Tabbies - A Basic Overview on this Popular Cat

Cats are quite possibly the most lovable creatures on earth, second only to dogs. Just like there are different breeds of dogs, there are also a large number of different cat breeds. Pure bred cats, those whose ancestry can be traced back to a recorded breed through four generations or more, are quite popular these days and may fetch a large sum or money at the local breeder. Cross bred cats, too, are quite popular, and since they are not as expensive to purchase at a pet shop, they are quite often the pet of choice. Additionally for those conscious of the plight of shelter animals, a non pedigreed cat is quite often the only choice, since pure bred animals very rarely if ever end up at an animal shelter. Quite possibly the most popular cat of the latter variety is the tabby cat.

Tabbies come in large varieties of colors and sizes. One of the most common types of tabbies is the mackerel tabby. This cat shows a pattern of stripes all over its body. The tail and legs have rings, and the remainder of the body has either solid stripes or broken bits and pieces of stripes. Because the usually even stripes on the cat’s flanks resemble the skeleton of a fish, this type of tabby has been nicknamed the mackerel. The cats are gorgeous and many a loving pet owner loves these little grey or orange tabbies. Another beloved type of tabby is the blotched tabby. This little cat’s coat also has stripes, but they are fewer and bigger than the mackerel’s. Some of the stripes are so thick that they appear to be blotches rather than stripes. Of course, there are also other tabbies, such as the Agouti, Ocicat or the American Bobtail.

No matter what kind of tabby has wormed itself into your heart, a ringed tail and legs are common to all tabby cats. Another common feature is a marking in the shape of the letter “M” on the cat’s forehead. While this is a simply a common marking, it does have a lovely piece of folklore attached to it. According to this beautiful legend, when Jesus Christ was born and laid inside the manger, He was quite restless since the straw was poking Him, and the stable animals were making a bit of a ruckus as well. Add to this the constant arrival of shepherd, and it is no wonder that the baby was fussing. A little cat is said to have come into the stable, jumped into the manger, and allowed the baby Jesus to lay His head on the cat’s fur, causing the baby to calm down almost immediately. In gratitude, Mary touched the cat’s forehead and promised that his act of service would never be forgotten. According to the legend, this is the reason that these lovely cats wear the letter “M” on their foreheads.

Another wonderful legend attributes the “M” on a tabby’s head to the Prophet Mohammed, the founder of Islam. According to legend he did not care for dogs, but loved cats so much that one time he cut off the sleeve of his robe so as not to disturb the cat that was resting in his arm when he was moving. The letter “M” was a marking his favorite cat received. Because of their wonderful dispositions, tabby cats have long since been the companions of choice for many famous people. Take for example Sir Winston Churchill whose tabby named Jock would attend cabinet meetings, or famous author and artist Edward Lear who so loved his little Foss that upon moving commissioned an architect to recreate his home at the new location to lower the cat’s stress during the move!

No matter what kind of cat you love, the tabby is a hands down favorite. Its intelligence is the stuff of legends, and it is said that only the monkey surpasses the tabby in intelligence. Tabbies are notoriously sociable, sweet, and inquisitive, and bond wonderfully with the people who will take care of them. Yet just like their feline cousins, be they purebred or cross bred, they do have a lot of mischief on their minds as well!

Meowingly Good Massages for Cats

A relaxing massage is such an orgasmic indulgence. Each muscle worked over, rubbed down, and kneaded. Every ache seems to just go away, rubbed out of existence by your talented massage therapist. Massages are not only relaxing, but also very healthy. Relaxation is important to your over all health. They also will reduce stress, strengthen the immune system, promotes circulation, and emotional well being. Not to mention, it just feels wonderful, and you feel just as great once it is over. If you think you feel good after a massage, imagine how your cat will feel. After all, cats love the good rubbings and loved to be stroked. Not to mention, it has just as many health benefits for them as it does for us.

