Tails & Whiskers

Claudia Escobar asked:


Cat art makes a lovely cat lover gift. Indeed, a gift of cat art makes the perfect choice for cat lovers who are also art enthusiasts.

There is no question about it. Cats’ feline majesty and beauty have inspired artists throughout history. Paintings and sculptures of cats have been found in Ancient Egyptian sites as well as in Incan palaces. More recently, pictures of cats have graced posters and day-to-day items, such as calendars and clothing.

And it’s not only their physical beauty that has captured the imagination of painters, sculptors, designers, writers, and musicians. Cats’ unique nature, mysterious personality, and sometimes quirky traits have inspired novels, poems, songs, movies, and one of the longest running shows on Broadway, among many other works. So it is safe to say that a gift of cat art will delight any cat lover, especially those who also love art.

However, just picking any gift of cat art will not do. Some factors to keep in mind during the selection process include: The form of art you want to give (i.e. painting, sculpture or photography), the technique you want to focus on (for example, watercolors vs. pastels, if you’re giving a cat painting), your friend’s personal taste, and of course, a budget.

These factors will help you narrow your search and will help you select the right gift for your cat-loving friend. If you need some ideas to inspire you in your search, take heart. Below you will find six cat art gift ideas, arranged from most expensive to most affordable.

1. Cat paintings. Many well-known artists have painted cats down through the centuries: From Leonardo Da Vinci and Titian to Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol. I guess they couldn’t resist cats’ beautiful shape and had to immortalize it on canvass. Indeed, a feline-inspired painting makes an exquisite cat gift. Of course, some of these works of art come with a hefty price tag. But you can still find gorgeous paintings at affordable prices.

2. Cat portraits. If you want a truly one-of-a-kind painting, one that immortalizes your own cat (or your friend’s cat), then commission a cat portrait. Pet portraits have grown in popularity in recent years so you can find several artists who specialize in pet portraiture. Prices may vary depending on the work you want and the artist.

3. Sculptures of cats. Somebody once said that if you have a cat you don’t need artwork. And that’s true, I think. Still, cat-inspired sculptures can add another level of feline beauty to any spot. Cats are amongst nature’s most beautiful animals. And that beauty lends itself to be reproduced in sculptures. You can find statues for every place in your home: Sophisticated sculptures for the living room, whimsical statuettes for the bedroom, and lovely pieces for the garden.

4. Cat-inspired photographs. I think all cats are photogenic. Most often than not, cats take great pictures. You can find posters based on cat photographs of many different styles: Black and white photographs, breeds, funny and whimsical, inspirational, and more. If you prefer, you can take a picture of your cat-loving friend, place it in a nice frame and give as a gift.

5. Make it yourself. Are you creative and adventurous? If that is the case, make the gift yourself! Draw or paint cats. Or take a photograph. Or make a calendar. Thanks to user-friendly software and digital cameras, you can make your own art and personalize your gifts.

6. Inexpensive cat art. Give decorative coffee mugs or magnets showcasing cat-themed artwork. These gifts are not only beautiful but also practical. And best of all, you can find them at affordable prices.



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Martin Marks asked:


People describe cats as tree climbing animals. Proailurus was the first true descendent of the cat that was found 33 million years back. Cats earlier resided in rain forests and were great hunters.

Their razor sharp claws helped them ascend deftly, hiding on trees to escape danger or climbing to wait for a prey. Climbing in other words was immensely helpful for survival and eventually became a way of life.

Domesticated cats have a general fondness for heights. A household cat will always feel very contented in an elevated part of the room be it a window perch or a high shelf. Instinctive knowledge plays an important role in verifying this standard feline desire. Cats instinctively search for hideaways, as it is their natural behavior for shelter and hunting. Do not be surprised, if a cat’s eyes are seen gleaming from some corner.

Theories For Fondness Of Heights:

Below mentioned are some reasons that state why a cat loves heights:

1. Height in some way signifies the rank of a cat. If there are many cats residing in the same household, the cat who reigns the topmost perches generally governs the rest. The governing cat is factually the ‘top cat’.

2. Height enables a cat to observe the surroundings effectively. The cat can thus be more vigilant about the activities of individuals and other pets. An upper position in the wild, functions as a hidden area from where the cat can hunt for its prey.

