By Bradley Mashburn
We understand the world around us through our five senses and so do our cats. Using sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch, we observe, learn, navigate, and experience. Your cat's senses evolved from those of the wild cat, a long line of hunters and predators, and are designed for the purpose of stalking, hunting and killing.
Almost all of your cat's five senses have heightened ability when compared to humans. So, how do we stack up, sense wise, to our feline companions? A cat's vision is superior at night to ours but inferior in daylight. Cats have a slightly larger field of view than humans. We have a similar range of hearing at low frequencies, but cats can hear much higher-pitched sounds. A cat's sense of smell is about fourteen times better ours. Cat’s tastes are specialized, as a carnivore, preferring meat and fat. They are lacking a gene that allows them to taste, or enjoy sweet - which might help with dieting ;-).
Sight
Cats have excellent night vision. They can distinguish objects well even in a badly lit environment, though they cannot see in total darkness. The cat's retina has two types of cells: one to perceive vertical objects and one to perceive horizontal ones. Cat’s vision is especially well tuned to detecting motion; they can see movements that are too fast for our eyes, yet find it hard to focus on very slow movement. This capability in addition to the night vision makes him a successful noctural hunter. A unique feature a domestic cat’s eyes are the slit shaped pupils. He can see in the dimmest of lights because his pupils can open about three times as wide as the human pupil. Cats also have an inner eyelid that helps clean and protect the eye. This third eyelid is called the palpebra terria. It is a fold of tissue covered by a specialized mucous membrane. We don't know for sure what kind of colors cats can see, but scientific tests indicate that cats can recognize at least some of the colors that we do.
Sound
Cats have sharp ears, adapted especially for the high sounds. The ears are fairly large relatively to their head and have the ability to move sideways so that sound can be captured more accurately. Cats' ears are uniquely designed to draw sound into the ear canal, which enables them to hear sounds like a mouse rustling in the brush 30 feet away. Cats can rotate their ears up to 180 degrees. They also can detect the tiniest variances in sound, distinguishing differences of as little as one-tenth of a tone. This discrimination capability helps them identify the type and size of the prey emitting the noise or quickly find a mewing kitten.
Smell
Cats rely heavily on their sense of smell. A cat will always sniff its food before eating and scent marks are an essential part of feline communication. A cat’s sense of smell is far better than a human’s, but not quite as good as a dog’s. A cat uses scent to find food, mates, enemies, and to seek out his own territory. Cats also have a unique mechanism at the top of their mouth, which enables them to make a special analysis of air molecules. A pair of organs, called Jacobson's organs, allow the cat to analyze air that is inhaled through the mouth rather than the nose. There are several hypotheses about how the cat uses his Jacobson’s organs including: finding food, helping predict unusual occurrences, e.g., earthquake, and perceiving sexual odors or pheromones.
What makes Quality Cat Resources different? Knowledgeable and original writing on cat health, behavior and grooming tips, hairball remedies, cat nutrition, litter options, cat humor, wonderful cat toys and so much more.
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How to keep your cat purring into advanced old age
By Mike Ray
Cats can live longer than many people think... 18 to 20 years is common.
Here's how to keep your cat purring into advanced old age.
Steps:
1. Take your cat to the veterinarian at least once a year for a complete physical exam, and follow your veterinarian's advice regarding preventive health-care measures. Preventing disease and maintaining optimum health are the first steps toward a long, healthy life.
2. Spay or neuter your cat as soon as possible. Having kittens, especially repeated litters, is stressful and will contribute to premature aging.
3. Keep your cat inside at all times to reduce the risk of accidents, injuries from fights or disease. (Some research suggests inside cats live twice as long as outdoor cats!)
4. Feed your cat high-quality food designed to meet the specific nutritional requirements during all stages of his life.
5. Prevent obesity at all costs by controlling your cat's diet and engaging him in play activities.
6. Talk to your veterinarian about adding vitamin and mineral supplements, antioxidants and extra fiber to your cat's diet.
7. Have your cat's teeth cleaned professionally. Good dental health will add years to his life.
8. Groom your cat daily, checking for abnormalities, and seek medical help promptly when you discover anything suspicious
9. Make sure no harmful chemicals such as pesticides or household cleaners find their way onto your cat's fur, since cats groom themselves with their tongues constantly. Even small amounts of harmful chemicals on their bodies can have adverse effects if consumed over many years.
10. Protect your cat from environmental dangers such as household cleaners and secondhand smoke.
11. Help your cat avoid the stress of harassment from other animals by providing a quiet place for undisturbed catnaps.
12. Provide your older cat with a heat source such as a heating pad set on low, since cats more than 12 years old require extra heat. You'll notice a difference in his attitude and activity level.
13. Give your cat daily full-body massages and lots of love. Despite their aloof demeanor, cats thrive on affection.
14. Protect your cat from dangerous plants such as cactus and poinsettia.
Find a veterinarian with a special interest in aging who keeps abreast of advancements in this rapidly developing area of pet care.
Be sure to call your veterinarian before giving your cat any product not specifically approved for cats. Some products, such as acetaminophen, commonly consumed safely by people or dogs, are poisonous to cats.
Here's a quick way to treat your cat...Instead of a heating pad, fold up your down comforter on the end of the bed. Your aging cat will sink into its own warm cocoon for all its naps.
Remeber cats are like people... when they feel loved and happy their health is affected. So be sure to give your cat as much attention as you can.
Find out much more about everything cat related with our free newsletter at http://UltimateCatSecrets.com We cover health issues, behavior and training, cat selection and even non verbal cat communication, cat massage and more. Sign up for free now at http://UltimateCatSecrets.com
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
Cats can live longer than many people think... 18 to 20 years is common.
Here's how to keep your cat purring into advanced old age.
