Omer Ashraf asked:


Balinese cat is a long-haired feline breed of oriental origin that is similar to the Siamese. It has the same traits and appearance as the Siamese apart from its flowing long hair. The cats were recognized as early as the initial decades of the twentieth century, in sporadic mutations of Siamese litters. However, it was not until 1950's when its beauty was truly appreciated and development of the breed started in earnest. The name 'Balinese' was given as a depiction of its grace, akin to that of exotic Balinese dancers.

Over the years two variants of the cat have emerged. One is the 'traditional' Balinese with semi-long hair on whole of its body. Other is the 'contemporary' Balinese that has short hair on its body apart from its fluffy tail that has long hair. Both types have the same markings as Siamese cats, their only distinction being their ermine coat. Body is slim, long and muscular. Head is wedge shaped with sapphire eyes somewhat slanted in accordance. Recognized colors are the traditional Siamese blue, chocolate, lilac and seal. Other colors such as red and cream also occur, though such cats are often characterized as Javanese rather than the Balinese.

The silky fur and aristocratic appearance makes the Balinese a sought after breed of felines. They are often considered to be the most intelligent of the longhaired cats. This alongside their single coat that does not get matted nor shed or require constant grooming means they are quite well suited to be the ideal house cat.

Despite their longish hair, the Balinese have a robust physical appearance and are sleek and attractive. Being quite active and playful, they require constant love and attention for their continual intellectual stimulation. At times may gain weight owing to lack of regular exercise. They are on the whole very good pets and companions.



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Omer Ashraf asked:


One of the most recent feline breeds, Ojos Azules is a very pretty cat. Little is understood about the origin of this cat except for the fact that it was first reported in New Mexico in the mid nineteen eighties. The cat is known for its dazzling bright blue eyes. In fact the name Ojos Azules has been taken from Spanish words meaning 'blue eyes'. The unique eye color of Ojos Azules is a result of a genetic mutation. It is a very rare and pretty cat and exists in hands of limited breeders worldwide. It is not widely recognized at the moment and is still looking for global acceptance as a distinguished breed.

Ojos Azules is a cat of medium build. Head is triangular in shape with big round eyes and angular muzzle. Coat is short, silky and occurs in a variety of colors and patterns. Prior to the appearance of Ojos Azules, blue eyes were seen only in white or Siamese cats. However, these pretty felids display blue eyes in all types of fur presentations. In fact the first Ojos Azules in record - the founding member of the breed - was a tortie.

The mutant gene responsible for the Opus Azules' eyes is dominant in character. If present in homozygous (paired) form, it leads to skull defects and mortality in newborns. Breeders therefore outcross these cats to other breeds, often domestic short and longhairs, in order to maintain healthy litters. The gene has proved to be harmless if existing in heterozygous formation.

Not much is known about the overall behavior and personality of Opus Azules owing to their rarity. Only a handful of the cats existed a decade or so ago. Furthermore their development was halted when it became clear that the 'blue eye gene' was potentially fatal. It took a period of dedicated genetic analysis to resume the breed's development. Therefore little conclusive data exists on the long term health, temperament and behavioral profile of these pretty cats.



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Nicholas Tan asked:


Over the last thousands of years, cats have pretty much handled their breeding themselves. In the beginning, they were used for one purpose - hunting and killing rodents. As the years progressed, we began to breed cats more to our liking. Nowadays, there are several different breeds of cats - which you can tell if you look closely.

These days there are over 70 distinct cat breeds, which are recognized through cat registries. There are several registries that will recognize around 40 breeds or so, as they exclude the more domestic breeds such as tigers. There are also many variations as well, including wild cats that have longer hair.

There are some cat breeds who have roots going back quite a bit in history. Some Japanese breeds, such as the Japanese Bobtail, can be traced back more than 1,000 years in history. These cats were very common and well known throughout Medieval Japan. Now days though, they are all but a myth throughout Japan and the entire world.

The more common cat breeds that are found in North America include the alley cat, long haired cat, and Persian cat. Siamese cats are also common, although they are well known to be destructive and to have a foul temper. Persian cats are very popular, proving to be loving companions. Persian cats can be very expense, depending on where you get it and what type of Persian cat it is.

Alley cats are the most common in North America. There are actually several different breeds, although most of us just refer to them as alley cats. They make good pets, although there are literally thousands of them in existence. Cats are known to breed more than any other pet, and they will continue to breed until they are stopped. Alley cats are among the most bred, as there are hundreds of thousands of cats that are homeless - and have nothing to do but breed.

