The Pet Porte Microchip Cat Flap Has Arrived, At Last!

September 7th, 2010 by admin
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The Pet Porte Microchip Cat Flap Has Arrived, At Last!

If you’ve ever had stray cats or neighbour’s cats coming in through your cat flap, you’ve probably had them stealing your cats food and spraying more than once.

What starts out as a great way to let your cat in and out often causes more harm than good. Sometimes to the point you have to block the cat flap back up and resort to manually opening and closing the door to let your cats in and out yourself.

If that sounds familiar, then Pet Porte is for you!

The Pet Porte is a new kind of cat flap that protects your home from invading cats. It has a unique sensor that reads your cats existing microchip before instantly unlocking the door. The extra strong locks stop other cats from bashing their way in.

It’s powered by a low voltage AC adaptor and comes in a choice of three attractive colours to suit any decor.

It’s one of those amazing ideas that is so simple you wonder why it took so long for someone to think it up. It’s the brainchild of a vet who lives in Guernsey.

So many clients told him about their cats being bullied that David Chamberlain set about doing something about it. The idea happened like a bolt of inspiration whilst David was routinely scanning a cat’s microchip. And the idea for the Pet Porte microchip cat flap was born.

He patented the idea of a cat flap combined with a vet’s microchip reader so that when your cat approaches the door it opens as if by magic and all other cats are locked out (only the cats you program in are allowed access and your cat doesn’t have to wear any special collar or collar attachments).

Cats just love going out and coming in when they please – but they don’t like it when other cats start coming in and invading their territory.

The cunning features of Pet Porte are popular with cat owners. Cats also love the fact that this cat flap is collarless. Owners save money on cat food now they don’t have to feed the entire street’s feline population anymore and cats are less stressed and more contented.

Even better, Pet Porte has a unique light sensor that can unlock the cat flap in the morning and lock it again at night for owners who want to keep their cats inside at night. No more getting up on a Sunday morning just to let the cats out. Don’t you deserve to laze in bed longer?

The night sensor is also very handy if there are fireworks being let off outside at night time or if you live near a road that is busy at night.

Pet Porte is for spoilt cats and thoughtful cat lovers everywhere!

A Pet Porte microchip cat flap makes a great addition to your home in terms of security and just sheer usefulness! It is backed by an 18 month manufacturers warranty so if in the unlikely event that anything goes wrong you can rest assured that the manufacturer will put it right. You can even try it in your home risk free for 30 days and if you aren’t 100% delighted you can return it for full refund!

If a microchip reading cat flap appeals to you then check out the Pet Porte microchip cat flap athttp://www.microchipcatflaps.co.uk/

Microchip Cat Flaps Ltd. is the official UK distributor for the Pet Porte Microchip Cat Flap. Buy online at http://www.MicrochipCatFlaps.co.uk/

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Criteria In Purchasing A Pet Bird

September 7th, 2010 by admin
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Criteria In Purchasing A Pet Bird

The African Gray parrot originated from the wilds of Western and Central Africa. Their existence dates back history 4,000 years ago, seen in Egyptian hieroglyphics depicting parrot pets of ancient pharaohs. Royalties and affluent Roman families kept parrots in ornate cage, so, with the Portuguese sailors who have African Gray pet parrots when the travel on their colonial conquest voyages.

African Gray has two sub-species; the (1) Congo African Gray (Scientific name – P. e. enthacus), and (2) Timneh African Gray Parrot (P. e. timneh). Both sub-species of the African Gray resemble in color, the difference is that the Congo African Gray color shades are deeper than that of the Timneh African Gray.

Obviously, dominant plume hue defines its descriptive-name “Gray;” full tail is red (crimson), bills are charcoal gray, and white background surrounding its eyes. It’s a bit smaller than the Blue and Gold Macaw, and measures 13 inches (33 cm) in size. Weight ranges from 380 to 550 grams.

