<figure>
CATS
BY <name key="Elisabeth Sage">
page 1 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ index ]
<figure>
Contents
Cats in History - Page 1
Choosing your cat - Page 2-3
A Home for your Cat - Page 4
Feeding your Kitten or Cat - Page 5
Training and Handling your Cat - Page 6
The Cat's Body - Page 7-9
Coats of Cats - Page 10
Keeping your Cat or Kitten Healthy - Page 11-12
Showing your Cat - Page 13-14
Grooming - Page 15
Survey - Page 16 - 16b
Photographs of Cats - Page 17-18
Questions and Answers about Cats - Page 19
A Poem about Cats - Page 20
Bibliography - Page 21
page 2 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ index ]
Page 1
Cats in History
The Ancient Egyptians were great cat lovers. They were the first people to domesticate the cat about 4,000 years ago. Cats were very important to the Egyptians because they killed the rats and mice that stole the <reg>Egyptians'</reg> grain in their big stores. This job was very important, so important that the Egyptian religion worshipped cats and when a cat died the whole family felt very sad. The Egyptians even mummified their dead cats so that they could share the life after death that all Egyptians look <reg> forward </reg> to. And today you can see cat mummies in museums all over the world. In Roman times the European cat was domesticated and they were still used to protect food stores. But unfortunately during the Middle Ages people dreaded witchcraft and <reg> believed</reg> that all cats were evil and a lot of cats were killed because of this. But cats became popular during the Middle Ages when rats and mice carrying diseases that plagued all of Europe and the only way to stop these pests was to breed cats to kill these little creatures. There is a superstition among cats and it is said that a cat has 9 lives and if a black cat crosses your path it is sure to bring good luck.
Here are 3 examples of mummies of cats that you can find in museums.
<figure>
page 3 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ index ]
Page 2
Choosing your cat
Cats are very independent and they can have kittens so easily that there are a lot of crossbreed cats around. Another name for a crossbreed cat is a mongrel or moggie as they are sometimes called, they are probably the most popular household cat. But over the years, some cats have been bred specially to keep certain features of the cat and markings pure. These <sic>kind</sic> of cats are called pedigrees. And there are over 100 varieties of pedigree cats to choose from, so you are really spoilt for choice if you want to buy one! But remember, before you buy a cat, although they are independent and like to roam about the house, they do not like to be alone or ignored all day. while everyone is at school or busy at work. And also cats like to go in and out of the house and explore the outside world so if you fit a cat flap on to your door, things will be a lot easier for the cat. If you live by a busy road perhaps a cat is not the right pet for you.
<figure>CAT
Cat breeds are divided in to 3 main types: the Foreign short-haired (also known as Orientals), the British (or European) short-haired and the British long-haired. Foreign cats have long legs and thin bodies. They have wedge-shaped heads, pointed ears and long, pointing tails. Another well-known Foreign short-haired cat is the Siamese. Most Siamese cats have a pale, cream-coloured coat with their 'points' or ears, legs, face and tail are in different, darker shades, they are also very elegant and graceful cats. The Burmese cat and the Havana which are lovely, chocolate brown coloured cats, are quite popular too. The most famous short haired cat is the Manx cat. They are born without a tail and they are very cuddly. British cats have broad heads with rounded features. They also have shorter legs and thicker bodies than Foreign breeds. This type of well-built body shape is often called 'cobby'. Persians have a cobby body, a fluffy coat (which needs a lot of grooming) and a bushy tail. This is a word of warning: White cats with blue eyes are deaf, but apart from that they are healthy and make lovely pets.
page 4 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ index ]
Page 3
Cat Chart
Main breeds of cats
| Type. | Description | Examples |
| Foreign (Oriental) Short haired | Thin Bodies. Wedge-shape heads. Pointed ears and tail. | Abyssinian
Burmese Egyptian Mau Foreign Lilac Foreign White Havana Rex Russian Blue Siamese |
| British (European) Short haired | Thick-set. Short legs. Broad head, rounded features. | Bicoloured
Black Blue Cream British Blue Cream Manx Spotted Tabby Tortoiseshell Tortoiseshell and White White (with blue or orange eyes) |
| British (European) Long haired | Thick-set.
