by Nomi Berger
 
Cats with extra toes are called polydactyls, a name derived from two Greek words: “poly” meaning “many” and “daktylos” meaning “digits”. While the majority of cats have 18 toes, with five on both front paws and four on both back paws, it’s not unusual for a large number of cats to have extra toes -- some with as many as eight on a single paw.
 
Polydactyly is a genetic abnormality resulting in the formation of extra toes on one or more paws. Most polydactyl cats have extra toes on their front paws, although some will also have extra toes on their back paws. Passed down from parent cats through a dominant gene, there’s nothing medically wrong with a cat having extra toes, nor does it hurt. In fact, these extra digits can actually be beneficial.
 
Some breeds are more likely than others to have polydactyly. Historically, 40 percent of Maine Coons have had extra toes, a most useful trait in the state of Maine that receives more than 100 inches of snow a year. The extra toes assist Maine Coons’ paws by acting like snowshoes, enabling them to pad about outdoors without falling through the snow as easily.
 
Prized by sailors throughout the world as being symbols of good luck, they were often called “gypsy cats”, while their extra toes made them excellent at catching mice and allowed them to maintain their balance on rough waters.
 
Some polydactyls are called “mitten cats” because they have extra toes on the medial or “thumb” side of their paws. While these toes usually aren’t fully formed and aren’t opposable like human thumbs, some cats have learned to use them in ways similar to the ways we use ours. Many cat owners have been astounded by the ability of their “mitten cats” to open latches or windows thanks to these extra digits.
 
The most famous polydactyls of all are the ones known as “Hemingway Cats”. In the 1930’s, sea captain, Stanley Dexter, gave an extra-toed kitten to writer, Ernest Hemingway. Since the kitten was a descendant of Dexter’s own polydactyl cat, Snowball, Hemingway named his kitty, Snow White. Charmed and fascinated by them, he collected more than 50 cats at his home in Key West, Florida, half of whom had extra toes. He cared deeply about his cats and named each one after a famous person.
 
Today, visitors to the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum can view the colony of between 40 and 50 cats, some of whom are directly descended from Snow White. Half of them still have extra toes. They receive regular veterinary care, including vaccinations and treatments for fleas and other pests, and staying true to the tradition of the writer himself, they are all still named after famous people.

by Nomi Berger
 
Fur-get kitties’ funny quirks! Pussycat parents may unwittingly be rubbing their own feline friends the wrong way. How? Consider the following:
 
Taking them on car rides: As opposed to their canine counterparts, cats do NOT enjoy spontaneous rides in the car. Being highly territorial and passionate about routine, they dislike abrupt changes in their environment. They’re also prone to motion sickness, and coupled with anxiety, the results can be rather unpleasant. Cars should be reserved for vet visits or meticulously prepared road trips.
 
Bringing them on play dates: Unlike dogs and their dog parks, felines, unless especially friendly, prefer to remain in their own cozy realms rather than visit unfamiliar felines in unfamiliar surroundings. Cats don’t enjoy meeting new cats or smelling strange cats’ scents. Nor do they like seeing themselves in mirrors.
 
Giving them baths: Most cats are superb at self-grooming, and accomplish with their tongues what we humans accomplish with soap and water. On the rare occasion that a bath is absolutely necessary, wary cats should be approached with caution, patience and a plan.
 
Neglecting their litter boxes: Although kitties always cover up their urine and feces, their litter boxes should be cleaned at least once a day. Their sense of smell is 14 times stronger than ours is, and if they begin eliminating OUTSIDE the box instead of in it, their message is more than clear!
 
Petting them too much: Cats can become over-stimulated very easily and with very little warning, shifting from purring contentedly one minute to hissing or scratching the next. To avoid over-stimulating your kitty, study her personality, learn her likes and dislikes, and respect her limitations.
 
Making too much noise: Whether it’s door bells or roaring traffic, slamming doors or thunderstorms, many cats are very sensitive to and scared of loud sounds. Because of this, conscientious cat owners are conscious of their own tone of voice, the volume on their TV and stereo, and all other sources of potentially frightening noise.
 
Serving stale or cold food: Leaving wet food out not only allows it to get stale, but allows dangerous bacteria to grow, often within the space of a single day. To prevent this, mete out smaller, more frequent portions. And because some cats dislike cold food, allow any refrigerated, canned leftovers to “thaw” to room temperature before serving it.
 