Acknowledged among the most intelligent birds on earth, it is reputed to excel in talking abilities. It has a life expectancy of 50 to 60 years; twice or thrice compared to any other animal pet, favorable to pet selection for one who desires to get life-long pet companion. Sex is indistinguishable among its kind except if it under goes surgery, or thru DNA tests.

Birds are on sale for so many reasons. There is a great demand for any kind of pet in the entire world. Rich nations whose citizens are not endowed with big families resort to pets for companions. In cases like it, birds who have extended life span comes first in the list of relevant life-time companions to ease pain and loneliness of being alone.

Reasons for Patronizing Sales of the African Gray Parrot

1. This parrot is best in mimicry, regarded most intelligent of all birds.

2. The lengthiest life span among birds; some only last up to 30 years, maximum life of African Gray is 60 years old.

3. Could adapt easily on common fruits, vegetables and nuts as in the wilds, in its human captivity environment.

4. Capable in associating human words with their meanings to certain degree.

5. Claimed by long-time owners as comparable to having a 5-year old child as a companion.

6. Very faithful and devoted for its tendency to bond to only one person, when there were no chances of intermingling with different peoples.

The Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species announced that sale of all parrot “catch,” direct from the forests, are illegal.

Breeders of the African Gray parrots in captivity hand-rear them for the benefit of pet traders. Hybrid African Gray parrots are promoted on pet shops, on the websites and seldom by individuals who incidentally are forced to part with their bird due to unavoidable reasons in their lives.

For more information on Pet Parrot & other useful information, please visit http://pet-parrot.articlekeep.com.This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included.

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Magick Wiccan Jewelry For The Good Witch

September 7th, 2010 by admin
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Magick Wiccan Jewelry For The Good Witch

The Wiccan religion believes that all things in nature including ourselves are sacred and have magickal properties. The rituals and ceremonies in this religion focus on using objects from the earth such as stones, sticks, crystals and herbs. Some of these items are used in the altar and “charged” with positive energy believed to protect the person holding it or wearing it.


Most jewelry used by followers of this religion are objects that promote healing and spiritual completeness. It can also be a symbol of of transformation and appreciation of the Wiccan beliefs and traditions. The pentagram in a circle is the most recognizable symbol in the Wicca culture and it symbolizes the integration of the physical and spirit worlds.


Due to the aggressive nature of the organized religions, the Wicca or other pagan religions sometimes had to resort to secrecy in their daily lives, wearing symbols that are sacred to them mysteriously disguised as flowers or other intricate designs on pendants, bracelets, etc. Sometimes the jewelry may be in the shape of weapons such as the Athame, Sword or Thor’s hammer to signify protection for the wearer.


The planets, the Sun and the Moon are also very important for Wiccans. As a result, moon shaped pendants, earrings, rings and amulets are very commonly used. Sometimes the combination of the new moon and full moon is worn to represent the Horned God, who represents the masculine polarity of the Universe. Also, the three phases of the moon, waxing, waning or full are used in several designs to revere the Lunar Triple Goddess.


Egyptian Hieroglyphs are also used in designs such as a circle with extensions for the cow goddess Hathor, who represents feminine centered Pagans. Other symbols that are used in Wiccan Jewelry are the Wheel of the Year with eight spokes and the Witch’s sign, which is used to mark ritual tools.


The emblem of Seax-Wicca which symbolizes the sun, moon and the eight holy days and Hecate’s wheel, an ancient Greek symbol also is used by certain practitioners of the religion. The seven pointed Elven Star is also used by followers of Celtic style Faery Wicca.


Asatru symbols as well as symbols from African and Native American cultures as well as ancient Hindu and Greek symbols are also used in Wiccan jewelry. Other themes for jewelry are female deities, male deities, Stonehenge, witches and wizards, Tree of life, Gothic Cross, Dragon and Fairy designs, Viking Axes and Shields, Viking Ships, Runic Horses, Bat wings, Tetragrammaton, Triquetra, Chakra wheels, Ravens, and Cat symbols.


Tarot card designs such as the Moon, the Sun, The Star and the World as well as the signs of the Zodiac (Aquarius, Taurus, Gemini, etc.), are very popular when used in traditional Wiccan jewelry.

