tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67501620180561105282024-02-08T02:39:53.724-08:00All in the day of a catDRGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07906484484664031450noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750162018056110528.post-68883377808057719952007-12-20T06:09:00.000-08:002007-12-20T06:14:14.746-08:00Siamese TemperamentNo wonder Kiko loved riding on my dad's shoulder! Now that I've read extensively about the Siamese breed, it is reported that "they delight in riding on their owner's shoulders." The Siamese cats are active, and their minds seem to be whirling with activity. If they do not have a playmate, they will create one out of anything. Height beckons a flight up or down; they delight in jumping and have been seen to leap five feet (!) in any direction with ease. They demand attention and affection, and most will sleep under the covers with their head on the pillow as close to you as possible. Achoo!DRGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07906484484664031450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750162018056110528.post-23194848052890053542007-12-20T06:01:00.000-08:002007-12-20T06:07:20.915-08:00Fan Tee CeeSome believe that the Siamese breeders were greedy in their desire to obtain that "certain look." In the 1960s and 1970s if the cat had that look it most probably had a cat named Fan Tee Cee in its background. Tee Cee was reportedly the Siamese that changed the whole concept of the Siamese. He abruptly appeared on the show scene in the early 1960s and blew every other Siamese clear out of the field. His head and body were very long; his eyes were almond-shaped; his coat was short. Some judges and breeders could not stand his extreme look, while others longed for it. To have Tee Cee in their cats' pedigrees was good; a double-up of Tee Cee was even better. The risk is always high, in doubling up, of bringing two unwanted recessive genes together. And the more inbreeding, the more chances of offspring becoming smaller and smaller.DRGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07906484484664031450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750162018056110528.post-48286287417868133612007-12-20T05:56:00.000-08:002007-12-20T06:00:52.173-08:00Siamese OriginsThe Siamese cat is reported to have originated in Siam (Thailand). Old paintings show a cat with darker color on the ears, face, paws and tail. There were large classes of Siamese shown in the U.S. in the 1960s. The large Cat Fancier's Association show in Houston, TX, quite often had as many as 65 to 70 Siamese. This is not true in the 1980s in the U.S. Eight or ten Siamese are considered a large class; two or three is an average entry for most shows. What happened?DRGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07906484484664031450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750162018056110528.post-14662055459304422482007-12-20T05:50:00.000-08:002007-12-20T05:55:50.857-08:00Remembering KikoKiko, a beautiful female Siamese, was one of our family's first cats when I was growing up. She was pretty, and she knew it. Her coloring was tan and chocolate, and her little face had the exotic look of the Siamese breed. She favored my Dad, and would hold out for him when it came time for jumping up onto his shoulder and looking smugly down at us. She outlived him, and when he died, her affections were transferred to my mom.DRGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07906484484664031450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750162018056110528.post-27361838448799162922007-12-13T06:34:00.001-08:002007-12-13T06:44:23.922-08:00More Allergy AdviceCat Fancy's May 2007 issue suggests that to further prevent allergen collection, experts recommend replacing curtains and drapes with blinds, verticals or solid shades. (already have those) "Make the home easier to keep clean," says James M. Seltzer, an Oceanside, Calif-based allergist and chairman of the Indoor Allergy Committee of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. He suggests replacing carpet with hardwood or tile flooring (have that), minimizing upholstered furiture (forget that) throughout the home, and using throw rugs that are washed easily. Above all, keep bedrooms off-limits to cats--aha--there's my plan! My house is tiled but has carpeting in the bedrooms, and shades on the windows. I'm going to try to clear Gigi out of my bedroom and see if that helps. The problem is not keeping her out at night, but during the day. Her princess pillow is on the windowsill in there. . . and I don't know if I have the heart to move it.DRGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07906484484664031450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750162018056110528.post-70071394292359498082007-12-12T05:57:00.000-08:002007-12-12T06:06:28.129-08:00Allergy AnswersWell, it may be difficult, but possible to keep Gigi out of my bedroom. But there are some other things I can do to minimize my discomfort. Cat Fancy's May 2007 issue reports that one of the easiest solutions may be giving your cat a bath(!) Researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis say that regular baths have been proven to reduce Fe1 d1 amounts in a cat's skin and pelt.