Culture

The Goddess Bastet and the Ancient Egyptian Cat Cult

mehshadoweye

Meredith Hemphill

mehshadoweye

Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

Bronze Bastet figurine
Late Period bronze figurine of Bastet in the Louvre Museum – photo by Rama on Wikimedia Commons

Cats and humans have a long and complicated relationship that dates back thousands of years. Their earliest interactions are a bit murky, but many historians believe that cats were first domesticated in ancient Egypt, where they became an important part of the culture. The relationship between ancient Egyptians and their cats is exemplified by the cat-headed goddess Bastet and her cult of feline worship.

The Rise of Bastet

Bastet, also known as Bast or Basht, was the daughter of the sun god Ra and the goddess of fertility, childbirth, protection (especially of women and children), and the home [1-5]. In early depictions, Bastet has the head of a lioness, but as her popularity rose during the New Kingdom, she came to be associated with domestic cats instead [2, 3]. These depictions of the goddess typically show her with a sistrum, a percussion instrument, in her right hand [1, 2, 4, 5]. The goddess is also represented as a seated cat [1-5].

Feline Domestication

Egyptians first encountered cats in the form of Felis chaus, the jungle cat, and Felis lybica, the African wildcat [1]. Both species look a bit like the modern housecat, but it was F. lybica that became the ancestor of the domestic cat, Felis catus [1]. F. lybica is smaller, less aggressive, and lived closer to that civilization than F. chaus [1]. The African wildcat’s striped yellowish or orangish fur was passed down to domestic cats [1].

Bronze Egyptian cat statue
Bronze Egyptian cat statue (663-525 B.C.E.) in the Worchester Art Museum – photo by Daderot on Wikimedia Commons

Cats were not so much domesticated by humans; they domesticated themselves. There were two major threats in the daily lives of ancient Egyptians: venomous snakes and rodents eating their crops [1]. Large concentrations of people attract lots of rodents eager to take advantage of their food stores and garbage. Snakes are attracted by rodents as well as the nice, warm human dwellings. But the wildcats came into town to hunt the rodents and the snakes, and ancient Egyptians were pleased with the results [1]. Villagers went out of their way to encourage the pest patrol to stay, and the wildcats were happy to stay where prey was plentiful and predators were few [1]. A partnership of sorts developed, and as the wildcats became used to humans, they became less wild [1]. Eventually, they became pets, and then, little goddesses in the flesh [1].

Worship of Bastet

Bastet’s center of worship and grandest temple was at Bubastis [1-4]. A major reason for Bastet’s meteoric rise in popularity was that Bubastis became the capital in the first millennium [1]. The Greek historian Herodotus described the temple as a square edifice of stone built on an island with channels to either side and a grove of trees planted in its central courtyard [4]. The temple provided a variety of social services for Bubastis, such as medical care, food, and counseling [4]. Worshippers traveled from all over the country came to the temple at Bubastis which was, unsurprisingly, filled with thousands of pampered cats [1]. The devoted gave offerings to the goddess such as figurines in the shape of cats or Bastet herself, jars of perfume, and mummified cats [1, 2, 4].

Cat mummy in sarcophagus
Cat mummy in sarcophagus (305 B.C.E.) at the Brooklyn Museum – photo from Wikipedia Loves Art Project

Cat Mummies

Oh yes, mummified cats. Pet cats could be brought to the temple for mummification and burial, presumably so these beloved family members could join their human companions in the afterlife [1]. However, cats were also mummified specifically to offer to Bastet [1, 4]. The ancient Egyptians did this with other animals as well, including ibises and dogs. Archeologists discovered one cat cemetery in Bubastis, dating to about 900 B.C.E., which contained close to 300,000 mummies [1]!

Egyptologists believe that the priests of Bastet maintained catteries at her temples to mass-produce cat mummies [1]. They would sell the mummies to pilgrims looking to make an offering at the temple [1]. Analysis of these mummies often reveals head or neck trauma, indicating a violent death and untimely death [1]. Diodorus Siculus, another Greek historian, reported that anyone in ancient Egypt who was found to have killed a cat would immediately be put to death via mob justice [1]. If this is true, I can only assume that these mummy factories were not common knowledge, and archeology discovered a very, very long-buried scandal.

The Festival of Bastet at Bubastis

Egyptian bronze cat with kittens
Late Ptolemaic Period Cat with Kittens (664-30 B.C.E.) – photo from Brooklyn Museum on Wikimedia Commons

Every year, a big festival was thrown in honor of Bastet at Bubastis [1, 3, 4]. Much of what we know about this event comes from Herodotus as well [1, 3, 4]. There could be 700,000 worshippers in attendance [1, 3, 4]. The festival resembled Carnivale or Mardi Gras in its wild revelry [4]. It began with attendees traveling to Bubastis by river, singing and dancing and playing music all the way [3, 4]. Upon reaching Bubastis, the festival would turn into a citywide party [1, 3, 4]. Unhindered celebration with music and wine was believed to please Bastet and perhaps represented her nature as a fertility deity [3, 4].

“But when they have reached Bubastis, they make a festival with great sacrifices, and more wine is drunk at this feast than in the whole year besides.”

Herodotus, Histories, Book 11.60

Works Cited

  1. Adams, A. L. (2021). For the love of Bastet: A history of cats in ancient Egypt. Veterinary Heritage, 44(1), 27-33.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2022, September 16). Bastet. In Encyclopaedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Bastet
  3. Lange-Athinodorou, E. (n.d.). The goddess Bastet and the cult of feline deities in the Nile delta. American Research Center in Egypt. https://www.arce.org/resource/goddess-bastet-and-cult-feline-deities-nile-delta
  4. Mark, J. J. (2016, July 24). Bastet. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/Bastet/
  5. Scott, N. E. (1958). The cat of Bastet. The Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin, 17(1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.2307/3258805

Published 28 November 2022

Culture

Kaibyo: More Japanese Cat Folklore

mehshadoweye

Meredith Hemphill

mehshadoweye

Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

Black and white cat on a rock
Photo by Eva Bronzini on Pexels

Last year, I wrote about bakeneko and nekomata, two yokai, or supernatural entities, from Japanese folklore. Since then, I have learned about even more Japanese cats creatures, and I am delighted to share them with you. This article is mostly derived from a book called Kaibyo: The Supernatural Cats of Japan by Zack Davisson. I highly recommend it if you would like to learn more.

What is a “kaibyo,” you may be wondering? It means “strange cats,” and the term that encompasses all feline yokai [1]. Kaibyo mostly consist of different bakeneko and nekomata, however one of the strange cats on our list today is neither [1, 4].

Kasha (火車)

The word kasha means “fire cart” [1-3]. You’re probably thinking that was a typo, but it was not. Kasha are a type of oni (demon) that originated with depictions on Kamakura Era hell scrolls of oni carrying sinners in flaming carts [1, 2]. The hell scrolls, jigoku-zoshi, were an art form that depicted the horrors of the Buddhist hell in order to scare the illiterate masses into following the way of the Buddha [1, 2]. These early kasha were not cat-like [1]. Edo Period artist Toriyama Sekien drew the first known feline kasha in 1776 [1].

Toriyama Sekien’s kasha – Wikimedia Commons

The cat-like kasha that became the dominant lore is a bakeneko, or “changing cat” [1, 3]. Some said a housecat becomes a kasha because it gained power through old age [1]. Others believed that cats left alone with a dead body transform into kasha [1]. Whenever someone died, cats would be driven from the house to keep this from happening [1].

Why were people so afraid their cat might become a kasha? Because kasha are fiery, corpse-stealing necromancers [1-3]. Kasha descend from trees and rooftops during funerals to steal the body away–sometimes to drag the sinner to hell, sometimes to eat, and sometimes to play with [1, 3]. Kasha are able to raise the dead, apparently not in a happy way, or to manipulate lifeless bodies like puppets [1, 3]. In their true form, kasha are at least as large as a person, walk on their hind legs, and have an aura of fire or lightning [3].

Bakeneko Yujo (化猫遊女)

As the name suggests, this kaibyo is a type of bakeneko. Like all bakeneko, bakeneko yujo are known for their shapeshifting abilities. “Yujo” refers to sex workers, so the name speaks for itself [1]. Bakeneko yujo were said to be beautiful sex workers who were actually shapeshifting cats in disguise, perhaps luring men to their chambers to meet a grisly end [1, 4].

The bakeneko yujo arose as an urban legend during the highly creative Edo Period [1]. The tales were spread and popularized by kiboshi (“yellow books”), very short, cheap, and lurid novels like the European penny dreadfuls [1]. In the typical tale, a customer arranges the services of a sex worker, only to wake up in the middle of the night to see her casting a feline shadow and realize what she is [1]. The reader doesn’t usually find out the man’s fate [1]. Some stories are more grostesque, such as one where the customer witnesses the bakeneko yujo in a feline form chewing a human arm [1].