Rose Ariadne has been practicing ancient forms of Witchcraft for over 25 years. Get more info about Wiccan jewelry here: http://www.askroseariadne.com/editorials/wiccan-jewelry.html

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Pets And Animal Guide

September 6th, 2010 by admin
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Pets And Animal Guide

Sooner or later many parents have to face their child’s wish for its own pet. Whether dog or cat, hamster or pony, the choice for the right pet has to be a conscious one. The contact with and proper keeping of animals in a flat requires knowledge of the diet and character of the animal. To keep a pet means to be ready to carry responsibility.

It is important to daily play with the animal, to feed it and to understand when it does not feel so well. Many children confuse the wish for a pet with the substitute for a toy and are then easily overwhelmed with the keeping of and care for the pet. This work then becomes the parent’s task, which was not meant to be the purpose. Before parents agree to the wish, it is important to explain to the child what daily responsibility, necessary care and limited free time mean.

Only when the child is fully aware of what it really means to keep an own animal, one should give its OK. If you are not sure right from the start which breed to choose, it is always advisable to have a look into adequate literature on the topic. In addition you can receive good advise from qualified personnel in a pet shop or in an animal shelter. It is important that no hastily decisions are taken, but that it develops into a relaxed and joyful undertaking.

Working animal

We will probably never know for sure, what the very first coming together of pet and man was like. Pets originally derive from wild animals. Man’s agenda with breeding animals was to easily gain sustainable access to products and raw materials for food development. Man easily understood the different possibilities in which animals could be of use and he utilized the drought power of many animals.

Horses for example were used as working animals in forest- or field works.

We know that dogs are the best snoopers and track seekers. The most important is their nose, because their scenting ability is a lot better than that of man. Dogs are not only used to track down drugs or explosives, but also to find people who have been buried by an avalanche and are lying meters in the snow.

In science animals are mainly used to have the tolerance of new medicines tested. Only since the last century they have been used for animal experiments for tests in medicine but also cosmetics.

The Pet and animal guide is not aiming at experts but is rather a source of information for the average animals friend. The site is meant to provide you with information on the variety of species that can be kept as pets. This portal is for the amateur but also for the passionate animal lover and contains many pictures, articles and portraits of the different breeds.

Hardly any other topic offers you this great possibility to share your experiences with other people and to support each other with tips and ideas.

Animal forum

In a animal forum you can communicate with other people about a lot of topics concerning “animals”.

Heiko breeds and trains large breed dogs through the use of healthy and humane techniques. He is a life-long pet advocate and animal friend. Get free pet training tips by visiting: Haustiere and Tierforum.

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Are You Ready for an Exotic Pet

September 6th, 2010 by admin
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Are You Ready for an Exotic Pet

Exotic pets are vastly misunderstood in the press, and are often portrayed as unruly, difficult to keep and very much a specialist pet. In actual fact exotic pets make exciting and unusual pets and shouldn’t be dismissed as quickly as they often are. They come in all shapes and sizes, from the humble corn snake to the highly aggressive desert hairy scorpion to the stunning dendrobates.


They also can be surprisingly affectionate, as is the case with the bearded dragon, which is well known for the bond it forms with its owner. They can be very intelligent like the monitors and tegu’s, who are renowned in the trade for their intelligence. Some unfortunately do deserve the press such as the green iguana and the Burmese python, both of which are often bought as cute hatchlings where they then develop into monsters and end up in rescue centers.


Ideal exotic pets for the beginner include the leopard gecko, this is a brilliant lizard which is very easy to keep, full of character and still one of my firm favorites. They are commonly kept in vivariums where their needs can be met surprisingly easily. The set up costs associated with all of the equipment you’ll need (the vivarium itself, a heat mat, thermostat, decor, etc) are quite high but once purchased leopard geckos make inexpensive pets, they can be kept for approx 2-3 (-6) a week.


