The History of House Cats

The History of House Cats

It may be that “nobody owns a cat,” but scientists now say the popular pet has lived with people for 12,000 years.

On any of the surprising number of Web sites dedicated entirely to wisdom about cats, one will find quotations like these: "As every cat owner knows, nobody owns a cat" (attributed to Ellen Perry Berkeley); "The phrase 'domestic cat' is an oxymoron" (attributed to George F. Will); and "A dog is a man's best friend. A cat is a cat's best friend" (attributed to Robet J. Vogel). Of course, there is such a thing as the domestic cat, and cats and humans have enjoyed a mostly symbiotic relationship for thousands of years. But the quips do illuminate a very real ambivalence in the long relationship between cats and humans, as this history of the house cat shows.

The Mystery of the Ancient House Cat

It has taken a while for scientists to piece together the riddle of just when and where cats first became domesticated. One would think that the archaeological record might answer the question easily, but wild cats and domesticated cats have remarkably similar skeletons, complicating the matter. Some clues first came from the island of Cyprus in 1983, when archaeologists found a cat's jawbone dating back 8,000 years. Since it seemed highly unlikely that humans would have brought wild cats over to the island (a "spitting, scratching, panic-stricken wild feline would have been the last kind of boat companion they would have wanted," writes Desmond Morris in Catworld: A Feline Encyclopedia), the finding suggested that domestication occurred before 8,000 years ago.

In 2004, the unearthing of an even older site at Cyprus, in which a cat had been deliberately buried with a human, made it even more certain that the island's ancient cats were domesticated, and pushed the domestication date back at least another 1,500 years.

Just last month, a study published in the research journal Science secured more pieces in the cat-domestication puzzle based on genetic analyses. All domestic cats, the authors declared, descended from a Middle Eastern wildcat, Felis sylvestris, which literally means "cat of the woods." Cats were first domesticated in the Near East, and some of the study authors speculate that the process began up to 12,000 years ago.

Civilization's Pet

While 12,000 years ago might seem a bold estimate—nearly 3,000 before the date of the Cyprus tomb's cat—it actually is a perfectly logical one, since that is precisely when the first agricultural societies began to flourish in the Middle East's Fertile Crescent.

When humans were predominantly hunters, dogs were of great use, and thus were domesticated long before cats. Cats, on the other hand, only became useful to people when we began to settle down, till the earth and—crucially—store surplus crops. With grain stores came mice, and when the first wild cats wandered into town, the stage was set for what the Science study authors call "one of the more successful 'biological experiments' ever undertaken." The cats were delighted by the abundance of prey in the storehouses; people were delighted by the pest control.

"We think what happened is that the cats sort of domesticated themselves," Carlos Driscoll, one of the study authors, told the Washington Post. The cats invited themselves in, and over time, as people favored cats with more docile traits, certain cats adapted to this new environment, producing the dozens of breeds of house cats known today. In the United States, cats are the most popular house pet, with 90 million domesticated cats slinking around 34 percent of U.S. homes.

God and Devil: The Cat in History

If cats seem ambivalent towards us, as the quotations from cat fan-sites indicate, then it may be a reflection of the wildly mixed feelings humans, too, have shown cats over the millennia.

The ancient Egyptian reverence for cats is well-known—and well-documented in the archaeological record: scientists found a cat cemetery in Beni-Hassan brimming with 300,000 cat mummies. Bastet, an Egyptian goddess of love, had the head of a cat, and to be convicted of killing a cat in Egypt often meant a death sentence for the offender.

Ancient Romans held a similar—albeit tempered and secularized—reverence for cats, which were seen as a symbol of liberty. In the Far East, cats were valued for the protection they offered treasured manuscripts from rodents.

For some reason, however, cats came to be demonized in Europe during the Middle Ages. They were seen by many as being affiliated with witches and the devil, and many were killed in an effort to ward off evil (an action that scholars think ironically helped to spread the plague, which was carried by rats). Not until the 1600s did the public image of cats begin to rally in the West.

Nowadays, of course, cats are superstars: the protagonists of comic strips and television shows. By the mid-90s, cat services and products had become a billion-dollar industry. And yet, even in our popular culture, a bit of the age-old ambivalence remains. The cat doesn't seem to be able to entirely shake its association with evil: After all, how often do you see a movie's maniacal arch-villain, as he lounges in a comfy chair and plots the world's destruction, stroke the head of a Golden Retriever?