The look of the cat is the easiest way to tell what breed he or she may be. Some people choose to go by color, although color isn’t as easy to identify. Different breeds of cats have different looks, such as the Siamese and Persian cats. Siamese cats are almost always black, and easy to identify by their color and their eyes. Persian cats on the other hand, are easily identified by their body type and their hair.

Over the years, there has been quite a few breeds come along. Cats were one of the first pets, and easily one of the most popular. Millions of people around the world own cats, with many people preferring a cat over any other pet - including dogs. No matter breed of cat you get - you’re sure to get a pet who make for a great companion for years and years to come.



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Lee Dobbins asked:


Back in the ancient times, the cats are already around. They are even placed in elevated positions in civilizations like Egypt.

Today, any one can enjoy owning a cat. There are no restrictions at all in owning them, unlike other pets that require high maintenance and are subject to state or federal regulation.

A cat can also help you forget an exhausting day at work or at school. It can cuddle up to you and purr. It makes you feel protective over the cat.

Caring for a Cat

Any cat lover out there does not need any reason or question for owning one. Yet, for those who do not have a cat they may think that this is a tremendous task.

Actually, cats are the easiest pets to own. Cats are the perfect companions. They do not require much from the owner. They only have to be regularly fed. They also need a shelter.

Cats can be toilet trained too. A simple tray and a few training sessions can dispense with the problem of dealing with their dirt, especially for indoor cats.

Getting Your Own Cat

Having a cat in the household will definitely be an experience you do not want to miss. Again, they can be easily maintained in the household, so there is no need to worry.

All you have to do is to pick one type that will best suit your personality. There are a big number of cat breeds out there to choose from, not to mention those that have been cross-bred.

Each breed has its own distinct characteristic and personality. This can affect how they will behave, how they play and even if they will require further maintenance.

The best thing to do is to pick the best breed for you. Here are the top 10 breeds that you can choose from.

1. Persian Cat

The Persian cat is one of the most popular breeds in town. They are known for their long and fluffy hair that can grow up to 3 inches. They also have beautiful colors that range from white, black, gray, orange or a combination of these colors.

Persian cats require more maintenance in terms of their hair. They also need comfortable environments and they have to feel secured.

2. Siamese Cat

Siamese cats are also very popular. They have markings in their hair that make them very distinct. They also have slender bodies and very elegant posture.

A Siamese cat always wants to be the center of attention. They want to be cared for. They tend to get too noisy or cry a lot if they want to call your attention.

3. Maine Coon Cat

The Maine Coon Cat, or as some would say Mancoon cat, is one of the oldest breeds of cats. Everywhere in the world, there is one you will find as they can withstand warm and even cold climates.

One will be a very loyal addition to the family. They are fun-loving. Their good-natured personality will make them very safe with kids.

4. Ragdoll

Another wonderful breed for soon-to-be pet owners is the ragdoll. This cat has medium length of hair. They are very gentle, easy-going and affectionate.

They are perfect for any household. They only have to be kept indoors, away from the aggressive animals.

5. Burmese Cat

Burmese cats are shorthaired. They have big yellow eyes and very satiny hair. Stroking their hairs are enough for grooming.

Burmese cats tend to be vocal like the Siamese. They only have softer voices. They can get really bonded and trusting with their owners.

6. Manx

The Manx cats are very distinct because of their peculiar backs that end in a shortened tail. Their structure gives them a very rounded look that makes them more adorable and cuddly.

Manx cats are very intelligent and playful. They are even considered as social cats as they love people very much. They can even be playful even around water, making it easier to groom them.

7. Siberian Cat

Siberian cats are known for their proportioned bodies and their furs. Some even claim

that their furs are hypoallergenic, although this is still subject to be confirmed.

These cats are intelligent, loyal and very affectionate. They are almost dog-like in their

personality.

8. Somali Cat

Somali cats are long-haired cats that wee from the Abyssinian breed. They have fluffy hair and bottle-brush tails.

They are perfect for owners who want an active, intelligent and playful pet. They can also get very curious. They also shed little hair and thereby perfect for those who do not want too much grooming time.

9. Russian Blue

This breed of cat has blue to bluish-gray coat. They usually have green or dark eyes.

Russian Blues are very playful and intelligent. They also bond really well with their owners but they are very shy to strangers.

10. American Bobtail

American Bobtails are distinctly recognized for their tails that are shorter than the ordinary type and look like it has been specially bobbed. They can have short or long coats. Their eye colors can also vary.