Another ideal beginner exotic pet is the African praying mantis, these make impressive pets due to their aggression towards pray, but they are also very handleable and get to a reasonable size. As youngsters they can be kept in plastic cups with mesh on the top, as adults they still only require a small home, something one foot cube is ideal.


If snakes are your interest then a corn snake is an ideal first step into the world of exotic pets. You’ve probably seen them in the pet shops sold as hatchlings, those small bright orange snakes with saddles on the back. These are ideal first time exotics (and what got me into them in the first place) due to their size (adults usually reach 4-5ft, some individuals may get bigger but they rarely go over 6ft), handle-ability and good appetite.


They are also generally quite forgiving of the mistakes that people new to the hobby make. Part of the popularity of corn snakes probably stems from the fact that although the wild types are orange, in captivity they come in a vast array of colors and patterns. Welcome to the world of color morphs. Nowadays if you have the cash you can almost hand pick the color of your snake, from perfect white to a deep rusty brown to purple.


Due to their rarity (and most corn snake color morphs having to be homozygous before they are visible) they fetch a high price, you could end up spending a few thousand dollars on a price specimen. Most of the snakes value however would be in the offspring it can produce so expensive color morphs are generally sold between fellow breeders.


Hopefully this might make you take another look at exotic pets, there’s a little more to them than meets the eye.

Find more information on Exotic Pets such as Leopard Gecko and how to handle them.

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What Are the Top 10 Most Popular Pedigreed Cat Breeds?

September 6th, 2010 by admin
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What Are the Top 10 Most Popular Pedigreed Cat Breeds?

Pedigreed cats are a source of joy and pride for their owners. Besides their gorgeous coats, beautiful lines, and great disposition, these animals offer companionship and entertainment to those who love them. Choosing a pedigreed cat is not easy, but knowing the most popular breeds of pedigreed cats may help.

1. Persian

Persian cats are known for they beautiful long coats and open faces. They supposedly originated in Iran and were transported to the rest of the world along with exotic spices and fine jewels. Cat breeders and owners of Persian cats enjoy their gentle dispositions and quiet voices.

Persian cats are best suited to living indoors because of their long coats. The coat of a Persian cat requires considerable maintenance, but this breed is extremely hardy and long-lived.

2. Maine Coon

The origin of the Maine Coon cat is something of a marvel. Less a product of the work of cat breeders than the result of natural selection, the Maine Coon originated in North America and is known for its superb mousing ability.

Also known for its loving disposition and keen intelligence, the Maine Coon is a beautiful long-haired breed. These cats are wonderful with children and good with dogs as well.

3. Exotic

The Exotic is a variant on the Persian breed. Exotic cat breeders strive to meet the standards of the Persian cat in all areas except coat. Here, the Exotic differs from its higher-maintenance cousin. Exotic cats have a short, easy-to-care-for coat.

Quiet, with a soft, gentle voice, these cats make excellent pets. They are not demanding but are playful and sweet. Exotics are also clean and mature later than other cat breeds. These cats physically resemble a teddy bear or other stuffed animal and make wonderful family pets.

4. Abyssinian

Resembling the sculptures of cats in Ancient Egypt, the Abyssinian has a beautiful, arched neck, slanted eyes, prominent ears, and a powerfully-muscled body. The extremely short hair of this breed makes it distinctive and easy to care for.

Besides their appearance, the Abyssinian has a personality that is unique and easily identified by a cat breeder or educated enthusiast. Abyssinians are known for their remarkable intelligence, amazing sensitivity, and personable attitude.

5. Siamese

Originally from Thialand, Siamese cats are easily identified by their distinctive coats and markings. The color contrast on their coats is remarkable, and the structure of their bodies is also unique. Cat breeders strive to produce a animal with a wedge-shaped head, long, muscular body, and a long neck and tail.

The coat on Siamese cats is very short easy to take care of, making this breed a low-maintenance pet. They are first-rate communicators with a distinctive voice and clear body language. Siamese cats love people and become extremely attached to their doting owners.

