cat, you’ll first want to examine the source. If you are getting the kitten from a breeder, you’ll want to make sure that the breeder has a reputable reputation. You’ll also want to ensure that the cattery is clean and in good shape. The kittens that are still there shouldn't be overcrowded, and their surroundings should be clean. The litter boxes there should be kept up and both the food and water dish should be clean and full. The kittens should not be caged, instead free to run around. All cats that are there should appear healthy, with shiny coats and none of their ribs showing.

When you get your kitten, it should be used to being touched and handled. The kitten should be sweet, not afraid in the least. Kittens that have been handled young normally have a better temperament. The better breeders won’t allow their kittens to leave the nest until they are around 12 weeks old, with some waiting until the kittens are 16 weeks. By doing this, breeders ensure that the kitten is in good health and his immune system has properly developed. Keep in mind though that the young cat is still in essence a baby, a learning, curious child and to a degree be treated as such.

There’s no mistaking the fact that cats are great to own. You can get a kitten from a reputable breeder, through a local newspaper, or an Animal Rescue and Shelter Centre similar to your Local Animal Pound. Although people normally don’t like to choose the option of selecting a pre-owned pet, the number of mistreated and homeless animals recovering in these places compared to Pet-Shop and Privately sold animals is phenomenal and also disgusting. When you consider the amount of available homes for these poor creatures just waiting, the rest of their short lives spent living to die simply because no-one wants them. Or is it because these places have such little funding that they haven't the ability to even make the public aware of the existence of the animals needing new homes in care of the dreaded pound? Shelters usually allow more time to re-house the furry friends which are handed over to their big-hearted volunteers in high numbers on a daily basis before they're unfortunately 'put to sleep', forever.

Most of these needy '2nd hand pets' through charity organisations vary in age, are in recovery from being traumatised from abuse, malnutrition, and illness. They are simply victims of misfortune by experiencing human nature at its worst. This can cause trust issues - the fear of a new family, recurring trauma etc. Some will retain that scared feeling for a long time before feeling safe with you, some seem to recover from the traumatisation they've endured much quicker than others. Either way, 9 out of 10 Shelter and Pound pets make great companions, they deserve a real chance at life and are usually vaccinated, desexed, wormed, flea-treated and registered which is the fee charged to take your choice home. This Fee is ALWAYS much cheaper than arranging all of that yourself. Go with a breeder if you are seeking a specific type of cat which is also a young kitten. It will cost you more initially as well as during its lifespan but that is entirely your choice. These particular cats who are going through re-homing tend to make excellent pets for older people living alone as well as the elderly populous as they each seem to have a lot more in common - a feeling of great loneliness and of not being 'wanted'. Cats ARE an amazing choice of pet to have in your family.

No matter which way you decide to pursue, you should always make sure that your cat is healthy. If you get a healthy cat, you won’t have a lot of problems later on down the road. Healthy cats were taken care of – and normally have everything up to date – including their vaccinations.

Useful Relevant Links