Short legs. Fluffy coat. Full tail. | Bicoloured
Black Blue Blue Cream Brown Cameo Chinchilla Cream Lilac Red Smoke Tabby Tortoiseshell Tortoiseshell and White White (with blue or orange eyes). |
page 5 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ index ]
Page 4
A home for your cat
If you want a cat and you don't want kittens, the best thing to do is to have it neutered. Neutering your cat is just a simple operation that will not harm your cat at all. When you see a litter of kittens you should not take it away from their mother <reg> until </reg> it is at least 8 weeks old and it has finished having <reg>its</reg> mother's milk and is eating solid food. Pick the liveliest kitten and the colour you like best. Your kitten will need <reg>its</reg> first vaccinations against major cat diseases when it is 9 weeks old and <reg>its</reg> second injection when it is twelve weeks old. But if you get a kitten between those ages, then the litter's <reg>owners</reg> should be able to give you a vaccination certificate. And you can keep this up-to-date with the annual booster injections which keep the cat protected from things like cat-flu. Here are some things you can do before your kitten comes to live with you.
Bedding
Kittens like to feel safe and warm so your kitten will need a comfortable bed to catnap and make it feel at home. You can buy a cat basket or a plastic bed with a cushion inside to make it comfortable. But make sure the cushion is washable. The kitten's bed should be in a warm place out of any draughts and it should be where trampling, human feet will not interfere.
Litter trays
Cats are clean animals and they like to dig a hole in the garden to cover their mess. You can start this job when your kitten is 3 weeks old. It is also a good idea to put in some soil in the tray <reg>as well</reg> <reg>as well</reg> <note desc="words repeated"> as the shop-bought litter-grit or sand because when the kitten in older it can do <reg>its</reg> mess outside without any problems.
Toys
Cats and kittens love toys and playing with them helps your kitten to learn hunting skills. It will keep it lively and active but buy proper pet shop toys because they have been tested for safety.
Cat flaps
When your kitten is a bit older and it has had <reg>its</reg> vaccinations, it will want to explore outside, so a cat flap is important. It will keep quite close to <reg>its</reg> home and will only come in for meals and a cat nap before exploring outside at night. The only problem is that other cats might come in for a visit! The best thing is to have one with a magnetic strip so that the flap stays shut <reg>until</reg> the cat, with <reg>its</reg> own magnetic collar, comes indoors.
Collars
You should get your kitten used to a collar as soon as possible. The best ones are the elasticated ones which will not choke your cat or kitten. But remember to put a tag on the collar with your name and address on it so that the person who finds your lost cat or kitten will know who to give it to.
Scratching post.
Your kitten or cat will need something to sharpen its claws on so if you give your pet <reg>its</reg> own scratching post it won't choose your new sofa! All you need is a wooden post at least 30cm high, a sturdy, wooden base, glue and some carpet or sack cloth and stick your material on to your wooden post and base.
<figure>
CAT
page 6 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ index ]
Page 5
Feeding your kitten or cat
Feeding kittens
Young kittens can't eat much at a time so you should feed it several times a day. When you buy your kitten at 8 to 12 weeks of age, it should be fed 4 times a day. But when it is 4 to 6 months of age, it should only have 3 meals a day and when it is 8 months old, feed it twice a day. Good-quality tin foods are made for cats specially and they are very good for them. You must choose a tinned food that is high in protein and low in ash content, so always read the labels.
Feeding Cats
A grown-up cat is easy to please usually. Cats are meat-eaters and they enjoy chicken, lamb or fish. Always give your cat a fresh bowl of water. If you give your cat fresh meat it should always be cooked. Make sure there are no bones and always chop up the meat or fish finely. You will soon know how much your cat wants to eat because it either leaves some or pesters you for more. Always wash out the bowls of water and food because cats do not like smelly bowls when they are eating or drinking. Never leave food to go stale because a cat will not go near it.
