Sunday, November 28, 2010

Siamese - A Delightful, Demanding, Protective Pet


When you say Siamese cat, most people think of the short-hair seal points, which have a creamy white slender body, brown-black ears, nose and tail. But, there are several variations of the breed as well as crossbreds like the Himalayans, which are a cross of Siamese and Persians. The blue point has a bluish-white body with slate blue points. The chocolate point has more mocha colored points and the flame point has apricot ears, nose and tail. The body of a pure-bred Siamese is sleek and features a triangular head, large ears, and pointed features. Siamese are one of the oldest and most well known breeds. They received their name when they were exported from Thailand in the late 1800's. At the time, Thailand was Siam.

My relationship with Siamese began when I was one. My mother had me outdoors in a playpen. She was in the house when a distant uncle stopped by. Seeing me for the first time, he ran to my playpen with outstretched arms, only to be viciously attached by Josie, our Seal Point Siamese, who had been guarding me from underneath the playpen. Today, I share my house with several cats. Lucky, is a flame point Siamese mix I rescued from a high traffic area. He pretty much ignores the other cats and follows me everywhere. If I try to restrict him from coming in a room where I'm working, he stands on his back legs and beats on the door and yowls. He will keep this up for over 30 minutes. Every night since I first found him, he sleeps next to my head or stands guard like a sentry. If someone raises their voice to me, lucky will circle in front of me, raise his back and begin "yowling" (loud angry meows) at the person. I've been bit twice by a cat. Both times, it was peeling Lucky off a dog that had come too close to me. Fearlessly, Lucky launched an attack. Since he cannot see well, he did not know I had grabbed him. Even though Lucky is a mix-breed cat, his personality is similar to a purebred.

Siamese have personalities that are quiet unique. They want to be your best friend and will walk through fire to be near their guardian. They do not tolerate being alone well. They like to be near their guardian all the time, they are smart and like to play fetch, they can open doors and closets that allude other cats, they love to lay on your lap and hang out near the bathtub when your bathing. Siamese are extremely loyal, affectionate, and smart. They can be trained to travel well, they can be fearless, and they have a long lifespan of 18-20 years. They usually do not like dogs.

If you are thinking about getting a Siamese, you may want to read about them and see if you can volunteer time at a breed rescue site. Plan on keeping your Siamese as an indoor pet since most are cross-eyed and do not see well. If you adopt or purchase a Siamese, expect a cat that demands attention, is highly vocal, and smart. If you want a cat, because you think a cat is low maintenance, you may not want a Siamese. Some people bring their Siamese to a pet shelter because they can not tolerate their demanding nature or vocal qualities. However, if you are the type of person who would love a true companion, but can't have or do not want a dog, a Siamese can be an ideal match. In addition to their crazy antics, and affectionate nature, you may be delightfully surprised at their constant loyalty and protective qualities.








Kate Garvey is a former Vet Tech and animal rights supporter. She teaches Sound Healing Workshops (throughout the US) and treats clients by appointment in the San Diego area. For more information on how you can use sound for optimal health please visit http://www.InstituteOfSoundHealing.com

Kate is also a freelance writer, published author, and the author of several books; "Aging, Death and Euthanasia-A Guide for People with Pets", "Summer Pet Care Tips", and "The Low Risk Guide for Real Estate Investment."


Saturday, November 27, 2010

Siamese Cats Origins And Siamese Cat Behaviors


Siamese cat origins

Despite various other theories about its origin, Siamese cats really did originate in Siam (now Thailand) many hundred years ago. Cats with similar pointed markings feature in the Cat Book Poems, a manuscript saved from Ayuda, the old capital of Siam, which was burned down in 1767. It is the best known of a number of manuscripts that provide a record of the native cats, dogs and birds of the region at that time.

The Siamese pattern was later recorded in Russia by the naturalist Simon Pallas, in 1793. However, the cats he encountered were of much darker colouring. This could be explained by the fact that the Siamese points darken in colder climates. It is not known whether the Russian cats were descended from original Siamese imports, or whether the Siamese gene mutation (now commonly known as the Himalayan gene) had occupied naturally in Russia.