Ignoring them: While felines fend well for themselves, they don’t appreciate being alone or ignored. The solution is to create regularly scheduled play times with them every day particularly before bedtime to burn off their pent-up energy and strengthen the bonds of love and trust between you.

by Nomi Berger
 
When ordinary simply won’t do …
 
For those with a desire for the designer in all things – including kitties -- consider adopting a fabulous furry friend from among the following:
 
Sphynx
Appearances aside, this hairless honey is a highly prized, hot ticket item in the world of feline fanciers. Admired for her amazing personality, she makes everyone believe in love at first sight. And once a Sphynx owner always a Sphynx owner.
 
Tonkinese
This minx is a mixture of Siamese and Burmese. Playful and loving, at times more dog than cat, she adores climbing on laps for affection and cuddles. With a sparkling personality that matches her striking good looks, she’s almost impossible to resist.
 
Persian
A combination of her long, luxurious coat and large, luminous eyes makes this plush pussycat the most popular breed in the world. Despite her high price tag and lifelong high maintenance, she’s truly the cat’s meow.
 
Toyger
She may look as if she mated with a tiger, but this tiny tiger lookalike was the result of creative “engineering.” With one wave of a clever breeder’s wand, the humble, domestic striped tabby was transformed into this miniature queen of the jungle and hearts.
 
Oriental Shorthair
The eyes have it! And this beauteous blend of domestic and Oriental, as well known for her exquisite eyes as her exotic markings, is equally popular among pet people for her calm personality and easygoing demeanor.
 
Savannah
Boasting the markings of a wonderfully wild “beast”, beneath her glorious coat beats a pure kitty cat heart that’s worth its weight in gold. According to the International Cat Association, the highest class in this breed could sell for as much as $30,000.
 
Chausie
The dramatic result of mixing a domestic shorthair with a Middle Eastern cat, her appearance is proof that you can’t judge a cat by its coat. She may look fur-ocious, but she’s the sweetest of felines, with a very loving and affectionate personality.
 
Havana Brown
Stunning with her jewel like green eyes and rich chocolate brown coat, she rules every kitty cat runway. Although rather rare and difficult to find, anyone fortunate enough to own one falls in love with her loving loveliness now and fur-ever.

Bengal
Bred to resemble the sleekest of stalkers in the wild is one of reasons this domesticated darling is adored by so many. More than delightfully decorative, this friendly and feisty feline can tame even the wildest human heart.
 
Ocicat
Created from an Abyssinian, an American Shorthair and a Siamese, she’s not only a breathtaking beauty who behaves like a dream, she’s also bright, easily trained, and will readily adapt to any loving household’s rules and routine.

by Nomi Berger
 
Outstanding in any cat crowd, orange-colored cats are anything but ordinary.
 
Whether obliging or obstinate, outspoken or observant, most are as outsized as they are openhearted, and their orange-obsessed owners most often concur.
 
For others, however, we offer these observations:
 
Most orange cats are males. In fact, there are 80 males to every 20 females, making them the most common of cats. To be orange, a male needs only one orange gene, which he gets from his mother (orange, calico or tortoiseshell). This is because the gene that codes for orange fur is on the X chromosome, and like humans, females have two X’s while males have an X and Y.
 
Tabby refers to pattern. While the origin of the name remains a mystery, tabby historically refers to a type of striped silk fabric produced in the Middle East. Mistakenly considered to be a breed, the term “tabby” refers instead to the coat’s distinct pattern, of which there are four: mackerel, classic, ticked and striped.
 
They have several nicknames. Orange tabbies’ most common nicknames are ginger and marmalade, which are, once again, derived solely from the distinctive, warm colors of their coats.
 
There are many breeds of tabby. They can be found in numerous breeds, among them, the Exotic Shorthair, Somali, Persian, Munchkin, American Bobtail, Abyssinian and Devon Rex. In short, almost every breed of cat has its own version of the orange tabby.
 
They have freckles. Fabulous, fun and ever so cute, most orange cats develop black freckles along their faces, a trait for which they are famous. Those who don’t, maintain their same soft pink noses, which in itself, makes them oh-so-adorable.
 
They can be overweight. Anyone familiar with the cartoons’ favorite “fat cat” Garfield knows that orange cats LOVE to eat, leading them inevitably towards obesity. And because obese cats are prone to a variety of serious health issues, it’s essential that caring owners not allow their orange cats to overindulge.
 
They’re lazy. Is it the orange that makes them loath to leap and jump and play? Rather than chase a laser or tussle with a toy, they prefer to sniff around for a snack or curl up comfortably for a catnap.
 
Some are aloof. While most are friendly -- whether they’re loving and calm or outgoing and busy – several of the breeds that produce orange tabbies seem to disdain human affection. They may crave a pet now and then, but THEY will let YOU know when and for how long.
 
