E is for Eyes

Cats show their emotions through their eyes, using pupil size and eyelid position to show what they are feeling. If they are afraid, happy, excited or aggressive, they will communicate with you. Here's how to decipher what they are feeling:
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Wide Open
Alert, wide-open eyes signal trust. In friendly greetings, pupils are at normal dilation. The eyelids may be squinty, brows are soft, and the cat may offer cheek rubs. Accept this as a sign of love and trust.

Unblinking Stare
When a cat starts to show interest, the eyes look more directly with an unblinking stare at the object, person, or animal of interest, and the pupils dilate slightly. The general message is “I know you’re there and I don’t want a fight.” But the unblinking stare is also a communication megaphone for wanna-be aggressive cats to adversaries. This is an important control message in multi-cat households with limited resources such as food, water, litter box, toys, and territory. People often miss the cue because of the subtlety.

Direct Stare
A direct stare in cat language is threatening and confrontational. An offensively aggressive cat’s pupils may be slits or dilated. Squinty eyelids protect the eyes from potential injury. In defensive aggression, pupils are dilated and brow furrowed. Avoid interacting with this cat. If you’re not familiar with a particular cat, avoid risk of injury by not making direct eye contact.

Pain
When a cat is experiencing body pain, pupils are dilated. A cat experiencing eye pain may have pupils that are dilated or constricted, depending on the injury or underlying disease. Squinting also indicates pain in the body or eye. Bloodshot eyes may also signal pain.

Slow Eye Blinks
This is the best look to get from your cat. Slow eye blinks express love and trust. The eyes, lids partially closed, have a sleepy, dreamy appearance. If you get a blink like this, do one right back to show you love them too.

Or it may be that they don't want you to know!

My sassy, grumpy cat Toffee is also taking part in the A to Z Challenge. Take a look here: www.notsosweettoffee.com

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If you are a cat lover - especially a lover of the grumpier members of the species, this is the book for you. Written by Toffee who, despite her name, is the least sweet cat you can imagine. The world according to Toffee exists to serve her and woe betide anyone who forgets it. Paperback on left, Kindle version on right.

            

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D is for Domesticated Cats

Felis silvestris lybica

Most people know the story of how cats became domesticated. They protected stores of grain from rats and mice and eventually entered into a mutually beneficial relationship with humans who cared for the cats so they would stay close by.

Domesticated cats are all descended from wildcats, Felis silvestris lybica,  that originated in the Fertile Crescent in the Near East Neolithic period and in ancient Egypt in the Classical period.

So how did cats spread around the world? By analyzing the ancient DNA of cat remains found in port cities, scientists believe cats were taken onto ships to help protect food by killing rodents. When they reached harbour, some of the cats jumped ship.

It may not have been only the Egyptians who domesticated cats because in 2004, French archaeologists discovered a 9,500 year old cat grave in Cyprus. 

My sassy, grumpy cat Toffee is also taking part in the A to Z Challenge. Take a look here: www.notsosweettoffee.com

*     *     *     *     *     *    *

If you are a cat lover - especially a lover of the grumpier members of the species, this is the book for you. Written by Toffee who, despite her name, is the least sweet cat you can imagine. The world according to Toffee exists to serve her and woe betide anyone who forgets it. Paperback on left, Kindle version on right.

            

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C is for Catnip

Does your cat love catnip in toys or catmint in the garden? Some go mad for it - running around, licking the catnip, rolling onto their back or going limp and purring.

Catnip belongs to the mint family  and includes nepetalactone, which is the compound that attracts your cat.  They love the smell of it.

Other compounds in catnip affect neurotransmitters, "resulting in inhibition of central nervous system activity," said Dr. Bruce Kornreich, an associate director for education and outreach with the Feline Health Center at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ithaca, New York.

It may appear your cat is getting high - as if he is on drugs - but there's no evidence that catnip is operating in the same way as, for example, cannabis or cocaine.

And it seems that many members of the cat family love catnip.

Hunters have used catnip to trap cougars and mountain lions, hanging dried plants to lure the big cats with their tempting aroma. Studies have also shown that lions, leopards and jaguars respond to the compounds found in catnip, though tigers appear to be unaffected,

So if you want to spoil your own little lion, get him some catnip!

My sassy, grumpy cat Toffee is also taking part in the A to Z Challenge. Take a look here: www.notsosweettoffee.com

*     *     *     *     *     *    *

If you are a cat lover - especially a lover of the grumpier members of the species, this is the book for you. Written by Toffee who, despite her name, is the least sweet cat you can imagine. The world according to Toffee exists to serve her and woe betide anyone who forgets it. Paperback on left, Kindle version on right.

