Cats, simply and solely, cats. Currently, it is one of the main companion animals of the human being. Still, there are doubts and prejudices about this incredible and beautiful feline. Shall we talk a little about him? Embark on this reading!
Good evening everyone!
Welcome again to the blog!
Well, as you could see in the header, today the topic is about the cat. It's true, one of the animals that, nowadays, is one of the most requested as a companion animal, didn't always have his life made easy. Well, actually, it's not that I don't have it yet.
Therefore, I will tell you a little about these cats (cats throughout history, general aspects of the feline, myths and legends, my experience with the cat, the cat as a pet these days…).
Did you know that a long, long, long time ago, in Ancient Egypt cats were considered gods? Oh yeah! There was even a Goddess with the appearance of a cat, the Goddess Bastet, goddess of fertility, music, dance and love. She was considered a great protector of homes, warding off diseases and all evils that could arise. She was also considered protective during the difficult time of childbirth.
In fact, the Egyptians believed that the Gods took on the appearance of animals. But it's not just about that! They observed that the cat was one of the main and most important predators of mice, which, in turn, were responsible for "spreading" diseases and destroying grain and cereal crops.
Upon noticing a decrease in the spread of pathologies and an increase in prosperity, in the context of agricultural production, the Egyptians, in return, offered food and home to this noble feline. And so it was, a partnership relationship and first attempts to domesticate the cat were established. The cat “protected the home and the fields” and, in return, gave it comfort and food. Beautiful story, isn't it?
But, unfortunately, this “feline joy” ended, due to the fall of the Ancient Egyptian Empire and the entrance of medieval times. Yes, medieval times, where everything I told above, remember? It became precisely the opposite. This time the poor feline (especially black cats) were seen as witches in disguise and whoever walked with one was soon associated with witchcraft, as they were believed to bring bad luck and bewitched people, leading them to commit atrocities (imagine the poor cat: “I order you José Manuel to “pee” on your boss’s bed and spread diseases!).
In that sequence, hundreds and hundreds of cats were killed. With the mass spread of the cat, guess what happened? Any guesses?…“Ba dum tss” (the drums sound), the mice, which were once well “controlled” thanks to the cat, have become a huge pest, with the bite of the mouse flea responsible for the biggest pandemic in history of humanity, the Black Death.
Oh yeah! And who was it that was unlucky after all? Just because the kitten was a silent, nocturnal, independent animal and very resourceful in its survival.
And that's what we're going to talk about now, the general aspects of the cat. But after all, what is a cat, what is it like to be a cat, what is this “felinity” thing?
Therefore, until now it is known that cats, since a long time ago, were tried to be domesticated, and even were, but not completely. We can say that the cat was intelligent enough not to be totally dominated and to maintain its felinity.
Cats are animals that live at night, sleep during the day, carnivores and self-sufficient in their measure. They are large predators with an anatomy perfectly adapted to hunting, with retractable nails, which they make a point of sharpening them regularly. They are extremely silent, methodical and know exactly what they want, how they want it and when they want it.
Their long tail helps them with their balance and the vibrissae (aka whiskers and antennae, yes, they have antennae, go and investigate your kitty), provide all the necessary information about space, odor capture, distances, strength and orientation. of the wind. Interesting, isn't it?
But wait, this “all paid off” animal still brings more “features”. A cat's bones are light, the ligaments thick and flexible, and their collarbones don't touch the other bones (that's why the "sluts" can get through any narrow place). The cat is still known to always land on its feet, and in fact, it's true! As long as he has time to rotate his body before falling to the ground, he always lands on his feet! Some real ninjas!
To top it all off, I think that's why the cat is an independent animal. It's the fact that even their own tongues are veritable washing brushes. It is true!
Cats are immensely hygienic and cautious. That way, they leave no trace of where they've been and at the same time remain clean. Rough tongues have bristles that help remove dead hair and clean away impurities, along with their saliva, which has enzymes and serves as a “detergent”.
