We are accustomed to the Avestan astrological school, in which it is customary to divide the entire year according to zodiac signs. Eastern sages believe that during all 12 months humanity is under the protection of one or another magical animal. This is a Horse or Dog, Bull or Buffalo, Snake or Dragon, etc. Each of them has their own habits, habits, which they generously share with us, subordinating our destinies to their current rhythms. Moreover, in Chinese and Japanese mythology, these animals personify luck, calmness, prudence or, conversely, suspicion, stinginess, and ferocity. Therefore, some years are marked by economic and political stability and a calm environmental situation. Others, on the contrary, are characterized by crises, small and large wars, and natural disasters.
Rabbit, aka Cat
Consider, for example, the year of the Cat. The next zodiac cycle begins with it. What is curious: this cute pet is considered a good patron by the inhabitants of the Celestial Empire, i.e. the Chinese. The Japanese call it the year of the Rabbit (or Hare). And if in nature cats come in a variety of colors, then rabbits are only snow-white, gray, brown and black. However, we have already met the Fire Hare and the Blue, while the year of the Cat has always been distinguished by a modest color palette. But both animals are not short of cunning. According to legends, the modest Bunny (aka Kitty) shamed and drove the Dragon himself into blush. And few of the other heroes of the astrological zoo are capable of such a feat!
Basic rules when preparing a cat for castration
Despite the simplicity of the operation, there are still risks: after all, castration is a surgical intervention. And the task of a caring owner is to prepare the pet correctly so that he can bear it as easily as possible.
First of all, you should show the cat to a veterinarian and conduct a full examination to determine how healthy the animal is and how it will tolerate anesthesia and surgery. The doctor will examine the cat and order blood and urine tests to identify possible diseases, including infections.
The veterinarian will also give detailed recommendations on preparing the animal for surgery and care after it.
If, during the examination, serious diseases or infections are discovered in the animal, then the owners must immediately begin treatment for the pet. The veterinarian will tell you how to cope with the disease in a particular case. He will prescribe the necessary medications and give detailed instructions for carrying out therapy. After curing the cat, you can set a day for surgery.
Distinctive features
So, it's the year of the Cat. Let's find out how they see their pet in China. Firstly, the cute purr is considered a very happy and lucky animal. Don't forget that if he falls, he lands on all 4 paws. Therefore, most of the troubles are successfully experienced and come out of troubles unharmed. And if you take into account the saying about his 9 lives, it becomes clear: the year of the Cat should be calm. If troubles happen, they will be resolved positively and easily, just as they appeared. According to Chinese astrological teachings, the Cat is simply obliged to provide well-being and a comfortable existence, if not to all, then to the majority of the inhabitants of the Earth for sure!
How to gain a cat's trust?
The authors of the scientific work became interested in whether a person can earn the trust of an animal by smiling “like a cat”? To find out, they conducted a two-part scientific experiment. The action took place inside the apartments where the cats lived. This was important so that the animals felt as comfortable as possible and did not experience stress in anticipation of danger.
Cats feel best at home - they feel stressed in an unfamiliar place
The first part of the experiment involved 21 cats ranging in age from several months to 16 years. The owners sat in front of their pets at a distance of about one meter. Then, under the supervision of a psychologist and cameras, they squinted their eyes and blinked slowly. As expected, the cats responded by blinking at their owners in the same way. The authors of the scientific work perceived this as a success - yes, owners can get closer to their pets by smiling at them in a special way.
Smile and the cat will give you a high five!
In the second part of the experiment, scientists tested whether cats could trust strangers. The study involved 24 cats aged from one year to 17 years. This time, scientists sat in front of them, whom the cats saw for the first time. Some researchers blinked slowly, while others simply sat there, looking away. When they extended their hands to the animals, the cats reciprocated only the researchers who “smiled” at them. Based on this, scientists have concluded that almost anyone can .
Try relaxing your eyes and squinting them slightly, and then close them for a couple of seconds. If you see that the animal reciprocates, you can start a kind of conversation, the authors of the scientific work concluded.