            

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*Take a look at The Best Cat Products In The World. You'll love them!


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B is for Birthday: How to Throw a Party for Your Cat

Cats like parties too and even if you don't know their exact birthdate, you can celebrate their adoptaversary. However, there are a few things you should know before getting out the rabbit jelly and Tom and Jerry Ice Cream.

Party Paraphernalia: Go to an expensive shop and spend loads of cash on birthday items like party bags, toys and games. The next day, throw it all away because the only things your cat was interested in were the cardboard boxes it all came in.

Party food: Go to an expensive fishmonger's and butcher's and spend loads of cash on top quality fish and meat. Take hours lovingly preparing it. The next day, throw it all out because your cat has filled up on spiders and woodlice and turned his nose up at it.

Invitations: Go to an expensive stationer's and stock up on gold-embossed cards with a picture of a mouse on them. Take them home to write out to all your friends and neighbours. Half an hour later, throw them all away because your cat has shredded them in a fit of pique.

Music: Spare no expense in hiring a top band. When they turn up install them in a marquee in the garden that cost an arm and a leg to hire. Ten minutes later ask them all to go home because your cat hates the noise and is hiding under the garden shed and refuses to come out.

Gifts: Go to an expensive emporium and spend half a day and a month's wages picking out a state-of-the art cat toy. The next day dismantle it and put it in the attic because, apart from one sniff, your cat has shown no interest in it whatsoever.

Birthday Cake: See under Party Food.

Guests: Do ask everyone in the world you want to impress - your boss, your mother-in-law, the new neighbours - and then hide away from them for the next five years because your cat dumped a half-chewed mouse at their feet and then threw up all over their shoes.

My sassy, grumpy cat Toffee is also taking part in the A to Z Challenge. Take a look here: www.notsosweettoffee.com

*     *     *     *     *     *    *

If you are a cat lover - especially a lover of the grumpier members of the species, this is the book for you. Written by Toffee who, despite her name, is the least sweet cat you can imagine. The world according to Toffee exists to serve her and woe betide anyone who forgets it. Paperback on left, Kindle version on right.

            

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A is for The Amazing Acro-Cats

So here it is, my first post in the 2020 A to Z Blogging Challenge. I hope you find it interesting. Introducing the letter A! 

Those of you who have tried to persuade a cat to do anything other than what he wants to do will be in awe of Samantha Martin whose moggies, The Acro-Cats, put on shows for the public.

Cats playing musical instruments, riding skateboards, jumping through hoops, pushing each other in little trolleys and walking the tight-rope, what's not to like? Judge for yourself in the video above.

One amusing reviewer said: "Their music sucks and each song sounds like their previous one, but my son's band music sounds exactly the same. At least it's much more pleasant to look at cats rather than teenage boys in leather pants."

As you'd expect with a troupe of cats, not all of them are well-behaved and it seems they tend to lose interest and occasionally wander off into the audience, which all adds to the appeal.

The shows include a performance by the Rock-Cats which, not surprisingly, are billed as "the only cat band in existence". At Christmas you can expect to hear songs like A Cat in a Manger and Catnip Roasting on an Open Fire.

My sassy, grumpy cat Toffee is also taking part in the A to Z Challenge. Take a look here: www.notsosweettoffee.com

*     *     *     *     *     *    *

If you are a cat lover - especially a lover of the grumpier members of the species, this is the book for you. Written by Toffee who, despite her name, is the least sweet cat you can imagine. The world according to Toffee exists to serve her and woe betide anyone who forgets it. Paperback on left, Kindle version on right.

            

Follow That's Purrfect on: Facebook    Twitter    Pinterest    Instagram


Never miss a funny picture, mad video or hot cat news. Subscribe to That's Purrfect and we'll email you every time the website is updated. All you have to do is pop your email address in the 'subscribe' form in the panel below.

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A to Z Blogging Challenge 2020

I will be taking part in the A to Z blogging challenge this year. I haven't done this for quite a few years and although it's quite hard finding time to write a new post every day as I work as well, it is a lot of fun! The challenge begins on April 1.

My alter ego Toffee at www.notsosweettoffee.com is also taking part.

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If you are a cat lover - especially a lover of the grumpier members of the species, this is the book for you. Written by Toffee who, despite her name, is the least sweet cat you can imagine. The world according to Toffee exists to serve her and woe betide anyone who forgets it. Paperback on left, Kindle version on right.

