Thursday 30 April 2020

Z is for Zipper




Here's Zipper who made an incredible find while being a bit naughty! He started scratching at the wall in his owner's spare bedroom. He peeled back quite a bit of wallpaper and revealed an incredible piece of artwork underneath. The colourful mural covers all four walls of the room.




One wall features an enchanting yet Gothic tree that looks straight from a storybook. Another features orange clouds and a Buddha statue.

Zipper belongs to Ceejae Jackman whose son Garret Jackman, shared a video of the full masterpiece on Facebook. See it HERE - it's incredible. He said the artist, Jody Bayles had contacted him.

Garret said: "He does some really awesome work so show him some love! It's crazy just how fast this got to him but we are very happy that it reached him." Jody made a video of the room in progress. You can see it here: https://youtu.be/Mhzq32K1bgQ
.
Garret said his mother would be keeping the mural. "I will make sure Zipper is adequately rewarded for his amazing find!" he added.

Garret said Zipper gets the credit for uncovering the artwork, but wasn't very helpful in the wallpaper removal process.

"Very playful, and only a little destructive. He was just sitting in the room watching us all remove the wallpaper on Saturday," he said. "It was pretty funny."

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

I've made it! All the way from A to Z for the A to Z Challenge. I've really enjoyed the ride and have discovered several blogs I really love, not necessarily cat blogs either. Any recommendations for good blogs are always appreciated. Leave a comment and I'll hop on over.

*     *     *     *     *     *    *
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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Tuesday 28 April 2020

X is for Xmas



At Christmastime there are always lots of pictures on the internet of cats making a mess of trees and decorations - I know, I've posted some myself.

But cat owners should beware of all the trappings of the festive season. Here are some of the hazards:
  • Tinsel and decorations can be dangerous if swallowed
  • Curious cats trying to climb Christmas trees are at risk of injury
  • Snow globes can be extremely dangerous as they can contain antifreeze
  • Poinsettia and berries are among the festive plants which pose a risk
  • Some foods and alcohol are also poisonous to our feline friends
You can also 'cat-proof' your Christmas tree.
  • Secure your decorations to the tree as tightly as possible so that they are not easily knocked off with a cheeky tap of the paw
  • Invest in a good quality, heavy base which will prevent your Christmas tree from toppling over, or place weights to secure it at the bottom
  • Consider tethering your tree to the wall or ceiling
  • Hang decorations higher up the tree, out of the reach of playful paws
  • Do not place any presents for your cat containing catnip under the tree – it will only entice them in

In addition, you can set up a play area with some new, interesting items close to the tree to detract their attention.

If your cat is of a playful, mischievous nature then it is a good idea to consider shutting them out of the room in which the Christmas tree is in altogether when you are not around

*     *     *     *     *     *    *
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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Monday 27 April 2020

W is for Walkies


Many people take their cats for walks on leashes, especially in Finland which is a country of cat lovers but with a high number of apartments without gardens.

It's a common sight to see people out and about with their cats. Katariina is one woman who regularly takes her pet out.

"We do have a garden but it is very small," she said.

"My cat Aarii loves it outdoors but I feel she needs to have wider horizons than our garden and needs more exercise. I take her out on a leash every other day for a long walk in the park.

"She loves it and she does all the things she does at home, exploring under bushes, rolling in the dust and checking out the birds. There's one long wall where she jumps up and walks along it. She's become a bit of an attraction for some of the local children - and, boy, does she show off!"

Unfortunately, not all cats like to be on a leash!:






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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Saturday 25 April 2020

V is for Vaccinations



Thank you to animal charity the RSPCA for this information:

Cat vaccinations help to protect your pets from severe infectious diseases. It also prevents them from passing anything nasty on to other animals in the area. Vaccinating your kitten is one of the most important things you should do in your first few weeks as a cat owner.

