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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Cats and Superfecundation
Did you ever wonder how kittens could look so different from each other and their mother? Sometimes a kitten will be calico, while others will be pure black. One could have short hair, and the other, long hair. Despite being from the same litter, how can they look so different? It turns out it’s possible that kitten siblings to have the same mother cat but different fathers! It’s called superfecundation. advertisement Wait, but how? When a female kitty is in heat, she can breed with different males numerous times. As soon as the female’s ovaries release eggs, a process triggered by mating, the male’s little swimmers can get trapped in her reproductive tract and fertilize the eggs, leading to multiple donors. There is the possibility of various fertilizations from different sperm donors if the female releases more than one egg, which can survive for up to 24 hours. It would be impossible to determine if superfecundation occurred if a female cat mated with a male of the same breed since the physical characteristics would be too similar. Therefore, a DNA test is the only way to confirm the parentage of a kitten. So how can you know? What is the telltale sign when there is more than one father in a litter? If their appearances are drastically different such as colors, shapes, and even different sizes. Although true, littermates can look vastly different and share the same father. Cats carry dominant and recessive genes, such as blue eyes and short hair, resulting in kittens with different eye colors and fur lengths. The fact that kittens from the same litter look so different can still be a head-scratcher. It is necessary to consider the mother cat’s lifestyle to allude to superfecundation. For example, she’s more likely to have a variety of baby daddies if she’s a stray with easy access to many tomcats while in heat; it’s more common than you might think. advertisement Other interesting facts about cats and pregnancy include: Littermates, fathers and daughters, and mothers and sons can mate; incestuous relationships between cats don’t matter in the feline world. In spring and autumn, cats come into the heat. When a female doesn’t mate during her heat cycle, the process begins again a week or two later. This is why March through October is considered “kitten season.” Females can be fertile for up to seven days or as little as one day. Cats have an average gestation period of 65 days. Females can become pregnant as early as four months old. It is not uncommon for pregnant cats to experience “morning sickness” like pregnant humans. As a result, there is a possibility that they will vomit or refuse to eat. There can be as few as one kitten or eight kittens in a litter. There are usually four kittens per litter on average.
Greebles and Cats: The Origin and the Meaning
You may have seen an internet sensation concerning cats labeled “greebles.” Feel out of the loop? We’re here to help you. In 2019, Reddit user /user/literallyatree commented on a Reddit post about a cat that looks like it’s trying to slap a ghost. This user commented: “My family calls things only cats see greebles. I imagine they’re sorta like tiny goblins that like to mess with cats.” This comment went viral, and the subreddit /r/greebles was created; the description is: “You know when cats see something that’s not there? That’s a greeble. Only cats can see them. They’re like invisible gremlins that like messing with cats.” With over 200K members of /r/greebles in only three years, it’s not surprising why this term caught on so quickly. So many cat parents can’t help but notice when their cat seems to spaz out over what seems like nothing. It’s not a stretch to imagine they’re battling something only they can see and is invisible to the human eye. So why does this happening, really? Is it greebles, or is it something more scientific? advertisement Cats Have Ultraviolet Vision The sun’s rays damage human retinas, so our eye’s outer surface (the lens) protects them from highly damaging ultraviolet light. However, the retinas of cats are much less vulnerable to UV damage, which allows ultraviolet light to penetrate their lens more easily. As a result, cats are more sensitive to subtle differences in brightness due to their ultraviolet vision. Her UV vision could be to blame if your cat is intent on staring at the wall. Some insect species reflect UV light, so your cat may watch a tiny bug crawling up the wall that you can’t see. Seeing Subtle Movement The eye consists of two primary components: cones and rods. A well-lit room allows us to see colors across the spectrum, thanks to cones. By contrast, rods enable us to see in dim lighting, identify shapes, and detect motion. In general, cats have six times more rods than humans, so even though your cat may have difficulty distinguishing colors like you, she can see much better in the dark, thanks to her extra rods. A cat also has about 20 degrees more peripheral vision than a human, meaning she has a wider field of vision. Your cat’s eyes may not be tricking her if she seems to be staring at something that isn’t there. For example, your cat may have seen a bird fly across the yard, a bug crawl down the hall, or just a large piece of dust float through the air. advertisement Something Is Making Noise With their heightened sensitivity, cats’ ears can hear sounds and noises you don’t even know are there. Their hearing range is much broader and includes much higher pitches than humans. With this skill, cats can also pick up ultrasonic vocalizations from rodents such as rats and mice. Your cat may not see anything if she’s staring full force at something you don’t see. For
