Domestic cats as pets have been man’s most favored companion animal for centuries because they offer some level of autonomy and affection. The domestic cat scientifically known as Felis catus has been around for centuries, originating from early human societies including Egyptians who famed the cat as the Egyptian goddess Bastet as it happens, these so-called ‘carnivorous mammals’ coexist happily with ‘house cats’ and bring joy to millions of families worldwide. Whether the cat is sunning itself on the windowsill or leaping minusculely after a mouse, the animal makes life appreciably more likable.
Probably, the polymorphic nature of cats as pets can be seen in the fact that these animals are rather versatile and suitable for most conditions of living. Students are equally content crossing over the small city flat with the uncertainties of a huge countryside facility. They are instinctive beasts that have their origin from their wildcat-like predecessors, include ‘good’ rat catchers, and, in equal measure, are lovable family pets.
There are those who will not be able to attend to the needs of the dog all the time and this is why cats are more appropriate. Of course, cats are individualistic animals, but at the same time, they will stay devoted to their holders, and such animals will be glad to spend time with one’s holder if the latter wishes to take a nap or even play with the cat.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Cat Ownership
That is why house cats as pets are one of the most popular pets in the world – they are useful and give a lot of advantages. Compared to other Pets cats do not need as much attention, feeding, grooming, or exercise. For a long time, they bear retractable claws and are clean animals which in most cases does not require them to be bathed very often or have frequent checkups at the vet. Besides, being litter-trained, cats do not create a problem when raised indoors, as they do not require frequent and long walks or outdoor trips.
It also means that they will not get bored easily and hence do not need to be pumped a lot Unlike puppies, cats are independent in that they will spend most of their time grooming themselves. But of course, there are more negatives that one can associate with having cats as pets. Cats, for example, are very self-sufficient pets and may seem rather indifferent, or abstruse to the Masters. Due to this hunting instinct, the cats as pets may at times scratch furniture, or bring home small animals which are not welcome.
Also, it is impossible to ignore the fact that cats can have certain health problems – with their smelling organ, overweight and dental issues, or other so-called feline-specific diseasesin general, they are clean animals but their litter boxes require to be cleaned which is not the most enticing task. Since any type of allergy can be a real threat to people and can be even deadly when neglected, it is important to consider all the pros and cons before getting a cat.
The Personality of a Cat
This is true even for the personality of a cat there are as many personalities as there are breeds. There are socialized cats as pets, which climb on the person’s lap and purr, wanting attention and enjoying it, and there are the opposite, wanting to have nothing to do with humans and watching everything going on carefully. It is a well-known fact that cats are very curious animals, and they can investigate all the possible corners of the place where they are.
This inquisitive nature is indeed traced from their wildcat ancestry which accorded with sharp senses and reflexes in the wild. Moreover, cats use vocal signals effectively and in ways for which their human counterparts have given names like purring, meowing, and hissing, all of which have a specific purpose of ascertaining a cat’s needs or feelings.
Cats are also versatile and can easily endure or cope with various stressful situations. It can be successfully installed in an apartment in any megacity and a country house far from modern civilization. This adaptability also spreads to the social life of the cats in engaging or dealing with humans and other animals. There are social cats that are very attached to their owners, other pets, or even randomly selected strangers, or no social contact at all unless it is forced.
Despite the independence, most cats have they love to have a schedule and rise, eat, play, and even go to sleep at more performances and antecedently predetermined times. Any irregularity to this sort of routine like a change of environment in the home they live may prove stressful for the cat and may cause behavior changes, proving vital to keep a cat’s life as stable as possible.
Which Family Does the Domestic Cat Belong To?
The domestic cat is part of the family Felidae suborder Carnivora which are felinids and carnivorous mammals and do include some of the most feared big cats in the entire world including lions tigers, and leopards among others. In this family, the domestic cat comes under the species Felis catus. Thus, cats as pets, though much smaller than their wild counterparts, have a great deal in common with large felids in terms of morphology and/or behavior.
