Great ideas for cat and kitten presents this Christmas

Looking for some fun and cute presents for your furry friend? It is a special time of year and we all like to spoil our loved ones with presents under the Christmas tree.

Your cat or kitten will love a new toy or comfy bed. Toys enrich the life of your pet giving fun, preventing boredom and increasing exercise, as well as giving quality time with you.

So what to choose for your cat? First, think of your budget – if you are short on cash go for small toys which are relatively inexpensive and provide lots of fun for your cat or kitten.

Spending a little more? There are fantastic beds, climbing posts, exercise wheels, drinking fountains, clothes and more sophisticated toys for you to choose from.

Charlie ShortTail has chosen his favourites for you and your cat. Have a read and see if you find the perfect present for your cat or kitten.

Toys

Tunnels and hideaway fun buys.

3-way fun, collapsible cat tunnel at a great price.

Cute leopard print 4-way tunnel for hours of fun.

Catnip toys

Mice, birds and banana toys…. cats love a catnip companion.

Tested by Orlando (Charlie’s brother) – his absolute favourite!

Every cat should have a banana phone…

If your cat loves catnip this will be a winner!

Or a cute Christmassy mouse to flip and kick…

This set has a great squeaky mouse pair designed to give your cat lots of fun!

Furry, small and squeaky…

Blankets, snuggles and beds.

So soft, warm and cosy, a gorgeous cat cave.

Everything your cat could ask Santa for – bed, climbing frame, multi-level sleep and play.

Toys to challenge your cat or kitten.

So much fun and a treat as a great reward.

Such a kitten and cat pleaser – pat the balls around the tower.

Natural material toys

A purrrfect present selection made from natural materials.

Outfits…jumpers, hats and oh so cute clothes for cats.

Just for Christmas.
Special Christmas treats for your cat.

The most amazing selection of treats and toys.

Natural section of catnip varieties for an alternative treat selection.

Happy Christmas!

What are dwarf cats?

These are cats which are smaller than average and stay smaller when fully grown. Dwarf cats have a genetic mutation which makes them under-sized, having smaller legs, bigger heads, smaller jaws in proportion to their bodies. In domestic cats, there are some breeds which are noticeably smaller than the usual cat proportions – in size and weight.

Dwarf cats can have ‘osteochondrodysplasia’ this is a condition affecting the cartilage and bone in dwarf cats, such as the Munchkin breed which has very short legs. Typically cats with ‘osteochondrodysplasia’ have similar-sized bodies to average cats but short, stubby legs. They may also have curvature of the spine and a bow-legged appearance. Cats with this condition need to be under the care of a vet and have regular health checks. Health problems include mobility issues, heart problems, breathing issues, and possible osteoarthritis, although not all dwarf cats will suffer all of these issues.

Why do cats get dwarfism?

Dwarfism can be due to genetics or because of selective breeding. There is also a third type of dwarfism a condition known as ‘Pituitary Dwarfism’, although this is very rare.

Pituitary dwarfism

Pituitary dwarfism is caused by not enough of the growth hormone being produced in the pituitary gland and so growth is stunted. These cats are smaller and their bodies, heads and legs are usually in proportion. Such cats as well as growing slowly and smaller have slower development of the teeth. They may also retain their kitten fur. Cats with pituitary dwarfism are unlikely to live as long due to health problems such as hormonal issues and problems with the main organs.

The smallest breed cats

Munchkin cats

• Munchkin cats – named after the magical folk in the famous ‘Wizard of Oz ‘ film. These cats are dwarf due to a genetic mutation, giving the cats very short legs. Due to having stubby legs, they are not great at jumping heights, although they are known for their boundless energy. Munchkin cats love to play and they are very curious, they make excellent family pets as they enjoy human company and are happy to sit on your lap and cuddle up, as well as play games.