3. A cat may feel warmer, if it climbs a high place.

4. A high perch enables a cat to escape from any factor, which makes it scared or anxious.

Buy A Cat’s Furniture According To Its Lifestyle:

An individual may find out a pet cat’s character and personality by careful observation and accordingly select the furniture, which best suits the cat’s lifestyle.

1. A brave mountain lion keen to climb an apartment perch: Younger, energetic cats’ favor the highest perch one may provide preferably a ground to ceiling tree. An extremely tough mega tree is necessary for a cat, which likes to dash up the tree.

2. A temporary explorer who regularly occupies a secure middle position: Many segments between two to seven feet will suit the cat’s requirements. A 39″ tall curved penthouse will be suitable accompanied with an ideal observation deck.

3. A demure savanna occupant that prefers a soft floor level pillow: Older cats and those suffering from ailments will favor a comfortable pyramid bed.

Cats Survive After Falling From Great Heights:

Cats have survived falls from 32 stories. Humans die after falling from such a great height. Interestingly the rate of survival and the severity of damage were the same even if the cat fell from seven stories or from 32 stories. In fact, sometimes, the injuries were much less.

This is because cats achieve maximum speed at 60 mph or only after five stories. When a cat reaches this speed, its balancing organs become less functional. This causes the cat to relax, which distributes the collision force uniformly.



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Tristan Andrews asked:


So the big moment is finally here! You’ve just adopted a new cat or kitten from your local shelter or rescue, rampaged through the pet store to stock up on supplies, toys and goodies, and visited the vet for a health-check, shots, and neutering. Now its time to introduce kitty to her new home and the rest of the family. With just a little planning and patience, you can ensure that your cats adjustment period will be as rapid and stress-free as possible.

Home Is Where the Catnip Is: Cats are, by nature, highly territorial, which means that having a place to call their own is extremely important to their emotional well-being. Your new cat is already in a state of stress from having been in a shelter or being given up for adoption, and being brought to a strange new home only increases that stress. Your goal is to help make your new cat feel comfortable as quickly as possible. When you bring your new cat home, confine it to a single room for at least the first few days (with food and litter, of course!). Although this may seem cruel by human standards, it is actually a great kindness to allow your cat to claim ownership of a small new territory at its own pace and without competition.

Some shy cats may hide under the bed for as long as a week; others will be ready to come out into the house and go exploring after just a day. The important thing is to let the cat emerge whenever it feels ready. You should spend as much time as possible in the room with the cat, but you should never try to force it out of hiding. The cat will let you know when its ready to begin exploring more of the house. Be sure to leave fresh food and water out at all times, and check that it is being consumed. Even stressed cats like to eat, so no food for 24 hours or more is possibly a sign of illness and warrants a trip to the vet.

Meeting the Family: Naturally, everyone in the family, especially the kids, will be excited about the new arrival. Children should be invited to visit the new kitty in her room, one at a time. Try to keep your children quiet and seated on these visits, so they do not frighten the cat if he’s not used to kids. If the cat is friendly and approaches, have them offer an outstretched hand to sniff.

If the cat accepts this, they can gently pet the cat. As the cat becomes familiar with the child, they may play with a cat toy on a string or stick. NEVER let your children encourage a kitten to pounce on their fingers (or yours, for that matter). It may seem cute at first, but a full grown cat jumping on and biting a hand in play can be very painful or cause bleeding. Teach your children how to properly hold a cat: with one hand under the rump and one hand on the back, held up against their bodies. And don’t leave small children unsupervised with your cat.

Reassuring Jealous Cats: Cats are like children in many ways, so its not surprising that your older pet may be jealous of a new arrival. He may be fearful of losing territory or worried that he is about to be replaced. Extra love, attention and patience during this transition will help to reassure your pet that it is still the center of your universe! Be prepared for it to take from a week to a month before the new cat is accepted by the resident cat. Before bringing home your new cat, make sure that both old and new cats are healthy and current on their vaccinations, including Feline Leukemia. Let your cat continue to have run of the house while the new cat is confined, so that he understands he is not being pushed out of his territory. Allow him to sniff or paw under the door with your new cat, and exchange items to familiarize each animal with the others smell.