<br />Well, I don't think it would be so easy to give Gigi a bath. . .unless of course I hire someone else to do it. William Ambler, owner of a pet grooming salon in California says that many of his allergic clients gain relief from having their pets groomed and bathed regularly. Something to consider I suppose.DRGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07906484484664031450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750162018056110528.post-79842668658172124452007-12-12T05:53:00.000-08:002007-12-12T05:57:41.968-08:00Banned from the BedroomI'm thinking about banning Gigi from my bedroom, since I am allergic. However, according to Cat Fancy's May 2007 issue, cat allergens are sticky, adhering to walls, bedding and other surfaces. And, allergens accumulate over time. Carpet (which I have) and upholstered furniture are reservoirs for pet allergens where, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, they can remain for weeks. What's an allergic person to do?DRGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07906484484664031450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750162018056110528.post-6287109548892909132007-12-10T06:52:00.000-08:002007-12-10T06:58:58.722-08:00The Cat Allergy CulpritThe cat allergy culprit is a protein that cats produce naturally. It is invisible to the naked eye. For the most part, the protein spreads freely about the house attached to tiny particles of skin flakes, or dander, which cats shed while grooming themselves. Medical science calls the allergen Fel d1.<br />"The allergen is found in cats' saliva, on their pelts and in their skin," says James Sublett, clinical professor of Allergy and Immunology in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. "One problem in particular is that it's a small allergen, something like two microns in size." <br />Sublett uses the analogy of ping-pong balls vs. basketballs. "The bigger balls fall out of the air and settle," he says, "but imagine a fan hitting a bunch of ping-pong balls and blowing them all around. Cat allergens stay in the air." Thus, he says, some people can be deathly allergic to cats but not to dogs, because the dog allergen is heavier. (Courtesy Cat Fancy, May 2007)DRGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07906484484664031450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750162018056110528.post-24647017911936030512007-12-06T06:54:00.000-08:002007-12-06T06:58:59.584-08:00Magnetic CatsHow are cats able to detect these earthquakes? "Animals can detect the change in the Earth's magnetic field," geologist Jim Berkland explains. "Nearly every animal has the mineral magnetite in its body; before an earthquake, the magnetic field gets distorted." The magnetite allows animals to detect changes in the Earth's magnetic field. When this happens, cats and other animals realize something wrong will happen. Many cats and dogs flee. (Sounds sort of out there, doesn't it?) (Courtesy of Cat Fancy, June 2007)DRGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07906484484664031450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750162018056110528.post-57150890988002542312007-12-06T06:40:00.000-08:002007-12-06T06:53:52.597-08:00Cats Help Predict California EarthquakesGeologist Jim Berkland has predicted earthquakes in California for the last 30 years. His work is chronicled in the book, "The Man Who Predicts Earthquakes," by Cal Orey. Berkland believes the alignment of the moon and Earth affects tidal waves, movement in the Earth's crust and magnetic fields. Berkland also observes the behavior of cats and dogs: specifically, the number of lost cats and dogs listed in local newspapers. He claims that for thousands of year, people in China successfully predited earthquakes based on the behavior of animals before the quakes. Berkland's first prediction involving cats occurred in 1980. <br />"On Nov. 7, 1980, there were 14 missing cat ads, the most of the whole year. There are usually 3 or 4 missing cat ads," he says. Based on that and other factors, Berkland predicted a 7.4 magnitude earthquake. Within days there was a 7.4 earthquake in Eureka, Calif. Since then Berkland allegedly predicted more than 25 earthquakes based on missing cat and dog ads. (Courtesy of Cat Fancy, June 2007)DRGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07906484484664031450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750162018056110528.post-32469465829089999162007-12-04T05:13:00.000-08:002007-12-04T05:20:52.197-08:00Kitty's Own WashroomAnother holiday cat gift is the "cat washroom." It's a cabinet that holds a litterbox. Here's what the ad says-- "Excellent way of hiding the litterbox--clever design. It easily could match a person's room decor without standing out." (But do odors get trapped inside the cabinet?) It's offered by Merry Products, Corp, for $99.99. (Courtesy of Cat Fancy, December 2007)DRGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07906484484664031450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750162018056110528.post-89849066386256415162007-12-04T05:05:00.000-08:002007-12-04T05:12:09.842-08:00Lazy FeedingsPillar Pet Products, Inc. advertises a Perfect Petfeeder--a programmable feeder that doles out the amount of food at the mealtimes you set it to. Here's what they say--"The only way our intuitive, "no manual required", programming interface could be any easier is if it could read your mind. In less than a minute, you will have the Perfect Petfeeder programmed and ready to dispense the precise meal portions you want, when you want. Just as important, adjusting the program is a snap. Our patent pending Quick Change feature allows you to adjust all meal amounts in seconds. There's an option for a pleasant meal chime, and you can enter into "suspend mode" to temporarily stop its daily operation while retaining all program settings." The cost is $499.95. Hmm. $500 dollars for automatic feedings... (Courtesy of Cat Fancy, December 2007)DRGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07906484484664031450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750162018056110528.post-74782525889669206522007-11-29T06:03:00.000-08:002007-11-29T06:39:42.380-08:00Rolling in CatnipAn herb in the mint family, catnip influences cats that are genetically predisposed