Incredible Historical Cats: Unsinkable Sam
Unsinkable Sam, the black and white cat, was initially named Oscar but soon earned a historical reputation. Sam’s story began in the Nazi regime’s fleet and ended in the British Royal Navy. While all three ships sank, Sam survived them all: the Bismarck, the HMS Cossack, and the HMS Ark Royal. advertisement Bismarck In the beginning, Oscar belonged to an unknown crew member of Bismarck and was on board on May 18th, 1941, when Bismarck set sail on Operation Rheinübung, Bismarck’s only mission. The British battleship Prince of Wales and the battlecruiser Hood engaged the German battleship Bismarck and her escort the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen in a battle where Hood was completely destroyed and Bismarck suffered an oil leak. Due to the oil leak the British were able to find Bismarck again and torpedo biplanes from the British carrier Ark Royal disabled Bismarck’s rudder making her unable to escape. The ship sank, and only 118 of its 2,200 crew members survived. Oscar was found clinging to a floating board and rescued from the water by the homeward-bound British destroyer HMS Cossack hours later. Unsinkable Sam had officially switched sides from the Nazis to the Allied forces, but his luck didn’t change much. HMS Cossack During the next few months, Cossack performed convoy escort duties in the Mediterranean and North Atlantic. While things went well for a time, 139 of the destroyer’s crew members were killed when a torpedo damaged the ship. The Cossack eventually sank 30 miles west of Gibraltar, and Sam was found clinging to a piece of plank. After surviving the ordeal, he was brought to Gibraltar’s shore establishment. In light of what had happened, British officers renamed him Unsinkable Sam, but his adventure wasn’t over yet. HMS Ark Royal The crew of the HMS Ark Royal then adopted Unsinkable Sam – ironically, the same ship that helped sink the Bismarck. The Ark Royal survived several near misses and earned the reputation of being a ‘lucky ship.’ Sadly, the luck didn’t last, and on November 14th, 1941, a U-boat torpedoed this ship, too, while returning from Malta. advertisement Sam’s Retirement This time, Sam was found on a floating plank by a motor launch and described as “angry but unharmed.” Sam had had enough by this point. After being transferred to a job on land, he hunted mice in Gibraltar’s Governor General’s building. His final years were spent at a ‘Home for Sailors’ in Belfast, where he remained until he peacefully passed. Some question Sam’s story, calling it a ‘sea story.’ Bismarck’s sinking was a horrendous affair as the British threw everything they had at it, making survival especially unlikely. However, we can easily imagine a British soldier saving the cat. For now, we’ll take the story as it is, regardless of whether it’s true. It can be taken in any way: as a legend, a myth, or a simple fact. Sam’s legacy shows that even in the direst circumstances, even when everything around you is crumbling, you
Should I Give My Cat Milk?
No one could hold it against you if you believed milk was good for your cat, but the truth is that it is a myth. Milk is not the most nutritious drink for cats and may even cause digestive distress. Your cat may find comfort in milk as it reminds them of nursing from their mother. Cats certainly love their milk, even though most are lactose intolerant. Let’s explore this topic further and why you should not offer your cat milk regularly. advertisement Should I give my kitten milk? Cats, like other mammals, rely on their mother’s milk when they are first born. Kittens are born with the digestive enzyme called lactase, which is needed to properly digest lactose, aka milk sugars. As the kittens are weaned from their mother’s milk, they naturally stop making lactase since, as they continue to grow, their body doesn’t need milk. Once the lactase is no longer in the stomach, your kitten may become lactose intolerant and experience symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, stomach cramps, and gas when they consume milk. Their stomach cannot break down the lactose, and it ends up in the colon, where it ferments and causes digestive distress. Giving your cat milk While your cat would be pleased to lap up a bowl full of milk, their tummies may not be happy afterward. With that said, most cats can tolerate small amounts of milk from time to time. If you find your cat is ok with milk, offering a tablespoon or so every now and then would be fine. Please don’t push it through. You don’t want to give your feline friend too much and end up with a sick kitty on your hands. Are cats allergic to milk? While most cats are lactose intolerant, it is not an allergy but a lack of the proper enzymes in your cat’s stomach to break down milk sugars and process them properly. Food allergies aren’t very common among cats, but if you notice that your cat is experiencing hair loss, watery eyes, and itchiness after consuming milk, they may very well have a milk allergy. Milk doesn’t offer cats the nutrition they need You may think giving your cat will round out their diet nutritionally, but that is not the case. Cats get very little nutrition from mil past their kitten years. Giving your cat a well-rounded diet and water will keep them healthy and not cause any digestive issues like a diet that contains milk. Are there any safe kinds of milk I can give my cat? If you are stuck on giving your beloved cat milk as a treat. You can buy lactose-free milk as an occasional treat. There are also kinds of milk you can find online or in pet stores formulated with cats. They would be much easier on your cat’s digestive tract and can be given as a treat. Again, as mentioned earlier, these will give your cat a well-balanced diet and should be considered a treat. Why
