The Cats Whiskers

The Healing and Soothing power of a Cat’s purr.

2008-11-17T10:19:00.000-08:00

The Purr

It is no longer a new concept to use cats as therapy animals in retirement homes, nursing homes or convalescent hospitals, research had proven that it makes a real difference in the lives, and reduces blood pressure especially in older people. The benefit of the human-feline bond has been documented in many ways, not least the pleasure of holding a purring cat, some purr so strongly that their entire bodies vibrate. Purring is one of the most special unique qualities of a cat.

What if we go a step further and say that this is only the beginning, a cat can be of benefit to a human as a compact movable therapy unit? Intrigued; read on…

Cat owners and handlers know that purring isn't just a sound of contentment. Cats most definitely purr when they are stressed, afraid and in pain, in short when they are experiencing any trauma. Even a cat near death or dying will purr, why? – Recent research has brought to light a new significance to this seeming anomaly.

The following Questions were asked:

· The ability to purr has survived through the entire development of the cat, countless generations, throughout the inception of different cat species developed and evolving in totally isolated areas over the entire world; for this to happen there has to be some very important reason for the purr, there has to be a survival mechanism to explain its continued existence.

· Accepting that the purr evolved solely as a vocalisation of contentment goes against all we have come to understand about the basic rules of evolution and natural selection.

· There would have to be a very good reason for an injured animal that needs all its reserve energy to survive to initiate a function that uses energy and does no good. The only explanation would have to be … it is beneficial to the animal’s survival.

· Could it be possible that evolution and natural selection has blessed the cat with a natural healing mechanism? Researchers at Fauna Communications in the USA believe so.

· Could the purr in any way be linked to the fact that vibration stimulation relieves suffering of persons and animals that have acute and chronic pain? Could the fact that vibration stimulation generates new tissue growth, increases wound tissue strength, improves local circulation and oxygenation, reduces swelling be linked to the purr?

The Healing Power of the Purr

Cat researchers now believe that self-healing is the purpose of the purr.

In human and animal medical treatment low frequencies, at low intensity has been proven to be therapeutic.

In 1994 Zhonghua Wai Ke Za Zhi, in this work found that frequencies of 25 and 50 hertz improve bone strength by 20%, stimulate both the healing of fractures, and increases the speed at which the fractures heal. In a study done at the Cincinnati Zoo, by Fauna Communications, who recorded many cats' purrs; it was discovered that cat purrs create frequencies that fall directly in the range that is optimal for bone growth.

I think that this research will make it plain why cats purr, here are the results:

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation treatment of Human and animals

Problem	Optimal frequencies For best treatment	Cats Purr Frequencies
Bone growth and Fractures	25 Hz or 50 Hz	The exact dominant and fundamental frequency of a cats purr
Repair of tendons	120 Hz	All cats have frequencies of this range. Some even have 2 to 3 harmonics within this range.
Stimulation of joint mobility	18 Hz to 35 Hz	All cats have frequencies of this range and here again 2 to 3 harmonics within this range
Generation of muscle strength	2 Hz to 100 Hz	All cats have at least 4 sets of strong harmonics in this range.
Therapeutic pain relief	50 Hz to 150 Hz	All cats have at least 5 sets of strong harmonics in this range.

With this information available it is not difficult to comprehend that a cat’s purr is a genetically designed self healing device. It gives a cat an internal natural way to decrease healing time, and increase strength whilst sedentary. Meaning; muscles strengthen, while bones heal without any movement to endanger the knitting of bone, with the bonus of having a pain treatment while this is happening. This would explain why nature has developed an adoption like this and it has remained constant in all cats regardless of how remote or different they may be.

In Summery: Purring the Pain Away

Vibrations between a the frequencies 20-150 Hz are therapeutic for bone growth/fracture healing, pain relief, reduction of swelling, wound healing, muscle growth, strength and repair, tendon repair, mobility of joints and the relief of breathlessness. Direct contact with a purring cat is definitely beneficial to your own health. As with any frequency wave forms, oscillations move between the animal and the human and can do wonders to a person with many different types of bone, muscle and pain problems…. In short put a kitty on your lap.