Bakeneko Yujo by Torii Kiyonaga,1775 – Wikimedia Commons

Though the urban legend started out creepy and sometimes grisly, bakeneko yujo became an object of desire [1]. Men would specifically go in search of sex workers who might be kaibyo in disguise [1]. The sex workers quickly realized they could take advantage of this and would play into the legend with such little tricks as keeping pet cats and asking their customers for gifts of seafood [1]. Today, human felinity still evokes a sense of beauty and sex appeal in Japan [1, 4].

Neko Musume (猫娘)

A neko musume is a kaibyo all her own, neither bakeneko nor nekomata [1, 4]. Neko musume means “cat daughter” or, figuratively, “cat girl” [1, 4]. Neko musume are cat/human hybrids, possessing distinctly feline physical and behavioral traits [1, 4]. The legend originated with the misemono of the mid-1700s [1]. These carnivals included freak show-like displays of oddities, both objects and people [1]. Yokai were a popular subject [1].

One such misemono performer was known as the neko musume, and she was very popular [1]. No pictures of her exist, but she was described as looking exactly like a hybrid of human and cat, as she claimed [1]. Whether this was due to a medical condition or clever cosmetics, no one knows [1].

Neko musume began to appear in literature in 1800 [1]. The increasingly popular stories often involve the frustrated efforts of parents to handle a daughter who looks and acts kind of like a cat [1, 4]. The feline features vary, but a habit of hunting and eating small rodents is usually a prominent feature [1]. In one story, a mother at the end of her rope finally decides to take advantage of her odd daughter’s talents and makes the neko musume the village’s professional ratcatcher [1]. A whole genre of human/animal hybrid stories was spawned from the popularity of these strange tales [1, 4].

Cat girls, as well as other hybrids, remain popular in Japanese media today [1, 4]. There is famously a cat girl in the manga and anime Gegege no Kitaro named, creatively, Neko-Musume [4].

Works Cited

  1. Davisson, Z. (2021). Kaibyo: The supernatural cats of Japan (2nd ed.). Mercuria Press: Portland, OR.
  2. Grossen, S. (n.d.). Kasha. Bakemono no e scroll. https://bakemono.lib.byu.edu/yokai/kasha/
  3. Meyer, M. (n.d.). Kasha. Yokai.com. https://yokai.com/kasha/
  4. Montald, I. (2020, May 11). Youkai manual: Bakeneko & nekomata. Wonderland Japan WAttention. https://wattention.com/youkai-manual-bakeneko-nekomata/

Published October 9, 2022

Breed Profiles

Ragdoll: The Most Laidback Cat You’ll Ever Meet

mehshadoweye

Meredith Hemphill

mehshadoweye

Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

Bicolor Ragdoll cat on blue velvet
Lilac Bicolor Ragdoll – Image by 孟想家 from Pixabay

One of the biggest, fluffiest cats is also the cuddliest and most relaxed. The Ragdoll is an easy-going snuggle bug known for going limp like a ragdoll when held. They are a consistently popular breed, despite being quite expensive and new to the cat fancy [4, 12]. Let’s meet these friendly giants.

The Cat from Space?

The Ragdoll’s origins are fairly mundane, although there are some creative conspiracy theories about them. A woman named Ann Baker developed the breed in Riverside, California in the early 1960s [4-9, 11, 12]. Baker began with a long-haired, white stray she-cat she found in her neighborhood and named Josephine [5-9, 11, 12]. Baker added other domestic longhairs that she owned or found to the breeding program, selecting for gentle temperaments, large size, and long colorpoint coats [4-8]. She recruited other breeders to help expand her new breed [1, 4, 11]. Persians, Birmans, and Burmese may have been added to the program [7, 8].

Ann Baker named her creation the Ragdoll for their tendency to relax limply when picked up [6, 7, 12]. However, she had increasingly eccentric ideas about why the cats behave this way. She claimed that Josephine only had “normal” kittens until she was hit by a car and had to be taken to a veterinary center where Baker said Josephine’s genes were altered [4, 11]. All the litters she bore afterwards, allegedly, had the Ragdoll temperament. The stories only got stranger, incorporating space alien involvement, CIA experiments, and human-to-cat gene splicing [2, 6].

We can’t say why Ann Baker said those things, or if she truly believed them. It is public knowledge that the other Ragdoll breeders she had recruited started to distance themselves from her and developed the breed to show quality without her [4, 6, 11].

Breed Characteristics

Appearance and Patterning

Ragdolls are big kitties, weighing 10-20 pounds (4.5-9 kg) with females typically smaller than males [4-9, 11]. Ragdolls have long, heavy-boned bodies [1, 6, 11]. Their paws are tufted, and their tails are plumed [6]. Ragdolls all have blue eyes [1, 4-9, 11]. Their fur is semi-long, soft, and silky [4-7, 9, 11]. The fur is longest on their necks, creating a ruff [1, 6, 9].

Ragdoll cats come in four coat patterns: colorpoint, mitted, bicolor, and van [1, 4-8, 11, 12]. They can be any color and can also be lynx (tabby), tortoiseshell, or both [4-6, 8, 11, 12]. Colorpoint cats are darkest on their face, feet, tail, and ears. Mitted Ragdolls have a colorpoint pattern except their paws are white, giving the appearance that they’re wearing white mittens [1, 4-8, 11, 12]. Bicolors are white on all four paws, underbelly, chest, and an inverted V on their face [1, 4-6, 7, 11, 12]. Vans are mostly white with full color only on the ears, tail, top of the face mask, and sometimes scattered on the body [5, 12]. Not all cat associations recognize the Van pattern.

Personality

Ragdolls are very people-oriented and affectionate [4-6, 8, 11, 12]. They love to cuddle and spend time with their humans [4, 6, 8, 9, 11]. They are famously gentle and docile [2, 5-7, 11]. Though they’re reputation for flopping about like a plush toy may make them seem lazy, they actually aren’t. While it’s true that Ragdolls are not an active breed per se, they are quite playful [6, 11]. Some even enjoy learning tricks and games like fetch [4-6, 11, 12].

Ragdolls tend to be “floor cats,” in the words of the Cat Fanciers’ Association [4, 5]. They usually prefer being on or near the ground and aren’t much for climbing, high jumps, and feats of aerial acrobatics [4, 5, 6, 12]. That doesn’t mean they don’t need any space to themselves, though! It just means a Ragdoll will usually prefer something shorter like a scratching post or hideaway box.

Ragdoll Myths

Seal point Ragdoll cat on tile floor
Seal Mitted Ragdoll – Image by atrix9 from Pixabay

1. Ragdolls are hypoallergenic.

Because their pelt lacks an undercoat, Ragdolls don’t shed as much as most cats [4-6, 9]. Because of this, there is a myth that they are hypoallergenic. However, it is cats’ saliva and dander that cause allergic reactions in people with cat allergies [9]. Less shedding may mean those allergens aren’t spread around the house quite so much, so some allergy sufferers might find Ragdolls easier to be around [9]. But there’s no guarantee. Therefore Ragdolls are not considered a hypoallergenic breed [4, 9].

2. All Ragdolls go limp every time you pick them up.

The breed’s name ensures that it’s reputation precedes it. Many people are under the impression that there is a special Ragdoll mutation affecting the nervous system that causes the Ragdoll flop [2]. However, the truth is that Ragdolls were simply bred to be so relaxed and friendly that they just melt when given affection [2]. Not all of these cats will ragdoll like that, though [2]. Every cat is an individual, and every interaction is unique.

3. Ragdolls do not feel pain.

This is an odd but persistent myth that reportedly goes all the way back to Josephine. The theory goes that because she gave birth to the first Ragdoll kittens after being hit by a car, the kittens and their descendants do not feel pain [1]. Medically, that is ridiculous. I suspect the docile and tolerant temperament of the cats made people think they were insensitive to pain, and people made up a reason why that would be the case. This is completely false, however. Ragdolls may be willing to put up with a lot, but they feel pain and discomfort just as much as any other cat [1, 12].

Living with Ragdolls

Ragdolls are considered a low-maintenance breed. Their fur isn’t prone to matting, thus requires only regular combing [4-7, 9, 11, 12]. The lack of undercoat can cause some Ragdolls to build up grease in their fur, so they need occasional baths [4, 6]. There are professionals who do that if you’re feeling intimidated.

