The Practical Guide to Cat and Kitten Care [antikvár]

INTRODUCTION: CHOOSING A CAT The domestic cat appears to have evolved in Egypt. aboutfourthousand years ago, and was probably a descendant of the Afričan Wild Cat (Felis libyca). These cats feed largely on small mammals in the wild. and their presence was probably encouraged around grain stores in villages and cities, because of their hunting skills. Soon a cult developed. based on the form of the cat-like goddess, Basht, and live cats acquired a religious significance. Many were apparently slaughtered for sacrificial purposes, to appease Basht, and entombed in special temples. Such events took place in the spring, and !t seems likely that Basht, with the head of a cat and the body of a woman, was linked with fertility rites. Si nee then the role of the domestic cat in society has varied through the ages. During times of plague, cats have been welcomed as a means of controlling the spread of vermin carrying deadly disease. Yetthey have also been viewed as symbols of evil, linked with the occult and pagan worship, and have been persecuted asa result. Superstition surrounding cats has survived until modern times. Even today, in the English county of Comwall for example, ancientcustom states that a cross should be drawn on the toe of a shoe, if you encounter an unknown black cat. Towards the end of the 19th centu ry the keeping of companion animals underwent a noticeable change, and this affected the cat as well as other creatures in this category. The rise of the fancy meant that emphasis was then placed on selective breeding, and this saw the emergence of specific breeds which possessed common recognizable features. Competitive exhibitions attracted support, and here cats were shown and judged to the prescribed standards for their breeds. In Britain, the first National Cat Show took place in 1871, and a similar event was organized 24 years later in.the United States. Since that time the cat has tended to be viewed more as a companion, Above: European Wild Cat (Felis sylvestris), a species which has been crossed with domestic cats. rather than a working animal serving to control vermin. At the present time, the cat population is growing dramatically throughout Europe and North America, mirroring social changes. As there are now more households, with fewer members on average, so the independent nature of the pet cat assumes greater appeal. Cats are less demanding in terms of their care than dogs, and can prove well-suitedto living in towns. Indeed, it is possible to keep cats permanently indoors, whereas this does not apply to dogs. With a growing number of elderly people in society, the appeal of the cat as a companion is further strengthened since, unlike dogs, cats do not require regular periods of exercise. Owning a cat You should never obtain a cat unless you can be certain that you will have adequate time to care for it properly. It will need regular feeding, as well as grooming, particularly in the case of a longhaired cat. Costs of ownership will be increased by inevitable veterinary expenses, such as inoculations, and possibly by cattery fees when you are away from home. Furthermore, although cats are rather more self-reliant than dogs, they will appreciate affection being bestowed on them, and you must make time for this every day,