The Cat’s Amazing and Essential Sense of Smell

Have you ever seen your cat scrunch up its eyes, open its mouth and seem to go into a hypnotic stare after sniffing something intently?  Did you wonder what that was all about?  When they do that, they are using a marvelous sensory organ, commonly known as the Jacobson’s organ, to “examine” an interesting smell in more depth.  Called “flehming,” the cat is drawing the odor into this organ, located in the roof of its mouth just behind the front teeth.  By opening the mouth slightly, the ducts behind the cat’s front teeth open, connecting to the nasal cavity.  Using this organ, they can sniff out food, mates, enemies, and their own territory. 

The feline sense of smell is 14 times stronger than the human smell sensory.  This “tool” enables newborn kittens to find their source of food (their mother’s teats) while they are still blind and causes them to hiss (possible danger alert) if they smell something new and strange such as your finger.  Conversely, if the kitten or cat’s sense of smell becomes impaired (i.e. upper respiratory infection or aging cat), it may go “off” its food, as taste is directly associated with smell.  If the cat cannot smell the food, it will not eat it. 

Cats also rely upon their acute sense of smell to find a mate.  The phenomenon of seeing male cats you’ve never seen before outside your house (usually spraying it) when your intact female is in heat, taunting her “would-be-suitors” is one most of us are familiar with.  The “damsel in distress” exudes powerful pheromones when she is in heat that male cats can detect from great distances.  She can also “scent out” her preferred mate by following his territory marking.  Many times flehming is used in this process, too.

Male cats rely upon the sense of smell to establish their territory.  Male cats can smell the urine and pheromone markings each uses to mark his territory.  They will either respect or mark over the territory in an attempt to take it over.  The cat’s keen sense of smell promotes its longevity, reproduction and safety.

TICA – KansasKatz Cat Club – Sept. 18 & 19, 2010

ParagonBengals Imperial Thrill

 

We could not be prouder of our new home-grown show boy!  This amazing kitten won “Best of Division” and “Best of Breed” in three rings judged by All Breed Judge Vickie Fisher and Specialty Judges DeWane Barns and Vickie Shields.

 

He took home “2nd Best of Division” and “Best of Breed” in three other rings judged by All Breed Judges Vickie Shields and Sandi Mattingly and Specialty Judge Jay Bangle.

 

Additionally, he gained two “3rd Best of Division” and “Best of Breed” wins under All Breed Judges Adriana Kajon and Karen Stinson.  Moreover, he stole the hearts of all.  

 

Survey Says . . .

In Search of the Perfect Bengal

 

Just for fun, here’s a very short survey designed for Bengal cat and kitten owners to help us determine what we believe the “perfect Bengal” is.  There are 5 multiple choice questions and one essay (text box used for question’s answer). Click on the link to begin the survey.  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KWLXM7Q

 

The Results Are In!

 

When we polled our survey respondents, we found out there are MANY reasons the Bengal cat is so popular today!  Here’s what we found out about the breed AND the breeders.

 

100% of the people who responded to the survey said the Bengal cat’s “stylish, good looks” was one of the things that attracted them to the breed.  80% said the Bengal’s intelligence was important to them; while 60% said the Bengal’s “dog-like attributes” and its “wild” ancestory were focal points.  The Bengal’s love of water, talkativeness, athletic ability, and its hypo-allergenic attribute all came in at 40%.  Lastly, only 20% of respondents wanted a Bengal cat because “not everyone has one.”

 

When asked how they discovered the cattery they ultimately purchased their Bengal from, 40% of respondents said it was through an Internet search engine such as Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc.  Another 40% indicated it was from meeting the breeder at a cat show.  Lastly, 20% combined both strategies before making their decision.

 

Moreover, we wanted to uncover the reason(s) people bought their Bengal(s) from the cattery they did.  We found that 60% bought from a cattery due to its good reputation, sound purchase contract and health guarantee.  A nice, clean environment with happy, healthy cats and kittens weighed in at 2nd in importance to those surveyed (40%).  Other tools people used in their decision-making process were nice magazine advertisements &/or websites; follow-up phone conversations from breeder; and the breeder being personable and demonstrating he or she did indeed care for the cats and kittens.