This is a breed that gets along with everybody. They love people, are patient with children, and get along with other animals, including dogs [4, 6, 9, 11, 12]. In short, Ragdolls are great family pets. Because they are calm, cuddly, and not super active, they can be good pets for seniors who need some company [4]. They are soft-spoken cats and not very talkative [6, 8]. This can make them a good option for apartment living where a loud cat might bother the neighbors [8].

Ragdolls do need a lot of attention and are prone to loneliness [4]. If you want an independent cat that won’t mind being left home alone a lot, this is not the breed for you. A Ragdoll is likely to meet you at the door, follow you around, and try to participate in everything you are doing [4, 5, 6, 8, 12]. They just want to be your best friend.

Health Concerns

Ragdolls are pretty healthy cats, probably due to their origins among random-bred cats, but there are a few problems they have a genetic predisposition to. Like other large breeds, they are prone to obesity, so their food intake needs to be monitored carefully [9]. They also have an elevated risk of developing Feline Infectious Peritonitis [6].

Ragdoll cats have a predisposition to urinary tract problems, especially bladder stones [4, 6, 9]. Making sure your Ragdoll stays well-hydrated is important for prevention [9]. Finally, Ragdolls have a unique risk for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the most common form of heart disease in cats [3, 4, 6, 9, 10]. There is a mutation of the myosin binding protein C3 gene prevalent only in the Ragdoll breed that makes them more likely to develop HCM [3, 10]. Cats with two copies of the mutation are at much greater risk [3]. Fortunately, there is now a genetic test for this mutation, called MYBPC3 R820W, that enables breeders to choose not to breed cats that carry it [3, 6, 9, 10].

If you are considering bringing a Ragdoll into your home, remember that even purebred cats end up in shelters and rescues. Look first at breed-specific rescues such as Ragdoll Rescue USA or Merlin’s Hope Ragdoll Rescue in Texas, as well as your local shelter.

Fun Facts

  • One name considered for the breed early on was Cherubim. [7]
  • Ragdoll cats are slow to mature. They take 4 years to finish growing! [1, 5, 6, 11, 12]
  • A Ragdoll named Frank and Louie was the longest-living Janus cat, or two-faced cat. Despite his rare congenital deformity, Frank and Louie lived to be 15 years old. [8]
Frank and Louie

Works Cited

  1. Alderton, D. (1992). Cats: The visual guide to more than 250 types of cats from around the world. Dorling Kindersley: London.
  2. Becker, M. & Spadafori, G. (2006). Do cats always land on their feet? 101 of the most perplexing questions answered about feline unfathomables, medical mysteries, & befuddling behaviors. Health Communications, Inc.: Deerfield Beach, FL.
  3. Borgeat, K., Casamian-Sorrosal, D., Helps, C., Fuentes, V. L., et al. (2014). Association of the myosin binding protein C3 mutation (MYBPC3 R820W) with cardiac death in a survey of 236 Ragdoll cats. Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 16(2), 73-80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvc.2014.03.005
  4. Braaksma, H. & Guthrie, C. (2022, July 13). Ragdoll. DailyPaws. https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/cat-breeds/ragdoll
  5. Cat Fanciers’ Association. (n.d.). About the Ragdoll. https://cfa.org/ragdoll/
  6. Cattime. (n.d.). Ragdoll cats. https://cattime.com/cat-breeds/ragdoll-cats#/slide/1
  7. Edwards, A. (2006). The ultimate encyclopedia of cat, cat breeds, and cat care. Hermes House: London.
  8. Fawcett, K. (2022, May 5). 7 facts about Ragdoll cats. Mental Floss. https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/78233/8-friendly-facts-about-ragdoll-cats
  9. Fratt, K. (2022, June 27). Ragdoll cat: Breed profile, characteristics, and care. The Spruce Pets. https://www.thesprucepets.com/ragdoll-cat-breed-profile-4583144
  10. Meurs, K. M., Norgard, M. M., Ederer, M. M., Hendrix, K. P., et al. (2007). A substitution mutation in the myosin binding protein C gene in ragdoll hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Genetics, 90(2), 61-264. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygeno.2007.04.007
  11. The International Cat Association. (2018, August 13). Ragdoll breed. https://tica.org/breeds/browse-all-breeds?view=article&id=868:ragdoll-breed&catid=79
  12. Thornton, K. C. (2018, January 16). The Ragdoll cat: All about this fascinating cat breed. Catster. https://www.catster.com/cats-101/about-the-ragdoll-cat

Published September 11th, 2022

Updated June 14th, 2023

Behavior

Why Do Cats Bite When You Pet Them?

mehshadoweye

Meredith Hemphill

mehshadoweye

Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

Tuxedo cat biting fingers
Photo by Crina Doltu at Pexels

You are sitting on the sofa with your cat snuggled up in your lap. You are stroking your kitty’s fur and thinking this is one of those perfect moments having a pet is all about. Then your cat whips around and clamps their teeth down on your hand. For many people, this is one of the most baffling things their cat does. It may seem sudden, unprovoked, or even just mean, but cats don’t do anything without cause. In fact, there are a few reasons why cats bite when we pet them.

Biting during petting is called petting-induced aggression or “love bites” [3, 6, 7]. While it may be cute to call them love bites, they are not a sign of affection. Cats usually bite when pet to tell the person touching them that they’ve had enough [1-4, 6, 7]. Most cats will give non-aggressive warnings first, but if those go unnoticed or ignored, a cat only has so many ways to say “Hey, stop that!”

Why would they want you to stop showering them in love and attention? Cats are extremely sensitive to touch, and too much petting causes them to become overstimulated [1, 4, 6, 7]. When a cat is overstimulated, their senses are overloaded, and they just can’t stand any more.

Cats may also bite when pet if they are in pain. Conditions such as arthritis, injuries, toothaches, and ear infections can cause cats to bite or scratch if you pet them on or near the sore spot [5-7]. My childhood cat, Milo, was a 24/7 love bug until he got arthritis in his old age. Then petting his lower back earned you a swipe. If your cat suddenly exhibits petting-induced aggression for the first time or in a new way, have the veterinarian check for a medical reason.

If your cat licks you before biting, they may be “grooming” you and getting carried away [3]. And some cats just think it’s playtime. Young cats and kittens are especially likely to mistake petting hands for toys [2, 5].

How to Tell If Your Cat is About to Bite

If you’re observant, you should be able to spot the signs that your cat is no longer loving your attention. You have to learn how your own cat communicates, but here are some things to look out for [2, 4-7].

  • Dilated pupils
  • Fur standing on end
  • Ears flattening or turning sideways or backward
  • Low growling or other vocalization
  • Quick head turns
  • Licking, rubbing, or other affection that gets too enthusiastic
  • Tail twitches
  • Skin rippling along the back
  • Claws unsheathing
  • Stiffening muscles
  • Whiskers tilting forward
  • Looking pointedly at your hand
Cat and child playing with wand toy
Use toys that keep your hands away from the action – Photo by cottonbro at Pexels

Some cats provide more warnings than others [1]. As soon as you notice any sign of irritation, stop touching your cat [1-4, 6]. If your cat wants to leave, let them, but don’t try to pick them up and move them, as that is just more contact they don’t want [6]. If you listen when your cat first tells you to stop, they won’t need to escalate to biting or scratching. Remember, we can’t expect cats to respect our boundaries if we don’t respect theirs.

NEVER punish your cat for petting-induced aggression [1, 3-6]. They are trying to communicate, and you will damage their trust by punishing them for it [1, 4].

More Ways to Prevent Petting-Induced Aggression

If your cat is very easily overstimulated, take the time to figure out where their sensitivity threshold is [1, 2, 4, 6, 7]. Settle down to pet your cat without any distractions, and see how many strokes they tolerate before the first signs of discomfort [1, 4, 7]. You can also try changing the way you pet your cat. Short scratches or strokes to the head, cheeks, and chin are usually easier for reactive cats to handle [1-3, 6].

If you think your playful cat or kitten may be using your fingers as toys, start by making sure you are providing plenty of interactive playtime to get out that energy [1, 6]. Never play rough with your cat or kitten, as they will instinctively fight back [4, 5]. Finally, always use nice, long toys like wands when playing with your cat so they don’t learn that your hand is the toy [4, 5].

