The origin of the Siamese cat is believed to be of Siam, Thailand. It is an ancient domestic breed which has descended from an albino cat which was given as a gift to the king of Siam. It was legendary that the cats would protect the royal castles and temples from evil spirits. It was believed by the Siamese people that when a high ranking person died, the soul of the dead would stay in the cat for a certain time. The first appearance of the Siamese cat was in the West in the mid 1800s.
There are traditional and modern Siamese cats. These cats have a long, slim body with a kinked tail along with a long neck and bright blue eyes which are almond shaped. The original cat has a round head hence it being called the apple head Siamese. However, the modern Siamese cat has a head which is elongated with larger ears and more pronounced features.
The original Siamese besides having a round face is also more muscular than a modern Siamese. The coat is of short hairs and the base coat which is cream colored. The face, ears, tail and legs are dark in color. The body is usually white or fawn with the Siamese markings. When a kitten is cream colored when first born. The Siamese markings develop gradually over the months. These markings are on the ears, tail, paws, muzzle and lower legs.
It is a very demanding and attention seeking breed of cat. The mentality of this breed is very much similar to that of a dog. The Siamese cat is very affectionate, energetic, intelligent, inquisitive and people orientated. It is a breed which is the most vocal and talkative from any other. The Siamese cat constantly talks, and can be very annoying when it is on heat. It is then that the cat will become very loud and sound like a wild lion.
If a Siamese cat feels that it is not getting the attentions, it becomes extremely jealous and throws tantrums. A Siamese cat does not like being ignored, it needs attention constantly. The traditional Siamese cat has a temperament that is more laid back than the modern Siamese cat.
The Siamese cat is a breed that gets bored very quickly. Therefore it is essential that it is provided with toys an area so that it can play and exercise. In order to stay healthy, it will scratch and sharpen its claws. An essential piece of furniture for a Siamese cat is a cat gym or cat tree with a scratching post. Regular grooming is also necessary in order to keep its shorthaired coat in healthy condition
The Siamese cat is a breed that matures early could be as early as 5 months old. They are also very fertile and the average litter size is about six. Ensure your pet is vaccinated if it is allowed to go outdoors. Should you give your cat fruit or greens they have to be boiled first to aid with the digestion. You can take your pet outside for a walk by using a harness and leash to stop it running away.
The Siamese cat still remains to be one of the most popular shorthaired cats in the world. It is a cat which is only really suitable for those people that can give it lots of love and attention. It is not a pet for such people that do not like a great deal of noise, as this breed does tend to be noisy on a constant basis. The Siamese cat can however, be your best friend and a loyal companion due to its affection. Minimal maintenance is needed for this breed due to it being shorthaired. It is important to remember however, that the traditional Siamese cat does make a better pet for the entire family, as it has a much quieter personality than that of the modern Siamese.
About the Author: Paulina Jenkins likes to share her passion for kitty cats with all cat lovers. An all time favorite is Siamese Cat. You will find useful information on Siamese Cat at this website
by Paulina Jenkins
Cats Live Longer With Proper Diet And Exercise
Breed, environment and genetics are the three most important factors to influence the aging process and lifespan of your favorite cat. While a cat's expected lifespan will vary depending on the impact of each of these factors, a well-cared for house cat should reach at least the age of fifteen. It's not all that uncommon, however, for a cat to live even longer and there are records of cats living to the distinguished, gray-haired age of thirty!
Just like humans, cats live the longest on a good nutritious diet. As cats grow older, their nutritional needs change and it's important to feed them an appropriately balanced diet. Despite the recent scare about contaminated cat food made with ingredients imported from China, most national cat food brands are now considered safe. These are available in different formulas matched to particular stages in a cat's life and are usually well liked by cats. If you're concerned about food safety, you can always make you own cat food at home. Whether your choose a national brand or make your own food, it's important not to overfeed your cat so it can maintain a healthy weight.
Cats are like humans in another way, too. Both respond well to an active life with regular exercise. Allowing your pet to go outside everyday is a great way to keep your cat healthy and fit. A scratching post and a judicious selection of toys can also keep your cat active indoors. Set aside some time everyday to play with your cat. Not only will you and your cat become better friends, the exercise will also contribute to a long, healthy life for your cat and even improve your own quality of life!