Food Facts
Cats don't like cold food so don't give then a meal which has just come out of the refrigerator. Microwave ovens are very useful for warming food up.
Cats like a quiet place to eat - somewhere they don't run the risk of being tripped over. Some cats don't like their food bowl to be placed near their litter tray.
If you have more than one cat, each should have <reg>its</reg> own feeding bowl.
Bowls should be washed regularly as a cat will not use a smelly or dirty bowl. Bowls should be wider than a cat's whiskers. If the bowl is too narrow, your cat may trail the food on to the floor to eat it.
<figure> tinned food
<figure> chews
<figure> Dry food
<figure> Soft moist food
page 7 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ index ]
Page 6
Training and handling your cat
Training
Cats are very independent creatures, so training your cat to use <reg>its</reg> litter tray won't be a problem. Your cat will sometimes have an accident and do <reg>its</reg> mess in the wrong place, don't keep letting your cat do <reg>its</reg> mess in that place because it may get used to it and do it there all the time, but don't worry, just clean up the mess and put your cat or kitten back in <reg>its</reg> litter tray. Cats need their freedom, so if you put a cat flap on your outside door, then it is a good idea. But the trouble is that cats and kittens don't take to it straight away. So for the first few times you may have to encourage and help your pet to go through the cat flap. But your cat will soon learn to jump through the cat flap easily and quickly, and it will not need your help.
Handling
When a cat wants your company it will soon tell you, by rubbing itself against your legs and jumping on to your lap. And you will soon learn to judge cat's <reg>moods</reg> - when <reg>it's</reg> friendly <reg>it's</reg> friendly <note desc="words repeated"> and when it wants to be alone, leave it alone, never cuddle a sleeping cat. When you handle your cat, it must feel secure, so it is important that you hold your cat in the right way. Hold your cat close to you and, with one hand under <reg>its</reg> chest, and the other hand supporting <reg>its</reg> weight. But never pick up a cat or kitten by the scruff of <reg>its</reg> neck because this could cause serious injury, you must always handle a kitten gently because it is fragile. If your cat or kitten struggles in your arms it should be freed from you, because an adult cat in particular, can scratch you quite badly.
<figure> Litter Tray
<figure> Holding
<figure> Cat Flap CAT
page 8 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ index ]
Page 7
The Cat's Body
<figure>
The cat's sense of hearing is so finely tuned that it can hear sounds before people can - this may be why cats seem to be able to predict earthquakes, danger and even the weather.
A flexible backbone made up of numerous bones enables the cat to flip and twist on<reg>its</reg> descent from a fall, and to curl up in a ball and arch <reg>its</reg> back.
The senses of taste and smell are linked because the nasal canal opens into the mouth.
Most cats have 2 coats: a soft undercoat with hairs that grow in groups and a coarser topcoat in which each hair grows individually.
The tail is a flexible extension of the spine and normally contains 21-22 bones. It helps to balance the cat and can indicate the cat's mood.
The eyes are set <reg>forward</reg> like a human's, allowing 3-dimensional vision.
Scent glands are situated under the tail. They are also found on either side of the head, on the lips and chin and the underside of the paws.
There are about 12 whiskers to a row on the muzzle with a few <reg>separate</reg> whiskers on the cheeks.
The cushioned paw pads give a cat <reg>its</reg> softly padding gait.
The paw pads have thick, protective skin which <NOTE desc="word or words missing"> sensitive to touch and temperature.
The Cat's Eyes
<figure> The pupil of the cat's eye becomes open and round in darkness to allow more light rays to enter.
<figure> The pupil narrows to a slit in bright daylight to shut out some of the sun's rays.