Works Cited

  1. Becker, M. & Spadafori, G. (2006). Do cats always land on their feet? 101 of the most perplexing questions answered about feline unfathomables, medical mysteries, & befuddling behaviors. Health Communications, Inc.: Deerfield Beach, FL.
  2. Comstock, J. (2021, July 9). Ouch! Why does my cat suddenly bite me? DailyPaws. https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/behavior/common-cat-behaviors/why-does-my-cat-bite-me
  3. Fitzsimmons, P. (2018, May 1). Cat love bites: What do they mean? PetMD. https://www.petmd.com/cat/behavior/cat-love-bites-what-do-they-mean
  4. Galaxy, J. & Delgado, M. (2017). Total cat mojo: The ultimate guide to life with your cat. Tarcher Perigee: New York.
  5. Moore, A. (2001). The kitten owner’s manual: Solutions to all your kitten quandaries in an easy-to-follow question & answer format. Storey Publishing: North Adams, MA.
  6. Petting-induced or overstimulation aggression in cats. (n.d.). Humane Society of Huron Valley. https://www.hshv.org/petting-induced-or-overstimulation-aggression-in-cats/
  7. Shojai, A. (2022, March 8). How to stop petting aggression in cats. The Spruce Pets. https://www.thesprucepets.com/why-does-my-cat-bite-when-i-pet-her-553854

Published August 14, 2022

Cat Care

Tick Prevention for Cats

mehshadoweye

Meredith Hemphill

mehshadoweye

Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

Summer in the Southeastern United States is Tick Season. Well, actually it’s just Bug Season, but one of the bugs you have to worry about is ticks. You don’t just have to worry about ticks crawling on you, but on your pets, too. Now that it’s hot and humid and creepy crawlies are everywhere, it’s high time we talked about tick prevention for cats and what to do if you find one of the little monsters attached to your furry friend.

The Life History of Ticks

Tick life cycle
Image from Beattie Pet Hospital

Ticks are little, creepy arachnids, relatives of spiders and scorpions. They need to feed on blood to proceed through each stage of their life cycle [2]. A female tick lays 3000-6000 eggs on the ground [6]. The eggs hatch into tiny larvae that feed and molt into nymphs [2, 6]. The nymphs do the same to develop into adults [2, 6]. Adult ticks feed and mate on a host animal [6].

Ticks cannot fly or jump–they must crawl or drop onto a passing animal [4, 6]. They sit on tall blades of grass or other vegetation and wait for a passing host to brush by [1, 2, 4, 6, 8]. They prefer to bite the head, neck, ears, and feet [1, 4, 8]. Once a tick bites, they bury their mouthparts in the skin [1, 8].

There are at least 15 species of ticks in North America and more than 800 in the world [2, 6]. The species likely to feed on cats in the United States are the deer or black-legged tick and American dog tick [6]. Ticks are most abundant during the late spring and summer.

Why Do Cats Need Tick Prevention?

Ticks carry a lot of diseases. Cats don’t get tick-borne illnesses very often, but they sometimes become very sick when they do [2, 4, 6, 8]. Below are tick-borne diseases of concern for cats.

  • Lyme Disease (USA, Canada, Europe, North Asia, East Asia)
  • Cytauxzoonosis (USA, Brazil, Europe)
  • Tick Paralysis (Australia)
  • Hemobartonellosis/Feline Hemotrophic Mycoplasmosis (Worldwide)
  • Tularemia (USA, Canada, Europe, North Asia)
  • Babeseosis (USA, Europe, South Africa, East Asia, Southeast Asia)
  • Ehrlichiosis (USA, Europe, South America, Africa, East Asia)

The more ticks that bite a cat, and the longer they remain attached for, the more likely it is that the ticks will infect the cat with a disease-causing pathogen [4, 7]. Tick bites may also become infected like any wound, and if a cat has a lot of ticks attached they could become anemic [1, 3].

Image from Texas A&M Agrilife Extension

What Kinds of Tick Prevention are Available for Cats?

These days, there are a lot of different types of tick prevention for cats. Some flea prevention products work for ticks, too. Others are tick-specific. Some are only effective against certain species of ticks [8]. Before using any tick prevention method, consult your veterinarian. They should know which ticks are present in your area and which preventatives will work best for your cat. For reference, these are the options available.

An important thing to remember: NEVER use an antiparasitic product meant for dogs on your cat. Make absolutely certain that the product you are using is labeled for use with cats, and that you use a dose that corresponds to your cat’s age and weight. Some of the flea and tick products made for dogs are very toxic to cats [4, 6, 7].

Spot-On Medications

Spot-on treatments are a type of topical medication that you squeeze out of a little tube onto the back of your cat’s neck [6]. They are a very popular form of tick prevention for cats–and dogs, too [2, 4-8]. Spot-on medications are highly effective and must be applied monthly [5].

Oral Medications

These monthly antiparasitic tablets are much more available for dogs than they are for cats, but you can sometimes find them [5, 7]. I suspect this is because many cats are so unwilling to take pills. Oral tick preventatives do have advantages if your cat will consume them. There is no need to worry about your cat rubbing the medication off onto you or your furniture [5]. Plus, with a medication that is meant to be eaten, there’s no concern about your cat grooming a chemical that isn’t safe for consumption off their fur. They aren’t supposed to be able to do that if you squirt a spot-on treatment in that magic place they can’t reach, but Joon finds a way.

Shampoos and Dips

Photo by Karin Chantanaprayura on Pexels

Famously, cats do not like baths. But, there are reasons these products could make sense for you. For example, your cat has a serious infestation, or your cat needs to take regular baths anyway. There are shampoos available that kill ticks on contact [5]. These shampoos are pretty inexpensive, but for ongoing protection your cat will need a medicated bath about every two weeks during peak tick season [5]. Just be careful not to get any in kitty’s eyes!

Dips are a bit different. The tick dip comes as a concentrated chemical that has to be diluted in water [5]. You then sponge it onto the cat’s fur or pour it over their back without rinsing [5]. These chemicals are strong, so they are not appropriate for all cats and cannot be used for kittens less than four months old [5].

Powders and Sprays

These topical products can sometimes be used in the cat’s environment and on their bedding as well as on your cat [3, 5]. Be sure to check the directions. Powders are rubbed into a cat’s fur and skin [5]. They can be irritating, so avoid kitty’s face and eyes [5]. Antiparasitic powders are not effective for very long and need to be applied once a week during peak tick season [5]. Sprays are also a topical treatment that must be kept away from a cat’s eyes [3, 5]. They kill ticks quickly but are short-acting [5, 6]. Some sprays, while considered pet-safe, are only meant for use around the house and not directly on animals. Again, always read the instructions.

Tick Collars

Medicated collars can help prevent ticks from attaching to your cat [2-7]. However, they work the best around the head and neck and are less effective elsewhere on the body [5]. That is one of the places where ticks tend to congregate, but they can and will attach anywhere. If ticks are only a minor problem in your area, however, this might be a reasonable solution.

Tick collars must have skin contact to be effective [5]. Make sure it fits so that two fingers just slide underneath [5]. Like any medication, cats can have allergic reactions to these collars, so watch for signs of discomfort like excessive scratching and remove the collar regularly to check for irritation [3, 5].

Environmental Control

There are things you can do to keep ticks off your cat in the first place, as well. Ticks like tall grass, brush, and wooded areas. Ideally, you would keep your cat away from these environments where ticks lay in wait [5]. Of course, if your cat has any access to the outdoors, that is probably easier said than done. You can, however, make your own property inhospitable to ticks. If you have a lawn, keep it mowed [1, 5, 8]. Get rid of tall weeds, brush piles, and unwieldy undergrowth [1, 5]. Whenever your cat comes in, go ahead and check them over with a flea comb [7].

How to Find and Remove Ticks from Your Cat

Unfortunately, parasites are wily, and sometimes they sneak past all our defenses. So what do you do if you find a tick that has already attached to your cat? First of all, don’t panic. Most tick bites do not result in an infection [2]. And you can get the gross little monster off.

Always wear disposable gloves when removing a tick, or at least put a paper towel between it and your skin [1, 2, 6]. Remember, humans can catch diseases from ticks, too, so it’s best to be safe. Also prepare a screw-top jar filled with rubbing alcohol before you remove the tick [1, 2, 6]. You are going to drop the tick in there. This is because you may want to preserve the tick to take to the veterinarian in case your cat becomes sick later, and a female tick is likely to have eggs inside that you want to make sure die with her [1, 2, 6].

With tweezers, grab the tick as close as possible to where it is attached to the skin. DO NOT jerk or twist it. This can cause the body to break off and leave the head behind, which is a serious infection risk. Rather, pull upward with steady pressure until the tick comes out. Drop it in the jar, screw the lid closed tightly, and label the jar with the date. Maybe write “TICK” on there too, just in case. You don’t want to mix that up with anything else. Disinfect the bite wound. Sterilize the tweezers with more rubbing alcohol. Wash your hands thoroughly after you throw your gloves away. Gloves are not perfect protection. [1-3, 6, 8]

If you do find a tick on your cat, Cornell Feline Health Center wants to know! They are conducting a Feline Lyme Disease Surveillance Program to test ticks that have been found on cats for the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. Visit the webpage to find out more.

