Cat

Domestication: Cats are the only domesticated species in the family Felidae, and they have been living with humans for about 9,500 years.
Archaeological and genetic evidence suggests that cats were first domesticated in the Near East around 7500 BC.
Cats are valued by humans for their companionship and their ability to control pests such as rodents.
They can also live as feral animals, avoiding human contact and surviving on their own.

Hunting: Cats are natural predators, with retractable claws, sharp teeth, flexible bodies, quick reflexes, and excellent senses of sight, smell, and hearing.
Cats can hunt both day and night, but they are mostly active at dawn and dusk.
These animals can hear sounds too faint or too high in frequency for human ears, such as those made by small mammals.
Cats can also see well in low-light conditions, thanks to a layer of tissue in their eyes that reflects light back to the retina.

Adaptation: Cats can adapt to a wide range of habitats, from deserts to forests, from urban areas to rural ones.
Cats can survive in hot and cold climates, and they can regulate their body temperature by grooming, panting, or seeking shade or warmth.
They can also adjust their diet to the availability of food sources, eating mostly meat but also some plants, insects, and other items.

Communication: Cats communicate with each other and with humans through vocalizations, body language, and pheromones.
Vocalizations include meowing, purring, trilling, hissing, growling, and grunting.
Body language includes tail, ear, and whisker movements, as well as postures and facial expressions.
Pheromones are chemical signals that cats secrete and perceive through glands in their skin, urine, and feces.
Cats use these signals to mark their territory, indicate their mood, and attract mates.

Himalayan cat: a long-haired cat with a pointed coat, blue eyes, and a flat face.
It is a cross between a Persian cat and a Siamese cat.

Norwegian Forest Cat: a large, fluffy cat with a thick coat, tufted ears, and a bushy tail.
It is adapted to cold climates and has a strong hunting instinct.

Siamese: a short-haired cat with a slender body, almond-shaped eyes, and a pointed coat.
It is one of the oldest and most popular breeds of cats.
This cat is very vocal and social.

Persian: This breed is known for its long, fluffy coat, round face, and short muzzle.
Persians are gentle, calm, and affectionate, but they require regular brushing and eye cleaning to prevent matting and infections.

Siamese: This breed has a sleek, slender body, a wedge-shaped head, and striking blue eyes.
Siamese are vocal, intelligent, and social, but they can be demanding and sensitive to changes in their environment.

Maine Coon: This breed is one of the largest domesticated cats, with a muscular build, a long, bushy tail, and tufted ears and paws.
Maine Coons are friendly, loyal, and playful, but they also enjoy their independence and can tolerate cold weather well.

Bengal: This breed is a hybrid of domestic cats and Asian leopard cats, resulting in a spotted or rosetted coat that resembles a wild cat.
Bengals are active, curious, and adventurous, but they also need a lot of stimulation and attention to keep them from getting bored or destructive.

Ragdoll: This breed has a semi-longhaired coat, a large, sturdy body, and bright blue eyes.
Ragdolls are docile, gentle, and affectionate, and they tend to go limp when picked up, hence their name.

Vocal: Cats can produce up to 21 different sounds, such as meows, purrs, hisses, growls, and chirps.
They use these sounds to express their emotions, needs, and wants.
For example, cats may meow to greet their owners, purr to show contentment, hiss to warn off threats, and chirp to indicate interest or excitement.
Cats also modulate the pitch, volume, and duration of their vocalizations to convey different messages.

Visual: Cats use their body language, such as the position of their ears, tail, whiskers, and eyes, to show their mood and intention.
For example, cats may flatten their ears and arch their back to show fear or aggression, raise their tail and rub their head against objects or people to show friendliness and mark their territory, and blink slowly to show trust and affection.
Cats also use facial expressions, such as smiling, frowning, and grimacing, to communicate pain, pleasure, and disgust.

Tactile: Cats use physical contact, such as grooming, biting, scratching, and nuzzling, to communicate with each other and with humans.
For example, cats may groom each other or their owners to show social bonding and affection, bite or scratch to show playfulness or annoyance, and nuzzle or head-butt to show trust and friendship.
Cats also use their claws and teeth to mark their territory and leave their scent on objects or people.

