Those of us who share our homes with cats are truly blessed. We are able to marvel not only at their beauty and grace, but at their uncanny resemblance to their bigger predatory cousins; the wild big cats. We are both enthralled and delighted while watching our miniature carnivores lying in wait and then start stalking sunbeams and little pieces of papers; their hind ends swaying ever so slowly, ears erect, whiskers bristling as they wait for the perfect opportunity to pounce on and capture them. Their predatory instincts and behavior are exactly like the hunting action of lions, tigers and other big cats.
According to an article recently published on the Animal Rescue Site, it was over 10 million years ago that the tiger deviated from what we all now recognize as our domesticated kitties.
Incredibly it’s only recent research which has proven that the only difference between our “tamed” housecats and the big wild cats, such as snow leopards, lions, tigers and jaguars, is a genetic mutation permitting these wild undomesticated felines to grow much larger in stature; permitting them to feast on bigger animals and allow snow leopards to adapt to the rigors of the high altitudes in which they reside.
Jong Bhak, a geneticist at the Personal Genomics Institute in South Korea said,
“In addition, several genes were altered in metabolic pathways associated with protein digestion and metabolism, or how the body uses fuel like food to power cells. Those changes, which evolved over tens of millions of years, likely enable the majestic felines to digest and rely solely on meat. Big cats also have several mutations that make for powerful, fast-acting muscles — a necessity when chasing down prey.”
“The Tiger in the House” written by felineophile Carl Van Vechten was published in 1922 by A. A. Knopf. It is not only extraordinarily well written and filled with gorgeous photographs, it makes for a fascinating read. But what makes this book even more mysterious is its title is uncannily prophetic.
The reason I refer to this book as “prophetic” is that it wasn’t until April 1953 when James Watson and Francis Crick presented their scientific paper on the structure of the DNA-helix, (the molecule that carries genetic information from generation to generation was presented by James Watson and Francis Crick.
In 1962, nine years later, they both shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with another leading scientist, for solving one of the most important biological riddles.
But way back in 1922 before DNA was a household word, just the title of Van Vechten’s book demonstrated his keen observation of the domesticated kitty and his understanding of the species. Unfortunately many of these housecats are very unceremoniously and disrespectfully named “Fluffy”. I wonder what these cats would be named if their owners truly knew about their cat’s regal lineage.
Since our magnificent, charming, intelligent and affectionate diminutive big cats share 95% of their genes with their bigger brothers and sisters, we are indeed honored to have these remarkable animals allow us to share our homes and beds with them. After all is there anything more soothing and sleep inducing that a purring kitty curled up with us on a chilly winter’s night?
What do you think? Do tell us in a comment.
Jo
Photo credit (tiger): Flickr User RomanS
This reminded me of my Nicky…
Those are cool images, Dan. Esp. like that tiger calligraphy. Will you post your drawing(s)? I’ve often wondered what my Shrimp is thinking about while he uses his litter box… he looks so reflective. Outside he appears to be distracted by his environment while going. Am I the only one who wonders about such? Doubtful! 😉
Here is the tiger graphic. It is drawn with calligraphy style pen lines. I love it!
In my graphic art class I took three cat related photos, one comical, one of a tiger and one of a cat (see below)with a lure in its mouth. (An ad for a fishing lure company. Their gimmick is to use any animal but a fish to get your attention.) I noticed that both the tiger and the cat had the same basic shapes on their faces. The noses are two triangles (the tip upside-down, the other an implied triangle.) They have the same head shape and even similar striping. I realize the same thing, we do have little tigers in our homes!
Naw, we’re just family 😉 Always have been, always will be. We take of one another and they rescue me more than I can ever say.
Zack is one gorgeous hunk of feline 😉
That must be terrible not being able to share life with cats. The times I’ve been unable to do so have been the least happy times in my life. My loved ones give me so many reasons to keep going and keep smiling every day. Couldn’t do it without them >^^<
Having been born into a home graced “with cat,” I have always had the up-close opportunity to interact with, and observe, these most beautiful, agile, powerful and perfectly-designed small versions of the “King of Beasts” and cousins. Every day, I learn something new about them, about our relationship to them, and about how perfect they are. There’s never been a “Fluffy” in our family, either; each cat is unique and deserving of respect, and many “tell” us their names by displaying distinctive qualities all their own.
Beautifully said.
Thank you! 🙂
jmuhj – what sort of cats do you live with?
*RESCUED* 😉 <3 Mainly domestic shorthaired, plus one domestic longhair and one Maine Coon. All RESCUED. From 9-19 years, ALL CHERISHED and ALL GORGEOUS <3
You’re a professional cat caretaker 😉 I have never cared for a pedigree purebred cat. I have played with and been friends to a Maine Coon – Helmi Flick’s Zak. Totally gorgeous and I miss him when I think of him. He is not young anymore. Here’s a photo I took of him years ago:
I could have adopted many cats as they tend to turn up. I fed them but could not keep them because of circumstance.
What a gorgeous boy. I love the white on the face.
Here is my not-so-diminutive wild one. At 18 plus pounds…..
Now THAT is a happy diminutive kitty. What a beauty.
I love big solid ginger toms 😉 They’re old fashioned cats.