If you found this article interesting; I write about using Herbs as an alternative “green” option to medical treatments and chemical products; Interested? Click here: http://herbs-alternativeremedies.blogspot.com/

Understanding Cats Whiskers

2008-10-02T08:16:00.000-07:00

By: Hester-Lynne Murdoch

A domesticated cat's vibrissae are known as whiskers

Description:

The long, stiff, specialized hairs, on a cat's face and body, called Vibrissae; also known as whiskers or tactile hairs.

Description:

They differ from the cat’s normal body hair in that they are long, tapering, stiff yet flexible hairs. They are double and even three times the thickness of a normal cat hair and many times the length; they can grow to be extremely long.

The most obvious will be found in horizontal rows on the puffy area known as the whisker pad on the cheeks of a cats face, mainly in the area between the corner of a cat’s mouth and the outer corner of the nose.

Yet there are many more all around the face, in the area of the chin, and the eyebrows, also on the body especially around the front-, the hind legs and feet, although they are sometimes shorter.

The whisker itself does not have nerves (all hair and nails have no feeling, the feeling comes from the follicle it grows from or the nail bed it touches). Each whisker is rooted deeply in a follicle, surrounded by a highly developed sheath of muscle tissue, rich in nerves and sensory cells, sealed by a capsule of blood, called a blood sinus. The muscle is used to move the whisker in any direction to optimise use. The nerves connect the whisker to a large section of the cat’s brain especially reserved for processing the nerve impulses coming from the whiskers. Touching the whisker, causes it to move, this compresses the blood in the sinus to the opposite side. The blood amplifies the movement, thus allowing the sensor cells to detect the most miniscule of movement.

All this: because the whiskers are one of the cat’s main survival tools.

Vibrissae of a tiger at Chester Zoo

Their function:

Judge size

When a cat’s facial whiskers are “put up” and alert, they are roughly equal to the width of the body. If you observe a cat testing an opening, it will stick its head in and out of the opening and then only proceed. What has happened is it was measuring the size of the hole compared to its body size and width. The cat has learnt with experience how much pressure on the sensor cells in the hair follicle equals a safe passage.

Navigation

A cat has excellent sight many times that of man, but still it cannot see when it is completely dark, here its whiskers aid the cat to feel its way around. During a very dark night or if the animal is in an enclosed area (man made like a tunnel or natural for example a cave) where there is no or very little light the cat will rely on air currents and air compression to navigate. Its whiskers can detect the slightest movement of air, air moves in distinct ways around barriers, and as the cat nears an object, the air compresses and expands when it moves away; the cat has learnt to read these signals.

Mood Communication

Whiskers are a good indication of a cat’s state of mind:

A defensive, aggressive, angry cat will pull his whiskers back towards its body

A very happy, curious cat will push its whiskers forward.

An alert, interested and curious cat will “Put-up” or extended its whiskers in a full circle around the face:

An excited, animated animal will push its whiskers to point forward.

A resting cat that is content will relax its whiskers against its face.

A bit more:

Similar to normal hair they do fall out naturally and re-grow.
Cats whiskers are like human finger prints, the individual aligning is unique to each cat.
The breed of cat called the “Sphinx”, often have no whiskers.

Why you shouldn't cut or trim a cat's whiskers

Clipping, cutting or otherwise removing the cat’s whiskers is cruel; it is likened to removing one of our senses, e.g. Sight (to be blinded), smell (to lose your sense of smell), touch (to not be able to feel), taste (not to be able to taste anything) or hear (to be deaf), in a cats case they have the special sense of detection; the work of the whiskers.
You will be depriving the animal of one of his means of communication (see mood communication above).
You will be putting the animals life in danger, it will not be able to discern openings accurately and runs the danger of getting stuck, with possible fatal consequences.

Written in loving memory of all those wonderful felines that purred their way through my life.

Pictures with thanks from Wikipedia.

Please feel free to use this article – provided it is published in its entirety, with my resource box and a “live” linkable link to http://catsfelinestameandwild-hester-lynne.blogspot.com/

Hester-Lynne Murdoch: I have been involved with cats for at least 45 years. I have bred them (long haired and short-haired breeds) and showed them with a good deal of success, but my most proud achievement is moving to a farm overrun with feral cats. I set out to tame them to with the purpose to neuter and spay each and every one to stop the uncontrolled breeding in the kindest way. I am happy to say the job (76 cats) was done in a time of 2 months and 4 days. Today no more cats are born there and as the older ones pass on, the population is becoming more and more acceptable.

