All about cats: description, types and contents

Man managed to fully or partially tame several dozen species of animals. But even among this mass, cats have a very special role. Because the "tailed four-legged" deserve a separate discussion.

The cat is considered to be one of the two most popular "companions" among animals. She can only compete in this regard with the dog and it is still unknown who exactly will get the "podium". If we proceed from modern biological systematics, then cats are classified as representatives of the cat family, which is part of the predator squad. Before, it was generally recognized as a separate biological species. But in-depth biological research has shown that this is a subspecies of forest cats.

In nature, forest inhabitants prey on rodents and other small mammals. During the hunt, not only sound signals are used, but also characteristic movements. In total, at least 200 domestic cat breeds are found. They look very different, there are both long-haired and completely deprived of wool. The problems with determining the number of breeds are associated not only with the breeding of some and the disappearance of other varieties - different felinological organizations recognize a different composition of types.

As a result of complex genetic analyzes, it was possible to establish that the distribution of this subspecies on the planet occurred in two stages.First, between 9 and 12 thousand years ago, a domestic cat populated the entire territory of the Middle East. The second breakthrough occurred a few thousand years later - then from Egypt animals spread throughout Europe and also populated northern Africa.

Despite the long-term domestication, the vast majority of cats, both females and males, survive in the wild effectively. Feralness, when these animals are left without human control, happens very quickly and simply. Many of them settle separately, but are described by biologists and small colonies of feral animals. Therefore, even specialists cannot fully figure out whether cats are domesticated to the end.

But there are counterarguments. It is known that cats can be very attached to people. They often playful behavior. Any kitten, not to mention an adult animal, is able to establish close emotional contact with the owner. And not only emotional. The craving of many individuals to lie on the knees of the owners or rub against the person’s legs is well known.

Cats can swim. And they do it just fine (definitely better than most dogs). However, they do not like to immerse themselves in water. Compared to other members of the family, these animals are simply small. Therefore, their thermoregulation is too bad, unlike the same lions, tigers, leopards or even lynxes.

Further wet coat emits a strong unpleasant odor. And that crosses out the possibility of ambush hunting. Yes, pets do not need hunting, but the blind will of the unconscious instinct is stronger. At home, it is required to wipe the animals dry immediately after bathing so that they do not get cold and catch cold.

There are individuals of cats with green eyes, but blue-eyed specimens can also look no less attractive. More importantly, regardless of the color of the eyes or coat, the patterns of behavior are the same as those of wild ancestors. Unlike humans, only 3 blood groups were found in these animals. The cat can reach a length of 0.6 m in length (excluding the tail), and the tail itself varies on average from 0.25 to 0.35 m. For this subspecies, like for other animals, sexual dimorphism is characteristic.

Most breeds weigh no more than 9 kg, Siberian and Maine Coons pull 11-13 kg; an even greater mass is already a sign of pathology. The anatomy of cats is consistent with the structure of a small predator. But compared to other mammals, this animal is distinguished by an unusual skull, where there is:

• particularly large eye sockets;
• strong jaws;
• approximately the same level of development of the facial and brain sections.

Talk about cats cannot be limited, of course, to a general description of their properties. It is also necessary to understand why these animals are brought up at all. Judging by the reviews of people, many attach great importance to emotional relaxation. Arriving home after a tiring day or when faced with difficult household chores, it is very nice to meet such an assistant. The feeling of calm and peace returns, negative thoughts and negative mood leave.

For lonely people for one reason or another, a meal in the presence of a cat will be much more pleasant than alone. If the owners have health problems, then four-legged pets will definitely show care and attention.

Even today, when it is easy to buy all kinds of poisons and traps, the help of animals is invaluable, and even more so, it was important in the past when there were no such sophisticated technical means.

