Cat Fact Files

It is possible for a pregnant queen to miscarry. This would normally indicate sexual immaturity or infirmity, stress, foetal abnormality or an infection in the womb (uterus) region. It is known that foetal mortality in the early weeks of pregnancy can result in their reabsorption by the cat.
Marc de Jong runs an acclaimed web site […]

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When a kitten is first separated from its litter mother and siblings, plus any associated humans, there is much for it to adapt to and learn about. The owner is sniffed as they undertake the human stroking and petting ritual, in order to ascertain who that person is. The human scents that the cat smells […]

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The term feral, from the Latin firal, ferus, fera, is used for plants and animals that have reverted back to nature. In connection with felines, the term is used to identify a domesticated cat that has partially regressed back to the wild. This usage dates back 400 years and (perhaps coincidentally) is similar to feralis, […]

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There are number of signs to look out for. The first set are obvious outward physical signs:

Dark-coloured cats may gradually develop a greyish coat in old age.
Eyes are not as bright in older cats.
Whiskers are not so perfectly preened.
Ears are not so quick to prick up at the slightest sound.

Infirm cats also show their age […]

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This is easy. If your cat’s behaviour doesn’t change dramatically overnight, and eating and activity habits remain regular and normal, there’s a good chance that there is nothing at all to worry about.
A happy and healthy cat will have been properly socialized and cared for as a kitten both by the breeder and you as […]

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In theory, yes, although some foods intended for human consumption are not suitable. Your cat would probably refuse these anyway. Cat foods have been specifically developed by the major pet food manufacturers, who spend a great deal of time and money on research in order to ensure that the recipes sold offer a cat the […]

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Cats do not see exactly in ‘full colour’. Although cats would appear to see the world almost in an overlapping binocular ‘night vision’ of greys, whites and blacks (when darkness falls, they need acute visual abilities), tests suggest that they can gradually discriminate between colours. Cats combine all their senses to ‘feel’ their way around, […]

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Once neutered, either a male or a female cat can make an ideal companion animal. Some owners have a preference often based on their previous relationships with cats. Sometimes elderly people express a desire for a cat that is the opposite gender to them, to create a ‘replacement partner’.
 Adult entire (un-neutered) cats are less straighforward […]

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Once kittens are on solid food, the litter mother will carry prey back to them on a daily basis throughout her care period. In the absence of a litter to feed, a cat with a hunting personality will use this instinctive behaviour to bring home prey that it rarely needs for itself. Healthy feeding cats have […]

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A confident kitten is far more likely to explore and taste new substances than an adult cat. Older animals will have learned what is safe and what should be avoided, while youngsters are often more active and inquisitive. A kitten will encounter more new aspects in a home than an adult cat.
The kitten is probably […]

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