            

My theme will be Cat News and Views.

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*Take a look at The Best Cat Products In The World. You'll love them!


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How To Prevent Cats Killing Birds

Nature is nature, but I’m sure many cat owners feel a little guilty if their pet kills a bird. But cats and birds can live relatively harmoniously in our gardens with a few simple measures, says The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). 

Baby birds in particular are vulnerable from predators like cats, but with some minor interventions, the number of chicks killed can be minimised.

The wildlife charity is keen to tell cat owners what they can do to avoid chicks being caught  and is offering the following advice:

• Put a bell on the cat's collar. An RSPB study shows this can reduce predation of birds by 41%. The collar should have a quick release buckle and fitted properly.
• Make sure cats are well fed and cared for. This may encourage them to stay close to home and be less likely to wander
• Keep your cats indoors around sunset and sunrise and after bad weather – birds are most vulnerable at these times as its when they are most likely to come out to feed.
• Take your cat indoors if a fledgling is in the garden, until its parents lead it away
• Avoid putting food on the ground for a few weeks where cats are known to catch birds. Use a bird table or higher ground where cats cannot reach it
• Place spiny plants such as holly or an uncomfortable surface around the base of the feeding station to prevent cats sitting underneath it
• Position nest boxes where cats cannot reach them or sit close to them (preventing the parents birds from getting to the box).

An RSPB wildlife adviser, said: “People are often surprised that the RSPB is not against owning cats and firmly believes that cats and garden birds can exist side by side quite comfortably with a bit of sensible pet ownership and taking a few simple measures.

“Baby birds are extremely vulnerable and it is very upsetting if you discover the remains of one that has been eaten by a cat so by fitting a bell, keeping them indoors for the most risky times of day and raising your feeding stations, you could avoid distress for all.”

One RSPB member said: “I have a young cat that is extremely active and I also have two feeders, a water bath and a bird table which is full of all sorts of birds.

“Of course my cat is a hunter and does what comes naturally to him from time to time but if I try and feed him at dawn and dusk, this is inevitably followed by a sleep which is the other thing that comes naturally to him!"

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If you are a cat lover - especially a lover of the grumpier members of the species, this is the book for you. Written by Toffee who, despite her name, is the least sweet cat you can imagine. The world according to Toffee exists to serve her and woe betide anyone who forgets it. Paperback on left, Kindle version on right.

            

Follow That's Purrfect on: Facebook    Twitter    Pinterest    Instagram


*Take a look at The Best Cat Products In The World. You'll love them!


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The Working Cat Program

We ailurophiles often forget that there are many cats who don’t want to live in a house being spoilt with soft cushions, food on demand and endless cuddles!

There is a whole army of feral cats who are so used to living outside that they wouldn’t cope well with a domesticated environment.

Now many animal shelters allow these to be working cats who can thrive outside of a domestic situation. After all, it is in the cat’s nature to control rodents so these cats are adopted by businesses, farms and other properties with a rodent problem.

Working cats are a cleaner alternative to toxic pesticides, they’re less expensive, safer and more effective.

All the cats want in return is safe shelter, regular food, clean water and basic health care — otherwise, they’ll mind their own business and take care of your pest problem in the process. Some of these cats may become a little more social in time if they get used to lots of people around, but mostly they keep to themselves and just show up for dinner.

The cats are usually fixed, microchipped and vaccinated with the adopter sometimes, but not always, paying a basic fee.

It may take a short period of time for the cat to settle in and be effective, but rats are intelligent, and word spreads quickly that your property is no longer a safe place for pests. Before long, the mere presence of your feline employee will be enough to keep most rodents away.

If you are interested in getting a working cat, put Working Cat Program into a Google search to get more information.

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Toffee has finally done it. She has written a no-holds-barred exposé of her life. Prepare to be AMAZED, prepare to be SHOCKED, prepare to be ENTHRALLED.
(Left is the paperback, right is the Kindle version).

            

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Cat Gatecrashes Concert

It could have been a catastrophe when one little cat decided to gatecrash a live orchestral concert. But the little cat was given a welcome by the musicians and the conductor. After greeting a few orchestra members, the musical moggie settled down on the front of the stage to listen to the performance.

He first wandered into the strings section where the cellists and violinists said hello and managed to avoid being shooed from the stage by one musician.

He eventually ended up on the podium with the conductor before deciding to lie down and appreciate the music.

Have a look at the hilarious video below.