Siamese cats were already in Britain before 1871, for in that year they featured at the first National Cat Show in London. There were many stories about their origin and at one time they were labeled as 'an unnatural, nightmare kind of cat.' Nevertheless, their popularity grew and specimens were taken to America around 1890. The body shape of the Siamese has altered considerably over the years as breeders and judges select ever more extreme 'Oriental' type. Breeders have developed a wide variety of coast colours and patterns. The Himalayan gene carried by the Siamese (and other pointed cats) causes dilution of any particular colour. Hence there is no black Siamese because the colour is diluted to a very dark brown, called Seal. Siamese have also given rise to the Oriental varieties which are, in effect, 'non-pointed' Siamese

Siamese cat appearance

This is a short-haired cat of Oriental type with a long svelte body and an alert, intelligent expression. The head is long and wedge-shaped, neither rounded nor pointed, with a firm chin in line with the upper jaw. The ears are large, well pricked and wide at the base. The eye shape is oriental, slanting towards the nose and its deep blue in colour. The body is medium in size, long and svelte, with proportionately slim legs. The hind legs are slightly higher that the forelegs, the feet small and oval. The tail is long and tapering. The coat is very short and fine in texture, glossy and close-lying. The mask is completely connected to the ears by tracings. In all colours kittens may not show full masking, nor the adult colour on legs and tail

Siamese cat behavior

Siamese are extremely affectionate, devoted and loyal. They are highly intelligent, inquisitive, active and very vocal. They are also very demanding which make them unsuitable for some elderly people. They "meow" a lot in a loud low pitched voice. Some say that their voice sounds like the crying of a human baby. They also tend to get along well with other cats but they are usually dominant in their relationships with cats of other breeds








To view the Cutest and the most beautiful Siamese cat pictures, please visit my blog at:-rnrn[http://cuteycats2u.blogspot.com/2007/09/siamese-cats-despite-various-other.htmlrnrnCuteycats2u] also contains useful cat care and training advises, fun cat videos, cat pictures and cat stories. Have fun!!rn


Thursday, November 25, 2010

Newborn Kitten - Tips On Chosing A Newborn Kitten


Kittens are often the best cats to start out with. With a newborn kitten you are starting with a clean slate and you will have a friend that will quickly bond with you. Kittens are excellent because they don't have any bad habits yet and you can begin training them your rules right away. Older cats are often best if you are a low energy person and you don't have time to constantly be looking after a kitten to ensure they are not getting in any mischief. Older cats have usually been spayed or neutered, may be declawed and their maintenance is much easier in terms of feeding and vaccinations. Ultimately, it will be up to you to determine if your lifestyle fits a kitten or an older cat.

There are numerous cat breeds and it is important to choose one that is right for you and your family.

When choosing a newborn kitten the first thing you need to think about is whether you will be able to deal with a cat that is vocal. Some breeds can be almost noisy. Many people do not mind this vocalization, as they know that the cat is merely communicating with them, but it might be a problem if you live in an apartment or you already have a house of loud kids.

Vocal breeds include:


Siamese
Korat
Bumese
Quiet cat breeds include:


Scottish Fold
Somali
America Curl
We all know that a newborn kitten decide who they want to cuddle with and when. This also means that you can choose a breed that loves to cuddle or, if you're not the cuddly type, then you may want a cat that is more aloof. Aloof cats are able to occupy themselves, while cuddly cats need more attention. Your lifestyle will also help you decide which type of cat you will want. Remember that cuddly cats are also best for children.

Cuddly cat breeds include:


Snowshoe
Abyssinian
Maine Coon
Ragdoll
Tonkinese
Himalayan Persian
Less sociable cats include:


Norwegian Forest Cat
Nebelung
Russian Shorthair
If you want a cat that is not always in mischief or one that needs to be able to amuse itself, then do not choose:


Sphynx
Siamese
Rex
Balinese
British Angora breeds








Kevin Lampard is a successful affiliate marketer who regularly makes a healthy living from the internet. Did you find those tips on buying your first kitten helpful? You can learn much more about cats at http://www.thecatguide.co.uk


Sunday, November 21, 2010

Information Regarding the Siamese Cat


Siamese is a shorthair cat breed that is famous for its brilliance and elegance. It originates from Siam, Thailand, where it is rumored to have kept royals company. It came to Britain in late nineteenth century and enchanted westerners with its sleek design and elegance. Siamese soon became popular in Europe and appeared in United States in early twentieth century. Initially they were seen predominantly in seal-point color but with time blue, lilac and chocolate also gained acceptance as markings' colors. Today many other points' variations including red, cinnamon, cream, fawn, lynx and tortie occur even though they are not universally accepted. Also the body structure varies, with the modern 'show class' Siamese being a more finely built animal than the 'traditional' Siamese which is robust and muscular.