This ability helped the cat survive the gloomy times of the Middle Ages when the church fell on her. None of the most fierce criticism in the sermons, no mention of the mythical connection of this animal with evil forces helped. And the clergy had to admit defeat. Cats and cats are actively used to fight rodents not only in residential buildings and in barns, in granaries, but also in museums, libraries and other similar places. Finally, they simply look beautiful and aesthetically pleasing.

Features of the psychology and activity of cats are no less important than their appearance or practical use. The knowledge of most people about this type of pet is very superficial. Many will only say that cats often wash themselves, curl up in the approach of cold weather ... and almost all of that. Meanwhile, the real actions of feline representatives, their real psyche, are amazing and unusual. They are intertwined:

• fierce disposition;
• tenderness to the owners;
• composure in some and passion in other circumstances;
• cunning;
• advanced intelligence.

But in fact, everything is much simpler when you consider a few simple facts. First of all, the “four-legged” are predators. The whole world for them is divided into potential victims and potential competitors. The sudden aggressiveness is therefore explained very simply: a small animal cannot eat a person, but it tries to drive it away in order to avoid possible harm.

Predatory status also determines another characteristic feature - strict protection of the "own" territory. Moreover, the amount of food available and its stability do not play any role. Protection of personal space is expressed in rejection:

• moving;
• changing or moving furniture;
• attempts to remove the animal, at least temporarily, from his chosen place.

The only way out for the owners is to behave in such a way that their pets do not suspect an invasion of their own territory. When pass by them calmly side, the four-legged themselves also react to this calmly. And one more nuance: since the cat always acts alone, she does not count on anyone else's help. She has to constantly be on the alert and prepare to repel attacks.

When a cat suddenly and without obvious reason behaves uneasily, it means that once in the same situation she experienced a negative experience. At the same time, all incidents, even those that were in early childhood, are postponed in her memory. Of great importance is the heredity of animals. This fact is easy to notice by comparing the actions of kittens of various breeds. Those who do not belong to any breed usually differ in their waywardness and emphasized independence, have little respect for the person.

Along with instincts, cats also have behavioral patterns developed during their lifetime. Those of them who initially dominated in the future will definitely not play a subordinate role. For the sake of their status, they are ready to ruthlessly fight with other cats, and even with dogs.

The usual consistency and integrity, scrupulous attention to detail solve most of the possible problems. Whether to get a cat-sociopath, you need to decide for yourself. On the one hand, such pets do not make good contact, even with the owners. On the other hand, they require less attention. Feral cats rarely come close to the call of people. Many of them avoid communicating with a person even for the sake of receiving food from him - usually this is characteristic of animals that are systematically offended and poisoned.

Any pet owner should know what this or that form of behavior means. Curving of the back, accompanied by a swelling of the coat, expresses a sense of danger. This is a gesture addressed to a potential enemy so that he, too, is frightened. The owners at such moments should stay away, waiting for the feeling of anxiety to pass. But if the back bends right after sleep, and this is accompanied by sipping paws, then this is just a workout.

But pressing the ears in the head means anger. Of course, this is not a signal to the enemy, but simply a defensive reaction to reduce the risk of injury. The main thing that you need to do when you see your ears are pinched is to exercise caution - when aggression is not provoked, the risk of "getting under the claws" is minimal.

Turning their ears back, the cats seem to notify that they are ready for the game and show interest in something. A lot of things will tell attentive people and the pose that the animal takes. Lying on his back, he thereby shows absolute confidence in the owners. But in relation to dangerous animals it is rather “preparation for battle”. When such a pose is taken suddenly and for no apparent reason, then, most likely, the point is a subconscious attempt to train hunting skills.

But if this happens systematically, this indicates ongoing stress and attempts to calm down. When a pet sits for a long time and looks at the owner, then he usually asks for something:

• open (close) the door;
• open (close) the window;
• to feed;
• walk and so on.

But in some cases, stubborn observation of the owner shows that the cat sees a certain threat. It is worth for a while to move to another room and decide what provokes such a reaction.