to the effects of its essential oil. Studies indicate that up to one-third of felines are unaffected by catnip. Nepetalactone, the active chemical compound in catnip, creates the familiar "intoxicated" reaction. The flehmen response (when a cat "sneers," or pulls back its upper lip, while sniffing) forces the scent through the vomeronasal, or Jacobson's organ, located within the palate. From there, it travels to the base of the brain. Within the brain, the compound stimulates certain receptors and hormones. Rolling in catnip might demonstrate an instinctual behavior designed to release more of the oil. (Courtesy of Cat Fancy, September 2007)DRGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07906484484664031450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750162018056110528.post-83602004942764842692007-11-28T07:48:00.000-08:002007-11-28T07:52:43.527-08:00Hot FoodMany cats enjoy a hot meal on a cold night. But you don't have to slave over the stove to please them--just put wet food on a plate, and place it in the microwave for a few seconds. Or add a little warm water to kibble for gravy, then stir and serve. Test the temperature first by dabbing a little bit on your inner forearm to make sure it isn't too hot. (Courtesy of Cat Fancy, December 2007)DRGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07906484484664031450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750162018056110528.post-39232921772006257802007-11-27T05:17:00.000-08:002007-11-27T05:20:15.414-08:00Cat NapsGigi has a great life. She gets fed, petted, played with, and naps anytime, anywhere. How indulgent. According to Wiki, cats conserve energy by sleeping more than most animals, especially as they grow older. The daily duration of sleep varies, usually 12–16 hours, with 13–14 being the average. Some cats can sleep as much as 20 hours in a 24-hour period. (whoa!) The term cat nap refers to the cat's ability to fall asleep (lightly) for a brief period and has entered the English lexicon – someone who nods off for a few minutes is said to be "taking a cat nap".DRGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07906484484664031450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750162018056110528.post-63971326867286276102007-11-26T07:59:00.000-08:002007-11-26T08:02:54.330-08:00Moving OnSo, Thanksgiving has come and gone. We had a house full of company, and Gigi managed to make a pest of herself throughout the commotion. She jumped on the kitchen counter to investigate and she almost jumped on the dining room table before we sat down. She seemed to be constantly underfoot. At one point, I had to 'lock' her in my room to keep her out of trouble. With a 4-year old and a 16-month old running around, Gigi was smart enough to stay out of their way!DRGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07906484484664031450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750162018056110528.post-74522836562802897102007-11-20T05:36:00.000-08:002007-11-20T05:46:44.026-08:00Swishing TailsA cat that swishes its tail violently from side to side certainly is not in the mood for play; however, the same cannot be said for a cat whose tail swishes softly and gently. When your cat's tail makes a swishing motion, it indicates that the cat's interest is piqued. This motion often is seen when kitty is viewing birds at play. (Definitely sounds like Gigi.) The swishing motion also accompanies decision making. If your cat is contemplating climbing a tree, it's sure to swish its tail a bit. (Cat Fancy, Nov. 2007) Happy Thanksgiving! Keep your cat off the kitchen counter away from temptation.DRGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07906484484664031450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750162018056110528.post-8654288966128167662007-11-20T05:29:00.000-08:002007-11-20T05:35:21.130-08:00More Tail TipsYou might not pay attention to the tip of your cat's tail, but it's a very expressive part of the feline anatomy. A cat that lowers its tail but keeps the tip curved upward is anything but content. At the moment, it is not only nervous, but unsure and insecure of either its surroundings or an object that has caught its attention. By keeping its tail down, your cat is giving you the scoop on how it's feeling and letting you know that it isn't completely comfortable. "A cat that holds its tail in this position, accompanied by [bristling of the hair], raised hindquarters, a direct stare and curled lips, indicates that it is feeling aggressive," says Jane Bowers, a certified cat behavior consultant and president of Dogs of Distinction Canine Training Inc. in British Columbia, Canada. In this situation, talk to your cat soothingly. If its tail takes on a straight up position, things are good; if it continues holding it as before, give your cat a little space. (Cat Fancy, Nov. 2007)DRGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07906484484664031450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750162018056110528.post-86931904797105648572007-11-20T05:23:00.000-08:002007-11-20T05:28:51.064-08:00More Cat TailsInstead of using an object to feel secure, cats use their tails. If a cat's tail is folded or tucked around its body, the cat is content but wants to keep to itself at the moment, says Jennifer LeBaron Michels, a feline behavior counselor at Cat Behavior of Rochester, in Rochester, NY. "[It's] sort of the opposite of lying on its back with its belly showing," she says. "It's also associated with keeping all four feet protected and warm." (Courtesy of Cat Fancy, Nov. 2007)DRGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07906484484664031450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750162018056110528.post-56943245319794428262007-11-19T05:24:00.000-08:002007-11-19T05:33:59.647-08:00Cat