When should kittens be vaccinated?
To help protect kittens they'll need two sets of vaccinations to get them started. Kittens should have their first set of vaccinations at nine weeks old and at three months old they should receive the second set to boost their immune system. After this, kittens and cats usually need 'booster' vaccinations every twelve months.

Until your kitten is fully vaccinated (and neutered), you should keep him or her inside.

What diseases can vaccinations protect against?
Cats are commonly vaccinated against:
Cat flu (feline herpes virus and feline calicivirus)
Feline infectious enteritis
Feline leukaemia virus
Your vet can advise which vaccinations your cat or kitten will need to help protect them from infectious diseases.

Who can vaccinate my kitten?
When you get your kitten, one of the first things you should do is register them with a local vet who will be able to carry out the vaccinations your kitten needs.

How long are vaccinations effective for?
Some vaccines are given as booster injections every year. Your vet will provide you with a vaccination record which you will need to keep safe.

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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Friday 24 April 2020

U is for Urban Cat Shelter


In most cities there are populations of feral cats. They often live troubled lives, facing danger, illness and starvation.

Now a man has invented the world's first cat shelter powered by Artificial Intelligence. Wan Xi, a computer engineer from Beijing in China, has created a temperature-controlled shelter that provides cats with food and water.

Cat lover Wan XI came up with the idea because he was concerned about the city's stray cat population. 

'At first, I just wanted to provide them with a warm place in winter with food and water that is not frozen,' Mr Xi told China Morning Daily. But after working with a team of animal welfare experts he came up with a more sophisticated design. 




With intelligent temperature and humidity control, as well as a ventilation system, the AI cat shelter provides a comfortable place for stray cats, providing fresh air and a constant temperature of 27 degrees Celsius, the ideal temperature for cats. Abundant food and water is provided and volunteers constantly refill the bowls.

The shelter claims it is able to identify 174 types of cat while flagging-up possible diseases via a smart camera. The sophisticated equipment can spot conditions like  gingivostomatitis, feline herpesvirus (FHV), and skin problems. It can also tell whether a cat has been sterilized. This data is then sent to nearby volunteers who can provide better help to these cats in need.

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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Thursday 23 April 2020

T is for Thief





THEY seek him here, they seek him there but there's always a wily cat burglar evading capture - because cats like to steal.

These feline felons often take a fancy to particular types of items and then set about stealing them, be it food items, socks, shoe laces, underwear, toys, plants or boxes.

They then pile them up under beds, sofas or cupboards, any where you can't easily reach them.

So why do these kleptomaniac kats act in they way they do? They could be using stealing as a tactic for attention or they could merely be following their hunting instincts and regard the items as prey.

Cats need stimulation so if your feline friend is exhibiting stealing behaviour that is excessive or troublesome, try playing with them more and buying or making them more stimulating toys. Don't punish them or discipline them because they won't understand and in their eyes they are doing nothing wrong. You will only end up alienating their affection.

Another reason  could be that your cat is not satisfied with his food or eating schedule. Cats in the wild will eat periodically throughout the day but this is difficult if you have to go out to work. Cats in the wild will sometimes bury their food so they can eat it later. When cats steal and hide items, they may be mimicking this food-related behaviour.


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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Wednesday 22 April 2020

S is for Sugar


Chocolate for you is fine but don't feed it to your cat

WHY do our carnivore cats turn up their noses at chocolate bars but wait expectantly by their bowls for chicken chunks?

Bears, who are technically carnivores, would probably snaffle down a chocolate bar or two, given half a chance, especially if they contained honey. The difference is that cats do not have sweet-taste receptors on their tongues but bears do.

Never feed chocolate to your cat, it is harmful to them. Read this post for a list of harmful items: Household Products That Can Harm Your Cat

Domestic cats aren’t the only carnivores to have no taste for sweet things. Their close relative the Asiatic lion is another. Now researchers from the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia, USA, have discovered other species that lack the sweet receptor.

Researchers studied 12 species of carnivores and analyzed their taste-receptor genes to see if cats were the only ones that lacked the sweet taste receptor.

