Cats

    Where is the domestic cat from? It is agreed by most that today's domestic cat is a descendent of the African Wild Cat, although some may dispute this. A study I found on BBC News stated that the domestic cat may have migrated to Africa from Asia 3-6 million years ago. Domestic cat remains were also found in tombs buried with humans as far back as 3000-6000 BC.   Out of all ancient cultures, there is no dispute the cat was worshiped in ancient Egypt. At one point the penalty for killing a cat was death. They also played a big part in mythology.
     Mafdet was an early feline goddess in Egypt that was reported to have killed a serpent with her claws. There were also Bastet, who had the body of a woman and head of a cat and Sekhmet, who had the head of a lion. In Norse mythology Freya is seen riding a chariot pulled by several large cats, thought to be Norwegian Forest Cats. Some Siamese kings felt that their souls would pass to the Siamese cat so that they could attend the coronation of the new king before going to heaven.
     Today we are still looking for ways to domesticate wild cats. Some of the newest hybrids are the Bengal (a cross between the Asian Jungle Cat and domestic), and the Savannah (a cross between the Serval cat of Africa and domestic cat). These cats are not of yet recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), but are recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA). In many states these cats are illegal (most require the cat to be at least four generations from the original wild cat or foundation cat). This is why you may see a hybrid stated as an F1, one generation away from the foundation cat, F2 two generations away, etc. It should also be said that males are sterile before F4-F5s. Also, because hybrids like the Bengal, Toyger, Serengeti and Savannahs were originally bred with several different domestic cats like the Maine Coon, Oriental and American Shorthair, you may find a variety of personalities depending on the breeder, although most have a basic core behavior that they all share (and have a breed standard defined on the TICA website). Differences in personalities could also be said for all breeds of cats.
     My original idea was to start a website just based on cat behavior. I found many books and websites on dogs and how they were different from each other, but not many on the differences in cats. Although a cat may be large or small, the difference is not as significant as the canine family, but there are major differences in cat breed personalities. When looking for a feline companion you need to look at their activity level and their need for attention.   You would not want to bring a Siamese or Bengal into your house if you were never around or if you just wanted a lap cat. You also would not want a Persian unless you intend to spend everyday brushing their beautiful fur. Keep in mind that although a hairless cat like the Sphynx does not need to be brushed, there are other grooming needs to consider.
     Just like mixed dogs, there are many mixed cats out there available in shelters. It may be harder to differentiate the breeds, but try to ask questions. Try to look past those sweet little kitten eyes and try to focus on their personalities. For adult cats try to see if the shelter has a separate room where you can spend a lot of time getting to know the cat before bringing them home. Do your research before going to a shelter or a breeder.   I do not know the habits of shelters in other states, but most shelters in Massachusetts are very stringent upon who adopts their pets. Most are spayed/neutered and up-to-date on shots before leaving. If they do not have a clean bill of health or are not upfront with their special needs adoptees, think twice before taking a kitten or cat home. Most shelters should also have separate rooms where they house and their dogs and cats apart from each other. Again, most shelters have knowledgeable staff, but it is up to you to ask questions regarding the animal's health and where they came from.
    Try to stay away from pet shops. Even though not all pet shops get their animals from 'mills' (breeders that mass produce puppies and kittens), most of the kittens are taken away from their mother too young. They are then shipped to the pet store and put on display right next to the puppies. This can be very stressful. Don't ever feel 'guilted' into buying that kitten in the window and never buy any pet spur of the moment. Those are the ones that end up in the shelters. Once you save that animal, they will only be replaced with a new one.
     That kitten you take home is only a kitten for a short amount of time. Be prepared to adopt or purchase a cat that will be with you up to 15-20 years.

Scratching posts:
If you buy a post that is a foot tall for your kitten you are wasting your money. If the cat you pick needs a scratching post, make sure it is tall enough for an adult cat to stretch up. We built two posts that go up to the ceiling with platforms along the way. Our cats like to look down on their kingdom. Too many people buy flimsy posts and wonder why the cat is not interested. Also, do not use rugs with the same texture as the living room rug. Buy a post that has a short nap or if building one, use the opposite side. You can also get one with rope around the posts. If you have access, get a sturdy, pesticide and bug free tree trunk or heavy branch. There are websites out there on buying or making scratching posts.

Litter Boxes:
If you have one indoor cat 1-2 litter boxes should be fine depending on the size of your home and how many levels your cat has access to. For more than one cat think one box per cat, even if they use the same box. Cats may refrain from using a box that blocks them in a corner, this is why litter boxes with domed lids are not always a good idea in multiple cat households. Another reason domed lids are not good on a litter box is because it may block the odor from the rest of the room, but it also holds the odor inside the litter box. Cats are very clean animals and do not like using a soiled or smelly litter box. Cats can be very finicky about their litter just like their food. When purchasing or adopting a cat, check to see the type of litter they are using. Some cats don't like change. If you are going to change the litter, mix it with the new litter a little at a time.

Food:
Always make sure you know what and how much your new cat is eating when purchasing or adopting. Sudden changes in diet can cause digestive problems and diarrhea. Stay on the same diet for several weeks and then slowly wean them off by mixing the new food with the old. Unlike the myth, cats should not drink milk, it will cause diarrhea. There is specially formulated milk for cats if you feel the need. Cats do like water, especially running water. There are specially designed commercial fountain water bowls or some of my cats also like to drink out of the faucet.

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