Olfactory: Cats use their sense of smell to communicate with each other and with humans.
They have scent glands on various parts of their body, such as their cheeks, chin, forehead, paws, and anus, that secrete pheromones, which are chemical signals that convey information about their identity, reproductive status, and emotional state.
For example, cats may rub their cheeks or chin on objects or people to mark them as their own, spray urine or feces to signal their presence and dominance, and release calming pheromones to reduce stress and anxiety.

Whiskers: Whiskers are thick, sensitive hairs that grow on the cat's face, forelegs, and near the ears.
They can detect subtle changes in air currents and vibrations, which help the cat navigate in the dark, judge the size and shape of nearby objects, and hunt prey.
Whiskers also have special receptors at their base that inform the cat about the position and movement of its body and limbs, which aid in balance and coordination.

Tongue: A cat's tongue is covered with tiny, backward-facing barbs called papillae, which give it a rough texture.
The papillae help the cat groom its fur, remove dirt and parasites, and regulate body temperature by spreading saliva.
The tongue also helps the cat drink water by curling into a spoon shape and flicking the liquid into its mouth.
Additionally, the tongue is involved in tasting, chewing, and swallowing food, as well as vocalizing.

Ears: A cat's ears are large, triangular, and mobile, which allow the cat to capture and locate sounds from different directions.
The ears also have an inner chamber called the vestibular system, which helps the cat maintain balance and orientation.
The ears are also expressive, as the cat can communicate its mood and intention by changing the position and angle of its ears.
For example, ears that are upright and forward indicate curiosity or interest, while ears that are flattened or turned sideways indicate fear or aggression.

It reduces the risk of certain diseases, such as uterine, ovarian, testicular, and mammary cancers, as well as uterine infections.

It reduces the tendency to spray urine, mark territory, and attract mates, which can cause unpleasant odors and stains in your home.

It reduces the urge to roam, fight, and mate, which can expose your cat to injuries, diseases, and predators.

It can improve your cat's temperament, making them less aggressive, more tolerant, and more affectionate.

It prevents unwanted pregnancies and litters, which can be stressful for your cat and contribute to the overpopulation and homelessness of cats.

Dental issues: Cats can develop plaque, tartar, gingivitis, and periodontal disease, which can lead to tooth loss, pain, and infection.
Dental issues can also affect the cat's overall health, as bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and cause damage to the heart, kidneys, and other organs.
To prevent dental issues, cats should have regular dental check-ups and cleanings by a veterinarian, and their teeth should be brushed daily with a special toothpaste and toothbrush designed for cats.
Dental treats and toys can also help reduce plaque and tartar buildup.

Trauma: Cats can get injured by falls, fights, accidents, or predators, resulting in wounds, fractures, sprains, or internal bleeding.
Trauma can cause pain, infection, shock, and even death.
To prevent trauma, cats should be kept indoors or in a secure enclosure, and supervised when outside.
Cats should also be spayed or neutered to reduce their tendency to roam and fight.
Any signs of injury, such as limping, bleeding, swelling, or lethargy, should be reported to a veterinarian immediately.

Skin problems: Cats can suffer from various skin problems, such as fleas, ticks, mites, ringworm, allergies, infections, or tumors.
Skin problems can cause itching, hair loss, inflammation, scabs, or sores.
To prevent skin problems, cats should be treated regularly with a flea and tick preventive, and groomed regularly to remove mats and dirt.
Cats should also be checked for any lumps, bumps, or changes in the skin or coat, and any abnormalities should be reported to a veterinarian.
Some skin problems may require medication, shampoo, or surgery.

Digestive problems: Cats can experience digestive problems, such as vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or hairballs, due to various causes, such as food intolerance, parasites, infections, foreign bodies, or inflammatory bowel disease.
Digestive problems can cause dehydration, weight loss, malnutrition, or obstruction.
To prevent digestive problems, cats should be fed a high-quality, balanced diet that is appropriate for their age and health status, and have access to fresh water at all times.
Cats should also be dewormed regularly and monitored for any signs of gastrointestinal distress, such as changes in appetite, stool, or behavior.
Some digestive problems may require dietary modification, medication, or surgery.

