All about cats: description, types and content

Man has managed to fully or partially tame several dozen species of animals. But even among this mass, cats have a very special role. Therefore, "tailed tetrapods" deserve a separate discussion.

The cat is considered to be one of the two most demanded "companions" among animals. She can only compete with a dog in this regard, and it is still unknown who will get the "podium". If we proceed from modern biological taxonomy, then cats are classified as representatives of the feline family, which is part of the order of predators. Previously, 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 dwellers hunt rodents and other small mammals. During the hunt, not only sound signals are used, but also characteristic movements. In total, there are at least 200 breeds of domestic cats. They look very different, there are both long-haired and completely devoid of wool. 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 spread of this subspecies across the planet occurred in two stages.First, between 9 and 12 thousand years ago, the domestic cat inhabited the entire territory of the Middle East. The second spurt occurred several thousand years later - then from Egypt animals spread throughout Europe and also settled in northern Africa.

Despite long-term domestication, the vast majority of cats, both females and males, survive effectively in the wild. Feral, when these animals find themselves without human control, happens very quickly and easily. Many of them settle alone, but biologists have described small colonies of feral animals. Therefore, even experts can not fully figure out whether cats are definitely domesticated to the end.

But there are also counterarguments. Felines are known to have strong attachments to humans. They sometimes have a 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 thrust of many individuals to lie on the lap of their owners or to rub against the legs of a person is well known.

Cats can swim. And they do it just fine (definitely better than most dogs). However, they do not like to dive into 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, the wet coat emits a strong unpleasant odor. And this negates the possibility of hunting from an ambush. Yes, pets do not need hunting, but the blind will of an unconscious instinct is stronger. At home, it is required to wipe the animals dry immediately after bathing so that they do not get overcooled and do not catch colds.

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

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

• especially large eye sockets;
• strong jaws;
• approximately the same level of development of the facial and cerebral regions.

The conversation about cats cannot be limited, of course, to a general description of their properties. It is also necessary to understand why these animals are given birth at all. According to the opinions of people, many people attach critical importance to emotional relaxation. Coming home after a tiring day or when faced with difficult household chores, it is very pleasant to meet such an assistant. The feeling of calmness and calmness returns, negative thoughts and negative mood go away.

For people who are lonely 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 the 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 dark times of the Middle Ages, when the church took up arms against it. None of the fiercest 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 combat 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. Most people's knowledge of this type of pet is very superficial. Many will only say that cats often wash, curl up into a ball when the cold weather approaches ... and almost everything is on that. Meanwhile, the real actions of the representatives of felines, their real psyche, are amazing and extraordinary. They are intertwined:

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

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

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

• crossings;
• changing or rearranging furniture;
• attempts to remove the animal, at least temporarily, from its chosen place.

There is only one way out for the owners - to behave so that their pets are not aware of the invasion of their own territory. When they pass by calmly by the 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's help. She has to constantly be on the alert and prepare to repel attacks.

When a cat suddenly and for no apparent reason behaves restlessly, it means that once in the same situation she experienced a negative experience. At the same time, all the incidents are deposited in her memory, even those that were in early childhood. The heredity of animals is also of great importance. This circumstance is easy to notice when comparing the actions of cats of different breeds. Those who do not belong to any breed are usually distinguished by waywardness and emphasized independence, have little respect for a person.

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

The usual consistency and adherence to principles, scrupulous attention to detail, solve most of the possible problems. Whether or not to have a sociopathic cat is a matter for yourself to decide. On the one hand, such pets do not make contact well, even with their owners. On the other hand, they require less attention. Feral cats rarely approach the call of people. Many of them avoid communicating with humans, even for the sake of getting food from them - usually this is characteristic of animals that have been systematically offended and poisoned.

Any pet owner should know what a particular form of behavior means. The arching of the back, accompanied by a bulging of the coat, expresses a sense of danger. This is a gesture addressed to a potential enemy so that he, too, is afraid. The owners should stay away at such moments, waiting for the feeling of anxiety to pass. But if the back arches right after sleep, and this is accompanied by stretching of the paws, then this is just a warm-up.