Conclusion

Cats are the most wonderful creatures in the world. They are the beloved pets in most households and neighborhoods. So get your own cat now.



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Doris Canova asked:


Formerly, it was carelessly thought that our house cats were simply the progeny of tamed pairs of the European wildcats; but anatomy has denied the probability of this and historical investigation shows that they came from another source.  Historical evidence, which includes innumerable mummies, shows that the cat was domesticated by the Egyptians before the time of the oldest monuments of their civilization.

Moreover, the characteristic specific markings of the caffrc cat (still wild as well as tame in the Nile Valley) reappear unmistakably in our common house cats in spite of the fact that interbreeding with other species has intervened.  A well-marked variety of this cat, known as the Mediterranean cat, was and is found in ancient times as well as now in Syria and eastward.  It is established that many centuries before the Christian era the Egyptians, Cretans, Phoenicians and other men of the Levant were constantly voyaging all over the Mediterranean Sea.  They were busy founding trading-posts on both its shores, where finally arose and spread the extensive civilizations of Greece and Rome on the north, and of Carthage on the south.

With these colonists undoubtedly went their friendly and useful mousers. That they then were crossed somewhat with the native wildcat seems to be shown by the appearance of the peculiar form we call "tabby" cats.  In brief, this is the history of the common European house cat and also those of America and most of the civilized world because of immigration.  However, in the remote and isolated East exists races of domesticated cats of more local origin.  Prof. G. Martorelli, of Milan, Italy, made a special study of this whole subject and he has concluded that the ordinary domestic cat of India has descended from the Indian desert cat.

 From it, he says, are derived their common spotted breed, while the fulvous breed seen in India has been produced by a cross with the native jungle cat. Both these have interbred with the imported western cats in recent years. The Persian or ''Angora" long-haired breeds may probably have come from the Pallas' cat of central Asia; and the curious Siamese cat is regarded as derived from the golden cat. Whether accidentally or by the design of breeders, intermingling of these various species and races has produced the bewildering variety of forms now seen.

NOTE:  This article is for information only.   See your veterinarian for medical advice.



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Jim Moore asked:


Bet you would like to know what your cat is trying to tell you?

You might not, if you haven't been around felines a lot.

Of course, cats meow. And the type of meow they use gives you a good idea of what they're trying to communicate with you. This is especially true if your pet is a Siamese cat. This type of cat is very vocal. One Siamese owner had a cat that meowed loudly - and persistently - whenever it wanted to play a game of hide and seek. Every time the cat used his "special meow", which the owner recognized, she knew that he was "hiding" and needed to be "found." She dutifully played.

In fact, Siamese cats have a voice that's often mistaken for a human voice. When a Siamese cat in heat, he sounds very human-like. Don't be surprised if your cat almost seems to be saying "hello." It's eerie to hear in the middle of the night. Many individuals also think that the meow of a Siamese cat is similar to a human baby crying.

But all cats use their voices at one time or another. And there are a variety of ways in which the voice of a cat indicates what the feline is trying to convey through "cat chat". The differences in pitch, intensity, frequency and even the pace and cadence of the cat's voice all leave clues about his feelings. The quicker the meows, for example, the more anxious or even frightened your pet may be. The slower the sounds, the more confident and relaxed he is. In addition to the occasional meow, cats more than likely will talk to you through a variety of other behaviors.

A favorite method of communicating is the cat's purr, which is unique to the feline species. You may already know that a cat purrs when he's content. Animal behaviorists now believe that they also purr when they are in the mood to be sociable.

However, if you pay close attention to your cat, you'll notice that he also purrs when he's nervous, feeling a little uneasy or even if he's in great pain. Some experts think it's a feline form of "meditation" and that this action comforts them. If this theory is at all correct, the "purring" sound of the feline is the equivalent of our "Ohm" when we meditate.

When your cat trusts you enough, she'll eventually roll over on her back, exposing her stomach. This, in cat behavior, is the ultimate form of submission. You should be impressed. It does not necessarily mean though that he wants his tummy rubbed. So be careful how you try this. To discover your cat's true feelings, watch how he holds his tail. The way in which he switches his tail is also a subtle form of communication. Cats are not dogs. When a dog wags his tail, he's a happy animal. You can tell if a cat is annoyed because its tail is flicking rapidly back and forth - the equivalent of a wag . . . or the least confused.