Periodization
Any of the totem animals rules the Earth for a whole year. This happens once every 12 years. 2011 was the last year of the cat. What years preceded it and when can we expect the next one? Of the past years, this was in the past - the 20th century. Specifically: 1903, 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999. It cannot be said that they were all easy. In 1915, the First World War was in full swing. In 1927 there was a terrible famine in Russia. 1939 was marked by fierce repressions, and then World War II began. The list of tragic events could go on for a long time. However, the main quality of the animal - vitality - is more clearly demonstrated than ever on these dates. Both the world and Russia withstood terrible trials (repression, fascism, not only German, but also Spanish). And they were able to build a new life on the ruins of the old one. The Year of the Cat is also ahead of us. What years specifically in this century? 2023, 2035, 2047, 2059, 2071, 2083 and 2095. Let's see what they will bring to us! In general, this is not a complete list. After all, each animal mascot has additional definitions. Thus, the Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth cats stand out.
TOP 4 friendly cat breeds
Many people have formed the opinion that cats are the most unemotional and detached creatures. This is fundamentally wrong. There are just certain breeds that really aren’t particularly active or friendly. But there are also those who can be called true companions...
Test “Which animal are you”: find out who lives inside you?
| Breed | Description |
| 1. Exotic shorthair cat | Do you want a pet that won't get away with anything in the literal sense of the word? There is one! The breed is called “exotic shorthair”, and is simply distinguished by its immense affection and tenderness. These cats can be cold and suspicious of strangers. However, the owner is recognized even from afar. They are loyal, inquisitive and can run after a toy. But not always. |
| 2. Abyssinian cat | These cats are so active that they can be compared to small, restless children! They cannot sit in one place for even a minute. Obviously, Abyssinian cats are incredibly inquisitive and can periodically cause chaos in the house. However, their deep eyes and devotion to their owner, which they carry throughout their entire lives, do not allow you to be angry with them for more than one second! |
| 3. Burmese cat | If you look at a Burmese cat, it may seem that she is not just harsh, but even aggressive. Nothing like this! These stern-looking creatures are so patient that they could compete with the calmest and most balanced people. They even meow in exceptional cases! But this does not mean that Burmese cats are indifferent and indifferent. They are capable of experiencing a variety of emotions: from tenderness and affection to crazy curiosity. But there really is no aggression in them. |
| 4. Siamese cat | These are incredibly sociable creatures. However, if you get a Siamese beauty, you will understand this on the very first day: they meow incessantly! Siamese cats often show capriciousness, selectivity in food and detachment from their owner. By the way, the latter is only possible if you have offended your pet in some way. She is quite vindictive, and will certainly take revenge when the opportunity arises. But overall, these are beautiful creatures! |
Please note: experts say that cats, in some unimaginable way, sense not only the mood of the owner, but also his character. Moreover, they can adapt to certain qualities of their owner. For example, if an active owner has a cat that is very passive and lazy by nature, the latter will still change to some extent, imitating its owner.
Find out which cat breed you are most similar to based on your zodiac sign:
Positive trends
Let's talk in more detail about what is distinctive about the Year of the Cat. The characteristics of an animal are often projected onto the period of its reign. Cats are considered in the East to be aesthetically very sensitive and developed. They understand and perceive beauty well in all its manifestations. Therefore, special sophistication, even a certain refinement, will be inherent in society at this time. And children born in the year of the Cat (the characteristics are completely identical) will definitely be talented, a little ambitious - just enough not to bury their abilities, to break through and realize all the inclinations that fate has awarded them. They usually say about such people: “the darling of fate.” People nearby always greet the “Kittens”, and they pay in return with kindness and gratitude. In general, both a rabbit and a cat are gentle, affectionate animals. The same can be said about everyone born under their sign. There are no friends more devoted than them, and there are no other lovers whose feelings could survive many trials either. Sincere, peaceful and friendly, they do not hide their sympathies, are always open and go through life with a smile on their lips.
A little about the operation
There are two methods to castrate a cat. The most common is a surgical operation during which the animal's testes, the main sex glands located in the scrotum, are removed. It is performed under general anesthesia. There is also a medicinal method that involves inserting a special implant under the skin that suppresses the production of sex hormones. This method is not very popular, since the measure is temporary.
After removal of the gonads, the hormonal background of the animal changes dramatically, as the production of androgens is significantly reduced. The cat's life and behavior become completely different, but these are positive changes.
Veterinarians consider the optimal age for surgery to be from 7-8 to 10 months.
Until this age, the growth and formation of organs and systems in a kitten has not yet been completed, and surgical intervention can negatively affect the physical development of the animal. If you castrate a cat before 7 months of age, his genitourinary system stops developing. In general, this does not affect his life, but if urolithiasis develops (a common occurrence in neutered cats), treatment will be very difficult.
