How to Use Cats

The uses of Cats in History have never been underestimated. Today we will learn about the various used of cats.  Though the many uses of cats are more in the past and in our history, it is worth noting those uses.  

Role No. 1 - The Important Role of Cats in Times of War

Although the role of cats in warfare has usually been confined to food protection and moral support, they have occasionally been put to more unconventional uses. 

Cats have always been welcome on battlefields and battleships for their ability to protect food stores from rodents. They have also been appreciated as stress reducers, providing love, affection, and comic relief for soldiers. During WWI, cats were considered so valuable to the war effort that a ration of powdered milk (funded by the British and U.S. public) was provided to “all cats engaged in work of national importance.” 

In addition to the more conventional roles cats have played in times of war, military strategists have occasionally come up with unusual plans to gain a strategic advantage. From the epic victory of the Persian army to the miserable failure of the CIA’s ill-fated feline cyborg project, the use of cats in warfare has had an interesting history.

Role No. 2 - Cats as Early Warning Systems

The ancient Persians defeated the Egyptian army using a simple ploy. Aware of the Egyptian reverence for felines, Persian soldiers gathered all the cats they could find and released them onto the battlefield, and the Egyptians chose to surrender rather than endanger them. Although cats never again led to the defeat of an entire army, they often proved useful as warfare grew more technologically complex. 

Over the past century, cats were often used to alert soldiers and citizens to war-related dangers – for example, the presence of poisonous gas – and from time to time, cats have provided early warnings of impending bomb attacks. 

Andrew, the Allied Forces Mascot Club’s mascot, saved lives with his acute senses. Based in London during WWII, the large tabby always seemed to know in advance when a bomb would come crashing down nearby. When Andrew ran for cover, the humans around him did likewise. 

Another British cat, the aptly named Bomber, had the helpful ability of being able to distinguish between the sounds of distant German and British planes. Thus, he was able to alert those around him when the enemy was approaching so that they could get out of harm’s way. 

During the German siege of Stalingrad (1941-1943), a cat named Mourka was also used to warn of enemy emplacements by carrying messages from Russian Scouts. 

Role No. 3 - Cats as Good Luck Charms in Times of War

In addition to their practical uses, cats may have provided more intangible benefits in times of war. Colonel Fred J. Christensen, a WWII flying ace credited with the destruction of 22 German warplanes, attributed his good fortune to his flying companion – a black cat named Sinbad who often flew in the cockpit on Christensen’s missions. 

In addition to Christensen’s stellar record, a particular incident enhanced Sinbad’s reputation as a good luck charm. When a photographer attempted to photograph the cat for a news story, Sinbad refused to cooperate, instead playing amongst a batch of parachutes. Later, all pilots whose parachutes had been touched by Sinbad not only returned safely, but also achieved many victories in the air. 

Sinbad survived the war without incident and in 1944 went to live with Christenson and his family in the United States. He eventually surprised his owners by producing a litter of kittens, proving that he had been female all along. 

Although considered good luck in many parts of the world, black cats have historically been perceived as unlucky in the United States. This superstition led a Pennsylvania family to send their black cat over to Europe during WWII, hoping that he would cross Hitler’s path. 

Hope you have enjoyed reading this post and learning about the uses of cats, do follow this blog for the rest of the uses of cats in our next blog.

How to Choose a Cat or Kitten

Here are a few tips for finding, selecting and taking care of a great cat companion that will entertain, amuse, and keep you company for many years to come.

Cats are great companions, full of fun behaviour that will surprise you, often mimicking wild Big Cat Behaviour. They are relatively easy to care for and will return every bit of love you bestow on them. They will keep you company, like a dog, wherever you go in the home. Here are some tips on choosing and caring for a cat or kitten. 

Visit a Shelter

First, go to a shelter, preferably a no-kill animal shelter, like the Lange Foundation in Los Angeles, which keeps cats and never euthanizes them unnecessarily. Support of such shelters will help other cats at their facility. If there is not a no-kill shelter near you, try a regular animal shelter, where a loveable cat may be on death row. 

Let the Cat Adjust Gradually

Once you have selected a good cat, it will take time for the cat to adjust to a new environment and accept you as its keeper and companion. When you bring the cat home, keep it in the bathroom for a few days with food, water and kitty litter. Spend a lot of time with him/her, talking, stroking and holding him/her until you feel that the cat knows you and is happy to be with you. 

You can gradually let the cat out into a little larger area of the house with an easy path back to the kitty litter, but be prepared for the cat to hide under the bed or in a corner at the beginning. Cat-proof the home as cats are climbers, make sure that valuables are safely in cabinets behind glass doors. 

Prepare Lots Of Fresh Water

Cats love to hunt for water, so keeping it in a couple of places is fun for the cat and may assure that he/she drinks often. Drinking water frequently is important to good cat health. Pick a premium brand of cat food; dry food is best, but a combination can be good too, especially if your cat prefers moist food. Don't feed the cat human or dog food, most of it is unhealthy for the cat. 

Get a Clumping Litter

Clumping litter is much better for hiding the odour than the regular cat litter. Clumping litter is more hygienic and does not need to be changed frequently, just scoop out the lumps daily. Regular cat litter needs to be changed and replaced once a week. Scented cat litter, such as lavender-scented clumping litter, can be very pleasant for the home. 

Hold And Talk With Your Cat Often

If the cat does something wrong like bite you, look at the cat, hopefully eye-to-eye and firmly say “No!” For really bad behaviour, a spray bottle with water usually stops the actions immediately. Your response needs to immediately follow the bad behaviour for the cat to understand and learn. Be patient and kind with your cat and learn to understand cat behaviour. Praise the cat often for good behaviour and to show your adoration, he/she will love your affection and respond with devotion. When the cat approaches you for attention, give it to him/her. 

Play Often With Him/Her

It does not take much to keep a cat amused—a grocery paper bag or box to climb into, or something tied to the end of a string that can be dragged around the floor or that the cat can jump for. Groom the cat with a brush, it helps to loosen and take out old fur and feels great for the cat. It is also a good idea to provide a cat climbing tree or condo where the cat can climb, sleep, act like a monkey and scratch or sharpen their claws, the taller the better. 

Accept Each Other’s Habits

Give yourself and the cat one year to adjust to each other and accept each other’s habits. There is a lot that you will learn from each other. Every cat has a very unique personality that you will learn to love. After this amount of time, behaviour problems will be ironed out and you both will be bonded.