This may sound surprising to some, but the actual physical process that causes cats to purr is still unknown to science. Yes, even after hundreds of years of veterinary study, no one has figured out how cats are able to make such sounds. While the physical action a cat performs to make purring sounds is unknown, most have been able to successfully figure out why cats purr. The reason is the same one cats do many things – it is an evolutionary safety mechanism that helps cats survive.

Cats do a lot of odd things to stay safe and secure. For example, cats love to perch high atop things so they can gain a clear vision of a perimeter. This way, the cat can notice predators and prey from safe distances. This behavior has help cats remain alive for thousands of years. Purring is somewhat a derivative of this type of evolutionary behavior since it also helps cats maintain their safety.

At birth, cats do not have the ability to see or even utter clear sounds. This means they cannot communicate problems to their mother effectively. However, it is critical that the cat’s mother know if things are “all right” with the kitten. That is why the cat will emit purring sounds which are vibration based sounds that communicate to the mother cat that the kitten is okay.

Of course, this leads to obvious questions as to why an adult cat will make purring sounds to humans. The answer lies in the cat’s perceived relationship with its new owner.

Unlike dogs, cats are not considered pack animals. That means they do not instinctively follow a leader. However, when cats start to feel comfortable with a new human owner, they start to develop an appreciation and affection for the person that cares for and feeds them. Also unlike dogs, cats have very deep and strong memories and they start to equate their relationship with humans as one similar to the relationship they had with their mother. Cats will eventually equate their new human owner with their mother. When they are petted and treated with affection, they will respond by purring. Again, this is the cat sending a very clear message about being “A-ok.” When you hear a cat purring, it is reasonable to conclude the cat is feeling happy and content. Really, why would a cat not feel happy when it is being provided with a safe home and free meals? And, of course, why should it not feel happy when it is in the presence of a loving, caring owner?

Generally urinary tract infection is not a great concern with cats. It’s more common in male cats and that too only 10% of the male cats ever get affected by it primarily because cats are clean creatures.

Let’s have a look at the other frequent cat ailments:

Worms: Worms can make your cat malnourished and sick. If worms are not checked in time, they can make your cat weak which can cause a lot of complications.

Food Poisoning: The proverb “curiosity killed the cat” isn’t coined for nothing. Cats are avid hunters, however domesticated cats can’t really make out the difference between poisonous and harmless prey. Sometimes, other wild animals carry some or the other infection, which can cause food poisoning. Hence, it’s a good idea to let your cat out under your supervision.

Sores: Cats are famous for cat fights whenever they get a chance. Hence, don’t be surprised to see your pet fighting with any other cat or animal. If you come to know that a fight has happened, you need make sure that your pet is not hurt. If the cat is wounded, then the wound may become a sore or an abscess leading to further infection. The tell tale signs would be swelling and slight fever. It’s a good idea to get your feline checked up by the doctor.

Cat Flu: Cat flu has the same symptoms as in humans but is a nastier version for the cat. This is because the flu tends to infect the lungs and spreads easily. Hence your cat may find it difficult to breathe. Symptoms include fever, appetite loss, coughing, sneezing, watery eyes and nose.

Ringworms: The classic symptoms of ring worms are dry skin particularly near the ears and eyes which turn into red lesions. This particular illness can also be contracted by humans since it is very infectious.

Feline Infectious Enteritis: Also called Feline distemper is one of the most dreaded diseases. In most cases this disease affects the kittens and can be fatal. Vaccinations are available to prevent this disease.

Feline infectious peritonitis: This disease is characterized by inflammation of the abdomen, appetite loss and fever. This malady is also mostly fatal for cats.

Cats need to be looked after like children. Good healthy food, optimum exercise and regular visits to the doctor will enhance your pet’s life which will enable you to enjoy your pet for a long time to come.

However, the fact of the matter is that commercial has a lot of drawbacks. Generally the meat used is low grade and some times by products are used (for example the left over portions from the meat) and even the preservatives and the artificial ingredients are used. The food is generally packed in cans which have BPA lining.

Due to all these reasons, most pet lovers have started opting for home cooked food for their pets. Cooking at home doesn’t need to be a gourmet kind of affair with expensive and unheard of ingredients. Your cat doesn’t need anything fancy all the time. There are a lot of simple home made cat food recipes which can be prepared in a jiffy. Once you know the basic recipes, you can always mix and match them with various permutations and combinations for the sake of variety.

All you need to make sure is that the most important ingredient in cat food is meat. Hence, you can try different vegetables and items and keep varying the ingredients to create a variety.

Here are some easy cat food recipes for your feline friend.

Chicken and Pasta: Who doesn’t love pasta. Your cat is sure to love this dish as it has both pasta and chicken in it.

Ingredients:

Left over chicken/meat
3 cooked small carrots
3 cups cooked macaroni
1 table spoon vegetable oil

Method: It cannot get easier than this. All you need to do is cook the macaroni and chicken and carrots separately. Once that’s done, mix everything together along with the oil and the meal is ready!

Kitty bites: Feel like dishing up something for your kitty in a jiffy? Here is some hash in a dash, only home made.

Ingredients:

1 tbs corn oil
1 tbs liver (chopped)
2 tbs bisques
1 tbs cottage cheese
(Tbs means table spoon)

All you need to do is to mix everything together and your feline friend can have her meal.

Cat and fish: Cats love fish and relish trout. This recipe is sure going to make her mouth water.

Ingredients:

3 tbs oatmeal
1 small trout fillet
1 egg yolk

Beat the yolk well and keep it in a bowl. Coat the trout with oatmeal after dipping it in yolk. Heat it on 350 F in the oven after greasing the baking tray. Once it’s cooked, you can cut it for serving.

These are some of the simplest home made cat food recipes which take no time in cooking. So, go ahead and let your cat feel your love through your cooking. After all the way to the heart is through the stomach, whether it’s an animal or man!

Here are some of the most popular cat breeds and their unique characteristics:

• The Oriental: Oriental cats are quite popular with most people. These cats are pretty smart and can be trained easily. Moreover, they are also quite loyal to their owner and his family. Though muscular, this cat is looks sleek with pointed and big ears.
• American Short Hair: Most families like this breed since this is a family cat. This cat loves being stroked and petted by its owners and is quite happy to stay in the lap all day long. It’s also an avid mouse hunter and is quite muscular and agile. It is content with minimal exercise and has short hair. Great for people who don’t want a very demanding cat.
• The Birman: It’s believed that this cat has its origins in Burma. It’s quite a pretty cat and has white body and blue eyes. The face, tail, ears and legs are smoky brown. The body structure is long and sturdy and they have long hair which is mat resistant. This cat is quite gentle and playful. It is a loving cat but does not pine for attention.
• Sphynx: People, who need very loving and demonstrative cats, can go in for sphinx. Recognized by peach like fuzz and a furless look, this cat loves being with its owners. These cats are sensitive and need a lot of care especially in regards to the temperature of the room, as they don’t have much fur to protect them from the cold. Generally it’s recommended that these cats remain indoors.
• Ragdoll: If you need a cat which is gentle with the children and does not use its claws or teeth while playing with them, then Ragdoll is a good variety. This cat is aptly named since it’s quite a gentle creature and quite floppy to pick up. It loves to remain with its owner and follows him through the house. In other words, a great cat for cat lovers who love to cuddle their cats.

These are some of the well known cat breeds which are quite popular as pets. However, each person has different preferences and requirements. Hence, you need to choose a cat which is apt for your lifestyle.