Answer: The typical pattern to markings shown by Siamese cats (and also by breeds such as Balinese, Birman and Himalayan) is due to regional variations in skin temperature, At the extremities of the cat’s body the skin temperature is normally slight lower temperature, the contain more of the dark pigment melanin and thus appear darker.
If part of the skin of the trunk is cooled more then usual, any new hairs which grow there will also be darker. This is seen around operation wounds and may be due partly to interference with the blood supply but more likely due to clipping of the exciting hairs which reduce insulation and increases heat loss in the area. Where Siamese cats are kept in very cold environments, the whole trunk will appear darker then usual. Conversely, in tropical countries, the normally dark extremities (known as ‘points’) are lighter then usual because they are warmer. The same effect, though localized, is seen when a dressing is kept on a limb for a long period; the increased warmth in the covered part causes new hairs growing there to be less heavily pigmented then those surrounding it.
Showing posts with label Understanding Your Cat’s Body. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Understanding Your Cat’s Body. Show all posts
Q: It has just occurred to me that my cat must be quite elderly. How long can I expect him to live?
Answer: Most cats will live between twelve and fifteen yeas. Naturally enough, it is always the exceptionally long lived cats that one heard about, but these animals, living between twenty and twenty five years or more, are certainly out of the ordinary.
Entire female cast usually continue to come into heat to mate until near the end of their live (e.g. twelve years old), although there are fewer kittens in the little after they reach the age of the eight, and after eleven years’ old may mating are unproductive. Tom cats, however, generally continue to mate successfully and to sire offspring up to fifteen or sixteen years’ old.
Entire female cast usually continue to come into heat to mate until near the end of their live (e.g. twelve years old), although there are fewer kittens in the little after they reach the age of the eight, and after eleven years’ old may mating are unproductive. Tom cats, however, generally continue to mate successfully and to sire offspring up to fifteen or sixteen years’ old.
Q: Is it true a cat’s penis is barbed?
Answer: The penis of the cat is unusual in being covered in about 120 barbed spines, or papillae, pointing towards the base of the penis. They disappear two to four months after castration. Deflection of these papillae during mating produces sensation which probably stimulate the discharge of the semen. With repeated mating the papillae may pick up hair from the hind quarters of the female. This can accumulate as a ring of hair around the base of the penis which has to be removed before further successful mating is possible. It is also thought that the sensation produce by the barbs as the penis is withdrawn stimulates the vagina of the female and induce ovulation.
Q: Is it true that there is an bone in the pens of the cats?
Answer: A bone can develop inside the pain of the some male cats, but it is not always present. When it does develop, it is not formed until well after puberty. It results from the fibrous partition between two columns of spongy tissue in the pains becoming slowly converted into bone, i.e. ossified. The bone is only about ¼ inch (1/2cm) long and is shaped like a long tampering cone with its apex near the tip of the penis. If it has any purpose, it must be to help support the pains during mating.
A similar bone in the penis of the dog is much better developed and always present. Both are examples of the bones which can from soft tissues unconnected to the res of the skeleton; a further example is the two small bones which developed in the heart of cattle.
A similar bone in the penis of the dog is much better developed and always present. Both are examples of the bones which can from soft tissues unconnected to the res of the skeleton; a further example is the two small bones which developed in the heart of cattle.
Q: If my cat badly injures one leg, could he manage with three? Would it be kinder to have him put down?
Answer: Amputation of a lamb may be necessary if it has been extensively injured or, commonly, if it is diseased (e.g. affected with gangrene or a malignant tumor, i.e. cancer). If the animal is otherwise relatively healthy, the continued presence of the lamb could jeopardize its future because the complications which would ensure would eventually involve the rest of its body.
Successful amputation is relatively straightforward and after a brief period of adjustment the cat will again be doing all the thing it did before. Obviously, the fact that the cats normally walk on four legs makes it easier, compared to ourselves, to compensate after losing one. They may have difficulty jumping and climbing but they remain remarkably sure footed and usually will not attempt anything outside their capability.
It is usually the owners who wish the cat to be put the sleep rather then to have an amputation performed because they don’t like the look of the domestic animals, is more object. Almost certainly, such animals spend little time in thinking that they used to have four or that other cats still have four legs, but rather they get on with living their lives and making the best of them.
Successful amputation is relatively straightforward and after a brief period of adjustment the cat will again be doing all the thing it did before. Obviously, the fact that the cats normally walk on four legs makes it easier, compared to ourselves, to compensate after losing one. They may have difficulty jumping and climbing but they remain remarkably sure footed and usually will not attempt anything outside their capability.