Cornish Rex and Devon Rex cats

• Friendly, small and hypoallergenic – these cats have only down hair and so are super-soft to the touch. Cornish and Devon Rex cats really enjoy company and so are an ideal companion if you are home most of the time. You can tell the Devon Rex by looking at the face they have very short whiskers and a little cute pixie face. Cornish Rex cats have long agile toes and so this means they can open doors, cupboards and cabinets with relative ease. Be careful as these clever cats will retrieve all kinds of things!

Singapura cat

• This is the smallest domestic cat weighing in at only 4 – 8lbs when fully grown, females weighing the least. They are also known as ‘Drain cats’, ‘Love cat’ and ‘Kucinta’. Singapura cats have a brown coat with large eyes and ears. They have lovely personalities and enjoy attention. An agile, expert climber Singapuras have a zest for life and being sociable, peaceful and loving they can make fun companions.

Siamese cats

• Lithe, agile, beautiful and light weighing only around 5lbs for a fully grown female. Siamese cats have the most captivating and mesmerising blue eyes as well as gorgeous shiny coats. Siamese cats are one of the oldest breeds in the world. Siamese cats are sociable and get on well with children and also dogs. These cats are trusting with people, and often form an extremely strong bond with one person. This Asian breed can live from 15 – 20 years in spite of their small build. Siamese cats should not be left alone for long periods of time – they need company. An affectionate cat, the Siamese may be small but has a super-intelligent brain and they are very vocal cats, enjoying conversation with their human.

American Curl cat

• This is not the smallest in our group of small cats. American Curl cats have distinctive curled-back ears (hence the name) and their size can vary, although they are still smaller than the average cat. These cats have beautiful green eyes and a playful nature, they enjoy being with people and have a loving nature.

Dwelf cat

• This is a new small (miniature) breed of cat which is hairless, with curled ears and also has big almond-shaped eyes. Its appearance is said to be ‘elf-like’. It has a small, dwarf-like body developed from crossing the Sphynx, American Curl and Munchkin cat breeds. This is a very sociable, friendly and playful cat which needs company. The Dwelf cats make great family pets although there is controversy over whether this designed breed is ethical due to possible health issues such as back and joint and bone problems. These cats need a weekly bath as they have no fur to absorb natural oils on the skin.

Charlie says:

“Dwarfism is quite rare in cats. There are celebrity cats such as Grumpy Cat and Lil Bub. All cats are beautiful but our dwarf friends may need a little more care due to health issues.”

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Why does my cat follow me into the toilet?

Does your cat always follow you into the bathroom? Does your cat sit on your lap while you are on the toilet? Why do cats invade our privacy and seem so interested in our toilet habits? Let’s have a look at why cats may do this ….

It is difficult to say with absolute certainty, however, it could be that they want our company and we cannot ignore them when sitting on the loo. They may find this an ideal time to jump on our laps and have a good cuddle up. They also seem to understand the purpose of the bathroom and are often fascinated by our toilet habits.
Some think it may be because a litter tray is kept in there, but not everyone with feline bathroom followers has a litter tray, so this is unlikely to be the case. Do cats feel they have you nicely trapped ready to give them all your attention? Some cats sit on your feet, some encase themselves in your pants and some jump on your lap. Others just watch intently…

What are cats up to by following us into our bathrooms?

Do our cats just like the daily routine and happily follow us on our trips to and from the toilet as part of the day to day habitual necessity? Maybe they have a fear of missing out by having the door shut in front of them. Many cats get quite stressed when left outside the door and cry, scratch and make it known they insist on being let in … this may be okay for us cat lovers but not so comfortable for visitors!

Safety when your cat has access to your bathroom

Cats also enjoy laying in sinks and drinking from toilet bowls, so it is important to ensure lids are kept down on toilets to prevent your cat drinking water with chemicals added from toilet cleaning products.