5 Cat Books to Read
Cat books can be educational, uplifting, entertaining, or a nice mix of all three. It doesn’t matter if you are new to the world of cat lovers, have loved cats for a long time, or just looking for an enjoyable read; you are sure to find a cat book for you. There are endless books available to help people like you and me, cat enthusiasts, understand why our furry felines do the things they do and how to better care for them. There are just as many funny books about cats, and some are even written by cats. That’s right; cats out there are so clever they have written and published books. You will also find a fair share of books full of inspirational stories that leave you feeling uplifted and like this world is so much better, thanks to the cats who make it that way. We have gathered five fantastic books that cat lovers should add to their reading list. These books range from funny, inspiring, and guides on cats and how to care for them. advertisement 5 Cat books to readadvertisement A street cat named Bob A true story that is sure to warm your heart and leave you feeling better about the world: Bob is an orange tomcat that James Bowen, the author of the book, found. James found Bob injured, and even though James was in no position to take on the responsibility of a cat, he couldn’t just leave him to suffer. James nursed Bob back to health and sent him on his merry way. However, life had different plans, and Bob claimed his human. The two became attached at the hip. The book follows this duo through adversity and a magnificent healing journey for the author and his furry friend. You will laugh, cry and cheer this duo on throughout their journey. This book is uplifting, inspiring, and just what the world needs now. James has written a whole series about his beloved Bob. Each book is just as good as the last. Some other titles by James Bowen are: The world, according to Bob A Christmas gift from Bob The little book of Bob: Everyday wisdom from street cat Bob Bob is no ordinary cat For the love of Bob Conclusion Being an avid reader and a cat lover is a wonderful way to live your life. These five books are a great read and are must-haves for any home library.
Why the Ancient Egyptians Worshiped Cats
The people in Ancient Egypt held cats in such high regard, along with other animals, but the cat was favored the most. Cats had a special place in just about every home in Egypt, and they were loved beyond measure. Egyptians might have been considered extreme with their love for cats; they would even put the safety of their cat above their own. You might be wondering what fueled this deep love Egyptians had for cats. Well, there are several reasons why Egyptians worshipped cats. One reason was that they saw cats as great protectors, and the other was that they saw them as divine beings. As a result, cats became sacred and were deeply ingrained in their belief systems. Let’s explore a few reasons why cats were worshipped in ancient Egypt. advertisement Why cats were worshipped in Egypt They protected food supplies. During a time in history when food was not as abundant as today, pests were a serious concern. Cats played an essential role in keeping food stores safe from snakes, rats, and mice. Cats were welcomed into homes and held in high regard for helping to secure food supplies. This relationship between the Egyptians and their feline friends was beneficial to both. The cats got a lovely cozy home with an abundance of food, and people living in the house got free pest control. They were considered good luck. For example, Egyptians believed you had a cat appear while you were dreaming, you would soon receive good fortune. Companions in the afterlife. It was thought that if you had a cat while you were alive, your cat would go onto the afterlife with you and be your companion there. In fact, there have been many mummified cats recovered in Egypt. Pets to the royals. Much like today, people look to the royal family for trends. In ancient Egypt, Pharaohs kept cats adorned with gold and jewels. Lower-class citizens didn’t have the means to use gold and jewels for their cats, but they did create their own jewelry that featured cats. Cat-like Egyptian God and Goddess Ancient Egypt had its share of cat deities, which is why cats were held in such high regard. Mafdet Mafdet was the very first Egyptian goddess that had cat features with the head of a cheetah. Mafdet was a goddess of protection and was portrayed as a fierce goddess. She would protect the home from scorpions and venomous snakes. Bastet Bastet is the more famous Egyptian goddess. She was initially believed to be a goddess of protection and looked over the entire Kingdom to protect it from invaders. Over time her role changed, and she took on the part of the goddess of fertility, family, and love. Bes Bes was known as the protector of children. Unlike other cats, gods, and goddesses, Bes did not have their temple like other gods and goddesses in Egypt. Instead, he was thought to wander around from home to home, protecting the children in those homes.