 

We wondered why people made their selection over all the other kittens they looked at.  Here’s what we found.  60% of those surveyed indicated that the sex of the kitten was the most important factor in their decision!  40% said their Bengal had the coolest personality and most closely matched the breed’s standard.  20% specified that beauty and lots of spots were deciding factors.  20% also said their kitten “picked them!”

 

Since looks seemed to be so important, we asked the respondents to tell us their favorite Bengal coat pattern.  Remarkably, the results were nearly split down the middle!  40% listed the pancake rosetted pattern as the pattern they see their “perfect Bengal” possessing.  Another 40% listed the marbled pattern as their ideal.  20% said they preferred the traditional rosetted pattern.

 

When asked why the Bengal cat or kitten owned by the respondents was perfect for them, they listed the following traits.

• constant source of entertainment

• unconditional love

• curious

• source of joy

• beauty

• best personality, and

• their desire to always interact with you and everything you do. 

Cabin Fever in January

When it Feels Like Spring is
Just Around the Corner

 

Granted, I have experienced enough early Spring weather to know that when Winter loosens its grip in the first couple of months of the new year, it most always tightens it back up again refusing to let loose entirely until April. I have witnessed many brave and joyously welcomed crocuses and daffodils come up out of Winter’s barren land and spread the elation of the celebration of their colors and promise of Spring only to be frozen a few days later with the icy return of Winter (or so it seems). So, I have decided to make the most out of these precious, Spring-like days we get after Christmas, by getting outside and doing something enjoyable while it lasts!

 

Last weekend was such a weekend. I felt restless, like a bear beginning to awaken, still in her den, from her long winter hibernation. The sun was shining, it was 60 degrees outside, most of the snow and ice had melted and I thought to myself, “I bet if I’m feeling this way, my cats are, too. I should take them each for a walk!”

 

I exuberantly retrieved the pet stroller and prepared it for the first rider, Comet. He was, as usual, filled with excitement and anticipation! My cats love to go for walks in the pet stroller! They love to experience all the new smells; crisp, fresh air, children playing, and passer-bys. I always say the walk will be a short one; but, it always ends up being anywhere from a half- mile to a mile. It’s fun when people realize it’s a cat in the stroller and not a human baby. That usually sparks a bit of dialogue!

 

A mile is just about the right length of time for a cat stroll. By then, it’s time for another one to take it’s turn. If you’re not used to a lot of exercise, you can rest in-between rides. [My stroller has 2 drink holders on the handle and a storage area underneath. When the weather is warmer, I take a drink along with me.] Tinkerbell went next. We, too, walked for about a mile before returning home. They’re so funny to watch as you’re pushing them in the stroller. They sit straight up, taking in everything! It’s such an enjoyable time, it doesn’t feel like exercise; it just feels like fun!

 

So, if you catch yourself in the doldrums of Winter and you notice a bored Bengal in your house, try taking a walk with your pet in a pet stroller. If you’re a spontaneous sort of person, PetsMart usually has them in stock. If you would rather plan things, they are easily found on the Internet. Just be careful to make sure you’re buying a safe one, as they’re not all the same. Below is a list of things to consider when shopping for a pet stroller.

 

• Check your pet’s dimensions and not just his or her weight.

• Consider the terrain.

• Assess your storage and travel needs to decide if a collapsible stroller is necessary.

• Would a stroller with a detachable carrier or car seat provide more value and function for you?

• Consider your pet’s preference for privacy.

• If you wish to jog with your pet stroller, select the right pet product for your purposes.

• Consider if you’ll stroll in inclement weather.

• Be aware of how many items you may wish to take with you on a stroller.

