By : Cassandra Mandello
Have you ever wondered about these two questions that have baffled cat lovers and others alike...?
1. Are cats capable of true emotional bonding with us humans?
2. What can we do, as (desperate) cat lovers, to actually encourage our cats to bond with us?
We're going to have a good detailed look in this article, at what could be possible answers to these deep-rooted questions that have been bugging cat lovers, and others alike, for decades!
Also, you'll also gain some rare hints into how to better connect with your cat today, not in tem years time!
Before we go into these techniques, let's peer into and examine your cat's souls, to give us some indications about these questions on cat psychology and cat behaviour.
When you have an animal that's been with humans for over 5000 years, there must be something profound that the humans, as well as the cats, are getting out of this relationship. Something that's keeping them together for so long, and no doubt for eons to come!
Imagine, in say the year 3000, we may have technology to travel through space in luxurious aircraft, and of course, one of the first things that people will want to bring with them is their favorite book, favorite music, and... their cat!
But why is this so? There must be a level of bonding between cats and humans that is beyond that of many other animals, that make us feel so attached to them, want to share our life experiences with them... because our feelings tell us that these feelings goes both ways.
But is this really the case? Do cats use us for food and warmth mainly? Or is there a level of feeling behind the cat behavior that's on a higher level than that, and resembles the feelings that we have for them?
These are valid questions. Let's first have a look at our human emotional responses to our cats.
When humans first met cats, it was presumed to be at a camp fire. This is not proven, though it is a strong possibility.
Why a camp fire?
Well cats love warmth and probably couldn't resist sitting around a man-made camp fire. So they sat, appreciating the warmth, and also may have found they don't have to hunt for. And then the humans were attracted to their cuteness. More likely, it was their kittens that may have clinched this bond. As when interacted, they would have shown cute playfulness, and when nursed, would snuggle up.
Now the question is whether a cat can have snuggling up and playfulness without the emotions of tenderness and enjoyment?
We'll come back to this in a moment. Let's take one more example from history.
It was documented 5000 years ago that cats were domesticated into both Egyptian culture as well as Indian culture at roughly the same time. In fact, for period of over 2000 years in Egypt, there was such respect and admiration for the cat, that the penalty for anyone killing a cat, was death.
During this period, a Roman soldier accidentally killed a cat and was nearly lynched by a crowd who witnessed this event. This became a political conflict, and is thought to be one of the events that led to the war between Egypt and Rome!
So, the humble cat has caused all this! An animal causing people to be irrational over them.
But, does the cat reciprocate our feelings?
One example that could help us with this question is from Jeffrey Masson, who wrote The Nine Emotional Lives of Cats. Among his many examples of bonding is where he discovers that his cats will put up with getting soaked, just to be with him:
"Like most cats, mine do not like rain. Yet when Leila, Ilan, Manu and I walk up the hill in the evening in the rain, such is the cats' devotion that they come with us... it is beyond question that the cats are doing something because they want to...
Moreover, since they walk in the rain only when we are there, never alone, the love of our companionship must be a strong component of their pleasure..."
It gets even better. The strength of our bond actually increases depending on the extent that our cat's range of behavior and emotional responses matches our emotional needs.
Some people who really love attention from their cat, and want the full gamut of personality, do find heaven, and so does the cat, when they have for example, a Siamese cat that is able to show a strong desire to lie on their laps for comfort every night, run around like crazy when they play with, and is also slightly neurotic and anxious when there is too much happening...
So there you have it!
You now have some unusual insight into how cats really feel about us, and perhaps how deep their feelings may go.
In part two of this article, you'll learn specific ways to arouse your cat's attention and affection naturally and spontaneously.
In the meantime, simply be aware of your emotions when you're about to interact or even just look at your cat. If you want to tell her something like "There you are, I'm glad to see you!", do so with feeling. When you do, your non verbal language will come out, and his is the crucial first step, as your cat is sensing your thoughts and feelings very acutely than you have previously thought.
This is where the bonding starts.
And once the bonding starts, you can't stop it…it just keeps getting better!
So with this knowledge, go out there and start the bonding process!
Author's Resource:
Cassandra Mandello helps you to go from cat novice, to bonding with and training your cat, quickly and easily. To get more "must have" tips and hints on how to bond and train your cat, go now to her site on understanding cat cat psychology and cat behavior
Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.
How to give a cat a bath
By : Angela Coyle
It is important to know how to bathe your cat. Cats generally to a fine job cleaning themselves, however, they my need a little help from time to time. In this case, it is important to know how to properly give you cat a bath.
Giving a cat a bath can be a little trick since most cats are not fond of water or getting wet.
There are dry bath products available on the market today to avoid the traditional bath altogether, however these products are better used to keep your cat clean and healthy rather than get them clean after a roll in the mud.