Of these the bottle-nosed dolphin, the sea lion, the fur seal, the Pacific harbor seal, the Asian otter, the spotted hyena, the fossa and the banded linsang also lacked the sweet-taste receptor.

The dolphin has even lost the ability to taste bitter substances, and has very few taste buds in general.

Sugars are carbohydrates but if your diet is practically all meat, there’s no need to keep the receptor intact.

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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Tuesday 21 April 2020

R is for Rats



OH RATS! Who's come to play with me today?

Rats in Colombia have been trained to sniff out landmines. More than 100,000 mines are believed to have been buried by leftist rebels in the country.

Rats have proved to be experts at finding the mines - but there was a problem. The rodents were taught to freeze in front of mines, but had difficulty staying put for fear of being attacked by predators.

Bringing them face to face with their natural enemy, the cat, allowed them to stay more focused once they were released, said veterinarian Luisa Mendez, who worked with the animals.

“Here the cats play with the rats instead of attacking them,” Mendez said. “The cats wear shields on their nails so they can’t cause any injuries and as a result the rats feel comfortable playing around them.”

Col Javier Cifuentes, who oversees the project, said the rats’ success rate in mine detection was 96%. Unlike dogs, the rats weigh a lot less and therefore don’t trigger explosions.

Colombia is home to the world’s largest number of land mine victims.


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.


            

Monday 20 April 2020

Q is for Quotes




Cats have inspired many quotes about their unique characters - not all of them flattering!

There are those that emphasise their almost mystical qualities, like:

There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.” – Albert Schweitzer

How we behave toward cats here below determines our status in heaven.” – Robert A. Heinlein

Then there are those affectionate ones:

I love cats because I enjoy my home; and little by little, they become its visible soul.” – Jean Cocteau

Just watching my cats can make me happy.” – Paula Cole

You can not look at a sleeping cat and feel tense.” – Jane Pauley

Then there are my favourite quotes, obviously written by people who seem to have a great insight into the feline psyche!

"In ancient times cats were worshipped as gods; they have not forgotten this." Terry Pratchett
"My cat is not insane; she’s just a really good actress." P.C. Cast
"The way to get on with a cat is to treat it as an equal – or even better, as the superior it knows itself to be." Elizabeth Peters
"Cats can work out mathematically the exact place to sit that will cause most inconvenience." Pam Brown
"Dogs come when they’re called; cats take a message and get back to you later." Mary Bly
"My cats inspire me daily. They inspire me to get a dog!" Greg Curtis
"After scolding one’s cat one looks into its face and is seized by the ugly suspicion that it understood every word. And has filed it for reference." Charlotte Gray
"Cats’ hearing apparatus is built to allow the hooman voice to easily go in one ear and out the other."  Stephen Baker
"When my cats aren’t happy, I’m not happy. Not because I care about their mood but because I know they’re just sitting there thinking up ways to get even." Percy Bysshe Shelley
"A cat isn’t fussy – just so long as you remember he likes his milk in the shallow, rose-patterned saucer and his fish on the blue plate. From which he will take it, and eat it off the floor." Arthur Bridges
One final thought:
"There is, incidentally, no way of talking about cats that enables one to come off as a sane person." Dan Greenberg

 *     *     *     *     *    *
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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Saturday 18 April 2020

P is Paw Pals



 Children in Scotland have been asked to write letters to the animals in an Aberdeen shelter in a scheme called Paw Pals.

The animal sanctuary, Mrs Murray's Home for Stray Cats and Dogs, asked children who are at home during the coronavirus pandemic to write a letter or a poem for the four-legged residents or to create some artwork.

Centre manager Marie Simpson said: “With the lockdown situation and children at home, we understand many of them will be trying to keep up with their home schooling.