TailsWhile dogs tend to swing their tails rapidly from side to side when they're happy or want to play, the opposite is true for cats. A tail that violently and quickly swishes from side to side is an indication that kitty is feeling anxious and aggressive and is a warning that it might attack. If you see this action, give your cat some time to relax before you try to interact. (Courtesy Cat Fancy, November 2007)DRGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07906484484664031450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750162018056110528.post-30803023418753936142007-11-15T06:53:00.000-08:002007-11-15T07:02:16.794-08:00Whispering WhiskersWhiskers, or vibrissae (pronounced vahy-bris-uh) are made up of sinus and tylotrich hairs (highly specialized skin appendages), that comprise a highly sophisticated sensory system capable of detecting slight wind variations and sudden movement. Since cats hunt instinctively, whiskers help cats survive. These prominent follicles aid cats to catch prey at close range, much like a pair of reading glasses helps humans capture words on a page. "Cats are farsighted and can't see prey they've caught," says Alice Moon-Fanelli, veterinarian and assistant professor at Tufts University, citing the use of whiskers as a means to get in and out of any given situation. Domestic cats depend on the same senses as wild and big cats. Indoor cats might use whiskers to mock jungle moves or walk through dark rooms, avoiding bulky furniture and other obstacles. A cat's whiskers also indicate mood. "If they are pushed forward, the cat is calm, but if the cat is defensive or stressed out, they're closer to the face," says Moon-Fanelli. (Courtesey of Cat Fancy, November 2007)DRGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07906484484664031450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750162018056110528.post-12618384671634194682007-11-14T06:18:00.000-08:002007-11-14T06:21:10.337-08:00Edgar Allan PoeWhen Edgar Allan Poe's wife was dying of tuberculosis in 1847, Poe -- penniless and unable to buy fuel to keep her warm -- placed his cat Catarina in bed beside her. Catarina stayed with her throughout her illness, and, inspired by the cat's loyalty, Poe wrote one of his fines tales, 'The Black Cat." (courtesy Cat Fancy, November, 2007)DRGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07906484484664031450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750162018056110528.post-8115853732581659652007-11-13T06:52:00.001-08:002007-11-13T07:00:30.847-08:00Leaving MamaCat Fancy magazine, August 2007, reports that a cat's personality toward other cats is determined by the size of the litter it grows up in and whether it remains with its mother for longer than 8 weeks, according to Dennis Turner, editor of The Domestic Cat: The Biology of Its Behavior. Kittens that grow up in a litter of four or more and remain with their mothers demonstrate social personalities toward other cats. Kittens that grow up in small litters or that are taken from their mothers early, at 7 or 8 weeks old, are unsocial toward other cats. Also, kittens that are petted between the 2nd and 7th weeks of life will grow up to have more trusting and human-social personalities.DRGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07906484484664031450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750162018056110528.post-35679079145869951182007-11-12T19:08:00.000-08:002007-11-12T19:12:01.168-08:00Cats on Veterans DayAccording to pawsonline.net, 2,500 years ago the Persians, knowing the Egyptians considered cats to be sacred, took live cats to the front line of battle. The Egyptian soldiers would not attack in case they accidentally killed one of these animals.<br />During the blitz in England a cat nicknamed "Bomber" could tell the difference between the sounds of RAF and German aircraft at a distance, and thus became a good early warning system for its human companions. There are several instances when cats have saved the lives of whole families. Seeing their cats dashing to shelters, people would follow, getting to safety just before the bombs started to fall.DRGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07906484484664031450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750162018056110528.post-44208409681183878352007-11-08T08:10:00.000-08:002007-11-08T08:19:19.083-08:00"Garfield Weighs in . . . on Cloning"Here's what Garfield has to say about cloning in the August 2007 issue of Cat Fancy magazine.<br />"[Cloning a cat] is not exactly what people think. The first successful cat clone was named CC (as in Carbon Copy. Get it?) and was born in December 2001. Scientists in Texas transplanted DNA from a calico named Rainbow into an egg with the nucleus removed. Then they implanted the embryo into Alfie, a surrogate mother.<br />Was CC an exact reproduction of Rainbow? Nope. In face, CC's coat was a different color, even though she was a genetic match with her mother. The differences didn't stop there. Rainow was reserved. CC was curious and playful ...It turns out that there's more to the equation than genetics alone. Environment plays a big part in shaping a cat's personality and temperament. As for appearance, having the same DNA as another calico cat doesn't always produce the same coat pattern. So everyone who expected an exact copy (like I did) would be pretty disappointed. The experts say that cloning doesn't produce a physical duplicate, and it can never reproduce the behavior or personality of a donor cat. Every cat is unique, and thus irreplaceable. You can't use a clone to resurrect little Fluffy once she's gone off to chase that big yarn ball in the sky. . . "DRGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07906484484664031450noreply@blogger.com0