Siamese is a cat that defines elegance. Its long tubular body with its graceful legs and thin tapering tail is a sight to behold. Coat is white to cream in color with markings occurring on ears, feet, tail and snout. It is short and close-lying and accentuates the fine lines of the svelte feline. Kittens at birth lack markings and develop them in infancy. As the cats age their fur generally tends to get darker. Head is wedge shaped with large widely set ears and almond shaped bright blue eyes. Overall appearance of the Siamese is that of the classical finely built Oriental cat, that is made remarkable by its impressive points.

Owing to its widespread appeal and sought after personality, over the years breeders have used Siamese in creation of many new cats. These include Balinese, Burmese, Colorpoint Shorthair, Himalayan, Javanese, Ocicat, Orientals, Snowshoe and Tonkinese. Siamese and its descendants are seen in nearly every corner of the world today and are quite popular in culture and media globally.

Siamese are famous for their bright personalities and inquisitive nature. They are totally people oriented and some consider this to be an evolutionary adaptation by the smart cats since they can't hunt and operate as well at night owing to lack of the retinal reflective membrane that allows most predators to see in dark. Thus they have learned to train people to look after them.








The author is a blogger about cats and an expert on Siamese cat.


Friday, November 19, 2010

15 Cat Breeds & Their Personalities


With the exception of a few true cat fanciers, Americans have traditionally been less particular about the bloodlines of their cats than of their dogs. Cats were most commonly seen on farms and they worked to help keep down the vermin population. As cats have become more of a companion than a farm-hand there has been a steadily increasing interest in cat breeds, their purity, and pedigree . The Cat Fanciers' Association is dedicated to the preservation of the purebred and recognizes 39 pedigreed cat breeds. Listed below are 15 of these breeds along with some information about the breed's characteristics and history.

1. Russian Blue - The Russian Blue is a gentle, friendly cat with a distinct appearance. These cats have dense, thick, short coats that come in one color: blue. In contract to the blue fur the cats have bright green eyes and are known equally for their beautiful appearance as they are for their unassuming dispositions.

2. Ragdoll - The Ragdoll is a large cat that has been bred to be affectionate and people oriented. They love to play and some have been taught to come when called. The Ragdoll has a medium length coat that lacks an under coat which makes maintenance of the cat easier than many other long-hairs. Ragdolls are easy to live with and fit well into the lives most families.

3. Cornish Rex - Although the Cornish Rex looks similar to images of ancient Egyptian cats it originated in Cornwall, England in 1950 where it was discovered in a littler of barn cats. These cats are distinct in appearance with an egg shaped and sized head, huge, erect ears, and enormous green-yellow eyes. This cat has an extremely unusual coat that is soft, fine, very short, and grows in waves. The Cornish Rex is affectionate, playful, and retains its kitten like antics throughout its lifetime.

4. Siamese -The Siamese cat, originally from Thailand, is an acutely intelligent and inquisitive animal. It is thought to be the oldest of all domestic. The Siamese is a people lover. He will regularly tell his family how much he cares for them with his loud meows.

5. Main Coon - The Main Coon Cat is a large, native-American long-haired cat. It is revered in Main for its mousing talents. The Main Coon is a social animal that is particularly good for families with children or dogs.

6. Abyssinian -Although the name suggests that this cat is from Ethiopia (formerly Abyssinia), they are actually from India. The name "Abyssinian" came about when the cat was initially brought to England by way of Abyssinia. Abys are one of the most intelligent cats and although they are not "cuddly" they love their people, are inquisitive, and want to help you with whatever you're working on.

7. American Bobtail - The American Bobtail looks startlingly similar to a wild Bobcat. It has a dense coat, a stocky build, and a naturally occurring bobbed tail. American Bobtails are noted for their "dog-like" personalities and their devotion to their families. American Bobtails have been used as therapy cats in treatment programs because they have been found to be very well-behaved and sensitive to people in distress.

8. Ocicat - Originating in Michigan in 1964 the Ocicat is a mix of Abyssinian, Siamese and American Shorthair. It is the only spotted domestic breed selectively bred to emulate the cats of the wild. Although the Ocicat has an exotic and wild appearance its personality is very domestic and well suited for life with a family.