It is usually the owners who wish the cat to be put the sleep rather then to have an amputation performed because they don’t like the look of the domestic animals, is more object. Almost certainly, such animals spend little time in thinking that they used to have four or that other cats still have four legs, but rather they get on with living their lives and making the best of them.
Q: My cat has been neutered and I’ve noticed it has a lot of loose skin underneath. Is this normal?
Answer: Yes, it is quite normal for both male and female cats that have been neutered to develop to this sagging, freely moving skin to their lower abdomen. A lack of the normal sex hormone causes an increase in the amount of subcutaneous tissue which attaches the skin to the underling abdominal muscles. In costarred males it also markedly increase the flexibility of the skin. The similarity of response in both male and female is probably due to the fact that both the male hormone, testosterone, and female hormone, oestrogen, have a similar steroid structure.
Q: How will my cat’s body change as it gets older?
Answer: The aged cat is less active and less adoptable then formerly. The reduction in the amount of muscle on its frame means that it has less strength and stamina; it move more slowly and is less agile. Any severe loss of fluid (e.g. due to vomiting or diarrhea) takes longer to correct, and temperature regulation is less efficient so that exposure to cold can easily result in hypothermia (abnormally low body temperature). The healing of damaged tissues takes longer and the senses of smell, taste, sight and hearing are all impaired to some extent.
There elder cats is also less interested in what is happing around it, preferring to remain inactive fro longer periods. It resents alteration to its daily routine and will not readily accept changes in its food or surroundings.
Renal disease, dental disease, and occurrence of tumours are all common in old cats. Some cats loss the ability to pass motions, other are unable to control the sphincters of the bladder or anus resulting in incontinence. The skin is less elastic and because the cat is less interested in grooming, discharges from the eye and ear can accumulate and have to be cleaned away by the owner.
Old age, however, should not be regarded as a disease but merely as a state in which, unfortunately, the cat has decreased power of survival and of adjustment to change.
There elder cats is also less interested in what is happing around it, preferring to remain inactive fro longer periods. It resents alteration to its daily routine and will not readily accept changes in its food or surroundings.
Renal disease, dental disease, and occurrence of tumours are all common in old cats. Some cats loss the ability to pass motions, other are unable to control the sphincters of the bladder or anus resulting in incontinence. The skin is less elastic and because the cat is less interested in grooming, discharges from the eye and ear can accumulate and have to be cleaned away by the owner.
Old age, however, should not be regarded as a disease but merely as a state in which, unfortunately, the cat has decreased power of survival and of adjustment to change.
Q: Do cats chew their food? Can my cat survive without his teeth when he is old?
Answer: Cats don’t chew their food as we do. The natural function of their teeth is to serve as a means of killing of their prey and of cutting it up into pieces small enough to swallow.
The large canine teeth (‘fangs’) are use to kill the prey by a bite to the neck with the two opposing teeth on the top and bottom jaw, penetrating on of the joints between the victims’s neck vertebrae to sever the spinal cord. Then the premolar and molar teeth along the sides of the jaw are used to cut up the prey into pieces or strips which can be swallowed. Especially important are the largest of the teeth (the carnassials) which have a scissor like action as the jaws close. The small incisor teeth at the front of the jaws can be used for pulling flesh off bones as well as for carrying objects, e.g. prey and kittens.
Cats fed on conned or home cooked diets, or even raw meat which has been well cut up into tiny pieces, have no need to use their teeth at all. As result of this lack of ware, tartar accumulates on the teeth initiating a dental disorder which may end the teeth loosing and dropping out, or having to be removed. But of course if the cat needs only to swallow the same precooked, soft food, it will certainly not require its teeth, and indeed there are many old cats who have los all their teeth and yet eat normally and remain quiet healthy. So the presence of teeth is not essential and digestion will proceed normally with or without them, although of course a cat with out teeth is not so well placed to defend itself.
Obviously, it is preferable to prevent the cat from losing its teeth. This may be achieved by feeding it chunks of whole meat to tear at or dry foods, or by giving some large, hard biscuits or a hide chew (available at pet shops in various shapes). All of these will provide good dental exercise and reduce the possibility of dental disorders developing later.
The large canine teeth (‘fangs’) are use to kill the prey by a bite to the neck with the two opposing teeth on the top and bottom jaw, penetrating on of the joints between the victims’s neck vertebrae to sever the spinal cord. Then the premolar and molar teeth along the sides of the jaw are used to cut up the prey into pieces or strips which can be swallowed. Especially important are the largest of the teeth (the carnassials) which have a scissor like action as the jaws close. The small incisor teeth at the front of the jaws can be used for pulling flesh off bones as well as for carrying objects, e.g. prey and kittens.