Why cats follow us into the bathroom

• It could just be that cats are so very curious and it is in their nature to have access to all – just in case you are hiding something or doing something that they need to know about.
• Some cats are also in the habit of guarding or monitoring their human – they just have to be with you.
• It could be that they feel safer with you, rather than being excluded or is it that they feel anxiety when they are prevented from being with you and they know you are just behind that door?
• Is it that they enjoy the sensations and smells? Warm floor, cold sink …

The answer could vary depending upon your cat’s personality and your relationship with your feline friend. Is your cat just nosy, dependant on you, demanding of attention, playing a game or just sharing your day? It could be all or none of the above… cats are complicated and sometimes it seems they set all the rules themselves, leaving us to try and work out their motives.

Charlie says:

I have to be with my human ALL the time …

White cats are prone to deafness, however not all white cats are deaf. Blue-eyed white cats are the most likely to suffer from deafness. If a white cat is deaf, she will not be able to hear her kittens when they call to her and she may therefore ignore them when they need her attention. A deaf white cat may not be aware if her kittens are in trouble or are mewing for attention. White cats who suffer from deafness are not inherently bad mothers but will not be able to respond to the kitten’s cries.
White cats with the genetically linked hearing loss will pass on this gene to their white kittens and so it is best that cats with deafness do not have kittens to avoid passing on this hearing defect. If more hearing white cats have kittens, and deaf white cats do not have kittens then the gene will become less common and could potentially become rare or lost altogether.
White cats with hearing loss are very good at compensating and use their feet to sense tiny vibrations. They make full use of their vision and are very watchful as they use their sight to monitor their environment and safety.
White cats can respond well to gestures as they cannot hear voices and the cat may itself use gestures to communicate with you.

Deafness in cats with two different coloured eyes.

A

A cat with one blue eye and one yellow eye with the gene for deafness will only be deaf in the ear next to the blue eye.

In this genetic defect, the cochlea (the snail-shaped organ in the inner ear) starts to degenerate soon after birth. If you want to test your cat’s hearing make sure that they cannot see you as they will pick up clues from watching you. Remember too that the cat will sense vibrations nearby so banging an object on a surface is not the way to test the hearing. Try calling the cat, shaking the biscuit or kibble bag. Better still get your cat checked out at the vets.

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Can your cat learn a new name?

Cats can be taught and learn a new name with simple and quick training. Some cats learn a new name quickly, whilst others may take a couple of weeks to respond to their new name. It is important for your cat to learn its new name so that you can call the cat in for feeding or for bedtime. If you are worried about the weather or other circumstances (fireworks, loose dogs for instance) it is very helpful for your cat’s safety that you can call your cat home.

How to teach your cat a new name

• Make sure everyone uses the same name when talking to your cat. Do not use variations or nicknames as this could confuse the cat.
• Say the name when you are petting or grooming your cat in a nice reassuring voice.
• When your cat is looking at you call the name and offer a treat and keep doing this over several days or longer if the cat needs it.
• Always reward the cat when he or she responds to the new name.
• When you feed the cat repeat the name several times.
• When the cat sits with you repeat their name whilst stroking your cat.
• Start increasing the distance from where you call your cat and reward the cat when she or he comes to you.
• Make sure that you only call your cat for positive things (not for going to the vets or taking medication or having flea treatment applied). The cat needs to know that nothing scary will happen when he or she is called, only good things.
• Build up to calling your cat from different rooms and then from outside if your cat has access to the outdoors.
• Do not try to train your cat if the cat is playing or sleeping as they will not be ready to respond to you.
• Do not try long training sessions, keep it short.

Cats have good memories and with repeated short training will quickly pick up their new name. Some cats learn super quickly and others take a bit longer – just like people vary in their ability to learn.

TIP

As your cat gets better at responding to his or her new name cut back the treats and reward your cat when they respond or return to you quickly. This will reinforce a quick comeback from your cat.

Teaching a new kitten their name

Kittens will take longer to learn their name than adult cats as their brain is still developing.
Use the same techniques as above but keep the sessions very short. Repeat the sessions several times a day, every day.
Remember to reward the kitten for looking at you to start with and then coming towards you and then progress to longer distances.

