Cat History Trivia
- Miacis, the primitive ancestor of cats, was a small, tree-living creature of the late Eocene period, some 45 to 50 million years ago.
- Phoenician cargo ships are thought to have brought the first domesticated cats to Europe in about 900 BC.
- The first true cats came into existence about 12 million years ago and were the Proailurus.
- The ancient Egyptians were the first to tame the cat (in about 3000 BC), and used them to control pests.
- Ancient Egyptian family members shaved their eyebrows in mourning when the family cat died.
- In Siam, the cat was so revered that one rode in a chariot at the head of a parade celebrating the new king.
- Cats have been domesticated for half as long as dogs have been.
- The Pilgrims were the first to introduce cats to North America.
- The first breeding pair of Siamese cats arrived in England in 1884.
- The first formal cat show was held in England in 1871; in America, in 1895.
- The Maine Coon cat is America's only natural breed of domestic feline. It is 4 to 5 times larger than the Singapura, the smallest breed of cat.
- There are approximately 100 breeds of cat.
- The life expectancy of cats has nearly doubled since 1930 - from 8 to 16 years.
Dog Trivia
According to a recent survey, the most popular name for a dog is Max. Other popular names include Molly, Sam, Zach, and Maggie.
According to ancient Greek literature, when Odysseus arrived home after an absence of 20 years, disguised as a beggar, the only one to recognize him was his aged dog Argos, who wagged his tail at his master, and then died.
10 Most common posionous plants and possible effects
1. Marijuana - Depression of the central nervous system and incoordination, diarrhea, vomiting, drooling, increased heart rate, seizures, and coma
2. Sago palm - Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures, and liver failure (The seeds contain the largest amount of the toxin, though all parts are poisonous)
3. Lilies - Severe kidney damage
4. Tulip/narcissus bulbs - Intense gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions, and cardiac abnormalities
5. Azalea/rhododendron - Vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, weakness and depression of the central nervous system. Severe poisoning can lead to coma and death from cardiovascular collapse.
6. Oleander - Gastrointestinal tract irritation, abnormal heart function, hypothermia, and death
7. Castor bean - Severe abdominal pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, weakness, and loss of appetite -- severe cases can result in dehydration, muscle twitching, tremors, seizures, coma, and death
8. Cyclamen - Gastrointestinal irritation, intense vomiting, and even death
9. Kalanchoe - Gastrointestinal irritation and arrhythmia
10. Yew - Trembling, incoordination, difficulty breathing, gastroinestinal irritation, and cardiac failure
Most Popular Dog and Cat Names
Dogs:
1. Max 2. Bailey 3. Buddy 4. Molly 5. Maggie 6. Lucy 7. Daisy 8. Bella 9. Jake 10. Rocky
Cats:
1. Max 2. Tigger 3. Smokey 4. Tiger 5. Chloe 6. Shadow 7. Lucy 8. Angel 9. Oliver 10. Simba