Massaging your cat is good therapy for both of you. You and your cat will find it soothing and relaxing. Massaging your cat also makes you both closer together, and allows you to easily bond with your cat. In multiple cat households this can give personalized attention to each cat separately. Petting, touching, stroking, and massaging helps bring down your cats blood pressure and increases their blood circulation. This is great for your cat's immune system and over all health. This also keeps you current with your cat’s skin and hair. If there are any skin issues or lumps they will be easily detected and treated early. And, by the time you are through massaging, stroking, rubbing, petting, and pampering, you can make any cat a friend for life!

Start by scratching behind her ear and you will have her undivided attention. She will stop whatever she is doing, and command that you continue. Indulge her demands and continue on with the massage. Rub her entire ear including inside of the tip. Scratch the top of her head between his ears. By now she should be purring purrs of utter delight. This is a very good sign. Now move on to her other ear. Just like before, rub her entire ear including inside of the tip. Scratch and caress the side of her face, below the whiskers. Her whiskers are sensitive, so be careful around them. Now scratch under her chin. Most cats absolutely love to have this part of their bodies scratched and loved on. She will be happy to stay around as long as you keep touching her right.

Scratch the other side of her face. Scratch her ears again, just a little. Scratch the top of her head. In a continuous and fluid motion, stroke from the top of his head down his entire back. Scratch down her back several times with your hand wide open to spread across her entire backside. Scratch down her entire back and down the top end of her tail several times. Stroke her entire tail with your hand all the way around it several times. She is in heaven by this point she is like putty in your hands! Lay her down, if she has not already done it for you so that she is offering herself to you completely. Take one leg at a time and stroke it from her shoulder to her paw. Stroke each leg several times. Stroke anywhere else she will allow except her tummy, as this is usually seen as an invitation to play, which would defeat the entire purpose of the massage.

You cat should be very relaxed, happy, and purring like crazy now. Make this exercise take as long as you want. Cats can be patient when it suits their needs, so I doubt she will want to be going anywhere at this point. She is in kitty heaven and she loves it. You can take as long as you want and she is going to sit there and take it. She is getting all the attention she can stand, and her kitty body is feeling all nice and massaged. You have made a friend for life. She is in heaven and she has a new found respect for you. She now has a masseuse on staff! She loves being the queen. Be prepared for the fact that she will now demand this attention on a regular basis. Good luck!

Seven Ideas to keep your Feline's Fur Shiny and Pampered

You have brought home your new kitty and are all excited about the new life you have ahead of you together. Of course, you want to make sure that her needs are met, and also that you keep her looking beautiful and feeling healthy. To this end you have invested in some Guillotine nail clippers to make sure her little claws do not get too long and perhaps get caught in the fabric of your couch. Is there anything else you need to keep your feline’s fur shiny and pampered? Well, here are seven tips to keep it looking beautiful!

Purchase only premium brand cat food. Cat food has a huge impact on the overall appearance of your cat’s fur, and premium food will leave it looking shiny and healthy, while diets comprised of low quality food will often leave it looking dull and brittle. Additionally, or course, there are a number of benefits that are associated with the feeding of high quality food.

Bathe your cat is necessary. Yes, it is true that cats will shun the water like vampires are said to shun garlic, but there are rare instances in which a bath is necessary. If, for example, you bring home a stray it is very likely that she is invested with fleas or mites, and needs to be thoroughly cleaned up. Whatever the need may be, do not use your shampoo or shower gel. Instead, do purchase a high quality pet shampoo that is especially formulated for cats.

Buy the right type of brush. You knew that brushing your cat would be part of this routine, but did you also know that not all brushes are created equal? If you have a long haired cat, you will need a different kind of brush than if you had a domestic shorthair. Brushes overall should have soft bristles or be made of plastic or rubber. Avoid the metal kind even though it might seem easier to use. One hard brush stroke can have you draw blood if you are very careful, and this will make it a miserable experience for the both of you.