Charlie says:

Cats have a great capacity to learn and remember but us cats concentrate on what is important to us. Rewards will give your cat a reason to learn a new name or skill. Positive reinforcement is the best tool for learning.

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Why are cats called cats?

Do cats see in colour?

How does your cat view the world, and can your cat see in colour?

Until recently it was thought that cats did not see colours and were ‘colour blind’. Cats do not see in the same way as dogs, who can see only blue and yellow colours (hues). Indeed, your cat does not see colours in the same way that you do. However, cats have been trained to distinguish between colours and it was shown that the cats were able to tell the difference between red and blue, red and green, blue and yellow and red, yellow and green from grey. Cats do see in colour.

Test your cat to see if he or she can tell the difference between the primary colours.

You will need three identical objects (the same size and shape, but one in red, one in blue and one in yellow). A box is a good object to use. Keep the boxes in the same location for a week. To start the training show your cat that there is a favourite treat in one box (choose red or blue colour) and over a 5 days keep putting the treat in there and show and help your cat to retrieve the treat. After 5 days move the order of the boxes (but leave them in the same place). Does your cat go the correct colour box? This is fun to do especially if you have more than one cat. Some cats are quicker than others so if your cat does not pick the correct box go back to the initial training and then repeat the test. Ask your friends to do the same with their cats and compare results.
Why red or blue? Cats can distinguish red and blue more easily than yellow.

How does a cat’s eye work?

Let’s look at the cat’s eye and the structure of the feline eye.

Ocular abilities in cats – why your cat is so good at seeing in the dark

Cats have specialised eyes, being well adapted to their hunting requirements. Cats can see much better in dim light than people, a skill important for night hunting. This enhanced night vision is because the cat’s eye has firstly more rods than in a human eye, but fewer cones. Rods and cones are receptor cells in the retina of the eye, having more rods gives better vision at night although having fewer cones means the image is less sharp. The shape of the reflector cells gives the nerve cells their names – rods and cones.

Why do my cats’ eyes glow in the dark?

In the cat’s eyes is a special light-conserving unit called the ‘tapetum lucidum’. This reflects any light which is not absorbed as it passes through the retina. This mechanism is also why your cat’s eyes glow in the dark – the light hits the cat’s eyes at a certain angle and the cat’s eyes appear to glow in the dark. This ‘glow’ will happen when the cat’s pupil is at its widest.

Cats eyes versus human eyes

Cats and humans both have the same type of colour-sensitive cone nerve cells in their eyes. People have about ten times more than cats do – so humans can identify many more subtle shades and colour variations (hues) than cats can.
Humans have better colour vision, although cats do have better colour vision than dogs.
Cats have more rod nerve cells in their eyes and have better sensitivity in dim light.
Cats have a specialised mechanism to reflect more light into the eye. Cats see better in the dark (we all knew that!)
Cats have binocular vision. This means that parts of the field of vision of each eye overlap. Binocular vision is essential for hunting so that the cat can judge distance, depth and size. In simple terms, the cat has three- dimensional vision. Humans also have binocular vision.
Cats are also much more near-sighted than people so humans can see much better at seeing detail close to them. A cat’s vision will be much blurrier when looking at objects very close to them. Cats, however, are much better at spotting movement at a close range – think about when you play with your cat and how quick they are to spot a flick or swish of a cat toy. It also explains why your cat may not see something very close to his or her face.
Cats can see best at around 20 feet away – essential to spot prey. Objects in the distance appear blurry around the edges to cats, helping them focus on the important task of finding prey.

Cat’s eyes are less forward-facing and spaced more widely than in humans, this gives the cat a wider range of view, useful for spotting predators. People have a narrower field of vision, but we are better at judging distance and depth.
The cat’s pupil can dilate and change in size dramatically, much more than in humans. This is all about catching as much light as possible. Cats see best at dusk and at dawn – when hunting cats are generally most successful.

