A lot of cats live in my girl friend's house. It has become a safe haven for them. My friend had no problem with it since she is so into them. The foreign ones that she has, she reproduces them. Now, there are almost twelve cats that are staying with her in her home. She has built ramps, cat windows that open to an enclosed porch, cat runs, little shelves they can sleep or sit on and just about every cat product you can imagine. Their sleeping tunnels and beds are tiny. She even films them and sends me a copy. One time, she caught on video her cats, the one sleeping being pounced by another who was such a nuisance making a huge disturbance in the room!

It is believed that the true origin of the cat as well as raccoons, dogs and bears is the extinct species called Miacis dating back 50 million years. In comparison to a weasel, they have claws that can be retracted if they will it.

Wildcats were valued and treated as pets by the Egyptians about 3500 B.C. Their ability in hunting were portrayed by the Egyptians through artworks. Egyptians also thought that the sunlight was enclosed in the cat's eyes. Cats were highly revered during the 1500 B.C. and it was fatal for any individual takes the life of a cat. If a dearly loved cat died, its pet owner expressed their sorrow by having their eyebrows shaved and the cat mummified.

By the time it reached 1000 B.C., Phoenicians and Greek merchants brought cats to Europe and Asia. They continued to be revered for their hunting ability and skill in controlling the rodent population.

It was in Europe where the original cat show was held, during 1871 in London, England. By 1887, the first cat association was instituted. For cat lovers all over the place, it's all marked in history.

There was one time before, I needed to do some task away from the house but my mom was not feeling well. A friend of hers said she would stay with her while I was gone. My mother and Lucy were already seniors, they were into their late sixties at that point in time. By the time I was back from my walk, I saw them on each couch lying sound asleep. Lucy was in deep sleep that she wasn't awoken by mom's cat settling on her chest. The cat was staring at her mouth and nose, even observing her snores. I think she was awed by what she observed and it enthralled her. When Lucy took breathes, the cat and her chest went up and down at the same time. It was a very comical and treasured moment, and I wanted mom to feel what I felt, so I woke her up. As soon as Lucy woke up herself, she gazed at the cat's curious eyes. Waking out of a sound sleep, she thought she was dreaming until she heard the laughter - and she always remembered that nap time as the fondest of memories of my mother and talked about into her old age.

Our feline friends have given us hours of affection and quiet moments with a feeling of satisfaction. They also give many hours of entertainment and laughter with their antics of curiosity. Aside from all the loving they have received in return and all the care and nutrition for their health, we could still supply them with things to amuse themselves as well as a comfortable quarter to sleep and play in. Purrfection!

Do you want to buy a cheap cat accessory? Safe Home recommends the best cheap cat accessories for your cat needs.

Written by Maxine E. Bernstein using tags: Asia, Pets

Sheep breeding have different purposes. Some farmers breed sheep for their wool, others for their milk, while others breed sheep for their meat. Medium and large breeds are the best sheep breeds for slaughter. If you are raising sheep for meat, you would need breeds that are fast growing and have good carcasses. Dorper and Hampshire breeds are two of the best sheep meat breeds in the world. This is due to their high resistance to parasite and hot weather, and also because of their ability to grow quickly and fatten up in a very short time. In raising sheep for meat, there are 4 vital tips you need to know.

1) Difference between feeder and slaughter lambs - slaughter lambs are those bought for immediate slaughter while feeder lambs are those bought to be raised before being slaughtered.

2) Profitability - factors affecting profits in raising sheep for meat include: market prices, lamb growth rate and cost of feeding. Always keep in mind, the faster a lamb grow and the bigger it grows on less consumption mean better profits for the farmer.

3) Meat nomenclature - lambs are the meat of young sheep less than a year old. Mutton is meat coming from a ewe or a castrated male sheep while hogget can be the meat of a young male sheep or a maiden ewe. Lambs are generally softer than hogget and muttons, while older meat tends to have a stronger flavor than lamb.

4) In raising sheep for meat, you also need to know the different cuts and classification of its meat. The meat is sorted into three sections: the forequarter, the loin, and the hind quarter. Lamb chops are cut from the rib, loin and shoulder; lamb shank can either be meat from the arm of the shoulder, or a cut of meat from the upper part of the leg.Usual cuts of lamb are: scrag end (of neck), middle neck, best end (of neck), loin, chump (and chump chops), leg, shank, shoulder, and breast.

Raising sheep for meat can certainly be a very profitable business, especially in places where sheep meat is a delicacy and a popular cuisine. For example, in Northern Europe, many traditional dishes feature mutton and lamb. Barbecued mutton is also popular in the United States and in Canada. Aside from its meat, a sheep's liver, lungs, heart, and testicle are eaten and considered a delicacy in many countries. In Asia, where other red meat is avoided for religious reasons, sheep meat can be a perfect meat substitute.