Source: smithsonianmag.com 

5 Signs Your Dog is Stressed (and How to Relieve it)

April is National Stress Awareness Month. Stress is more common in dogs than you may think! Is your dog acting unusual? Perhaps he or she seems overly anxious or depressed. Even worse, stress can negatively impact your dog's health. Here are five common signs of stress and anxiety in dogs to help you identify it and seek help quickly.


1. Diarrhea, Constipation, or other Digestive Issue

Although they are more commonly attributed to disease or food intolerance, gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and constipation can also be brought on by anxiety. Speak to your veterinarian if the diarrhea, constipation, or other digestive issue is abnormally severe, especially if it has lasted longer than 24 hours or if the diarrhea is bloody. Blood in the vomit and/or stool can be an indicator of a food borne illness.

2. Decrease in Appetite

Dogs don't go on fasts or diets like we do, so it's important to consult a veterinarian if your pet suddenly loses interest in food or stops eating altogether. It could be due to stress or to an underlying health condition, including anorexia, which can cause your dog to refuse to eat totally and its food intake to decrease so much that it leads to drastic weight loss. 

3. Isolation

Some dogs like some alone time now and then. However, a dog that is constantly isolating him or herself from other pets or people may be suffering from anxiety or a sickness. Your veterinarian can help you identify the cause of this strange behavior. 

4. Increased Sleeping

By now you will have become accustomed to your dog's sleeping schedule. Speak with your veterinarian if your dog is sleeping more than usual or seems overly lethargic. Lethargy is often the first symptom that a dog is sick, injured or traumatized. It can also be a symptom of conditions including diabetes, heart and liver problems, tumors, diarrhea and severe dehydration, hypothyroidism, anaemia and poisoning, among others.

5. Aggression Toward People or Other Animals

Aggressive actions toward animals or people can be a sign of a stressed or sick dog. Consult your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist before the problem gets worse. Many aggressive signs are accompanied by a fearful body posture and facial expression, and with submissive behavior. Treatment for aggresion focuses behavior management techniques to assist the dog with its anxiety and anger. Devices such as muzzles can also be effective when the dog is away from home, with all treatment being focused on preventing injury to humans, other animals, and to the dog.

How to Help a Stressed Out Dog?

If your dog’s behavior changes suddenly in any way, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. He or she can rule out any underlying medical issues as well as make recommendations to help lower your dog's stress level. Here are some tips for helping to alleviate anxiety in your dog:

Play/exercise with your dog regularly – Physical activities like a game of fetch or a walk around the block are a great stress reducer for dogs.

Create a safe zone – Set apart an area in your home for your dog to escape high-stress events like thunderstorms and parties. Provide your dog with a favorite "security blanket" such as a toy and visit your dog often. If possible, stay with him until the high-stress event has passed. Your presence is a great reassurance to him or her.

Choose a high quality dog food – Your dog's diet is an integral part of his health and wellbeing. Providing your dog with a diet that is not properly balanced for his or her life stage and lifestyle may cause unforeseen repercussions that may lead to anxiety and stress.

Source: PetMD 

The 10 Incredible Ways Your Cat Shows You Love

Even though my cat can’t speak aloud, she is constantly trying to find ways to communicate with me. Whether my cat is “meowing” because she’s hungry, or pawing at my legs because she wants attention, she finds ways to let me know exactly what she is thinking. While I can’t read her mind, I know that she is also constantly finding new ways to tell me she loves me. And just as there are specific behaviors through which a dog communicates love, there are specific, unique ways that our cats are saying “I love you.” This exclusive list of behaviors delves into the incredible ways that our cats attempt to communicate their love for us. And while I knew a few of these already, most of them were quite surprising. In fact, I was shocked by just how often my cat has been trying to show me how much she loves me!

1. Kneading Your Legs

Kneading is when your cat uses their paws to push in and out against a soft surface, such 
as your lap. This is one of the main ways your cat tries to say “I love you.” According to 
PetMD, “If your cat is curled up and kneading your lap while you’re petting him, he’s 
returning the affection and telling you he loves you right back. Unfortunately, this can 
be quite painful, since the happier he is, the harder he’ll dig in with his sharp nails.” They recommend that you ease the painful part of this kneading by “placing a thick, soft barrier between the cat and 
your lap.”

2. Bringing You a Present

You may be familiar with your cat bringing you presents, such as toys or small, dead animals. 
This is your cat’s way of showing love. Certified Animal Behavior Consultant Amy Shojai
writes, “Cats love with gifting. Mighty hunter cats that catch everything from toys to bugs, 
mice or frogs, often share the bounty with those they love. Kitties who present you with this bounty deserve praise.” While it might seem odd, Shojai says, “They wouldn’t bring these 
special gifts if they didn’t love you.”