Cats fed on conned or home cooked diets, or even raw meat which has been well cut up into tiny pieces, have no need to use their teeth at all. As result of this lack of ware, tartar accumulates on the teeth initiating a dental disorder which may end the teeth loosing and dropping out, or having to be removed. But of course if the cat needs only to swallow the same precooked, soft food, it will certainly not require its teeth, and indeed there are many old cats who have los all their teeth and yet eat normally and remain quiet healthy. So the presence of teeth is not essential and digestion will proceed normally with or without them, although of course a cat with out teeth is not so well placed to defend itself.
Obviously, it is preferable to prevent the cat from losing its teeth. This may be achieved by feeding it chunks of whole meat to tear at or dry foods, or by giving some large, hard biscuits or a hide chew (available at pet shops in various shapes). All of these will provide good dental exercise and reduce the possibility of dental disorders developing later.
Q: Why is a cat’s tongue rough?
Answer: The surface of the cat’s tongue is covered with numerous horny projections, the filifrom papillae. These are arranged to point backwards, i.e. towards the back of the throat. It is these papillae which give the characteristic rough feel to the cat’s tongue. Because of them, the tongue can be used as rasp to remove flesh from bones, and they are also important in grooming, enabling the cat to remove loose hairs from its coat.
The presence of the papillae also account for the tendency of cats to swallow needles. A playful cat may be attracted by the thread attached to a needle and having begun to play with the thread, then finds that it becomes entangled in the papillae. The thread cannot be moved forwards because the papillae point backwards. But by gulping, it is possible for the cat to move the thread backwards. So gradually the thread is taken further and further into the mouth, drawing the needle with it. Eventually thread and needle can only be freed from the tongue by being swallowed. The needle may penetrate the wall of the throat, or somewhere further down the digestive tract, but it is usually swallowed blunt end first. Quite often a cat is lucky and the needle passes right though the digestive tract without causing problems.
There are also other types of papillae (vallate and fungiform) on certain areas of the tongue. These contain the test buds able to detect different types of taste, although sweet tastes cannot be discerned by the cat.
The presence of the papillae also account for the tendency of cats to swallow needles. A playful cat may be attracted by the thread attached to a needle and having begun to play with the thread, then finds that it becomes entangled in the papillae. The thread cannot be moved forwards because the papillae point backwards. But by gulping, it is possible for the cat to move the thread backwards. So gradually the thread is taken further and further into the mouth, drawing the needle with it. Eventually thread and needle can only be freed from the tongue by being swallowed. The needle may penetrate the wall of the throat, or somewhere further down the digestive tract, but it is usually swallowed blunt end first. Quite often a cat is lucky and the needle passes right though the digestive tract without causing problems.
There are also other types of papillae (vallate and fungiform) on certain areas of the tongue. These contain the test buds able to detect different types of taste, although sweet tastes cannot be discerned by the cat.
Q: Is it true that white cats are always deaf?
Answer: No, white cats are not always deaf, but unfortunately a significant proportion of them are.
The gene responsible for white coat color is often linked to a gene responsible malformation of that part of the inner ear (cochlea) which is sensitive to sound waves. This means that the condition is inherited and that it cannot be corrected subsequently.
With the exception of cats crying Siamese and Burmese dilutions, blue eye white cats are usually deaf. Also, a white cat with only one blue eye usually be deaf in one ear, through not necessarily on the same side as the blue ye. Although many white cats have blue yes, the color of a cat’s eyes is inherited independently of the color of the coat. Up to about three months of age all kittens have blue eyes; only afterwards do the true adult eye colors become apparent.
Totally deaf cats usually appear to be hyper alert. To test for possible deafness, observe the animal’s reaction to sudden noise, such as a hand clap or whistle, but to rule out other factors, take care to do this out of the animal’s sight, e.g. behind it, and not so close that it might react to any movement of the air. Stamping on the floor is unsatisfactory because the cat will fell the vibration even if it heard no sound. But bear in mind that kittens are born deaf because their ear canals are closed, although this is corrected after nearly two weeks. It is normal for young kittens not to be able to recognize or oriented towards sound until they are three to four week’s old.
The gene responsible for white coat color is often linked to a gene responsible malformation of that part of the inner ear (cochlea) which is sensitive to sound waves. This means that the condition is inherited and that it cannot be corrected subsequently.
