Consider Folding the Scottish Way, with the Scottish Fold Cat That Is!

Impish and good-tempered, the Scottish Fold cat has recruited admirers from cat fanciers all over the world. But what makes the Scottish Fold Cat so special? Scottish Folds have an intriguing history, and an even more intriguing physical attribute that makes this breed so unique and popular.

History of the Scottish Fold Cat

As the name would imply, the origins of the Scottish Fold cat can be traced to Scotland, where Susie, the first Scottish Fold cat was identified. Susie was a farm cat. William Ross, a local farmer near Coupar Angus, noticed Susie in a neighbor's barn. Her ears folded down and were placed forward on her head, giving her face a rounded, owl-like appearance. William Ross and his wife Mary took great interest in Susie, taking care of her and the litter she gave birth to a year later. Susie gave birth to two kittens that also had the distinct folded down ears. The Ross' adopted one of Susie's kittens and named her Snooks. Later, Snooks was bred with a British shorthair, and the Scottish Fold breed was officially registered in Great Britain.

In the 1970s, Mary Ross sent some of her Scottish Folds to an American geneticist named Dr. Neil Todd. Dr. Todd arranged the breeding of the first litter Scottish Fold cats on American soil. This first American-born litter was born on November 30, 1971. By 1973, the Scottish Fold cat had been accepted by the American Cat Association and Cat Fancier's Association.

The Physical Side of the Scottish Shorthair

Over the three decades that the Scottish Shorthair has been bred, the Scottish Shorthair has developed a very distinctive look. Most Scottish Shorthairs are medium sized, with an average weight of 6 to 13 pounds. Scottish Shorthairs are plush, well padded, and generally give the appearance of being very soft and round. Scottish Fold cats have large eyes and display a calm, sweet expression. The Scottish Fold cat has curved mouth, small nose, and prominent whiskers are often described as resembling a "smiling cat" appearance.

The Scottish Fold cat's coat is generally short, thick, and plush, although there are longhaired versions of the Scottish Fold cat. The long hair Scottish Fold cat has a medium-length coat. Their coat must be brushed regularly, especially during their shedding period. The Scottish Shorthair comes in all colors, including tabby, calico, and tortoiseshell motifs, although they do not appear in pointed colors, which include colors recognized in Eastern breeds such as the Siamese.

The most notable feature of the Scottish Shorthair is, of course, its ears. The Scottish Shorthair's ears can range from very small to medium-sized. The fold in a shorthair's ear can range widely, from a slight curve at the tip of the ear, to a tightly curved pattern.

The Scottish Fold cat is a hardy cat with an average lifespan of 10 years old, although a well-cared for cat can live up to 15 years. Scottish Folds are susceptible to a degenerative joint disease that occurs when folded ear cats are bred to other folded ear cats. Legitimate breeders will, then, only breed normal, straight-eared cats to folded ear cats. Scottish Fold cats stricken with the degenerative joint disease will display a short, thickened tail. Eventually, this joint disease will cause a cat's tail and legs to become stiff and to fuse. Although it causes the cat considerable discomfort and threatens their ease of mobility, the disease is not life threatening.

A Sweet Disposition: The Temperament of the Scottish Shorthair

The Scottish Fold cat is widely known as a sweet, docile cat that is both affectionate and independent. They are active and playful, but do enjoy time alone to nap and wander. The Scottish Fold cat is famous for its large eyes and perpetually sweet expression. They are relaxed and adapt well to new environments. The Scottish Fold cat has a soft voice and will not vocalize often. The Scottish Fold cat is also famous for its curious 'seal stance,' which describes the way the Scottish Fold cat sits upright like a seal. If you work long hours, consider getting a companion for your Scottish Fold cat. The Scottish Fold cat gets along well with other cats. They are generally not aggressive toward other pets, although the Scottish Fold cat is known to be an excellent hunter.

Pamper your Cat with a Padded Perch

Ever notice your cat sitting on or near a window? This is because even cats that stay in the house most of the time like to see outside. Therefore, you may as well make the feline pet feel as comfortable as possible. Just think of a padded perch for your feline pet as the cat’s own personal recliner center and/or a place to scratch and climb, depending upon the particular style of the perch.