<figure> This thin membrane, called a haw, often appears in illness. It helps lubricate and protect the cornea.
page 9 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ index ]
Page 8
The Ears
Cat's ears are very sensitive and they can <reg>hear</reg> sounds more high <REG>pitched</REG> than humans. On their own, they can turn to the direction of sound and it will also show the cat's moods such as fear, violence or happiness. An <REG>arrangement</REG> of small muscles that are placed in the ears and can reduce vibrations that are caused by loud sounds. The ear parts are very delicate, and they can become damaged often, so quite a lot of adult cats are deaf. Sight and smell becomes more important because of the lack of hearing.
The Eyes
Cats have brilliant vision in daylight, but when night comes, their sight in the dark is not so good. But they do have a tissue (which only cats have) at the back of their eyes which is called 'tapetum lucidium', which lets the cat see in a very dim light. At night, the pupil of the cat's eye opens, so that it can get as much light <REG>as</REG>possible. In a bright light, like sunlight, the pupil narrows to a slit. But when a cat is unwell, a third eyelid appears, it is called a membrane or 'haw'.
The Nose
The 2 hairless parts of the cat's body <sic>is</sic> the nose and paws. They are both protected by skin, which is 75 times thicker than covering any other part of the cat's body, every cat has a different design, like a human fingerprint. The cat's nose is very sensitive to temperature and pressure, the cat's sense of smell is closely linked to the cat's sense of taste. When a cat is in an <reg>unfamiliar</reg> place it may sniff around and smell <reg>its</reg> new surroundings.
The Mouth and Jaws
The cat is a meat-eater, <reg>its</reg> jaws are designed for killing, tearing and eating <reg>its</reg> prey. The cat <reg>doesn't</reg> need to depend entirely on prey for <reg>its</reg> survival, the domestic cat, who has <reg>its</reg> strong hinged jaws, sharp killing, canine teeth and carnassials or tearing teeth, is not far from the wild cat. An adult cat has thirty teeth and four canines. A human uses saliva to start the digestion process and as a cat does the same thing, only the saliva in a cat helps to let the food go down the throat. The surface of a cat's tongue is rough and very flexible and muscular because it has tiny knobs on the tongue called papillae and when a cat is grooming itself, the tongue acts like a comb on the cat's fur.
page 10 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ index ]
Page 9
<figure>
Unsheathing The Claws
Claw
Toe Bones
Tendons connecting toe bones with leg muscles.
Each claw is attached to a toe bone.
Leg muscles pull tendons which extend the toe and claw outwards.
The Whiskers
The whiskers or vibrissae, are <reg>believed</reg> to act like feelers or antennae. Whiskers are very expressive and it can sometimes tell you what kind of mood <reg>it's</reg> in.
The Paws and Claws.
A cat's paw is a very <sic>complexed</sic> structure, the forepaw has 5 toepads, 5 claws and 2 large pads. The fifth claw acts like a human thumb and is used in climbing and holding on to <reg>its</reg> prey. The hind paw has 4 toe pads, 4 claws and 1 large pad. It is used when it is playing, <reg>hunting</reg>, digging, washing, feeding and climbing. The claws are curved, very sharp and are sheathed when not in use.
The Tail
The tail is a flexible extension to the spine and is used in lots of ways: balancing to steer when it is swimming and the expression of <reg>its</reg> moods. It is often used <sic>in</sic> teaching aid by the mother cat. To encourage the hunting skills of her kittens, the mother cat lets them pounce and stalk her tail.
page 11 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ index ]
Page 10
Coats of Cats
<gap desc="imported material">
Solid Coat
A solid coat only has one colour.
Smoke Coat
A smoke coat has a white undercoat covered by dark guard hairs.
Shaded Coat
A shaded coat is white with a dark colour on the tips of the guard hairs.
Tabby Coat
A Tabby coat has patterns of dark stripes and blotches on a lighter ground colour.
Parti-colour Coat
A parti-colour coat has two or more clearly <reg>defined</reg> colours.