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 danger of injury. The main thing to do when you see your ears back is to be careful - when aggression is not provoked, the risk of "falling under the claws" is minimal.

Turning their ears back, cats, as it were, notify that they are ready to play and show interest in something. A lot 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 more like "preparation for battle." When such a pose is taken suddenly and for no apparent reason, it is most likely a matter of a subconscious attempt to train hunting skills.

But if this happens on a systematic basis, it indicates incessant stress and attempts to calm down. When a pet sits for a long time and looks at the owner, then he thereby usually asks for something:

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

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

Cats crawl because they are so prescribed by the hunting instinct, forcing something to track down, from someone to hide. Crawling on bellies can also be associated with a feeling of some kind of danger or with excessively noisy behavior of the owners. Strong fright is expressed in hiding the tail between the paws. In such situations, the most important thing is to figure out as quickly as possible what exactly caused the stress and how to overcome it. If the animal, pressing the tail, simultaneously trembles and refuses to get up, then this is an acute attack of diabetes mellitus. The only way to save your cat is to see your veterinarian immediately.

Quite the opposite - this is about the same, in fact, a physiological reaction as the tendency of some agitated people to bang their fingers. You can be sure that at any moment there will be a hiss or even a silent, rapid attack.

A tail lifted straight up like a trumpet signifies a positive mood. No wonder such an action even entered folklore as a vivid image. It is not necessary to grab the animal in your arms at this moment.It will be much less likely to spoil his good mood if the owners enter into a gambling game or give some kind of delicacy.

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

When angry, felines sometimes snort. The correct 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 copes with the problem on its own, is not required. Severe discomfort, sometimes accompanying snorting, manifests itself in rubbing the nose with paws - and noticing this, you should immediately go to the clinic.

A common mistake is to perceive purring as an unambiguously positive reaction. Of course, such a sound can often be heard when petting a pet or feeding it deliciously. However, sometimes the 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.

You also need to pay attention to the meowing timbre. When it is loud and drawn out, closer to howl, it is another signal of excitement or rage. At any second, you can expect characteristic reactions - aggression or stampede. A truly 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 trick 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 amateurs are unlikely to be able to turn on at least 30% of all types in their "career" in order to closely familiarize themselves with them. This is why it is so important to know which varieties are best, according to experienced breeders.

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

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

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

• If you want a pet that boasts a fluffy tail, a very good choice might be persian breed... Its representatives are very large (sometimes weighing up to 7 kg). The legs are relatively short, but the chest is impressive with its powerful development. Important: Persians are brachycephalic, and the rules of some airlines prohibit their transportation. Brachycephalics are breeds of animals that often suffer from diseases of the nasopharynx and almost always have difficulty breathing. Because of these features of the body structure, 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, 98 animals belonging to brachycephalic breeds were killed in flight between 2005 and 2011.

• Lovers of affectionate 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. Of the other properties of the breed, it is worth mentioning:

1. sociability without undue annoyance;
2. a quiet voice overflowing with melody;
3. gullibility and devotion;
4. calmness and developed intelligence;
5. the ability to find contact with children.

But it should be borne in mind that ragdolls sometimes suffer from the carelessness of those who play with them, especially children. Just because of the very high pain threshold in these cats. But the Burmese breed is somewhat different - for it, its own dignity is in the first place.

• Burmese:

1. sociable;
2. are distinguished by a curious disposition;
3. behave unobtrusively;
4. release claws only as a last resort, when passive detachment does not help;
5. require active grooming;
6. are unable to land on 4 paws, so it is unacceptable to let them on cabinets or open windows.

• Because of its friendliness, the Selkirk Rex breed is in demand. She adores games and other manifestations of human attention. Such a cat can relentlessly accompany people, while not bothering them unnecessarily with its presence. Characterized by a calm perception of children and patience for leprosy on their part.

