Cat Relations

    Have you ever wondered why the term “Cat Nap” is a part of the human English language?  Have you ever sat back after your nap and observed a cat?  One of the worlds most interesting and colorful creatures is the cat.  The relationship humankind has with cats is a working companionship type.  Early Egyptians viewed cats as Godhead’s, and many pharaohs had them as companions.  It wasn’t until the colonists came to America, that felines began to having a working relationship added on to their spiritual and companion aspects.  Cats and the colonists helped to civilize the wilderness of America.  Cats worked in shipyards, on boats, in factories, homes, and in the field as soldiers fighting varmints to help prevent the spread of disease, keep areas rodent free, and provided cheap companionship and labor to workers of all walks of life.       With the relationship and bond to humankind came a shared superstition of cats.  The most common superstitions include the bad luck associated with black cats and that they always land on their feet.  In fact, the luck associated with black cats is regional.  For example, in Poland people believe there is bad luck with black cats, but in the UK the black cat brings good luck.  Despite the regional differences, the history of black cats in the middle ages leads to a documented history of prejudice and black cats being burned at the stake for being witches’ companions.  Despite the history, sometimes tragic and sometimes royal, there remain many interesting facts about cats. The most interesting things about cats include the following; Cats are born with blue eyes. They change at approximately 12 weeks of age. Cats can jump between 5 & 7 times as high as their tail. Killing a cat was punishable by death in ancient Egypt. Just like fingerprints on humans, the nose pad of cats is rigid in a pattern that is completely unique. Pet owners live longer, happier lives with less stress and less heart attacks. A cat’s brain is actually more like a human brain rather than a dog’s brain. Cat’s sleep between 16 and 18 hours a day. They will react immediately too any stimulation. You can extend your cat’s life by having them neutered. An indoor cat will live on average to be about 15 years old. An outdoor cat generally does not live past 5 years old. Cats speak to humans who speak to them. They also get their security from your voice, so watch your tone. Cats rub up against objects and people in an attempt to put their scent on them, i.e. “mark them”. Cats purr when they are feeling any strong emotions. 30% of a cat’s waking hours are spent on grooming. Your cat prefers eating out of a clean bowl in the same quiet spot everyday. Cat’s bite out of pleasure as well, so when your done petting your cat, if he/she bites you, it may not be a negative response. A cat can be trained to do tricks, and they can be very jealous of others when it comes to their owner.  The companionship one receives from a cat can supply a person with the needed love and association we as human need.