| Cats are mysterious creatures. To people who do | | | | they consider their human to be an equal or just |
| not own cats, or to those who have never tried to | | | | another big cat. |
| understand them, they may appear moody, aloof and | | | | A cat's teeth are designed for tearing, grasping and |
| unfriendly. Anyone who has never lived with one may | | | | shredding prey. Adults have 30 teeth while kittens |
| find them perplexing, mischievous and in some cases | | | | have 26 deciduous (baby, or milk) teeth. At around |
| as needy as a small child. But a person who | | | | three and a half to four and a half months of age, |
| understands cats will quickly tell you that they are | | | | kittens begin teething. By the time they are six |
| warm, affectionate companions with a high intellect | | | | months old; they lose all their baby teeth and grow a |
| and an independent spirit. | | | | full set of adult teeth. Some cats may develop |
| Cats have a reputation for being antisocial loners, and | | | | problems with their teeth as they age. Common |
| to some degree, this is true. In the wild, they are | | | | dental problems for seniors include sensitive teeth, |
| solitary hunters who do not seek out other cats for | | | | gum disease, loose teeth and tooth decay. |
| socialization. They live alone, hunt alone, and most of | | | | If a cat has ever licked you, you know that his |
| the time prefers to be left alone. Lions are the | | | | tongue feels rough, like sandpaper. The tongue is |
| exception of this rule; they live in prides and hunt | | | | covered with hundreds of papillae - tiny backward |
| together as a unit. This sense of independence and | | | | facing hook like structures that act like a natural |
| self-reliance is one reason why many cat owners | | | | hairbrush, which a cat uses for grooming the coat. In |
| prefer cats as pets. Unlike dogs, they do not mind | | | | the wild, cats use their rough tongues to lick meat |
| being left alone all day, and they do not need to be | | | | off bones. Their taste buds are located on the sides, |
| let outside to tend to their bathroom needs. | | | | tip, and back of the tongue. Cats and kittens can |
| However, is cats are left completely alone for long | | | | taste bitter, acids, and salty flavors but not sweet |
| periods of time or become bored with their | | | | tastes. When drinking, they curl their tongue in at the |
| surroundings, they will find interesting ways to amuse | | | | sides to form a cup or spoon to lap up the liquid. |
| themselves. This is why some cats act up or | | | | Anyone who owns a cat or kitten must remember |
| misbehave and do things they should not, like shred | | | | that each is a unique individual. No two cats are |
| toilet paper or explore off limit areas of your | | | | exactly alike and they each have their own |
| countertop. | | | | personality quirks and preferences. |
| Despite their independent nature, cats and kittens do | | | | Some kittens and cats crave affection and will curl up |
| love their human companions. Over time, they bond | | | | on your lap at night, while others will be content to |
| closely to their families and given the right amount of | | | | sit next to you on the arm of the sofa. Cats and |
| attention, will often communicate with them. Unlike | | | | kitten love to play and enjoy interacting with their |
| dogs, cats do not see people as part of their pack or | | | | owners during their daily playtime. |
| consider their owner to be their master. If anything, | | | | |