Latest news with #BengalCats
Time Business News
31-07-2025
- General
- Time Business News
Companions, Behaviors, and Benefits
Cats have captivated human hearts for thousands of years. From ancient Egyptian temples to modern homes around the world, cats have secured their place not just as pets, but as beloved family members. With their graceful movements, sharp instincts, and complex personalities, cats are much more than cute companions. This 1500-word article will explore the keyword 'cats' from multiple perspectives, including their history, behavior, health benefits, and role in human society. Cats were first domesticated around 9,000 years ago in the Near East, likely evolving from wildcats that lived near human agricultural settlements. These early cats helped farmers by keeping rodent populations under control, which made them valuable allies. In ancient Egypt, cats were worshipped and considered sacred. The Egyptian goddess Bastet, often depicted as a lioness or a woman with a cat's head, symbolized protection, fertility, and motherhood. Killing a cat, even by accident, was considered a grave crime. Cats later spread across Europe and Asia via trade routes. They were often kept on ships to protect cargo from rats. By the Middle Ages, however, superstitions and associations with witchcraft led to mass killings of cats in Europe—an action that ironically may have contributed to the spread of the plague due to unchecked rodent populations. Cats come in all shapes, sizes, and coat types. There are over 70 recognized cat breeds globally, each with unique traits. Some of the most popular include: Persian Cats: Known for their long fur and calm personalities. Known for their long fur and calm personalities. Siamese Cats: Social, vocal, and sleek with distinct color points. Social, vocal, and sleek with distinct color points. Maine Coons: One of the largest domestic breeds, known for their intelligence and fluffy tails. One of the largest domestic breeds, known for their intelligence and fluffy tails. Bengal Cats: Exotic spotted coats that resemble leopards. Exotic spotted coats that resemble leopards. Sphynx Cats: Hairless, with wrinkled skin and large ears, known for being affectionate and curious. Each breed has different grooming needs, activity levels, and health concerns. However, all cats share common features like retractable claws, sharp night vision, and an acute sense of hearing and smell. Understanding cat behavior is key to building a strong bond with your feline friend. Unlike dogs, cats are often misunderstood as aloof or independent. While they may not always seek out constant attention, cats are deeply attached to their environment and human caregivers. Common behaviors include: Purring: Usually a sign of contentment, though cats may also purr when in pain or anxious as a self-soothing mechanism. Usually a sign of contentment, though cats may also purr when in pain or anxious as a self-soothing mechanism. Kneading: When cats push their paws in and out against a soft surface—this is a comforting behavior from kittenhood. When cats push their paws in and out against a soft surface—this is a comforting behavior from kittenhood. Tail Movements: A cat's tail can indicate its mood. A raised tail suggests confidence, while a twitching or puffed tail may mean agitation or fear. A cat's tail can indicate its mood. A raised tail suggests confidence, while a twitching or puffed tail may mean agitation or fear. Meowing: Unlike other felines, domestic cats have developed vocalization specifically to communicate with humans. Cats also engage in territorial marking and may scratch furniture or objects to mark their domain. Providing scratching posts can redirect this instinctive behavior constructively. Living with cats doesn't just provide companionship—it also offers real health benefits. Several scientific studies have shown that cat owners may enjoy: Reduced stress and anxiety: The act of petting a cat has been linked to lower blood pressure and stress hormones. The act of petting a cat has been linked to lower blood pressure and stress hormones. Better heart health: Some research suggests cat owners are at a lower risk of heart attacks and strokes. Some research suggests cat owners are at a lower risk of heart attacks and strokes. Improved mental well-being: Cats offer emotional support and can ease feelings of loneliness, depression, or anxiety. Cats offer emotional support and can ease feelings of loneliness, depression, or anxiety. Companionship for the elderly: Cats are low-maintenance pets ideal for older adults. They provide comfort without the need for frequent walks. Their purring may also promote healing. Frequencies between 25 and 150 Hz—similar to a cat's purr—are used in physical therapy to help bones and tissues heal. Feeding your cat a balanced diet is essential to maintaining its health. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need animal-based proteins to thrive. A good cat diet includes: High-quality proteins (like chicken, fish, or beef) Essential amino acids such as taurine Fatty acids for a shiny coat Proper hydration, either from wet food or clean water Cats are prone to specific health issues like urinary tract infections, dental disease, obesity, and kidney problems. Regular veterinary visits, vaccinations, and parasite control are crucial for keeping your cat healthy. Spaying and neutering are also recommended for population control and to prevent certain types of cancers and behavioral problems. The debate over keeping cats indoors or allowing them to roam outdoors is ongoing. Each option has pros and cons: Indoor Cats: Safer from traffic, predators, and diseases Less likely to get lost or injured Typically live longer lives Outdoor Cats: More mental stimulation and physical activity Can express natural hunting behavior However, outdoor cats may face hazards and contribute to wildlife population decline. Many experts recommend supervised outdoor time using leashes or enclosed 'catios' (cat patios). Cats need mental and physical stimulation. Bored cats can become destructive, depressed, or overweight. Play mimics their natural hunting behaviors and strengthens their bond with you. Toys cats love: Feather wands Laser pointers (used safely) Puzzle feeders Toy mice and balls Cardboard boxes and paper bags Scratching posts, climbing trees, and window perches are excellent additions to a cat-friendly home. Rotate toys regularly to keep your cat engaged. Cats have long held a place in culture, literature, and digital media. From the mysterious Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland to internet sensations like Grumpy Cat and Nyan Cat, cats have inspired humans for generations. They symbolize independence, mystery, and elegance. In some cultures, cats are believed to bring good fortune, such as the Japanese 'Maneki-neko' or 'beckoning cat' figurine. In movies and cartoons, iconic characters like Garfield, Tom (from Tom and Jerry), and Puss in Boots have become household names, showing the enduring popularity of cats in entertainment. Many myths surround cats, some harmless and others harmful: 'Cats always land on their feet': While they have a righting reflex, they can still be injured in high falls. While they have a righting reflex, they can still be injured in high falls. 'Cats are cold and unaffectionate': Cats show love differently than dogs. Slow blinking, rubbing against you, or following you are all signs of affection. Cats show love differently than dogs. Slow blinking, rubbing against you, or following you are all signs of affection. 'Milk is good for cats': Most adult cats are lactose intolerant. Milk can cause digestive issues. Most adult cats are lactose intolerant. Milk can cause digestive issues. 'Cats steal babies' breath': An old wives' tale—cats may cuddle with infants for warmth, but they don't steal breath. Dispelling such myths is important for better cat care and understanding. Adopting a cat is a long-term commitment. Cats can live up to 15–20 years. When adopting: Consider adopting from shelters or rescues to save a life. Choose a cat that suits your lifestyle—some breeds are more active or vocal than others. Prepare your home with essentials: litter box, food, bowls, bedding, and toys. Cats may take time to adjust to new environments. Be patient, gentle, and respectful of their boundaries. The trust you earn from a cat is deeply rewarding. Conclusion: Cats are remarkable creatures—elegant, intelligent, and deeply connected to humans in ways that stretch back millennia. Whether curled up on your lap or perched on a windowsill observing the world, cats enrich our lives in countless ways. Understanding their behavior, needs, and history allows us to be better caretakers and companions. By adopting and caring for cats responsibly, we not only improve their lives but our own. As the saying goes, 'Time spent with cats is never wasted.' For cat lovers around the globe, this couldn't be truer. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
South China Morning Post
03-07-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong pet shop owner arrested for alleged theft of 35 cats to repay loan
A Hong Kong pet shop owner has been arrested for the alleged theft of 35 of his customers' cats which he used to repay debts to a loan company, with the felines estimated to be valued at more than HK$623,000 (US$79,870), the Post has learned. The owner, surnamed Chan, 44, had a shop in Hung Hom, which also offered consignment and pet-sitting services, a source said on Thursday. The source said Chan took out a loan of HK$210,000 from a company in August last year. The firm demanded repayment on Monday but Chan, who could not pay, proposed offering the cats from two customers to cover part of the debt, the source said. The proposal was accepted by the company staff, who later took away the cats. Three Bengal cats, valued at HK$150,000, and 32 British Shorthairs and Ragdolls, valued at HK$473,300, were given away. The Bengal cats were owned by a woman, 57, who requested a pet-sitting service at the shop. The other cats belonged to a man, 54, who asked for a consignment service.