Which eyesight is better cat or human?

A cat needs a wide range of vision and better night vision.
Humans need to be able to distinguish between tiny details and be able to judge height, distance and depth accurately. We need to be able to see a wide variety of colour and shades.
We have both adapted to our needs; eyesight is a specialised trait in both cats and humans.

Why do Siamese cats have poorer vision than other cats?

The Siamese cat has a gene which causes abnormal nerve connections between the brain and the eyes. This means that Siamese cats have less developed three-dimensional vision.

What is cat (feline) asthma?

Feline asthma is an immunity-related disease and can be triggered by an allergy (environmental or food) or brought on by stress.

It is an allergic respiratory condition which causes chronic inflammation of the small passageways in the lungs (bronchioles) leading to the tightening of the bronchioles causing breathing difficulties.

Symptoms of cat asthma include wheezing, difficulty or laboured breathing and a persistent cough. A cough is a reflex action, triggering the forcing out of air from the chest. Inflammation of the lungs and larynx results in the cat coughing.

It is incurable but the condition is manageable with the right care and medication and cats with the condition normally lead happy and active lives.

What causes asthma in cats?

Asthma in cats is an immunity-related condition and attacks can often be brought on by an allergy or stress. Possible triggers include pollen, grass, dust mites, tobacco smoke, cat litter, candles, wax melts, cleaning products, mould spores, dyes, smoke from fireplaces, and reactions to some foods – very similar to humans.

This allergic respiratory response often develops between the ages of two and eight years old, with slightly more female cats diagnosed than males; it is less common in older cats. The average age of diagnosis of asthma in cats is between 4 and 5 years old. It is thought that between 1 – 5% of cats suffer from asthma and related respiratory diseases.

What are the symptoms of feline (cat) asthma?

• Wheezing or blue lips and gums
• Fast, shallow or difficulty breathing
• A persistent cough (sometimes with frothy mucus)
• Gagging (like with a hairball)
• Difficulty breathing (dyspnoea) after exertion
• Mouth breathing
• Neck held upwards and gasping for breath
• Overall weakness and lethargy (no energy)
• Gurgling in the cat’s throat
• Increased swallowing
• Vomiting

What to do if your cats shows symptoms of asthma

If your cat shows any of the symptoms above, even if they come and go this could be an indication that your cat may have asthma or another respiratory condition; you should speak to your vet and get specialist advice.

Any cough or wheezing is a serious health issue,  it happens because the lungs are inflamed and irritated and are therefore at risk of developing permanent scars on them, causing long-term damage to the small airways.

Asthma can be a life-threatening, causing constriction and obstruction of the airways just as in humans.

When resting or sleeping a cat will normally take in 24 to 30 breaths per minute – anything over 40 may need medical attention (cats may breathe quicker when excited, after exertion or purring). There are apps you can download onto your phone to monitor your cat’s breathing rate. This is also helpful if your cats suffers from heart disease. A cat’s normal breathing or respiratory rate can range from 10 – 30 breaths per minute depending upon, age, breed and state of health.

Diagnosing feline/ cat asthma

There is no definitive test to accurately diagnose asthma. Other conditions which have similar symptoms will initially need to be ruled out, including heart disease, respiratory infections such as Laryngitis, bronchitis and tracheitis and also heart and lungworm. (Lungworm is a common parasite that the cat can get from eating birds or rodents which are infested with this parasite; symptoms include a dry persistent cough.)

Your vet will listen to your cat’s chest with a stethoscope and may sometimes take a blood test to look for a high concentration of white blood cells, which can be linked to the condition as this a marker for an allergic reaction. Radiographs (X-rays) may also help with the diagnosis, a CT scan is another option your vet may explore in finding a diagnosis.

