Your Cat November 2023

I have a deep affection for black cats — don’t we all? We sadly lost our beloved black cat to a brief illness when he was just eight-years-old. He was a wonderfully affectionate and sociable companion, dearly cherished. Several months later, we welcomed Uma, a Russian Blue, into our home, joining our Ragdoll and completing our feline family. However, our adoration for black cats has never waned, both for myself and my wife. This issue has been a wonderful reminder of their unique beauty, especially through the reader pictures featured on page 30. Cats have always been shrouded in superstitions and folklore, and at times in history, they endured unjust treatment. Thankfully, we now live in more enlightened times, with the persecution of supposed witches firmly relegated to the past…

DESCRIPTION: The black panther is not a distinct species but a melanistic variant of the leopard (Panthera pardus). Melanism is a genetic condition that causes excessive dark pigmentation, resulting in an almost entirely black coat. Despite their name, black panthers are not a separate species of big cat; they are a colour morph of leopards in Africa and Asia and jaguars in the Americas. Black panthers have sleek and muscular bodies adapted for stealthy hunting. They are known for their striking, jet-black fur, which can appear almost entirely black, though some individuals may have faint spots or rosettes that are only visible under certain lighting conditions. They have a distinctive silhouette with a broad head, powerful jaws, and strong legs. Their eyes are usually golden-yellow, and their senses of sight and…

Cats may be carnivores, but a new study led by an academic from the University of Winchester suggests that our feline friends might be better off eating a vegan diet. A statement from the university’s press centre continued: “The findings could prove important in reducing the environmental impact of the protein-consuming pets who number around 400 million worldwide and have a massive ‘carbon pawprint”. The vegan versus meat-based cat food study, was authored by Professor Andrew Knight, a visiting Lecturer at the University’s Faculty of Health and Wellbeing. The study concluded: “The pooled evidence to date from our study, and from others in this field, indicate that cats fed nutritionally sound vegan diets are healthier overall, than those fed meat-based diets.” INTERNATIONAL CAT CARE RESPOND… “One of our core Cat…

Caring for your cat during Halloween and fireworks nights is crucial to ensure their safety and well-being. These occasions, while enjoyable for humans, can be highly stressful for felines due to the unfamiliar sights and sounds. To make this period less distressing for cats, here are some essential tips to consider. ✶ Firstly, we strongly recommend to keep your cat indoors, both during Halloween and fireworks displays. Loud noises and sudden flashes of light can trigger intense anxiety, causing your cat to become frightened and disoriented. Ensure that all windows and doors are securely closed, as cats may attempt to escape out of fear. ✶ Create a safe and quiet space within your home where your cat can retreat to. Set up a cozy spot with their favourite bedding, toys,…

BAMBINO was a loyal companion of Mark Twain. Their close bond brought the famous author great comfort after the death of his wife. BLACKIE was onboard the ship that carried Winston Churchill, the British prime minister, to a secret World War Two meeting. After getting a cuddle from Sir Winston, he was renamed Churchill. BLACKWALL was onboard the RRS Discovery when Robert Falcon Scott and his crew sailed to the Antarctic in the early 1900s. He kept up morale while the crew spent two winters stuck in ice. CAPTAIN MIDNIGHT was shipped from America to Britain in 1941 to help the war effort. His mission: to “cross the path” of Hitler and bring him bad luck, (cats prefer to say he brought the Allies good luck). EMPEROR UDA’S CAT was the…

“Alleged witches were accused of causing sickness or death” We all know the trope of the witch and her cat. Inseparable in popular culture, the cat is seen as a collaborator and friend to women who wield magic. Hermione Granger has Crookshanks, Sabrina Spellman has Salem, and Kiki and her cat Jiji ride together on a broomstick. Yet there is more to this than fiction – and the truth is weirder, darker and often sadder. Cats are frequently mentioned in records from the witch trials, which ran from the middle ages through to the early modern period, first in Europe, later in North America. Alleged witches were accused of causing sickness or death, destroying crops, and generally bringing misfortune. Many things could identify a witch. Often it was bad luck…