Keep Your Cat Safe During the Holidays

Holidays can present out-of-the-ordinary situations that could be potentially stressful &/or dangerousto your cat.   Brad Kloza, who writes for “The Daily Cat,” shares the

“Top 10 Thanksgiving Tips for Cat Owners”

In the chaos of getting ready for a Thanksgiving party, it’s easy to forget that little disruptions to your pet’s routine life can lead to big drama. To help you plan ahead, we’ve enlisted the guidance of E’Lise Christensen, DVM, a veterinary behaviorist at NYC Veterinary Specialists, and her colleague Patricia Joyce, DVM. Here’s what they advise:

1. Set up a Kitty “Panic Room”
Set aside a secluded room for your cat to use as a safe haven. Many cats are much more comfortable in their own special space rather than out with visitors, so don’t think of this as a bad thing for your cat. Set it up a few days in advance and spend some time in there with your cat. The room should include elevated resting and hiding areas, a litter box, food, water and toys.

2. Mind the Door
While guests are coming and going, cats may lurk by the door and try to make a break for it. Dr. Christensen recommends placing your cat in its safe haven while your guests arrive and leave.

3. Teach Kids About Cats
Kids often love cats, but cats don’t always love loud, energetic kids. Dr. Christensen advises isolating your cat in its safe haven if there will be many children around. If you have a small group of well-behaved kids, let the kids throw treats or toys on the floor for the cat. Teaching children how to properly play and behave around cats could make everyone happy. 

4. Protect Your Guests’ Belongings
Cats usually get stressed when their space is invaded by strangers. This stress can cause some cats to urinate on the new things in the environment. Put your guests’ belongings out of reach.

5. Keep Your Cat on Its Usual Diet
Dr. Joyce says many Thanksgiving foods can make cats sick. It’s tempting to want to share on a special occasion, but your kitty won’t be very thankful if you give it nausea.

6. Snuff Those Candles
With a large number of unfamiliar people in the house, your cat may decide to stay off the floors and jump up to higher vantage points to take in the scene. A candle placed in the wrong spot could be knocked over and burn more than your holiday turkey. Avoid that risk.

7. Beware of Guests Bearing Flowers
People like to bring plant or floral arrangements as gifts, but cats will want to investigate them and maybe even take a taste. Some plants, like those in the lily family, can be poisonous and even fatal. Keep the arrangements away from your cat, unless you know exactly what plants are in them and that they’re safe.

8. Mix “In-law” Pets With Caution
Out-of-town guests might bring the family pet. You may already know that your cat gets along with his cousin Fifi the poodle or Cleo the Abyssinian, but mixing unfamiliar pets should be avoided whenever possible.

9. Don’t Medicate Unnecessarily
Owners of particularly high-strung cats may be tempted to medicate a cat that’s likely to be freaked out by boisterous houseguests, but Dr. Joyce doesn’t recommend it. Instead, keep your skittish feline in its safe-haven room.

10. Consider Aromatherapy
Both Dr. Joyce and Dr. Christensen say products that mimic natural cat pheromones can help keep your kitty comfortable during parties and other stressful times. A pheromone is a natural chemical signal that triggers a specific response, and in this case, the response is to “chill the cat out,” according to Dr. Joyce.

There is one catch in this holiday planning: What if you and your cat are the ones traveling for Thanksgiving? With a little advance work and a friendly conversation with your host, all the above tips should be easy enough to implement wherever you are. 

The Breathtaking Marbled Bengal Cat

Paragon Bengals Tri-Color Marble Male Kitten At 12 Weeks of Age

What’s all this swirly business?  Aren’t Bengal cats supposed to be spotted?  Aren’t they supposed to resemble the (spotted) Asian Leopard Cat?  Isn’t that the ancestry from which this captivating breed derives its origin? The answer is “YES, YES, and YES!!!”  However, the marbled pattern in the Bengal breed is an accepted pattern in the cat fancy.  The first one making its debut in the show rings in 1987 was owned by Jean Mill, who is accredited with not only having the vision for the Bengal breed, but also for getting it established and accepted by the cat fancies.  The judges and crowd were “WOWed” by this spectacular cat that looked as if it had caramel drizzled over it!  Its marbled pattern had a non-traditional horizontal flow to it, rather than the traditional vertical mackerel tabby pattern.  The Bengal breed was developed using domestic tabby cats and crossing them with the wild Asian Leopard cat.  The mackerel tabby pattern (most common) is vertical, resembling tiger stripes. 