Cats crawl because they are so prescribed by the hunting instinct, which forces them to hunt down something, to hide from someone. Crawling in a Plastunsky way can also be connected with a sense of some danger or with excessively noisy behavior of the owners. Strong fright is expressed in hiding the tail between the legs. In such situations, the most important thing is to figure out as soon as possible what exactly caused the stress and how to overcome it. If the animal, while clutching its tail, trembles at the same time and refuses to get up, then this is an acute attack of diabetes. The only way to save a cat is to contact your veterinarian immediately.

Exactly the opposite - this is about the same, in fact, physiological reaction, as the desire of some excited people to poke their fingers. You can be sure that at any moment hissing will sound or even a silent, swift attack will occur.

Raised straight up like a pipe, the tail means a positive mood. No wonder such an action even entered folklore as a vivid image. It is not necessary to grab the beast in your arms at this moment.There will be much less chances to spoil his good mood if the hosts enter a gambling outdoor game or give some kind of treat.

But when a cat or cat hiss, then this is a signal that prohibits approaching them. Hissing is associated with both anxiety and fear.

Angry, feline snorts sometimes. The true reaction is the same - do not disturb the animal, wait until it becomes calmer. But snorting is also caused by inhalation of dust. Any special reaction, if the animal itself copes with the problem, is not required. Severe discomfort, sometimes accompanying a snort, manifests itself in rubbing the nose with paws - and having noticed this, you should immediately go to the clinic.

A common mistake is the perception of purring as a clearly positive reaction. Of course, such a sound can often be heard by petting a pet or feeding it deliciously. However, sometimes a purr is heard due to hunger or even expresses fear. Therefore, when it begins suddenly and against the background of complete well-being (especially during a game or affection), you need to step aside.

It is necessary to pay attention to the timbre of meow. When it is loud and long, closer to howling, this is another signal of excitement or rage. At any second, one can expect characteristic reactions - aggression or stampede. A true pleasant meow always consists of short sounds, like the cooing of pigeons. At such a moment, the owners can be completely calm and not expect any catch from the animal (subject to other rules of communication, of course).

There are a huge number of different breeds of cats. And even the most devoted lovers are unlikely to be able to have at least 30% of all types in their “career” in order to get to know them closely. That's why it is so important to know which species are better than others, according to experienced breeders.

• One of the undisputed leaders among the caudate is the Abyssinian breed. Like the country of origin, it is very ancient.

"Ethiopians" are considered very beautiful animals, because their coloring is really unusual. Photos cannot convey all the charm, all the charm of these individuals. But independent it is difficult to find an alternative to the British Shorthair. Despite the attachment to the owners, they can be safely left for 2-3 days in the house. When the owners return, their pet will not be infinitely scared or shocked by such a long separation.

• For many people, however, it is much preferable american shorthair. She is sociable, but very independent. It is natural for such animals to be near the owner, however, they rarely allow themselves to be pulled in hands or even simply stroked. Like the "British", they calmly transfer the work of the owners to shifts or short business trips, but they will definitely have to buy a lot of toys.

• If you need a pet that boasts a furry tail, a very good choice would be persian breed. Its representatives are very large (sometimes weigh up to 7 kg). The paws are relatively short, but the rib cage impresses with its powerful development. Important: Persians are among the brachycephals, and the rules of a number of airlines prohibit their transportation. Brachycephals are animal breeds that often suffer from nasopharyngeal diseases and almost always breathe with difficulty. Because of these features of the device, they can die during the flight - it is the repeated accidents that force airlines to refuse to transport such dogs.In the United States alone, between 2005 and 2011, 98 animals belonging to the brachycephalic breeds died in flight.

• Fans of gentle and calm animals should pay attention to the breed. ragdoll. It differs in that when in the hands of the owners it is 100% relaxed, as if limp. Other rock properties include:

1. sociability without excessive annoyance;
2. a quiet, iridescent melody voice;
3. credulity and devotion;
4. calm and developed intelligence;
5. ability to find contact with children.

