What is the function of the cat's whiskers?

The cat's whiskers have been a source of discussion for a long time - mainly in relation to their function. There are approximately 24 movable whiskers around the cat's nose, distributed on each of the two sides. The whiskers are arranged in four rows, having a unique pattern on each cat, like fingerprints on every human being.

A cat's whiskers are sensitive to air currents. This sensitivity is invaluable for a cat to measure wind speed and direction. This helps them feel the presence, size and shape of nearby objects without even looking at or touching them. It also helps them identify the location of potential prey or protect a new litter of kittens from predators.

The distance between the tip and tip of a cat's whiskers is almost as wide as its body. This helps them know whether or not they will be able to enter a particular entrance. As soon as the cat puts its head inside the entrance, the whiskers indicate how wide it is, and whether it is convenient to enter it.

Researchers have found that the cat's whiskers help it fix its eyes on its prey. In the absence of whiskers, the animal would be unable to pursue its victim.


Looking at a cat's whiskers, especially when she's in front of another cat, helps determine her mood. If you move them forward, it indicates sympathy or curiosity; if you move them backward, it is a sign of defensiveness or aggression.


If the cat constantly moves its whiskers back and forth, it may know the condition of its prey. The whiskers help him to know whether the prey is already dead or not, and whether he can leave it for a moment without fear of it escaping.

A cat's whiskers are very sensitive, even the slightest touch to one of its whiskers makes the cat blink. However, their extra sensitivity can sometimes cause discomfort to the animal.

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Leopard

   The leopard (Panthera pardus) is one of the great cats widely distributed over Africa and Asia, and prehistorically prevalent in southern Europe. The general color is yellowish fawn, which becomes white on the under aspect of the body, marked with black spots of various sizes, irregularly dispersed; these spots are often rosette-like, but do not enclose a central spot as is the case with its American analogue, the jaguar. Black examples often occur. In general appearance and conformation the leopard is tiger-like, but is considerably the inferior of the tiger in size and weight, measuring on the average about 3 feet and 10 inches from the nose to the root of the tail, which is almost as long as the body. This beautiful cat is, however, the peer of the tiger, making up in agility, quickness and wit for his lack of weight and power. Its prey consists of any animal it is able to pounce upon or overcome, and among the native villages and herdsmen of both India and Africa it is dreaded as a destroyer of cattle and sheep, since, like the American puma, when it invades a cattle-pen or sheepfold it kills many times more animals than it can eat or carry away. Nevertheless, leopards have always been among the partly tamed and trained animals of shows, and they thrive well and breed in captivity.

Viverra genus

   Viverra is a genus of civet cat. Viverra cats have a body elongated and compressed; head pointed front, ears rather small; extremities short, feet small and rounded; toes short, five on each foot; tail moderate or long; a pair of large glandular follicles, situated on he perineum in both sexes and secreting in most species an oily substance of a penetrating odor. All the species of Viverra are extremely active, fierce, and rapacious, and feed chiefly in small mammals and birds. The genus is an extensive one and is often divided into groups, to which some naturalists give generic rank. The chief are 1) Viverra proper, including the largest species. Fur rather long and loose, and elongated in the median line of the neck and back, so as to form a sort of crest or mane. 2) Viverricula, and 3) Genetta, containing smaller species, differing slightly from the first group in dentition.

What happens in the interior of a cat when it purrs?

   Do this: Stretch a rubber band between the thumb and a finger of one hand. Then pluck the two strands gently. They wiggle back and forth very fast. (Víbrate is the correct word for the wiggling.) When the strands víbrate they make the air víbrate, too, and so you hear a sort of purring noise.
   Your cat has little stretchable bands in its throat. These aren't made of rubber, of course. They are a special living part of the cat's body. When a cat feels relaxed and satisfied, it can make the bands víbrate in its throat. As the cat breathes, the air picks up the vibrations, and so the sound of purring is carried through the air to your ears.

How to choose a kitten?

Choosing a kitten

cute kittens

Think carefully before you get a kitten. Do not take one on impulse just because someone is trying to find a home for it, or because you see one looking sad in a pet shop. A cat is not a toy you can put aside if you get bored; most live to be at least ten years old. Food, cat litter and veterinary attention all cost money. You must also be prepared to arrange for someone to look after the cat when you go on vacation.
Once you have decided to have a cat of your own, you must think about what kind of cat you want. For example, longhaired cats need a lot of grooming; Siamese like company. If possible, get your kitten from the place where it was born rather than a pet store, so you can see that the mother cat is healthy and well cared for.