One padded perch is made out of carpet stuffed with one inch thick foam for extra comfort. This perch adjusts to attach to most windows without tools it comes in a variety of colors such as red, yellow, green, and purple. This allows the cat to lounge around while enjoying the outside view through the window. This padded perch comes in a large size and a small size for different size cats, and to fit on different sized window areas.

Another type of padded window perch for cats is the one that attaches to the wall with Velcro. Most models can come with or without heating capabilities, and can hold up to 40 pounds of weight. The heated models will usually heat the pad usually 12 to 15 degrees warmer than the average temperature in the room. The inside of this perch contains an extremely soft layer of orthopedic foam, and the outside has the look and feel of faux (imitation) lambs wool.

The heating unit of the padded perch can be plugged into any outlet, and unplugged during the summer months. It acts a similar way that an electric blanket would keep a human warm.

Some padded perches for cats not only provide comfort, but also a part of a scratching post. The cat can scratch on the post all he or she wants, but still climb up inside and sleep on the comfortable bed. These perches also come in several roomy sizes. You would be able to find one that is perfect for the size of your feline friend.

One variation of the padded perch and bed combo is the kind that has a 27” loft perch and also includes a bed. It is often made out of cedar, which is a wood that deters insects. This bed and perch combo can be set in an indoor or outdoor hallway, stairs, basement, garage, or any other room in the house. It is small enough that it can fit in most tight spots, yet roomy enough for an average sized house cat.

Treat your cat the way you would want to be treated, and make sure he or she has a comfortable perch to lie upon. Also, make sure that the window that the perch is attached to is well insolated so the cat does not catch a cold or get sick from a cold draft.

Other variations of perches on a stand are padded with carpet, and are climbable, for hours, and hours of feline fun. In most of these models there is often a place to sleep provide for the cat as well. Also, some perching models come with dangling toys attached for additional fun for the cat.

Furthermore, some of the perching models that include scratching posts and dangling cat toys provide entertainment for the pet owner, as well as the pet owner’s family and friends. These create happy memories for one to cherish for a lifetime.

Yet another type of padded cat perch is the two-story hiding perch and combo scratching perch. This perch has a padded upper and lower floor, and provides two places for the cat to rest, as well as carpeted material for the cat to climb upon.

Cats are sometimes just as sensitive as humans, and like to be comfortable. Pamper your cat with one of a variety of padded perches, and combination padded perches and scratching post.

Feel free to browse here or to one of the related links to find further information about padded perches and scratching posts for your pet.

Your cat will appreciate the fun, and you will enjoy your pet not scratching your furniture, or shedding hair on it.

Find a padded perch that is right for your cat today, by browsing the many online pet shopping sites that offer free information for you to take advantage of. You, your whole family, and especially your cat will appreciate it.

Pampering your Cat's Teeth Can Lead to a Long Life

Just like humans, a cat's teeth needs to be well cared for in order to ensure a long and healthy life. Cats are prone to gingivitis and periodontal disease, which can result in the permanent loss of teeth. Properly caring for your cat's teeth can not only ensure that she lives happily and healthily, but the time spent together taking care of her teeth can also help establish a bond between the two of you. Here are seven tips to getting your cat started on a lifelong program of good oral health.

1. Begin by examining your cat's teeth and gums. You will want to do this in a location with lots of clear, natural light where you can get a good view of her mouth. A penlight and small dental mirror may come in handy for this examination, as well.

As unpleasant as you may find this, dentists and veterinarians suggest that you begin by making note of the smell of your cat's breath. If your cat's breath has a distinctly foul odor, your cat may be suffering from some kind of infection, most commonly a gum infection. If your cat's bad breath persists, even after regular brushing and maintenance, pay a visit to your vet.

Many people are wary when first attempting to examine their cat's teeth. The trick is to approach your cat calmly. Speak to your cat as you would any other time, petting her head continuously as you prepare to open her mouth. Once your cat seems relaxed, slowly tip her head back and use your fingers to pry her mouth slightly open. Examine the teeth for signs of plaque, the sticky bacterial substance that causes cavities. Early signs of plaque consist of yellowing at the back of the teeth, although in severe cases you may find it near the front of your cat's mouth. You will also want to check for tartar, which is slightly darker than plaque.

Examine your cat's mouth for broken or missing teeth. Your cat's gums should be a healthy bright pink. If they are red or very pale, your cat may be suffering from an infection. Any sign of abscesses, bleeding, or irregular colors should be checked out by your vet as soon as possible.