But it is worth considering that ragdolls sometimes suffer due to the carelessness of playing with them, especially children. Just because of the very high pain threshold in these cats. But the Burmese breed is somewhat different - for it in the first place own dignity.

• Burmese:

1. sociable;
2. differ in a curious disposition;
3. behave unobtrusively;
4. claws are released only as a last resort, when passive suspension does not help;
5. require active hair care;
6. unable to land on 4 legs, therefore it is unacceptable to let them on cabinets or to open windows.

• Due to the friendliness, the Selkirk Rex breed is in demand. For her, the adoration of games and other manifestations of attention on the part of man is characteristic. Such a cat can relentlessly accompany people, while not bothering them unnecessarily with their presence. Characterized by a calm perception of children and patience for leprosy on their part.

• But the Akrinsky cat is considered one of the rarest species. She belongs to the semi-long-haired group. There is no other information about it. If we return to the number of the most popular varieties of feline, then it must be noted:

1. Maine Coon;
2. Bengal cats;
3. Canadian Sphinxes;
4. Siberian and Neva masquerade animals.

Nature has stocked up a lot of interesting things, and the colors of cats are just part of this "interesting", no doubt. Here, for example, how touching the “little black hat” looks on a completely white animal. And here you can see that the appearance of the pet becomes more interesting with the "fox" color of the tail. However, the black top of the head against the background of the gray body as a whole, combined with the black tail, will look no less brilliant. And there are such exotic options as:

• various coloring of paws;
• a combination of black and light yellow on the head;
• black hearts on a white background;
• a look like a panda.

It is usually recommended to choose small animals regardless of color. They become more attached to the owners and manifest themselves more emotionally. You can only take a cat aged if you have enough experience and free time. Be sure to consider such nuances as:

• difficulty of leaving (the longer the coat, the more work the owner will have);
• nutritional requirements (thoroughbred, especially intended for exhibitions, specimens need more sophisticated food than usual);
• the characteristic features of a particular breed (sociability, calm or aggressiveness, degree of attachment to the owner, suitability for children);
• availability of necessary vaccinations and veterinary certificates;
• pedigree.

The choice of cubs from nurseries should begin with an assessment of the reputation of the institution itself. She will say a lot about the professionalism of the people working there and the perfection of the approach.

But taking cats from the shelter should be with great care. No, they there are not much inferior to the "average" in quality copies. However, in many pets the attitude towards people (and not without reason) is spoiled; individuals with low-quality training or poor health are often found.

Acquiring cats under 2 months of age is frankly unreasonable:

• they are too weak;
• the need for the help of adult animals is excessively great;
• basic life skills have not been sufficiently developed.

This point also cannot be underestimated. When the breed is selected and there is a short answer to other questions, it is time to deal with the pros and cons of both options. Girls, no matter how attached to people, tend to "walk on their own." Only in especially difficult situations for themselves do they get into the hands of the owners. In everyday situations, pets will only let you stroke and scratch yourself.

The boys are more affectionate, and their affection is more intimate. Feelings they express much more clearly and openly. Differences in content occur as soon as the animal reaches full biological maturity. Quite often resort to castration of adults. It leads to a sharp change in character.

In the first case, instead of the complete surgical removal of certain organs, a full hormonal background is maintained, but in fact the appearance of offspring will be impossible. Therefore, sterilized animals retain their previous behavior. The negative side of both procedures are:

• the likelihood of complications (albeit low, but in fact unremovable);
• the presence in some individuals of intolerance to painkillers and other necessary drugs;
• recovery after surgery;
• the need (in the case of castration) to switch to a special feed or strictly limit the calorie intake.

One of the mandatory requirements for keeping a cat or cat at home is to satisfy their curiosity. Therefore, along with the allocation of a permanent place to live, you will have to take care of hanging a hammock on the windowsill. Otherwise, the animals will themselves, arbitrarily climb on the same windowsill. How this can end is not so difficult to guess. Making a cat lounger with your own hands is not difficult.

