By the middle of the 19th century, domestic cats could be found on almost every sizeable landmass in the world and had diversified into distinct types. In Europe and the United States, the import of exotic-looking cats such as the Siamese and Turkish Angora stimulated much interest, and people began to see the taken-for-granted farmyard … Read more
With their lithe bodies and graceful movements, it is perhaps surprising that cats have not been represented more often in either classical or contemporary ballet. Two of the few cats in the ballet repertoire appear in the final act of Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty (first performed in 1890) when, among other fairy-tale characters, Puss in … Read more
A 21st-century phenomenon is the proliferation of cat photos and videos on the internet. What began as a craze for posting clips of bizarre and amusing cats has, for a few, turned into big business, especially in the United States. Certain videos went viral, and cats with particularly striking features—as well as one with a … Read more
Cats are generally solitary animals. Highly independent, they have developed subtle and complex ways of behaving and communicating that often send confusing messages to their owners. Cats do, however, have a range of other signals that you can learn to interpret. Facial Expressions and Body Language Your cat will give you signals using his ears, … Read more
Elegant, powerful, and elusive, wildcats can be large and may roar like a lion, or small and purr like a domestic cat. They are superb hunters, adapted to be as successful living in a dry sandy desert as they are in a dense tropical forest. Cats are predatory hunters belonging to the order Carnivora. They … Read more
The nervous system involves a complex interaction between special elements designed to originate or carry unique electrochemical charges to and from the various organs within the body. Like its endocrine counterpart, the nervous system initiates and regulates bodily functions and ensures its owner of an awareness to the surrounding environment. Anatomy and Physiology The smallest … Read more
The puma is one of three cat species in the puma lineage, the other two being the jaguarundi from South America and the cheetah from Africa and Asia. It is able to survive in remarkably diverse environmental conditions, being found over a wide geographical area and at elevations up to 10,000ft (4,000m). However, it needs … Read more
The digestive system of the cat is made up of a collective network of organs designed to supply the body with the nutrition it needs for growth, maintenance, and repair. It also functions to rid the body of waste. Because of this, diseases involving the digestive system can have a profound effect not only on … Read more
The origins of today’s domestic cat extend back some 10 million years to wildcat ancestors. Feline evolution proves complex, however, with domestication taking place in multiple early societies. Tracing genetic and archaeological clues shed light on the nature of our modern felines’ early progenitors. Exploring the legacy of these fierce hunters allows cat owners better … Read more
Oh, cats! Those sassy whiskers, soft paws, and the way they blink slowly at you like you’re the center of their universe (until the treat bag crinkles, of course). Whether you’re a long-time cat parent or just cat-curious, there’s something magical about these independent yet cuddly creatures. In this guide, we’ll dive into everything about … Read more