With the exception of cats crying Siamese and Burmese dilutions, blue eye white cats are usually deaf. Also, a white cat with only one blue eye usually be deaf in one ear, through not necessarily on the same side as the blue ye. Although many white cats have blue yes, the color of a cat’s eyes is inherited independently of the color of the coat. Up to about three months of age all kittens have blue eyes; only afterwards do the true adult eye colors become apparent.
Totally deaf cats usually appear to be hyper alert. To test for possible deafness, observe the animal’s reaction to sudden noise, such as a hand clap or whistle, but to rule out other factors, take care to do this out of the animal’s sight, e.g. behind it, and not so close that it might react to any movement of the air. Stamping on the floor is unsatisfactory because the cat will fell the vibration even if it heard no sound. But bear in mind that kittens are born deaf because their ear canals are closed, although this is corrected after nearly two weeks. It is normal for young kittens not to be able to recognize or oriented towards sound until they are three to four week’s old.
Q: Why does my cat rub against things and people so much?
Answer: The reason is that the cat is marking the objects in his own territory which enable him later to identify it and feel reassured at the familiarity of his surroundings.
There are scent glands on either said of the forehead between the eye and ear (temporal glands) and around the lips, particularly at the corners (perioarl glands). These produce secretion which the cat smears on such things as doorways, stair posts and the legs of furniture as it rubs its cheeks against them. There are also scent glands and the tail ( caudal glands) which deposit similar secretions as the cat brusher its erect moving tail against a favorite object. Glands are also be found around the anus and probably on the pads of the feet.
People who are favorably regarded by the cat are also similarly marked as it rubs against them with its cheeks and tail, often purring vigorously at the same time. This rubbing is the type of affectionate behavior which a kitten shows towards its mother, but also it serve to identify that person as belonging to the special territory of the cat.
There are scent glands on either said of the forehead between the eye and ear (temporal glands) and around the lips, particularly at the corners (perioarl glands). These produce secretion which the cat smears on such things as doorways, stair posts and the legs of furniture as it rubs its cheeks against them. There are also scent glands and the tail ( caudal glands) which deposit similar secretions as the cat brusher its erect moving tail against a favorite object. Glands are also be found around the anus and probably on the pads of the feet.
People who are favorably regarded by the cat are also similarly marked as it rubs against them with its cheeks and tail, often purring vigorously at the same time. This rubbing is the type of affectionate behavior which a kitten shows towards its mother, but also it serve to identify that person as belonging to the special territory of the cat.
Q: What do cats use their whiskers for?
Answer: T he whiskers of a cat are large, long hairs which grow out at right angle to the skin. They are unlikely other hairs, which grow at on oblique angle, and the follicles from which they developed are rich in sensory never endings. This makes the whiskers very sensitive to reach and their alternative name is tactile hair or vibrissae.
The whiskers are useful to the cat on its journeys through its home range and territory. At night they can be use the detect objects which are in its path. When on familiar routes they permit navigation, i.e. recognition of familiar features which permit the cat to know hat point he has reached on his journey. It is believed that if the whiskers of a cat can pass through a narrow opening when fully spread then the rest of the cats can too, i.e. there is no risk of the cat’s body becoming jumping the cat can make an appropriate correction for wind speed and direction, and the also the cat can more readily located the source of a attractive or repellent wind borne odor.
When its holding a prey animal in its mouth after betting the animal’s neck, the cat protrude its whiskers forward so as to touch the prey. In this way it can detect any movement of the prey, helping to the establish when the animal is dead and therefore safe to put down.
The whiskers are also use to ‘feel’ a strange cat during the mutual inspection and sniffing which occurs when cats encounter each other. Furthermore, whiskers can be used to indicate emotion they can for example be rubbed against objects ore people they like while at the same time marking these objects with scent from the check gland, or the can be fully extended in threat displays to other cats.
The whiskers are useful to the cat on its journeys through its home range and territory. At night they can be use the detect objects which are in its path. When on familiar routes they permit navigation, i.e. recognition of familiar features which permit the cat to know hat point he has reached on his journey. It is believed that if the whiskers of a cat can pass through a narrow opening when fully spread then the rest of the cats can too, i.e. there is no risk of the cat’s body becoming jumping the cat can make an appropriate correction for wind speed and direction, and the also the cat can more readily located the source of a attractive or repellent wind borne odor.
When its holding a prey animal in its mouth after betting the animal’s neck, the cat protrude its whiskers forward so as to touch the prey. In this way it can detect any movement of the prey, helping to the establish when the animal is dead and therefore safe to put down.
The whiskers are also use to ‘feel’ a strange cat during the mutual inspection and sniffing which occurs when cats encounter each other. Furthermore, whiskers can be used to indicate emotion they can for example be rubbed against objects ore people they like while at the same time marking these objects with scent from the check gland, or the can be fully extended in threat displays to other cats.