3. Head-Butting You

Head-butting may seem like an odd behavior, but it actually shows that your cat truly cares
about you. According to Mother Nature Network, “Cats have secret glands concentrated on certain parts of their bodies, including their cheeks and heads. When your kitty rubs her
head or face against you, she’s marking you with her scent and claiming you as part of her
family group.”

They continue, “This scent is a source of both comfort and familiarity for your kitty.”

4. Staring Into Your Eyes

Staring at you and slowly blinking is a way in which your cat shows you great affection.

Dr. Karen Becker writes, “This might be the display of cat love that is easiest for humans to understand. If your kitty first stares at you, then blinks, then opens his eyes wide, then slowly blinks a second time, he’s telling you he loves and trusts you.”

She says this is an extreme sign of affection. “It’s the equivalent of being kissed.”

5. Showing You Their Belly

The flashing of the stomach is one way that your cat is saying “I love you.”

According to IHeartCats.com, “Like most animals, cats do not show their stomachs to
just anyone. If your cat rolls over on its back to give you a flash of that fuzzy belly, this is
an indication that they feel comfortable around you.”

They continue, “Not only this, but they feel loved and protected by you, rendering
themselves defenseless while on their backs.”

6. Curving the Tip of Their Tail

The tail can actually be an incredible barometer into how your cat feels about you.

In an essay entitled, Ask a Behaviorist: How Do Cats Show Affection to People?, Catster
writes, “Kitties express happiness and warm feelings by fluffing out the base of their tails
while subtly quivering them. Simultaneously, they hold their tails upright with a slight
curve at the top.”

They continue that this tail curve “is sometimes called the happy tail dance.”

7. Nipping You

Don’t get mad, because gently nipping at your finger is another way your cat is saying
that they love you.

According to Dr. Karen Becker, “This show of love from your kitty can prove to be a
bit painful... [but] your cat really doesn’t understand her love bite isn’t always
pleasant for you.”

These love bites can also be seen as your cat interacts with other cats. “Kitties nip
each other affectionately, and their skin is tougher than ours.”

8. Rubbing Against Your Legs

When your cat just can’t seem to get enough of your legs, that is likely a sign of true love.

Dr. Karen Becker writes, “Rubbing against another creature is how cats show affection.
If your kitty rubs up against your leg... he’s putting his scent on you as a way of
claiming you as his own.” This is quite similar to the head-butting behavior.

“It’s important to your relationship and bond with your cat to allow him to rub
against you.”

9. Purring

You’ve heard your cat purr before, but you may not have realized that this was a love purr.

According to certified expert Amy Shojai, “Cats love with purrs. Her purrs can mean
a variety of things, from delight to expressions of concern. And kitty purrs range from
soft and subtle to Mack-truck loud.”

In case you had any doubt, she writes, “When your cat purrs in your presence, you
can be sure she’s expressing her love for you.”

10. Following You Around

If your cat can’t seem to get enough of your company, you know you have a loving connection.

According to the Mother Nature Network, “If your feline friend follows you from room
to room, jumps onto tables and counters to be near you, and always seems to be
right where you step, she clearly enjoys your company.”

A good test is if your cat continues to follow you, “especially if it’s not near feeding time.”

Paying attention to these common cat behaviors is the best way to be sure
that your pet truly does love you.

Source: Phil Mutz, writer at LittleThings.com

Trimming Your Cat's Nails

TRIMMING YOUR CAT'S NAILS 

Does your kitty disappear when the clippers come out? Do you have to wrap her in a towel to give her a manicure? Follow these steps to help your cat relax while you trim.