The castration operation has been worked out by veterinarians to the smallest detail, as it has been practiced for a long time and is very common. Possible complications are practically excluded, and there are significantly more advantages than disadvantages. The benefits of castrating a cat include the following changes:
- the cat stops leaving “marks” (during sexual activity, the smell of urine becomes even more pungent and persistent, and the smell lingers in the apartment, left on all surfaces, which causes serious discomfort to the people living there);
- the heart-rending cries of the animal end, demanding to be let out into the street or to be provided with a cat;
- aggression towards humans and other animals disappears;
- the risk that the cat will run away from the house or jump out of the window, trying to be free and realize the instinct of procreation, is reduced;
- if a cat is allowed outside, he can contract dangerous infectious diseases from mating with stray cats (some of these infections are fatal);
- the likelihood of developing other diseases decreases or disappears (according to veterinary statistics, castrates never experience prostatic hyperplasia and do not develop tumor processes in the perianal sinuses).
The disappearance of the need for procreation significantly reduces stress in the animal’s life, which has a positive effect on its health and life expectancy. From a moral point of view, there is also no concern: the animal will not experience any suffering due to the loss of “masculinity.”
Eastern and Western horoscope: Aquarius cats
What happens if you superimpose the views and traditions of Western astrology and Eastern, Vedic astrology? For example, how will Aquarius behave and feel in the year of the Cat? In China, this animal represents wisdom, caution, foresight, and independence. And Aquarians are creative natures, prone to intense mental work and striving for new knowledge. Therefore, people born in the 2nd half of January and early February have the most admirable character traits: excellent performance, wisdom, caution, internal discipline, thirst for knowledge. In addition to scientists, teachers, writers, they can make excellent peacemakers. Aquarius cats are excellent at resolving conflicts and nullifying the toughest disputes and irreconcilable differences. Charming, balanced, they fit perfectly into any team and are wonderful family men. But there is no perfection in the sublunary world. And Aquarians, born in the “cat” years, are too distrustful, listen little to the opinions of others, and rely only on themselves. They need to learn tolerance, then there will be no price for these people!
Mr. Cat recommends: what to take with you to the veterinary clinic
If the operation is decided to be carried out in a clinic, then you should properly prepare for the trip, taking with you everything you need. Some doctors advise castration to be carried out in a hospital setting, especially for older cats, as well as weakened animals. If the veterinarian has come to the conclusion that the operation can be performed, but there are risks, then it is better to reduce them by performing the intervention in a clinic. They have the necessary equipment and supplies to provide immediate assistance in case something goes wrong. This, of course, is rare, but it is better to foresee everything.
The cat owner should take with him to the veterinary clinic:
- a carrier in which the animal will travel to the clinic;
- a warm blanket to wrap the cat after surgery;
- veterinary passport with notes on vaccinations performed;
- bedding or disposable diaper;
- napkins in case the cat vomits while the anesthesia is wearing off.
After surgery, your pet must be properly cared for. If you discover any abnormalities in his life, you should immediately contact a veterinarian: call him home or take the animal to the clinic.
Since castration of a cat is not an abdominal operation (unlike sterilization of a cat), the pet comes to its senses quite quickly. As a rule, after recovering from anesthesia, cats return to normal life as soon as possible. Behavior changes gradually: over time, the cat stops marking its territory, yelling at night, and showing aggression.
Most cats tolerate castration well. Complications after this intervention are extremely rare. The owner should only take care, properly prepare the pet and properly care for it after removal of the testes. A healthy animal recovers from the intervention in a matter of hours.
A view from the East and from the West: Aries cats
How does Aries behave in the year of the Cat? I would like to note that the combination is extremely exciting and successful. Aries are purposeful, stubborn, energetic, strong-willed, expressive individuals. The wisdom and caution of the cat family plays into the hands of the fire sign. Its representatives become thoughtful, calm, and attentive. The tact and caution of the Cat balances the explosive nature of Aries. Among the representatives of this sign, many lovers of truth and fighters for human rights are born in these years. And also people with an extraordinary type of thinking, chess. Their distinctive feature is the ability to look at a problem from different angles and evaluate possible solutions. The advantage of Aries-Cats is their cheerfulness, optimism, love of nature and fresh air. Well, about the minuses. The feline complaisance, alas, from time to time develops in these people into spinelessness, the inability to say a decisive “No!” in cases where something alien and unpleasant is imposed on them. On the other hand, they are ready for self-sacrifice! The Aries man is especially indicative in this regard. The Year of the Cat often provides him with the ability to do something heroic. Especially on the personal front!