9. American Wirehair - The American Wirehair was first seen in upstate New York in 1966. The lone cat was a spontaneous mutation in a litter of barn cats. Healthy, genetic mutation is a relatively common occurrence but the difference with the American Wirehair is that because his characteristics were so unique an organized effort was made to retain his bloodline and genetic pattern. Interestingly, this genetic mutations has not appeared anywhere in the world other than the United States. The American Wirehair's temperament is docile and calm and a great pet for a so-called "couch-potato".

10. Persian - Persians are documented in hieroglyphic paintings dating back to 1684 B.C. They are the most popular of the pure bred cats and come in many colors that are divided into seven color divisions. One of the seven color divisions is referred to as Himalayan. Himalayans are the most common of the Persians and are often inaccurately thought to be (by those outside of the true cat-fanciers group) a unique breed. Persians are sweet and require a stable living environment with consistent routines. The Persian coat requires significant maintenance including daily brushing and frequent baths. To avoid unpleasant outcomes, this routine should be established when the cat is very young.

11. Bombay - In 1953 Nikki Horner, from Louisville, Kentucky set-out to develop a new breed of cats whose appearance was similar to the black panther of India. She bred a sable Burmese with a black-coated, copper-eyed American Shorthair. Over time she consistently bred a solid colored black cat unique from all other cat breeds. The Bombay, named in tribute to the Indian black -panther, was introduced to the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) in 1976. The Bombay is an athletic, outgoing, and affectionate cat that has been known to be leash trained. They make terrific family pets.

12. American Shorthair - The American Shorthair originated from cats that were brought over on the Mayflower to rid the ship of mice. These cats were likely British Shorthairs and although they can be similar in appearance to the mixed-breed domestic cat, American Shorthairs are a unique genetic breed. According the Cat Fanciers Association, the difference between a domestic cross bred cat and an American Shorthair is that, "a pedigreed cat can consistently produce kittens of the same physical conformation, coat quality, and temperament, while a random-bred cat cannot. Years of selective breeding and the careful recording of many generations of cats guarantee that each litter of kittens will have specific qualities. American Shorthairs are playful companions for the entire family.

13. Somali - At first glance the Somali cat looks like a feral or wild cat. It resembles a fox in its color and movement. Its looks are deceiving because the Somali is a sweet, quiet natured cat with an intelligent and social disposition. Because it is slightly larger than many other purebreds, the Somali is great for families with small children.

14. Exotic - Exotics are sometimes affectionately referred to as the lazy man's Persian. They are bred to match every standard of the Persian except one: coat length. Exotics have short, thick hair that does not mat or tangle. They are wonderful pets for people that love the Persian breed but don't have the time or discipline required to maintain a Persian's coat.

15. Siberian - There is little known about the Siberian other than that the earliest documentation of the cat dates back 1000 years. Because there is so little documentation about Siberians it's difficult to know the true standards of the breed. The first Siberian was brought to the United States in 1990 and despite the cats instant popularity they are still extremely rare in the U.S. Siberians come in a wide range of colors and have a medium length, dense coat. Siberians are extremely friendly and behave similarly in temperament to many of the terrier dog breeds. Additionally, there is evidence that Siberians cause fewer reactions in many cat allergy sufferers. Siberians were recognized by the CFA in 2000.








Neil Lemons is a pet lover and Online Journalist. He has had the privilege of owning several cats and dogs over the years, some living into their 90s (in dog years). For information on where you can buy gourmet natural cat treats, check out http://www.N-Bone.com, world authority on healthy animal treats for your dog, cat, or ferret.


Monday, November 15, 2010

The Beauty of Longhair Cats


Longhairs being primped and polished are the most impressive of all cats, truly the lords of the modern jungle. They come from the Orient, Europe, America and the Middle East. Longhaired cats have long existed in most part of the world. However their beauty was not well known until the Persian made his debut in Great Britain. This made the English speaking world realize what a cat they had in their cap.

The popularity of the Persian paved the way for other types of longhair cats. Up till today, the longhaired breeds are maintained and furthered by some of the most dedicated and enthusiastic of all cat lovers.

Many of these longhair breeds are offspring of a shorthaired 'parent' breed, the oriental longhair and longhair Scottish fold, the Cymric and Somali. These breeds are actually the results of genetic mutations that occurred in the parent breed. The strong appeal of a luxurious long coat were fostered by captivated fanciers.

