There Really is a Breed of Cat Called Munchkin!

A Munchkin is a breed of cat with very short and small legs! They were first observed in the 40's, then disappeared off the proverbial map after World War Two. When they resurfaced, not one but two, munchkin cats were rediscovered in the 1980's when they were bred. Lucky thing they were male and female - what are the odds! Their extremely short legs are not a handicap to these totally unique cats; they are as active as the rest of the feline race. 

Lets face it, when it comes to strange cats, as usual the Egyptians have outdone the rest of the world. Not only was their god Bast a cat woman but they even have a cat called Sphinx! I simply don't agree with what most people consider ugly; these are hairless cats, now whether this is a natural breed or they've been deliberately bred this way I don't know, but they are the same as any other cat with the exception of requiring special care. Obviously they didn't need cats with fur in a country as hot and arid as Egypt if they were bred to have no fur. They still have the coloring though; I wonder if they sweat?

The beautiful Norwegian Forest cat has very long, thick fur to insulate the animal and help it survive the freezing cold winters of Norway. We can credit the Vikings for their being with us today, as they brought them over when the cats accompanied them on their ships when they sailed round their part of the world. Apparently they have been found to be very loyal pets; owners have to give them a great deal of interaction. They excel in hunting and may, on occasion, bring home dinner.

One of my favorites is the Scottish Fold. This cat is a totally unique darling of the cat world and its all due to its ears. They don't grow much from kittenhood on and never stand up but instead, fold down when the kitten is three weeks old. They are basically adult cats that still have that adorable kitten look about them and they keep that throughout their natural lives.

The American Curl got its name also because of its ears. The cats ears actually curl backward and down; this happens in this particular breed of cat only. Now get this, to qualify for professional cat shows, the ears cannot touch the cat's skull. They can only curl like this kitty's ears; this specialty breed was bred to be this way from the 1980's and has gained its fair share of popularity and notoriety in the world of cats.

Catspaw

Capricious Antiquated Knowledge....

You friendly neighborhood Ant

http://www.spectrumpestmanagement.com/ants.html

Ants - They are thought to indicate when lousy weather is on the way because they become very distraught. So the obvious question here being, how can you tell when ants are upset? And the notion that stepping on ants, whether one or many is unclear, will bring down the rain; are we talking Noah's Flood or just a spring shower? So many of these old wives tales are ill-defined. Apparently when ants construct a nest near the door of your humble abode its an unmistakable sign of financial safety for your future. A good thing when you have to start repairs to the foundation and get the ants out of your house. 

 

Bat swarming for a night of feeding (on bugs)

Bats – These flying, searching stomachs indicate a long life and felicity, considered a good omen in China and Poland. Quote: 'If a bat lands on your head, you should hope (What??) the Cricket sees rain coming because (OK, lets try this again) the bat won't get off until it hears thunder'. End Quote (?????) It was worth the laugh anyway.

Busy Bee Hive

Bees - If a bee buzzes its way into your home it's a sure sign that a visitor is soon to be at your door. Ya, the Bee! If a bee shoots into any house its either a sign of great good luck or it foreshadows the approach of a unfamiliar person and the luck will remain in the home only if the bee is given free rein to stay for as long as it decides or navigates out by its own choice. Anybody allergic to bees out there?

Seagull in flight

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/

Birds - Ireland... a superstition exists that states if a bird poops on your car, you guessed it, its good luck. Unless of course you have to pay to clean it off or scrub it yourself. A bird with excellent aerial skills and better aim 'drops' its load on your head, again its considered good luck. How is this good luck again?? I should have told that to the lady who was interviewing me for a position at a veterans shelter years ago. That seagull was dead on! 

Ok so you knew this was coming... 

He or She may not be black but its sure scary!  Enlarged for full appreciation.

Cat - Norse legends are rich sources of stories about the gods of old that were created by primitive peoples, this one tells of the chariot of Freya the witch - note that in other tails she is a goddess -  

Freya: Shapeshifter, Mistress of Cats, Queen of Valkyries

well this ancient conveyance was pulled by two black cats that could shape-shift into black horses, how convenient is that! They were extremely fleet of paw and for certain demoniacal. 

Freya as a witch

So after serving Freya for seven long years the cats were rewarded with becoming witches but were still disguised as black cats. After seven years of service you'd think Freya could do better. 

This may have been what led to the medieval belief that black cats were always to be considered the familiars of witches and after seven years (still as cats for 14 years?) became witches themselves. Confusing, are they referring to the said witch or the cat who is the witch? Its very commonly believed if a black cat should cross your path that its bad luck, well it may be worse than you think for Satan is taking notice of you. 

 

Bast

Now a few ancient beliefs from Egypt, tails tell that cats were divine to the goddess, Isis. Bast or Pasht was the female offspring of the goddess and as such she was portrayed with the aspect of a cat. Head or facial features of a cat with the body of a human. High born Egyptian or low, accidental or intentional (highly unlikely), those who ended the life of a cat faced their own demise and likely not a pleasant one. 

Egyptian Mau Kittens

Archaeologists have found extensive cat cemeteries in Egypt where shipments of centuries old embalmed cats were taken back to England and put on exhibit in museums. 

Mummified Cat

Egyptian Cat Mummies

The natives of this land also regarded it as a given that black cats who crossed one's path conveyed good luck.

In East Anglia, England, people would continue the practice of mummifying cats and placing them inside the walls of their homes as a means to deter evil spirits.

Mostly Black Kitty - love those eyes

Its also thought that if a black cat heads towards you it will bring you good fortune; given its nature, if it turns and walks or runs away, it takes with it all good luck leaving you with no luck.

Cats have always been welcomed aboard ships as good luck. They are viewed as unfailing weather prognosticators; should a cat sneeze rain is coming; as a kitty sits with back to the fire, this is indicative of a storm. Question, what if you don't have a fireplace? 
That must be why I watch the weather network. 

Sunshine is commmming!!!!

Honing his or her claws on furniture means a alteration in the atmospheric conditions, commonly for the better. I don' know, with 4 cats that may explain my shredded furniture but not always the lack of sunshine!

You be the judge.


Catspaw