Good pipes for it will be PVC pipes. Having cut and connected them so that a stable quadrangle is obtained, it is necessary to stretch and fix the fabric inside it.

For information - another version of the hammock on the battery is made of the following materials:

• wooden trays;
• small pillows;
• ropes;
• hooks on the suction cups;
• large hooks for loops.

Some people prefer to buy ready-made hammocks.

However, rectangular and square structures are more common. The frame of the sunbed for a "weighty" beast should be made of metal. Suspended devices on heating radiators have steel pipe frames.

But it is impossible to limit oneself to only one hammock, even the best. Have to:

• comb out systematically animal hair;
• from time to time (at least 1 time in 60 days) bathe and wash them in warm water;
• resort to extraordinary bathing when the coat is very dirty.

A conversation about caring for cats should not go without specifying the specifics of their maintenance in winter. In the cold season, the activity of pets is reduced. Instead of playing games, they prefer to sleep in warm corners. But if all this and even the appearance of a cat curled up in a ring are quite pleasant, then a change in diet is much worse. The owners will have to look for the optimal position that separates natural desires and health requirements.

However, when kept in housing, this one-year cycle is broken. Because you have to systematically comb out a fur coat, use special vitamin preparations.Categorically it is impossible to allow hypothermia of pets, which entails many diseases and a general drop in immunity. Leaving a cat or cat on the balcony, you can be afraid of frostbite.

Nutrition is an integral part of systemic care. There are a number of simple rules:

• small pets are fed strictly warm food, not hot or cold;
• transfer to an adult diet occurs in 4 months;
• for a full supply of vitamins should be in the diet and vegetables;
• if possible, use ready-made mixtures;
• ordinary human food, especially fatty and floury foods, does not fit categorically;
• You can not use any smoked meats.

The construction of the educational process of a cat should be based on the use of strictly conditioned reflexes. Pressure on unconditioned reflexes poses a host of serious problems. From the very beginning you will have to train the animal:

• to use trays;
• eating food in strictly defined places;
• to inadmissibility of scratching furniture, tearing clothes.

If possible, positive motives should be used - some cats will remember any offense caused throughout their lives.

Since cats are naturally set to hunt in silence, loud sounds immediately knock them down.

A good alternative is to spray the licky or too aggressive cat out of the spray bottle with clean cold water. Even better is water mixed with honey or lemon juice. Then the care of the purity of the fur coat instantly pushes into the background all undesirable motives. When the skill of using the latrine is mastered, it is necessary to accustom the pet to specific places of rest, to the human regime of the day, and to the use of claw points.

Getting and training a cat, many are interested in how long it will live. Given the current achievements of veterinary medicine, if proper care is also provided, the pet's lifespan can be 15 years. A number of cases are known when it exceeded even 20 years. But this applies to pets.

7 years is almost the limit for them.

It is customary to divide feline life into such conditional periods:

• children (up to 10 months);
• youthful (10-24 months);
• mature age (3-6 years);
• elderly period (7-10 years);
• senile age (from about 11 years old).

The most long-lived cat, according to some reports, lived for about 38 years. And throughout life, as long as physical health allows, these animals hunt. They go hunting even when they feel full - so instinct tells us.

But with too frequent the occurrence of such an event, you need:

• humidify the air;
• switch to better shampoos;
• make swimming less often;
• provide the pet with water without restrictions.

Returning to the hunting activities of the four-legged, it should be noted that because of these animals are prone to myopia. Distant objects for them are much more valuable and more important than those located nearby. And when the prey is caught, and its eating begins, the taste almost does not matter.

A noticeable part of the four-legged, living in England and Scotland, has extra fingers. Zoologists suggest that this is the result of a mutation that occurs in animals that have been on ships for a long time. Another curious fact about cats is that 2/3 of their lives pass in a dream. But in reality, cats can produce 10 times more different sounds than dogs.

About domestic cats, see below.