They also possess long sharp claws, perfect eye-sight, and muscular bodies which are inherited from their wildcat stock, making them good hunters. The Felidae family is subdivided into several subfamilies and cats as pets belongs to the subfamily namely Felinae. This subfamily also consists of smaller wildcats, for instance, the African wildcat that is considered to have been progenitors to the present-day domestic cat.
Cats have been tamed for thousands of years; these early felines found human habitats soft to settle as humans have always provided food. These cats over time became more socialized to interact with man and thus became what we refer to as the domestic cat. Nonetheless, cats still possess many of the features of true ‘wild’ animals attributing to their special status as pets and companions.
Identifying Cats as Pets
To identify cats as pets, it is necessary to be aware of some characteristics that make the animal differentiate from other animals. Probably the most iconic return of a cat is its whiskers, which serve as immensely sensitive feelers for the cat to explore the surrounding space. Cats can also have so-called, retractable claws which are employed for hunting, climbing, or defense. Note that these claws are pulled back to the palms when not in use, and thus do not dull. Also, a cat’s tail is an essential appendage, that it uses to communicate its feelings whether happy, scared, or angry.
The other aspects by which cats as pets can be described include their vocalization and body signals. Like all felines, cats produce various kinds of sounds and they are not limited to mere vocalization: the low and quiet purr of a happy cat and the shrill ‘hiss’ of an angry one. They also get information from their body postures like the position of the ears the position of their tail, and the furs.
For instance, at the end of a cat is generally a signal of the cat being friendly and free to be approached but a cat with downed ears is likely to be either scared or angry. Thus recognition of these signals is crucial for trust and the establishment of a positive relationship with a cat and their care.
Colors and Patterns
When it comes to the coat, colors and patterns are infinite and it’s impossible to tell two similar cats apart’. Some of the common patterns in cats as pets include the tabby pattern, which consists of stripes, swirls, and spots; the coat colors could be brown, grey, or orange. This old pattern is now distinguishable by the letter ‘M’ on the forehead of tabby cats.
Other two patterns of this breed are tortoiseshell which has black, red, and white colors making the cat rugged and colorpoint in which most parts of the body are white and have black features such as face, ears, paws, and tail. As with most breeds such as the Siamese and Himalayan cat, this pattern is quite common.
The present color variation that is available or observable among cats is also staggering. The black cat for instance is often considered to be mysterious or magical; this is usually related to folklore while the white cat gives it an air of class and sophistication. Some cats as pets have a mixture of colors, for example, the calico cat, black, white, and orange colors or patches.
They are particularly diverse dependent on a cat’s breed and its pedigree, and are products of complex genetic processes. With an interest in the colorpoint cats’ contrasting collars and contrasting tails or shaded tails of tortoiseshell cats, there is no denying that the different colors and patterns of cats give cats an extra appeal.
Short-Haired Cats
Short-haired cats as pets are the most common pets because of their elegant looks and fur that require little grooming. These cats have fur that is smooth and hugs their bodies thus there will be less shedding and self-grooming. Some of the short-haired breeds that people have considered due to their coat’s ease include the Siamese, Burmese, and American Shorthair.
The coat of dogs may also be short and shiny or long and soft and thick depending on the type of breed. It also exposes the cat’s muscular build, flexibility, and dexterity of the cat more easily as compared to many other types of coats to give the cat a sleeker and sophisticated look.
Another advantage of owning a short-haired cats as pets is that they demand less grooming than long-haired cats. As a rule, these cats do not require regular grooming, and it is enough merely to comb it occasionally for a shed of hair and, respectively, for a healthy coat. For this reason, they are ideal for busy owners or those persons who want a pet that will not demand much attention regularly.
This is however not to mention the fact that even short-haired cats need to be groomed, although they are not as demanding as long-haired cats. They have shorter coats and do not easily develop mats, and they also do not sweat as much as the long-haired cats which is good for warm surroundings. Pets that are short-haired can be said to be among the most beautiful and easy to maintain for people who need convenience.
