Cat Training

Archive for September, 2009

Cats have been objects of interest to people around the world for a long time. The ancient Egyptians are credited with being the first to domesticate cats; after this, they were bred and carried abroad by travelers who knew that they were perfect for companionship and as exotic beauties.

The Broadway Musical “Cats” is an excellent example of how these animals can influence artists in different periods of time.

Tolstoy even told the tale of a cat who was critical to his story “Master and Margarita”; Sir Winston Churchill firmly believed that cats were important companions and always had his pal Jock in the room when meals were to commence.

To prevent his cats from letting in too much sunlight by opening the door into dark the laboratory, Sir Isaac Newton, invented the cat flap, now known as door flap. Even though this device was invented in the 17th century, it is still in demand as the preferred way to allow a cat to have his freedom and access to the house at the same time.

Nikola Tesla, a prodigious inventor was first struck with question “What is electricity?” in early childhood while petting his cat Macak. Sparks produced by the repetitive contact of his palm with the cat’s fur pushed Tesla to later make phenomenal discoveries in the field of electrical and mechanical engineering!

The elegance of cat’s movements, their soothing purr and beautiful eyes make everyone appreciate them. You can even find cat fancier clubs just for cat lovers as well as salons and pet clothing lines that cater to your feline’s needs. Cats are appreciated by their owners so much that they have been known to go on shopping sprees just for their cats and buy things such as the frontline for cats.

Cats may be lovely to look at but they are also very therapeutic and proffer health benefits to their owners and people who spend time with them. A study done in 2002 at the State University of New York (K, Allen, J. Blascovich, and W.B. Mendes) discovered that being exposed to a cat and petting a cat can significantly lower a person’s blood pressure. In their article called “Cardiovascular Reactivity and the Presence of Pets, Friends and Spouses: the Truth about Cats and Dogs,” they explain the means by which cats can help lower stress and benefit someone’s overall health.

Cats are low maintenance, house animals, that is one of the reasons for their popularity in North America. According to a research conducted in 2007 by the American Veterinary Medical Association , there are over 82 million cats, kept as pets in the United States. A cat that is an indoor cat only will have a significantly longer lifespan when compared with a cat who is allowed outdoors. Indoor cats will not be hit by a car, exposed to cat fights, and an indoor cat simply will not be exposed to the various diseases and bacteria that are endemic in the outdoor cat population. Whether or not you decide to let your cat out or keep your friend indoors at all times will depend upon your personal circumstances and is ultimately your decision. However loving your cat is a must. Cats we adopt are our responsibility. Let us not, let them down.

Sigmund Freud once said, “Time spent with cats is never wasted.”