Works Cited

  1. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. (n.d.). Fleas and ticks. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/fleas-and-ticks
  2. Cornell Feline Health Center. (n.d.). Ticks and your cat. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/ticks-and-your-cat
  3. Fogle, B. (1999). The complete illustrated guide to cat care and behavior. Thunder Bay Press: San Diego.
  4. Karwath, A. (2022, February 23). Cats and ticks. Blue Cross UK. https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/cat/cats-and-ticks
  5. Kvamme, J. (2011, June 14). 10 ways to stop ticks from biting your cat. PetMD. https://www.petmd.com/cat/parasites/evr_ct_10_ways_to_stop_ticks_from_biting_your_cat
  6. Llera, R. and Ward, E. (n.d.). Ticks in cats. VCA Animal Hospitals. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/ticks-in-cats
  7. Schwab, S. (2022, June 17). The best tick prevention for cats, according to a veterinarian. The Dodo. https://www.thedodo.com/dodowell/tick-prevention-for-cats
  8. Tick prevention for cats. (2018, August 8). Beattie Pet Hospital. https://beattiepethospitalhamilton.com/2018/08/08/tick-prevention-for-cats/

Published July 10, 2022

Updated July 11, 2022

Science

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

mehshadoweye

Meredith Hemphill

mehshadoweye

Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

In memory of Sully

Gray cat with Christmas tree
Sully died of FIP at the end of 2021

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a severe multi-organ-system viral disease that affects domestic cats as well as other felines [2, 5]. Until very recently, a diagnosis of FIP was a death sentence for a cat. It is still often fatal. However, knowledge is power. Knowing when to go to the vet and what your options are can save a life.

What Causes FIP?

FIP starts with an intestinal virus called feline enteric coronavirus (FeCV or sometimes FCoV). You can’t catch this coronavirus; only felines can [1, 4, 5, 9]. FeCV is very common among cats, especially in places where many cats live close together like shelters and catteries [1, 2, 5, 8]. Most cats infected with FeCV experience no symptoms, mild diarrhea, or mild respiratory illness before defeating the infection on their own [1, 4, 5, 8, 9]. In the meantime, they can easily spread the infection through their fecal matter or, less often, saliva [1, 2, 4-6]. Cats usually become infected by getting the virus in their mouths [1, 5, 6]. Shared litter boxes are a typical culprit [1, 2, 4-6]. An uninfected cat needs only to step in the litterbox after an infected cat has used it, and then when they clean their paws later, they become infected themself.

But what does this benign virus have to do with FIP? It isn’t well understood, but in about 10% of cats a FeCV infection turns into FIP [1, 2]. This is believed to occur as a combination of two phenomena. First, FeCV undergoes a spontaneous mutation that enables it to infect macrophages, a type of white blood cell [1, 2, 5, 8, 9]. This is the feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV). Second, the immune systems of certain cats overreact to the mutated virus, causing out-of-control inflammation and damage [1, 4, 6]. Incidentally, it is an overblown immune reaction to the coronavirus of the moment, COVID-19, that makes it so dangerous for a proportion of the population.

In the bodies of cats where both of these things happen, FIP develops. Some cats are more prone to FIP than others. Although the specific genetic risk factors remain unclear, specific breeds are at greater risk: Abyssinians, Bengals, Birmans, Himalayans, Ragdolls, Cornish Rexes, and Devon Rexes [6, 8]. Younger cats and most especially kittens make up the majority of FIP cases [1, 4, 6]. Their weaker immune systems are less able to fight off a FeCV infection, giving it more time to mutate [5]. Unneutered cats also seem to be at greater risk, for unknown reasons [8].

FIP symptoms chart
Symptoms of FIP – Image from Cornell University eCommons

Symptoms and Subtypes

The most common and earliest symptoms of FIP are, frustratingly, not very specific. They may include fever, change in appetite, weight loss, and depression [1, 5, 6]. As FIP advances, it develops into one of two general forms: wet/effusive or dry/non-effusive. In the wet form, fluid builds up in the abdominal and chest cavities and may cause breathing difficulty [1, 4-6, 8]. The dry form causes neurological and eye symptoms such as seizures and uveitis (inflammation of the outer layers of the eye) in addition to the non-specific symptoms [1, 4-6, 8].

FIP diagnosis chart
Diagnostic Map for FIP (Hartmann, 2005)

Diagnosis

Diagnosing FIP is difficult and complicated. The symptoms can all be signs of other diseases. Once it is suspected, there is no definitive, foolproof test for FIP. At right is a diagnostic scheme for FIP from one scientific article as an example of the mental gymnastics veterinarians have to do when deciding how to pursue FIP testing.

The options include blood and fluid tests, genetic tests for FIPV, and the veterinarian’s observations during an exam [1, 2, 4-6]. Many of the tests are complicated by the fact that so many cats have been infected by FeCV [1, 2, 5]. A cat’s veterinarian has to determine the best course of testing based on their individual case.

Treatment

Until just a couple years ago, nothing could be done for cats with FIP except supportive care to ease their suffering and extend their life a short time. For many cats, that is still the case, for reasons I will get to shortly, or simply because their disease is too severe. Supportive care consists of subcutaneous or intravenous fluids, draining fluid from body cavities if applicable, steroids to control inflammation, and immunosuppressive medication [1, 2, 4-6].

GS-441524

GS-441524 is an antiviral drug that prevents viruses from synthesizing RNA, a molecule which many viruses, including FeCV/FIPV, use instead of DNA [3, 9]. It was created by the pharmaceutical company Gilead, which specializes in antivirals [9]. Gilead first tested GS-441524 against Ebola but was ineffective [9]. However, FIP researcher Niels Pedersen knew someone at Gilead and asked if they could send him anything to test [9]. His friend at Gilead obliged, and Pedersen found two promising candidates that killed FIP in cultured cat cells [9]. He moved on with testing one of them, GS-441524, in cats with FIP [9].

The results were incredible. In a laboratory study, ten of ten infected cats recovered [9]. In a field trial with 31 pet cats with non-neurological FIP, 25 recovered, still an unheard-of success rate for this otherwise inevitably fatal disease [7, 9]. A more recent pilot study suggests that GS-441524 is effective in neurological and ocular FIP, too [2]. Side effects were not too bad. Cats experienced pain and skin reactions at the injection site, sometimes developing sores or scars [7]. This may be because the formula is very acidic [7].

Gilead, however, has declined to license GS-441524 for animal use [9]. GS-441524 is almost identical, molecularly, to another one of their drugs, remdesivir, which they are trying to get licensed for human use, and they believe that licensing GS-441524 for FIP would harm their chances with remdesivir [9]. Cat people and Chinese entrepreneurs have gotten creative, however.

GS-441524 is not a difficult molecule to synthesize, so numerous outfits in China have chosen to manufacture and sell it, filling the gap Gilead left open [9]. Because GS-441524 is not FDA-approved, veterinarians cannot prescribe it, and it’s illegal for cat parents to purchase and administer it [1, 9]. That has not stopped desperate people who want to save their cats. Because it is a black market, there is a risk that the product will not be as advertised [1, 9]. And it is incredibly expensive: it costs 7,000-12,000 USD for the 12-week course of medication [9]. When people can manage to acquire it, however, GS-441524 seems to be as good as the research suggested [1, 9].

If your cat has been diagnosed with FIP, and you would like help accessing GS-441524 treatment, contact FIP Warriors.

Watch “Kitten Lady” Hannah Shaw’s journey through FIP with her cat Coco

Preventing FIP

Because FeCV is so common and easily spread, it’s hard to prevent FIP entirely. There are some things you can do, however. Keep litter boxes clean and far away from food and water dishes [1, 6]. Cats are more vulnerable to developing FIP if they have another disease like FeLV or FIV, so get your cats vaccinated against all those easily preventable diseases [1, 6]. There is one FDA-approved vaccine against FeCV, but it does not seem to be all that effective [1, 5, 6]. You can always ask your veterinarian about the FeCV/FIP vaccine if you’re concerned, however. Keep in mind that cats often get FeCV infections at animal shelters and catteries, so you may want to isolate any new cats for a couple weeks [1, 5].