You probably are already aware that a "puffed up" tail indicates fear. You'll recognize this signal as soon as you see it. Your pet's tail will be at least twice the size it normally is. Could mean that he's been fighting with another cat, or he's just encountered something unexpected that startled him. A cat who is feeling "good about himself" will hold his tail high. A tail held a little lower indicates that he is feeling relaxed and relatively content. Cats possess something called a "third eyelid." This is a layer of skin that you can sometimes see that surrounds the cat's eyes. If you can see this, then you cat is either ill or extremely content and sleepy. The eyelid shows especially if you cat is running a fever.

You'll be able to tell if your feline friend is ill by other behavior. She won't be acting her normal self. If this lasts for more than several days, take your pet to the veterinarian if at all possible. Cats are very good at trying to disguise their true feelings. They may try to hide the fact that they are ill. Why? Because when their ancestors were out in the wild, many thousands of years ago, an ill cat did not live very long. So, cats try to keep a "stiff upper lip", as it were, in order to be able to survive as long as possible.

Your cat's third eyelid may be showing on the other hand because he's very content and near the point of sleeping. Again, by paying some attention to his other body language, you'll be able to read the signals.

Does your cat "head-butt" you? That's the cat's standard affectionate greeting. Try "head-butting" him back. Seriously. Not very hard of course. You'll discover that he really enjoys this. You'll also soon discover that you've got a bond forming with this feline.

Another form of an affectionate greeting is "the lick." Hard to believe, isn't it? But from the very moment he was born, his mother licked him. In his mind it's associated with love. In fact, this is the only way his mother had to clean him. When your cat takes that sandpaper-rough tongue and licks your skin, fight the first impulse to jerk your body part away. You really don't want to hurt his feelings, now do you?

Make no mistake about it. Cats are smart creatures. Some animal behaviorists even theorize that some cats possess the intelligence of a two-year-old human. So just be patient - and pay attention. Soon you and your cat will have your own subtle form of communication. And it'll be most enjoyable and satisfying.



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Robin Darch asked:


So you are thinking of adding a cat to your family? Have you thought about which breed of cat is right for you? Each breed of cat is different. In this article I will be telling you about the Siamese Cat, the most popular cat in the world.

The Siamese Cat is a mysterious looking breed that originated in Siam, hence the name, Siamese Cat. Siam, which is now Thailand calls them Wichian Maat. There are many breeds of cat that are offshoots of the Siamese Cat. The Burmese, Balinese, Colorpoint Shorthair, Ocicat, Tonkinese, Himalayan, Javanese, and the Oriental Sorthair and Loanghair are all derived from the Siamese Cat.

For cat shows there are certain standards for Siamese Cats. Balance is the first thing to look for in a Siamese Cat you intend to show. Long, slender, and tall are features that every Siamese Cat that you wish to show must have.

The head of your Siamese Cat should be long and balanced. The points at the ears down to the muzzle should be aligned symmetrically. The muzzle should be straight. They should not have an uneven bite and a strong chin is a plus.

Their expression should be alert and their eyes should be a piercing blue color. The eyes of your Siamese Cat should be oriental in shape but there should be space between them and the nose. Deepset eyes are not a sign of a good show cat for the Siamese breed. The haw should not cover more than just the corner of the eye. Their ears should be large and wedge shaped. (Large at the base tapering up to the tip).

The hind legs of your Siamese Cat should be slightly longer or higher than the front legs. The feet should be oval shaped and not too large. The overall length and shape of your Siamese Cat should be well-balanced. A long tapering tail is also desired. Any kinks in the tail will likely mean your Siamese Cat should not participate in shows or at least you should not expect to win.

The mask should be complete unless you are showing Siamese Kittens. All points should be clearly defined, a clear contrast between the points and the color of the body. All points should be the same basic color as well.

Your Siamese Cat's coat should be short, have a fine texture and should be glossy. Proper care and feeding of your Siamese Cat will help you achieve this.

Even if you are not planning to participate in cat shows, a Siamese Cat is a wonderful pet and the guidelines above will help you determine the value of the cat you choose to adopt.

One thing you should know about owning a Siamese Cat is that they can be as loud as a siren with a voice that sounds like a crying baby. They demand your attention and will do whatever it takes to get it. They are playful, fun-loving pets that you will come to love. Their dependence on you for attention is a sign of love you will be more than happy to return.



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Liane Wood asked:


As a pet owner, you may have had an unexpected emergency that required immediate medical attention for your pet. If so, you may have incurred expenses which you hadn’t planned for, nor find it difficult to comprehend.

Cost of medical treatment for dogs and cats can be exorbitant. It is estimated that veterinary costs have increased over 70%. To this end, here are some case studies that will bring home the point that pet insurance is not only necessary, but a cost-effective necessity.

