Lovely Cats - For Pet Lovers

 

Cats

Date of issue: 22 February 2021

Here is a set of beautiful stamps featuring cats issued by Croatia Post on 22 February 2021. This is a lovely set for pet lovers. The first Day cancellation and the sheetlet issued with this issue is wonderful.  These are very nice philatelic item for those collecting stamps on wildlife, pets and cats.

The Bengal cat

This breed of cat is a relatively new, that is, it is a cross between a domestic black cat and an Asian leopard. The people who own cats of that breed have a miniature leopard in their home. Its spotted fur and body shape resemble that of the leopard, while its behaviour has been adapted and is more similar to the behaviour of a domestic cat. Considering their father is a leopard, these cats are quite large and tall, can weigh up to 7 kg and live up to 15 years.

Their cultivation began in the middle of the last century. The first two generations, the so-called F1 and F2, are not recommended for pets because they have too many characteristics of their wild ancestor. Further generations can, with proper upbringing, become a wonderful pet in not only their looks, because their patterns are similar to those of a Leopard, but nature, too. Bengals are among the most expensive cats in the world and are one of the few breeds that love water. They like to bathe or play with water, so they need to be allowed to do so. Because they are crossbreeds, they can have health problems, and special attention should be paid to this.

These cats like to act as if they are the boss of the house and to keep things under control, but that does not mean that they are demanding, especially for cat lovers who lead an active life. Namely, these cats are constantly on the move - they like to climb, so it is important to provide an appropriate play area with climbers, a platform and scratchers. They like to play and can never have too many toys (even dog toys will do), and they will also respond to a marble as an invitation to play.

Bengals get along well with other cats, but they must be submissive because Bengals like to “call the shots". They produce a specific noise while eating or interacting with other cats. They are well suited for active families who like to be on the move and have enough space in the house, but also a garden or at least a terrace so that their pet can run off their energy and satisfy their need to move.

The Bombay cat

A relatively new breed (created 70 years ago), the Bombay is a cross between the Burmese and a black American Shorthair. Blending these two breeds from two continents created a breed of cat that resembled a miniature black panther. The breed was registered in 1976 and was named after the Indian city of Bombay which is considered the homeland of black leopards. Black leopards or panthers get their jet-black coat from melanism, a gene mutation.

The Bombay has a short coat with hair that is thick and shiny and easy to groom. You just have to brush them more often during the shedding season. When born, kittens do not have black hair, but after shedding their baby coat, its colour becomes black and shiny. These cats love warmth, so they will choose the warmest corner in the house, and they often crawl under the covers. They have large eyes, widely set on a beautiful round head usually of bronze or gold colour. Their ears are also set wide and are round, which contributes to the tame appearance of this cat. They do not have any special health problems.

Males of the Bombay cat grow to a weight of 5 kg, while adult females can weigh up to 4 kg and live up to 15 years. They grow relatively quickly and may reach sexual maturity by the young age of 6 months, but should not mate before twelfth months of age.

These cats are very intelligent and playful, although they do not have high demands for movement, so staying at home suits them. They like to play and can learn different tricks - they like to bring the ball almost like dogs, and they can be easily trained to walk on the leash, so they can enjoy outside adventures. They also get along fine with other cats, but will try to impose their dominance over the others. They get along well with all family members, but choose one person who will be their “boss”. They are a little distrustful of strangers, so they retreat to their safe place until they gain confidence.

The Egyptian Mau

In the case of this breed of cat as well, the name of the breed tells us about its origin. This cat originates from Egypt and is one of the oldest cat breeds in the world. Ancient Egyptian papyri show that the Mau cat dates back to the year 1500 BC. In other words, this breed is known for about 3500 years, but it has almost disappeared in the last century. It has been saved through determination and willpower of cat lovers, and currently there a stable number of specimens around the world.

The Egyptian Mau is a medium-sized cat breed. It can weigh up to 5 kg and has a typical lifespan of 15 to 20 years. It has a short coat that is easy to groom and has characteristic spots. Its main coat colours are silver, bronze and smoke. The spots are different in shape and arrangement in each specimen, and the "mask" on the head often has the shape of the letter M. Since their fur is short, these cats can be sensitive to cold weather and should have a warm corner in the home. Their eyes are also specific to this breed and are characterized by a beautiful green colour.

The body of the Egyptian Mau is athletic and muscular, and the hind legs visibly longer than the front, which enables them to jump very high. They are very fast and can reach speeds of up to 45 km per hour. These cats are sociable with a very strong hunting instinct thus they are not a good choice for a pet if they have to share a household with a pet rodent.

The Egyptian Mau gets along well with dogs and other cats, and they also love children. They are loyal, but distrustful of strangers. They get attached to the home they live in and to the person they perceive as the head of household. They are intelligent, so they often get people to pet them while communicating using different vocalizations, and they often show happiness by wagging their tails just like dogs. Because of their intelligence, but also their need for movement, they need a lot of toys, scrapers and climbers.

These cats are not demanding, but their diet and weight must be controlled. They should be provided the sufficient amount of food at the same time each day.

The Norwegian Forest cat

The name of the breed of this beautiful cat partly reveals its origin. It originated from a wild cat that lived in Scandinavia, especially in Norway. It is one of the most natural breeds on the planet thanks to the fact they have only been bred through natural selection. Given the harsh conditions in which it lived in the wild, it has retained some of the characteristics that make it a very popular pet today.