Types of cats

Longhair cat

Pedigree cats are divided into three main groups, according to their type (build or shape). The three groups are: American Shorthairs, Longhairs and Foreign cats. In each group there are many coat colors and patterns.


American Shorthairs
The ideal American Sborthaír has a sturdy, powerful body set on short, strong legs with neat, round paws. Its head is broad and round with a short, straight nose. full cheeks and big eyes. Its ears are small, set wide apart. American Shorthairs' tails are thick at the base and taper slightly towards the tip. Their fur is short and dense. Similar short-haired cats are bred in England and other countries in Europe.


American Longhairs
The most important feature of a Longhair is its long, sílky fur. Extra-long fur forms a ruff around its face and continues in a frill between its front legs. A Longhair has a "cobby" body. large and stocky, set low on short, thick legs with round, firm paws. Its big, round head has full cheeks, a snub nose and big, round eyes. Its ears are small, set wide apart, and have long tufts of fur growing inside them. Longhairs' tails are short and bushy.


Foreign cats
Foreign cats are also known as Orientals. The names refer to their elegant, oriental appearance and not to the country they come from. A Foreign cat has a long, fine boned body with slender legs and a long, tapering tail. Its wedge-shaped head has large, pricked ears and slanting, almond-shaped eyes. Its fur is short and sleek.

Cat breeding

tabby cat

A pedigree cat has a recorded family tree which shows thal its ancestors have been purebred for at least three generations.
Like all animals, cats inherit their shape, color and other characteristics from their parents. It is impossible to tell how many kittens a cat will have or what sex they will be, bul most characteristics can be predicted if the family tree of both parents is known.
Some characteristics are dominant, that is, their presence masks the presence of other characteristics. If parents have different characteristics, most oí their kittens will show the ones that are dominant. Tabby markings are a dominant characteristic, which is why there are so many Tabbies and cats with some tabby markings.
Some characteristics are only carried by one sex. For example, Tortoiseshell cats are nearly always female.
Ocassionally, a kitten is born wilh a completely new characteristic. The curly coat of the Rex cats is an example of this. The first Rex cat was born in a litter of ordinary kittens produced by a shorthaired farm cat.

Facts - The American Shorthair cat

• The American Shorthair is the Eighth most popular breed of cat in America.
• The American Shorthair is a cat with powerful legs and strong paws.
• When British settlers sailed from Europe to the New World they transported cats on board ship to guard the supplies from mice and rats.
• A large number of these cats "settled" in the North America, interbred, and developed distinctive characteristics.
• The American Shorthair's muzzle is squarish.
• Early in the 21th century a selective breeding program was founded to develop the most desirable qualities of the breed.
• The American Shorthair is also an superb hunter.
• American Shorthair cats are called Mousers because they seized mice on ships.
• This breed of cat are very affectionate, long-living, and disinclined to behavioral problems.
• American Shorthairs are a pedigreed (purebreed) cat.
• These cats tend to get overweight very easily.
• The breed was initially known as the Domestic Shorthair.
• American Shorthair males are remarkably larger than females.
• Weight: males: 15 pounds (7 kg); Females: 8-12 pounds (3.6-5.5 kg)
• Lifespan: 15-20 years
• The American Shorthairs have long tails and mostly slender bodies.
• The breed is recognized in more than 80 distinct colors and pattern.
• Some American Shorthairs have a black top coat and pale silver underfur, which shows when it moves. The fur must have no white hairs.
• The most familiar American Shorthair color nowadays is the Silver Tabby, with dense black markings set on a sterling silver background.
• The Silver Tabby Shorthair is a gentle, affectionate cat of American Shorthair type. Brick red or black nose leather. Green or hazel eyes.
• Two-colored cats have coats of either two different colors, or two tones of the same basic color. The colors may merge softly together, or they may appear in separate patches or clean patterns.

Facts about American Longhair cats

The American Longhair or Domestic Longhair is a relative new breed of cat.

American Longhair cats have soft, quiet voices, and while they are generally more active than tranquil Persians, they remain self-contained and easygoing pets.

Domestic Longhairs are playful and very intelligent cats.

American Longhairs are a hearty breed of cat and do not have any specific medical problems or concerns.

