From the ArcaMax Publishing, Cats & Dogs Newsletter:
http://www.arcamax.com/news/catsanddogs/s-564073-294389
Cats are the most popular pets in the world. There are over 600
million in homes worldwide.
They have been popular for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians,
for example, adored them and believed cats brought good luck to the
home. Now almost every home has one - or more - of them.
So what makes them world pet number one?
Well, cats are independent spirits and can look after themselves. This
makes them easy to have as pets. You don't have to take them for
walks, although many don't mind being on a lead. They are also clean
animals. You don't even have to exercise them.
Cats are highly intelligent and can be trained to obey basic commands.
They can also be taught to perform certain functions, like using a
human toilet.
They can come to your call or whistle, especially if it's food time. I
once had a cat that always came when my wife played the flute. It was
just crazy about flute music.
They are highly skilled hunters, especially with mice, rats, snakes
and nasty insects. So they can be useful exterminators.
Cats can talk and they use body language for communication. Their talk
is essentially miaowing but they also hiss, growl and grunt. When
happy and content they purr.
A major attraction is that they're such beautiful creatures who come
in various colours, shapes and sizes and portray a unique air of
sophistication that is distinctly feline. As kittens they are an
unbeatable delight.
So what's the bad side? Is there one? Well, cats have claws and need
to sharpen them fairly often and this can put a bit of wear and tear
on your furniture. However if you provide them with scratch posts you
can still have a nice home.
Like most pets cats like a kiss and a cuddle and a bit of fuss and
it's good to talk to them often. They are good listeners. If a cat
likes you it can be a very close friend. I always consider it a
privilege if a cat allows me to be its friend, considering how
independent they are.
I believe they each have their own personalities and they get their
moods, just like us. They can feel happy, sad, angry, depressed,
elated.
And in the family situation they can get along fine with other pets. I
have three cats and they are friends and play with with my pet rats
and dogs. The mice and the budgie I don't take risks with.
There's lots to learn about cats and how to handle them. It's
interesting and your cats will appreciate it.
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Read more on journalist James Larkin's blog Pets of All Kinds at http://pet-patter.blogspot.com
Comments are welcomed.