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

1. Maine Coons;
2. bengal cats;
3. Canadian sphinxes;
4. Siberian and Neva masquerade animals.

Nature has a lot of interesting things, and the colors of cats are included in 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, a black top of the head against the background of a gray body as a whole, in combination with a black tail, will look no less brilliant. And there are also such exotic options as:

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

It is usually recommended to pick up small animals regardless of color. They become more attached to their owners and show themselves more emotionally. It is possible to take an aged cat only if you have enough experience and free time. Be sure to take into account such nuances as:

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

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

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

It is frankly unreasonable to acquire cats under 2 months old:

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

This point should not be underestimated either. 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 they are to people, tend to "walk by themselves." Only in especially difficult situations for themselves do they climb into the arms of the owners. In everyday situations, pets will only allow you to stroke and scratch themselves.

Boys are more affectionate and their affection is closer. They express their feelings much more clearly and openly. Differences in maintenance appear as soon as the animal reaches full biological maturity. Quite often they resort to castration of adults. It leads to a dramatic change in character.

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

• the likelihood of complications (albeit low, but in fact irreparable);
• 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 special food or strictly limit the calorie intake.

One of the prerequisites for keeping a 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 hanging hammock on the windowsill. Otherwise, the animals will themselves, unauthorizedly climb onto the same windowsill. How it might end is not so difficult to guess. Making a cat lounger with your own hands is not difficult.

PVC pipes will be good blanks for it. Having cut and connected them so that you get a stable quadrangle, you need to stretch and fasten the fabric inside it.

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

• wooden trays;
• small pillows;
• ropes;
• suction hooks;
• large crochet hooks.

Some people choose to buy ready-made hammocks.

However, rectangular and square designs are more common. The frame of the bed for a "weighty" animal must be made of metal. Devices suspended on heating radiators have steel pipe frames.

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

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

A conversation about caring for cats should not be complete without pointing out the specifics of their maintenance in winter. In cold weather, the activity of pets is reduced. Instead of playing, they prefer to sleep in warm corners. But if all this and even the appearance of a curled up cat is quite pleasant, then changing the diet is much worse. Hosts will have to look for an optimal position that separates natural urges and requirements for maintaining health.

However, when kept in housing, this annual cycle is disrupted. Therefore, you have to systematically comb out the fur coat, use special vitamin preparations.Hypothermia of pets should not be allowed, which entails many diseases and a general drop in immunity. Leaving a cat or cat on the balcony can lead to fear of frostbite.

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

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

The construction of a cat's upbringing process should be based on the use of strictly conditioned reflexes. Pressure on unconditioned reflexes threatens with a host of serious problems. From the very beginning, you will have to accustom the animal:

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

If possible, you should use positive motives - some cats remember any offense they cause for life.

Since felines are naturally inclined to hunt in silence, loud sounds immediately knock them off the mood.

Spraying a naughty or overly aggressive cat with a spray bottle with clean, cold water is a good alternative. Water mixed with honey or lemon juice helps even better. Then concern for the cleanliness of the fur coat will instantly overshadow all undesirable motives. When the skill of using a latrine is mastered, it is required to accustom the pet to specific resting places, to the human regime of the day and to the use of scratching posts.

When starting up and teaching a cat, many are interested in how long it will live. Taking into account modern advances in veterinary medicine, if proper care is also provided, the life of a pet can be 15 years. A number of cases are known when it exceeded even 20 years. But this applies to pets.

7 years is practically the limit for them.

It is customary to divide a cat's life into such conditional periods:

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

The longest living cat, according to some reports, lived about 38 years. And throughout life, as long as physical health allows, these animals hunt. They go hunting even when they feel satiated - so the instinct commands.

But if such an event occurs too often, you need to:

• humidify the air;
• switch to higher quality shampoos;
• make bathing less frequent;
• provide your pet with water without restrictions.

Returning to the hunting activities of tetrapods, it should be pointed out that because of them these animals are prone to myopia. Distant objects for them are much more valuable and important than those that are near. And when the prey is caught and it begins to be eaten, the taste is almost irrelevant.

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

For domestic cats, see below.