Parasitic infestations: Cats can be infested by various parasites, such as worms, protozoa, or fungi, that can affect their internal or external organs.
Parasites can cause anemia, diarrhea, weight loss, skin lesions, or respiratory problems.
To prevent parasitic infestations, cats should be dewormed regularly and tested for parasites by a veterinarian.
Cats should also be kept away from contaminated soil, water, or feces, and avoid contact with infected animals.
Some parasites may require medication, topical treatment, or environmental control.

Onions, garlic, and chives: These foods contain sulphoxides, which can damage the red blood cells and cause anemia and kidney damage in cats.

Xylitol: This artificial sweetener can cause a drop in blood sugar levels, leading to liver failure and seizures in cats.

Chocolate: Chocolate contains theobromine, which can affect the kidneys, nervous system, and heart rhythm in cats.

Alcohol: Alcohol can cause intoxication, vomiting, diarrhea, coma, and even death in cats.

Grapes and raisins: These fruits can cause kidney failure in cats.

Raw eggs and meat: These foods can contain bacteria, such as Salmonella and E.coli, which can cause food poisoning in cats.

Milk and dairy products: Most cats are lactose intolerant, which means that they cannot digest the sugar in milk.

Affection: Cats show their love by purring, rubbing, rolling, bunting, kneading, hunting, playing, and sleeping with their favorite humans or other animals.
These actions indicate that cats trust and enjoy the company of their loved ones, and want to share their scent and warmth with them.
Cats may also lick their owners or groom them as a sign of affection and bonding.

Happiness: Cats display their happiness by having a relaxed and confident body language, such as walking with their tail held high, ears back, and eyes half-closed.
Happy cats often seek attention and cuddles from their owners, and may roll over to expose their belly as a gesture of trust and invitation.

Stress: Cats show their stress by hiding, scratching, hissing, growling, or biting.
Stressed cats often lose their appetite, groom excessively, or develop litter box problems.
Cats may feel stressed by changes in their environment, such as moving to a new home, having a new pet or baby, or being left alone for too long.

Litter box issues: Cats may avoid using the litter box for various reasons, such as medical problems, stress, dirty or insufficient boxes, or inappropriate location.
To solve this problem, you should first consult your vet to rule out any health issues that may cause pain or discomfort while urinating or defecating.
Then, you should make sure to provide enough litter boxes for your cats (one per cat plus one extra), keep them clean and scooped, and place them in quiet and accessible areas.
You should also avoid changing the type or brand of litter abruptly, as some cats may be sensitive to new smells or textures.
If your cat is stressed by changes in the environment or other pets, you can try to provide more hiding places, toys, and enrichment activities to help them cope.
You can also use pheromone sprays or diffusers to create a calming effect.

Scratching: Cats scratch to mark their territory, sharpen their claws, and stretch their muscles.
Scratching is a natural and healthy behavior for cats, but it can damage your furniture, carpets, or walls.
To prevent this, you should provide your cat with appropriate scratching posts or pads that are sturdy, tall, and covered with a material that your cat likes (such as sisal, cardboard, or wood).
You should also place them near the areas where your cat likes to scratch, and reward your cat with praise or treats when they use them.
You should avoid declawing your cat, as this is a painful and irreversible procedure that can cause physical and behavioral problems.
Instead, you can trim your cat's nails regularly or use nail caps to cover them.

Aggression: Cats may show aggression towards people or other animals for various reasons, such as fear, pain, territoriality, or play.
Aggression can manifest as biting, scratching, hissing, or growling.
To deal with this problem, you should first identify the trigger and the type of aggression your cat is displaying.
Then, you should avoid provoking or punishing your cat, as this may worsen the situation.
Instead, you should try to create a safe and positive environment for your cat, where they can have their own space, resources, and outlets for their energy.
You should also use positive reinforcement to reward your cat for calm and friendly behavior, and redirect their attention to toys or treats when they show signs of aggression.
If your cat is aggressive towards other pets, you should introduce them gradually and supervise their interactions.
You may also need to consult a vet or a behaviorist if your cat's aggression is severe or persistent.

