Why Do Cats Roll Over Into Their Backs But Not Let You Touch Their Bellies?
It’s common knowledge dogs love to have their tummies rubbed when they freely lay down before you and roll onto their backs. But, if you’re also familiar with cats, you know that when they roll onto their backs with their bellies exposed, rubbing the belly will most likely result in bleeding. So why do they do this? advertisement An expression of trust Cat behaviorists will likely answer that it’s a sign of trust when cats roll over and expose their bellies. That is true, indeed. But is it also a request to rub their bellies? The fact that your cat
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Feral Cats: Who They Are, and Why They’re Not Considered Stray Cats
You may have heard the term “feral” used interchangeably with “stray” or “outdoor” cats, but this isn’t accurate. So what exactly is a feral cat? Feral cats have unique characteristics; they are considered wild and are often unable to live indoors. Due to this, they usually live outdoors their entire lives, which can be controversial. advertisement What is a Feral Cat A feral cat is an offspring of a domestic cat that has never been exposed to humans. Experienced handlers must treat them with extreme care when they are near humans because of their intense fear of humans. Feral cats usually live in colonies with other feral cats and avoid most human contact. Because of these factors, feral cats are a specific type of stray and tend to show extreme fear around humans. If a cat was previously kept in a home or was socialized by humans as a kitten, it is more likely that it will respond to human attention and be able to live in a home again, even if it takes some time to regain confidence and readjust. It is not feral if a stray approaches you on the street, lets you pet them, or purrs and vies for attention. How to support them Feral cats are considered wild animals, so they do not quickly adapt to living indoors. Any handling or close interaction with humans can be highly stressful for feral cats. Feral cats forced to live in captivity can suffer physical and emotional problems. A colony of feral cats is the best place for feral cats to live since they can avoid most human contact. Colonies often form near garbage dumps or livestock barns where they have a steady supply of food and can hide from cold, rain, and extreme heat. Humans can help feral cat colonies by providing food, water, and shelter and trapping, neutering, and releasing them. Trap, Neuter, & Release Programs Through programs known as trap, neuter, and release (TNR), animal shelters and rescue groups can provide primary healthcare and sterilization to feral cats. In these programs, feral cats are humanely trapped and spayed or neutered before being released back into their colonies. As a result, feral cat populations can be controlled while allowing them to live their lives in their colony. Trapped cats may also receive basic vaccinations and deworming while sedated. The community is thus prevented from becoming infected with contagious diseases. Additionally, the tip of their ears is surgically clipped while sedating, so they can be easily identified as cats who have already been spayed or neutered. In the future, they will not be trapped and sedated unnecessarily. Wildlife at risk Feral cats can also be the subject of controversy. Wildlife and other animals are at risk from feral cats and stray or outdoor cats. Cats are excellent hunters and will kill small rodents and birds, including domestic chickens, when they have the chance. Some community members do not want cats around because they are avid birders or keep
All You Need to Know About the Beautiful Calico Cat
Regardless of their fur pattern or coloring, all cats are unique in their way. So you might wonder why some cats, like calico cats, are more eye-catching than others. We’re here to help you learn more about calico cats, whether you’re looking to adopt one or want some fun facts to impress your friends. advertisement The coat pattern of calico cats is distinctive. A calico cat can be any domestic cat breed with a tri-color coat, usually black, orange, and white. The white coloring can make up 25-75% of their fur. There are also variations in calico cat coats, such as cream, blue-black, brown, and reddish-orange. Since torties have black and orange in their coats, they are often mistaken for calico cats. This is because tortoiseshell cats have a black-based coat, while calico cats have a white-based coat. There is a possibility that calico cats came from Egypt. Cats with calico patterns have been around for a long time. The origin of calico cats is unknown, but one study traced them along shipping trade routes in Europe and Northern Africa. The orange mutant gene found in calicos likely originated in Egypt and was traced to port cities along the Mediterranean Sea in France, Greece, Italy, and Spain. In order to prevent mice and rats from infesting their vessels, Egyptian merchants took calico cats aboard their ships. With the ships sailing from port to port, the cats spread their genetics and unique fur and coat patterns worldwide. Almost all calico cats are female. In general, calico cats are almost always female since a