Colour print Coat
A colour print coat has a solid colour on the trunk of the body and contrasting colour on the face, ears, feet and tail.
page 12 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ index ]
Page 11
Keeping your cat or kitten healthy
Grooming
Although cats and kittens lick themselves to keep clean, it would help your pet to keep healthy if you did some grooming too! Comb your pet at least once a week with a metal cat comb. Start grooming your kitten when it is young, so that it gets used to it and knows what to do when it is older.
Fleas
When you groom your cat or kitten, you might find some black specks and that your cat is scratching itself, this is probably the cause, fleas. Fleas are a problem for your pet and the owner. But don't worry because vets and pet shops will provide you with a <reg>spray</reg> or powder that you can use on your pet, but be careful not to get it in the cat's eyes and always read the label.
Worms
All kittens and cats should be regularly wormed against roundworm which is a parasite. Worms live in a cat's bowel and you might not know that they are there. So if you buy worming tablets from a pet store or the vet you will see your cat looking a lot better.
Upset Stomachs
Cats and kittens have stomach upsets often. But it's usually because they have eaten something they can't digest. Don't feed your pet for 1 day if it has an upset stomach. But for the next 5 days feed your cat boiled fish, chicken and rice. Don't give it milk. If your cat or kitten <reg>doesn't</reg> get any better, see your vet.
Your Vet
Lots of vets love working with cats and kittens. Make sure your pet is vaccinated and has booster injections every year.
page 13 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ index ]
Page 12
Eyes
Cats can often get red, sore eyes, especially when they have been fighting and they have been scratched on the face. But your vet will give you some eye drops to clear up the infections.
Ears
From time to time check your cat's ears to make sure they have nothing in them. If you do find something don't poke in your pet's ears yourself, let your vet do it.
Vaccinations
Kittens get lots of protection against major diseases from their mother's milk. The natural protections won't last that long and that is why it is important that it has <reg>its</reg>vaccinations.
Cat Flu
Cat flu can kill <reg>as well</reg>. This illness can cause a lot of distress and discomfort to the cat or kitten. The first signs of the illness are sneezing and sniffing and going off <reg>its</reg> food. That is why you must see your vet if your pet <reg>doesn't</reg> show any signs of getting better.
<figure> <figure> FLEA POWDER <figure>
page 14 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ index ]
Page 13
Showing your Cat
Showing your <NOTE desc="word missing"> is great fun, especially if it wins a prize or a rosette! But even if your cat <reg>doesn't</reg> win, the preparation and seeing other cats in their pens, can still be quite interesting.
Preparation for the show
Here are a number of items that you should take: a white blanket, 2 white dishes for food and water (a wide-based double compartment dish is best because it <reg>doesn't</reg> tip over easily), a white litter tray and litter but many shows provide litter and a soft brush for grooming your cat for a final time. The United States of America is a country which allows a wide range of <reg>decorations</reg> and colours in the competitions. Many cats get very frightened when it is stared at by large crowds of people. If this is the problem with your cat, then it would be unkind and unwise to show your cat for up to 8 hours. But if you want to show your cat, make sure it is happy about people staring at it.
Non-pedigree classes
There are lots of different types of classes in the household section of the cat show. Often, these cats are the ones with the most expressive eyes, shiniest coat or the most appealing face, so it makes this part of the show very interesting.
Showing pedigree Cats
There are 2 governing bodies in the British cat fancy: the Cat Association or the C.A. and The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy or the G.C.C.F. each have their own way of judging. The G.C.C.F. judge cats at their <reg>pens</reg> and in a closed hall where the public are not <reg>allowed</reg>. The C.A. uses 'ring judging' which means letting the public in, and they can talk to the owners.
page 15 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ index ]
Page 14
<figure>
<figure> 1st in Grooming
2nd in Behaviour
3rd in Movement
<figure> 1st
<figure> 2nd
<figure> 3rd
page 16 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ index ]
Page 15
Grooming
Grooming Shorthaired Cats
Use a wide-toothed comb and comb from the head towards the tail. And remove any loose hairs by brushing firmly but gently with a soft brush. Lots of people groom their cats by stroking their cat or kitten, firmly from head to tail and this gives <reg>its</reg> coat a nice shine.