Excessive vocalization: Cats may meow, howl, or yowl for various reasons, such as hunger, attention, mating, boredom, or distress.
Some breeds, such as Siamese, are naturally more vocal than others.
While some vocalization is normal and acceptable, excessive or inappropriate vocalization can be annoying or worrisome.
To address this issue, you should first check if your cat is in pain, sick, or in heat, and seek veterinary care if needed.
Then, you should make sure to meet your cat's basic needs, such as food, water, litter, and exercise.
You should also provide your cat with toys, puzzles, and interactive playtime to keep them stimulated and entertained.
You should avoid responding to your cat's vocalization with attention, food, or punishment, as this may reinforce the behavior.
Instead, you should ignore your cat when they are noisy, and reward them when they are quiet.

Interactive cat toys: These are toys that you can play with your cat, such as wand-type toys, laser pointers, or balls.
They allow your cat to exercise, chase, pounce, and bond with you.
Make sure to let your cat catch something at the end of the play session to avoid frustration.

Self-play toys: These are toys that your cat can play with on their own, such as cardboard boxes, paper bags, catnip-filled toys, or battery-operated toys.
They provide your cat with entertainment and variety when you are not around.
Rotate the toys regularly to keep your cat interested.

Food puzzles: These are toys that dispense food or treats when your cat manipulates them, such as paper towel rolls, water bottles, or commercial products.
They allow your cat to forage and hunt for their food, which is more natural and stimulating than eating from a bowl.

Sensory enrichment: This involves providing your cat with different scents, sounds, and sights to explore, such as catnip, silvervine, cat grass, safe houseplants, bird feeders, cat videos, music, or pheromones.
They enhance your cat's curiosity and enjoyment of their environment.

Catios: These are outdoor enclosures that allow your cat to experience the outdoors safely and comfortably.
They can be attached to your house or freestanding, and they can have various features such as shelves, ramps, tunnels, hammocks, or plants.
They give your cat access to fresh air, sunlight, and wildlife watching.

Before you bring the new cat home, make sure you have a separate room for them, with their own litter box, food, water, toys, and scratching post.
This will allow the new cat to adjust to their new environment and feel safe and comfortable.

Let the new cat and the existing cat or other pets smell each other's scent through a door or a towel.
This will help them get familiar with each other and reduce the chances of aggression or fear.

After a few days, you can start to introduce the cats or pets visually, using a baby gate, a screen, or a cracked door.
Keep the sessions short and positive, and reward both the new cat and the existing cat or pets with treats and praise for calm and friendly behavior.

Gradually increase the duration and frequency of the visual introductions, until the cats or pets seem relaxed and curious about each other.
You can also try to feed them on opposite sides of the barrier, so they associate each other with something pleasant.

When the cats or pets are ready, you can let them meet face to face, under your supervision.
Make sure you have a way to separate them quickly if a fight breaks out, such as a spray bottle, a loud noise, or a blanket.
Don't use your hands or feet to intervene, as you may get injured.

Continue to monitor the cats or pets closely for the next few weeks, and separate them when you are not home or at night.
Look for signs of stress or aggression, such as hissing, growling, swatting, hiding, or avoiding.
If you notice any of these, you may need to slow down the process and go back to the previous steps.

Be patient and consistent, and don't force the cats or pets to interact if they are not ready.
Some cats or pets may become friends, some may tolerate each other, and some may never get along.
The most important thing is to ensure their safety and well-being.

Carrier Training: Get your cat accustomed to a carrier by leaving it open at home with a comfy bed inside.

Secure the Carrier: Use a seatbelt to secure the carrier in the back seat to prevent it from moving during the ride.

Familiarize Your Cat: Take short drives to help your cat get used to the motion and sounds of the car.

