cat plays piano with orchestra

cat plays piano with orchestra…?

OK, everybody knows how smart cats are (sometimes) and curious (often), entertaining and MUSICAL? cat plays piano with orchestra proves that cats are even more talented than we already give them credit for. Mindaugas Piecaitis is the composer and director of Catcerto

CATcerto is the a project created by Lithuanian conductor, composer and artist Mindaugas Piecaitis. The world premiere was first performed on 5th June, 2009 by the Klaipeda Chamber Orchestra in Klaipeda’s Concert Hall (Lithuania). It gained recognition in international media: BBC, Lithuanian TV, Baltic TV and the First Baltic Chanel (russian).

Watch Nora the piano cat, as cat plays piano with orchestra to see just how talented Nora is…

and give a round of apaws to our maestro cat, Nora the piano cat…
Hey, what do you expect –
Thanks Brian, music teacher

National Cat Day 2015

Every day is Cat Day at my kitty care, but National Cat Day 2015 is on October 29.
Since cats are found in 34% of American households, and 52% of those households have more than one cat, cats are the most popular house pet in the United States. So happy National Cat day!

National Cat Day was founded in 2005 by Pet and Family Lifestyle Expert & Animal Welfare Advocate Colleen Paige to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of cats that need to be rescued each year

Kitten and girl at ARF (Animal Rescue Fund) photo by shari smith dunaif 2015

Kitten and girl at ARF (Animal Rescue Fund) photo by shari smith dunaif 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and also to encourage cat lovers to celebrate the cat(s) in their lives for the unconditional love and companionship they bestow upon us. National Cat Day was founded to help the public recognize the number of cats that need to be rescued. The day also encourages cat lovers to celebrate the cats in their lives for the unconditional love and companionship that they bestow upon them.

Yes, we love our cats, and everyday IS cat day, but on national cat day, make October 29, 2015 a day to adopt and rescue a cat for your household, and for your family and friends too who would love to have  cat (or cats).
If you’re a household that already has a cat or cats, or if you are just a cat lover, here are some ways to celebrate national cat day.

Why do cats purr?

Cat lovers love the soothing sound of our cat’s purr, but why do cats purr? Here is a really good and informative article about why cats purr: the scientific, physical and social aspects of purring.

cat purrs

cat purrs
photo by shari smith dunaif

No one is certain exactly why cats purr, though there are a number of good guesses. The obvious observation is cats seem to purr when they’re pleased and feeling good. But that’s not always the case: Some cats also purr when they’re hungry, injured, or frightened. And most surprisingly, purring frequencies have been shown to stimulate bone regeneration—yes, bone regeneration.
Cats purr by using their larynx and diaphragm muscles, both as they inhale and as they exhale, although just how the central nervous system generates and controls those contractions isn’t yet understood. Early 19th century taxonomists thought cats could either purr or roar, and split the family Felidae along these lines—“purrers’ (subfamily Felinae) and ‘roarers’ (subfamily Pantherinae).