Another way to help a cat live longer originally came as a surprise to me. Just before signing off, Bob Barker, the former host of the Price is Right, the popular TV game show, used to remind his audience to spay or neuter their cats. Although Barker's motivation was probably to reduce the number of stray cats and dogs roaming the streets of L.A., it turns out that spaying or neutering your cat can actually boost its life expectancy. Although the statistics on this don't lie, it's not exactly clear why the idea works. Some think a fixed cat will stay closer to home, reducing its exposure to disease and other dangers.
As cats grow older, so does their susceptibility to disease. There are many things you can do to help prevent disease in your cat. Cats love to be groomed and regular brushing will promote the health of your cat's fur and help prevent skin diseases. Brushing your cat's teeth on a regular basis can also ward off any number of common oral health problems, ranging from bad breath and gingivitis to more serious issues like resorption lesions. Watch your cat for any changes in eating or sleeping habits, including an abnormal occurrence of hairballs, as these may be symptoms of more serious conditions that require the care of a veterinarian.
Finally, finding and establishing a good relationship with a qualified vet in your area is a must should your cat ever requires the care of a veterinarian. Periodic visits to the vet, even when there's no emergency, can add many years to the life of your favorite feline. So, make the effort to find a vet in your area. Friends or relatives can sometimes make a recommendation, but if you're new to the neighborhood or don't know another cat owner you can ask, check your online yellow pages for a list of qualified vets in your neighborhood.
Matt Paolini is a cat lover and Managing Editor of CityBook, the Internet's leading family-safe yellow pages directory. Locate a veterinarian in your neighborhood using CityBook's online yellow pages.
by Matthew Paolini
Just like humans, cats live the longest on a good nutritious diet. As cats grow older, their nutritional needs change and it's important to feed them an appropriately balanced diet. Despite the recent scare about contaminated cat food made with ingredients imported from China, most national cat food brands are now considered safe. These are available in different formulas matched to particular stages in a cat's life and are usually well liked by cats. If you're concerned about food safety, you can always make you own cat food at home. Whether your choose a national brand or make your own food, it's important not to overfeed your cat so it can maintain a healthy weight.
Cats are like humans in another way, too. Both respond well to an active life with regular exercise. Allowing your pet to go outside everyday is a great way to keep your cat healthy and fit. A scratching post and a judicious selection of toys can also keep your cat active indoors. Set aside some time everyday to play with your cat. Not only will you and your cat become better friends, the exercise will also contribute to a long, healthy life for your cat and even improve your own quality of life!
Another way to help a cat live longer originally came as a surprise to me. Just before signing off, Bob Barker, the former host of the Price is Right, the popular TV game show, used to remind his audience to spay or neuter their cats. Although Barker's motivation was probably to reduce the number of stray cats and dogs roaming the streets of L.A., it turns out that spaying or neutering your cat can actually boost its life expectancy. Although the statistics on this don't lie, it's not exactly clear why the idea works. Some think a fixed cat will stay closer to home, reducing its exposure to disease and other dangers.
As cats grow older, so does their susceptibility to disease. There are many things you can do to help prevent disease in your cat. Cats love to be groomed and regular brushing will promote the health of your cat's fur and help prevent skin diseases. Brushing your cat's teeth on a regular basis can also ward off any number of common oral health problems, ranging from bad breath and gingivitis to more serious issues like resorption lesions. Watch your cat for any changes in eating or sleeping habits, including an abnormal occurrence of hairballs, as these may be symptoms of more serious conditions that require the care of a veterinarian.
Finally, finding and establishing a good relationship with a qualified vet in your area is a must should your cat ever requires the care of a veterinarian. Periodic visits to the vet, even when there's no emergency, can add many years to the life of your favorite feline. So, make the effort to find a vet in your area. Friends or relatives can sometimes make a recommendation, but if you're new to the neighborhood or don't know another cat owner you can ask, check your online yellow pages for a list of qualified vets in your neighborhood.