Some longhairs are hybrids, typically Persian or Siamese crosses. In the case of the Himalayan, a Persian and Siamese cross. Most of the time, these breeds display the best of both parent breeds and make nice choices as pets and showmen.

Breeds such as the Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cat, and the two Turks are purebreds, meaning that little to no infusion of other breeds has taken place over the years. These breeds are uniquely their own and in addition to their unique characters and conformation, offer owners a long and interesting history to investigate.

The investigation will then become a nice pastime for the Norwegian Forest Cat owner to page through ancient Norse fables in search of references to his cat's breed.

The two main considerations for the potential longhair owner are that longhairs take a longer period of time to become mature, not attaining full adult conformation until two or three years of age. They also require more grooming compared to their shorthaired cousins.

There are two breeds, the Balinese and Javanese, which are single-coated longhairs. This means that they have no undercoats. If one strongly desires a longhair do not have much time to provide the excessive grooming that longhairs need, these two breeds should be considered. However this is only if the owner appreciates the foreign-type conformation.

If primping and patience are no problem for the owner, then any one of these beautiful longhair felines can make the perfect cat for the right owner. It is important to remember that spending time to choose the perfect cat for you will not only benefit you but also the cat for a more fulfilling relationship with them.








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Friday, November 12, 2010

The History of Cats


The cats that we know today have a long history dating back millions of years. Paleontologists discovered evidence of a cat with a retractable claw, Miacis, who lived about 50 million years ago. Most scientists believe that the descendants of Miacis and other prehistoric cats divided into three separate groups nearly a million years ago; the big cats (lions and tigers), the cheetahs, and the small cats (ocelots, bobcats and lynxes).

Cats come in many shapes and sizes, but the fur coat found on each feline is a big part of how they are classified. They usually fall somewhere in the categories of long-haired, short-haired, or "hairless". Long-haired breeds include Persian, Himalayan, Maine coon, Norwegian Forest Cat and Ragdoll. Short-haired breeds include American Shorthair, American Wirehair, Siamese, Burmese, Korat and Singapore. "Hairless" cats, such as Sphinx, merely appear to be hairless. The breed actually does have a thin layer of hair covering its body.

Cats first started living with people approximately 6,000 years ago. Ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian farmers domesticated the African wildcats, Felis hybica, a natural hunter, to keep grain storage areas rodent free. Egyptians worshipped Bast, or Bastet, the cat goddess of fertility, happiness and the moon. Impressed with the cat's natural beauty, Egyptian artists painted and sculpted them, making them cultural icons.

Although ancient Egyptians are known for their love of cats, they are not the only people who worshipped them. In Thailand, Siamese cats were sacred temple cats. In Japan, thse animals kept Buddhist temples free of mice. In Norwegian mythology, Freya (the goddess of fertility) rode in a chariot pulled by two white cats. Cats made their way to China in 5,000 BCE and to India in 100 BCE.

Throughout history, sailors and other explorers helped spread cats across the world. They realized that keeping them abroad their ships was a good way to rid their living quarters of mice. In time, it was considered lucky to keep cats on board.

When cats came to Europe in 900 BCE, they crossbred with native cat found in the British Isles, Felis silvestris. By the middle Ages, however, cats fell out of favor with most of Europe. The Catholic Church connected them and those who loved them with paganism, devil worship, and witchcraft. Superstitious people believed that cats (especially black cats) had diabolical powers. They were feared because of their nocturnal hunting habits, their ability to see in the dark and their "glowing" eyes.

In 1484, Pope Innocent empowered the Inquisition to burn all cats and cat lovers. As a result of the drastic drop in the cat population, the number of rodents increased. Millions of rats carrying fleas infected with bubonic plague spread the Black Death across Europe. When the persecution of cats ended, they began hunting rats again, and Europeans saw the advantage of having these natural hunters keep their towns' rodent free.

In Victorian times, they were once again warmly welcomed into the home and were seen as loving companions' pets. Victorian cats impressed artists, writers, scientists, and philosophers of the day. Queen Victoria loved cats, and because of this. Their good reputation was reaffirmed; there it remains to this day.








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Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Some Popular Cat Breeds


Cats are playful and lovable and different breeds have their own characteristics. We will consider some breed of cats that give them their names:

Persian

Persian is the nature of cat that you can groom and spoilt them and is one of the most well liked pet around. With their regal hairs, these cats are amazing striking and they are devoted and loving cats too. Persian is furry and comes in almost every color that you can visualize. Such cat is tame and will accompany you to watch TV and you can pet it all you like.