Long-Haired Cats
The cats with longer hair are exquisite beautiful fur beings with beautiful fur which require much attention and care. It is important to note that there are such breeds of cats as pets that have long hair for example – Persian, Maine Coon, and Norwegian Forest Cat: the coat can be shiny smooth, or fluffy and thick. Such cats are often rather royal and the length of their hair creates the optical illusion that they have halos around their faces and more volume around their bodies.
But this beauty comes with its vice because this breed needs a lot of grooming as you may find your pet with mats and tangles. Long-haired cats as pets must have their fur combed so owners of different cats easily can maintain their pets; both sides enjoy the process, and it is useful for the coat and hair of the cat. It’s much more than taking care of a feline whose fur you will brush at least once daily.
Cats such as these may need to be washed now and then to wash off the dirt from their skin and some of these cats are taken for professional grooming mostly to shave them to a length that would not begin to shed. However, it is pertinent to state that having a pet with long hair comes with numerous advantages. The owners of such a pet always have to spare more time taking care of their pets, especially in grooming their fur Simply because of the well-groomed fur, it is worth having a pet with long hair.
But if to touches and cares for them, their coat is very soft and thick, and if one looks at them – what a pride of one’s owner! Such cats particularly appreciate grooming since they understand that it is one of the few occasions when they can contact people. This is the kind of animal that over some time will come around and accept you if only you are patient with him and you stroke him and play with him – this is said especially because this is a long-haired cat as pets.
Cat Care
What do mean by cat care? Well, it is all that you need to do to make your feline buddy live a happy, healthy, and long life. These are ensuring they feed them well, exercise them, and even take them for checkups by the vet. Though cats as pets are independent by nature, they require some care and attention, for instance, their water, clean litter, and comfortable home environment must be provided by their owners.
Bathing is also a good practice to undertake on the cats frequently particularly the cats with long hairs because they develop knots and hair balls frequently. It is also advisable to allow your cat to exercise their instincts by providing them with toys like scratching posts, which help cats as pets exercise their bodies and mind.
As for the necessities and accouterments, one must not forget about the affective needs of cats as pets. Cats adapt to many situations but they can be sensitive creatures and need a fairly predictable environment in which to live. Daily rough playing or simply patting your cat is useful to become good friends or create a bond as well as familiarise the cat with being cared for.
It is also important to observe the events around you and your pet as well as the general condition of your cat – early detection of signs of certain diseases is also a facilitating factor for the groomer. So, it’s also important to get an insight on cat care so that you can be able to keep your cat as healthy as possible and as a result, be able to give it a good and happy life as it is one of the members of your family.
Feeding
Nutrition comes as one of the most crucial substrates of cat care whereby you ensure that the cat is fed on a balanced diet. That is why cats are obligate predatory animals, which need animal proteins in larger quantities in their daily diet. If you are feeding your feline on commercial cat foods or you are preparing your cat meal at home then you must see to it that your cat is well nourished with all the nutrients it needs. Most of the foods for cats in the shops today are complete products since they offer the right proportion of protein and fats together with vitamins and minerals.
But always, the cat must feed on good quality cat food and the diet must be recommended based on the age, weight, and health conditions of the cat. It is also important to ration your cats as pets diet and be very keen on what you feed him. Overfeeding is also dangerous since it limits their physical activity which will make them obese this is prevalent in domestic cats and they are prone to diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. Certain rules should be followed concerning the feeding of the cats and among them are the indicators placed on packages, with cat food as well as the recommendations which are given by the veterinarian.
Cats are program animals so feeding them at specific times also helps in reducing any stress that might occur on the animal. Clean drinking water should be provided always since this is very important in the body system of your cat especially if its diet mostly consists of dry foods. Cats are fastidious eaters, it is important to ensure they are fed right, to enable them to achieve the right weight and health.
Wet or Dry Food?