Matt Paolini is a cat lover and Managing Editor of CityBook, the Internet's leading family-safe yellow pages directory. Locate a veterinarian in your neighborhood using CityBook's online yellow pages.
by Matthew Paolini
Geoffrey's Cat
The most common wild cat of South America, Geoffrey's cat, alongside puma, is one of the most southerly of all cats. Discovered by the nineteenth century French naturalist Geoffrey St Hilaire, it is nearly the size of a domestic cat with length nearing two feet (excluding a one foot tail) and weight around 5-10 lbs. Oncifelis Geoffroyi, it is seen in countries of Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina and Paraguay.
Color and size vary through its range. The northern cats are smaller and have a reddish/yellow base color whereas the cats in south of their range are larger with a grayish fur. Coat is marked by small dark spots that coalesce in upper body, neck and face to form stripes. Undersides and chin are lighter and tail has black bands. Eyes are set low with ears being black at the back with a central white spot.
A solitary, primarily nocturnal cat, the Geoffrey's cat is a versatile hunter and preys on a variety of animals including birds, small mammals, insects and fish. They are good swimmers and agile climbers and are often seen residing in trees, preferring a habitat of underbrush as seen in tropical rain forests.
Attempts at breeding the Geoffrey's cat with domestic felines have been largely unsuccessful. In the wild, gestation lasts nearly two and a half months after which two to three kittens are born that mature at a prodigious rate, being able to stand at four days of age and climb trees at few weeks. Females are the sole parents and take extra care in choosing the birthplace. Totally mobile at six weeks, kittens gain independence at eight months. Owing to the abundance of prey, rapid maturation of kittens and small individual ranges of Geoffrey's cat in the wild, it is believed to be one of the most populous of all wild cats in southern hemisphere - however it is also the most hunted - with nearly 150,000 pelts traded annually. Though not endangered at the moment it may soon be!
The author is a blogger about cats and an expert on Geoffrey's Cat.
by Ailurophile
Color and size vary through its range. The northern cats are smaller and have a reddish/yellow base color whereas the cats in south of their range are larger with a grayish fur. Coat is marked by small dark spots that coalesce in upper body, neck and face to form stripes. Undersides and chin are lighter and tail has black bands. Eyes are set low with ears being black at the back with a central white spot.
A solitary, primarily nocturnal cat, the Geoffrey's cat is a versatile hunter and preys on a variety of animals including birds, small mammals, insects and fish. They are good swimmers and agile climbers and are often seen residing in trees, preferring a habitat of underbrush as seen in tropical rain forests.
Attempts at breeding the Geoffrey's cat with domestic felines have been largely unsuccessful. In the wild, gestation lasts nearly two and a half months after which two to three kittens are born that mature at a prodigious rate, being able to stand at four days of age and climb trees at few weeks. Females are the sole parents and take extra care in choosing the birthplace. Totally mobile at six weeks, kittens gain independence at eight months. Owing to the abundance of prey, rapid maturation of kittens and small individual ranges of Geoffrey's cat in the wild, it is believed to be one of the most populous of all wild cats in southern hemisphere - however it is also the most hunted - with nearly 150,000 pelts traded annually. Though not endangered at the moment it may soon be!
The author is a blogger about cats and an expert on Geoffrey's Cat.
by Ailurophile
Why A Heated Cat Bed For Your Cat?
To keep your cat warm whilst protecting it from the cold during the winter season a heated cat bed is very essential. It also helps to prevent your cat from become sick due to cold weather. As for the cats that love to spend time outdoors in places such as the garages, porches and even family barns heated cat beds are a must.
For older cats especially those with arthritis the heated cat bed can provide thermal and therapeutic benefits. It is also very beneficial for pets that constantly sleeping on hard and cold floors. Inside the heated cat bed there is a removable heater unit. You can used the bed indoors throughout the year. The ideal body temperature for cats is 102 degrees and the bed has two thermostats to ensure the bed temperature stays at that level. The heated cat bed has a thick and very soft, orthopedic mattress giving warmth, comfort and excellent therapeutic benefits to your pet.