Q: How do cats keep their balance?
Answer: The cat has very well developed sense of balance. He can move sure footedly and with out any gualms along narrow shelves and ledges, and even on the top of walls several feet above the ground. Cats will also climb trees rapidly and with out difficulty; although a kitten’s never fail at the prospects of the decent, necessitating a ‘rescue’ by the owner or firemen.
Following the amputation of a limb, fore or hind. A cat experience little difficulty in balancing or moving and it able to compensate almost completely.
As mentioned previously, it is the moment of fluid in the semi-circular canals of the inner ear which produces information about the position of the head relative to the ground. This information is conveyed in the form of electrical impulses along the eighth cranial never to the brain. The part of the brain known as the cerebellum interprets these singles, together with sensation of touch and pressure from the paw pads and other parts of the body, and then ends never impulses to move the appropriate body muscles that will enable the animal to maintain its equilibrium.
The tail acts as a useful counterweight when the cat is moving along very narrow edges, rather like the balancing pole of a tightrope walker. It swings from side to side compensate for change in the distribution of body weight as each step is taken. It is also held straight out behind at the end of jump to help arrest the car’s forward movement.
It is interesting to note that the well known tail less Manx cat has hind legs longer then its forelegs and that these hind legs have well developed heavy muscles, which must inevitably shift some weight to the animal’s rear end and probably help compensate for the lack of a tail.
Following the amputation of a limb, fore or hind. A cat experience little difficulty in balancing or moving and it able to compensate almost completely.
As mentioned previously, it is the moment of fluid in the semi-circular canals of the inner ear which produces information about the position of the head relative to the ground. This information is conveyed in the form of electrical impulses along the eighth cranial never to the brain. The part of the brain known as the cerebellum interprets these singles, together with sensation of touch and pressure from the paw pads and other parts of the body, and then ends never impulses to move the appropriate body muscles that will enable the animal to maintain its equilibrium.
The tail acts as a useful counterweight when the cat is moving along very narrow edges, rather like the balancing pole of a tightrope walker. It swings from side to side compensate for change in the distribution of body weight as each step is taken. It is also held straight out behind at the end of jump to help arrest the car’s forward movement.
It is interesting to note that the well known tail less Manx cat has hind legs longer then its forelegs and that these hind legs have well developed heavy muscles, which must inevitably shift some weight to the animal’s rear end and probably help compensate for the lack of a tail.
Q: Is it an old wives tale that cats always land on their feet?
Answer: Well, cats normally land on their feet after a fall, provide what is called the head on body righting reflex function correctly.
In the inner ear on both sides of the head are three fluid filled semicircular tubes (called the semi circular canals), each of which is arranged at right angles to the others, i.e. each is one of the three planes of space. In their walls are never ending (vestibular receptors) which detect movement of the fluid and send information about their relative spatial positions to the brain. This means that even when the cat is unable to see it is aware of the position of its head in relation to the ground.
If the cat should happen to fall from height, it first twists its head so that the stop of the head is directed upwards (head righting reflex). Then it twists its neck and the rest of its body so that they ‘line up’ in the normal way with the head the feet will thus be downwards towards the ground. Simultaneous rotation of the body in one direction and rotation of the tail in the other (one moving clockwise and the other counter clockwise) allows this stage to occur rapidly, even through the cat has nothing to grip on to whilst falling.
The entire series of reflex (automatic) movements takes only mille-seconds to happen so that the cat is ‘righted’ very quickly and can land on its feet, thereby avoiding and minimizing any injury. In day light, when the cat can see, visual orientation will inevitably also play a part, but these righting reflexes are not dependant on vision and will occur in total darkness.
Of course, at times these reflexes may not function correctly, or the animal may sustain an injury during its fall, such as hitting a projecting object, with the result that it does not land on its feet. Even if it is correctly righted, the force of the impact with a hard surface, such as concrete, after a lengthy fall can produce serious injuries, especially fractures of the lower jaw and limb bones and damage to initial organs.
In the inner ear on both sides of the head are three fluid filled semicircular tubes (called the semi circular canals), each of which is arranged at right angles to the others, i.e. each is one of the three planes of space. In their walls are never ending (vestibular receptors) which detect movement of the fluid and send information about their relative spatial positions to the brain. This means that even when the cat is unable to see it is aware of the position of its head in relation to the ground.