This so-called choice of wet or dry food is one of the most frequently debated issues of cat feeding. However, both of them are not without advantages, and the decision will depend on the character and desire of your cat. Wet food is otherwise called moist food since it is on the whole wet somehow which may seem good for a cat that doesn’t even drink water even though there is a bowl of water placed for that cat.
This amount of fluids helps prevent the formation of tract issues and is also used in the health of the kidneys of your cat. The wet food also contains an even more attractive smell and taste which most of the cats cannot resist it. However, it can be more expensive to stock and prepare than dry food, even though it is an important source of nutrients for cats as pets.
Dry food in contrast, is more palatable to owners since it can be scooped and left in a container and does not become inedible after a certain period when the bowl is empty. Also useful for dental, because, as a rule, any cat’s snack with some hardness helps to clean the teeth from plaque. But, dry food is moistened in less water than canned food which may be inconvenient for cats with urinary tract complications or cats that rarely drink water.
Some cats may also be generally slow in the intake of roasted grains mostly because the taste of the food has changed from that of wet food. Last but not least, most cat owners are forced to introduce both wet and dry foods in feeding the cats since the two food types meet all the nutritional requirements of the cats.
Nail, Dental, and Ear Care
Indeed, grooming is one of the ways through which one has to take care of his/her cat, and therefore, one has to groom his/her cat in the following ways; nails, dental health, and ears. Of course, nails must be cut because if they become too long this causes discomfort and maybe even injury. The nails of the cats keep on growing all the time and if you do not cut them you find that they curl backward and develop into paw pads and this puts the cat to be in severe pain.
As a rule, it is better to trim your cat’s nails, when they have grown out for weeks. Housing scratching posts may also help your cat use up her claws without additional improvement because of the instinct of the feline species towards this end. Another vital aspect of grooming cats as pets is maintaining their dental health.. Dental conditions that are periodic include cat tooth decay and gum diseases that are known to complicate the health of the cat at any one time. Cleaning the teeth of your cat daily with cat-friendly paste diminishes the buildup of tartar and strengthens the condition of gums.
Besides, the utilization of products and chews that allow removing tartar can complement direct brushing. It is as important as the rest because cats are so prone to contracting ear infections and some kind of parasite known as “ear mites”. A cat’s ear should often be inspected for inflammation, pus, and a reprehensible smell all of which are suggestive of a problem. Most cats’ owners have complaints about their cat’s ear infection therefore it is work to use a veterinary recommended solution in cleaning the ears.
Listening and Seeing Martians
For that reason activities such as Listening and Seeing are among the cat’s faculties of performance; often people may joke that a cat sees Martian, or observes something that humans cannot. The ears of cats are designed to pick every form of sound and not only that but frequency that cannot be heard by the human ears. Such special hearing capacity allows them to hear even the least sound you would ever imagine- be it a mouse moving or a tread of a person. The ears of the cats are flexible in the opposite way such that they can pinpoint the direction of the sound; thus the cats are good hunters, and reliable friends who are always on alert.
Another important aspect of cats’ permanent components is their remarkable sense of vision, which peaks in the evening or at night. They also have more rod cells in their eyes, these are used for vision at night, that is during the period of little light intensity. Presumably, this could be because it is associated with a pre-historic connection with the wild-type progenitor of the domestic cat which is a nocturnal meat eater.
Besides the retinas, they have a reflective layer called tapetum lucidum that assists them during their night vision, and hence their eyes glow on exposure to light. I mean the hearing and the vision that makes the cats act in a way that a human cannot even fathom such as when the ‘Martians’ are switched on in the room. However, such extraordinary senses are all that are too special for cats to be such mysterious characters as they are.
Sight and “Glowing Eyes”
Cats have striking organs among which is the power of sight including the night vision that is so common with these animals. They are endowed with exceptionally good eyesight, especially at night, the attribute being attributable to their numerous rod cells, which are very sensitive to light. This lets cats watch in conditions in which people’s vision would be impaired. Also, cats have about twice the field of vision they have compared to humans, and therefore, the peripheral vision is superior.
