Dave and the Thunderstorm

After beginning to share a furball in front of the family room TV, I was hurriedly picked up by my human and tossed outside onto the porch, only after spraying my gift all over the carpet on the way. What I did not expect was that I was also being flung out into the beginning of a massive thunderstorm. 

Here I am after finally making it back into the house after my very first time being outside in a storm.

 

Rotary Sheep

Do you think sheep know when you're pulling the wool over their eyes?

Alpha Tail By Don Glass

If you own more than one cat, you may already be aware that domestic cats have a very developed sense of pecking-order. One cat will tend to be the leader of the pack, the aggressive, domineering one, while the others will be more submissive. The one who runs the show is called the alpha cat by people who study animal behavior.

When the alpha cat is out of the room, the beta cats may tussle among themselves for a secondary kind of dominance. Beta cats will also tussle with the alpha cat, but it’s usually pretty clear who’s the big boss, even if she or he has to knock around the contenders every now and again.

Cat owners tend to be all too aware of which cat is the alpha in their house. If you are uncertain, though, there are some easily-discerned signals that cats use among themselves to announce their status. With a little practice you can spot them communicating in all sorts of subtle ways we humans might not ever notice. For example, watch the tail.

When walking around, the alpha cat will hold her or his tail higher in the air than the betas. It acts as a flag that says: “Right here. Fonzie Fonzarelli. Mr. Big Man on Campus.” Beta cats will also hold their tails up, but not as high as the alpha, unless they want to risk a fight.

If this seems like a terribly subtle way to communicate dominance to you, try and substitute a human behavior. When someone stares at you for even a second or two, you get the message!

http://indianapublicmedia.org/amomentofscience/alpha-tail/

(In my household, my cat, Dave, is the Alpha cat, ruling above the dogs since he is a solo cat.  Here he is showing my Golden Retriever, Ringo, who's the boss!)

Dave

My first sparkle ever begins with my love, my cat, the near-infamous, Dave. Here is David, six simple weeks old, choosing me as his human.  Fifteen years we've been together.  How could I possibly start my new endeavor without him?  I love you, Dave!