6. Ragdoll

A large cat with a relaxed disposition, the Ragdoll has long hair and striking blue eyes. When breeding Ragdolls, a cat breeder is focused on producing animals with specatular, pointed coats, affectionate personalities, and a large body. These animals love people and usually want to be close to their owners.

The coat of a Ragdoll cat requires regular maintenance, but otherwise, these animals do not require any special care. They were developed in the 1960s as cat breeders bred domestic longhaired cats and other free-roaming felines.

7. Sphynx

The result of a 1966 natural genetic mutation, the Sphynx is a cat breed that is sometimes entirely without hair. Cat breeders have worked hard to create a breed that is extremely hardy and has few health problems.

Sometimes there is fine downy hair present on the nose, tail, or body of this cat. The Sphynx has a friendly personality, and is very curious and attention-oriented. Due to the lack of hair on this breed, it requires bathing. However, some people with cat allergies find that they can tolerate a Sphynx.

8. Birman

Orignally from Burma, where it was held as a sacred animal, the Birman is a large, stocky animal with long hair. The coat of the Birman is not prone to matting, making it easier to care for than some other breeds.

The personality of the Birman is considered nearly ideal by many cat owners and cat breeders: at once sweet, quiet, playful, and energetic. The long coat is tipped and is generally a light color with a golden glow. The eyes of this breed are very round and blue.

9. American Shorthair

Known for their spectacular disposition, the American Shorthair is a breed that makes a wonderful companion. This breed is also extremely healthy, long-lived, quiet, and good looking.

Records show that the American Shorthair, originally called the “Domestic Shorthair,” came to America on the Mayflower. Cat breeders have worked for years to ensure that these animals have the desired qualities for the breed, despite their physical similarities to ordinary, non-pedigreed animals.

10. Oriental

Devoted to their owners and interested in being a part of all daily activities, Orientals make great pets. They are bred to be curious and intelligent, as well as to have colorful, distinctive coats and long thin tails.

Cat breeders have been able to produce over 300 different patterns and colors of Orientals, making the selection of these animals extremely diverse. They are also noted for their large, open ears and almond-shaped eyes.

Cat breeder directory features free and premium listings for cat breeders and other pet related websites. When looking for quality information on cat breeds, refer to Cattery Index.

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How to Tame Your Exotic Pet

September 5th, 2010 by admin
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How to Tame Your Exotic Pet

Two things may happen when taming an exotic pet. Either you, as the owner, feels great when you succeed in doing so or you may be harmed when otherwise happens. 

Many veterinarians are, in fact, against taking care of exotic animals as pets. They believe that they are simply born not to become one and are, by nature, dangerous. They carry diseases with them and behave not in synchrony with human beings. Their behaviors are likewise generally unpredictable which further makes taming extremely difficult. At times, even if they were tamed as babies, in the long run, they still end up as wild animals. These remain to be the beliefs of most experts yet exotic pet owners don’t seem to decrease in number. Many still do their best to tame their pets.

If you are already an exotic pet owner or are planning to be one, it would be wise to know the animal’s background. Ask the pet shop owner when it was born, where it came from, what it usually eats, and things like these. Ask if it came from the wild or if it was bred in captivity. This type of information will somehow help you in identifying the best way of approaching your pet. Try to dig out as well if it has previously manifested a negative behaviour. If there were already several instances of aggression in the past, then taking it home may not be a good idea. The bottom line here is that you have to be choosy at the very start since such will be the beginning of a long-term complex relationship.  

As soon as you have chosen the best one for you, the next challenge will be to tame it. Apparently, one good way of taming exotic animals is by exposing them more. Confinement in very small enclosures often triggers negative behaviors as it causes them stress. However, it isn’t advised to touch them immediately when they are still new to you as they need some time to get used to their new environment. After which, you may begin by touching them little by little everyday. In this way, they will be conditioned that you will not hurt them and thus avoid exhibiting aggressive behaviors. 

There are still several other ways by which you can successfully tame exotic pets. Generally, it really depends on the type of pet that you have and its background. Expect that it will be a very a challenging task that requires great caution. Identify what is most suitable for your pet while guarding your own welfare.

