Cats - shakespeareswitch

I was surprised to learn that there are actually more pet cats in the U.S. than pet dogs. The average cat owners supports just over two cats. Having been a cat owner all my life, I wanted to devote a page to this fascinating animal - and constant character in my series.

The real facts behind Alfred in "Shakespeare's Witch' Series

The Earl of Southampton's Cat

While he was imprisoned in the Tower of London for treason, the Earl of Southampton was refused visitors. His onl companion was a cat, which legend reports had found a way into the Earl's cell through the chimney. The cat had been a favorite of the Earl's from "more fortunate days." Henry was in the tower from February 8, 1600 to April, 1603, when Queen Elizabeth died and King James took the throne. This painting is of the Earl and his cat in his cell in the Tower of London, which is shown as a wall painting above the Earl's left shoulder.

Reported in "Shakespeare & the Earl of Southampton" by G.P.V. Akrigg, Harvard University Press, 1968.

Interesting Cat Information

1. A group of kittens is called a "kindle." A group of adult cats is called a "clowder."
2. Cats only "meow" to humans. When confronted with another animal, they hiss and growl.
3. Cats sleep 12-18 hours per day. They'll spend another 3-4 hours grooming.
4. Cats have no collar bone, which is why they can squeeze through small holes.
5. Cats' brains resemble human brains more than dog brains. We share the same emotional centers of the brain. Dogs do not.
6. A cat's ability to find home when lost is called a "psi" ability.
7. Cats are highly intuitive and respond dramatically to your tone of voice.
8. Sir Isaac Newton invented the first cat door.
9. The ridge over each cat's nose pad is as unique as a human fingerprint.
10. Cats sweat through their paw pads and nose.
11. Just like humans, cats can be right or left pawed. There are also cats that are ambidextrous.
12. Cats can't produce fat, so fat is an essential nutrient in their diets.

My Cat From Hell - with Jackson

I'm a huge fan of Jackson Galazy from Animal Planet's series "My Cat From Hell." I recommend you visit the show's website from great tips on how to work with cat behavior!

Interesting Cat Stories

Boo - my ghost kitty

In researching cats, I came across some great cat stories. Below is a list of links and a brief description of the story. Enjoy!

1. Houtong Cat Village in Taiwan. The story of a village that was saved when they decided to rescue their stray cats.
http://www.amusingplanet.com/2013/06/houtong-cat-village-taiwan.html

2. Anakin, the cat born without back legs and pelvis, is unstoppable!

3. Oscar - Compassionate Angel of Death.

Thanks to "The Telegraph" for the picture and article.

Oscar has been reported in the Journal of Medicine for his uncanny ability to sense death. His determination to visit dying patients has been so accurate that staff of the British nursing home call family members when Oscar lays with a patient.

4. A terrific contest between cat and dog. Thanks to "nanabordercollie" on YouTube