cat’s coat color is genetic. The X chromosome is associated with black and orange fur, and female cats have two X chromosomes to have both colors simultaneously. Male cats usually have only one X chromosome, so they are either black or orange, but not both. Male calico cats are very rare and can only occur if the cat has a genetic abnormality with XXY genes. Maryland’s official state cat is the calico cat. Maryland adopted the calico cat as its official cat in 2001. Why? Its orange, black, and white fur colors are similar to those of the Maryland state bird, the Baltimore oriole, and the Maryland state insect, the Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly. Only three states in the U.S. have official cat representatives as their official state mammal: Maine, Massachusetts, and Maryland. Maine’s official cat is the Maine Coon, and tabby cats are the state cat of Massachusetts. Many cultures consider calico cats to be good luck charms. Calico cats serve as good luck charms in many cultures. They are sometimes called “money cats” in the United States because they are believed to bring good fortune to their owners. (This may be an offshoot of “the lucky cat.”) It’s also said that Japanese fishermen brought calico cats onto their ships to protect them from harsh storms (and ghosts). According to Irish folklore, rubbing the tail of a calico cat on the affected area can cure warts. advertisement A
Aoshima (Cat Island)
Known as “Cat Island,” Aoshima, Japan, is a sleepy island in the Ehime Prefecture, with feline residents outnumbering humans by about eight to one. Aoshima was once a bustling fishing island, but now only a few human residents are left. However, the cat population is thriving. They were initially introduced to help fishermen keep the mouse population in check, but now they are YouTube sensations and the island’s star attraction. advertisement Despite being semi-feral, the cats on Aoshima are accustomed to human visitors. As a result, it’s not uncommon to find a crowd of tourists trying to befriend the kitties as a result of the recent boom in publicity. Fortunately, there are over 100 felines living on the island, so you won’t have to compete too hard for their affection! If you give them food and undivided attention, these fluffballs will play with you and let you take photos. The island’s community center has a designated feeding area just a few minutes walk from the port, so if you wish to feed the cats, please do so there. Likewise, locals often overfeed the cats, especially the elderly, to develop companionship with the creatures. However, no cat lover can blame them for that. There are also cat islands worldwide, not just in Japan. For example, there were at least 18 cat islands in the United States and 15 in Australia. However, it’s often the topic of conversation to eradicate the cat populations in these U.S. and Australian islands. Though some people think culling the cat population on Aoshima is also a good idea because large groups of cats can create stress. It has been discovered that cats in Aoshima form hierarchies, with males competing for territory and females competing for food. However, despite so much competition, cat researchers argue that living conditions in this so-called haven are anything but heavenly. Often, kittens die before adulthood due to starvation, disease, or a type of infanticide previously observed only in lions due to so much interspecies competition. In the warm seasons, tourists bring food to the cats, but no one comes when it gets cold, and the sea is rough. It is sometimes impossible for boats to cross rough seas. In 2016, a plea for food led to a plethora of donations. advertisement The Aoshima Human Residents Aoshima Island was once a thriving fishing village with 900 people in the mid-1940s. Only a few elderly residents who didn’t relocate after World War II left. There were only six full-time residents as of 2019. A photographer known as Fubirai has been documenting the island’s cats for several years on his blog. With the help of Buzzfeed, the photos went viral in 2012, leading to a small tourism boom. Apart from that, Aoshima isn’t exactly a tourist hotspot. There are no hotels, restaurants, shops, or even vending machines. Bring all your supplies and take all your garbage home if you plan to visit Aoshima. Respect the elderly residents and be kind to the felines on
8 Famous Cats in Movies
There has been a love affair with cats in cinema for more than a century, dating back as far as the 1901 silent short film The Sick Kitten. Of course, there are times when cats are cute, and there are times when they are creepy, but a movie is almost always more interesting when they appear. We think so too, so here is what we consider our favorite eight cat characters in cinema. advertisement “Jonesy” from “Alien” My favorite kitty from movies. Jonesy wasn’t just extra scenery for the film but provided a window for us to look through, the witness. So much of the movie was left to the imagination, and Jonesy provided the lens for us to see what was occurring. As he calmly watches one of his humans being devoured, you can see what is happening in Jonsey’s eyes. He also provides Ripley with someone to care about, so her escape isn’t just