Siamese

Siamese is a popular breed and almost everyone identify with it. Besides being beautiful with big blue eyes and elegant coat, they need little amount of grooming. They are an intelligent feline but can be quite annoying when they try to attract your attention with their yowling sound. If you are a passive person, do not get a Siamese as they are active as well as playful which is more appropriate for those who have a lively lifestyle and personality.

Manx

Manx is a unique breed of cat that has no tail but other than that they are a muscular and solid breed. Their appearance is enhanced by their short glossy coat and they are intelligence as well as a great character. Being playful and active, they are compliant and get along well with all family members.

Burmese

Burmese is medium size but muscular and affectionate but not to the extent of shocking you. They are a stunning cat with short glossy coat and Burmese are generally categorized into traditional, contemporary and European. The traditional is well built and muscular with a rounded head whereas the contemporary has a burly body and pronounced round and space eyes with stunning color for instant sable, champagne, platinum and blue. European as the name implied assumes a more foreign look. They are graceful with slimmer body and they come in many colors. Burmese is great companion as well as a loving and smart cat.

Himalayan

The Himalayan besides being popular breed is a sweet and demonstrative cat but need plenty of grooming. It is big boned with round body and the coat makes it even expansive. Himalayan exists in two facial varieties and they are extreme and traditional. Both varieties have small and rounded ears with full cheeks and a prominent chin. If you prefer to deal with fewer health problems then pick traditional. Himalayan is a great indoor cat with streak of playfulness in them.

Abyssinian

Abyssinian is the kind with lots of energy and very active as well as playful. It has striking green and gold eyes and come in midsize with striking tick pattern. Abyssinian is fun and entertaining and comes in 3 different breed colors.

- Ruddy, where it has orange and brown color

- Red, with warm fur color that is accompanied with chocolate brown spots

- Blue, which is a unique color.

The striking colors make Abyssinian a graceful and regal cat with soft, silky coat that is medium in length.

Egyptian Mau

Egyptian Mau is a beautiful and graceful cat with natural spot and very well developed. They may be muscular but not heavy and very fast with rounded head plus almond shape eyes that is green in color. They are unique from other cats with their spots that differ in shape, size and location. They are smart, active and extremely loyal with beautiful coats of medium length.








Jason is a lover of pets and cats are fun, mysterious and playful making them great companion. You can check out the website at http://www.groomingyourcats.com/


Saturday, November 6, 2010

Falling in Unrequited Love with a Siamese Mix: Yoda, the Cat


Twelve years ago, after he started living on his own, my son adopted a Siamese mix and called him, "Yoda." Although a mix, Yoda has the temperament, large ears, huge blue eyes, and the cute, dark face of a true Siamese. He has also acquired the thermosensitivity of the Siamese's coat coloring. The only part of Yoda that would alert a knowing eye to his iffy bloodline is the slightly rounded shape of his face, as the pure-bred Siamese are known to have elongated faces.

Yoda only takes to my son, nobody else. He has gotten used to my daughter-in-law, and just that, because no one can replace his true owner. Although I have taken care of Yoda numerous times and he stays with me every now and then, he barely tolerates me, and that is when he needs fed or asks for a treat.

Knowing the Siamese psychology, I don't blame myself or my cat-sitting skills, but I sort of wish he'd jump on my lap and purr like the tabbies I once owned. Maybe it is the Himalayan gene that the Siamese share with rabbits and mice that makes Yoda hop away from me after his needs are met. This could be also because Yoda's gene memory prevents him from getting on with too many people at a time.

In their country of origin, Siam (now called Thailand), the Siamese cats guarded the Buddhist temples and were considered sacred. Their blood lines were vigilantly protected; and the cats were bred as if they were angels sent from heaven. Later on, the Siamese became the cats of royalty, babysitting for the King's children.

Inside the "Cat-Book Poems," a manuscript written in Siam during 1350's, seal-point Siamese looking like Yoda are pictured. Those cats in those old pictures must be the representations of adult Siamese cats, because a Siamese kitten is pure white at birth. Since the Siamese kitten's coat is heat-sensitive, in time, it develops the point color: that is, the points on his tail, paws, and face.

