Maine Coon Cats

Submitted by Robin
Whatever pet you choose, keep in mind the impact a pet has on every member of your family. If you are planning to add a cat to your family, you should consider a Maine Coon Cat (often incorrectly spelt Mancoon cat). They are one of the oldest breeds of cats in the United States and make a great addition to any family.
We love our pets don’t we? Choosing the right family pet is a serious project. The pet you choose will be part of the family for years to come and will likely always be remembered. For children, a pet is an important part of their life. They learn a lot from pet ownership, including responsibility, caring for others, relationship skills, and more.
Whatever pet you choose, keep in mind the impact a pet has on every member of your family. If you are planning to add a cat to your family, you should consider a Maine Coon Cat (often incorrectly spelt Mancoon cat). They are one of the oldest breeds of cats in the United States and make a great addition to any family.
Next to the Siamese cat, the Maine Coon Cat is the most popular breed of cat there is. These cats were the only cat breed native to the United States, but now there are Maine Coon Cat in every corner of the world. Harsh winters in the Northeastern part of the US caused this cat to evolve as a breed that can withstand the cold.
There is a myth about the origins of the Maine Coon Cat. It’s bushy tail has led people to believe that it was originally the result of a cat mated with a raccoon. The Maine Coon Cat’s coloring also adds to the myth. That’s how it got the name Maine Coon first, then Maine Coon Cat afterwards.
Amateur historians have their own myth about the Maine Coon Cat. They say the cat originated from pets that Marie Antoinette sent to the US. That story says a Captain Clough rescued her long-haired cats and was preparing to rescue her from the guillotine as well, but was only able to save the cats.
Real historians have their own theory. They say Maine Coon Cats are likely a cross breed between short-haired cats here and long-haired cats from overseas that were brought here by the Vikings or New England seamen.
Whatever the origin of the Maine Coon Cat, it is one of the most loved breeds in the US and beyond. Why else would there be so many legends behind this breed? People love their Maine Coon Cats and help add to their mystique through speculating on their origins.
The breed almost disappeared in the early 1900’s after being very popular in the 1800’s. In the first part of the 20th century Persian, Angora, and Siamese Cats, along with other exotic imported cats became all the rage and the Maine Coon Cat was only popular among a few breeders.
You will recognize a Maine Coon Cat when you see one, but especially if you get the chance to pet one. Their coat of hair is water-resistant and thick and has a feel like no other cat’s coat. The Maine Coon Cat is built for survival in harsh climates. It’s hair is longer on the undersides while shorter on the top of the neck and back to keep them from getting tangled in bushes.
Maine Coon Cats tend to be long, broad and muscular with larger bones than other cats. Their large round paws enable them to walk on snow similar to a human with snowshoes. The Maine Coon Cat’s tail is as long as his or her body and bushy. To keep warm they wrap their tail completely around themselves like a fur coat.
These huge cats are very loyal to the family that adopts them and they have a personality that belies their great size. They are good-natured and fun-loving pets that are good around children. The voice of the Maine Coon Cat is something you will have to get used to. It’s a high-pitched squeak that doesn’t seem to fit such a large cat.
I hope this article has helped you to learn more about Maine Coon Cats and that it will encourage you to adopt one as part of your family.
Article Source: http://www.article-outlet.com/About the Author Robin Darch, of PRT Specialised Services Limited has a website, My Pet Cat to help you find all the information you need about pet cats,grooming and training.

