Japanese inventors have come up with a novel gizmo which will display its user’s state of mind – in the same way that cats share their feelings. They may look like mere hen party apparel, but the movements of these kitten ears actually reflect your brainwaves. They prick up when the user is attentive and flatten when the person is relaxed, just like with a cat.
Brainwave reading technology has been developed before but never in such an endearing way. The kitten ears, or Necomimi, perfectly reflect Japan’s penchant for all things kitsch, cuddly and hi-tech. They are not set for the stores just yet, but inventors believe that these cute ears could actually count as a step forward in science. It is thought that they could prove very useful for those with health problems and communication difficulties.
The introduction of a new animal into the home can be a stressful time for both the newcomer and for any existing pets. Some pets will fight, some will merely put up with each other, while others will become close companions. Follow these steps to ensure that they all get along with minimal hassle and hurt feelings – and to perhaps encourage friendship between the group of animals.
Allow the new pet to get to grips with its new home. Keep your “original” pets away from it for a short while, just until it finds its bearings.
Once you feel that the newcomer is beginning to feel comfortable in its surroundings, you can introduce the old to the new. Do this outside and keep the situation controlled. Have dogs on their lead and do not allow bigger animals to corner smaller ones.
When introducing cats to a new fellow pet, don’t hold them in your arms – they could become frightened and scratch you.
Give your pets separate food and water dishes and feed them in different spots. This way, they will not fight over food and grow to resent each other. It might be a good idea to try switching their bowls every so often. They will begin to associate each other’s scent with what they love most – food!
Remember to continue to lavish attention on your “old” pets. They can become jealous of the newbie and will feel left out of the family group if everyone’s focus suddenly shifts to another animal.
Supervise interaction between your pets until you are absolutely positive that they can get along.
Spend time with all of your animals – both individually and as a group.
Be patient. Give your pets time to come to terms with each other. They could become fast friends within seconds of meeting each other or it could even take a few months. Each individual pet will need to build enough confidence in their own time.
Cats often seem like they are above it all and can sometimes take this high and mighty behaviour quite literally. They have a natural urge to stay above ground and will lounge atop the kitchen counter, the couch or on shelves. This is not only unhygienic but it could lead to breakages and accidents.
Why Cats Like Heights
In the wild, it would be in the cat’s best interest to have a good view – to spot any potential enemies and to prey on unsuspecting victims. Nowadays cats mostly live very comfortable lives free from predators and without the need to catch their own food – but they still act on their natural tendency to seek out lofty hideouts.
If there is a group of cats, the most important or superior cat will take the most elevated position – it is in a cat’s nature to believe that it actually rules over everything it can see.
Cats love warmth, so will seek out cosy corners that may seem strange to us. This might include the top of the TV, the back of a computer or over a radiator.
The kitchen is one of the cat’s favourite spots for a few reasons – the counter will have lovely smelling food remnants and the cooker will be nice and warm.
How to Curb Their Climbing
The cat’s urge to be above it all may soon become a nuisance and hazardous – they might lick food they find in the kitchen, step on a hot hob or knock picture frames off the mantel-piece. There are a few ways to combat the problem.
Think about where the cat generally likes to hang out and start planning. For example, the cat might like to sit on the kitchen window-sill (affording a good view) and near the hob (for warmth).
There are a number of gentle “booby-traps” you can set which will perturb the cat just enough (without harming them in anyway):
You could place double-sided tape along the counter or on bookshelves. Cats absolutely hate sticky paws and will no longer want to jump on this surface.
They also really dislike textures that they are not used to – try putting down tin-foil on the hob or cling-film on the couch to put them off.
It is almost impossible to completely ground a cat. You should designate “authorised” spots for the cat to take up, so that the cat can still carry out its urge to stay up high:
This should be an object that you don’t mind it occupying, such as an old armchair.
Cat trees are available to buy online and from pet shops – they will be even more attractive than their favourite perch. Try to get one that is higher and cosier than their usual spot. They will still get the view, height and warmth that they love but without getting in your way or causing trouble. If you’re feeling creative, you could even to make a DIY cat tree that will cater to your cat’s own particular habits.
Japanese inventors have come up with a novel gizmo which will display its user’s state of mind – in the same way that cats share their feelings. They may look like mere hen party apparel, but the movements of these kitten ears actually reflect your brainwaves. They prick up when the user is attentive and flatten when the person is relaxed, just like with a cat.
The introduction of a new animal into the home can be a stressful time for both the newcomer and for any existing pets. Some pets will fight, some will merely put up with each other, while others will become close companions. Follow these steps to ensure that they all get along with minimal hassle and hurt feelings – and to perhaps encourage friendship between the group of animals.
Cats often seem like they are above it all and can sometimes take this high and mighty behaviour quite literally. They have a natural urge to stay above ground and will lounge atop the kitchen counter, the couch or on shelves. This is not only unhygienic but it could lead to breakages and accidents.
No Comments