At his advanced age, Yoda's coat still changes color according to heat. When he stays with us, Yoda demands to be let out to the porch. From behind the screen and the glass doors, this cat loves to watch the golf course, the squirrels, the birds, and the golfers goofing up their swings. When Yoda stays in our house, because he goes on the porch so often, his coat lightens up, giving him a younger look.

For an aged cat, Yoda is also very agile. A few days ago, when a squirrel dared climb on the screen mesh to the roof, Yoda suddenly jumped at it, higher than my height.

Yoda's love of high places must have come down from being of royalty. When alone in the house with me, I usually find him perched on a table or on any other high place as if to rule the world, his kinked tail moving ever so slightly and his large ears alert, watching his environs. Although I don't tell on this transgression of his, the cat still avoids me. I guess, Yoda can't help the way he is, since Siamese are famous for emotionally attaching to only one owner.

From the time they are kittens, the Siamese develop their own loud voice and conversational tone. On the occasions when my son is walking out the front door and leaving his cat with me, Yoda stops evading me to complain of his misfortune with his loud voice, as if he is suffering at the hands of a torturer. In those times, he sounds like a baby in pain.

If you want to adopt a Siamese mix, several states have organizations called Siamese Rescue, but if you want to buy a Siamese kitten, you have to go to a breeder. On the average a Siamese kitten will cost for about $500 if pedigreed, or about $250, if he will only be your pet.

Frankly, I don't care if Yoda is not a purebred. To us, he is royalty and he thinks he is royalty. Still, I wish his highness would give me the some of that a purring affection he exhibits when my son is around.








This article has been submitted by Joy Cagil in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pet Forums. Joy Cagil is an author whose education is in linguistics and foreign languages. She is an animal lover.


Thursday, November 4, 2010

The Himalayan Cat - A Hybrid Breed?


When you first lay eyes on a Himalayan cat, it is pretty tough not to fall in love with it. After all, how could you not? The short bodies, sweet attitude, and colorful blue eyes all contribute to making a Himalayan an eye catching breed. Such cats can certainly bring a smile to the eyes of their owners and this is a good thing. One of the odder facets associated with this cat, however, it the confusion surrounding what type of breed it is. Various cat associations even possess different perspectives on the breed.

The American Cat Fancier Association has opted to designate the Himalayan cat as a unique breed all its own. Yet, the members of the International Cat Fancier Association reneged its agreement on this designation sometime in the 1980s. Basically, they reclassified the Himalayan as a variety of the Persian cat. The confusion regarding this breed further expanded when the International Cat Association decided to label the Himalayan as a version of the Siamese cat. Which one of these organizations is correct? Are Himalayans Siamese cats or Persian cats? The truth will depend on your own perspective since all of these cat associations are correct to a degree.

The Himalayan cat was first bred in the 1930s by Dr. Clyde Keller of the Harvard Medical school and a cat breeder by the name of Virginia Cobb. The two decided to breed Persian and Siamese cats together because they wished to develop a new cat breed that had the long hair of a Persian along with the eyes and markings of a Siamese. After several years of tries, they were eventually successful.

The cat that is now known as the Himalayan maintains the short body and legs of the Persian. It also has the many color points of the Siamese as well their blue eyes. The show quality Himalayans also maintains a flat face and a snub nose of the Persian. However, there are a great many Himalayan owners that do prefer the longer nosed doll faces look on their pets.

If there was one fact that all the owners of the breed would agree upon it would be the fact that Himalayans are highly people oriented. They truly do enjoy being with their owners as opposed to being off on their own. Yes, these cats are known for being very playful and even enjoy playing catch. But, they are also known for their love of lap time and being brushed and petted. Actually, brushing these cats is very important because it ensures their long coats remain beautiful.

One thing that separates the Himalayan different from the various other cat breeds is that the Himalayans will not jump all over the house in a hyperactive manner. Himalayan cats have a tendency to be a lot calmer. They enjoy living in households which are equally calm. You could sit down in your home with a Himalayan in residence and be sure that your cat will be jumping on your lap in a relatively quick manner. These are cats that LOVE people and they assume all people will reciprocate the love as well.

Once again, Himalayans make for excellent pets and all owners of these breeds will tell you of such a fact. It does not matter what designation the Cat associations provide for these felines. The Himalayan remains an outstanding breed and a wonderful cat to own.








Dmitrij Motley is a pet lover and an experienced cat owner that would like to share his knowledge about one of the most wonderful breed - the Himalayan Cat. To learn more about this breed of cats, please visit his site HimalayanCat.org


Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Which Of These Cat Breeds Is The Right One For You?