1. Choose a chair in a quiet room where you can comfortably sit your cat on your lap. Get her when she’s relaxed and even sleepy, such as in her groggy, after-meal state. Take care that she isn’t able to spy any birds, wild animals or action outside nearby windows—and make sure no other pets are around.
2. Gently take one of your cat’s paws between your fingers and massage for no longer than three seconds. If your cat pulls her paw away, don’t squeeze or pinch, just follow her gesture, keeping in gentle contact. When she’s still again, give her pad a little press so that the nail extends out, then release her paw and immediately give her a treat. Do this every other day on a different toe until you’ve gotten to know all ten.
3. Your cat should be at ease with the sound of the clippers before you attempt to trim her nails. Sit her on your lap, put a piece of uncooked spaghetti into the clippers and hold them near your cat. (If she sniffs the clippers, set a treat on top of them for her to eat.) Next, while massaging one of your cat’s toes, gently press her toe pad. When the nail extends, clip the spaghetti with the clippers while still holding your cat’s paw gently. Now release her toe and quickly give her a treat.
4. The pink part of a cat’s nail, called the quick, is where the nerves and blood vessels are. Do NOT cut this sensitive area. Snip only the white part of the claw. It’s better to be cautious and cut less of the nail rather than risk cutting this area. If you do accidentally cut the quick, any bleeding can be stopped with a styptic powder or stick. It’s a good idea to keep it nearby while you trim.
5. With your cat in your lap facing away from you, take one of her toes in your hand, massage and press the pad until the nail extends. Now trim only the sharp tip of one nail, release your cat’s toe and quickly give her a treat. If your cat didn’t notice, clip another nail, but don’t trim more than two claws in one sitting until your cat is comfortable. Then, reward her with a special treat.
6. A nail-trimming every ten days to two weeks is recommended. If your cat refuses to let you clip her claws, ask your vet or a groomer for help.
7. If your cat resists, don’t raise your voice or punish her. Never attempt a clipping when your cat is agitated or you’re upset. And don’t rush—you may cut into the quick.
8. Don’t try to trim all of your cat’s claws at one time.

Source: ASPCA 

Signs Your Dog Is Mad at You

Signs Your Dog Is Mad at You 

No, they won’t slam doors or yell at you, but there are definite indicators that your pooch is angry with you. Read on to find out what they are.

1. Her ears show she is unimpressed

When a dog’s ears are hanging back, along with a lowered head, closed mouth, and tight lips, it can mean she’s mad at you, says April Olshavsky, American Kennel Club dog evaluator, trainer, and behavioral consultant. “Body language is the only way dogs can communicate with us,” she explains. “By studying your dog’s body language, you can learn a lot about her emotions.” The remedy? Some serious belly rubs and ear scratches. “Chances are, your dog will forget whatever it is you did to upset her with just a few minutes of TLC,” she says. Don’t miss these 19 things your dog really wishes she could tell you.

2. He’s got a case of the yawns

Contrary to what you might think, big yawns don’t mean your dog is bored with your corny jokes— it’s actually a sign that he is getting stressed, upset, and agitated, says Sara Taylor CPDT-KA, spcaLA director of animal behavior and training. It’s important to pay attention to this signal and immediately remove your dog from the situation he is not coping well with, she says. By the way, smiling at your pup is one sure way to make him happy, too. 

3. She keeps licking her lips when 

there’s no food nearby

Dogs may show that they’re mad or in distress by licking their nose and lips repeatedly, Taylor says. This is especially true if there’s no drool-worthy food nearby to get their saliva flowing from hunger. One situation she sees this happen a lot is when dogs are being hugged by children or strangers. The solution is simple. “Stop any restraining or hugging,” she says.

4. He won’t look you in the eye

If a person refused to meet their gaze and turned their back on you, you’d get the message that they were angry loud and clear. It’s the same with dogs, says Erin Askeland, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, dog training and behavior expert at Camp Bow Wow. “A dog who is happy and comfortable will likely be willing to make eye contact with his owner and seek out their attention whereas a dog who is angry or upset may avoid this type of interaction and move away from their owner, leave the room, or even sleep in a different area,” she says.  How to fix this? Offer calm, quiet time together to help you and your dog relax, say reading a book or listening to soft music, she says. Don’t miss these superpowers dogs have that prove they’re cooler than humans.

5. She absolutely refuses to sit and stay

Think your dog knows what you want her to do and is refusing in a fit of pique? You may be right. When dogs know cues well, they respond to them, so if your dog suddenly stops responding to a normal cue, that could be an indication that she is upset by something in her environment or by you, Askeland says. Before you get upset too, take a moment and check yourself. Are you feeling stressed, angry, frantic, upset, or sad? Your feelings can influence your dog’s, she says. “Take measures to calm yourself down and this will help your dog feel more comfortable and get back to your loving relationship,” she says.

6. His back goes rigid and his body is stiff

“When a dog is really, really upset he’ll often go rigid, his body stiff, hard and unmoving,” says Melissa McGrath-McCue CPDT-KA, pet behaviorist and author of Considerations for the City Dog. “It’s almost as if he’s saying ‘take one more step, I dare you!’” If you see this combined with flattened ears and wide, alarmed eyes, you need to stay away and step back as your dog is feeling really stressed, mad, and even threatened, she says. Give him his space or he may feel like he has to defend it which can, in some cases, lead to biting, she adds. Smaller dogs may be more susceptible than larger ones to feeling trapped; that’s just one of the many benefits big dogs offer.