Safety First: Never let your cat roam freely in the car; it can be a distraction to the driver and dangerous for your cat.

Comfort Items: Bring your cat's favorite toys or blanket to provide a sense of familiarity.

Regular Breaks: Stop frequently for bathroom breaks and to allow your cat to stretch its legs.

Never Leave Your Cat Alone: Don't leave your cat in the car unattended, especially on warm days, as the temperature inside a car can soar rapidly.

Check Airline Policies: Each airline has its own rules for pet travel; contact them in advance to understand the requirements.

Health Checkup: Visit your vet to ensure your cat is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations before flying.

Appropriate Carrier: Use an airline-approved carrier and familiarize your cat with it well before the flight.

Direct Flights: Opt for direct flights to minimize stress and the chance of delays or mishandling.

Feeding Schedule: Feed your cat a few hours before the flight to prevent nausea or discomfort.

Calm and Comfort: Consider using pheromone sprays or calming treats to help soothe your cat's nerves.

Identification: Ensure your cat has proper identification tags and microchip information is up-to-date.

In ancient Egypt, cats were worshipped as sacred animals and associated with the goddess Bastet, who represented fertility, protection, and love.
Killing a cat was punishable by death, and many cats were mummified and buried with their owners.

In Japanese folklore, the "bakeneko" is a cat with supernatural abilities, such as shape-shifting, speaking human language, and bringing ill fortune.
Some bakeneko are said to be the result of cats living for a long time or growing a long tail.

In Norse mythology, the goddess Freyja, who symbolized love, beauty, and fertility, rode a chariot pulled by two giant cats.
Cats were also thought to bring good luck to sailors and farmers.

In medieval Europe, cats were often associated with witchcraft and the devil, and persecuted as evil creatures.
Black cats were especially feared as signs of bad luck or curses.
Some people believed that cats could steal the breath of babies or cause the plague.

In some Native American tribes, such as the Hopi and the Zuni, cats were considered as spirit helpers and messengers.

In South America, there is a legend of a cat-like creature called the "carbunclo", who has a jewel on its forehead and can lead miners to hidden treasures.
However, the carbunclo is also very elusive and can disappear in a flash of light.

The largest litter of kittens ever born to a domestic cat was 19, in 1970 to a Burmese-Siamese cross in the UK.

The heaviest cat ever recorded was Himmy, an Australian cat who weighed 21.3 kg (46 lb 15 ½ oz) when he died in 1986.
However, this record was discontinued to discourage overfeeding of pets.

The most expensive wedding for pets was between two cats named Phet and Ploy, who arrived by helicopter and Rolls-Royce respectively, and cost a total of $39,443 in 1996.

The oldest cat café still in existence is Cat Flower Garden, which opened in 1998 in Taipei, Chinese Taipei, and has 15 cats, two dogs, and one bird.

The longest post-earthquake survival by a cat was 80 days, by a cat that was trapped under a message board in the rubble of a collapsed building in Taiwan in 1999.

The newest breed of cat is the Lykoi, also known as the werewolf cat, which was officially recognized by The International Cat Association in 2012.

The largest living cat is Arcturus, a Savannah cat who measured 48.4 cm (19.05 in) tall and 120 cm (47.24 in) long in 2017.

The longest domestic cat ever was Stewie, a Maine Coon who measured 123 cm (48.5 in) from nose to tail in 2010.

The loudest purr by a domestic cat ever was 67.8 dB, by a cat named Merlin in 2015.

The shortest living domestic cat was Lilieput, a Munchkin cat who measured 13.34 cm (5.25 in) from the floor to the shoulders in 2013.
These are just some of the amazing records and achievements of cats.

Therapy: Cats can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression in people who interact with them.
Cats can also offer emotional support and comfort to people who suffer from trauma, loneliness, or grief.
Some studies have shown that cats can lower blood pressure, improve mood, and enhance social skills in people who participate in animal-assisted interventions.
Cats can also serve as service animals for people with disabilities, such as veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), who experience lower levels of symptoms and higher levels of well-being when they have a service cat.