They’re brave. Purr-haps it’s due to their inner make up, but orange tabbies LOVE getting into mischief (read “trouble”). They seldom shy away from the company of others outside their species -- including children, other small animals and even dogs.
 

by Nomi Berger
 
Not only are white cats rare and valuable, they are also vulnerable. Why? Because the white of their coat isn’t actually a color, but the ABSENCE of color. And why is this so vital? Because these exquisitely beautiful cats have no protection against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.
 
The variety and distribution of natural “dyes” in the skin and fur of cats are responsible for their coats’ colors and patterns. One such “dye” is melanin, the main protector against ultraviolet radiation in cats just as in humans. White cats have either no melanin or very little, putting them at high risk of both sunburn and skin cancer.
 
For the owners of white cats, protection is paramount: keep kittens indoors from birth and keep adopted or grown cats’ sun exposure to a minimum. If, however, your particular kitty is content to simply BE outdoors without roaming, tether her to a tree or post in a shaded area and watch her closely as she watches the birds and squirrels. For cats used to coming and going, apply a sun-block cream to their ear rims, nose, eyelids and lips, and restrict their outdoor time to the late afternoon and early evening.
 
In the absence of protection and often, despite it, white cats exposed to the sun are likely to get sun burnt. With repeated exposure, these sunburns will, more often than not, become cancerous. Concerned owners should check for reddened bumps on kitty’s ear rims and around her nose, eyes and lips, which, unlike insect bites or allergic reactions, are seldom itchy. The sooner kitty’s seen by a vet, the better the chances of controlling her cancer since this form of skin cancer often responds well to treatment. It is, of course, only a temporary solution if the cat remains exposed to the sun.
 
Cats with pure, snow-white coats are part of a diverse population depending on the color of their eyes. Example: white cats with blue eyes are missing a surface “dye” in their eyes as well as in their coats. Blue eyes in adults signify an absence of color in the upper layers of the iris. What appears blue is, in reality, black, due to the “black dye” melanin in the deeper layer of the iris.
 
These cats are also often deaf, since the gene responsible for iris color is linked to the gene responsible for hearing. Quite naturally, deaf cats require extra care. They should never be left outdoors where they’re vulnerable to dangers such as approaching cars, aggressive dogs and other assorted predators. If taken outside, they must be walked on a leash or tethered nearby and closely monitored. In addition, deaf cats make poor mothers because they can’t hear their kittens’ mewing.
 
Many white cats have one blue eye and one green eye. Green, unlike blue, means the presence of color. These particular cats are deaf in only one ear, although not necessarily on the same side as the blue eye. Other white cats have orange eyes, resulting from a color located above the black melanin. Albinos suffer from a total lack of melanin in their skin, fur and eyes (their eyes seem red because you can see through their colorless outer layers to the blood vessels in the iris), and are exceedingly rare.

by Nomi Berger
 
1. Abyssinian
 
Not one to laze about, the Abyssinian keeps moving as she eagerly explores her indoor world. She’ll even allow herself to be leashed and walked by her owner if it means further investigation of the world outside. A great fan of both people and bird watching, adept at learning tricks, she much prefers playing to cuddling as her main form of social interaction.
 
2. Bengal
 
True to her “wild cat” appearance, the sharp-brained Bengal thrives on activity. Whether she’s outdoors running, playing and watching the birds or indoors leaping from counters and “climbing the walls”, keeping this kitty mentally and physically stimulated is key to keeping her happy. Use a clicker to teach her tricks, join her in puzzle playing, and this attention seeker is purr-fectly content.
 
3. Savannah
 
Part African Serval, adventure comes as naturally to the Savannah as her curiosity, and thanks to her magnificent leaping skills, takes her to the highest places, be it the top of the refrigerator or the tallest shelf in the room. She also reigns supreme when it comes to socializing with her people, loyally and lovingly shadowing them and even accompanying them on walks if they leash her.
 
4. Cornish Rex
 
Her head may be egg-shaped, but it’s certainly not empty. Extremely charming and exceedingly purr-sonable, the Cornish Rex relishes human attention and revels in tricks and puzzle games that involve both her and her devoted owner. She also LOVES being held, and with so little fur on her body, is winningly warm to the touch, making her the ultimate bed warmer on cold winter nights.
 
5. Balinese
 
Both inquisitive and entertaining, the Balinese loves being involved in whatever her owner is doing as much as she loves performing tricks. Add a touch of naughtiness to her niceness, and her sense of humor will keep her human not only “ooh”-ing, but “ahh”-ing in wonder. Given her druthers, she would cuddle all day, every day while whispering sweet kitty nothings in her chosen person’s captive ear.
 