To learn about bearded lizard and legless lizards, visit the Lizard Care website.

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Choosing a Pet

September 5th, 2010 by admin
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Choosing a Pet

Pets have been kept by people of all ages around the world for thousands of years. The most common being dogs, cats, fish and birds along with other exotic and unusual pets such as mice, lizards, snakes, crabs and even monkeys. You can expect your pet to be happy and playful and you can teach them to do tricks and obey commands.

If you have children it can teach them responsibility in feeding it on a regular basis, making sure it is getting enough exercise, give it a decent place to live in and check that it is happy and healthy. Pets can also be useful, for example you can train dogs to hunt, guard, herd cattle and sheep and even guide blind people. A good male cat can get rid of mice and rats and birds can fill the air with their pleasant whistles.

Before you decide to purchase a pet you have to realise that along with the fun and enjoyment also comes a serious responsibility. You have to ask yourself if you and other family members if they are prepared to commit themselves to caring for a pet. If you are unsure what pet is right for you and your family ask yourself these questions:

1) Do you have enough money to look after your pet? Apart from food you must account for accessories, kennel costs, veterinarian costs including vaccinations, operations, antibiotics etc.

2) Which family member is wants the pet? For young children a dog or a cat is out of the question because they are too young for that type of responsibility, instead consider a fish tank or even a small bird such as a budgie.

3) Where do you live? If you live in a small apartment a cat or a dog is unsuitable, instead consider a bird or fish. The main point I make is choose so that you can live comfortably in the space you live in, otherwise it can be stressful on you and more importantly you’re pet.

4) Will there be someone at home to look after it? For some animals such as dogs require a great deal of attention and like people to be around, on the other hand fish only need to be fed a few times a week and can be left alone for a few days and not need to be fed.

Before you decide or even buy your new pet learn as much as you can about all kinds of pets by reading books, talking to your local veterinarian or pet shop and reading websites such as this one. Find out if your pet needs outdoor exercise and if so how often. If you have children find out if it is friendly and playful with the presence children or if it easily becomes angry and aggressive. Most importantly find out as much as you can before buying. Follow these guidelines and you will be certain that you and your family will get the most fun and enjoyment in all aspects of your pet’s life.


If you liked what you read here, visit http://www.petguide-online.com for more information on all aspects of caring for your pet/s. The site consists of a huge range of detailed information on cats, dogs, birds and fish.

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Tips of Breeding Cats

September 4th, 2010 by admin
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Tips of Breeding Cats

Cat breeding is not as easy as just letting cats mate. Breeding is not just about choosing cats to produce adorable kittens to earn money. To breed cats is not the same as to produce them. Breeding encompasses that stage.

Breeding cats involves scientific and systematic concepts. Producing cats involves only common sense.  Breeding cats has an emotional aspect to it. Fulfillment does not come from mere moneymaking. Sacrifices have to be made to achieve the breeder’s goal: to safeguard the welfare of the cats. 

A lot of things must be taken into consideration before breeding cats. Here is a guide to help us better understand the dynamic process of cat breeding.

- A cat breeder’s concern is the preservation or improvement of cat pedigree.

This is a serious matter. Selection of the parent cats is done on the basis of health, quality traits and reproducing capability. A breeder will never pair cats carelessly.

- A cat breeder is dedicated to learn more about cats.

A lot of things must be learned regarding cat breeding. Latest researches must be employed to properly select the cats to be bred. The welfare of the cats depends on how much the breeder knows.      

- A cat breeder makes plans.

Breeding does not involve hasty actions.

- A cat breeder has to follow rules set by the government.

Breeders are obliged to register their cats to their respective breeds. Certain taxes are imposed to hobbyists and to businessmen alike.

- A cat breeder’s primary motive is to take care of cats. Monetary motives come after this.

A cat’s life is more important than money. And it is more rewarding to see the kittens grow. The money earned is just an additional reward.