If the cat should happen to fall from height, it first twists its head so that the stop of the head is directed upwards (head righting reflex). Then it twists its neck and the rest of its body so that they ‘line up’ in the normal way with the head the feet will thus be downwards towards the ground. Simultaneous rotation of the body in one direction and rotation of the tail in the other (one moving clockwise and the other counter clockwise) allows this stage to occur rapidly, even through the cat has nothing to grip on to whilst falling.
The entire series of reflex (automatic) movements takes only mille-seconds to happen so that the cat is ‘righted’ very quickly and can land on its feet, thereby avoiding and minimizing any injury. In day light, when the cat can see, visual orientation will inevitably also play a part, but these righting reflexes are not dependant on vision and will occur in total darkness.
Of course, at times these reflexes may not function correctly, or the animal may sustain an injury during its fall, such as hitting a projecting object, with the result that it does not land on its feet. Even if it is correctly righted, the force of the impact with a hard surface, such as concrete, after a lengthy fall can produce serious injuries, especially fractures of the lower jaw and limb bones and damage to initial organs.
Q: Is it true that cats only have sweat glands on their pads?
Answer: No, there sweat glands over the entire skin surface with the exception of the skin of the nose which is the completely free of glands.
The misunderstanding probably arises because the sweat glands are of two types, eccrine sweat glands found only in the pads of the feet, and apocrine sweat glands found everywhere else, especially in the skin of the scrotum (the pouch covering the testicles of tom cats).
The apocrine glands produce a secretion which is broken down by the bacteria normally present on the skin to substance that are responsible for the cat’s characteristics body odour. The mammary glands are also apocrine glands but especially modified to produce milk.
In man, the eccrine glands are important as the source of sweat, which in a hot environment cools the body as it evaporates. In this way the glands assist in regulating the body temperature, i.e. maintaining a constant temperature. But in the cat, where these glands are confidence to the pads, they are of little importance temperature regulation. Nevertheless, on a hot day it is noticeable that the cat leave wet footprints behinds it. These glands are also activated by emotional stimuli, just like the glands on the palms of the hand in man which cause ‘sweaty palms’ at time of anxiety. Consequently, a frightened cat e.g. on being examined by the vet, can also be seen to leave damp footprints, which are particularly obvious on a dark surface.
The misunderstanding probably arises because the sweat glands are of two types, eccrine sweat glands found only in the pads of the feet, and apocrine sweat glands found everywhere else, especially in the skin of the scrotum (the pouch covering the testicles of tom cats).
The apocrine glands produce a secretion which is broken down by the bacteria normally present on the skin to substance that are responsible for the cat’s characteristics body odour. The mammary glands are also apocrine glands but especially modified to produce milk.
In man, the eccrine glands are important as the source of sweat, which in a hot environment cools the body as it evaporates. In this way the glands assist in regulating the body temperature, i.e. maintaining a constant temperature. But in the cat, where these glands are confidence to the pads, they are of little importance temperature regulation. Nevertheless, on a hot day it is noticeable that the cat leave wet footprints behinds it. These glands are also activated by emotional stimuli, just like the glands on the palms of the hand in man which cause ‘sweaty palms’ at time of anxiety. Consequently, a frightened cat e.g. on being examined by the vet, can also be seen to leave damp footprints, which are particularly obvious on a dark surface.
Q: How old are kittens when their eyes open?
Answer: At birth the edges of the upper and lower eyelids of the kitten are finally united. Separation of the eyelids usually occurs five to ten days after birth. In Siamese cats may open as early as two or three days after birth, but sometimes not until twelve days in domestic cats. If the lids continue to remain tougher after that time it is considered abnormal. So if the eyes of kitten are not after frothing, a veterinary surgeon should be consulted.
Closure of one or both eyes in an older shouldn’t be ignored because this often happens in case of eye infection. The eyelids become stuck together with discharge, and pus, containing multiplying be ceria, accumulates at the back of the eyelids. If neglected, the eyeball may be permanently damaged. An attempt should be made to gently bathe the eyelids apart, but if any difficulty is encountered the cat should received veterinary attention without delay.
Closure of one or both eyes in an older shouldn’t be ignored because this often happens in case of eye infection. The eyelids become stuck together with discharge, and pus, containing multiplying be ceria, accumulates at the back of the eyelids. If neglected, the eyeball may be permanently damaged. An attempt should be made to gently bathe the eyelids apart, but if any difficulty is encountered the cat should received veterinary attention without delay.
Q: If my cat injures his eye in the fight, could he manage with one?