about survival but is also about the bond she and Jonsey share. Interesting fact: to get the fear reaction from Jonesy in the scene where he witnesses Samuel Brett’s death, they had a German Sheppard behind a screen and removed the screen to get Jonesy’s genuinely fearful hiss. “Cat” from “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” I simply love Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Any Audry Hepburn fan is well-versed in this movie. But “Cat” steals the show as the main character. “Cat’s” real name was Orangey. He was central to the plot showcasing Holly Golightly’s cavalier and laissez-faire persona. You are entirely in love with Holly Golightly until she abandons a cat in an alleyway. Then, like “Fred,” the narrator, you fall out of love when she does this mean thing for selfish reasons, even though that is in keeping with her character all along. But you forgive her when she comes to her senses and goes to find the cat, wet and cold in the rain, and all is well. https://sparklekitty.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Breakfast-At-Tiffanys-GIF-Find-Share-on-GIPHY-1.mp4 “Vito’s Cat” from “The Godfather” The Godfather is an all-time film classic. Everyone is familiar with Don Vito petting his cat while discussing terrible things with people seeking favors on his daughter’s wedding day. I’m unsure if anyone knows the cat’s name, so he is referred to as Vito’s Cat. The cat was wandering around the studio during filming, and director Coppola had an inspiration and placed the cat in Marlon Brando’s lap. Movie magic was born. The cat’s presence made the things being discussed all the more terrifying because it was all so normal. It wasn’t special that they were planning violence. It was an everyday activity. And Don Vito petting the cat made this clear. “Salem” from “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” Salem, the cat, is a witch’s familiar. This series is a remake of “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” starring Melissa Joan Hart. In the original series, Salem is played by a puppet. This was fine since it was deliberately a little corny and tongue-in-cheek. The newer version is much darker and more serious. Salem
Why Do Cats Roll Over Into Their Backs But Not Let You Touch Their Bellies?
It’s common knowledge dogs love to have their tummies rubbed when they freely lay down before you and roll onto their backs. But, if you’re also familiar with cats, you know that when they roll onto their backs with their bellies exposed, rubbing the belly will most likely result in bleeding. So why do they do this? advertisement An expression of trust Cat behaviorists will likely answer that it’s a sign of trust when cats roll over and expose their bellies. That is true, indeed. But is it also a request to rub their bellies? The fact that your cat exposes her tummy to you means she trusts you, but that doesn’t mean she wants her belly rubbed. One or two tummy rubs will get her to leave or attack your hand quickly. Some cats do not roll onto their backs and expose their tummies. This is because most cats feel vulnerable in this position. You might be able to pet their undersides for a few seconds, but they quickly right themselves. A cat’s preferred area for petting There is a good reason why cats protect their bellies. There are vital organs there, first of all. The second reason is that they are more vulnerable in this position. While they’re still able to scratch and bite, it is much more difficult for them to do so. Due to their flight-or-fight response, they can’t run or jump from this position. In contrast to their defensive posture, rolling onto their backs is the exact opposite. Whenever cats are afraid, they rise on all fours with their backs raised, tails erect, and fur standing on end. You are more likely to find cats lying on their sides and letting you stroke their exposed sides. Additionally, they are likelier to stick out their chins since they love to have their cheeks and chins rubbed. Cats like to have their back nearest their tail scratched so that they will stick up their behinds. However, few cats will lie on their backs, and those who do will turn back if you rub their belly. The real meaning of rolling behavior In specific circumstances, cats roll for other cats. According to a 1994 study and subsequent studies, that’s the case. “Domestic Cats and Passive Submission,” published in Animal Behaviour, was authored by Hilary N. Feldman of Cambridge University’s Sub-Department of Animal Behaviour. An 18-month study was conducted on reproductively intact cats from two semi-feral cat colonies. In her study, researchers attributed rolling behaviors to a defensive response before an attack or counterattack in cats. However, Hilary concluded that cats roll for a variety of social reasons. She described a cat rolling onto its back, with forepaws cocked, legs spread, and abdomen exposed. The posture reminded her of dog-like behavior, and the position was held for several minutes. 79% of rolling behaviors were performed in front of another cat. The researcher believes the rolling cat approached the other cat rapidly and then rolled rather than responding to the
Why Does My Cat Turn In Circles Before Laying Down?