Grooming Longhaired Cats
Follow the instructions, but comb gently, holding on to each bit of hair, so that you can avoid causing any discomfort. Then give your pet a final brush with a soft brush.
Fleas
When you groom your cat, you might see signs of fleas. This must be removed as soon as possible for the health of your cat and your family. Fleas breed very quickly, so hurry! get a flea powder or spray. Ask someone to help you because cats don't like flea powder, and they may move about and it would be difficult to put the powder or the spray on.
Bathing
Bathing your cat should be quite unnecessary, unless it needs to be well-groomed for a show or is very dirty. If you need to bath your cat, then use a mild soap for babies or a 'special pet' shampoo, followed by thorough drying.
<figure> <figure> FLEA POWDER <figure> FLEA SPRAY <figure> PET SHAMPOO <figure> SOAP
page 17 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ index ]
Page 16
A Survey of Favourite Pets in our Class
I asked everyone in our class this question: If you could choose a pet of your own, what would it be?
| Number | Initials | Pets |
| 1. | <gap desc="personal name"> | Kitten |
| 2. | <gap desc="personal name"> | Stag Beetle |
| 3. | <gap desc="personal name"> | Collared <reg>Lizard</reg> |
| 4. | <gap desc="personal name"> | Dog |
| 5. | <gap desc="personal name"> | Cat, or Dog |
| 6. | <gap desc="personal name"> | Dog |
| 7. | <gap desc="personal name"> | Cat |
| 8. | <gap desc="personal name"> | Cat. |
| 9. | <gap desc="personal name"> | Dog |
| 10. | <gap desc="personal name"> | Dog |
| 11. | <gap desc="personal name"> | Cat |
| 12. | <gap desc="personal name"> | Snake |
| 13. | <gap desc="personal name"> | Dolphin |
| 14. | <gap desc="personal name"> | Horse |
| 15. | <gap desc="personal name"> | Rabbit |
| 16. | <gap desc="personal name"> | Rabbit, Cat, dog and Hamster |
| 17. | <gap desc="personal name"> | Rabbit and Hamster |
| 18. | <gap desc="personal name"> | Hamster |
| 19. | <gap desc="personal name"> | Horse |
| 20. | <gap desc="personal name"> | Dog, Cat, Hamster, Horse and Fish |
| 21. | <gap desc="personal name"> | Dog |
| 22. | <gap desc="personal name"> | Dog |
| 23. | <gap desc="personal name"> | Snake |
| 24. | <gap desc="personal name"> | Cat |
| 25. | <gap desc="personal name"> | Electric Eel |
| 26. | <gap desc="personal name"> | Cobra |
| 27. | <gap desc="personal name"> | Chameleon |
| 28. | <gap desc="personal name"> | Dog |
| 29. | <gap desc="personal name"> | Snake |
| 30. | <gap desc="personal name"> | <reg>Lizard</reg> |
| 31. | <gap desc="personal name"> | Cat |
| 32. | <gap desc="personal name"> | Dog |
| 33. | <gap desc="personal name"> | Puppy |
| 34. | <gap desc="personal name"> | Horse |
| 35. | <gap desc="personal name"> | Hamster |
| 36. | <gap desc="personal name"> | Dog |
page 18 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ index ]
Page 16a
| Type of Pet | Number Choosing Each Pet |
| Dog | 12 |
| Cat | 9 |
| Hamster | 5 |
| Other Pet | 5 |
| Horse | 4 |
| Snake | 4 |
| Rabbit | 3 |
| Lizard | 2 |
This chart will give me the <reg>information</reg> I need to do my pie chart. The pie chart will show how many people chose each animal.
page 19 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ index ]
Page 16b
Pie Chart to show <reg>Survey's</reg> Results
This survey shows that the cat is the second most popular choice of pet in our class.