Answer: An eye may sometimes have to be removed fallowing severe injury. Then, the eyelids would be sewn together so as no to leave a gaping wound. Such one eyed cats manage perfectly well in most circumstances although obviously they are at same disadvantage in hunting or fighting. There will be same loss of vision on the effected side, and a loss of stereoscopic vision (the superimposition of image from both eyes which gives a feeling of depth). Nevertheless, the animal quickly compensates for these deficiencies and essentially behaves as any other cat.
Q: Do cats see as we do? Can they see in colour?
Answer: Cats are able to see their surrounding more clearly then ourselves when the lighting conditions are poor. But in stronger light, the eye of the cat is not able to distinguish details as well as human eye can. The eyes of the cat are reasonably close together, like those of man, so that the image seen by each eye is particularly the same. This makes it possible for the brain to superimpose these two images to produce a stereoscopic effect, i.e. to give three dimensional impression of the surrounding area; this is called binocular vision. Objects are in sharpest focus when they are between six and twenty feet (2 to 6m) away. Undoubtedly, this is very important to cat in enabling it to judge distance actually in such activities as hunting and jumping. Animals in which the ayes are placed on the side of the head (e.g. the horse) see two separate picture with little overlap and therefore do not experience stereoscopic vision.
Some Siamese cats have difficulty in the superimposing the two images because of faulty transmission of the never Impulse from the eye to the brain. These animals experience ‘double vision’ and squint in an attempt to correct this effect.
At one time it was thought that cats like most domesticated animals, were color blind and sew things merely in black, white and shades of gray like the picture on a black and white television set. But following series of investigations, it has been demonstrated that, although limited in number, the once shaped never ending in the retina of the cat’s eyes are able to provide some degree of color vision. Cones sensitive to the primary colors green and blue, through not to red, have been shown to be present. However, the cat’s ability to discriminate different shades of color is clearly inferior to that the man.
Some Siamese cats have difficulty in the superimposing the two images because of faulty transmission of the never Impulse from the eye to the brain. These animals experience ‘double vision’ and squint in an attempt to correct this effect.
At one time it was thought that cats like most domesticated animals, were color blind and sew things merely in black, white and shades of gray like the picture on a black and white television set. But following series of investigations, it has been demonstrated that, although limited in number, the once shaped never ending in the retina of the cat’s eyes are able to provide some degree of color vision. Cones sensitive to the primary colors green and blue, through not to red, have been shown to be present. However, the cat’s ability to discriminate different shades of color is clearly inferior to that the man.
Q: Can cats see in the dark?
Answer: Animals see because light enters the eye and stimulates the never ending of the light sensitive layer, the retina. These sensation are then transmitted along the never fibers of the optic never to the brain and there interpreted as a ‘picture’. If there is absolutely no light present, then the cat will be quite unable to see anything, simply because there will be no light entering the eye to stimulate the retinal never endings. So in total darkness the cat has no advantage over any other animal.
But in dim light, indeed sometimes do dim that to human eyes it may appear as complete darkness, the cat is much better able then ourselves to perceive objects, especially if they move. There are three main reasons for this:
1 In the retina there are two types of never ending which are named, according to there shape, as rods and cones. The cones are most strongly stimulated by bright light and these never endings are responsible for color vision in man and for the perception of fine details. The rods, on the other hand, are stimulated by light of lover intensity but are not capable of producing such sharp images.
Night vision, or more correctly, twilight vision, in all animals in due to the functioning of the rods. The eye of the cat contains a much higher proportion of rods to cones (approximately 20:1) then the human eye (approximately 4:1).
2 The cat, in common with many other domesticated animals but unlikely man, has a reflecting layer (tapetum lucidum) situated just behind the retina. The effect of this is the light lays which have entered the eye and penetrated the retina, thereby stimulating the never endings, are immediately reflected back onto exactly the same never endings. Consequently each ray of light produce double stimulation of a particular never ending giving o type of image intensification.
The presence of the tapetum also account for the typical cat’s eye’s effect when a beam of light. e.g. from car headlights, is shone in to the eyes in the dark. The light is reflected back from the greenish yellow tapetum so that the eyes appear to glow yellow or green in the dark.
3 In all animals the pupil of the eyes dilates in dim light and constrict in bright light in an attempt to keep the amount of light entering the eye constant at the level at which the eye works best. The pupil of the cat is able to dilate to a very considerable extent. When constricted in bright light, the cat’s pupil appears as a mere vertical slit, but when fully dilated in dim light, it is circular and can be almost half an inch in diameter. The of the cat large in relation to its body size anyway and this ability of the pupil to open so wide in dim light obviously permits much more light to enter the eye and to stimulate the roads.
The combined effect of these three factors in such that in poor lighting conditions the cat received much more visual information compared with a human. In fact it is able to detect objects and other animals with less then 2% of the minimum amount of light needed by the human eye.