Unlike humans, cats rarely lie down in bed before making a fuss. Instead, before snuggling in for the night, they prepare their bed carefully. You may have noticed cats turn around in circles like a dance before settling in. Why do they do this? advertisement First things first, why do cats sleep so much? Cats are known for enjoying a good nap. The average cat sleeps between 12 and 16 hours a day. However, all cats sleep often, not just old, tired kitties. Cats sleep for two-thirds of the day, even when they are young and healthy. The weather, hunger, cramped muscles, or an ailing joint may occasionally disrupt cats’ sleep time, but cats love to sleep regardless of these interruptions. Your housecat’s sleeping habits are inherited from generations of their wild ancestors. When cats lived in the wild, their survival depended on their ability to hunt. A successful hunt usually results in the cat sleeping for a long time after a filling meal, just as humans nap after a big Thanksgiving dinner. If a hunt were unsuccessful, wild cats would sleep to conserve energy. In either case, naps were important. Even though domestic cats don’t hunt, their sleep-centered lifestyle hasn’t changed much. Theory 1: Cats circle before sleep to regulate their temperature A cat’s ritual of circling before lying down for a nap has many possible explanations. According to one theory, cats circle around and tightly coil their bodies to conserve body heat. When the weather was cold, cats in the wild wound their bodies into tight balls to stay warm—generally, the tighter the tuck, the warmer the cat. In addition, other family members compacted their bodies together to share body heat effectively. In hotter climates, wild cats scratched the ground to remove soil and grass that retained and radiated heat from the sun. By removing the topsoil and grass, the sleepy cat gained some relief from the heat. Thus, cats optimized a biological reason to turn around before sleeping in cold or hot climates. Theory 2: Cats circle before sleep to position their bodies to protect themselves from danger To keep a close eye on their surroundings and potential predators, cats position themselves most advantageously while most vulnerable. They aim to position themselves so they can quickly detect the scent of an intruder by following the wind patterns. As cats travel in packs, they place alpha cats outside family circles to protect the young and elderly. As a result of this nesting procedure, unwanted inhabitants, such as deadly snakes or insects, were also exposed. Moreover, moving grass or leaves indicates to other wild cats in the area that this spot had been claimed for the night, which decreased territorial disputes. Despite living indoors, domestic cats still follow the sleeping ritual of their ancestors, regardless of predators or inclement weather. advertisement Can the circling be a warning sign? Seeing our cats turn around before bedding down is amusing, but it can also signify something is wrong. For example, when
The 5 (or 6) Main Cat Senses
Our cats’ whiskers work as antennae, their ears serve as satellite dishes, and their dual scent mechanism outperforms even the most sensitive dogs with their noses. Cats have a fascinating sensory world that is, in many ways, unique. Discover some fascinating facts about cats and how their senses work to bring the world into sharp focus. advertisement Sight A cat’s eyesight might not be ideal for painting works of art, but it is perfect for hunting in the middle of the night. They are proficient hunters because of their wide field of vision and ability to detect movement. One study found that cats’ ability to see in the dark is mainly due to their ability to see ultraviolet light that humans cannot detect. As a result, they hunt primarily during twilight, and their daylight vision is less heightened in the evening, which explains why your cat is crepuscular. Scurrying mice might still go unnoticed despite their intelligent eyes. Under their chins, cats have a blind spot. You now know why your kitten can’t see things right under their noses! Smell The cat’s sense of smell is a wonderfully intricate mechanism that some researchers even rank above that of our trusted dogs, with almost 40 times more odor-sensitive cells than ours. Moreover, cats rely