One more thing, I raised a Cape Blackfoot cat (African Wildcat species) from closed eyed kitten size to a mature male with the intention of releasing him back into the wild, this was done with great success. I still see him at a distance and am happy to report he is a huge (for a small breed), healthy and very successful male specimen today.

Things That Are Dangerous to Your Cat

2008-09-12T09:43:00.000-07:00

By Doris Canova
There are any number of things found in and around the home that are be harmful and even life threatening to you cat. You may not know what the cat has ingested to know how sevear the problem will be. If you notice any of the symptoms that may be listed below, see your vet immediately. It is better to act on the side of caution than not at all.

TOP LEFT: Poinsettias

TOP RIGHT: Mistletoe

LEFT: Holly

At Christmas time, keep holly, mistletoe, and poinsettias out of reach as they can cause your pet severe stomach upset. Tinsel off the Christmas tree isn't toxic, but if ingested, intestinal obstruction and choking are potential problems. It is a good idea not to use tinsel around your cat.

Moth balls can be a problem because when ingested and metabolized, can lead to liver failure. Symptoms of poisoning by moth balls include vomiting and seizures.

Be aware that string-like items such as dental floss or yarn can also be dangerous and cause death if ingested. It may be wise to invest in covered trash cans for all rooms where pets may wander, and keep your knitting or crocheting projects in a closed bag.

If you cat should ingest antifreeze, kidney problems usually show up one to three days later. Urine output may initially increase but then decreases until urine is not produced at all.

Plug in air fresheners are also a "no-no". Plastic wrapper or plastic bags, rubber bands, and Easter grass are all very dangerous to a cat and can cause you a VERY BIG vet bill or even cost your cat its life.

TOP: Begonias
MIDDLE: Philodendron
BOTTOM: Aloe Vera

It will be necessary to consult your vet if you cat has ingested any toxic plants such as aloe-vera, begonia, mother-in-law tongue, philodendron, geranium, Easter lily, the green on a potato and many others. Cats experiencing nervous system disorders ingesting toxins are in serious trouble. Your cat will need to be taken for medical care immediately.

Keep your cat away for all outside cats because they can become carriers who spread viruses. The more outside cats your cat has contact with, the more likely one of these common deadly diseases will shorten his life.

Do not tie a cat out on a leash or leave her unsupervised, even for a few minutes. If you live in a small apartment or have multiple cats, this becomes an even bigger incentive! If your cat becomes destructive or non-house trained, consult your veterinarian or animal behaviorist to find ways to solve the problem. These symptoms can also be attributed to boredom and loneliness.

Remember that your cat is very curious and is always learning just as a child is. Make an inspection of your home and make it as safe for your pet as you would for a child.

NOTE: This article is for information only. See your veterinarian for medical advice.

We plan to post articles that are informative and helpful to other cat lovers. Having been "owned" by cat for years, we know they can be demanding, but also be very entertaining and fun. Please visit our site today for a wide array of products that will make "His Majesty" very happy - http://www.besthousecatcare.com or our blog for more information - http://www.besthousecatcare.blogspot.com

2008-09-12T09:01:00.000-07:00

Understanding Your Cat - Cat Body Language
By K. L. Bonfiglio

We like to think of our cats as our fur-children, even though they really can't speak to us. Or can they? Cats may not be able to talk to us but they can communicate through body language. Did you know that if your cat wags her tail it's not a sign of happiness - she's actually annoyed? Here's a few more body language clues to help us discover what our cats are really trying to tell us...

Calm & Content: Cats who are in a calm and happy state of mind hold their ears alert and pricked. Their tails are still, held either straight up, or relaxed. If your cat is really relaxed, she'll gaze at you with half-lidded eyes. If she flutters her eyes at you, it means she trusts you and feels safe. Another way to tell if your cat is happy is if she kneads her paws. If your cat lies down on her side or back and exposes her belly, she's letting you know that she's happy, and wouldn't mind if you came over to give her some love. Often this means she's inviting you to rub her tummy. But be careful - not all cats like belly rubs. The ones that don't will soon let you know by grabbing your hands and giving a quick bite.

Pleased to See You: When your cat is happy to see you, she'll greet you with her tail held straight up. She'll rub her face against you, using the scent glands in her forehead, chin and whiskers to 'mark you' as part of her territory. She might also purr, but surprisingly, purring isn't always a sign that your cat is content.