Science: Cats can help advance scientific knowledge and understanding of various topics, such as genetics, behavior, cognition, and health.
They have been used as models for studying human diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and infectious diseases.
Cats help researchers learn more about the evolution and domestication of animals, as well as the effects of environmental factors on animal welfare.
These ani, als can also contribute to citizen science projects, such as Cat Tracker, which collects data on the movements and activities of outdoor cats.

Entertainment: Cats can help enrich the lives of humans by providing amusement, joy, and inspiration.
They are popular subjects for art, literature, music, and film, as they have unique personalities, expressions, and behaviors that appeal to many people.
Cats also be trained to perform tricks, such as jumping, fetching, and playing instruments, which can entertain audiences and showcase their intelligence and skills.
They can also create their own entertainment, such as videos, memes, and games, that can go viral on the internet and social media.

Poaching and illegal wildlife trade: Some cats, especially big cats like tigers and snow leopards, are hunted for their fur, bones, and other body parts, which are used in traditional medicine or as trophies.
Poaching reduces cat populations and disrupts their social structure.

Human-cat conflict: Cats often come into contact with humans and their livestock, which can result in retaliation killings, poisoning, or trapping.
Cats may also prey on domestic animals, which can cause economic losses and resentment among local communities.

Habitat loss and fragmentation: Cats need large and connected areas of suitable habitat to find food, shelter, and mates.
However, human activities such as agriculture, logging, mining, and urbanization have reduced and fragmented cat habitats, making them more vulnerable to inbreeding, disease, and competition.

Climate change: Cats are sensitive to changes in temperature, precipitation, and seasonality, which can affect their prey availability, distribution, and behavior.
Climate change can also alter cat habitats, forcing them to migrate or adapt to new conditions.

Diseases and pollution: Cats can contract diseases from domestic animals, such as rabies, feline leukemia, and canine distemper, which can be fatal or impair their reproduction.
Cats can also ingest pollutants, such as plastics, pesticides, and heavy metals, which can accumulate in their bodies and cause health problems.

Adopt a cat from a shelter or rescue group instead of buying one from a breeder or pet store.

Spay or neuter your cat to prevent unwanted litters and reduce the risk of certain health problems.

Keep your cat indoors or provide a safe outdoor enclosure to protect them from predators, diseases, traffic, and other hazards.

Provide your cat with adequate food, water, shelter, veterinary care, and enrichment.
A healthy and happy cat is less likely to roam, hunt, or cause nuisance.

Support local and global organizations that work to improve cat welfare and conservation, such as Humane Society International or International Cat Care.
You can donate, volunteer, or advocate for their causes.

Educate yourself and others about the issues facing cats and wildlife, and the benefits of responsible cat ownership.
You can share information, resources, and stories on social media, or join online communities and forums.

Throw a cat-themed party.
Invite your friends and their cats (if they get along) and decorate your place with cat balloons, banners, and garlands.
You can also serve cat-shaped cookies, cupcakes, and sandwiches, and give out cat party favors like candy bracelets, catnip toys, or kitty cookies.

Make a special cake for your cat.
Bake or buy a cake that is safe and tasty for your cat, such as a fish cake with mashed potato frosting.
Add some candles and sing happy birthday to your cat, but be careful not to let your cat get too close to the flames.

Pamper your cat with a spa day.
Treat your cat to a relaxing massage, a grooming session, or a manicure.
You can give your cat a warm bath with some cat shampoo and a soft towel.
Your cat will appreciate the extra attention and care on its special day.

Give your cat a new toy or a cat tree.
Surprise your cat with a new toy that it will love, such as a feather wand, a laser pointer, or a squeaky mouse.
You can also make or buy a cat tree that will provide your cat with a place to climb, scratch, and nap.
Your cat will enjoy having something new and fun to play with.

Create a maze or a fort for your cat.
Use cardboard boxes, paper bags, or blankets to create a maze or a fort for your cat to explore.
You can also hide some treats, catnip, and small toys inside the maze or fort to make it more exciting for your cat.
Your cat will have a blast finding its way through the obstacles and discovering the hidden goodies.