When the time comes for the two cats to meet face to face, try to give them short periods of contact, slowly increasing the time as they adapt to one another. Be sure to supervise their visits until you’re sure they are okay alone, and be prepared for some hissing and growling, which is quite normal for cats that are getting to know one another. Do not yell at or discipline either cat for hissing or growling, and in the unlikely event of a fight breaking out, break it up with a spray from a water bottle or a thrown towel, not your hands. Prevent the new cat from sleeping in any of your old cats favorite places (for example your bed) and provide each with separate food and water bowls and litter pans. They’ll probably use each others, but will appreciate having their own. Try to keep your older cats routine intact, and take every opportunity you can to pet and praise your older cat. Above all, be patient, and one day you will find your new cats grooming each other when they think you’re not looking!

Friendly Like Cats and Dogs: Most of the same advice applies to introducing cats and dogs. Again, let the dog have run of the house, and sniff at the cat under the door and exchange scented items during the first few days. You may wish to put up a baby gate in the doorway of the cats room or bring the cat into the house in a carrier so the animals can see each other before they actually meet.

Make sure the first visits in the house are supervised, with the dog on a leash if you are unsure about how friendly he will be. Encourage you dog with gentle praise if he is friendly. If the cat runs from your dog, do not allow the dog to chase it, and don’t force a cat that seems uncomfortable to be in the same room with the dog. Keep the first visits brief, then extend them as the animals become familiar with each other. Be patient, give them time, and they’ll soon learn to get along.



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Christopher Byrnes asked:


Pet cats hold a very special place in the hearts of their owners. Wouldn’t it be nice to give a pet cat the loveliest name one can think of? Wouldn’t it be great to give a pet cat a name that would reflect its personality as seen by the one who owns it or a name which would give recognition to the cat’s breed? There are actually a lot of names to choose from in books or in the internet. But generally, how can an owner choose a name which he will find fit for his cat?

Many cat owners name their pet cats with human names. Actually, a whopping fifty percent of pet names are those of persons. This primarily is because there are owners who are enamored with a certain name and actually desire to christen someone, or something for that matter, with that favorite name.

Another basis for names is personality or appearance. In this category, examples are Midnight (should the pet be a black cat), Fluffy (obviously, if the cat is fluffy or has long, soft and bouncy coat) and Whitey (of course, if the cat is white). Pet names based on appearances or personality make up an amazing twenty percent of all pet names. However, unlike human infants where the parents can opt to wait for a few weeks to see the baby’s personality before naming the child, cats must be named more quickly.

So how does an owner actually name his pet cat? Here are some tips which cat owners can give some thought.

First off, keep in mind that the name that the owner chooses for his pet cat will not only reflect the cat’s character but also how the owner views his relationship with his pet cat. As much as it says a lot about the cat, the name given by the owner will tell much about the owner himself. It can then be seen how the name can portray an image of the characteristics of the cat. Many cat names give either a positive or negative impression of the cat. So, it is important to choose a name which will best convey the proper image of the pet.

A cat’s name is for keeps. No matter which name the owner chooses, the cat’s name should be that for the rest of his life. It is absolutely not fair to change the cat’s name every two weeks just because the owner finds another name he thinks he might prefer. If the cat already recognizes the sound of its name it should not be changed.

Although the cat won’t mind any name its owner may wish to use, it is just not fair to give the cat an embarrassing name. While the cat would not mind being named “Ooga Booga”, it would be embarrassing for the owner to actually use this name. Imagine a person calling out “Ooga Booga” at least eight times a day every time he is looking for his cat. The cat’s owner should find his pet a name which he will be proud to use. Also please remember to pick a name which will be appropriate when your cat is full-grown. A large tabby cat with a silly name like Mimi or Kitten seems ridiculous.

A name with two syllables will do best. The response of animals is better to two-syllable names. A cat owner may decide to give his pet a long name as well as a nick name. However, the longer name inevitably would be shortened, and this would probably ruin the effect the cat owner originally sought.

The cat’s breed heritage may provide great ideas for names. For instance, if the cat owner owns a Siamese cat, why not name it Siam? If the cat is a Russian Blue, it would be nice to give it a Russian-sounding or Russian inspired name such as Sofia or Chekov.