6. Sphynx
 
Described as part monkey (due to her dexterity), part dog (due to her sociability), part child (due to her curiosity) and part cat (due to her intelligence and grace), the Sphynx is a sublime example of puss-in-boots purr-fection. Whether she’s defying gravity, mixing and mingling, exploring her world or showering her owner with love, she does it with elegance and poise.
 
7. Japanese Bobtail
 
Striking a splendid balance between social and solitary, the exotic Japanese Bobtail is one feline who fairly oozes confidence. Famously friendly and amazingly amiable, with a distinctive singsong “coo”, she’s exceptionally easy to train for performances in shows, and when she’s not nestling close to her owner for human companionship, she’s purr-fectly content to keep her own company.
 
8. Somali
 
Created, it seems, for mischief, the vividly colored Somali with her full, plumed tail and vixen-like cunning make her more fox than feline. With an insatiable curiosity that leaves no proverbial stone unturned, she navigates every nook and cranny of her inside world, wreaking havoc wherever she puts her paws. Fortunately, her good-natured sociability and easy lovability tip the scales in her favor.
 
9. Burmese
 
Boundaries don’t exist for the perpetually curious and enduringly playful Burmese. The world is her oyster filled with wonders that demand exploration, while her owner’s her own best friend whose moods she can read like an open book. As trusting as she is teachable (tricks come easily to her), she’s also fabulous fun to be around and can, with little effort, turn even the grayest day sunny.
 
10. Singapura
 
Addicted to admiration, the Singapura lives to be loved and to shine in the spotlight! Bristling with kittenish energy, this petite puss butts nosily into everyone’s business, earning her the title of “pesky people cat.” Known for her exceptional intelligence and effortless agility, she’s as nimble on her paws as she is at stealing hearts, making her endearingly lovable to those lucky enough to love her.
 
 
 
 
 

by Nomi Berger
 
There’s long been a stereotypical depiction of cats by diehard dog lovers, who consider canines social and eager to please while finding felines aloof and openly independent.
 
There are, however, several pussycat breeds that defy ALL stereotypes, causing both puzzled dog devotees and cat caretakers to pose the question, “What do you think you are: a dog?”
 
Strangely enough, these kitties possess traits more often associated with doggies, such as sociability and an increased need for affection, an affinity for water and playing fetch, greeting their owners and even learning basic canine commands. And six of these “dog like” breeds are:
 
Turkish Angora: Instantly recognizable by their luxurious white coats, these lavishly furred felines crave attention and affection from everyone. They’re extremely friendly towards strangers, yet remain fiercely loyal to their owners. Famous for being fun loving, they thrive on playing games like fetch, love going swimming, and require frequent social interactions to keep them hap-hap-happy.
 
Maine Coon: The largest and lushest of domestic cats, they often reach the size of a small dog. But their size pales in comparison to their smarts! Thanks to their high intelligence, they’re easy to train and exceptionally good at games. Due to their dexterity, they’re capable of opening doors, turning on lights, and getting food for themselves. And should they ever run out of steam, they morph into the cuddliest teddy bear wannabes.
 
Siamese: These chatty “catties” vocalize even more than the average dog. They possess a vocabulary of sounds that suit their every mood: be it a purr or a growl, a mewl or a meow. And they’re sassy! Tell them “No!” and they’ll promptly respond with the kitty equivalent of “Oh, really?” Besides their ability to banter, they’re also one of the most affectionate breeds and form deep, loving bonds with their owners.
 
Manx: Having originated on the Isle of Man, they’re known for having no tail (the result of a dominant genetic mutation) almost as much as for their ability to bond firmly and fur-ever with their people. Like puppies, they’ll faithfully follow their owners everywhere, never wanting them to be out of sight. They’re also one of the few breeds that enjoy car rides, that are easily leash trained, and that actually growl at intruders, making them fairly effective “guard” cats.
 
Ragdoll: Named for their flip-floppy demeanor when they’re picked up, these cats are remarkably easy to train by using the twin reinforcements of praise and treats. Calm and quiet and adoringly attached to their owners, they cherish being in their company as much as paws-ible, and due to their oh-so-cuddly nature, they’re just naturally compared to a snuggly, cuddly lap dog.
 
Abyssinian: Assigned the title “Athlete” of the feline world, and arrayed in their trademark “ticked” tabby coats, these lithe acrobats LOVE heights and will effortlessly make their way to the highest part of any room. Affectionately called “Aby-grabbys” because of their propensity for taking things that catch their eye, they also love playing with toys, learning tricks, and being the focus of their owners’ universe.
 