more on their noses than their eyes to figure out their environment. So whether a cat is bonding with its mother, hunting, mating, or exploring its surroundings, its sense of smell will provide the most reliable information. Cats have a dual scent mechanism, a cool superpower that is quite rare in the animal kingdom. Similarly to other animals, cats have olfactory (scent) receptors that detect aromas in the air. In addition, cats have a second nose, located on the roof of their mouth, called the vomeronasal organ, which detects pheromone signatures that regular scent receptors cannot. It is essential for social, mating, and territorial communication. Hearing Humans might not notice a slight rustle in the leaves on the ground, but your kitten will quickly perk up its ears and investigate further. This is because cats can hear a wide range of frequencies thanks to their cone-shaped ears. Consequently, they can listen to more frequencies than most mammals, including humans. The shape of a cat’s outer ear serves two purposes: it amplifies sound as it travels to the middle and inner ear and detects where the noise comes from. No wonder this cat sense has evolved into a unique detection mechanism when hunting or avoiding predators. Taste Cats’ senses are very sensitive, but their taste is strange. Only a few hundred taste buds are present in them, compared to over 9000 in humans! So cats, for example, cannot taste anything sweet, making them the only mammal who can’t. Many believe their heightened sense of smell compensates for their poor taste. Lemons and coffee, however, should be kept away from your cat. Cats are not fans of bitter flavors, as bitter signals are interpreted as harmful or poisonous. However,
Fun Facts about the Silly Orange Cat
As anyone who’s lived with an orange cat can attest, their personalities make them stars. They’re infinitely fascinating felines, so here are some fun facts about the awesome orange cat. 1. All orange cats are tabbies Did you know there is no such thing as a solid orange cat? Instead, all orange cats are tabbies. It doesn’t matter how faint their stripes are; they’re still there. So all orange cats are tabbies, but not all tabbies are orange. advertisement 2. The majority of orange cats are male The ratio is about 80 percent male to 20 percent female. And it’s not a coincidence — it’s genetics. The X chromosome is what carries the orange coloring. In females, there are two Xs, while in males, it’s XYs. In order to pass on the orange genes to a female orange tabby cat, the sire and dam must be orange. Males, however, only need the orange gene from their mothers. 3. Orange cats have an M on their forehead If you look closely, you’ll notice an M on your orange cat’s forehead and a pattern in its fur. They’re sometimes called red, ginger, and marmalade tabbies, and their fur patterns can be classic, mackerel, spotted, or ticked. They can even get freckles on their little noses and lips. 4. Orange tabbies are known for being clingy cats Orange cats are known for loving attention and being snuggly. In addition, orange cats are infamously known for being friendly, silly, outgoing, and funny. 5. Winston Churchill owned an orange cat Perhaps it’s just a little too fitting that the man who said, “Never, never, never give up,” had an orange tabby cat. Winston Churchill shared his life with an orange tabby cat named Tango. But, of course, he was probably trying to get some sleep in his bed when he came up with the famous line. advertisement 6. The creator of Garfield couldn’t think of a better color for his iconic cat When the creator of Garfield, when asked why he made Garfield orange, said, “In my head, the sky is blue, the grass is green, and cats are orange.” 7. It’s an internet theory that orange cats’ goofy nature is due to them sharing one collective brain cell In the subreddit “/r/OneOrangeBraincell/,” orange cat owners love showing off their orange tabbies’ silly and often boneheaded nature. The subreddit’s description states: “A sub dedicated to derpy orange cats! “It is widely believed that all orange cats share one communal brain cell” -Unknown.” Orange cats are as bright, beautiful, and varied as their coats; whether hogging the pillow or purring until you pick them up and pet them, we love our orange babies!