The heated cat bed is available in a range of designs, colors, sizes and fabrics. The larger beds can hold one large cat or several small ones cuddling together. Every design of the heated cat bed offers different features and functionalities. One example is the "donut" style heated cat bed. It is designed for the cat that likes to spread itself across the whole bed with the head resting on a pillow.
The heated cat bed frame is usually made from wood and easy to clean plastic. The bed is durable and has a steel-wrapped electrical cord. Very often the heated cat bed is also reinforced with a special metal frame to keep it sturdy. Your cat can then relax in comfort and style. Some beds will swing and sway your cat like a baby to sleep. The cushion or mattress covers are often made from double-sided faux fur or machine-washable ultra-suede. They are normally filled with polyester fiber to give long-lasting comfort and loft. The most common material used for the inside of a heated cat bed is warm fleece fabric.
By providing your cat with a heated cat bed you can help to keep your cat healthy, content and happy. A comfortable bed is essential for a cat as it spends a great deal of time sleeping. Your cat will have a more relaxed sleep when in a comfortable and fitted size bed. By providing your cat with an elevated heated cat bed, it will have comfort, support and protection from the cold floor while sleeping.
Due to its therapeutic benefits, many people prefer to use the thermal heated cat bed, which no other cat bed provides. There are then those pet lovers that prefer to choose the pet bed pad heater method. These particular heated bed pads are electrically heated which provide gentle warmth, making your cats bed snug and comfortable. For cat owners that are on a limited budget, there are available certain beds whereby the pads can be heated in the microwave or heated sleeping mats. The great factors when choosing a heated cat bed are the different ranges of quality and affordability that are available.
About the Author: Paulina Jenkins has a website on kitty cats with information on different accessories and furniture such as heated cat bed Do you know why your cat needs a heated cat bed?
by Paulina Jenkins
For older cats especially those with arthritis the heated cat bed can provide thermal and therapeutic benefits. It is also very beneficial for pets that constantly sleeping on hard and cold floors. Inside the heated cat bed there is a removable heater unit. You can used the bed indoors throughout the year. The ideal body temperature for cats is 102 degrees and the bed has two thermostats to ensure the bed temperature stays at that level. The heated cat bed has a thick and very soft, orthopedic mattress giving warmth, comfort and excellent therapeutic benefits to your pet.
The heated cat bed is available in a range of designs, colors, sizes and fabrics. The larger beds can hold one large cat or several small ones cuddling together. Every design of the heated cat bed offers different features and functionalities. One example is the "donut" style heated cat bed. It is designed for the cat that likes to spread itself across the whole bed with the head resting on a pillow.
The heated cat bed frame is usually made from wood and easy to clean plastic. The bed is durable and has a steel-wrapped electrical cord. Very often the heated cat bed is also reinforced with a special metal frame to keep it sturdy. Your cat can then relax in comfort and style. Some beds will swing and sway your cat like a baby to sleep. The cushion or mattress covers are often made from double-sided faux fur or machine-washable ultra-suede. They are normally filled with polyester fiber to give long-lasting comfort and loft. The most common material used for the inside of a heated cat bed is warm fleece fabric.
By providing your cat with a heated cat bed you can help to keep your cat healthy, content and happy. A comfortable bed is essential for a cat as it spends a great deal of time sleeping. Your cat will have a more relaxed sleep when in a comfortable and fitted size bed. By providing your cat with an elevated heated cat bed, it will have comfort, support and protection from the cold floor while sleeping.
Due to its therapeutic benefits, many people prefer to use the thermal heated cat bed, which no other cat bed provides. There are then those pet lovers that prefer to choose the pet bed pad heater method. These particular heated bed pads are electrically heated which provide gentle warmth, making your cats bed snug and comfortable. For cat owners that are on a limited budget, there are available certain beds whereby the pads can be heated in the microwave or heated sleeping mats. The great factors when choosing a heated cat bed are the different ranges of quality and affordability that are available.
About the Author: Paulina Jenkins has a website on kitty cats with information on different accessories and furniture such as heated cat bed Do you know why your cat needs a heated cat bed?
by Paulina Jenkins