“We thought this would be a fun way for them to interact with the animals while also practising their English and art.
“It’s been a bit bleak since we’ve closed to the public and the pictures are a nice way to brighten up their kennels.
“We also thought this would be a way to get kids thinking about the welfare of the animals that aren’t in homes right now. They’re showing compassion for them.
“It’s also good for us to get the animals involved and keep spirits high.”

One letter to Diesel, a five-year-old Akita, read: “You are the cutest thing ever and my granny has a black Labrador called Bailey. We might come see you soon, Diesel. Bailey is 10-years-old like me. I am a huge dog-lover and I can’t wait to see you.”

Mrs Murray’s has been forced to suspend rehoming for the foreseeable future due to the ongoing pandemic and has asked the public not to visit the centre in person.

Letters, poems and drawings can be posted to Mrs Murray’s Cat and Dog Home, Brickfield, East Seaton, Aberdeen, AB24 1XL or emailed to mrsmurrays@btconnect.com.






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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Friday 17 April 2020

O is for Owners of Cats



This is the life of a cat owner. They never like what you think they'll like, they never react like you think they will react and they never do what you think they are going to do!

I found this on the internet - I can't claim to have written it but it really struck a chord.

The Life of a Cat Owner


1. Lovingly caressing your cat's belly until it suddenly thanks you by clawing your arm to mince.

2. Wondering how you can ever thank your cat for its precious gift of a freshly decapitated pigeon delivered straight to your pillow.

3. Coming home to find someone has coughed up what appears to be Donald Trump's hair on your carpet.

4. Never being quite sure if your cat likes you, or it's trying to work out the best way to conquer and then eat you.

5. Attempting to read a newspaper while your cat sets about trying to destroy it using only its head.

6. Remembering the days when you woke up to an alarm clock rather than being repeatedly punched in the face.

7. Injuring your spine by sleeping in an S shape because your cat has commandeered the middle of the duvet.

8. Knowing that if you collapsed your cat would spring into action to use your body as a bed.

9. Spending mega bucks on new toys only for them to be snubbed in favour of a screwed up piece of paper and an old cardboard box.

10. Returning home from holiday and fearing your cat will never acknowledge your existence again.

My sassy, grumpy cat Toffee, who epitomises the above, 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!


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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Thursday 16 April 2020

Neutering is Necessary




Getting your cat neutered before it can breed is an essential part of responsible cat ownership. Cats are very effective breeders and the number of kittens they produce increases in line with the amount of food and shelter available. Without neutering, the cat population can quickly get out of control.
Overpopulation increases feline infectious disease, stress-related disease, feline conflict and compromises cats’ welfare.
What is neutering?
• A female cat is spayed – her ovaries and uterus (womb) – are removed
• A male cat is castrated – his testicles are removed
Kittens should be neutered at around four months or younger – although your cat can be neutered at any age. Neutering also prevents some cancers and infections, reduces straying, fighting and spraying.
Why neuter?
Neutering has many health benefits, as well as helping to reduce the number of unwanted cats.
Unneutered male cats are more likely to end up injured or catch diseases from fighting. They travel many miles in search of unneutered females, risking road accidents and injury. They will spray smelly urine to mark territory and attract females.
As neutered male cats are less likely to roam it reduces the risk of them contracting serious diseases such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) or Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV)
Unneutered female cats frequently become pregnant from the age of four months and will often have litters of kittens three times a year. This adds to the overpopulation problem and increases costs for the owner, especially if there are complications during pregnancy or birth. They will call and wail every three weeks during the breeding season to attract a mate, until they become pregnant. They are more likely to contract diseases spread through sexual contact and mating behaviour
If they are neutered they are unable to develop cancer of the ovaries or uterus. They are also at greatly reduced risk of developing mammary cancer – especially if neutered early.
Cats are very resilient and stoical and usually recover very quickly from the operation. Your vet will advise on the best care for your cat as he or she recovers.
Your cat will require much less food after neutering, as his or her body has less work to do, so you will probably need to monitor your cat’s weight and reduce the amount of food provided to prevent your cat from becoming too fat.