This keen vision is necessary while hunting, as it enables the cats to follow the erratic movements of the prey, and also during the periods when the only light is dawn or dusk. One of the most outstanding characteristics of cats particularly the reflecting lenses of their eyes at night. This glow is due to the presence of tapetum lucidum a reflective layer found behind the retina that helps a cat to have better night vision. This is why, when light gets into a cat’s eyes it goes through the retina, then to the tapetum lucidum that reflects it through the retina once more.
This reflection gives cats a second opportunity to capture the light and as a result, increases their night vision tremendously. The glow also has an aggressive function, as they’re more exposed, and the larger eyes state Could scare off any predator or rival in the wild. These feelings that accompany cats – sharp vision and, sometimes, the shine in their eyes – create that mysterious air around these animals and make them seem supernatural.
Cat’s Health
Another factor that is important in the care of a pet and which should always be as optimal as possible is a cat’s health Pet’s checkups; to know if your cat has any complications, it is good to take your cat for checks frequently. Cats are the worst patients when they are sick and this is the reason why one will have to keenly observe signs that show that the cat is sick. The basic health checks that should be done at least once per year are annual physical examinations, immunizations, euthyphling, and blood screening of all of the typical diseases that target cats.
Another aspect of the welfare of a cat is immunization and general body hygiene of the fur, clipping of the nails, and checking of the ears, as well as other habits of health promotion which include administering flea and tick control, anti–heartworm medications among others and feeding the cat quality and well-proportioned meals to help them maintain good healthy body size.
Husband: It also helps to take note of your cat and the things that the cat does within the house. New or different eating patterns, changes in the litter box habits, changes in grooming, or decreases or increases in activity levels are some of the early signs of an illness.
Some of the ailments that have been reported to occur in cats include obesity complications, dental disease, and kidney disease, amongst others especially when the cats are aged. Some health issues that can be managed only by ensuring that animals have access to enough balanced diet, fresh water, and exercise regimens include: This results in you always putting your cat in a good health status, so the cat will have fun for their full active life period.
Checkup and Fitness
In addition to this, certain regular ceratin examinations are necessary for your cat and will greatly assist in ensuring that major worries are not developed. While performing a physical examination, the veterinarian feels with his/her hands along your cat’s body starting with the head to the tail, and notes the response of the body system. This could encompass an ophthalmoscopic examination of eyes, otoscopic examination of ears, oral examination of teeth and dermal examination of the skin, examination of the clinical heart sounds, and a chest culmination examination respectively.
Bright red blood tests and urine analysis may also be taken as a part of normal health checks or to know about certain diseases like diabetes, kidney diseases, or thyroid problems. Such regular check-ups are touching if your cat is senior because cats are prone to developing chronic diseases in their old age.
Cats should be taken for check-ups and further, the level of their fitness should be maintained as high as possible for whatever reasons. The cat must spend several hours playing because cats need to take exercise not only physically but also on a mental level. Making sure that your cat has toys something to scratch or dig on, and/or options to climb also guarantees, at all times, that your cat is engaged and active.
Play sessions are also important because apart from helping them get the amount of exercise they require, they also get your attention. It also prescribes limiting the foods that your feline takes and assisting them to reach an active weight, which reduces obesity, diabetes, and arthritis. Therefore, by giving your cat systematic vet’s attention, and correct physical exercise, you may well help it lead the long, qualified, joyous life.
Vaccination
Vaccinal actions are one of the vital goals for your cat’s welfare and health, as it gives protection against numerous kinds of infections. Vaccines pave the way for your cat’s immune system to enable it to differentiate between different viruses or bacteria and build immunity against fatal diseases. These core vaccines affect all cats; feline distemper feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus (rhinotracheitis) vaccines. These vaccines are presented in injections during the kitten stage and then frequently administrated in the course of the cat’s life.