If the blood test suggests your cat could be suffering from asthma, a chest X-ray can then be used to look at the lungs – although it isn’t always possible to obtain an X-ray if your pet is having a bad attack. Trying to restrain your cat or give sedation could be very dangerous for them and therefore is not a viable option until the cat is breathing more normally. Your vet can advise you on the best course of action as to whether treatment should be given or if diagnostic tests should be attempted. In the early stages of the disease, an x-ray may show up as normal.

There is also a test called Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL), which involves taking a mucus sample under anaesthetic from the small airways and studying it under a microscope to look for a specific type of white blood cell.

Your cat may also be prescribed a course of corticosteroids and bronchodilators to see if the symptoms clear up, which if they do, also suggest the presence of feline asthma. Your vet will make a judgement after examining your cat and carrying out the tests most deemed to be appropriate. When a conclusion has been reached treatment can be prescribed to help keep your cat healthy and enjoy a good quality of life.

What are the signs of a feline/ cat asthma attack?

During a minor attack, your cat will normally start coughing and struggle to stop. They are likely to hold their neck out straight and keep their head close to the ground while coughing, and you may be able to hear wheezing.

Asthma causes spasms in the bronchi which in turn leads to swelling in the lining of the airways.

When your cat is having a full-blown asthma attack breathing becomes difficult and your cat’s sides will very visibly heave in and out. They will be unable to do anything else, and in extreme cases can start panting, look frightened and start coughing up mucus as well as drooling. If this happens it’s very important to call the vet right away.

What should I do if my cat has an asthma attack?

If your cat has an attack keep calm, give any medication prescribed by your vet and ensure your cat is kept in a nice cool area with good ventilation; try to reassure your cat.

If your cat is having a severe attack, then contact your vet straight away.

If you need to drive your cat to the surgery, make sure your car is well ventilated, leave the window open to let in plenty of fresh air.

Your cat will be very frightened so try not to add to the stress.

Treatment for feline/ cat asthma

There are two main types of treatment to manage asthma in cats – anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation which leads to the symptoms, and bronchodilator medication which helps to widen a feline’s air passage when needed. Antihistamine drugs may also be used when cats haven’t responded to other treatments.

Medication is often administered through an inhaler but can also be given in tablet or injection form.  If an inhaler is recommended then make sure you are clear on how to use it. Inhalers for cats are different from human inhalers – you cannot tell a cat to inhale deeply!

Can asthma in cats be prevented?

With a little care and planning some of the triggers for an asthma attack can be avoided:

• Do not smoke around your pet
• Don’t spray cleaning products, perfumes, air fresheners or any aerosol products as they can worsen the condition
• Do not use dusty types or scented cat litters
• Stress can bring on attacks so try to keep your cat relaxed (if there are other pets in your home make sure your cat has a safe place to hide)

If your cat is overweight this can make the symptoms worse so keep your cat a healthy weight (ask your vet to advise you).

Take a video on your phone to show the vet (it may be upsetting for you, but it will help the vet prescribe the best medication).

Keep a diary of episodes/ attacks and how bad they were to try and build up a picture of what is causing the attacks (triggers).

Charlie says:

Remember your cat can have a happy and normal life!

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First aid for cats and kittens

Why does my cat bite me and behave aggressively?

There are so many different reasons why your cat may be behaving in an aggressive way – hissing, biting, growling or swiping and scratching.

It is important to understand why your cat is behaving in this way – it could be that your cat is in pain, or is fearful of something, it could be stress  – caused by changes to his or her environment or routine. Sometimes a change in behaviour can be due to changes to the family set up – a new person in the home or an additional new pet. Alternatively, it could be that your cat does not like something, such as being picked up or petted for a long time. In play, a cat can become easily overstimulated resulting in aggressive type behaviour.

If you try to understand why your cat is displaying aggressive behaviour then you can try to solve the problem and both you and your cat will be happier.

11 reasons why your cat may be aggressive:

Fear – your cat may be frightened (you can recognise fear by observing if the ears are held back, if the pupils are dilated, the body may be crouched with the tail tucked underneath).