Works Cited

  1. Cornell Feline Health Center. (2020). Feline infectious peritonitis. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Link
  2. Diaz, J. V. & Poma, R. (2009). Diagnosis and clinical signs of feline infectious peritonitis in the central nervous system. The Canadian Veterinary Journal, 50(1), 1091-1093. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2748294/
  3. Dickinson, P. J., Bannasch, M., Thomasy, S. M., Murthy, V. D., et al. (2020). Antiviral treatment using the adenosine nucleoside analogue GS-441524 in cats with clinically diagnosed neurological feline infectious peritonitis. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 34(4), 1587-1593. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.15780
  4. Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). (n.d.). Veterinary Specialty Center. https://www.vetspecialty.com/feline-infectious-peritonitis-fip/
  5. Hartmann, K. (2005). Feline infectious peritonitis. Veterinary Clinics: Small Animals Practice, 35(1), 39-79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2004.10.011
  6. Levy, J. K. & Hutsell, S. (2020, October). Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Merck Veterinary Manual. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners/disorders-affecting-multiple-body-systems-of-cats/feline-infectious-peritonitis-fip
  7. Pedersen, N. C., Perron, M., Bannasch, M., Montgomery, E., et al. (2019). Efficacy and safety of the nucleoside analog GS-441524 for treatment of cats with naturally occurring feline infectious peritonitis. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 21(4), 271-281. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X19825701
  8. Pesteanu-Somogyi, L. D., Radzai, C., & Pressler, B. M. (2006). Prevalence of feline infectious peritonitis in specific cat breeds. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 8(1), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfms.2005.04.003
  9. Zhang, S. (2020, May 8). A much-hyped COVID-19 drug Is almost identical to a black-market cat cure. The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2020/05/remdesivir-cats/611341/

Published June 15, 2022

Updated November 12, 2023

Culture

Sagwa: The Chinese Siamese Cat

mehshadoweye

Meredith Hemphill

mehshadoweye

Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

It’s probably been about 20 years since I last saw Sagwa, but I still remember it fondly if a bit blurrily. I was solidly a PBS kid, and I would have been five when it premiered, perfectly in the target demographic. Plus, my favorite animals have always been cats and bats. A cartoon about a kitten whose best friend is a bat was made for me. The enduring love for this short-lived kids’ show indicates a lot of other children felt the same way. I’ve found out, however, that Sagwa was a real cat! She inspired a children’s book which inspired the popular television show.

Sagwa, Amy’s Siamese Cat

Writer Amy Tan created the character of Sagwa. Tan is a first-generation Chinese American who started her career as a language specialist for developmentally disabled children (7). She started writing fiction in the 1980s while working as a freelance business writer as a break from her hectic work schedule (7). Tan never intended to be a professional writer; she just kind of fell into it and was really good at it (7). Tan’s first and best-known book is The Joy Luck Club, but she went on to publish many other books, short stories, and essays, including Sagwa, the Chinese Siamese Cat, a picture book for children (4, 7, 8).

Sagwa book cover
Image from Wikipedia

Tan had an elderly Siamese cat named Sagwa (1, 2, 5). Sagwa means “silly melon head” in Chinese (2, 5, 6, 9). It’s usually an insult to say to another person, as it implies incompetence (6). As a name for a cat, though, I think it’s kind of cute. One night, Tan had a dream about her cat and how Sagwa got her color points (1, 5). She decided to write a story about it, and in 1994 Sagwa, the Chinese Siamese Cat was published with illustrations by Gretchen Schields (2, 8). The real Sagwa lived to be 21 years old and is memorialized in the dedication of the book as Amy Tan’s “late and dearly beloved kitty” (2).

In the book, the character of Sagwa is a pure-white kitten who lives in the house of the Foolish Magistrate, an unpleasant official with a habit of making up restrictive and unnecessary rules for his subjects. One day, the Foolish Magistrate decides to decree that all citizens must not sing until after sunset. Sagwa was napping in the study, and after the magistrate left, she jumped down onto his desk and landed in an inkpot. The ink got all over her face, ears, paws, and tail. (2, 8)

As Sagwa tried to rub the ink off, she accidentally smudged out the character for “not” on the proclamation. When the altered decree was read, the citizens loved the idea of singing all day. The magistrate was not pleased to hear singing, until he realized they were singing his praises. The magistrate learned some wisdom, and he made a new decree that all cats in his district would henceforth have dark points in honor of Sagwa. (2, 8)

Sagwa Takes the Small Screen

PBS Kids adapted the story and characters from Amy Tan’s book into a television show that premiered on September 3, 2001 and ran for a single season with 40 episodes (3, 5, 6). Tan was a creative consultant on the production (3, 4). The first episode tells the story from the book, and the rest of the stories are original (6, 9).

Amy Tan with Sagwa
Amy Tan and the Miao kittens – Image from tvtropes

The action centers around the Miao family: the kittens Sagwa, older brother Dongwa, and younger sister Sheegwa as well as their parents Mama and Baba and grandparents Nai-Nai and Yeh-Yeh. As in the book, they live in the house of the Foolish Magistrate, who lives with his wife, Tai-Tai (literally “wife”), and their three daughters. The magistrate’s chef and Reader of the Rules also feature prominently, as well as other cats in the village. Sagwa’s best friend is a bat named Fu-Fu. The Miao family are court calligraphers–they write the magistrate’s edits for him by dipping their tails in ink (3, 5, 9).

There’s no specific location given for the village, but clues in the show give the time as the late Qing Dynasty, 1895-1912 (5, 6, 9). Each episode contains two animated stories divided by a short segment of real children talking about their culture and customs (1, 3, 4). In an interview with the Arizona Daily Sun, Amy Tan explained that the show, for her, was about showing kids that culture, heritage, and circumstances make us different, but that we really have more in common than what divides us (1). “The whole idea to me is that imagination is so tied to compassion for other people,” she said (1).

Like most children’s media, each story in Sagwa teaches a moral lesson. The press release for the show from PBS cites “there’s more than one way to view the world” and “you’re never too small for your own voice to be heard” as uniting themes (4). Introducing children to other cultures, especially Chinese traditions, was obviously a priority as well.

Paw Rating

As far as the book goes, I only just learned it exists, but it looks adorable. I want one. Critical reviews I read called it wordy and were quite unkind about the artwork (8). I think perhaps those reviewers missed the point of children’s books, especially with their complaints suggesting that the illustrations weren’t high art. There’s a video online of Amy Tan reading it on Sesame Street, and it looked like a book I would have loved when I was little. Having not actually read it myself, only watched it read to Elmo, I can’t really give it a rating of my own. Here is a great review from a fellow cat person, however.

As for the television show, it is absolutely charming. Although I have my doubts that it’s entirely accurate to Qing Dynasty Chinese culture, it definitely broadened my horizons as a little child living in a very white community. I do have a bone to pick with it as an amateur cat educator. I can let the thing with the magically permanent ink markings go because that was the folktale Amy Tan created. However, no cat seems to have a little of more than one kitten, at least not that I can remember. The Miao kittens are all said to be two years apart in age, yet they are all still kittens (5, 9). Five-to-eight-year-old children are old enough for animal characters in their edutainment to follow the basic rules of their species. Don’t get me started on the dogs that live in Tai-Tai’s sleeves.

On the whole, I think it’s a show that kids can get a lot out of, but there’s room for improvement when it comes to accuracy and educational value. It’s a shame it only ran for one season. It was in reruns so long, I thought surely it was longer than that. I give Sagwa, the Chinese Siamese cat 4 out of 5 paws. Time to look up a recipe for mooncakes.

Works Cited

  1. Coder, M. (2001, September 24). Sagwa shows her true colors–and admires others’. Arizona Daily Sun. link
  2. Haines, C. (n.d.). Sagwa, the Chinese Siamese Cat. Life with Siamese Cats. https://www.life-with-siamese-cats.com/sagwa-the-chinese-siamese-cat.html
  3. Heffley, L. (2001, September 3). ‘Sagwa’ a finely drawn tale. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-sep-03-ca-41625-story.html
  4. PBS Publicity. (2000, January 19). Amy Tan’s Sagwa, the Chinese Siamese Cat, produced by Cinegroupe in association with Children’s Television Workshop and IF/X Productions, is coming daily to PBS Kids. Public Broadcasting Service. link
  5. Sagwa, the Chinese Siamese Cat. (n.d.). IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0294177/
  6. Sagwa, the Chinese Siamese Cat. (2022, April 17) In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sagwa,_the_Chinese_Siamese_Cat&oldid=1083261392
  7. Tan, A. (n.d.). About. Amy Tan: The official website. http://www.amytan.net/about.html
  8. The Indianapolis Public Library. (2022, April 26). Sagwa, the Chinese Siamese Cat. https://indypl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S165C404405
  9. Western animation: Sagwa, the Chinese Siamese Cat. (2022, April 18). In tvtropes. https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/WesternAnimation/SagwaTheChineseSiameseCat

Published May 8, 2022

Breed Profiles

Bombay: Parlor Panthers

mehshadoweye

Meredith Hemphill

mehshadoweye

Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

Bombay cat on black background
Photo by rejoman on freeimages

There is something a little bit wild and untamed about cats. For some time, cat fanciers have been inspired by that wildness to breed cats that look like their undomesticated kin. The Bombay is one such breed, intended to look like a tiny black panther. Despite the family resemblance, these friendly felines are much more at home in a cozy bed than an exotic jungle.