Speaking of inspiration, there are a lot of things out there from which you can gain inspiration. As was said earlier, the name the owner gives his cat will speak just as much about himself. So why not pick a name for the cat which is derived from the owner’s likes, hobbies and favorites? If the owner were passionate about world history, maybe the names Isis, Genghis, Voltaire or Osiris would sound very classy. If the owner were an avid fan of the Greek mythology the names Zeus, Athena, Hercules or Jason would be sure to make a good first impression on other people.

On the more contemporary side, names of characters from favorite movies, cartoon series, TV programs or bands will do just as well. Huey, Louie and Duey would sound cute as well as Bonnie and Clyde. A more posh touch would be naming your cat after signature designers. Tommy, Donna, Karan, Calvin and Gianni would not sound so bad for cats–just as long as they are well groomed as their names imply. Naming cats is not the easiest task there is, honestly. But it can be a lot of fun if these considerations and suggestions are always kept in mind. Then no doubt, that perfect name will come easily. Wouldn’t it be great for an owner to call his pet cat a name which is close to his heart and a name he will be proud to call out no matter what time of the day?



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burnellyow asked:

Features all-new footage and more duets. Better than the original! This is not a trick taught to Nora. She began sitting at the piano at about one-year-old. She’s almost four now. She plays only when the mood strikes her, which is usually several time a times a day for short periods.

© 2007/2008 Yow!/Alexander, Nora The Piano Cat, LLC

A DVD of Nora’s YouTube videos in full-size (for the big screen) is now available on Amazon.com or on CreateSpace.com The three videos included on the DVD are “Nora: Practice Makes Purr-fect,” “Nora: The Sequel,” and “Nora Calls The Piano Tuner.”

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TechPepsi asked:

In Redding, california the first scuba cat

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henrykuo asked:

This is a video to serve as proof that my cat Iverson used to be toilet-trained. My ex-girlfriend gets 90% of the credit though. But I handled plenty of stinky duties until he could **** all on his own!

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Tom Lewis asked:


Having a cat, you will find that it may be an independent creature and has been trained to use the litter box, but it will still depend on you for other needs in its life such as food, water, shelter, friendship, and even more. There are some things you need to do in order to properly care for your feline companion.

The first thing is to put a collar on your cat with an ID of your name, address, and even phone number. It doesn’t matter how safe you try to be, there is always a chance that the cat will get out of your house and you need to help give it as many opportunities to be brought back safely as you can. The second thing is to follow all license, registration, identification system, and laws regarding your cat. The next thing to do is to try to keep your cat an indoor cat. It is best all around if you do so. Next, be sure to get your regular check-ups with the vet. Get your cat spayed or neutered. This will help keep things healthy as well as keep the population of cats down. Be sure the diet is a balanced one including giving your cat fresh water daily.

Another thing you need to do is to train your cat to keep from doing things that are undesirable, such as scratching your furniture or jumping on top of your counter. If you have patience and put in effort, you will be able to successfully train your cat. Keep your cat groomed by brushing and try to keep them from digesting those horrible hairballs. Be sure you play with your cat. It will allow them to be mentally stimulated and give you a special bond with your cat. And last but not least, you have to have patience and be loyal with your cat. Be reasonable with your expectations. If you have trouble with your cat, you might seek to speak with your vet about what to do.

If you have ever owned a cat you have found it to be quite rewarding. You need to be sure that you are knowledgeable about cats in order to correctly care for it. You need to learn to care about your cat long before you ever get one and bring it home. If you want a kitten be sure the breeder you buy it from is reputable. Be sure to check out whether the mother cat is a healthy cat. You need to be sure to check to see if your cat, no matter what age, has the medical needs taken care of, such as getting meds for it.

To a lot of people, cats are not just pets they are companions. Cats tend to care about the people that care for them. When a person is sick, the cat will keep you company and is very compassionate. They are quite independent and often left alone, but don’t leave them too long without your attention and love. You will also receive free entertainment via the cat. You will very quickly learn what your cats’ likes and dislikes are.

Be sure to provide your cat with a nice sleeping area that’s comfortable. Your cat will feel safer in this new environment. If it’s a kitten, then be sure to buy a carrier; that way you can take it to the vet and other places. Also, you will need to get a collar for your cat, unless you get the micro chip placed under the cat’s skin.