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Wednesday 15 April 2020

M is for Meals



Top tips for feeding cats from animal charity the RSPCA:
  • Without drinking water, your cat could become severely ill within hours. Give your cat constant access to clean drinking water.
    Note: Cow’s milk is not a substitute for water.
  • Cats need a well-balanced, meat-based diet to stay fit and healthy - they cannot be vegetarian. They are obligate carnivores. In very simple terms, this means that cats require meat in their diet. They have specific nutrient needs that can only be supplied through the ingestion of animal meat.
  • Make sure your cat eats a balanced diet  that is suitable for their age, health status and lifestyle.
  • Most typical human food does not meet the nutritional needs of cats, and some human foods can even be poisonous to cats, e.g. onions. [Here's a post I wrote earlier about household items that are poisonous to cats.]
  • Cats naturally eat several small meals per day. Make sure you feed your cat every day and try to split their daily intake into several small meals (unless advised otherwise by your vet).
  • How much your cat needs to eat depends on their age, lifestyle and health. 
  • Always read and follow the feeding instructions that relate to the cat food you buy.
  • If a cat eats more food than they need they will become overweight and may suffer. Equally, if a cat is eating too little, they will become underweight. Adjust the amount of food according to the needs of your cat.
  • If you provide a litter tray, make sure their food and water positioned well away from it. Most cats will not eat if their food is placed too close to their toilet site.
  • Talk to a vet if your cat’s eating and drinking habits change - it could be a sign they’re ill.

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


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


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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Tuesday 14 April 2020

L is for Cat Language





Cats may not be able to talk but they still have many ways of communicating with humans and with each other.

They have many ways of communicating with you, from the look in their eye and the tone of their sounds to the position of their ears and the twitch of their tail.

When it comes to vocalising, you can soon get to know what they are trying to say by their chirps and meows. They can tell you when they're hungry, when they want a cuddle and if they're feeling threatened or are in pain.

Purring is usually a sign of contentment. Cats purr whenever they're happy but sometimes a  cat may purr for other reasons. See this previous post: Inappropriate Purring

Growling, hissing or spitting indicate a cat who is annoyed, frightened, angry or aggressive. Leave this cat alone.

A yowl or howl tells you your cat is in some kind of distress. Find your cat if they're making this noise. However, in unneutered and unspayed cats, these sounds can be part of mating behaviour.

Chattering, chittering or twittering are the noises your cat makes when they're sitting in the window watching birds or squirrels. Some experts think that this is an exaggeration of the "killing bite," when a cat grabs their prey by the neck.

When it comes to body language, your cat has it down to a fine art. Does your cat arch their back up to meet your hand when you pet them? This means they're enjoying this contact with you. Do they shrink away under your slightest touch? Save the petting for later: they're not interested right now.
Pay attention to your cat's eyes, ears, body and tail—they're all telling the story.

Here are a few more clues.

Ears forward: alert, interested or happy.

Ears backward, sideways, or flat: irritable, angry or frightened

Eyes with pupils constricted: offensively aggressive, but, conversely, they could be content. You can see which by their body language.

Eyes with pupils dilated: nervous or submissive (if somewhat dilated), defensively aggressive (if fully dilated), but possibly playful - again,  judge which by their body language.

Tail erect, fur flat: alert, inquisitive or happy

Fur standing on end: angry or frightened

Tail held very low or tucked between legs: insecure or anxious

Tail thrashing back and forth: agitated. The faster the tail, the angrier the cat

Tail straight up, quivering: excited, really happy. If your cat hasn't been neutered or spayed, they could be getting ready to spray something.

Back arched, fur standing on end: frightened or angry

Back arched, fur flat: welcoming your touch

Lying on back, purring: very relaxed

Lying on back, growling: upset and ready to strike

When your cat rubs their chin and body against you they are marking their territory - another way of telling you they love you!

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


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