7. His tail is tucked and still

If your pup is in a crouching pose with his tail tucked between his legs, he might be taking your criticism more personally than you’d thought. This posture shows he’s guarded on the defensive. “Dogs, like humans, are emotional creatures,” Olshavsky says. “If you’ve scolded them, or spoke sternly, they can pout like a teenager.” If you see him backed up like this, lower your voice and talk softly and soothingly. “This will re-establish your bond together and will reinforce the trust your dog had in you,” she says.

8. The whites of her eyes are showing

Let’s be honest, it’s never a great sign when the whites of any animal’s eyes are showing. Whether she’s showing fear, confusion, disgust, illness, or anger, widening of the eyes indicates a high state of alertness and you’d best pay attention. Why she’s upset may be more of a mystery. “It could be something as simple as you’ve forgotten to feed them,” Olshavsky says. To fix this, try giving her a snack. Hangry is a real thing for dogs too. Be sure to know these signs of cancer in dogs.

9. He is cowering behind the sofa

Most people associate cowering and hiding with fear and while that can definitely be true, fear is also closely linked to anger in dogs, Taylor says. “Cowering indicates a high level of stress,” she explains. “If your dog is also trying to hide and get away this means your dog is overwhelmed.” Your job as a responsible pet owner is to then remove him from the situation before he gets more overwhelmed and acts out. You’ll know it’s working when you see these signs your dog really trusts you.

10. She lets out a primal growl

“Growling is an obvious but frequently misunderstood sign,” Taylor says, adding that it shows your dog is very uncomfortable and upset. “It is often used as a warning for the purposes of making something stop. For example, he may growl if you’re trying to move your dog from his comfortable bed for late night potty time by using her collar or when a stranger approaches your dog and tries to pet her,” she adds. Resist the urge to yell at or otherwise punish your dog for growling as that damages trust, doesn’t teach your dog appropriate behavior, and can often worsen aggressive behavior, she says. Find out the other 13 surprising things you didn’t know about your dog.

11. He goes into beast mode

Just like your roommate who counted out your M&Ms from the communal bag, dogs place a high emphasis on fairness. “Dogs get mad if they have been treated unfairly, and may act instantaneously with bursts of rage,” Olshavsky says. What this looks like may be different for each dog but you’ll know it when you see it. The solution is simple: More exercise. “Dogs need to get that energy out in some way and a daily walk is the perfect way to do it,” she says. Find out the 50 secrets your pet can’t tell you.

12. She tells you — loudly

Think dogs don’t have a voice? Then you’ve never seen a puppy kenneled. They may not be able to use words but they can vocalize their displeasure. Whimpering is the canine version of whining, Olshavsky says, and it’s every bit as grating as the human kind. To cut down on whining, set aside a few minutes each day just to play and work on tricks, she says. Give her your attention when she’s not whining and she’ll learn that whimpering/whining doesn’t work.

13. He groans like an old man with kids on his lawn

Yes, some dogs actually groan in frustration when they don’t get their way, Olshavsky says. “Some dogs are quick to do this, while others reserve it for times when they are especially upset,” she explains. A major cause of groaning? Getting locked in their crate, outside, or somewhere else far away from their beloved humans. It’s fine to banish your dog during certain times or from certain areas but make sure you’re giving him plenty of regular time with you every day. You could enjoy these funny dog videos and have a good laugh together.

14. She pees in your shoes

“Dogs can definitely be spiteful when they are mad,” Olshavsky says. “The dog wants you to know you’ve upset him so he will do something he knows will get a reaction out of you.” This means finding whatever you love—your new shoes, your favorite couch pillows, your hidden treats—and destroying them, leaving the mangled evidence as proof of their anger. Instead of returning with anger yourself, make sure your pup has plenty of stimulating toys she can chew on whenever she feels that destructive urge, she adds. In the meantime, use one of these 17 genius cleaners to get pet urine out of your carpet.

15. He stays just out of arm’s reach

Don’t expect an angry, “Bad human! Go!” but dogs do have plenty of ways of telling you to keep your distance because they are not happy with you right now. This can mean he darts away from you or it can also be a hard stare, flattened ears, paw lift, sharp barks, or a raised tail among other signs, Askeland says. “Dogs are typically good at indicating when they are unhappy and want you to go away, so it’s important to pay attention to these signs,” she says. Instead of chasing him down, let him cool down and come to you when he’s ready. “Don’t force any interaction on your dog if they are upset with you,” she says. Read on for smart strategies for keeping your pup happy while you’re at work.

Source: Written by Charlotte Hilton Andersen