Pain – your cat may be in pain (liver or kidney disorders, hormonal problems, arthritis, dental decay, abscesses, bite wounds, infections and high blood pressure can all be medical causes of aggressive behaviour).

Older cats especially can be in pain and will mask any problems quite well, you may just think they are slowing down.

Urinary infections are common in cats and this will be very painful for your cat.

Possessive – of food or toys or even of a family member.

Territorial – cats are territorial and will defend their territory and you! If you have a new partner your cat may display hissing, staring and growling to show his or her ownership.

Competitive – if you have more than one cat or your cat is in competition with a family member.

Maternal – mothers with kittens will be on guard and display aggressive behaviour if they feel threatened or sense danger.

Dominance – one cat may behave aggressively to show dominance over other family cats or intruders (or visiting pets of friends).

Play – your cat may get over stimulated when playing and revert to aggressive hunting behaviour.

Predatory – if your cats is in hunting mode he or she may show aggressive tendencies to others.

Pathophysiological – due to an injury or undiagnosed cause or in older cats dementia can cause aggression as the cat becomes disorientated.

Redirected aggression – when your cat is frustrated or agitated then turns on you.

Checklist to help identify causes of aggression in your cat

If your cat is behaving out of character a trip to your vet can help allay any fear that your cat is unwell or in pain.

• Any recent changes to your home (building works or re-decoration) may upset your cat.
• Has a family member been absent – cats miss people and may become anxious?
• A tomcat will benefit from castration to solve any aggressive tendencies.
• Do you have a new pet? Bringing a new cat or dog into your home could trigger aggressive behaviour as your cat tries to make sure the new arrival understands the pecking order.
• If your cat is getting agitated by watching another cat or dog outside try blocking the view (closing the curtains or blinds) and allowing the cat to calm down. They may be frustrated as they cannot get to this other animal.

Why is my cat aggressive towards my new partner?

If your cat is displaying attacking behaviour towards your new girl or boyfriend it is probably because your cat is fearful, anxious or confused by the new addition to the household.

Strategies to help to build a bond between your cat and your new partner

• Ask your partner not to force their attention on the cat
• Tell your partner not to stare at the cat (this can be perceived by your cat as aggressive and challenging behaviour)
• Suggest to your partner that they feed the cat and give any treats (positive reinforcement of good associations each time the cat is fed)
• Go slowly and at the cat’s pace with all interactions and gradually encourage your partner to play with the cat to help with the bonding process
• Patience usually pays off – if your partner is kind the cat will usually start to accept him or her
• Keep to the usual routines to reassure your cat that everything else in their world is stable

Charlie says:

Never punish your cat; look for ways to help your cat become happy, relaxed and at ease with everyone in your household.

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Cat Behaviour – understanding your cat

Definition of ‘cat’.

A cat is a small domesticated mammal kept as a pet and also found as feral (wild) in the countryside. A cat has soft fur, four legs and a tail and is a predatory animal catching mice and other small creatures.

‘Cat’ name in different European countries

There are many similar variations of the name ‘cat’ for instance:

French: chat
Swedish: katt
Norwegian: katt
German: Katze
Italian: Gatto
Dutch: Kat

There are many other slight variations of the name ‘cat’  used throughout Europe.

In Turkey the word for cat is ‘kedi’ which may be where our word ‘kitty’ is derived from.

The word ‘puss’ or ‘pussy’ is linked back to the Egyptian cat goddess ‘Pasht’.

It is widely believed that the Egyptians domesticated cats descended from the North African wild cat (Felix Lybica).

‘Cat’ refers to domesticated felines and also wild cats such as lions, tigers, panthers, leopards and forest cats.

Popular cat names:

Girls: Molly, Poppy, Bella, Daisy, Lily, Rosie, Tilly, Willow.

Boys: Oscar, Charlie, Milo, Alfie, Jasper, Harry, Monty, Merlin.