A weak kitten rejected by its mother loves to be wrapped in a blanket - it makes him feel calmer.
A volunteer wrapped a tiny kitten abandoned by its mother cat in a warm blanket, and it immediately felt comfortable.
The Cat House On The Kings
This little one was rescued by The Cat House on the Kings in Parlier, California. He was found along with his mother and other children.
“At this time of year we receive dozens of calls a day. People find stray cats with offspring or kittens left to their fate near their homes and turn to us for help. When our shelter (a humane shelter without cages or lethal injections) has resources and available space, we do everything we can,” says Harvey Schreiber, a rescuer.
Soon the staff noticed that the weakest baby from the brood was left without mother's attention. The cat simply stopped caring about him and literally pushed him away from her.
The Cat House On The Kings
The kitten needed feeding around the clock, so Kristen Shepard, another employee of The Cat House on the Kings, took him home to raise the little one properly.
The woman surrounded him with great care, gave him a nutritious mixture and kept him warm continuously. “While the kitten was receiving individual care, staff noticed that he really enjoyed being wrapped up warm. So, he felt safe,” Harvey adds.
The Cat House On The Kings
“Sometimes a kitten just needs a little help catching up with its siblings. And if his mother cannot give him what he needs, then we will do it,” says Carla Cortes, curator of the shelter.
He was half the size of the other children and needed extra care. Anjeanette, one of the teachers, decided to support the weak baby by wrapping him in a cozy blanket. He instantly calmed down and fell asleep.
The Cat House On The Kings
“I knew from experience that kittens like to be wrapped in something soft. That’s why I did this, because the child needs healthy sleep,” says Anjeanette.
“When I started massaging his face, he immediately began to fall asleep. He looked like a little burrito in that blanket.”
The Cat House On The Kings
Knowing that mother's milk is extremely important for a growing body, Kristen decided to pair our hero with another nursing mother, who had a litter of even younger kittens.
The tiny little guy is 7 weeks old, but smaller than his new siblings, who are about 4 weeks old.
The Cat House On The Kings
“He fits in perfectly with the new cat family, gets along with his mother and the rest of the kittens, they cuddle constantly. He looks and feels much better, although he still weighs too little,” says Anjeanette.
The boy with the tuxedo color has already matured a lot.
The Cat House On The Kings
“Many mothers, especially young ones, find it difficult to care for weak kittens with increased needs,” explains Harvey. – This is why it is so important to spay and sterilize cats: domestic, stray, in shelters and even completely wild. Underage cats should not breed on the streets and it is up to us to reduce the number of sad situations like this.”
The sweet little guy is now alive and well thanks to the care of his nurse cat and the many dedicated staff at the rescue organization.
The Cat House On The Kings
The kitten is waiting to be given a name.
Comment Top
Touching hugs with stepbrothers and sisters - it's a pity that you can't hear how loudly they all purr!
The Cat House On The Kings
Cat and other animals: sharpening their claws
But let's return to eastern astrology. Curious how other representatives of the zodiac fauna will behave in the years of the Cat? When making assumptions, you should rely on logic. After all, in the real world, some animals coexist peacefully with others. But they are in irreconcilable hostility with the third and simply do not notice the fourth. Simple, as they say, mathematics. And if we get down to specifics, then Mice and Cats, Cats and Dogs do not belong to a friendly family. Therefore, when Murlyka reigns on the zodiac horizon, these signs will have to go into the shadows. Mouse people are advised not to make any serious plans during these years, not to change anything radically in their lives and generally hide in a hole. The situation of those born in the years of the Dog is somewhat better. They are likely to change for the better. True, they are obtained with sweat and blood, at great cost. Therefore, it is better for Dogs to take a break and rest. It is better to lead a measured lifestyle this year and prepare the platform for new starts, achievements and victories next year.
How do cats smile?
How anyone can establish contact even with an unfamiliar cat was described in the scientific journal Science Alert. People smile to show each other that they are friendly. With the help of a smile you can also build a trusting relationship with animals, only cats do not understand the “human” smile with exposed teeth. For them, a smile means slightly narrowed eyes and slow blinking. The owners of these furry creatures have probably noticed that they sometimes look at people with half-closed eyes. According to scientists, they smile in this way and show that they like everything that is happening.