There are many cat breeds out there. If you are like most people, you don't know much about them. In order to help you to make a choice about breeds, here is some useful information.

Do you want a cat that can entertain himself and not get into mischief? Then don't consider the Sphynx, the Rex, the British Angora and the Siamese. These cats are energetic and seem to be looking for trouble. For those who are looking for a cat to provide them with entertainment, these are a good choice. The Rex is a silly cat as it will attempt to amuse you.

There are other important features to consider as well. For example, if you want a long haired or a short haired cat. Those who do not have the time to groom the pet daily should not choose a long haired cat. Those who choose a long hair need to realize the commitment in taking care of that coat. If you do not, it can tangle and matt up and need to be shaven. And, it can pose a health risk too.

Vocal cats are often something that many people either consider or want nothing to do with. They can be quite noisy. Many cat owners do not have a problem with them, others realize that communicating with them is necessary and that in some cases, it isn't the right choice.

Vocal/Noisy Cat Breeds:

Siamese

Burmese

Korat

Quiet Cat Breeds:

American Curl

Scottish Fold

Somali

Attitude is your next determining factor. Some cats enjoy being held and cuddled while others want nothing to do with humans at all. Some cats want the attention while others do not. Choosing which the right one for you is a much is.

Affectionate Breeds are great for children:

Snowshoe

Maine Coon

Ragdoll

Abyssinian

Tonkinese

Himalayan Persian

Reserved Breeds:

Nebelung

Russian Shorthair

Norwegian Forest Cat

Lastly, choose if you would like to go with a kitten or an abandoned older cat. Remember that kittens need to be trained but that adult cats can already be set in their ways. You can find many breeds of kittens to choose from at the local cat show and you can look for them at your local humane society as well. These cats need homes and these organizations are usually full to the brim with them.

I hope that you find this information useful and that it helps you find the perfect cat.








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Monday, November 1, 2010

Domestic Cat Breeds - The Persian, Siamese and Manx Breed


Do you want to own a cat but you don't know which breed makes for the best pet? Or, do you want to own a cat but you have no idea what to do with it? You can find all the information you need by searching online, including what breed will work best with your own personality.

One of the things you need to consider is if you want an outdoor or indoor cat. Outdoor cats are those that are smarter and tougher, something they need so they can survive. If the cat is small, you should keep it inside the house, so it doesn't become food for wild animals or big birds. If you own a tomcat, it's a great breed that survives well in the outdoors.

The Siamese: Siamese cats are a fickle breed, that will ask for your attention and you need to give it to them. They make plenty of noise and if you leave them on their own for long periods of time, they will tear up everything around them. While those are the downsides to owning a Siamese cat, it doesn't mean that they can't be great to own. This is especially true when you raise them from infancy.

In most cases, Siamese cats will have blue eyes and brown ears. You probably saw this breed if you've seen the movie "Lady and the Tramp". But, the cats in the movie were mean, not the usual type of a Siamese cat. In most cases, Siamese cats are an affectionate breed that likes people. When they ask for attention from their master, they will meow a lot, just like babies do when they cry.

The Persian Cat: this breed has been around for a very long time. Their coat is shinny and beautiful, with long hair. The good part about them is that they are friendly and soft, but they also have a chance of getting allergies or other health problems. When there are people around it will enjoy playing, but in most cases it's not a very playful race. They also enjoy beeing around other cats and will play with them. There are a lot of colours that might find their way on a cats fur, like white, brown, black or a mix of different colors. The Himalayan is a popular breed of Persian cats.

The Manx Breed: some of the things people know about this cat is that it lacks the tail or it has a stubby one. That's the downside of this breed of cats. In some cases the manx will have different parasites or worms, because it's not protected by the tail and it's not cleaned properly.

Still, the Manx is a good breed, so you shouldn't avoid it completely. These cats are quite playful and clever and they can even fetch things, just like a dog does when you play with him. They do love human company though, so they need them around. If you leave the house for longer periods of time you should probably have another cat to play with the Manx, because they dislike being alone. If there are children in the house, then it's the perfect environment for them.

What you read above is just three of the types of cat breeds that you can choose from. There are many more cat breeds available to you, and you can choose the one that fits your way of life best. While most cats are intelligent and social, some of them are more of the loner type. In most cases, the cat is the one that decides when she needs attention, not the master.








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