Asian Leopard Cat was bred with domestic cats to create Bengal Cats

Asian Leopard Cat

Today, though, taxonomists believe most cats can purr, with a few probable (though not certain) pantherine exceptions: lion, leopard, jaguar, tiger, snow leopard and clouded leopard. However, cheetahs and cougars do purr.
So, why do cats purr? If it’s a form of communication, it’s meant for those near and dear, since cats purr at a frequency and volume too low to travel far. Purring (and many other low-frequency vocalizations in mammals) often are associated with positive social situations: nursing, grooming, relaxing, being friendly. More likely, though, purring is simply soothing, or self-soothing, as cats may also purr in stressful situations. In that case, purring would be akin to how humans soothe themselves by crying, laughing, distracting themselves, or even organizing their desk. Some veterinarians and cat enthusiasts have observed cats lying alongside each other and purring when one is injured (a behavior termed “purr therapy”), though scientific literature on the subject is scant. Beyond being calming for the injured kitty, “purr therapy” may have bone healing properties. Domestic cats purr at a frequency of about 26 Hertz, in a range that promotes tissue regeneration. That’s not as crazy as it sounds: High-impact exercise promotes bone health for the same reason, because bones respond to pressure by making themselves stronger.
In their natural setting, cats spend a lot of time lying around waiting to hunt, so purring may stimulate bones so that they don’t become weak or brittle. In fact, purr-like vibration devices have been patented for potential use in therapy, and some researchers have proposed strapping vibrating plates to astronauts’ feet during long space flights to retain bone density.
Such reasons to purr are by no means exclusive. “All behavior depends on history, context and expectation,” says Tony Buffington, a cat expert and veterinarian at Ohio State University. “So it’s naive to think that cats can only purr for one reason—it’s like thinking that people can only laugh for one reason.” Humans can laugh out of joy, a desire to be polite, when surprised, in discomfort or in derision—and only context will tell an onlooker which is going on.
If you want to know why your cat is purring, Buffington suggests paying attention to what prompted the purring and what it leads to.
Did you just arrive home to be greeted by your cat purring and rubbing against your leg? He might be happy to see you. Is your cat pestering you around dinnertime, purring insistently? It may be hungry. (Cats seem to purr with greater urgency when hungry.) Is he purring at you through YouTube? Maybe he’s encouraging you to finish the story you’re writing. (This was my soundtrack for writing this piece. You are welcome.)
by Danielle Venton, wired

thanks Bernard

about Himalayan cats

My Kitty Care loves learning about different cat breeds, so let’s talk about Himalayan cats, or Himmies, as they’re affectionately known. The Himalayan Cat is a longhaired cat breed similar in appearance to the Persian. They have blue-eyes, and are noted for their point coloration.

Himalayan cat breed is part Siamese cat

Persian cat

Himalayan cats are part Siamese

Siamese cat

Dr Becker says:
• Himalayans are hybrids.
Some cat fanciers think of the Himalayan as a distinct breed; others consider it a variety of the Persian breed.
The Himalayan is really a hybrid of Persian and Siamese cats.” According to The Cat Fanciers Association, Brian Sterling-Webb, an English breeder, took ten years to perfect his long-haired colorpoint cat. In 1955 he approached the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) and requested recognition for this new variety of longhaired cat.

In North America, Mrs. Goforth applied for breed recognition at the CFA Annual Meeting held in Washington, DC on December 18, 1957. Mrs Goforth contended that although the Himalayan standard was identical to the Persian standard, the cat was not a Persian, but a new breed of longhair. With this philosophy as a basis for the Himalayan, these cats received recognition and were granted foundation record registration with CFA. The rules governing the acceptance of new breeds and colors at the time required breeders to show three generations of pure Himalayan colorpoint breedings in order to be eligible for championship competition.
Himalayan cat breed
Himalayans have the characteristic flat, open face of Persians. The eyes are a bright blue, and the ears are small, perky, and set wide apart. There is a distinctive ruff around the neck, suggesting a lion’s mane. The Himalayan body appears large, but only because from their head to their paws, their fur is very fluffy.

