【英文類】Amazing pictures of brave moggy as he chases away curious fox (News)

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Sioma the fearless feline proved he's one mean moggy after being caught on camera chasing away a curious fox.

The crafty cat showed no fear as he frightened off the fox after it slinked onto his 'territory' near his home in Kamchatka, Russia.

The incredible chase was captured by Sioma's owner and keen photographer, Sergey Krasnoshchokov.

The 45-year-old father-of-two watched the scene unfold outside his house in Kronotsky Reserve.
Sergey said Sioma had been very protective of the family and the house since they bought him as a kitten almost 12 months ago.

Unwelcome guest: Sioma the cat sets off to intercept a curious fox as it approaches his home in Russia's Kronotsky nature reserve. （Photo from Daily Mail）	Flashpoint: Sioma crouches in preparation as the fox comes bounding up to investigate. （Photo from Daily Mail）
Too close for comfort: The fox comes within a whisker of Sioma but the fearless feline stands his ground.  （Photo from Daily Mail）	Now clear off: Sioma goes on  the offensive sending the fox packing.  （Photo from Daily Mail）
And don't come back: The much larger animal beats a hasty retreat as Simona chases it across the snow. （Photo from Daily Mail）	Guard duty: The territorial puss  keeps watch outside the family home. （Photo from Daily Mail）

He said: 'He started guarding our house as a tiny fluffy kitten and has always been brave from day one.

'He has a strong and difficult character but we knew this from the moment we got him.
'I don't think he was looking for a fight but he loves guarding and keeping watch and he takes his duties very seriously.

'The fox certainly had a fright though. At first I think he was just looking for a chance to play but when things got serious he soon got frightened and ran off.' 

Original Website: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2077637/Hes-scaredy-cat-Amazing-pictures-brave-moggy-chases-away-curious-fox.html

：Bravo, Sioma is a brave cat, but I dare not to do so~  

【英文類】Me-OUT! Famed hotel cat evicted from lobby (News)

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For nearly 80 years, a cat has roamed free in the lobby of New York City’s famed Algonquin hotel, but now, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has made finding the friendly feline into a bit of a scavenger hunt.

The Algonquin has confined Matilda III, the latest in a line of lobby cats dating back to 1932, primarily to the arrival area and behind the reception desk thanks to a pre-emptive move to prevent crossing the DOH.

Restaurants have been getting tagged with hefty fine and reduced health ratings for minor violations, so the Algonquin made the move to avoid running afoul of the New York City Health Code. In a statement to TODAY.com, a rep for the DOH said: "According to the New York City Health Code, live animals are not allowed in food service establishments (except for edible fish, shellfish, or crustacean) unless a patron needs a service dog."

“We certainly respect the Department of Health and their mission to protect the public,’’ Algonquin general manager Gary Budge told TODAY.com. “They make it clear that animals are not to be in food-service areas, so rather than be in a situation that could’ve been a conflict, we have restricted (Matilda) to the arrival area, the reception desk, and her favorite haunt, which has always been the coat room.’’

Next year will mark the 80th anniversary of cats roaming the Algonquin's lobby. In 1932, then-owner Frank Case welcomed a stray searching for food and shelter and a tradition was born. Guests have been asking about the absence of Matilda III, who gets regular mail and makes headlines any time her collar has been stolen. She even has a section on the hotel’s website titled “The Algonquin Cat.’’
“People miss seeing Matilda moving around the lobby,’’ Budge said. “They miss that part of the connection they’ve previously enjoyed. But this is the right thing to do. As we know, everything changes.’’

In nearly 80 years, Budge said neither Matilda nor her predecessors have ever attacked a guest or been abused by visitors. Hotel staff are often asked by guests to point out Matilda’s various hiding spots.

The Algonquin received 20 violation points in a preliminary inspection on Nov. 10, worth a B Grade if they are not fixed by the time of the DOH’s follow-up visit, according to a report in The New York Post, which originally reported the story.

None of those violations involved the cat. The Algonquin will undergo a four-month, $15 million renovation starting in January.

While Matilda may be harder for guests to spot, she is always within sight of an Algonquin employee to make sure that the DOH doesn’t come calling with fines and ratings downgrades.

“She is closer to a watchable eye from the team that works here, and they happen to like that,’’ Budge said.

Original Website: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/45416507/ns/today-today_pets_and_animals/t/me-out-famed-hotel-cat-evicted-lobby#.T29eHTHXAsI

: I think Matilda III is purr-fect pick for Algonquin’s ‘Directfurr of Guest Relations’!!!

【英文類】Cat Myths - Separate Fact From Fiction (4/5)

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Calico males are worth a lot of money

While it is true that calico males are rare, they are not valuable in financial terms.

All orange cats are male

No, it is possible to have an orange female. Unlike the orange male,  who only needs one copy of the O gene to produce an orange coat, the female requires the O to be on both chromosomes. If she has only one O, the resulting coat colour will be calico.

If you no longer want your pet cat, it is OK to release it into the wild because cats can fend for themselves.

It's a shame I am even having to reply to this myth, but sadly there are still some people who tire of their pet cat & leave the cat outdoors, justifying their behaviour by telling themselves that cats can fend for themselves. This is NOT the case. Pet cats who find themselves turfed out will most likely die of either starvation, injuries caused by fights with other animals, disease or be hit by a car. If you no longer want your cat then do the right thing & either find it a new home or take it to a shelter.

All male cats spray

Not all male cats spray. Entire male cats are much more likely to spray than desexed ones, which is another good reason to desex your cats. Female cats (especially entire ones) can also spray, although it's less common for an entire female to spray than an entire male.

You can't turn an indoor/outdoor cat into an indoor only cat

Yes you can, and my cats are a great example of this. They were all indoor/outdoor but reverted to indoor only (with access to an outdoor enclosure) with very little difficulty. It is easy to do as long as you ensure the cat(s) have enough mental stimulation.

Cats are independent & the ideal pet for somebody with a busy lifestyle

This is entirely dependant on the individual cat. Some cats are more independent than others but generally ALL cats need some companionship.  If you lead a busy lifestyle & spend long hours working it is advisable you have two cats, so they can keep each other company while you are out.

Cats smother babies

While extremely rare  it can happen. I have heard of two cases, one resulting in a fatality, the other resulting in a near miss. [1] However, there are several cases of parents accidentally smothering babies in their sleep. Care should always be taken to ensure a cat does not have access to a sleeping baby. 

References: 

[1] British Medical Journal

Original Website: http://www.cat-world.com.au/cat-myths