A Long Way from India

The cat fancier who conceived of breeding mini-panthers was a woman named Nikki Horner who lived in Louisville, Kentucky, USA [1-5, 7, 8]. She began breeding sable Burmese and black American Shorthair cats together in the 1950s [1-3, 5, 7]. Horner named her new breed the Bombay after the city in India, now known as Mumbai, as a nod to the country’s black leopards [4-7].

Another line of Bombay cats was started in the United Kingdom that crossed Burmese and British Shorthairs [1, 6]. Although they are still considered Bombays, they look a bit different from the ones that come from the American breeding program [1, 6].

The Patent Leather Kid with the New Penny Eyes

Bombay kitten by stone wall
Photo by costi on freeimages

The only color Bombays come in is black, and they are black all over–whiskers, paw pads, and nose leather, too [2, 6, 7]. Their coat is short, dense, and has a shine like patent leather [1-8]. Their eyes vary from gold to deep copper [1-8]. The Bombay is a muscular, medium-sized cat with a round head and short muzzle [1-8]. Their ears are rounded at the tips [1, 6, 7].

The Bombay personality is that of a total attention sponge [2-8]. They are real extroverts who get along well with all sorts, including children and other pets [2-5, 7, 8]. Because Bombays are so social, they can get stressed and lonely when left alone for long hours [4, 7, 8]. Fortunately, they are happy to play with another cat or a different animal friend.

The Bombay is a smart, playful kitty who likes to learn tricks, play games, and solve puzzles [3, 4]. They often enjoy playing fetch and going for walks on a leash [2-4, 7]. This is not a highly active breed that will keep you up all night, but they certainly appreciate some quality playtime [2-4]. They are in fact quite the lap cat and love a good cuddle [2, 4, 5, 8].

Pampering Parlor Panthers

Bombays are a pretty easy breed to care for. Their short, low-shed coats require very minimal grooming, just the occasional brushing to get rid of loose hair [3, 4, 7]. They are more prone to obesity than most cats, so it’s important to keep their food intake measured and monitor their weight carefully [3, 4, 7]. They also have a genetic propensity toward gingivitis and dental disease, so brushing their teeth and providing dental treats are good ideas [7].

The Bombay is slightly flat-faced, which makes them prone to excessive tear production and sinus and breathing problems [3, 4, 7]. They also have somewhat higher rates of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the most common form of heart disease in cats [3, 4]. On the whole, however, Bombays have a rather low incidence of health problems and are considered quite hardy for purebred cats.

The Bombay is a rare breed that can be hard to find. They may still end up in shelters or need to be rehomed, though, so check with your local shelter or with Bombay and Burmese breeders to see if a cat is in need of adoption before trying to buy one.

Fun Facts

  • Bombays tend to reach puberty early yet don’t finish growing until they are almost two years old [3].
  • Bombay kittens can be born with tabby stripes that disappear as they grow up [1].

Works Cited

  1. Alderton, D. (1992). Cats: The visual guide to more than 250 types of cats from around the world. Dorling Kindersley: London.
  2. Bombay. (n.d.). VCA Animal Hospitals https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cat-breeds/bombay
  3. Bombay. (n.d.). VetStreet. http://www.vetstreet.com/cats/bombay#overview
  4. Brown, J. (2021, October 12). Bombay: Cat breed profile. The Spruce Pets. https://www.thesprucepets.com/bombay-cat-full-profile-history-and-care-5202250
  5. Cat Fanciers Association. (n.d.). About the Bombay. https://cfa.org/bombay/
  6. Edwards, A. (2006). The ultimate encyclopedia of cat, cat breeds, and cat care. Hermes House: London.
  7. Taylor, C. & Guthrie, C. (2021, October 12). Bombay. DailyPaws. https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/cat-breeds/bombay
  8. The International Cat Association. (2018, August 13). Bombay breed. https://tica.org/breeds/browse-all-breeds?view=article&id=827:bombay-breed&catid=79

Published April 17, 2022

Updated June 27, 2022

Behavior

How Do Cats Show Love?

mehshadoweye

Meredith Hemphill

mehshadoweye

Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

Ginger cat bunting tan dog
Photo by Snapwire on Pexels

Some people say that cats do not care about their humans, or that cats are cold and heartless. Both of these ideas are totally wrong and usually based on an assumption that cats should communicate with us the way dogs do (2, 3). But of course, they are not dogs, and cats show love in their own ways. Every cat has their personality and will communicate a little differently. That being said, here are some of the love letters your cat may be sending you.

Slow Blinks

One of the most important ways cats show love is with the slow blink, sometimes called the “cat kiss” or the “cat I love you” (1-5). This is when a cat looks at someone with half-lidded eyes and leisurely blinks at them (1, 2, 4, 5). The gesture conveys comfort, trust, and affection (1-5). That is because to cats, who are both predatory and prey animals, keeping their senses alert is imperative to staying alive in the wild (2). Therefore, slowly closing the eyes to another creature, a potential aggressor, is a signal of willing vulnerability (2). It says, “You make me feel safe.”

This is a form of cat communication that you can easily reciprocate. Soften your gaze, half-close your eyes, and slowly blink at your cat. Make sure not to stare–sleepy eyes only. Cats will sometimes return your slow blink.

Bunting

Also known as head butting or head bonking, bunting is when cats push the tops of their heads against that of a friend, be that friend cat, human, dog, or anything else (2-5). Cats have scent glands in their foreheads (2, 4). When your cat bunts you, they are mixing their scent with yours (2, 3, 4). This is a common social interaction among cats (2, 3). Cats build relationships by commingling scents, so this is a way they display affection (2-5).

Friendly Tail

Cats communicate a lot with their tails. A cat who is happy to see you will have their tail held high with a slight curve at the tip (1-3, 5). Flicking just the tip of the tail is a quick, friendly greeting (3, 5). This is a likely result of domestic cats’ ancestors living in dry grassland habitats where a tail held high to say hello would be visible above the tall grass (2).

Grooming

Two cats grooming
Photo by Ayelt van Veen on Unsplash

Another way cats show their love is through allogrooming, or grooming one another. Cats that have a bond use allogrooming to create a community scent and to relieve stress (3, 4). Your cat may groom you for the same reasons (3, 4). That sandpaper tongue may feel strange, but just remember that it’s a sign your cat cares about you.

Cheek Rubbing

You have probably seen your cat rub their cheeks against all manner of things in your home, including you. This is a scent-marking behavior, as another place cats have scent glands is in their cheeks (2, 3). Cheek rubbing declares ownership (2, 3, 4). Unlike more aggressive territorial behaviors, however, the cheek rub is a confident, friendly form of scent-marking that invites socialization (2, 3, 4).

Kneading

Kneading involves the rhythmic flexing and relaxing of a cat’s paws. Kittens knead against their mothers to stimulate the flow of milk. Adult cats often exhibit this behavior as well when they feel very content (1, 3). If a cat is making biscuits on your lap, you know they feel comfortable around you (1, 3).

Talking

Cats can make up to 100 different sounds, and they use some of them exclusively to communicate with humans (2). Chirps, trills, and meows are common sounds cats use to talk to their people (2, 3, 4). Some cats are more talkative than others, but almost all appreciate being spoken to (5). It makes them feel included (5). Another kind of kitty talk is purring. Cats purr for a variety of reasons, but one of them is to express security and contentment (1-5).

Vulnerability

Tabby cat rolling over on its back
Image by mrs. pandora from Pixabay

When cats completely trust those around them, they are willing to exhibit vulnerable body language (2, 3, 5). Like the slow blink, these postures would put a cat at risk in the presence of predators or assailants. A cat that is stretched out is leaving themself exposed, thus showing that they trust you (3). An even greater display of trust is for a cat to roll over on their back and show their belly (2, 3, 5). Don’t take it as an invitation to a tummy rub–that’s a bridge too far for most cats (2). But it does mean that your cat feels very safe with you.

Works Cited

  1. Bowman Road Animal Clinic. (n.d.). Does my cat like me? 6 ways cats show affection. https://bowmanroadvet.com/2017/02/6-ways-cats-show-affection/
  2. Galaxy, J. & Delgado, M. M. (2017). Total cat mojo: The ultimate guide to life with your cat. Penguin Random House: New York.
  3. Johnson-Bennett, P. (n.d.). How cats show affection. Cat Behavior Associates. https://catbehaviorassociates.com/how-cats-show-affection/
  4. Krieger, M. (2020, January 1). How do cats show affection? Look for these 7 affection signs. Catster. https://www.catster.com/cat-behavior/how-do-cats-show-affection-cat-affection-signs
  5. Moore, A. (2001). The kitten owner’s manual. Storey Publishing: North Adams, MA.