Still in the field of hygiene and whereabouts cleaning, the cat is one of the only animals that bury its feces and urine. Efficient aren't they? So don't forget to change the sand regularly!
Well, have you read all about these general aspects (very general, because there is really much more to say about the cat)? It is this sum total of anatomical aspects, lifestyle and personality of them, that we call felinity.
And these animals, no matter how domesticated they are, will never lose their felinity. And that's why I admire this animal so, so much.
And this is where my experience as a “cat lover” comes in. As long as I can remember being "people" I've loved cats! I even have developed photos of me as a practically baby caressing one.
And, even more, photos of children with cats, and photos of teenagers and adults with cats? Wow, so much more! It's something, that although I have explained why I love them so much, it also has its inexplicable part. Whenever I see a cat on the street, it's like love at first sight! All I want is to go straight to them to caress them, give them food, and finally treat them well. It's an energy that emerges in me, I can't explain it.
Well, considering that my dad's family had an incredible adoration for cats, maybe…
Even my partner, when he sees a cat on the street, says: "There she goes after the cat" And I'm going! Sometimes without success as they don't know if we are there to mistreat them or to do good. Hence they are also very poorly judged.
Now, despite the current society has evolved, in many aspects, in relation to the cat. There are still many doubts and prejudices that prevail and that is what I want, once again, to clarify (because if you read what I wrote, I think that there will already be many aspects demystified) and complement.
Now comes the part that makes me nervous, so I saved it for last. What does society think about the cat?
• “Cats are treacherous and selfish!” WRONG! Cats are animals that live in partnership with humans and not in hierarchy. The cat needs its independence, just like us (curious isn't it?), and it knows how to set limits by “warning” with its different types of meows when it likes something, or when they are abusing it. In other words, cats know how to set limits. Did you like that you were always touching and imposing orders on you all the time? I don't think so. Would you like to be disrespected and for your word not to be heard? I don't think so either. Ah well, it seems to me that we are getting somewhere.
• “Cats don't like being cuddled. They only come to you if you give them food!” How do cats not like affection? Cats are beings endowed with emotions, so they need affection and affection. The cat's brain, in this respect, is very similar to that of the human being. Cats need to feel that that human being is trustworthy, that they want to treat them well, only then can they establish a relationship and, later, a friendship. Now where have I seen this before? Ah well, the human being also does the same thing. Oops! Cats to show love, give their famous little heads, "give" their owner a bath (even if we are bald) and, best of all, they purr. And, by the way, it is scientifically proven that the cat's purring reduces the Anxiety Levels!Nurse Word!
• Finally, on the subject, “cats only come when it's to eat”. Let's clear things up. If they were hungry, and better still, hungry and living on the street, wouldn't they try their luck to go to the enemy's hand in an attempt to survive? Well, that's what the cat does. First, observe, then, as I mentioned, if you put together the factors to establish a good trust, you will see that the kitten no longer comes just for food, it also comes to spend time with you, to receive and give pampering. And look how much they adore us.
Simply, and I repeat, the cat is an independent animal that preserves its felinity. So it's not that they don't like you (if you don't trust them or you're a wildcat, exceptions are made that shouldn't even be put on the table for obvious reasons). They just need their space and time, just like we do. For example, when we want to be alone or when we want to rest and that's not why we human beings don't love each other.
So, by way of conclusion. Try to see cats with other eyes, if in doubt, search for reliable sources about these beautiful felines. At least give them a chance. Find out if it's a cat with multiple traumas and, therefore, "doesn't give the arm to twist", or even if you find a wild kitten (yes, they exist) that will certainly not be domesticated.
After all, if I were reading this text without using the word “cat” I would say that I was writing about ourselves. We are so alike!
And on that side, I would love to know if you like cats or if you have any.
And I would also like to know if they don't like it, why? I would like to know your opinion on the matter. Let me know in the comments and don't forget to give your Feedback!
Once again, here I wait for you for the next post!
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