• Himalayans Are More Like Persians Than Siamese
Despite the Himalayan’s Siamese lineage, they are medium-sized cats from 7 to 12 pounds, with a sturdy, muscular build and large bones. Most Himalayans, in true Persian fashion, aren’t particularly active or athletic. Your Himmy isn’t inclined to doing much spontaneous leaping or climbing, like climbing up your drapes, jumping up on your kitchen counter, or leaping up on a high bookshelf. Instead you’ll find him napping on a nice soft pillow, or whatever looks comfortable.
• Himalayans are selective about who they bond with
The Himalayan is a calm and somewhat reserved breed. They tend to be affectionate with immediate family members, and they prefer a peaceful, low-key environment. They don’t like being left alone for long periods of time, because they like and need their human family’s contact and companionship.
• The Himalayan’s Coat Is High-Maintenance
Be prepared: it’s extremely important that your Himalayan is groomed daily. It must be gently but thoroughly combed every day, and regular baths, at least monthly, are also recommended. Additional daily care should include wiping the corners of the eyes to prevent under-eye stains, and teeth brushing. Himmies thick coat often traps kitty litter, especially in their paws, so check their toes and footpads. Himmies like being clean, so if your Himmy, and her litterbox, aren’t kept scrupulously clean, your Himmy is more likely than other breeds to stop using the box.
• Himalayans maybe prone to health conditions
Again from Dr. Becker “The Himalayan is an exotic breed with certain health problems primarily associated with their flat facial structure. These include difficult or noisy breathing, dental malocclusions, excessive tearing, eye conditions (e.g., cherry eye, entropion), hyperesthesia syndrome, and heat sensitivity. Other health problems of Himmies may include polycystic kidney disease, and skin conditions.” However, the CFA (the Cat Fanciers Association) states “It IS possible to breed a beautiful Persian with a very short nose that breathes and tears normally. They are not PRONE to respiratory problems – they are generally healthy, vigorous cats.”
• Himalayans are intelligent
Meanwhile, Himalayans are considered quite smart, although they’re often not recognized for being so. Do challenge your Himmy by teaching her tricks and offering puzzle toys that reward her with treats when she learns how to solve them.
• Himalayans can get chubby
Since your Himmy is by nature a lounger rather than an athlete, it’s important their diet is monitored so that they don’t become overweight or even obese. A balanced, raw, and species-appropriate diet made with organic, non-GMO ingredients, is recommended.
Plus, we all love giving our cats treats, earned or not, so your Himalayan will get plenty of treats, but don’t forget that treats have calories.
• Himalayan kittens are often mellow
Himalayan kittens are not quite as rowdy and rambunctious as many other breeds. Even very young Himmys typically have the gentle, mild temperament of an adult.

Himalayan kitten

Himalayan kitten

• Kittens usually don’t look like Himalayan adults. They are born a solid white or cream color and don’t develop their markings for a few weeks. It also takes time for their long, luxurious coats to grow. In fact, it isn’t until a young Himalayan is over a year old that they begin to look like an adult Himalayan.

Himalayans are beautiful, gentle, loyal cats. They’re intelligent and affectionate, and regardless of the additional care these long-hair cats require, they are lovely companions.

cat video festival tour 2015

The cat video festival tour 2015 is from the internet cat video festival 2015 schedule that was held in August, 2015 at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. Minnesota.
The following cities can still catch the 2015 cat video show –
September 19, Chicago Cat Rescue & Tree House, Chicago, IL
September 25, Museum of Arts and Design, New York, NY
October 3, Organikat, Los Angeles, CA
October 24, Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County, Port Charlotte, FL
November 19-21, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, IN
November 28, Town Hall Theater, Middlebury, VT

These cities already enjoyed the 2015 cat video festival program, but perhaps next year, these same cities will host the cat video festival 2016 tour. If you live in or visit these cities next year, here’s a heads up of possible venues for excellent cat videos –
January 17, Northbridge Piazza, Perth, AUSTRALIA
February 14-15, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, Memphis, TN
February 17, Northampton Arts Council, Northampton, MA
February 21-22, Glasgow Life/Glasgow Arts, Glasgow, Scotland
February 24, Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor, MI
March 1, Glasgow Film Theatre, Glasgow, Scotland
March 13, Cornell Cinema, Ithaca, NY
March 28, Nine Lives Greece, Athens, Greece
April 6, Duluth Art Institute, Duluth, MN
April 11, North Dakota Humanities Council, Bismarck, ND
April 18, Columbia Center for the Arts, Hood River, OR
May 16, SPCA Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, FL
May 20, Japan Society, New York, NY
June 19-21, Hollywood Theatre, Portland, OR
June 26-27, Animal Humane NM, Albuquerque, NM
June 27, Art for Cats’ Sake, New Orleans, LA
July 9-10, Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
July 23, The Chief Theater, Steamboat Springs, CO
July 31 and August 1-2, Denver County Fair – Kitten Pavilion, Denver, CO
August 1, Myriad Gardens, Oklahoma City, OK
August 21, Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, WA
August 22, Farnsworth Art Museum, Rockland, ME
August 25, Utah Film Center, Salt Lake City, UT
August 28-29, Carrie A Seaman Animal Shelter, Provincetown, MA

let’s talk about cats, even better, let’s watch entertaining cat videos!