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If you are a cat lover - especially a lover of the grumpier members of the species, this is the book for you. Written by Toffee who, despite her name, is the least sweet cat you can imagine. The world according to Toffee exists to serve her and woe betide anyone who forgets it. Paperback on left, Kindle version on right.

            

Follow That's Purrfect on: Facebook    Twitter    Pinterest    Instagram


*Take a look at The Best Cat Products In The World. You'll love them!


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Perdita Finds A Home

Who remembers Perdita, the cat lovingly branded "a jerk" by an animal rescue centre (story here)?

The grumpy cat has found a forever home, the North Carolina rescue centre reports. Perdita is happily (if that's the right word!) settled in Tennessee with a couple identified only as Joe and Betty.

She may have a new name, Noel, but the "challenging" personality that made her a social media star remains. 

The rescue centre said: “Joe and Betty adore her and she tolerates them," adding that the stroppy cat refused to pose for the traditional adoption photograph and instead ran from the room growling.

The rescue centre received 175 applications to adopt Perdita since introducing her to the world 10 days ago with descriptions of challenging behaviours including “lurking in dark corners” and “staring into your soul until you feel as if you may never feel cheerful again”.

Her dislikes included Disney movies, kittens and the colour pink and she was described as a master of deception.

“We thought she was sick,” said the centre. “Turns out she’s just a jerk.”

The rescue group hopes to capitalise on the publicity by finding homes for other animals in its care, including Edgar, a rotund orange tabby who shares an affinity for “reaching out and touching someone”.

Perdita’s internet stardom looks set to continue, with an Instagram account set up to chronicle the next chapter in the life of the fractious feline. Here: https://www.instagram.com/perditas_journey/

Have a look at this book below - written by Toffee, the sassiest cat in the world!

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Cat Who's 'Just A Jerk'

If anyone adopts Perdita the cat from a North Carolina rescue centre, they will know exactly what they're getting.

Believing that honesty is the best policy, the centre describes her as "the world's worst cat". Her adoption ad on Facebook says, “We thought she was sick. Turns out she’s just a jerk.”

The honesty tactic has helped get  pets adopted in the past and the centre  hopes it will  work for Perdita, too.

According to the post, the feisty feline likes “staring into your soul until you feel as if you may never be cheerful again.” 

She dislikes “the color pink, kittens (yuk they are so chipper), dogs, children, the Dixie Chicks, Disney movies, Christmas and last but NOT least… HUGS.”

“We thought if we highlighted her personality in a humorous way, the person with a personality to match hers can adopt,” said the centre's Amber Lowery. 

It's a tactic that seems to be working. So far the centre has received many requests to adopt Perdita.

Perdita doesn't hate everything. Her likes include: "Jump scares (her specialty), lurking in dark corners, being queen of her domicile' and fooling shelter staff into thinking she's sick."

Have a look at this book below - written by Toffee, the sassiest cat in the world!

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*Take a look at The Best Cat Products In The World. You'll love them!


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Are You A Cat Whisperer?

Are you a "cat whisperer"? Can you read feline facial expressions? It turns out most people are unable to decode feline emotions, but there are a few people who excel at deciphering how cats are feeling.

These cat whisperers are generally women and those with veterinary experience and - surprisingly -  it makes no difference whether they own or even particularly like cats.

Professors Lee Niel and Georgia Mason, from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, investigated the extent to which humans can decode cat emotions from their facial expressions. They recruited 6,329 people from 85 countries for their study, showing them 20 videos which featured cats in either a negative or positive emotional state.

In the negative videos, for example, the felines were showing signs of avoidance by withdrawing from an object or person or fleeing to a hiding spot. In some, they were struggling against physical restraint or being denied opportunities like going outdoors.

The cats in these videos were also growling or hissing or had health problems, such as malaise or physical pain.

In the positive videos, the felines had sought out favorite spots or interaction with people, such as being petted.

None of the videos depicted obvious facial expressions, such as open mouths or flattened ears, although all the videos focused on the cats' eyes, muzzles, and mouths.

Most participants performed poorly at the facial recognition tests, with the average score being barely above the chance average — 11.85 points out of 20.

However, 13% of participants were significantly successful at identifying the emotions, scoring more than 15 out of 20. Women were more successful than men and younger participants more successful than older, as were people with professional experience of cats, like veterinarians.

Professor Niel said: "The ability to read animals' facial expressions is critical to welfare assessment. Our finding that some people are outstanding at reading these subtle clues suggests it's a skill that more people can be trained to do."

Have a look at this book below - written by Toffee, the sassiest cat in the world!

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*Take a look at The Best Cat Products In The World. You'll love them!


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