The dry bath products are generally a leave in treatments great for eliminating odor. A dry bath is a great idea for keeping you cat clean. It will usually not effect their current flea treatment because no water should be needed to wash it away. Always read the labels before using these products. They are safe to use on cats, but may contain different ingredients that you or your cat could be allergic to.
Dry bath products are great, but what do you do when your cat homes home late at night, covered in mud, paint, or something incredible messy and possible toxic? Lets face it, cats get into trouble sometimes.
You probably won't want to let them come in the house and lay on your floor or furniture, and, unless you know what your cat is covered in, probably should not let them sit in the mess all night, or try and clean it themselves. You should never let your cat ingest a foreign substance if possible.
When this happens, hopefully on a rare occasion, you will want to know how to give your cat a bath.
If you're very lucky, this may not be much trouble. Your cat might like the water. But if you have a normal cat like the rest of us, things could get pretty interesting.
When you've decided to give your cat a bath, you should get them a special kitty shampoo. The regular shampoo you use everyday may have harsh perfumes or chemicals that could be harmful to your cat. If this is not available, try and do the best you can with just water in an emergency. It may not be as easy, but this should get most of the muck out of your cat's fur.
By this time you should be well aware of your cats temperament. You will know if your cat will fight you and how hard he or she will fight to get away from bath time. So take every precaution necessary to protect yourself and your cat. After all, most cats are equipped with an effective defense. Claws!
If you have a leather jumpsuit or bird handling gloves, then you're set. Of course, most of us don't have these types of armor and they are not necessary to get the job done. Rubber gloves are suggested, but long sleeves are a must! Personally, I've found that a thick, durable fabric like denim or even a thick cotton work just fine. Just make sure, what ever you wear, that it can't be penetrated too easily by your cat's claws.
The size of your cat, and intensity of his or her frenzy, should determine your bath space needed. You may be able to get away with using your sink for small cats and kittens. If not, use your bathtub and keep all doors closed. If you have a glass shower door, it's not a bad idea to climb into the tub with your cat and keep that door closed too.
Stop! Before you throw you cat into tub of water, remember they will, most likely, be frightened.
When you attempt to give your cat a bath, chances are, your cat will know that something's up even before you begin. Your cat may be frightened by the sound of running water, or the splashing sounds in the tub or sink. It's usually not the best idea to run the water over your cat like a shower. This could startle your cat and cause him or her to spring into action and try to run away from it.
The best way I've found is to draw a shallow bath and have a cup handy to pour water, slowly onto your cat in order to wet him.
Maintain control! You are the master of your domain and don't let your cat think otherwise in this situation. While hogtying your cat is not recommended, you will need to restrict his movement somewhat. This might take the effort of two people for unruly cats and may take some force. Whatever you do, please don't hurt your cat!
Once you have control of your beast, and the water is ready, complete the procedure as quickly as possible.
Wet your cats coat thoroughly and lather him up with his own special shampoo. Do the best job you can; don't forget the feet, tail and stomach. Always use extra special care when washing your cats face! Shampoo may not be needed in this area, and be very careful around his eyes.
Once your cat is soapy, start to rinse. Using the same, gentle pouring motion with your handy cup and the water in the tub rinse your cats fur. You may want to have a reserve of fresh, clean water for rinsing. Try and use your fingers to break up any matting and wok through thick coated areas. Rinse well, drain the tub, and you are almost done.
Now it's time to dry your cat. Drying your cat should not take as much effort as it seems. You will not be able to get him completely dry, so do your best and your cat, and time, will gladly finish the job.
When you let your cat out of the sink or bathtub, keep him in the area. Your cat will most likely want to shake first, just like dogs, and then gently, but with enthusiasm, rub your cat with a towel to rid him of excess water.
Your cat will begin to lick himself dry. You can them leave your cat in the bathroom until he's dry, or let him out whenever you feel is best you, your home, your furniture, and your cat.
In order to simplify this process, here is a step by step guide on How to give a cat a bath:
Get cat shampoo
Suit up! Protect your body from potential injury.
Draw a shallow bath (warm, not hot or cold)
Restrain your cat
Wet
Lather
Rinse
and Dry
The last thing you should know before giving a cat a bath is not to be intimidated. It may not be as simple as one, two, thee, but it's not impossible and you'll both feel better when it's over.
Author's Resource:
Angela Coyle is an avid cat lover, and owner of Hercules the cat, Murteza Abyssinian, Mango, and many others throughout the years. She is also currently an editor at www.cat-care-cat-information.com
Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.
Your New Cat Why Are the First 24 Hours So Important? Part 2
By : John Young
The family brought Tiger home, but hadn’t prepared their house for him. When he saw their dog, he bolted, found a dark place and hid.