Have a Cat Friendly Safe and Fun 4th of July
Having friends over for a backyard barbecue, some fireworks, and a rowdy celebration is a great way to celebrate the 4th of July. However, you must be aware that the 4th of July parties can threaten your cat. These tips will help you keep your cat safe this summer and during the 4th of July festivities. advertisement Some BBQ Food Is Unsafe You might be tempted to treat your cat with table scraps during a summer barbecue but that might not be a good idea. Your cat may become sick if she consumes sauces and seasonings on barbecued food. Salmonella poisoning can also result from eating raw beef or chicken and bones can cause choking and cause GI perforation or dangerous GI obstructions. Cats can suffer serious health problems if they consume alcoholic beverages unattended, even in small amounts. Keep all food and drinks out of reach of your cat. Check out this post for more information about toxic human foods for cats. Also, keep a close eye on lighter fluid and matches while barbecuing; these can be toxic to cats. Be sure to make the rules clear to guests. Let your guests know not to let your cat out of the house if you are having a party. Party commotion can stress your cat, causing her to run and hide from the noise. To be safe it’s best if your cat does not have access to the outside. However, your feline friend could easily escape when a guest leaves the front door wide open during a party. If any entries in your home provide your cat with an exit, you might want to put a sign that says, “Please close the door, cat is an escape artist.” Make sure your cat has a safe place to hide during fireworks. It is best to confine your cat in a safe room at least an hour before the fireworks go off on the 4th of July. By doing so, you can ensure that she does not panic and run away. Your cat may feel calmer if she has a favorite toy, a scratching post or pad, and a cat bed. It is also possible to soothe the noise outside by playing classical music or leaving on the TV. Put a note on the door alerting people not to let your cat out if you keep your cat in a safe room and anticipate guests. advertisement Indoors is the best place for outdoor cats. Place your outdoor cat inside a room and always have a break-away collar with an attached ID tag that contains up-to-date information on her, just in case she panics and runs away during all the noise. Also, consider putting your cat in her carrier during your party, or at least while the fireworks go off if you think your cat might escape. The noise from the fireworks could be frightening to a cat outdoors. Safely Store Home Fireworks Even unlit fireworks within the home can be dangerous. Keep
The Odd-Eyed Cat (AKA Heterochromia)
Cats are already beautiful and fascinating creatures, but people are bound to take notice when they have something as captivating as two different colored eyes. Odd-eyed cats always have one blue eye paired with either a green, yellow, or brown eye. This form of heterochromia occurs in other animals, including humans. Odd-eyed cats are most commonly white, but a cat of any color can be affected if it possesses the white spotting gene (a gene that determines a cat’s coat color). advertisement The Science During fetal development, stem cells migrate to different body parts, where they differentiate into other types of cells. Some stem cells migrate to the eye, becoming melanocytes and under certain conditions, melanocytes won’t reach the other eye. One eye will have melanocytes, which give it its pigmentation (green, amber, or brown), while the other eye remains blue due to the lack of melanin. This is due to migration sometimes being inhibited by the dominant white gene and the white-spotting gene. It is also a common misconception that all odd-eyed cats are born deaf in one ear. Approximately 60–70% of odd-eyed cats can hear, so it’s not true. The aging process in cats causes about 10-20% of normal-eyed cats to become deaf. White cats with one or two blue eyes do, however, have a higher incidence of genetic deafness, with the white gene sometimes causing cochlear degeneration shortly after birth. advertisement The Turkish Angora Cat Turkey’s Ankara Zoo has a breeding program to preserve pure white Turkish Angora cats with blue and amber eyes. According to Turkish folklore, “the eyes must be as green as the lake and as blue as the sky,” so the zoo prized those Angoras with one blue eye and one amber eye. The Turkish Angora was almost extinct in Europe at one point, and the breed may have been lost entirely if the cats had not been kept in a Turkish zoo. Turkish Angoras are one of the two native breeds of cats in Turkey. The Ankara Zoo began a massive project to preserve and protect them. In addition to their scientifically and genetically sound breeding program, the zoo kept these cats in impeccable conditions and kept meticulous records. The Turkish people and government regarded their breeding program as a significant achievement. Cats are captivating and beautiful creatures. We would all love to see the world through our furry friends’ eyes, but today, we will have to settle for a little bit of science behind heterochromia in cats.