2. Begin a regular oral hygiene program that includes regular teeth cleaning. If your cat is new to having its teeth cleaned, begin by using your index finger as a toothbrush. Wrap your 'finger' brush with sterile gauze, dip the tip of your finger into a bit of toothpaste, and slowly open your cat's mouth. Use your finger brush to very gently rub the paste against your cat's teeth and gums. While you brush your cat's teeth, it may help to play soothing music and talk to her. Once you cat has gotten used to the routine, you may graduate to a small child's toothbrush.

Experiment with different flavors of toothpaste to see which kind your cat seems to enjoy best. As a reward for her cooperation, feed your kitty a small dental treat after each teeth-cleaning session.

3. Feeding your kitty high quality kibble is essential. In order to ensure that your cat benefits from a regular oral hygiene program, make sure she munches only on high quality kibble. While most cats love the taste of moist cat food, your cat needs the dry, crunchy texture of dry kibble to keep her teeth strong and clean. You will want to inspect the ingredients to make sure the kibble does not contain artificial preservatives and flavorings, as these are usually hard on the teeth.

4. Treat your kitty to special dental treats. If your cat seems to take to the oral hygiene program, treat her to some special dental treats. Many cat owners are surprised to learn of the variety of oral care products available for cats. For the sweet and cooperative cat that enjoys the pleasures of good oral care, buy her s some special dental treats, such as Petrodex Dental Treats for cats. These special fish-flavored treats are specially formulated to cleanse and freshen you’re kitty's breath while killing plaque and tartar. Another special gift for your kitty is the C.E.T. Cat Oral Hygiene Kit. This kit comes with everything you need to keep your cat's mouth healthy, including a special seafood-flavored toothpaste, finger brush, and a special toothbrush designed for the size of the average cat's mouth.

Does Music Mellow your Cat?

Much has been written about the power of music to sooth the soul, aid relaxation, and improves developmental brain functions. But did you know that music might also help soothe your frazzled kitty? Musicians and music publishers have even composed and released compilations of mood music, specifically designed to help mellow your favorite feline friend.

If you're skeptical as to what music can do to help mellow your cat, consider this: a cat's sense of hearing is remarkably sharper than human's. Research shows that cats have a much more expansive hearing range than humans, ranging between 45 to 64,000 Hz. Compare that with the average hearing range of a human, which are 23 to 64,000 Hz. Cats are particularly adept at sensing sounds at the low and high end of the spectrum. This may explain why cats are prone to their infamous "caterwauling" at the sound of discordant music or sounds.

Cat's ears are physiologically designed to capture a variety of sounds, even those that occur at a far distance. The design of their ear canals allows cats to receive and magnify sounds, even at a far away distance. Cats have been shown to be able to detect relatively quiet sounds at distances of up to 30 feet away.

Since cats have shown to have a very good sense of hearing, it makes sense that the right music can help mellow your cat. For instance, consider the sweet, slow strain of a violin featured in a classical composition. The sound is high enough to capture your cat's attention, and may prove to have a sedative effect on him or her.

But how do you know what kind of music to play for your cat? Some cats are incredibly expressive. Cat owners have told stories about pets who scurry out of the room at the sound of loud music or a blaring TV set. The best way to see what your cat prefers is to experiment. Try playing a soothing classical piece and see what happens. If you note no perceptible reaction, try experimenting with more upbeat jazz tempo pieces. Some animal behavior researchers claim that loud rock or heavy metal music can disrupt your pet's relaxation patterns.

If you would like to promote your cat's relaxation, and are considering making an investment in your cat's sonic experience, you may want to consider purchasing one of several musical compilations designed specifically for your pet's listening appreciation. Professor Hermann Bubna-Littitz is an animal behaviorist at the Veterinary University of Vienna. He has studied the effects of music on cats and has asserted that fussy or nervous cats can benefit from a little mood music. He even put together a compilation of songs designed to mellow out your cat, titled Music for Cats and Friends.

According to Professor Bubna-Littitz, his research shows that cats specifically sought out the music speakers while the soothing songs were being played. The cats became notably relaxed, and aggressive tendencies became subdued. Included in Professor Bubna-Littitz's CD is electronically synthesized versions of popular tunes such as 'Endless Time,' 'Moonlight Walk,' 'Coming Home,' and appropriately enough, 'Memories,' from the popular Andrew Lloyd Weber musical, Cats.