Cat Adjectives That Make Good Names
Getting a new kitty friend is great but sometimes thinking up a good name that’s a little unique but still descriptive is hard. So here’s a cheat sheet of adjectives to describe kitties which also make great names. advertisement 1. Casual This is number one on my list because I once named my cat “Casual.” It was very descriptive. Casual was super laid back and was a male Calico. If you know cats, you would know calicos are supposed to be females, so Casual was a rarity, but a super loving kitty. He was a rescue cat. I took him in when he didn’t look so great and with a little love he became gorgeous and all the people who didn’t want him were jealous of my beautiful calico kitty Casual. 2. Mellow Mellow is right in there with Casual. If your kitty is nonchalant and never you mind then Mellow would be a good name. Cats love to say hello with slow blinking eyes. A friendly cat who does this a lot would be great for wearing the name Mellow kitty. 3. Beloved Not just a novel by Toni Morrison. Beloved is a great cat name. You probably already call your cat this anyway. For all those cat lovers whose kitty is the treasure of their lives, Beloved seems a most fitting name. 4. Chubby Chubby, Chubbers, Chubs, … you get it. If your kitty has a few extra pounds and loves his Meow Mix making him especially adorable, this name’s for you. Chubby kitties are super cute and adorably awkward. Why not embrace it with a name to fit their physique? 5. Cuddles Any cute kitty who likes to cuddle up. Let’s face it cuddle time is why we humans love our cats so much. They naturally want to rub noses and get close. Makes nap time so much better when a human is there to provide a warm pillow and some gentle petting. Just not the tail; leave my tail alone! 6. Fluffy Fluffy, Fluffers, a cat with a lot of poofy hair. Any long-haired kitty could qualify for the name Fluffy. 7. Grump(y) Grump, Grumpy, Grumps, Mr./Miss. Grumps. It’s a great name for a cat who doesn’t really fit the “Cuddles” moniker. Some cats just aren’t gonna be in a good mood. Their grumpy disposition isn’t always negative, though. Grumpy cats can be hilarious. You reach to pet them and they let out that merrrooowwweerrrrooommm that says don’t you dare touch me. Grumpy cats are scenery; look, don’t pet. advertisement 8. Precious This is in there with Beloved. If you say it with the voice of Smeagol from Lord of the Rings, that’s ok. Precious takes up all our devotion. This name is reserved for kitties who are gonna be pampered, and I mean with a capital “P.” Precious is going to get the best food, the best toys, the best kitty accessories, and the best place in the household because with a name like Precious
Your Cat’s Not Nocturnal, She’s Crepuscular
We cat owners have all been here before. As you lay in bed, you drift off to sleep, but suddenly, your feline friend wakes you up. The problem is, it’s 3 am. You lay there exhausted, hoping that your cat would calm down. As a result, you probably think your cat is nocturnal. The truth is, they aren’t. Your cat is crepuscular. Are you not convinced? You may want to keep reading. advertisement Nocturnal, Diurnal, Crepuscular Most of us are familiar with the word nocturnal; we associate this word with hooting owls, howling wolves, and musical crickets: the creatures of the night. However, animals, such as humans, who are most active during the day are called diurnal. More specifically, nocturnal animals have adapted to thrive best when there is little to no light. For example, bats have terrible eyesight, but with the help of echolocation, they do not need vision (which is a sense that relies on light to be effective) to hunt and catch their prey. It’s unknown if nocturnal or diurnal came first — it’s theorized that nocturnal creatures became night dwellers to escape the day roamers or vice versa. But what about this third category: crepuscular? Cats are crepuscular because they are most active at dawn and dusk (low light hours). Crepuscular animals are not limited to our feline friends. Other crepuscular animals include rabbits, ferrets, ocelots, bobcats, deer, and African wild dogs. So what is crepuscular, and why is my cat crepuscular? Crepuscular animals thrive when the light is low, which means the time of day they’re most active can vary depending on the amount of available light so that they may be active on a bright moonlit night or an overcast day. Animals have adapted to be crepuscular for two reasons: to adjust when their prey is most active and to avoid competition from other animals. For example, on the Santa Cruz islands, the short-eared owl is crepuscular to avoid the prominent predator, the Galapagos hawk. However, the same owl species that live on the Galapagos Islands are active during the day. advertisement It’s in the eyes Even though this behavior is instinctive to each species, the structure of an animal’s eyes determines its nocturnal, diurnal, or crepuscular behavior. Crepuscular creatures like your cat have large eyes compared to their skulls, allowing in more light compared to our smaller human eyes. They also have a layer of cells at the back of their eyes called the tapetum lucidum, which reflects light to the retina, enabling them to see very well in low light. While this information may not help you at 3 am when your cats are keeping you awake with their crepuscular zoomies, we hope this gives you some additional insight into why it’s happening. Just remember, it’s not because they’re trying to bother you; they’re just succumbing to their primal instincts with the hunting urge kicking in, even if it’s just hunting their stuffed toy mouse.