Brush your cat regularly. Cats love to be brushed and your will let you know just how much she appreciates it. Make sure that you brush in the same direction that the fur is actually growing and not against the grain. Furthermore, if your kitty has come from the outside or was neglected in any way, you may want to have some grooming scissors handy to cut out the mats that might have formed in her coat.

Contemplate the use of vitamins. Although sometimes not needed when feeding your cat a highly nutritious diet, some cats have special dietary needs that may date back to the time they were living on the streets or were not cared for as properly and lovingly as they should have been. For these kinds of cats your veterinarian may suggest a dietary supplement. This kitty vitamin will have the additional benefit of improving the look and feel of the cat’s hair and repairing a lot of the damage that a lack of care may have caused.

Keep your cat indoors. If you are worried about mats developing, you may wish to keep your cat inside, especially if she is a long haired animal. Cats love to roll around outside, and she will collect dirt, twigs, and leaves in her fur which will then mat up. Add to this the danger of picking up some parasites, and you will find compelling reasons for not letting your long haired sweetie run wild outside.

Last but not least pet your cat! As easy as it may sound, petting your cat will help to distribute the natural oils her skin exudes and get her fur evenly coated with them. If you ever needed an excuse or a reason to do something you already enjoy so much, here it is! Petting your cat is a wonderful grooming and bonding tool as well, and your relationship with your little feline companion will soar to new heights. Isn’t living with a cat simply wonderful? So go ahead and keep you cat looking healthy and happy by pampering her.

Top Six Gifts for Cat Lovers

Do you have gift list that includes a true cat lover? If so, you're in luck! Buying for a cat lover is easier than ever, especially with the selection and specialty items available over the Internet. Before you grab the first kitty-themed item, take a moment to consider the following criteria. The more specific and personal your gift is, the more special it will be.

Before you buy a present for the cat lover on your list, consider:

What type of cat breed does the prospective recipient favor or own? Many potential gifts for cat lovers are also breed specific. If possible, purchase a gift that reminds the recipient of their favorite feline.

If you are buying a gift for someone who currently owns a cat, find out if the cat is male or female. Many cat-themed gifts are gender specific, so you will want to know what sex your recipient's cat is.

Does your recipient like to dress up your cat? If you are buying a gift for someone who likes to dress their cats in sweaters or other types of clothing, your search for an appropriate gift will be much easier. Don't assume that the recipient dresses their cat, however.

Now that you've taken a few moments to consider your recipient's cat, here are the top six gifts that any cat lover would be pleased to receive.

1. A cat-themed picture frame. What better way to express your love for your pet than putting his or her picture on display? Any cat lover would be pleased to receive a lovely picture frame to display their pride and joy. You may want to make sure your intended recipient doesn't already own too many cat picture frames. This is a popular gift to give and to receive, so it's not uncommon for avid cat lovers to own more than one cat picture frame.

2. Cat themed jewelry. It is not uncommon to run across a lovely cat broach, pin, charm bracelet, necklace, or other piece of jewelry. Nothing could be more personal or intimate than a lovely piece of jewelry. If you have a close friend who you think would enjoy this type of gift, you will find many online retail websites dedicated to cat-themed gifts that carry an excellent selection of cat related jewelry. For an even more personal touch, you can often have these type of gifts inscribed as well.

3. Cat related stationary, desk calendar, engagement calendar, diary, or books. Every New Year, hundreds of beautifully designed calendars become available for purchase. The selection can be astounding, with hundreds of breeds and cat themes represented. This is a great choice that any cat lover would enjoy receiving, especially if you can find a calendar that represents the recipient's favorite breed. If you want to go beyond the ever-popular cat calendar, you can also purchase lovely cat-related stationary for your recipient. Another great choice is to find a nice cat-themed diary for your recipient.

If you can't find a cat calendar, stationary set, or diary that you like, consider buying the cat lover on your list a beautiful cat-themed coffee table book. Most cat lovers will delight in feasting on the gorgeous photography and text of a good cat coffee table book.