Another popular song compilation aimed to keep your feline friend content and relaxed is Relaxation Music for Dogs and Cats. Relaxation Music for Dogs and Cats contains an hour of music designed to keep your dog relaxed at home, in the car, or when going to the vet. The music is described as an environmental soundscape, created through the use of synthesized orchestrations. The music on this compilation was scored specifically for the hearing ranges of dogs and cats.

If you or your cat grows tired of the synthesized classical tunes, you may want to experiment with another very popular song compilation. Music for Cats…and People Too! It is just what it sounds like. The songs were compiled to soothe both you and your kitty. This compilation includes a variety of musical styles, including ambient, classical, jazz, and includes natural sounds from the environment, as well. A variety of musical instruments were used, including saxophone, guitar, and keyboards. All 18 selections on Music for Cats…and People Too are original compositions that were written specifically for the hearing ranges of most cats.

Reasons Why Cats Make Good Therapy Animals

Although they are sometimes outshined by their canine counterpoints, cats often make some of the best therapy animals. With their warm soft fur, meditative yogic poses, and relaxing purr, the health benefits of using cats as therapy animals is quite impressive. Here are six reasons why more and more people, nursing home facilities, and hospitals are recruiting cats as therapy animals.

1. Cats make your heart happy. Research has shown repeatedly the effects of cats on easing blood pressure. Researchers have time and again conducted studies in which participants are connected to blood pressure and heart monitors as they pet cats, and the results have been impressive. Petting a cat can reduce your blood pressure, slow your heart rate, and create feelings of well-being and comfort. Individuals with high blood pressure can benefit greatly from spending time with a loving cat. Some studies indicate that simply petting a cat for a sustained period of time can have a similar effect as conventional medication prescribed to patients with high blood pressure.

2. Cats can help relieve loneliness. Many jokes have been made about elderly women and their affinity for cats, but there is a kernel of truth here. Cats really do help relieve loneliness. Simply watch the eyes of nursing home patients when a cat is brought to visit. Their eyes light up as they pet the cat in their lap. The feeling of petting their soft fur is immensely soothing, and the antics of 'clown cats' can result in quite an entertaining visit. Cats can be an important part of the lives of their elderly caretakers. For some, their relationship with their cat is the single most important thing in their life. The power of loving companionship to ease stress and loneliness is invaluable and immeasurable.

Also, it has been shown that cats are often quite valuable therapy animals in working with Alzheimer's patients. The act of holding and petting a cat has been shown to trigger memories in patients who are otherwise incapable of recalling certain memories.

3. Petting or brushing long hair cats can be great physical therapy for individuals with muscle disorders. Recently, long hair cats have been used with patients suffering from muscle conditions. The act of brushing a cat's thick coat can help to slowly increase flexibility and ease muscle and joint stiffness. Not only is brushing a cat's hair good for exercising certain muscles, it is also quite relaxing. The best type of cat for this type of pet therapy is said to be the long hair Persian breed.

4. Cats can help troubled youth and mental health patients who live in facilities establish healthy, non-judgmental relationships. Cats have recently been used in facilities that help troubled teens learn important life skills. Having a house pet such as a cat can help young adults learn responsibility. A loving cat can also help troubled teens establish a stable, healthy relationship. For some, this can constitute the most stable relationship in their life. Cats are also used in mental health facilities to provide its residents with a source of companionship and friendship, as well as to help teach responsibility. For some, their relationship with a cat can be life transforming.

5. The singular power of the fur and the purr. Although dogs have made excellent pet therapy animals for decades, there is nothing quite as relaxing as the luxurious fur of a cat. As most cat lovers will attest, it just begs to be combed and petted. Cat's coats tend to be much softer and thicker than dog's. The texture of a cat's coat evokes feelings of pleasure, relaxation, and well being.

The unmistakable purr of the feline is another important aspect of why cats make good pet therapy animals. A cat's purr has long been associated with feelings of relaxation, warmth, and comfort. Indeed, researchers have begun doing research on the effects of a cat's purring on their owners. A cat's purr is also being credited with helping perennial insomniacs finally catch some shut-eye. In fact, a recording of a cat's soft purr is currently being marketed to individuals who have trouble falling asleep. The creators of the recording claim that the sound of a cat's purr can help almost anyone achieve a good night's rest.