Recommended reading: 11 Renegade Kittens Meet Their Match And Discover The Secrets Of Cats Who Behave.

Purring is one of several methods of non-verbal communication felines use to convey their moods and needs. Others include squinting or slow blinking, stretching, scratching, and facial rubbing. The next time your cat is purring deeply while curled in your lap, try purring back but be sure not to growl!

All domestic cats and most wild felines are are born with the ability to purr. Cats, from young kittens to senior citizens, purr when they are happy, such as when they are being petted, anticipating dinner, or snuggling on a warm, cozy bed. Many scientists and behaviorists believe the original function of purring was to enable a kitten to tell his mother that “everything is ok.” This occurs during nursing. A kitten cannot meow and nurse at the same time, but can purr and nurse without a problem. The mother often purrs back, reassuring the kitten. This is why your cat purrs when petted, instinctively giving the signal “everything is ok,” a message you can both hear and feel.

Purring is an integral part of the feline communication system and occurs for a variety of reasons. It is classified with the “murmur vocalization” group, which involves sounds produced by a cat while the mouth is closed. In addition to purring, this group of sounds includes grunting, calling, and acknowledgment murmurs. Domestic cats and some wild cats, like pumas and mountain lions (almost any big cat that can’t roar), are all able to purr.

Scientists report that cats produce purring sounds by using the diaphragm to push air back and forth across vibrating nerves in the larynx. Purring occurs in a frequency range between 25 and 150 hertz. At the lower end of the range, that rumbling sound can resemble an idling diesel engine, which has a similar velocity.

Scientists also believe that when cats purr under stressful circumstances, they are reassuring or comforting themselves, much as humans may sing to themselves or hum when they are nervous. Frightened cats may purr to communicate submissiveness or non-aggressive intentions. A feral cat may purr to signal that he will not attack and other cats need not feel threatened. Older cats may purr when they play or approach other cats, signaling that they are friendly and want to come closer.

Recommended reading: 11 Renegade Kittens Meet Their Match And Discover The Secrets Of Cats Who Behave.

Original article was taken from here: Whysilly.com

A Seekor minatam kere bernama My,is tido serlok miss-miss orang mampus!.
A breed of cat as old as recorded history, the Egyptian Mau (’Mau’ means ‘cat’ in Egyptian) can be seen in the artwork of the ancient Egyptians. It is thought that Egyptian Maus are descended from species of the African Wild Cat. In that culture, the cats were worshiped, protected by laws and mummified.

The Egyptian Mau is the only breed of cat that has naturally occurring spots on its short coat. Found in a random pattern on the fur, these spots can also be found on the skin. The coat can be silver, bronze or smoke colored with variations occurring between these three colors.

Egyptian Maus have striking green eyes and an unusual flap of skin extending from the flank to the back knee, which allows for agility. It is the fastest breed of cat, able to reach speeds of more than thirty miles per hour. Average adult male Egyptian Maus will reach weights between ten to fourteen pounds. Females will average six to ten pounds.

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If there is any sort of valid claim to being the cat of ancient Egypt and the Pharaohs it must go to the Mau. After all, the word “mau” means cat. What better credentials could a fantastic feline have?

Well, what if the particular breed of cat can be clearly seen in ancient Egyptian artwork? Even better, what if Hollywood itself has given its stamp of authenticity to the breed? In the 2004 movie, “Catwoman”, Halle Berry’s character, Patience Phillips, is killed, but is brought back to life by a Mau named “Midnight”, which was actually played by three different cats. It’s not surprising that they turned out to be movie stars, however, because they are known for not only their striking appearance, but for their personality and charisma as well.

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