American Bobtail Cats

Submitted by Robin
The American Bobtail Cat is the only breed of cat I know of that has a really cool story as to its origins. Well, maybe. Actually the origin of the American Bobtail Cat seems to be in dispute. Depending on who you ask, it may or may not even be American at all.
The American Bobtail Cat is the only breed of cat I know of that has a really cool story as to its origins. Well, maybe. Actually the origin of the American Bobtail Cat seems to be in dispute. Depending on who you ask, it may or may not even be American at all.
According to some sources, there was a feral brown tabby kitten found on an Arizona Indian Reservation with a bobbed tail in the 1960’s. The cat got the name Yodie. Even though this was not by any means the first bobbed tail cat, many had been around and seen by the early settlers and Indians as well. But when Yodie was bred to a Siamese Cat, the standard for the American Bobtail Cat was born.
Other experts say that the American Bobtail Cat was brought here to the US from Europe as they came here to settle in the New World, making the American Bobtail Cat not so American.
Wikipedia.com says, “According to legend, bobtails are the result of a crossbreeding between a domestic tabby cat and a bobcat. Although this IS genetically possible, the unusual tail is actually the result of a random genetic mutation. The breed was recognized by the International Cat Association in 1989.”
According to Wikipedia, the American Bobtail Cat is not related to the Japanese Bobtail Cat in any way. They came from different genetic lines even though both have similar builds and colorings.
The appearance of the American Bobtail Cat, the wild look, the fuzz on the cheeks and tips of the ears, and it’s feral roots, lead some to believe that it could be related to the Bobcat or the Lynx. DNA tests have not been able to reach a conclusion that links the American Bobtail Cat to either of the two wild cat breeds.
Further confusion is due to the inability to narrow down the genes that cause the tail to be short in the first place. American Bobtail Cats have tails of varying lengths and shapes, so the standard is currently loosely defined as breeders try to isolate a way to breed toward a standard tail length and shape.
The variations include “Rumpies”, “Risers”, and “Half-Length Tails. Rumpies are American Bobtail Cats with no tail, while Risers are short stubby tails.
American Bobtail Cats are very loving and expect to be petted and loved in return. But watching your American Bobtail Cat go after prey or even imaginary prey, you would have a hard time associating it with the cat that was just purring in your lap minutes before.
They tend to be very muscular, have large feet, and have hindquarters that are higher than their shoulders, giving them the predator look. They can naturally survive in rough conditions and fend for themselves in the wild, yet are perfectly willing to let you care for and feed them.
If you want a cat that will be playful and loyal, yet tough and independent, a American Bobtail Cat might be the one for you.
Article Source: http://www.article-outlet.com/About the Author Robin Darch, of PRT Specialised Services Limited has a website, My Pet Cat to help you find all the information you need about pet cats,grooming and training.