Published March 13, 2022

Cat Care

Are Essential Oils Safe for Your Cat?

mehshadoweye

Meredith Hemphill

mehshadoweye

Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

Essential oils and candle
Photo by Chelsea shapouri on Unsplash

Essential oils are a popular tool for home wellness and perfumery. Not only can they be bought bottled, but essential oils are now found in many personal care, cleaning, and scented products. We know that some substances which are safe for humans can be toxic to our pets, like certain foods, so should oil enthusiasts with cats be concerned?

Essential Oil Toxicity in Cats

The Swiss physician and alchemist Paracelsus is credited with the saying, “The dose makes the poison.” If taken the wrong way or in too great a quantity, essential oils are toxic to humans. Consider how much smaller your cat is than you [7, 9, 10, 14]. Their biology isn’t quite the same, either. Nature didn’t intend cats to consume a lot of plant materials. They have lower levels of the liver enzymes necessary to metabolize chemicals called phenols and terpenes that are found in certain essential oils [1-5, 9, 12]. The following oils are known to be toxic to cats:

  • Cinnamon
  • Citrus (lemon, lime, orange, bergamot)
  • Clove
  • Eucalyptus
  • Pennyroyal
  • Peppermint
  • Pine
  • Sweet Birch
  • Tea Tree/Melaleuca
  • Wintergreen
  • Ylang Ylang

Research on the effects of essential oils on cats is sparse, so there is no guarantee that oils which are not on this list are safe [5, 10]. Individual cats could be sensitive to oils that most cats are not, as well [7]. Therefore, use caution when trying out any essential oil around your cat for the first time.

The symptoms of essential oil toxicity in cats depend upon the oil, the dose, and the method of exposure, but there are things you can look out for. Common symptoms are watery nose or eyes, drooling, vomiting, difficulty breathing, tremors, wobbliness, low heart rate, and low body temperature [2-5, 8, 9, 12, 13]. In severe cases, essential oil poisonings can cause liver failure and death [2-5, 8, 12]. While there is no specific cure for essential oil toxicity, most cats recover well with supportive care such as bathing to remove the oil, intravenous fluids, medication, and heat [4, 5, 8, 12].

How To Keep Cats Safe Around Essential Oils

Tabby cat in box with bottles
Image by mrscaz from Pixabay

Cats may be exposed to oils by inhalation, absorption through the skin, or ingestion. Because of their fastidious grooming habits, cats are likely to ingest any oils that end up on their fur [2, 3, 5, 9-12]. You can use essential oils safely in a home with cats. You just need to be careful and keep all the possible routes of exposure in mind.

Cats may inhale essential oils that are aerosolized from lit scented candles, liquid potpourri, air fresheners, diffusers, or similar. Whenever you are using one of these products around your cat, make sure that your cat is able to leave the area if it gets to be too much for them [7, 9, 10]. Watch for signs of respiratory irritation like coughing, panting, or watery eyes and nose [3, 10]. If your cat shows symptoms, move them to fresh air immediately and bring them to a veterinarian if their condition does not improve within a few minutes [3, 9].

If your cat has asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions or is exposed to second-hand smoke, it is best not to diffuse essential oils or use essential oil-containing products that put particles into the air [3, 5, 9].

Always keep essential oils and products that contain them out of your cat’s reach, especially in the case of open diffusers or warmers. Cats are often repelled by the smell of substances that are toxic to them, but not always, and there have been cases of cats drinking essential oils [9]. Keeping oils, diffusers, etc. away from cats also prevents curious kitties from knocking over or breaking said containers and spilling the oil all over themself which can be very dangerous.

Of course, use extra caution with the essential oils that are known to be toxic to cats. And never apply concentrated essential oils to your cat’s skin or fur. Don’t use oils on your cat at all without consulting a veterinarian first.

Can Essential Oils Be Good for Cats?

That being said, there are times when essential oils can be used for your pet’s benefit. Unfortunately, as with oil toxicity, the research is scarce, so little can be said for certain. Proponents of using essential oils for pets say that they can be used to heal wounds and abscesses; get rid of fleas, ticks, and ear mites; treat upper respiratory infections; and treat Otitis externa, a.k.a. canker of the ear [1, 7, 10]. Sadly, irresponsible use of oils, particularly tea tree oil, for these purposes has caused suffering and occasionally death for the cats of well-meaning owners [4, 8, 13]. However, what little research there is has demonstrated that when used properly, certain essential oils show promise for the treatment of several conditions oil enthusiasts have claimed they do.

Ebani et al. found that the essential oils of oregano, clary sage, and rosemary showed promise in the treatment of Otitis externa, depending upon the strain of bacteria or fungus that caused it [6]. In testing plant oils against a fungus that causes ringworm, Mugnaini et al. determined that the oils of oregano and wild thyme showed strong antifungal activity [11]. Regarding ear mites, a study of ear mites in cats found garlic oil, marjoram oil, and ozonated olive oil to be effective at reducing the infestation [15]. While the oils were not as effective as the pharmaceutical medication, the authors concluded that they were “cheap, easily applicable, and safe alternatives to conventional treatments with no side effects” [15].

Works Cited

  1. Baser, K. H. C. & Franz, C. (2010). Essential oils used in veterinary medicine. In K. H. C. Baser & G Buchbauer (Eds.), Handbook of essentials oils: Science, technology, and applications (pp. 881-894). Taylor and Francis Group: Boca Raton, FL.
  2. Beck, A. (2019, August 30). Is it safe to use essential oils with cats? University Veterinary Hospital. https://uvhvets.com/is-it-safe-to-use-essential-oils-with-cats/
  3. Benson, K. (n.d.). Essential oils and cats. Pet Poison Helpline. https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/blog/essential-oils-cats/
  4. Bischoff, K. & Guale, F. (1998). Australian tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil poisoning in three purebred cats. Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation, 10, 208-210. DOI: 10.1177/104063879801000223
  5. Cavanaugh, K. & Kornya, M. (2018, July 31). Cats and essential oils. Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. https://www.canadianveterinarians.net/documents/cats-and-essential-oils
  6. Ebani, V. V., Nardoni, S., Bertelloni, F., Najar, B., Pistelli, L., & Mancianti, F. (2017). Antibacterial and antifungal activity of essential oils against pathogens responsible for Otitis Externa in dogs and cats. Medicines, 4(2), 21. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines4020021
  7. Essential oils a pets: A quick how-to. (2019, October 25). Young Living. https://www.youngliving.com/blog/essential-oils-for-pets-a-quick-how-to/
  8. Genovese, A. G., McLean, M., & Khan, S. A. (2012). Adverse reactions from essential oil-containing natural flea products exempted from Environmental Protection Agency regulations in dogs and cats. Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 22(4), 470-475. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-4431.2012.00780.x
  9. Howard, B. (2020, August 24). How to keep cats safe around essential oils. Daily Paws. https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/health-care/cat-poisoning-toxins/essential-oils-safe-for-cats
  10. How I use essential oils safely for my pets. And you can, too! (n.d.). Capital Illini Veterinary Services. https://www.capitolillinivet.com/blog/how-i-use-essential-oils-safely-for-my-pets-and-you-can-too/
  11. Mugnaini, L., Nardoni, S., Pinto, L., Pistelli, L., Leonardi, M., Pisseri, F., et al. (2012). Activité antifongique de quelques huiles essentielles de plantes in vitro et in vivo sur Microsporum canis isolé chez le chat. Journal de Mycologie Médicale, 22(2), 179-184. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mycmed.2012.04.003
  12. Schmid, R., Brutlag, A., & Flint, C. (n.d.). Essential oil and liquid potpourri poisoning in cats. VCA Hospitals. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/essential-oil-and-liquid-potpourri-poisoning-in-cats
  13. Villar, D., Knight, M. J., Hansen, S. R., & Buck, W. B. (1994). Toxicity of melaleuca oil and related essential oils applied topically on dogs and cats. Veterinary and Human Toxicology, 36(2), 139-142. https://europepmc.org/article/med/8197716
  14. Worwood, V. A. (2016). The complete book of essential oils and aromatherapy (25th anniversary edition). New World Library: Novato, CA.
  15. Yipel, F. A., Acar, A., & Yipel, M. (2016). Effect of some essential oils (Allium sativum L., Origanum majorana L.) and ozonated olive oil on the treatment of ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) in cats. Turkish Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 40, 782-787. DOI: 10.3906/vet-1508-10

Published January 9, 2022