His new owner searched the house but couldn’t find him. That night he came out of his hiding place and found an open window with a torn screen....
His would-be owner knew there were predators in the area. She called Animal Control and posted signs around the neighborhood, but she knew there wasn't much chance.
She was right.
PREPARATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS
This situation could have been avoided, and Tiger could have been integrated quickly and easily into his new home if the people who adopted him had made some preparations and taken precautions.
What are some of these preparations? What should you do before you bring a new cat home?
• Prepare the house to receive your new cat.
• Make sure your new cat’s medical needs are completely taken care of.
• Make sure your other cats are adequately protected from disease.
• Make sure you have on hand the things your cat will need.
• Know how to introduce your new cat to your live-in companions, children and other pets.
And perhaps most importantly:
• Prepare yourself beforehand for a good relationship with your new cat.
People who have never owned cats before don’t really realize what a cat is: A highly intelligent, independent animal which needs love and affection daily – but is not a dog.
BONDING WITH YOU
Cats will bond with people, just as dogs do, but they don’t always bond with the person who has adopted them. They will choose whom they like, much to the consternation of the person who “picked them up” hoping to have acquired a new friend.
This is one very good reason why the first 24 hours is so important. It is during that period that your cat will decide whom she wants to bond with.
PREPARE YOUR HOME
Adequate preparation of the home is vitally important. If your new cat panics when she is first introduced and finds a way to exit your house, she will do so. Remember, she does not know where she is and has no motivation to return.
MEDICAL CONSEQUENCES
In addition, there may be serious medical consequences to adopting a stray, both to your new kitty and to your existing cats. Inadequate medical examination and vaccination can be tragic for the new addition to your family...and have serious consequences to your existing cats.
Unless you know what you are doing, your attempt to bring home a new kitty could result in tragedy.
EVERY CAT IS DIFFERENT
The bottom line is that no matter how many cats you have adopted, you still may not know what you are doing with THIS one.
In Part 3 we’ll discuss five things you need to consider before you adopt a new cat.
Author's Resource:
John Young is a writer and cat lover who has owned one cat or another ever since he was four (or, maybe they owned him). His book "Your New Cat's First 24 Hours", www.yourcatsecrets.com , is written for new and veteran cat owners who want to smoothly introduce a new cat to their household and care for her thereafter.
Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.
The family brought Tiger home, but hadn’t prepared their house for him. When he saw their dog, he bolted, found a dark place and hid.
His new owner searched the house but couldn’t find him. That night he came out of his hiding place and found an open window with a torn screen....
His would-be owner knew there were predators in the area. She called Animal Control and posted signs around the neighborhood, but she knew there wasn't much chance.
She was right.
PREPARATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS
This situation could have been avoided, and Tiger could have been integrated quickly and easily into his new home if the people who adopted him had made some preparations and taken precautions.
What are some of these preparations? What should you do before you bring a new cat home?
• Prepare the house to receive your new cat.
• Make sure your new cat’s medical needs are completely taken care of.
• Make sure your other cats are adequately protected from disease.
• Make sure you have on hand the things your cat will need.
• Know how to introduce your new cat to your live-in companions, children and other pets.
And perhaps most importantly:
• Prepare yourself beforehand for a good relationship with your new cat.
People who have never owned cats before don’t really realize what a cat is: A highly intelligent, independent animal which needs love and affection daily – but is not a dog.
BONDING WITH YOU
Cats will bond with people, just as dogs do, but they don’t always bond with the person who has adopted them. They will choose whom they like, much to the consternation of the person who “picked them up” hoping to have acquired a new friend.
This is one very good reason why the first 24 hours is so important. It is during that period that your cat will decide whom she wants to bond with.
PREPARE YOUR HOME
Adequate preparation of the home is vitally important. If your new cat panics when she is first introduced and finds a way to exit your house, she will do so. Remember, she does not know where she is and has no motivation to return.
MEDICAL CONSEQUENCES
In addition, there may be serious medical consequences to adopting a stray, both to your new kitty and to your existing cats. Inadequate medical examination and vaccination can be tragic for the new addition to your family...and have serious consequences to your existing cats.
Unless you know what you are doing, your attempt to bring home a new kitty could result in tragedy.
EVERY CAT IS DIFFERENT
The bottom line is that no matter how many cats you have adopted, you still may not know what you are doing with THIS one.
In Part 3 we’ll discuss five things you need to consider before you adopt a new cat.
Author's Resource:
John Young is a writer and cat lover who has owned one cat or another ever since he was four (or, maybe they owned him). His book "Your New Cat's First 24 Hours", www.yourcatsecrets.com , is written for new and veteran cat owners who want to smoothly introduce a new cat to their household and care for her thereafter.
Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.