<figure>
Dog is <gap desc="colour key">
Cat is <gap desc="colour key">
Hamster is <gap desc="colour key">
Other Pet is <gap desc="colour key">
Horse is <gap desc="colour key">
Snake is <gap desc="colour key">
Rabbit is <gap desc="colour key">
Lizard is <gap desc="colour key">
page 20 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ index ]
Page 17
Photographs of Cats
<figure> This is Topsy. She belongs to my Granny. She is still living now.
<figure> This is also a picture of Topsy.
page 21 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ index ]
Page 18
<figure> This is Skippy. She belonged to my Grandad. But she is dead now.
<figure> This is another picture of Skippy.
<figure> This is a cat that belonged to my Granny.
<NOTE_LAN desc="IS THIS LIST A GRAPHIC">
Top Ten Cat Names
1. Sooty
2. Tiger
3. Smokey
4. Tigger
5. Whisky
6. Kitty
7. Lucky
8. Susie/Suzie
9. Fluffy
10. Snowy
page 22 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ index ]
Page 19
Questions and Answers about Cats
1. Why does a cat purr?: If a cat is in great pain, injured, in labour, or even dying, a cat often purrs loud and long as well as when it is happy.
2. Why does a cat <sic>liked</sic> being stroked?: A cat likes being stroked because it looks upon humans as mother cats. And when a kitten is being licked by <reg>its</reg> mother, your hand on the kitten's fur is like their mother's tongue.
3. Why does the tom cat grab the female by the scruff of her neck?: When the male and the female cat mate, the female swipes out and beats the male and the male cat holds the female by the scruff of her neck so that he <reg>doesn't</reg> get hurt any further.
4. Why is a female cat called a queen?: A female cat is called a queen because she rules over the male and tells him what to do.
5. Why is a male cat called a tom?: In the year 1760, there was a book published called The Life and Adventures of a Cat. In the book they called a male cat a 'ram cat' but before long it was changed to 'Tom Cat'. The word tom has survived for over 200 years.
6. Why do we say 'a cat has nine lives'?: In ancient times the number nine was considered a lucky number and it suited a cat perfectly.
7. Why do we say '<reg>it's</reg> raining cats and dogs'?: Several centuries ago, at a time when the streets of cities and towns were narrow, filthy and had poor drainage there was not very often a flood. But when it did happen, it flooded the streets and lots of starving cats and dogs got killed because they were too weak to run away. And when it was over people looked out of their windows and saw the dead cats and dogs, and people thought they had fallen from the sky, and <reg>that's</reg>how we get that phrase.
page 23 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ index ]
<figure>
Page 20
A Poem about Cats
The Cat and the Moon
The cat went here and there
And the moon spun round like a top,
And the nearest kiss of the moon,
The creeping cat, looked up.
Black Minnaloushe stared at the moon,
For, wander and wail as he would,
The pure cold light in the sky
Troubled his animal blood.
Minnaloushe runs in the grass
Lifting his delicate feet.
Do you dance, Minnaloushe, do you dance?
When two close kindred meet,
What better than call a dance?
Maybe the moon may learn,
Tired of that courtly fashion,
A new dance turn.
Minnaloushe creeps through the grass
From moonlit place to place,
The sacred moon overhead
Has taken a new phase.
Does Minnaloushe know that his pupils
Will pass from change to change,
And that from round to crescent
From crescent to round they range?
Minnaloushe creeps through the grass
Alone, important and wise,
And lifts to the changing moon
His changing eyes.
By William Butler Yeats
page 24 [ previous page ] [ index ]
Page 21
Bibliography
Granda Guides Cats by Howard Laxton
A Discovery Guide The World of Cats By Joan Moore
My Pet Cat by Nigel Taylor
Kitten Care for Children by Grace Mchattie, provided by AK
Catwatching by Desmond Morris, provided by my Granny
Cats Cats Cats Cats by John R.Gilbert, provided by my Grandma
Mrs <name key="Year 5 teacher">'s Computer and Colour Printer
<name key="Denise Smetana">'s brother's Computer
<name key="Denise Smetana">'s Fun Fax
<figure>