FELINES

It has become the norm to possibly inherit a kitten, or cat during some time in our lives. While, it has become the norm, it can also be said the understanding of these creatures is at a minimum. For the average pet owner, the history of felines, their natural instincts, and characteristics can easily become lost in the simple act of caring for our little furry companions. Keeping water, food, and a litter box can easily amount to proficient and successful. Especially with some cats they grow to become completely adaptable to our own everyday lives, this could be considered a truly domesticated kitty. Though, in consideration, a large percentage of felines are not truly domesticated. Exhibiting signs of frustration, abnormal potty habits, or even dominating other members of the house can come across as behavioral issues. When it comes to training a cat it will be best to begin with considerations to the environment, stimuli, and engagements.

In this portion, we will do our best to open our feline minds and bring us closer to our four legged family members. Discussing history, dietary discussion and supplements, behavior, and much more. If you find you are left with any questions - please feel free to message us, including any questions or discussion topics you'd like to see. Remember to always do your own research, and any medical concerns should always be addressed in combination with any behavior assessments to have a better understanding of their health and well being, including their state of mind - and vice versa.

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THE TAMED OR DOMESTICATED

Tracing back to the first known domesticated cat wasn't an easy voyage for scientist to achieve, it can be noted that it is still unknown. The main controversy of this comes from the route definition: domesticate. In the science community cats are not so much seen as "domesticated" but can be more defined as "tamed." The earliest historical record of human and feline partnership can be estimated to be about 13,000 years ago, and yet, still up for debate due to the unknown relationship between human and cat. While, canines have been notably domesticated throughout history for over 27,000 years to estimated 40,000 years. In overall perspective, scientists still do debate the true "first domestication." While, it can be discussed that a symbiotic relationship most likely began once a population would settle down and rodents would begin to emerge. Felines would inevitably find their way around, and in turn humans would begin to enjoy the up keep in pest control.

Illistration: Shillourokambos site; Cyprus. Cat and human burial site estimated 9,500 years old. Click photo to visit site.

ANCIENT HISTORY

Thanks to science and dedicated research to finding the first domesticated feline, the journey begins by studying Mitochondrial DNA. Breaking down the felis catus or cat lineage into two routes - felis silvestris silvestris meaning European wildcat & felis silvestris lybica meaning African wildcat. The first record of the European wildcat turned "house cat" can be found in historical Anatolia. Now known as Asia Minor, this site can be pinpointed on an island located in the Mediterranean Sea, just below Turkey, what we today know as the country of Cyprus.

Click to research even further into this excavation and what else it can mean for the feline world.

When thinking of the natural instinct of our indoor snuggly predators we tend to only think of their hunting instincts. When in fact, their hunting quality contributes to additional instinctual characteristics such as their instinct to be solitary, ambush instincts, and a perching instinct. By understanding this, it gives us a better view into the world of our family felines. In addition, observing daily behavior and characteristics is a large window into overall mental and physical well-being. With instinctive behavior, being their initial primal survival, the select few of felines brought into the home begin to show significant different characteristics. With the influence of their surroundings, some of these felines can become minorly distorted and learn unwanted behaviors. Even minor behaviors like knocking things down, random urinating, or hiding are simple signs to point towards a disturbance in their natural habitat. Bringing our felines inside closed doors is a luxury, but with that comes a responsibility to offer the most natural environment for optimal living.

NUTRITION

With a large percentage of cats on the higher spectrum of the weight scale, nutrition becomes a large focus. As our nutritional intake would have a direct relationship with our daily activities, and so the same stands true for all creatures. Not only can daily diet influence internal function by chemicals and vitamins absorbed through the body, but as well have a direct influence with behavioral characteristics. For sustainable health, for example, cats actually need 4 to 5 ounces of water per 5 ounces of body weight. Getting a large percentage of moisture from their diet, some other essential vitamins and minerals can include Vitamins A, D, E, calcium, sodium, iron, and magnesium. A proper diet can greatly influence the behavior in your feline, helping with their environmental solitude.