| Cats are the most popular pets in the world. There | | | | A major attraction is that they're such beautiful |
| are over 600 million in homes worldwide. | | | | creatures who come in various colours, shapes and |
| They have been popular for thousands of years. The | | | | sizes and portray a unique air of sophistication that is |
| ancient Egyptians, for example, adored them and | | | | distinctly feline. As kittens they are an unbeatable |
| believed cats brought good luck to the home. Now | | | | delight. |
| almost every home has one - or more - of them. | | | | So what's the bad side? Is there one? Well, cats |
| So what makes them world pet number one? | | | | have claws and need to sharpen them fairly often |
| Well, cats are independent spirits and can look after | | | | and this can put a bit of wear and tear on your |
| themselves. This makes them easy to have as pets. | | | | furniture. However if you provide them with scratch |
| You don't have to take them for walks, although | | | | posts you can still have a nice home. |
| many don't mind being on a lead. They are also clean | | | | Like most pets cats like a kiss and a cuddle and a bit |
| animals. You don't even have to exercise them. | | | | of fuss and it's good to talk to them often. They are |
| Cats are highly intelligent and can be trained to obey | | | | good listeners. If a cat likes you it can be a very |
| basic commands. They can also be taught to perform | | | | close friend. I always consider it a privilege if a cat |
| certain functions, like using a human toilet. | | | | allows me to be its friend, considering how |
| They can come to your call or whistle, especially if it's | | | | independent they are. |
| food time. I once had a cat that always came when | | | | I believe they each have their own personalities and |
| my wife played the flute. It was just crazy about | | | | they get their moods, just like us. They can feel |
| flute music. | | | | happy, sad, angry, depressed, elated. |
| They are highly skilled hunters, especially with mice, | | | | And in the family situation they can get along fine |
| rats, snakes and nasty insects. So they can be useful | | | | with other pets. I have three cats and they are |
| exterminators. | | | | friends and play with with my pet rats and dogs. The |
| Cats can talk and they use body language for | | | | mice and the budgie I don't take risks with. |
| communication. Their talk is essentially miaowing but | | | | There's lots to learn about cats and how to handle |
| they also hiss, growl and grunt. When happy and | | | | them. It's interesting and your cats will appreciate it. |
| content they purr. | | | | |