There are also what can be referred to as non-core vaccines that may be administered depending on the lifestyle that the cat leads or the environment that it lives in. For instance, rabies vaccines are mandatory in many regions as they help protect your cat and other individuals in society. The FeLV vaccine is needed for cats that are outside multiple times a week or live in multiple pet homes because FeLV is dangerous and infectious. Each cat is unique and needs its vaccination programme so you should consult with your veterinarian in this matter. Vaccination is one of the best defenses that one can provide to their cat, to avoid severe health complications.
Eye Diseases
There are many sorts of eye diseases that cats are prone to, most of which, if neglected, are dangerous developments too. Here are some of the eye issues cats have; Conjunctivitis; Corneal ulceration Cataracts. Keratitis or irritation of conjunctivae are among the most frequently diagnosed eye diseases in cats and they mostly have viral or allergic background.
Signs of the sickness are inflammation with signs of heat and secretion in the affected eye. Of them, corneal ulcers are the most common, which is an open wound of the cornea that may be caused by trauma, infection, or dryness. These ulcers may be described as being severely painful and if they are not managed well, there are risks that the effects such as blindness will be permanent.
Another eye disease, which is distinctive to cats, is Cataracts Although it mostly affects cats in their old age, in some cases, it is indeed inherited. In this context therefore, a cataract may be described as an optical clouding of the lens of the eye due to protein deposits that accumulate and may impair one’s vision and in the worst situations, lead to blindness.
Cataracts, to which the cat is not so prone as the dog, may be congenital or develop as a consequence of trauma, or other diseases including diabetes. That is why it is necessary to go to the vet with your cat, so all problems with her eyes will be discovered as soon as possible. This is why if one identifies one or another sign of eye problems like redness, squinting, tearing, or even a change of form of the eyeball it is advisable to take the animal to the vet without delay to avoid worsening of the situation.
Ear Problems
Among the clear signs of what a cat could mean by ‘ear problems’ are; Oral thrush – which turns the tongue and inner lips of the cat purple Ear mites Infection; Mange; Yeast infections Canker Other less serious forms may also manifest as among cats but would require the attention of a veterinarian. The first and perhaps the most common feline ear problem is what is popularly known as ear mites these can be described as small parasitic insects that dwell in the ear duct and feed on wax and the oils of the ear.
Ear mites may cause high levels of ear itch and clinically observable signs of ear scratching and head shake, accompanied by ear2018acycles, and otorrhoea. But if there is no treatment given, then they cause bacterial infections as well as further problems. Another one is otitis externa inflammation of the skin and tissues in the external auditory canal and it is caused by physical irritation from allergies, bacterial infections, or the use of foreign objects in the ear.
Ear infections may also apply to cats particularly those with an allergy system or a compromised immune system. Overall, they are marked by inflammation, formation of pus, bad odor, and edema of the ear structures. Any sign of abnormally scratching the ears or the head should be a good reason to take the pet for a check-up from the vet.
Cleaning the ears with a cleaner recommended by the veterinarian regularly will help to diminish ear troubles in general, especially with cats that have ear wax accumulation or are outdoor cats. Cats’ ears have to be clean: and if check-ups show that the ears of your cat are exercising pain then it is high time you hiked to the vet.
Skin Conditions
Cats being coated with fur can get some skin disease which in one way or the other is uncomfortable for the cat and can lead to other complicated diseases. Some of the regular afflictions on the skin of cats include fleas and ticks which lead to itchy, red, and irritated cat skin. The parasites can cause additional infections, and if the case is severe – anemia.
Eliminating fleas and ticks: These parasites are frequent threats to cats and to prevent them from troubling the cats, fleas and tick prevention should be done at least once in three months. Another typical dermatosis is allergic which might be food or environmental or caused by contact with chemicals. Allergies may manifest in the form of itching, hair loss, and skin lesions, and they may be treated by the use of some drugs or alteration of the diet.