But in dim light, indeed sometimes do dim that to human eyes it may appear as complete darkness, the cat is much better able then ourselves to perceive objects, especially if they move. There are three main reasons for this:
1 In the retina there are two types of never ending which are named, according to there shape, as rods and cones. The cones are most strongly stimulated by bright light and these never endings are responsible for color vision in man and for the perception of fine details. The rods, on the other hand, are stimulated by light of lover intensity but are not capable of producing such sharp images.
Night vision, or more correctly, twilight vision, in all animals in due to the functioning of the rods. The eye of the cat contains a much higher proportion of rods to cones (approximately 20:1) then the human eye (approximately 4:1).
2 The cat, in common with many other domesticated animals but unlikely man, has a reflecting layer (tapetum lucidum) situated just behind the retina. The effect of this is the light lays which have entered the eye and penetrated the retina, thereby stimulating the never endings, are immediately reflected back onto exactly the same never endings. Consequently each ray of light produce double stimulation of a particular never ending giving o type of image intensification.
The presence of the tapetum also account for the typical cat’s eye’s effect when a beam of light. e.g. from car headlights, is shone in to the eyes in the dark. The light is reflected back from the greenish yellow tapetum so that the eyes appear to glow yellow or green in the dark.
3 In all animals the pupil of the eyes dilates in dim light and constrict in bright light in an attempt to keep the amount of light entering the eye constant at the level at which the eye works best. The pupil of the cat is able to dilate to a very considerable extent. When constricted in bright light, the cat’s pupil appears as a mere vertical slit, but when fully dilated in dim light, it is circular and can be almost half an inch in diameter. The of the cat large in relation to its body size anyway and this ability of the pupil to open so wide in dim light obviously permits much more light to enter the eye and to stimulate the roads.
The combined effect of these three factors in such that in poor lighting conditions the cat received much more visual information compared with a human. In fact it is able to detect objects and other animals with less then 2% of the minimum amount of light needed by the human eye.
Q: Now can you tell me why my cat purrs?
Answer: It is believed that the original purpose of purring was to serve as a signal from the suckling kitten to its mother that it was contented, and kittens from about one week of age are able to purr. Its special value is that because this sound can be produce with the mouth closed the kitten does not have to let go of the teat.
As the cat gets older, purring is used in other situations, again usually to signify of sense of well being. For example, mother cats purr both when approaching their kittens and during suckling to re-assure the young that all is well.
And of course cats use purring as a greeting and sign of the affection for their owner. Purring as a greeting between cats is sometimes show by a young cat wanting to play with a older or by a dominant but friendly cat which wishes to reassure an inferior or younger cat that it means no harm. By purring whilst rubbing against the owner’s leg, or when being stroked on the owner’s lap, the cat is behaving rather as a kitten does towards its mother. Indeed, some cats even show a ‘kneading’ action when being held (a gentle up and down moment of the forelegs) which resembles the way in which kittens ‘kneads’ the mammary gland of the mother during suckling. A few cats even show this obviously pleasurable reaction on a fur rug or pile of washing kneading and purring with great satisfaction.
Paradoxically, an injured, ill or timid cat may sometimes purr when it feels threatened in some way, for example by more dominant animal. In this context, a deep purring appears to act not as a sign of well being but rather as a plea for mercy.
Cats appear to purr less frequently as they get older, although with age they can use tow or three notes in purring compared with the single note of kittens.
As the cat gets older, purring is used in other situations, again usually to signify of sense of well being. For example, mother cats purr both when approaching their kittens and during suckling to re-assure the young that all is well.
And of course cats use purring as a greeting and sign of the affection for their owner. Purring as a greeting between cats is sometimes show by a young cat wanting to play with a older or by a dominant but friendly cat which wishes to reassure an inferior or younger cat that it means no harm. By purring whilst rubbing against the owner’s leg, or when being stroked on the owner’s lap, the cat is behaving rather as a kitten does towards its mother. Indeed, some cats even show a ‘kneading’ action when being held (a gentle up and down moment of the forelegs) which resembles the way in which kittens ‘kneads’ the mammary gland of the mother during suckling. A few cats even show this obviously pleasurable reaction on a fur rug or pile of washing kneading and purring with great satisfaction.
Paradoxically, an injured, ill or timid cat may sometimes purr when it feels threatened in some way, for example by more dominant animal. In this context, a deep purring appears to act not as a sign of well being but rather as a plea for mercy.
Cats appear to purr less frequently as they get older, although with age they can use tow or three notes in purring compared with the single note of kittens.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)