You will also need to provide something for your cat to eat out of. Make sure they are there just for your cat, and nothing that can get mixed up in anything else. You could even go as far as getting them personalized. The cat will be more playful the smaller it is and requires more attention. Be sure to take the time, once again, and play with your cat. The more attention you show it, the better the bond will be between you both. It will become strong. You might even look into the history of cats, especially the breed you wish to have. It might help you to understand quirks and such.

I hope this helps you to better understand what it takes to care for a cat. If you already have one, you know all of this already, but if you are just seeking to find one that is suitable for your home, then it’s best to read as much as you possibly can and educate yourself to make you a better friend to the newest member of your family.



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Nick Bulka asked:


Most of us know that feeding our cat is not really a chore at all. Dump the food in a big bowl or dish, and the cat will eat when it’s ready. Unlike a dog, cats tend to not overeat and therefore are more easily manageable than most other house pets. However, we need to be careful when assuming that the food that we are feeding our cat, and the manner by which we feed our cat, are the best choices for our cat. Here are some tips on how to maintain a healthy diet for your kitty.

Feed your cat based on their activity.

Is your cat an active cat or does it to lay around the house all day waiting for its next meal? If your cat is overweight and not very active at all, leaving a bowl full of food is probably not the best idea. It is at this point that you should begin to manage how much you feed your cat, what you feed your cat, and how often. By taking charge of your cat’s feeding habits, you will be able to increase the life and longevity of your cat by making this simple and easy choice. A simple “Here kitty kitty kitty” will make your overweight and hungry feline run for the bowl to eat your rationed healthy amount of cat food.

Watch the weather!

Simply put, the environment in which your animal lives directly affects and influences their energy needs. Extreme hot or cold weather can increases a pet’s energy needs and drinking habits. Make sure that on hot days water is readily available and that you feed your cat more canned food then dry. The water content within the canned food will help the cat retain water if it is not able to get to the water dish on a regular basis. If the weather is cold, make sure that you are feeding your cat very nutritional cat food that is not full of filler so that your cat will have more of the necessary nutrients to digest to ensure that it stays healthy.

Cat feeding times

Although discussed previously, there is much more to say about having a specific feeding time for your cat. Not only does this allow you to feed your cat nutritional canned food, you will also know that it will not be left in the open. Preservatives are nice, but let’s not take any chances with the food left out.

Also, by having specific feeding times, this allows you to monitor your cat’s diet by providing the food at regular times. It is a kind of portion-control feeding, however, most cats will simply eat until they have what they need.

Bottom line: keep a bowl full of a regular dry cat food and monitor the intake of canned food to ensure that your cat does not get overweight and is as healthy as it can be.

Buy the best

Though this sounds economically wrong, the truth of the matter is this: cheap cat food usually is cheap because of the added fillers that are put into the food.

As a general rule, cats need a daily regimen of protein found in meat, fish, or poultry. They also need an essential amino acid called Taurine and various other vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids.

If you have looked at a label for cat food, you will notice that wheat, rice, and even corn is used as filler for both canned and dry cat foods. Make sure that the cat food that you choose has the proper amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals and not as much filler. The price of the cat food usually justifies its quality. And, as an added benefit, cats usually only eat as much as their bodies need. Therefore, your cat will probably eat less of the expensive of cat food because it contains more of the nutrients that it needs and not as much filler.

Avoid food addictions

Cats are said to be finicky animals. Whether this is true or not, cats have been known to develop a certain affinity toward particular brands and types of food. This could become a problem, especially if your cat develops a food allergy to certain ingredients and preservatives that may be contained within that cat food.

In order to avoid this, it is recommended that early in a cat’s life that it gets used to having different varieties of cat food and different flavors. This way, the cat is less likely to develop an affinity for a particular brand which may inevitably lead to the cat developing a food allergy because of the lack of variety in its daily diet.

Overall, by avoiding cat food products that have chemical preservatives like BHA, cornmeal, and other carbohydrate fillers, you should be able to maintain your cat’s health at an optimal level.



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simonscat asked:

A hungry cat resorts to increasingly desperate measures to gain its owner’s attention.

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