CBC
05-06-2025
- Health
- CBC
B.C. SPCA seizes 34 Bengal cats from Vernon, B.C., breeder
The B.C. SPCA seized 34 Bengal cats from a breeder in Vernon, B.C., with the society saying the animals were in distress and some had diarrhea. Eileen Drever, the B.C. SPCA's senior officer of stakeholder relations, said its animal protection officers executed a search warrant on May 28 after being alerted to the Bengal cats by a member of the public who called their helpline. Drever said the officers encountered a high level of ammonia gas at the property, and the cats had been kept in dirty cages and their litter boxes were overflowing. "The ammonia-type levels were so high it was actually ... affecting the staff attending the property, so I can't imagine how the cats tolerated that," she said. "The cats were underweight, and as a result we removed them from the property and the cats are receiving medical care as we speak." Drever said the cats had access to a "catio" for recreation, but most of them were kept in cages and lacked stimulation. The society said it's unknown when the Bengal cats will be available for adoption. Drever said prospective owners should do their homework on how to care for a Bengal cat. "Bengal cats, really, they're inquisitive," she said. "They've got lots of energy, and when we find homes for these cats, it has to be a specialized home." Drever said the Bengal cats are wild-hybrid domestic cats, a mix of Asian leopards and domestic cats. The SPCA said it is opposed to the breeding of wild animals with domestic animals. "The importation, breeding, and keeping of exotic animals — such as Asian leopard cats and servals, which are used to create hybrid cats — should be prohibited under the provincial Controlled Alien Species Regulation of the Wildlife Act," reads an SPCA statement.
CTV News
04-06-2025
- Health
- CTV News
34 Bengal cats seized in B.C. after ‘exceptionally high' ammonia levels found
The animals were seized from a property in Vernon on May 28 after a veterinarian determined the animals were in distress due to their dwelling conditions, the B.C. SPCA said in a news release Wednesday. (Handout) Animal protection officers say 34 Bengal cats were seized from a breeder in British Columbia after an investigation found 'exceptionally high levels' of ammonia in the rooms where the exotic cats were housed. The animals were seized from a property in Vernon on May 28 after a veterinarian determined the animals were in distress due to their dwelling conditions, the B.C. SPCA said in a news release Wednesday. The agency says it was alerted to the situation by a would-be cat buyer who visited the property and was alarmed by the conditions the cats were kept in. 'They contacted the animal helpline and an investigation was initiated,' B.C. SPCA spokesperson Eileen Drever said in the release. 'This is yet another situation where someone is breeding animals in conditions that do not support their physical or mental well-being.' The officers who visited the breeder reported 'an overwhelming smell of ammonia in the rooms where these cats were housed,' the spokesperson added, describing the smell as 'so intense their own noses were stinging.' A test for airborne ammonia registered the gas at the highest possible level due to poor hygiene and ventilation, according to the agency. 'These concentrations can lead to severe respiratory irritation and, in extreme cases, even ulceration of the eyes,' Drever said of the dangers of ammonia exposure. The B.C. SPCA says the cats were being kept in cramped conditions in dirty cages with overflowing litter boxes. 'Bengal cats are typically larger than domestic cats,' said Drever. 'Some of these cats spent most of their time in cages.' The seized cats were taken to the B.C. SPCA's centre in Kelowna, where manager Shannon Paille said most of the cats were 'fearful' but 'very brave' during their intake examinations. 'Only some of them were growly,' Paille said in the release. 'Bengals can be quite vocal.' Nearly all of the surrendered Bengals were underweight and some were suffering from diarrhea, the shelter manager said. 'We have already been giving the cats regular treatments for skin issues, but, because of some suspicious hair loss, they are also being tested for ringworm,' she said, adding that all of the cats will need spay or neuter surgeries. The B.C. SPCA says Bengal cats are very intelligent and energetic, and may require more stimulation and attention than other feline breeds. Bengals are a hybrid of wild Asian leopard cats and domestic breeds, and require highly specialized care. 'The B.C. SPCA opposes the breeding of wild animals with domestic animals, as well as the breeding of wild animals in captivity as exotic pets,' the agency said. 'The importation, breeding, and keeping of exotic animals – such as Asian leopard cats and Servals, which are used to create hybrid cats – should be prohibited under the provincial Controlled Alien Species Regulation of the Wildlife Act.' It is not yet known whether the seized Bengal cats will be available for adoption, according to the B.C. SPCA.