Dermatitis is another skin disease of cats brought by irritants, infections, or allergies. More generally there is a ringworm which is also a fungal infection that is transmissible to other animals and people. Ringworm shows skin lesions of circular hairless areas with red skin and scales and needs treatment because it spreads easily. However, some cats are bound to produce thick and scaly skin, a condition known as seborrhea. Treating this condition may require daily grooming and the use of medicated shampoos to butter the skin. Skin is a vital organ of the cat and, therefore, needs to be checked more often and any problem with the skin attended to immediately.
Behavior
The cat owner needs to understand cat behavior to encourage proper handling of the cat and to also ensure the cat is healthy. Lost History of Cats: The Feline Mysteries presents new data about cats’ communication, which is not limited to vocalization. When a cat purrs it more or less implies that it is content, but at the same time, it can also indicate that the cat is attempting to mask some discomfort or pain.
Likewise, purring might be employed differently for instance as a greeting from the animal or as a call for the meal or the pet. Another important factor to which it is important to pay attention is the understanding of how each species of cat behaves; knowledge of these peculiarities will help set up a relationship with the cat that is being treated.
Cats are also territorial and this may be seen to influence the conduct of the cats particularly when they are in the same compound. However, cats will scratch or display that symbolic cat spray on the furniture, which annoys the owners of the cat it is inherent to the cat. Clean water and food dishes for cats, and litter pans should be supplied and cats should be offered their own space because of territorial instinct. However, cats have to be exercised mentally and physically to avoid boredom and such conduct too.
An ample supply of toys for instance scratching toys, toys that make your cat play or have to play with them or may involve you to play with him will help eliminate such behaviors. Cats demand specific kinds of attention and if these are not given to then it will be a disruption of the homely peace.
Sexual Behavior
As for sexual behavior, it has to be stated that feline sexual activity is provoked by instinct, and depends on whether a cat is sterilized or not. Reproductive behavior in cats may be described as follows: Intact cats are cats that have not been spayed or neutered or, in other words, cats of reproductive age. Female cats, or queens, come into season several times a year or when they are in the condition known as ‘heat’, they may become louder, clingier, and more active.
They may also adopt a copulatory posture and make loud calls to males, to attract them. Tom cats for instance tend to spray their territories with urine, looking for a mate or being aggressive to other male cats. Some of the behaviors can be eliminated or reduced after your cat has been spayed or neutered; this also has benefits for the health of the female cats by preventing issues such as uterine infection, ovarian cysts, certain types of cancer, for the males, it will eliminate prostate problems and testicular cancer.
It also curtails the cases of unwanted pregnancies and helps minimize the number of stray or feral cats. As with people, it is an important part of owning a cat to understand their sexual behavior and look for ways to control it through spaying or neutering and thus help to reduce the number of homeless cats and also for the right health condition of the cat.
Voice Communication
Cats are therefore capable of a great number of different voices that they use to talk to humans or whatever animals they come in contact with. This vocalizing can be as soft as the purring sound of a contented cat or as loud as the ‘yowling’ of a cat in heat or pain. Purrs, which involve ‘meow’ are the most frequent vocal signals that cats employ to interact with people and their connotations vary. For instance, a brief, gentle ‘meow’ may be a friendly greeting while a drawn-out loud ‘meow’ may mean that the cat is ready for its meal or wants to be played with.
Some cats make more noise than others and there are some specific breeds such as Siamese that are known to be rather noisy. Apart from meowing, cats also engage in other vocalizations that include hissing, growling as well as chirping. Some vocalizations including hissing or growling are usually realized when the cat is threatened, angry, or uncomfortable and will use the sound as a way of signaling people or animals to stay away.
As for chipping’ it is used by mother cats with their kittens or by cats when they are pleased, for example, while watching birds outside the window. Knowledge of the signs your cat is trying to make can play a big role in improving the way you feed him and, in general, in the interaction. The cats have their peculiar manner of expressing themselves, and it is not easy, or rather simple, to understand the signals or the sounds they use.
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