Friday, November 30, 2012

Be Flexible


Anyone who is around cats long enough will realize a trait that all cats have: amazing flexibility. Jokes have been made about amazing "boneless cats," and that instead of their skeletons being made of bone, it is cartilage like in sharks. Although that's not true, cats really are some of the most flexible domestic animals.


Animal Planet online at discovery.com explains what it is exactly that makes cats so flexible. Cats have thirty vertebrae in their spines, which is five more than humans. In between each of these bones is a very thick section of fibrocartilage, which bends easily. These two factors allow cat's backbones to curve and bend in amazing ways without injuring the animals. Cat's shoulder blades are also only attached by muscle, which allows for a lot more movement.


Sometimes I look at Finny and wonder, "How in the world could be comfortable like that?" And then I remember: he's a cat.

~RL

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Got the rumbles?

From across the room from where Finnegan lays, it can be heard--a low rumble that has been debated and speculated on for years. It's a sound that most people associate with a cat's happiness. Finny is purring.



Why do cats purr? This question is usually answered: because they are content. That is not the only reason cat's purr, however. Studies now show that cats also purr when they are in pain or distress.

All cats (besides a few large cats like Lions, Leopards, Jaguars, and Tigers) learn to purr from their mothers when they are still kittens. The purring continues as the kittens grow up into cats and indicates both comfort and discomfort.

When cats are injured, they purr to heal faster. Purring is a very low frequency vibration that aids in healing. According to to research section on the Library of Congress' website, Dr. Elizabeth Von Muggenthaler reported that "Purring may be linked to the strengthening and repairing of bones, relief of pain, and wound healing."

Just because a cat is purring, it doesn't mean he is happy. In fact, he might be in pain and using his purring as massage therapy. Even so, the most common reason for a cat to purr is to show everyone that he is happy--just like when he first learned to purr while close to his mother.

~RL

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Camouflaged

Finnegan likes to sleep or lay on objects that are white or cream-colored. For some reason, he seems to think that he blends in and I can't see him, even though he's hiding in plain sight.

"If I can't see you, you can't see me!"
According to howstuffworks.com and other sources, animals camouflage themselves to hide from their predators or their prey. Sometimes, animals try to become invisible so their prey can't see them, or they try to appear more fierce than they are so they will not be attacked.

Animals blend in to their surroundings in multiple ways. Some have developed colors that match their surroundings over the years, and some change colors during their life span. Other animals have certain patterns on their body or fur that camouflage them or make them look like something else.


When he was younger, Finnegan was completely white. As he's grown up, however, his rusty-colored tips have shown up. Finny has discovered that he blends in well on his cream bed, our white leather chair, and our off-white carpet.

The only question is: is he hiding from us thinking that we are his predators or his prey?

~RL

Monday, November 26, 2012

I'm Cutesie and I Know It


Out of all the quality characteristics of Flame-point Siamese cats, humility is not one of them. Finnegan is cute, and he knows it. He flaunts his good looks. When a camera is brought out, he's not shy.

"I'm ready for my closeup!"
Kittenwar.com is a site dedicated to pictures of adorable kittens and cats. Visitors to the site can click on the images and vote for which cat they think is cuter. A page of the "winningest kittens" shows which cat pictures have been picked the most times.



Finnegan, you're cute, pretty, and a good model, but I'm not sure you're the winningest kitten of them all. How about we let the viewers decide?

A picture of Finny sleeping with his toy hedgehog has been added to Kittenwars. Check out the site and vote for him if you see his picture!

~RL

EDIT: Kittenwars has also created a random kitten generator to view cute kitten images and has published a kittenwar book.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Turkey Day

Today is Thanksgiving, a day to spend time with family and friends, be thankful for what we have, and eat a lot of good food!

Finny would like to share this holiday with you today.

Although he is not yet three years old, Finnegan understands the important of giving thanks for what he has. He's thankful for a nice warm home, loving family, and food.

The family together: Finny, "mom" Rebecca, and "dad" Haydon.

Finny enjoys his Thanksgiving meal with his family: turkey and ham for the humans . . . cat food for him and Sammie. Does this seem unfair to anyone?


After eating, it's time for the next Thanksgiving tradition--a nap.




Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

~RL

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Finny Goes to School

Many feline fans have heard of famous internet cats like Maru, Lil BUB, Simon's Cat, and you have heard of Finnegan, of course. Not Many people, however, have heard of Oreo C. Collins. What's so special about Oreo?

Oreo C. Collins is the first cat to earn a high school diploma online.

From Macon, Georgia, little Oreo earned her diploma at Jefferson High School Online. Her owner,  Kelvin Collins, helped her with the questions and essay required for her diploma. Although Oreo is a rescue kitten, much like Finnegan, Kelvin says that she is a very smart cat.

"No homework for me! This computer is strictly used for heating my tummy."
Although Finny does not have a proper education like Oreo, he has been the main topic of projects that I have turned in for some of my college classes. In fact, many posts on this blog are read by my professors and fellow students.

~RL

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Bath Time

Finnegan hates baths--like most cats do. Although cats are generally known as being afraid of or hating water, some cat breeds actually enjoy playing in it.

Vetstreet.com has an article called "6 Cat Breeds That Love Water To Play With Water." The article includes a slideshow that features an image and description of each of the aquatic-loving felines.

"If I can't see you, you can't see me or make me take a bath."
The first breed of cat that likes water is the American Shorthair. American Shorthair cats enjoy playing in water especially by pawing water out of their drinking bowls and making a mess.

Second water-loving cat is the Turkish Van. Turkish Vans are nicknamed "swimming cats" and enjoy swimming in shallow water, although they dislike actually being bathed.

Bengal cats are the third breed that enjoys water. Bengal cats don't actually play with water as much as they enjoy playing with things in water.