Who is Jock VII and Why is His Life Important?
World history tells tales of famous cats from different eras who have had significant contributions to the world or have been loyal companions to royal families for generations. One of the most popular cats in history is Jock VII or specifically, the Jock lineage of cats of the Churchill family in Kent. How did such a cat become so well-known in different parts of the world? advertisement Who is Jock VII? The history of the cat lineage that Jock VII succeeds began in 1966 when the Churchill family, upon leaving their home to the National Trust, requested for a marmalade cat to always be in comfortable residence at Chartwell, the family home of Sir Winston Churchill. This marmalade cat must be named Jock, wear a white bib, and have four white paws. The National Trust has honored the request of the Churchill family for generations and has recently welcomed Jock VII to the property. Jock VII was a six-month-old rescue kitten when he took on the unique role of being Chartwell’s resident cat in 2020. He, like all the other Jocks before him, is a marmalade cat with four white paws. Before being adopted by Chartwell’s Visitor Experience Manager, Jock VII is known as “Sunshine” and was rescued by the RSPCA from a litter of very weak and malnourished kittens. The very first and original cat named Jock was a birthday present to Churchill from a private secretary of his, John ‘Jock’ Colville, which the cat was named after. advertisement Jock VII’s Life Today Jock VII’s predecessor, Jock VI, found life at Chartwell very hard when he had gone nearly 100% blind. It became too dangerous for him to be at Chartwell that they decided to retire him from public life after six years. The current Jock of Chartwell, Jock VII, is living a very happy and comfortable life at the property according to Viktoria Austen, Visitor Experience Manager at the National Trust property Chartwell. He has grown into a mischievous cat who loved to follow the gardeners and persuade everyone to give him snacks throughout the day. The lineage of cats named Jock of the Churchill family truly is a fascinating story to tell. It’s even more impressive that the National Trust has upheld the request of the family for many years and vows to continue doing so in the future. Jock VII is one of the lucky ones who have been chosen to live this one-of-a-kind role.
The History of Cats on Ships
For a long time, cats have been top-choice companions for seafarers. And it wasn’t just naval ships that brought cats on board, but ships including trading, exploration, and some pirate ships in the past have also been recorded to have cats on their ships. It seems that almost every ship, whether public or private, has its own cat which made the term “ship’s cat” popular. advertisement Why Did Ships Have Cats? The very first seafarers recorded in history to realize the value of cats as shipmates were the ancient Egyptians. During their voyages, Egyptians always had cats onboard and many experts believe it was for good luck and to appease their feline goddess Bastet. As more ships voyaged to trade goods, go on expeditions, and for military purposes, cats have become even more popular companions for sailors onboard. The primary reason cats were brought on to ships, aside from providing companionship on long travels, is that they help control vermin. Rats and mice are a serious problem on ships as they can eat the limited food supply, damage ropes, and spread diseases. Cats prevent ships from being overrun by mice to ensure a successful voyage for the ships. Others believe in superstitions, like the Egyptians, that cats protected them by bringing good luck and that their tails had magical powers to control the weather. They also believed in the cats’ ability to guide them in case of a shipwreck at night because of their keen eyesight. advertisement Ships and Cats Today Are ships still bringing cats onboard today as they did in the past? Not exactly. In 1975, the Royal Navy banned cats and other pet animals from all ships on the ocean due to hygiene concerns. However, many private ships still have cats with them on their ships up until now. This goes to show that cats have always been reliable companions even in the beginning of civilization. Ship cats were not only helping sailors overcome loneliness from being away from their homes and families, but more importantly, they literally saved lives by preventing an infestation of disease-spreading vermin on the ships. Cats have proven themselves to be worthy friends to keep for life in the past until the present time.