 
 

By Nomi Berger

Do Meow Meows Mourn?
 
Paws-itively.
 
For most cats, the passing of a cherished feline companion can be an extremely emotional experience. The intensity and length of their relationship, coupled with the circumstances – sudden or gradual – surrounding their furry friend’s demise will usually determine their response: ranging from no reaction whatsoever to utter and easily recognizable despair.
 
In fact, many animal experts describe three distinct stages of kitty grief.
 
The first stage is known as “activation.” Immediately after the loss of her pussycat playmate, the “survivor” will start looking for her missing companion. She will pace your home, searching here, there and everywhere, often vocalizing or crying out as she attempts to locate her lost friend.
 
The second stage is depression. This phase is characterized by one or more of the following: lethargy, withdrawal (loss of interest in her surroundings, playing and socialization), clingy and needy behavior or its polar opposite, separation anxiety, and loss of appetite. The latter is the most serious with the potential to be life threatening. Because anorexia in cats can lead to hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease), contact your vet immediately if your cat refuses to eat.
 
The third stage is acceptance. This is when many cats exhibit permanent “character changes.” Some will become chattier, friendlier and more approachable. Shy cats in particular may appear to “blossom” without their more assertive counterparts by becoming more outgoing and more active in general.
 
As a concerned cat guardian, there are numerous ways to help your mourning “mouser” as she moves through the grieving process. Keep her routine as normal as possible while lavishing her with extra affection in the form of more cuddles and pets, grooming and playing. Provide her with a quiet and private spot where she can spend time alone should she want it or place a cozy new cat bed close to a sunny window. Offer her some tasty new food to encourage her to eat and warm it slightly to more fully release its aroma. Present her with a new interactive toy to spark some fresh interest in playtime.
 
While some think adding a new cat to their diminished household is the cure for their current cat’s distress, most animal experts caution against it. They consider it a distraction not a cure and that a new pet won’t stop yours from grieving her lost companion. They suggest waiting a few months until both you and your kitty have fully healed. 
 
As with humans, felines differ not only in the way they grieve but in how long they grieve. Your particular pussycat may return to behaving “normally” after only a few days. On the other hand, it could take weeks, even months. If, however, yours seems stuck in the grieving process, speak to your veterinarian and ask to be referred to a veterinary behaviorist or other certified behavioral expert.
 
It may not seem so at the moment, but it will get better in time.

by Nomi Berger
 
Your kitty gazes up at you, purr-haps with an eye blink for emphasis, and slowly opens her mouth. She makes a “meow” movement once or twice and then … All you hear is a small raspy squeak, a slight breathiness or nothing at all. Welcome to the wondrous world of the “silent meow”.
 
Contrary to what some cat experts may or may not think about the significance of the “silent meow”, committed cat guardians insist THEY know precisely what it means. It’s a voiceless valentine, a definite declaration of the overwhelming love, affection and gratitude that their cherished companions feel for them.
 
But is YOUR favorite feline’s “silent meow” truly silent? Amorous interpretations aside, this fabled trait is, according to research, a meow like any other meow. Except that you can’t hear it.
 
Cats are able to pick up significantly higher sounds than humans, with maximums of between 50 and 60 kilohertz, whereas humans only hear between 18 and 20 kilohertz. If your cat meows at you silently, YOU may not be able to hear it, but other cats can.
 
And yet, most passionate pussycat people prefer to “read” between the lines of these muted mouthings and attribute various, possible meanings to each one. Some of these include:
 
“Hello”
Your cat may meow soundlessly at you in greeting – whether you’ve been gone a few hours or a few days. This is their version of “Hi!” or “How are you?” in “cat speak”.
 
“Look at Me”
Your cat may meow mutely to get your attention – whether it’s to ask for her favorite toy or for some quality lap time on the couch.
 
“I’m Hungry”
Your cat may meow noiselessly at the sounds of her treat bag rattling or the opening of her tin of favorite cat food.
 
“Let Me Out”
Your cat may meow inaudibly if she spends some of her time outside as a signal to paw-lease open the door and let her out.
 
Being the recipient of a series of “silent meows” – no matter the meaning -- turns many cat-crazy cat owners into virtual putty in their kiss-able kitties’ paws, invariably leading them to crave more. And more often than not, their coquettish companions will cheerfully comply.
 
Unless your cat suffers from a specific illness or other health issues that prevent her from meowing normally, consider her “silent meow” as the highest of compliments, as her winsome way of saying “thank you” for being her best feline fur-ever friend.