TABBY PATTERNS

The classic tabby pattern is circular, resembling a bull’s eye (American Shorthair).  The Asian Leopard cat’s spots are patterned in a horizontal flow. 

ASIAN LEOPARD CAT

By mixing these traits together in the development of the Bengal breed, the Marbled Bengal has emerged.  The Asian Leopard cat’s dominant horizontal flow combined with the dominant tabby stripe has seemingly caused a genetic mutation of the Bengal cat’s spots, from time to time, causing them to stretch out and elongate horizontally across the cat’s body, giving it a marbled pattern much like those found in the wild.  However, all Bengal cats must have spotted tummies.

Bengal cat breeders have begun to selectively breed for the most exotic marbling patterns on their marbled Bengals to perpetuate them into the breed.  While there are several wild cats cloaked in these beautiful marbled coats (the Marbled Cat,

MARBLED CAT

Clouded Leopard,

CLOUDED LEOPARDS

some Ocelots,

OCELOT

Margay,

MARGAY

and King Cheetah),

KING CHEETAH

the patterns of the Clouded Leopard and King Cheetah are the rarest and often times the ones the Bengal breeders strive for in their marbled breeding programs.

Islands in the Sun

Meow is like aloha – it can mean anything.  ~ Hank Ketchum

We  will be celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary (October 12th) in beautiful and sunny Hawaii this year!  We’re excited; but, at the same time, hate leaving our kids and “furkids” for a week.  The bittersweetness of it all.  Oh, whatever!  I think it’s actually the SWEETNESS of Pina Coladas and the SALTINESS of the ocean breeze stirring  my senses.  Yes, yes, that must be it!  Anyway, it looks like Tinkerbell is cool with it.  She’s sporting her Hawaiin lei and bidding us “aloha.”  What a wonderful Bengal cat she is!  Aloha . . . . that does mean “Goodbye.  Have a great trip!” doesn’t it???

We’ll be back October 16th.  Until then . . . .

ALOHA!

Tink’s Photo by Helmi Flick

Editing by Kim Walker

Egyptian Goddess

In ancient times cats were worshipped as gods; they have not forgotten this. ~Terry Pratchett

 

Historically revered as goddesses by ancient Egyptians, cats still perpetuate our love and devotion today.  Most  do not have to work for their keep.  But, instead, are doted on and loved in a somewhat similar fashion as did the Egyptians who proclaimed them to be deity thousands of years ago.   Cats  enjoyed a life of being constantly attended to and held in high regard.  Even when death came to a cat in Egypt, they were mummified and entombed with precious jewels and mummified rats to enjoy in their next life.  The families who hosted the cats would even shave off their eyebrows as an outward sign of their mourning of the deceased cat.  Because of their status of deity, Egyptian cats enjoyed many of the same luxuries as the powerful and wealthy of that time.

Has the lifestyle of today’s house-cat changed much, over time?  No, not much.  We still hold these eloquent felines in high regard.   We love stroking their silky-soft fur and listening to their gentle and relaxing purr.  They can engage us into play with but one mischevious, daring look.  They calm our souls and soothe our senses.  Is it any wonder why they continue to possess the status they have enjoyed over time?

Photo by Helmi Flick

Happy Friday!

May your heart be merry. 

 

May you enjoy the simple things in life. 

 

And, for the weekend, may you be hit with a double-dose of the Bengal Crazies!!!

Dreamy Poser

Cats never strike a pose that isn’t photogenic. 

                                        ~Lillian Jackson Braun

 

*yawning* How's this side? - - Sassafras