Cats can smile and it looks something like this
Good helper
But who can hope for the support of the Cat is his distant relative - the Tiger. Take a breath, improve your health, relax, consolidate your positions - everything is completely available to the “big brother”. The cat will help ensure that relatives are not disadvantaged in any way! Naturally, prosperity and prosperity await the Purring Rabbits themselves. Fish and cabbage - whoever needs what - will have them in abundance all year, so they can stock up on supplies for the future. There are practically no problems, pleasant surprises and gifts - as if from a cornucopia. What more could you want? Indeed, specifically during the years of the Cat, representatives of this sign will have impeccable abilities to enjoy life, make friends, find love, build a career and generally be at the peak of fame. Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey - the darling Cat clearly favors them all. Mental balance, peace, “things are going well”, success in various areas of life or long-awaited rest - each symbol will find and receive in the “cat’s reign” what it needs and is therefore so pleasant. The year of the Red Cat is always especially generous with gifts.
Cat tongue
With all this, it should be taken into account that cats perceive wide-open eyes as a threat. So it is better to always look at pets with squinting eyes, thereby expressing goodwill. You can bulge your eyes, unless the furry creature has done something. There is a possibility that, seeing a hostile look, the cat will understand that the owner clearly did not approve of their action.
I tried this trick with my cat, but it didn't reciprocate. I'll try again. Share the results of your attempts to talk with your pets in the comments or in our Telegram chat. Interesting!
Knowing how to communicate with cats is a very valuable skill. After all, sometimes we simply do not understand the reason for their strange behavior and scold in vain. I recently wrote about why cats have a habit of running around at night. All this is for a reason and ghosts have nothing to do with it. I suggest you read this material right now and learn a few more interesting facts about the most common pets.
“Neither friend nor foe - and so...”
Alas, not a single large family, where many relatives are gathered under a common roof, can do without outcasts. So is Kotyara - for some zodiac symbols a sweet and docile brother, for others - a rival with claws. And some people are completely ignored. Without his mercy, the hard-working Ox, the fussy Rooster, and the restless Pig will have to survive this year. When distributing generous pieces of pie, alas, the Cat bypassed them. Therefore, the signs have no choice but to lead their usual lifestyle, work hard and only hope for happy changes. The main thing is to try to avoid stress and scandals - they are so tiring! In the end, one day everything ends, and so does the unpleasant year!
Test “What kind of cat are you”: find out what breed you are like
Despite the fact that the test is humorous, it can even reveal hidden character traits. Therefore, it is better to answer questions seriously.
What do you prefer to do on a frosty winter evening?
How would you prefer to relax after a very difficult day at work?
Friends call early in the morning on a weekend and offer to go to a ski resort. They say that the only thing required of you is a good mood and efficiency. What will you do?
How do you usually look in photographs?
How do you feel about changing your image? Could you do it spontaneously?
What if you were offered a very large sum of money for cutting your hair bald? Would you agree?
Imagine that you are alone at home. Evening. The leaves of the trees rustle outside the window. Suddenly some suspicious rustling is heard from the next room. What will you do?
What do you like to eat most?
What lengths can you go to for fame?
What can wake you up at five in the morning so that you feel energetic?
test what kind of cat are you
British longhair cat! These furry creatures simply love affection and hugs! They are able to remain in the hands of their owner all day, charging him with powerful energy. Even though this cat may seem lazy and slow, he has an energy that you can feel even from a distance. The British Longhair loves to spend time with people, but it also appreciates moments of solitude!
Norwegian Forest Cat! The most accurate word that best describes this feline is “independence.” Norwegian cats do not like to chase a ball of thread or a sunbeam. They prefer to spend their leisure time lying on the windowsill, preferably on a sunny day. The Norwegian Forest Cat can sometimes be aloof, but sometimes, on the contrary, very sociable and sociable. But one quality remains unchanged - her independence.
Japanese Bobtail! This cat comes from the land of the rising sun. Her character combines several bright qualities: curiosity, adventurousness and a passion for everyone's attention. As children, bobtails are generally uncontrollable: they are capable of scouring the house all day long, looking for something interesting, and by the evening they can find it! Owners periodically get offended by their Japanese Bobtails, because they often behave like little robbers: they break their favorite vases, scratch upholstered furniture with their claws and relieve themselves in the most unusual places. One thing is for sure: with a bobtail, no one will be bored!
Maine Coon! These pets are moderately balanced and calm, they can be friendly and easy-going. At the same time, Maine Coon cats will not sleep on the rug next to the owner’s bed; they like the bed itself (preferably with a soft and delicate blanket). Before the owner can get enough of his cat’s friendliness, the Maine Coon begins to show character. But they are so sweet and smart that you can forgive everything!