Getting Close to Your Cat

Submitted by John
We are so often warned against spoiling our children, or our dog, but we can, however, safely spoil our cat.
We often think of cats as being very independent animals. It seems as if they merely put up with their human owners. They seem to have their own interests, plans and preferences—none of which are really tied to the desires of their owners.
“You own a dog,” they say, “but a cat owns you.” Sometimes it can seem that way. Calling a cat to come to your side is often a hit or miss proposition. The cat will seemingly come to you when he or she feels like it, instead of when you would like it to do so. The positive reinforcement techniques that work so well in dog training are often eyed with a menacing glare by a cat who will walk away from an attempt at training whenever the mood hits him or her.
Despite the standoffishness of cats, we continue to keep them as pets. Cats were among history’s first domesticated animals and have been an incomparably popular pet since nearly the beginning of recorded history.
What is it about cats that attract human interest? Is it their vulnerability? For all of their independence, domesticated cats could never make it in the wild—they need us whether they want to act that way or not.
Is it their independence? Perhaps we have a respect for their apparent self-determination and willingness to do their own thing regardless of what others want. Cats could be seen as an illustration of freedom.
Regardless of the reasons, cats and humans are forever linked. There is just something unique and special about the human/cat relationship. Even though the bond may defy easy description, it is apparent in the eyes of cat owners and felines alike.
It is worth mentioning that this bond between man and animal can be strengthened and made deeper via the adoption of some very simple strategies on the part of the pet owner. You see, despite their apparent disregard, cats do appreciate human companionship and can be very receptive to being treated in a certain way.
We are so often warned against spoiling. We shouldn’t spoil our children. We shouldn’t spoil our dog. We can, however, safely spoil our cat. Cat pampering is one of the best ways to improve a cat/owner relationship.
Cats thrive on human attention and caring. They tend to mirror that behavior. Those cats who are treated well generally tend to give more positive attention and comfort to their owners. Thus, even though it would still be rewarding without a personal payoff, cat pampering does offer some real advantage to the cat owner, as well as the pet.
Cat owners must take the time and expend the energy to do a few “extra” things for their pets. This might involve making homemade treats, proving a kitty with a massage, or simply giving the cat a warm towel fresh from the dryer in which to play. Efforts can run the gamut from spending some extra time with the cat to buying expensive cat playground equipment in the form of “kitty condos.”
No matter what one does, it can have a positive impact. So long as the cat is receiving caring attention, a relationship is bound to grow. However, by seeking out and finding quality sources of information that provide helpful suggestions and hints on the subject of pampering one’s cat, that relationship is likely to grow even faster and stronger.
Any cat owner interested in improving the overall quality of his or her relationship with her cat should consider searching out a multitude of ways by which they might be able to pamper a cat. Not all cats are amenable to all approaches, so it is important to find a series of options with which one can experiment in order to see optimal results.
Although all cats may not respond in the same way to particular pampering plans, every cat can be reached by some technique. It may take some time and effort to learn what really makes your cat tick, but the rewards certainly justify the efforts.
Article Source: http://www.article-outlet.com/About the Author John Savage is quite simply a cat lover, no more and no less. If you want to give your cat the best possible life, whilst having piles of fun in the process I recommend you take a look at this website -

Why You Should Be Concerned with Your Cat Health Care

Submitted by Gail
Unfortunately, studies have shown that our cats health has been seriously ignored.
The more fully you educate yourself about the ins and outs of cat care, the more able you will be to create an ideal care regimen for your pet. The better your cat care, the longer your cat will live, and the higher the quality of life it will have. In case that isn’t reason enough for you to invest a bit of time and energy in learning to offer your feline pet the best possible cat care, here is a quick breakdown of a few of the many benefits to outstanding cat care.
Great cat care means that when your cat needs medical treatment, you will recognize the signs early, possibly even long before invasive or costly procedures or drugs are necessary. Conscientious cat care will help you notice any health problems as soon as they manifest in even minor symptoms. This can help you catch issues early, when they are at their most easily treatable. By providing great cat care, you are helping to stop diseases and other health problems in their tracks by getting your cat the medical attention he or she needs as early as possible.
Regular, excellent cat care means that you will be able to be more efficient and save time in your cat care regimen. If you take a bit of time each day to complete a few simple cat care tasks, you will be sure that nothing builds up until it gets out of hand. In fact, you can spend less time overall by making efficient cat care a part of every day. Habitual and thorough cat care can actually be less work than taking care of a cat who you have ignored even a little bit. After all, grooming a slightly scruffy cat once every week is easier overall than grooming an utterly filthy cat once a month.
When you fully understand the different aspects of cat care, you can be sure that you aren’t neglecting any part of the cat care equation. Cat care is a multifaceted process that includes everything from stern training to playful snuggling, and an inexperienced or uneducated cat owner may not be aware of all of these different sides to having a cat. When a cat doesn’t have all of its needs fulfilled, it can develop behavior or health problems that could have been avoided through simple, responsible care on the part of the owner.
Last but not least, one great reason to improve your cat care is simply that there is no good reason not to. Learning how to care for your cat more fully and completely is easy, so you might as well give it a try. Even if you think that you already know everything under the sun about cat care, it never hurts to double check. Take some time to skim a book or a few websites on the subject, and you just may discover your own reasons to improve the way you care for your pet.
Article Source: http://www.article-outlet.com/About the Author Gail Metcalf writes about cat issues on her blog. Visit The Best Cat Care