- A cat breeder’s responsibility to the cats does not end.

His care for his cats does not end when the kittens were sold.

- A cat breeder holds the future of the cat’s offspring.

Whatever a cat breeder does affects the life of the kittens, thus extra care must be given by cat breeders when making decisions.

- A cat breeder knows when to stop breeding.

Breeding is not just about having many cats. It is about taking care of all of them.

After learning about these things, it can be concluded that breeding is an arduous task indeed. However, for those who are cat breeders at heart, all these hardships are worth the kittens they bred (not produced)!

To read about tiger facts and cat facts, visit the Animals Facts site.

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The Historic Cat: Cherished and Honored for 9,500 Years

September 4th, 2010 by admin
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The Historic Cat: Cherished and Honored for 9,500 Years

Cats are cherished as our companions and worshipped as idols. Used for pest control and good luck, cats are more than 9,500 years old. Today in the U.S. it has been estimated that there are more than 90 million domestic cats.

In an April 8, 2004 article in National Geographic magazine, archaeologists from France found the remains of a human and a cat buried in a 9,500-year-old grave site on Cyprus, a Mediterranean island.

People honor their beloved cats upon their passing, according to Peternity.com.com Founder Colleen Mihelich. Her company offers hand crafted, cremation pet urns, grave markers and engraved pet memorials for cat-lovers who have lost a beloved pet.

Cat domestication appears to be ancient. Many experts believe that the Egyptians tamed and bred felines to produce a distinct species by around the 20th century B.C.

Ancient Egyptians Cats were revered by ancient Egyptians more than in any culture in history. Because they were so respected, cats were often mummified and buried in tombs along with their human owners.Back then it was also considered a high crime to kill a cat, and it was punishable by death. Families that owned cats made shrue their felines were respected long after their death. The family would go through a period of grief after a pet cat died, and they even shaved their eyebrows to express grief. Cats were often mummified after they died and then entombed with fine jewelry and treasures; a custom that was often reserved for the most wealthy. Evidence also shows tombs with mummified rats and mice. All of this signals that the Egyptians believed in life after death.

Bast, the Egyptian Goddess with the body of a young woman and the head of a cat. (The Book of the Dead, 3000 B.C.)

In ancient times, the cat, or miw, which means “to see,” was a sacred companion. Domesticated Egyptian cats were used for warding off rodents and even snakes. As time went by cats became more important to the Egyptians, and almost like a God. Cats were also represented in Egyptian mythology as the feline goddesses named Bastet, Sekhmet. In early times Bast, also written as ‘Bastet’ by the scribes, was a goddess that was shown as a woman with the head of a cat or lion.

In an April 8, 2004 article in National Geographic magazine, archaeologists from France found the remains of a human and a cat buried in a 9,500-year-old grave site on Cyprus, a Mediterranean island. Unearthed in 2001 in the Neolithic village of Shillourokambos, the mummified remains were found along with seashells, polished stones and offerings such as ochre and flint tools, axes, and other decorative artifacts. This predates the known early Egyptian art that depicted cats by more than 4,000 years.

An archaeologist named Jean-Denis Vigne at the National Museum of Natural History in Paris, France noted that when humans and cats are buried together it indicates a strong bond between the human and pet.

Other researchers have found hints that cats were domesticated even earlier than this, with experts who have found 10,000-year-old engravings and pottery depicting cats that actually date back as far as Neolithic period, or the late Stone Age, which also provides evidence that cats had a spiritual significance.

The world today is still fascinated with cats, and why pet memorials are growing in significance. Mihelich is always on the lookout for unique, handcrafted pieces of art to help her customers express their love, joy and memories.

A professional writer based in Los Angeles, California, Kristin Gabriel works with Peternity.com, where people honor their pets for eternity. Peternity provides custom products including pet memorial stones and grave markers, pet urns, garden statue pet memorials, pet memorial headstones, pet keepsake memorials, pet portraits, burial boxes, or custom engraved glasswork. Call 877-PET-PEACE or go to http://www.peternity.com

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