Steps:
1. Take your cat to the veterinarian at least once a year for a complete physical exam, and follow your veterinarian's advice regarding preventive health-care measures. Preventing disease and maintaining optimum health are the first steps toward a long, healthy life.
2. Spay or neuter your cat as soon as possible. Having kittens, especially repeated litters, is stressful and will contribute to premature aging.
3. Keep your cat inside at all times to reduce the risk of accidents, injuries from fights or disease. (Some research suggests inside cats live twice as long as outdoor cats!)
4. Feed your cat high-quality food designed to meet the specific nutritional requirements during all stages of his life.
5. Prevent obesity at all costs by controlling your cat's diet and engaging him in play activities.
6. Talk to your veterinarian about adding vitamin and mineral supplements, antioxidants and extra fiber to your cat's diet.
7. Have your cat's teeth cleaned professionally. Good dental health will add years to his life.
8. Groom your cat daily, checking for abnormalities, and seek medical help promptly when you discover anything suspicious
9. Make sure no harmful chemicals such as pesticides or household cleaners find their way onto your cat's fur, since cats groom themselves with their tongues constantly. Even small amounts of harmful chemicals on their bodies can have adverse effects if consumed over many years.
10. Protect your cat from environmental dangers such as household cleaners and secondhand smoke.
11. Help your cat avoid the stress of harassment from other animals by providing a quiet place for undisturbed catnaps.
12. Provide your older cat with a heat source such as a heating pad set on low, since cats more than 12 years old require extra heat. You'll notice a difference in his attitude and activity level.
13. Give your cat daily full-body massages and lots of love. Despite their aloof demeanor, cats thrive on affection.
14. Protect your cat from dangerous plants such as cactus and poinsettia.
Find a veterinarian with a special interest in aging who keeps abreast of advancements in this rapidly developing area of pet care.
Be sure to call your veterinarian before giving your cat any product not specifically approved for cats. Some products, such as acetaminophen, commonly consumed safely by people or dogs, are poisonous to cats.
Here's a quick way to treat your cat...Instead of a heating pad, fold up your down comforter on the end of the bed. Your aging cat will sink into its own warm cocoon for all its naps.
Remeber cats are like people... when they feel loved and happy their health is affected. So be sure to give your cat as much attention as you can.
Find out much more about everything cat related with our free newsletter at http://UltimateCatSecrets.com We cover health issues, behavior and training, cat selection and even non verbal cat communication, cat massage and more. Sign up for free now at http://UltimateCatSecrets.com
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
Cat Spraying: A Medical Or Behavioral Problem?
By Paul Proctor
In the last few years, cat spraying has become more recognized as a treatable problem. Many cats spray for a variety of physical and behavioral reasons, so take your cat to the veterinarian to determine which is the problem in your cat's case. While cat spraying is a simple behavior, it can lead to serious problems in cat owners' homes unless it is stopped.
Neutering cats is the most common way to ensure that they will not breed and produce unwanted baby kittens. In addition, neutered cats will not spray around the house and foul the owner's furniture. However, this is not an option for all cat owners.
There are people who do not believe in the neutering of their cats. Some of them feel that it is not the owners right to subject their pet to this surgery while others feel that it is the cats right to reproduce while others are actually planning on breeding additional kittens. Other options are available to those individuals who do not want to neuter their cute little kittens.
In some instances, owners do not wish to neuter their male cats because of certain concerns or other issues. For example, some people may want to use their pets in a breeding program when the kittens reach reproductive maturity and therefore do not intend to neuter any of the kittens.
Behavioral modifications must be considered when neutering is not an option because the pet owner is considering breeding of their male cat with a female cat.
Cat spraying can be an enormous problem in your household. Cat spraying results in an offensive smell and difficult to remove stains, making your home very unpleasant. The damage to your furnishings and other belongings can be expensive to remedy. If you are unable to neuter your cat as a solution to its spraying problem, you can take advantage of other solutions to prevent this behavior from continuing.
Cat Spraying can be a real unpleasant and destructive problem for a cat owner. It may well top the list of cat problems. Both the stains and strong odor are very difficult to remove. Neutering is the most common solution. Neutering usually solves the problem. Neutering may not be an option.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
In the last few years, cat spraying has become more recognized as a treatable problem. Many cats spray for a variety of physical and behavioral reasons, so take your cat to the veterinarian to determine which is the problem in your cat's case. While cat spraying is a simple behavior, it can lead to serious problems in cat owners' homes unless it is stopped.
Neutering cats is the most common way to ensure that they will not breed and produce unwanted baby kittens. In addition, neutered cats will not spray around the house and foul the owner's furniture. However, this is not an option for all cat owners.
There are people who do not believe in the neutering of their cats. Some of them feel that it is not the owners right to subject their pet to this surgery while others feel that it is the cats right to reproduce while others are actually planning on breeding additional kittens. Other options are available to those individuals who do not want to neuter their cute little kittens.
In some instances, owners do not wish to neuter their male cats because of certain concerns or other issues. For example, some people may want to use their pets in a breeding program when the kittens reach reproductive maturity and therefore do not intend to neuter any of the kittens.
Behavioral modifications must be considered when neutering is not an option because the pet owner is considering breeding of their male cat with a female cat.
Cat spraying can be an enormous problem in your household. Cat spraying results in an offensive smell and difficult to remove stains, making your home very unpleasant. The damage to your furnishings and other belongings can be expensive to remedy. If you are unable to neuter your cat as a solution to its spraying problem, you can take advantage of other solutions to prevent this behavior from continuing.
Cat Spraying can be a real unpleasant and destructive problem for a cat owner. It may well top the list of cat problems. Both the stains and strong odor are very difficult to remove. Neutering is the most common solution. Neutering usually solves the problem. Neutering may not be an option.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com