The American Longhair cat is one of the most common varieties of cats living in the U.S.

Longhair cats can be prone to obesity.

The American Longhair breed actually came about from a breeding experiment that did not turn out as hoped.

Longhairs are not prone to fighting with other cats.

This long haired breed of cat does require regular grooming.

Facts about the American Curl cat

• The American Curl cat is characterized by its attractive, uniquely curled ears.
• The American Curl breed originated in Lakewood, California in 1981.
• American Curl kittens are born with straight ears, which begin to curl within 10 days.
• The American Curl is a medium sized cat (5 to 10 lbs – 2.2 to 4.5 kg), and does not reach maturity until two–three years of age.
• The American Curl cat require little grooming, but enjoy spending time with their owners.
• The American Curl is found in the United States, Japan, Russia, Spain, France, and many other countries.
• Curls are alert, active, with gentle, even dispositions.
• The American Curl cat comes in 2 coat lengths – shorthair and longhair.

Interesting facts about American Bobtails

The American Bobtail breed of cat appeared in the late 1960s.

American Bobtails are medium to large cats that have a naturally short tail that is usually straight.

The American breed is not related to the Japanese Bobtail.

The mutation causing the American Bobtail's tail is dominant, whereas the Japanese Bobtail tail mutation is recessive.

The American Bobtail was recognised by the International Cat Association in 1989.

Bobtail cats are energetic, playful, friendly and extremely intelligent

Bobtails have dog-like personalities, often play fetch and greet their owners at the door.

Drag racer Ashley Force Hood and her husband own 2 bobtails named Gizmo and Simba.

Bobtail cats live an average of 12 to 2o years.

American Bobtails enjoy climbing.

Some Bobtails are born without tails, which can cause some medical problems due to their shortened spines.

Bobtail cats are child friendly, but younger children need to be taught how to handle and carry a cat or kitten.

Facts about the Australian Mist cat

This breed of cat is formerly known as the Spotted Mist.

The Australian Mist breed was developed in Australia by crossing the Abyssinian, Burmese, and Domestic shorthair cats to create a shorthaired cat with a spotted coat.

The Australian Mist cats are tolerant of handling, and are not inclined to scratch.

The Australian Mist breed is now accepted for Championship status by the World Cat Federation.

This breed come in 7 colors: blue, brown, chocolate, caramel, lilac, gold and peach.

The legs and tail of the Spotted Mist cat are ringed or barred.

These cats have an average weight of 7.7 - 13.2 lbs (3.5 - 6.0 kg). Female cats are lighter than the males.

The Australian Mist have a lifespan of about 12 years.

Some facts about the Aegean cat

• Development of the Aegean cat breed started in the early 1990s by breeders in the fledgling Greek Cat Fancy.
• The Aegean cat is considered to be the only native Greek breed of cat.
• In rural areas of Greece, Aegean cats are often seen as the best method of pest control.
• The Aegean cat is a social pet that tolerates living in an apartment rather well.
• The Aegean cats make good pets since they bond well with people.
• Aegean Cat is a medium sized feline with a predominantly white coat.
• Size: Medium
• Body: long, muscular
• Head: Medium sized, wide not round
• Tail: Long straight
• Coat: semi-long hair

Facts about the Abyssinian cat

• The Abyssinian is one of the most popular breeds of shorthair cat in the United Sates.
• Nickname: "Abys"
• The real origins of the Abyssinian breed are uncertain.
• There are sources that wild 'Abyssinians' cats live in parts of North Africa today.
• The Abyssinian's eyes are almond shaped and colors include hazel, gold, copper, or green.
• The legs in the Abyssinian are slender in proportion to the body, with a fine bone structure.
• The very first cat to have its entire genome published was an Abyssinian named Cinnamon.
• Their coat is generally a warm golden color, but they can also be cinnamon, blue, fawn and red. The Abyssinian cat is also a Silver Abyssinian variant whose coat shows shades of white, cream and grey.
• Rare colours in Abyssinian cats include the Tortoiseshell, Cream, Chocolate and Lilac.
• Abyssinian cats are extroverted, playful, extremely active, willful and intelligent.
• Abyssinians adore toys and can play for hours with a favorite ball.
• These cats are described as very independent and intelligent.
• Abyssinians are sociable creatures that will get along well with humans and other pets.
• Abyssinians are not 'talkative cats' and have a soft purr.