Why do cats purr, anyway? Kittens are able to purr by the time they're two days old. It's their way of communicating with their moms. As cats grow older, they continue to purr to indicate happiness. But did you know that cats also purr when they're sick or anxious? Some animal experts believe it's a form of self-soothing, like when a person hums to stave off nerves. Cats also purr to show submission to another cat, or to indicate friendliness.

Hunting, Curious & Playful: When your cat's in stalking or hunting mode, she'll drop her body low to the ground. She'll keep her tail down, while the tip twitches. Just before she's about to pounce, she might wag her butt. If your cat is mildly curious about something, she'll hold her tail at half mast and slowly switch it from side to side. An upright tail curved to one side or held in a 'question mark' means your kitty's excited, and might be ready to play.

Wants Something: You'll know when your cat wants something from you - whether it's food, affection or clean litter - when she leans into your legs with her whole body. Some cats will even do a little hop as they rub your legs. This is kitty language for, "Hey, you up there! We need something down here!"

Annoyed: It's easy to tell when a cat starts to get annoyed. When your cat's fed up or had enough petting, she'll flick the end of her tail back and forth. When she's really annoyed, she'll lash her tail back and forth. If she thumps her tail, watch out! She's really upset. Growling and swiping at you with her paws also are a result of extreme kitty annoyance.

Fear & Aggression: When your cat is afraid, she tries to make herself look smaller. She tucks her tail close to her body and hunkers down into a ball before backing away. She'll lay her ears back sideways and her pupils will be dilated. If she's afraid but on the defensive, she'll bare her teeth and expose her paws as she confronts the threat in a sideways stance. Aggressive cats look like "Halloween cats." They try to look as scary and intimidating as possible by arching their backs and puffing up the fur along their hackles and tails. This is known as piloerection. Your cat will also pull her whiskers back, with her paw raised and ready to swat, while her tensely-curved-tail will lash from side to side.

Hissing is an obvious sign of a fearful or aggressive cat. If she's ready to bite, she'll show her teeth, and give low warning growls. Although these behaviors should generally help you decipher what your cat is thinking, every cat is an individual with their own personal nuances and body language. Taking the time to figure out what your cat is really trying to say will deepen your bond with one another.

K.L. Bonfiglio is a freelance writer and owner of CuteCatGifts.com, a website dedicated to connecting cat lovers with cute cat gifts Looking for more information about cats? Visit our blog, which features informative cat articles, product spotlights, cat videos, funny cat photos and more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=K._L._Bonfiglio

Identifying the: Tortoiseshell and Calico

2008-09-12T07:51:00.000-07:00

Female tortoiseshell-and-white cat.

Tortoiseshell and Calico

This cat is also known as a Calimanco cat or Clouded Tiger cat, and by the nickname "tortie." In the cat fancy, a tortoiseshell cat is randomly patched over with red (or its dilute form, cream) and black (or its dilute blue) mottled throughout the coat. Additionally, the cat may have white spots in its fur, which make it a "tortoiseshell and white" cat or, if there is a significant amount of white in the fur and the red and black colors form a patchwork rather than a mottled aspect, the cat will be called a "calico." All calicos are tortoiseshell (as they carry both black and red), but not all tortoiseshells are calicos (which requires a significant amount of white in the fur and patching rather than mottling of the colors). The calico is also sometimes called a "tricolor cat." The Japanese refer to this pattern as mi-ke (meaning "triple fur"), while the Dutch call these cats lapjeskat (meaning "patches cat"). A true tricolor must consist of three colors: a reddish color, dark or light; white; and one other color, typically a brown, black or blue.^[60] Both tortoiseshell and calico cats are typically female because the coat pattern is the result of differential X chromosome inactivation in females (which, as with all normal female mammals, have two X chromosomes). Conversely, cats where the overall color is ginger (orange) are commonly male (roughly in a 3:1 ratio). In a litter sired by a ginger tom, the females will be tortoiseshell or ginger. Male tortoiseshells can occur as a result of chromosomal abnormalities (often linked to sterility) or by a phenomenon known as chimericism, where two early stage embryos are merged into a single kitten.

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2008-09-12T06:13:00.000-07:00

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