Are you looking for more facts on raising sheep for meat? Differentiate yourself from the normal sheep owners who are prone to painful mistakes. If you would like to learn more facts on caring for sheep and how to raise sheep the proper way, go to: www.howtoraisesheep.com

Written by Chris M Hill using tags: Asia, Pets

A friend of mine is a cat lover. She loves them so much that she made her home a refuge for cats. Around twelve cats are currently living with her inside her house. She usually breeds cats with the most striking feature that's why it became so many. She did some remodeling fit for cats to stay in, with ramps, windows, porches, cat runs and little shelves. She also bought cat products everything that you can think of. The cats also have their own sleeping tunnels and beds, only miniature though. It was like a cat revolution, the film she sent me with. It started with only two cats, the one causing the trouble over the one who was supposedly resting or sleeping.

Cats, same as raccoons, dogs and bears, were considered to have came from a specie that aged 50 million years before but no longer continues to exist, called the Miacas. They had five claws that retract just like the weasel.

During the time of 3500 B.C., the Egyptian people also had pets of their own and these were tamed wildcats. Their ability in hunting were portrayed by the Egyptians through artworks. Egyptians also thought that the sunlight was enclosed in the cat's eyes. Cats were highly revered during the 1500 B.C. and it was fatal for any individual takes the life of a cat. When a beloved cat pet died, the owners shaved their eyebrows as a symbol of grief - and they mummified the cat.

Cats were transported by Phoenician and Greek traders to Europe and Asia by 1000 B.C. They remained to be awed for their knack for hunting and curbing the rodent populace.

London, England held its first cat show in 1871, and established the first cat association in 1887. What later followed for people everywhere that adore cats very much is written in history.

There was one time before, I needed to do some task away from the house but my mom was not feeling well. My mother had her friend as a companion while I did my errands. Mom and Lucy at that time were both over their senior years. I found them both asleep on each couch in the living room by the time I arrived home. Lucy was so sound asleep, she was snoring and mother's cat was sitting on her chest with her eyes fixed on her nose and mouth. Maybe she was marveling at Lucy and was attracted to her. The cat also went up and down as Lucy's chest went up and down when she breathed. It was such a funny and memorable moment that I had to wake my mother up so she could see it. Lucy's eyes caught the cat's eyes when she roused from her sleep. At first, she thought she was dreaming, but it became clear to her that she was in reality when she overheard me and mom giggling. On occasions, they recalled that most memorable experience and even into her old age.

The cats have became a part of our family and having them has been gratifying, with lots of tenderness and calm moments. We are entertained and amused by their prying actions. Loving and caring them back aren't enough to make a happy feline that's why there are other items in the market that can make them feel relaxed and contented. Mwow!

Don't just buy some of the best cat toys from anywhere. For those who want the most beneficial out there, visit Best Pet Products. Plenty of best cat toys will likely be there for you to select.

Written by Hugh A. Lane using tags: Asia, Cats

Poodles have gotten a bad rap over the years. Ask anyone who has never been around a poodle to describe one, and you're likely to hear something about "yappy, nervous little dogs with weird haircuts. In actuality, the poodle is known for its intelligence. Although a little high-strung by nature, a well-trained poodle is even-tempered and devoted to pleasing its family.

Historical tips on this breed

The poodle's history is somewhat unclear, although poodles or their ancestors have been around for a long time. They are believed to have originated in Asia. The poodle was originally bred to be a "water dog" to retrieve game shot into water. The poodle's intelligence and unusual appearance also placed it in demand as a circus animal that delighted audiences with clever tricks.

Finally, the poodle's sweet natural ability to form attachments to people made it a wonderful pet

Appearance

Poodles differ from any other dog breed. They have squared bodies with sizes from under ten inches - toy poodle, to over fifteen inches - standard poodle. Their eyes are dark, oval and set apart, their years hang down the head slightly below the eye level and their muzzles are long and strait. They have long and muscular necks. Most people love their air of dignity unmatched in other dogs.

Of course, it is the poodle's fur that really sets it apart from other dogs. Poodles come in many different colors including black, white, brown, gray, silver, red, etc. Their fur may be curly or corded (small clumps of ringlets) and their tails are usually docked (cut) to about half their original length. Frequent professional grooming is a must.

Tips About Their Temperament

Poodles typically have a good nature and are intelligent dogs who love attention and who bond very quickly to their people. Some dogs are content to be alone much of the time. This is not the case with the poodle, who craves attention and love. Poodles enjoy learning new things and showing off their new discoveries and tricks. They crave stability and routine.

In the presence of strangers they could become shy or even anxious. They are good guard dogs because they use to bark at unknown persons.

A Poodle in the Home

Poodles make adorable and adoring pets, but they do require time and energy to become ideal companions. You should plan to spend at least an hour a day with your poodle, grooming it, walking it, playing with it, teaching it or simply sitting and stroking its fur.

They need permanent challenge to manifest and develop their intelligence. But they are also thriving for consistency, so don't change the daily routine if possible. They go high strung or nippy, even anxious when living in a chaotic environment.

If you have children, show them how to hold and pet the poodle gently so that it won't be afraid. Young children should only play with the poodle under supervision. Poodles usually get along famously with the elderly.