• Polly is a seven-year-old-cat. She was diagnosed with a Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease, which is quite common among cats. She requires lab work, diagnostic testing, and medications to treat the infection. Cost: $1,500.00

• A 12-year-old Shar Pei named Dominic is diagnosed with a malignant tumor, and requires medical treatment. Cost: $950.00

• Hazel, an eight-year-old Siamese cat has an eye infection that requires medical attention as well as prescription medication. Cost: $170.00

• A six-year-old Retriever named Bailey has recently experienced an allergic reaction that left him with inflamed bumps in his neck and throat. If he had not been treated, he would have succumbed. Treatment for Bailey ensued and he survived. Cost: $2,096.00

• Apollo is a three-year-old domestic short haired cat who ate a pair of his owner’s nylons. Removing the offending material from his stomach required surgery. Cost: $1,332.40

As you can see, veterinary treatments can run into the thousands. Now let’s take a look at the average costs for certain illnesses and/or accidents that may afflict your pet:

Dogs:

• Cancer treatments - $3,600

• Hip dysplasia - $2,400

• Ingestion of foreign bodies - $2,100

• Motor vehicle accidents - $3,300

• Bladder stones - $1,200

Cats:

• Fractured legs - $2,300

• Ingestion of foreign bodies - $1,200

• Infection (not eye) - $1,000

• Eye infection - $250

When you look at these figures, you might be persuaded not to purchase or adopt a pet, right? But this is the downside to not having pet insurance; the upside is that with pet insurance you need not worry about the cost of treating your pet – the benefits derived from pet insurance coverage will take care of all your pet’s needs.

You may wish to bookmark and visit this website: www.insurance-rates.ca/pet-insurance-rates.html. Here you will be able to peruse the many benefits offered, as well as examples of claim calculations which will give you an idea as to the premiums, deductibles, and amount paid. This is a comprehensive site that will help you choose the best coverage for your beloved pet.



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Tristan Andrews asked:


These days, cats are among the most popular pet you can own. There are several breeds available, with the most popular being Persian and Siamese. Cats are a domesticated animal, with origins dating back some 8,000 years and beyond. Like any other pet that you may own, including dogs, cats cost money to take care of properly.

When you get a cat, you'll need to think about the costs. You'll obviously need food, and you'll also need to plan ahead for vet costs. You'll also need litter, which can tend to get quite expensive as the years go by. Your cat will need a litter box, food dish, and water dish. You should also invest in some toys as well, such as a scratching post, cat toys, a pet carrier, and a bed. You should also look into getting an ID collar as well, just in case your cat ever gets lost.

Feeding your pet will depend a great deal on his age. Older cats require two small meals or one large meal for the day. Kittens on the other hand, require several feedings a day until they get around the age of 12 weeks. Cats that are between three and six months of age need to be fed three times a day. Canned food can be fed to cats, although any food that has been left out longer than 30 minutes need to be disposed of. Canned food can get expensive fast, and you should always keep in mind that some may need to be thrown away when you buy it. Cats loved canned food, although it doesn't have any benefits to their dental health like dry food does.

As an alternative plan, you can always leave a supply of dry food out for your pet. When you give your cat dry food, you should always make sure that he has enough water. Dry food costs less than canned food, and it can also help to prevent the buildup of tartar on your cat's teeth. When you buy dry food, you should always look in terms of health and benefits, and stay away from generic food. Even though generic food may be cheaper, it may not offer the nutrients your pet needs.

If you own a kitten, you should only give you kitten food designed for him. You'll also need to clean and refill his water dish every day. Even though kittens and adult cats like cow's milk, you should avoid giving it to them as it can cause diarrhea. Treats are fine on occasion, although too many of them can cause your pet to get fat. Feeding your kitten human food is good on occasion, although you may have to mix it in with his cat food.

By themselves, cats stay fairly clean. Although you don't have to bathe them that often, you'll need to give them a brushing at least once a day. Brushing will reduce the risk of hairballs and keep your cat's coat nice and clean. If you are keeping your cat indoors, you'll need to have a litter box in an area that is easy for your cat to access. You should always scoop it on a daily basis, and clean it out once a week. Cats don't like to use dirty litter boxes, they prefer for it to be nice and clean.

Although cats do require some work, they are great pets that will provide you with years and years of companionship. As long as you take care of your cat and take him to the vet for his checkups, he should remain healthy. Even though cats can get sick from time to time - knowing how to care for him will make a world of difference.



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Robin Darch asked:


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.



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