4. Cat themed clothes and coffee mugs. Cat lovers will enjoy receiving cat-themed T-shirts and sweaters. You can often find funny cat-themed coffee mugs too.

5. A work of kitty art. Cat lovers abound nowadays, so it easy to find works of art that is cat related. For the true cat lover, a lovely cat sculpture can be a wonderful and whimsical gift. You can easily find all sorts of cat-related ceramic pieces, wooden sculptures, planter, fountain, or other types of cat art. For the truly dedicated cat lover, you can even commission a local artist to complete a portrait of your friend's cat!

6. A gift subscription to Cat Fancy magazine! For the die-hard cat fanatic, a subscription to a cat themed magazine can be quite a treat. If you can't locate cat related magazines at your local newsstand, visit your local pet supplies store. You'll find other magazines besides Cat Fancy that your recipient can enjoy receiving for many issues to come.

The Basics for brushing your Cat's Teeth

Brushing your cat’s teeth does not have to be an adventure. As with most adventures with pets, all it takes is some patience and planning. Proper dental care can keep your cat’s gums and teeth healthy as well as other body systems as well including the kidneys and valve systems. Brushing your cat’s teeth several times a week is recommended if daily cleanings are not permitted by your cat. Every other day cleanings will keep plaque away before it has time to build up. Begin this regimen at an early age for best results in the future.

First, choose a proper time and place. Choose a quiet place and begin at a time when you and your cat are both relaxed. The first few times just massage her neck and mouth area, and then move to her cheeks and gums. Progress on to using poultry flavored toothpaste or a baking soda and tuna water mixture on your finger. Toothpastes are available in a variety of pet-friendly flavors from your local pet or grocery store including seafood, malt, and chicken. Various veterinary dentists have recommended those toothpastes that contain chlorhexidine or hexametaphosphate. The best pet toothpaste would contain both. Never use human toothpaste as it causes kitty tummy upset. Brush one or two teeth at a time and if your cat allows, do more.

Once your pet has become accustomed to the process of tooth brushing, introduce the smallest available toothbrush or dental sponge. The bristles should be held at a 45 degree angle and be moved in an oval motion. If the cat refuses to accept the toothbrush, dental sponge, or finger brush, try using a piece of gauze wrapped around your finger with toothpaste on it. Cotton swabs, gauze pads, or soft cloths dipped in saline are also options if your cat does not take to poultry paste. Using an oval circular motion while brushing, brush the gum line and a few teeth at a time. Try to get to the rear teeth where large amounts of plaque and tartar tend to build up. Stop before your cat begins to fuss or you may never be able to clean your pet’s teeth at home. Try to brush 30 seconds on each side. Go slowly and gently and don’t make it a torturous affair for your cat. Be sure to reward your cat with a treat and praise for a job well done. Don’t beat yourself up if your progress is not what you expected. Gettin g a little toothpaste on your cat’s teeth and gums is better than none at all. If your cat experiences pain, she may have a deeper problem such as an infected, broken tooth or inflamed gums. Consult your veterinarian so your pet can be under anesthesia when having a deeper cleaning.

Dental diets may also be a step toward good pet dental hygiene. Some foods eliminate plaque buildup and some are formulated to prevent plaque. Dry food may be better than canned food for your cat’s teeth. Chew toys that are softer than your cat’s teeth may help keep your cat’s teeth clean and promote circulation in her gums.

AAHA encourages pet owners to regularly examine their pet's teeth for signs of periodontal disease, such as brownish colored teeth; swollen, red, or bleeding gums; persistent bad breath; loose teeth or loss of teeth; pus between the gums and teeth; broken teeth and any unusual growth in the mouth. Reluctance to eat, play with chew toys, or drink cold water is warning signs of periodontal or gum disease. Consult your veterinarian if you notice any of these signs in your pet.