Getting to Know Cats

Cats are one of the most independent, graceful, and beautiful animals. They are also one of the most popular pets. While cats do not usually display the same kind of the affection and loyalty shown by dogs, cats are easier to raise, train and care for.Cats are natural hunters and belong to the same family as the tiger and the lion, the king of the jungle. Keeping a house cat is a tradition that can be traced to as far back as ancient Egypt. The Egyptians prized cats for their beauty and character.Besides their values as companions, cats have contributed a great service to civilization. Cats are natural hunters for mice and rats. Throughout history, they have helped to rid homes, towns and cities of these unwanted rodents. This was and still is important because wild rodents carry diseases and harm food supplies.Part of a cat’s hunting skill depends on its ability to move about at night. One theory says that this ability is aided by cat’s whiskers, which are really delicate sense organs. The whiskers of a cat are extremely sensitive to touch. Each time they touch an object, the cat blinks. This may mean that they are an early warning system that helps protect the cat’s eyes.But whiskers are only part of the story. A cat’s nighttime vision is far superior to our own. A cat can easily pick up the movements of a busy mouse scurrying under the cover of darkness.In Folklore, cats have been a source of mystery and superstition. In many parts of Great Britain, a black cat crossing one’s path was a sign of good luck. In North and South America, however, a black cat was a sign of bad luck. Black cats also remind us of witches, especially on Halloween. And for centuries, many people have watched the behavior of cats in order to predict what the weather will be. For instance, some say that rain on the way when cat washes its face.All of these superstitions may be result of the way cats act. Cats often look as though they know something that the rest of us do not. If you stare into cat’s eyes, you will get a sense of distance. You may see why people consider them mysterious creatures.Dogs are often called “man’s best friend”, in part because they almost always respond enthusiastically to any attention their owners might give them. Cats, on the other hand, often resist your efforts to pet them or show them affection. Yet at other times they will come to you on their own and rub their ears against your ankles.Cats will frequently come when you call them, but you cannot expect them to sit or stay on command the ways dogs do. They will, however, learn the sounds associated with feeding. The banging of a certain cabinet or the sound of their dish being lightly rapped on the floor will bring cats running to you. With patience, you can teach a cat perform some tricks. You can teach your cat to sit if you use a treat as a bribe.Most cats are exceptional at keeping themselves clean and well-groomed. They clean themselves after meals. Their self-grooming is important, because most of them dislike water and baths. Cats are rarely shy about expressing their moods. If something annoys cat, like someone scratching its back when it absolutely wants to be left alone, it will take a quick swipe at the offending hand with its paw.Many people become attached and devoted to their cats. A good cat owner will respect his or her cat’s moods and daily routines. Cat lovers often have two or more pet cats. The average life span of a cat is twelve years but with recent improvements in veterinary some cats are living much longer.If you want to become a cat owner too, you first must decide what kind cat you want.