The Turkish Angora is the fourth water-loving cat. Turkish Angoras enjoy splashing water out of sinks and hopping into the shower with their owners.

The fifth cat known for loving water is also known for being the largest house cat: the Maine Coon. Maine Coon cats enjoy dunking their favorite toys into water.

The American Bobtail is the sixth and final breed that Vetstreet.com lists as liking water. Similarly to Maine Coons, American Bobtail cats like tossing their toys into water and playing with them that way.


Finny likes the bathtub, but only when it's void of water.

~RL

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Catshark Attack!

Sometimes Finny seems to think he's a shark. He's white like the great whites, has sharp teeth, is a fast hunter, and likes to sneak up on people and get their toes.

"This is my shark face!"
Unknown to many people, there are a family of sharks known as catsharks, and no, tiger sharks are not included in this family group. A popular internet video has taken the term "catshark" literally by photoshopping the face of a cat onto a great white shark as it leaps up out of the water.

Finny and these catsharks have a lot in common, even though sharks are fish and cats are mammals. Catsharks are usually less than three feet long, are carnivorous, enjoy tropical and temperate regions, have cat-like eyes, enjoy eating fish, and are usually tan, brown, or orange-ish in color.

Practicing his "angry shark face."

Even though Finny will never get to be a real shark, he will keep trying. Maybe he can have a shark Halloween costume next year!

~RL

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Finny's Fantastic Fedora

Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat turned 55 this year. Nearly everyone remembers the classic story about two children who are cured of being bored by a strangely human-like cat wearing a tall red and white hat.

Wikipedia image.

The Cat has inspired movies, TV shows, and sequential books. Besides the media, The Cat in the Hat has inspired culture. There are Cat in the Hat costumes, events, and memorials.  Additionally, of course, the book inspires children to read--which was Dr. Seuss' initial purpose in creating The Cat.

Finny, with a bit of help from his "dad," has also been inspired by Dr. Seuss' cat. The Cat wears a tall, red and white stripped hat. Finnegan Chase has a hat--a short, tan hat (that suspiciously resembles an invisible ankle sock).


Pampered Whiskers began in 2007. Their blog states that the organization was created "with the goal of bringing smiles to the faces of pet owners while helping out animals." Pampered Whiskers sells collars, holiday items, picture coffee mugs, note cards, and hats for pets and pet owners.

Finnegan wants the "little devil" hat.

Part of the money from each sale goes to help animal rescue groups. The list of charities Pampered Whiskers supports is listed on their website. If you choose to order an item for yourself or your pet, you can choose which organization you want Pampered Whiskers to donate to.

Think Finny could be the next Cat in the Hat?

~RL

Saturday, November 3, 2012

The Grass is Always Greener on the Other Side of the Window


Every day, multiple times a day, Finnegan tries to convince me to let him outside. Whether he is lurking at the front door meowing his head off, jumping at the back door, or staring earnestly out the window, Finny does his best to slip outdoors when we are least expecting it.


Since his front feet are declawed, Finny does not have a good way to defend himself if he were to be attacked by another animal outside. Where we live is also close to a busy highway, and it would be easy for Finny to wander off and get lost or be hit by a car.

With so many dangerous variables against him, Finny is not allowed to traverse outside without a human accompanying him. Thankfully, other animals share these same problems and retailers have discovered an item to solve the issue of taking pets outside safely: leashes.


Yes, Finnegan Chase walks on a leash. Surprisingly, Finny does not mind wearing his leash and harness since it allows him to visit the outside world and nibble on some fresh grass.

There are many different types of harnesses and leashes to choose from for your pet. Petsmart sells a variety of pet walking accessories, so I will use their stock as examples.

Leashes:
- Nylon leashes. These are light, versatile leashes that are very affordable. Nylon leashes are appropriate for both dogs and cats because they come in various sizes and lengths for small or large pets. This is Finny's leash of choice.
- Leather leashes. Leather makes a strong leash, but it is significantly more expensive than nylon.
- Retractable leashes. Retractable leashes are nice because they do not get tangled up easily and they allow animals to roam further than traditional leashes would allow them to. However, these leashes are not as strong as leather or nylon leashes and the mechanics of the retractable handle can be broken easily (especially if you are trying to walk a very strong animal that jerks against the leash a lot).

Harnesses:
- Strap harnesses. These harnesses are highly adjustable and inexpensive. This type of harness works best with a pet that does not pull or try to run away while on a leash because it is easier for an animal to wriggle out of a strap harness.
- Padded harnesses. Padded or mesh harnesses are better for cats and small dogs to use because it is nearly impossible for a pet to escape from them. They are less adjustable and cost more than strap harnesses. This is Finny's harness of choice.

"Okay, take me back inside now. It's cold out here."

~RL

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Green with Envy

On June 23, 2012, I got married.


While my husband, Haydon, and I were still dating, he and Finny had a good relationship. Finnegan would climb up onto Haydon's lap and purr contentedly, happily enjoying the attention and treats he recieved. However, this all changed the day his new "father" came home to permanently live with us.


It was during this time that I learned that my precious Finnegan had a jealous streak. Whenever I was spending time with my husband, Finny would demand my attention as well, usually by jumping up onto my lap or yowling until I left what I was doing and paid attention to him. I had heard of cats becoming jealous upon the arrival of a new baby or another cat, but over a husband?

As you might remember from my first post, Meet Finnegan, Finny is a Flame-point Siamese cat. FPS cats have a very distinct personality, which includes a strong desire for attention and socialization. This explains why Finny became so jealous when I was paying more attention to my husband than to him.

Eventually, after months of forced interaction, Finny and Haydon eventually made nice--just like Finny and Samwise eventually did.


~RL