Did you knew that once this sweet little dog having bows in its fur was the companion of formidable German hunters?

The main physical characteristics of the poodle are the curly or corded fur variously coloured and the docked tail. It originated as a water dog in Asia and became a pet due to its attachement to humans. The elderly families are the most suitable for poodle dogs and not those having small children.

Written by Martin Doyle using tags: Asia, good guard, pet-memorials-poodle, poodle-memorials-urns, poodle-urns

The rat is a special symbol in the Chinese tradition. Let's find out why the Chinese New year rat symbol is reckoned to be so special.

People in general wouldn't like to be linked up with a rat beyond the Chinese traditions. That's because for most westerners, the rat is a tiny, dirty and shady creature that stays in the filthy places. However, great Chinese thinkers draw a different conclusion for the image of this rat.

Intelligence is an important the attributes of the rat. The Chinese philosophers have observed that the rat is not only hardworking but also extremely innovative creatures who love absolutely like to control things. It has been realized that rat people go for perfection. These are but a few of their characteristic traits that have been analyzed.

As per the Chinese culture, for decades now each year has a particular animal suggested to it. A lot of study and historical background as to what animal should be assigned to which year. But as the Chinese people observe the lunar calendar, there are twelve animals that work every twelfth year in rotation as used by the Chinese.

The Chinese history records that the rat has a unique position in the ancient culture. History says that the twelve animals that are part of the cycle were made to participate in a race. All along the ox was leading the race. But little did he know that the rat was on his back and so when he neared the finishing point, the rat jumped of his back and crossed the finishing line first!

Thus, it seems that the whole animal history begins with the symbol of the rat. Hence, after the completion of every twelfth year, a cycle gets over and a whole new cycle begins with the year of the rat.

Hence, we see that the rat is well-known for his innovative character and intelligence. This shrewd animal can burrow into any kind of problem and find a path to succeed in its aim. Hence, it is appreciated for its sharpness and intelligent personality.

Based on the personality analysis given by the Chinese philosophers, one would actually not mind to be associated with the Chinese concept of the rat's personality characters. However, it is understandable why there is discomfort in accepting it because of the west has its own perception of the animal.

Another interesting feature about the animals of the 12 year cycle is the compatibility problems. How the Chinese philosophers came up with these connections is unclear but they have drawn conclusions as to which animal sign is compatible with another and which is likely to have confrontations.

It's amazing to know that the rat has great compatibility with the monkey. But where do the philosophers get this conviction is still unknown. However, these beliefs exist in China. From the ancient era, the year of the rat is believed to be the sign of protection and wealth.

The chinese new-year rat is an integral part of traditional New Years celebrations. If you want to know more about Chinese new year greetings please follow the links.

Written by John Chan using tags: animals, Asia, China, chinese, culture, family, festival, Home, new year, party, Pets, society

The species of snake called the spitting cobra is very unusual as it not only has a poisonous bite but it also spits venom into the eyes of its prey and aggressors. Contact of this venom with your eyes is very painful and can even blind you temporarily, therefore, if you get cobra venom in your eyes, irrigate them with water at once in order to prevent permanent tissue damage.

The King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is also remarkable in this large family of snakes (elapidae) because it feeds almost entirely on other snakes with mice and small birds also falling prey to its poison.

The King Cobra is also a record-holder because of its size - it can reach almost twenty feet (585 cms) in length, which makes it the largest poisonous snake in the world. The most recent discovery of a new species of cobra was made in 2003 as part of an illegal shipment of exotic pets at London Zoo.

DNA studies revealed that this new species of snake is similar to the red spitting cobra but has different genes. It seems to originate from an area between Sudan and Egypt and it has been called the 'Nubian Spitting Cobra'.

Though highly dangerous when it senses a threat, a cobra will not attack if you leave it in peace, although the venomous spit can travel very accurately for two meters. If compared to the strike of a rattlesnake, the cobra is pretty slow in attack, and many bites prove blank, that is without envenomation.

According to a study conducted on Malaysian cobra snake victims only 55% of the bites involved venom release and the same statistics indicate a mortality rate of 10% for people bitten, since the toxins injected into the blood of the prey destroy the nerves (neurotoxin) , which induces respiratory failure half an hour after being bitten, giving you 30 minutes to get help.

The colouration of this snake is variable from light green-grey to black, whereas juveniles have alternate yellow and black bands.This snake is to be found all over south-eastern Asia.

Are you interested in the Cobras? To learn more about snakes visit Caring for Snakes our brand-new online resource.. This article, Spitting Cobras is available for free reprint.

categories: snakes,reptiles,unusual,pets,exotic,animals,florida,california,tropical,fauna,Thailand,Asia,outdoors,other

Written by Owen Jones using tags: animals, Asia, body-structure-of-spitting-cobra, california, exotic, fauna, florida, outdoors, Pets, reptiles, snakes, spitting-cobras-as-pets, Thailand, tropical, unusual