The Norwegian Forest cat has a semi-long coat, but there is still controversy about its origin. According to one story, these cats have semi-long coats due to their crossing with Persian cats which were brought by the sailors from their voyages, but it is also believed that semi-long coat is the result of a gene mutation. Its two-layer fur consists of an undercoat of soft fluffy fur and a topcoat of coarser fur which helps to fend off wind and rain.

Almost all fur colours and combinations are registered, except chocolate, cinnamon and their "diluted" shades. This cat sheds its coat twice a year and then needs brushing. It is a quite large cat breed, so males can often reach a weight of up to 8 kg.

The Norwegian Forest cats are very intelligent and playful, they love company and do not like to be left alone. Their companion may be another cat, but they also get along with dogs or other small animals. They are very gentle and well-suited for families with children. They like a lot of movement and mental challenges, they are curious, so during education and socialization they should be stimulated with games and toys. They are also called ‘gentle giants’ given to their somewhat wild appearance and playfulness, many are surprised by their gentleness and affection.

If you are a cat lover, they are a great choice for a pet, especially if you have plenty of space to make them a playground with climbers, scratchers and toys because they love exploring and are constantly on the move.

New stamps from Malaysia

 

Pos Malaysia, in collaboration with WWF-Malaysia to raise awareness on Malaysia’s endangered big cats, introduced a new stamp collection of its theme.

The new collection featured four stamp designs of Malayan tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni), leopard(Panthera pardus), Sunda clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi) and clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) which are considered the most endangered species of wild cats in Peninsula Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak.

As this is the first time Pos Malaysia is issuing this kind of theme, the stamps will inspire the public to get involved in efforts to address the conservation needs of not only big cats but other endangered animal species in Malaysia,” said Pos Malaysia stamp and philatelic division head Yasmin Ramli.

Bobcat on new US stamp…

 

The United States Postal Service reissued a 1-cent stamp featuring a distinctive bobcat design in a water-activated gum coil of 10,000 stamps. This design was originally issued in 2012 as a 1-cent definitive stamp in coils of 3,000.

The stamp art is a highly stylized, digital image of a bobcat with golden eyes, a pink nose and fur in shades of brown. Bobcats (Lynx rufus) are members of the feline family found across the United States. The medium-sized cats are proficient hunters, stalking their prey with patience and stealth. Much of the bobcat’s diet consists of rabbits and rodents, but they are not particular when it comes to choosing their next meal. Bobcats are found in a wide range of environments, including mountains, forests and deserts. Their coats can range in color from beige to brown, with dark spots and stripes. Tufts of fur on the tips of their ears, and short bobbed tails help distinguish bobcats from other felines. Bobcats are mostly nocturnal and solitary, finding dens in caves or rocks. In the wild, bobcats can live more than 12 years.

Club News

Thematic Exhibition at Pune

New Special Cover & Cancellation on Jain Temple on 31st August

- Sudhir Jain

Jainism Philately Group, Pune Chapter is organising a Jainism Theme Philatelic Exhibition at Pune from 31st Aug. to 2nd Sept. 2013. On this occasion a special cover is being issued on 31st August 2013 to commemorate 61th Pratishtha Mohotsav of Shri Godijee Jain Mandir Pune (also known as Sangh Mandir). Postal Department will provide a special cancellation on this occasion.

the cost of Special Cover is Rs. 30/- per cover which will be sent by Speed Post. The postage & packing charges will be Rs. 40/- up to five covers. For order, following office bearers may be contacted -

1. Shri Hemant Bafna (President, JPG Pune Chapter)

Mob : 9890929000/9623529000 E-mail : bafna_hemant@yahoo.in

2. Shri Mithalal Jain (Secretary, JPG Pune Chapter),

Mob:9822098880 E-mail :dipenpanna@yahoo.co.in

My Stamp

Mahatma Gandhi on My Stamp sheetlet released by Department of Post, Jammu & Kashmir Postal Circle

 

: Raj Kumar Choudhary – Jamshedpur

New stamps on pets and birds

 

Date of Issue : 23 July 2013

As part of the Pets series, Latvijas Pasts has released two new stamps depicting the most popular pet in Latvia – the cat.

The new stamps and first-day cover depict cats and kittens of various breeds and colors. The denomination of the stamps is LVL 0.35 (EUR 0.50) and LVL 0.98 (EUR 1.39), corresponding to the cost of mailing a registered letter within Latvia. The stamps have been designed by the artist Agita Paegle, illustrator of more than 20 children’s books.

The cat (Felis silvestris catus), also known as the domestic cat, is a small, carnivorous mammal that was domesticated more than 9,500 years ago. The cat is one of the most popular pets in the world. According to a survey conducted in Latvia in 2011, 71% of people have selected the cat as their pet, and only 47% have chosen the dog.

Owls on New Thai stamps

Thai post issued a set of new postage stamps featuring owls.Owls are a group of birds known for their distinct calls, nocturnal habits and silent flight. Owls are familiar to many people because they are often depicted in various ways in popular culture. They rank on par with bats and spiders as the most celebrated of Halloween creatures.

Owls belong to a group of birds that includes about 205 species. These species are sorted into two basic groups, the barn owls and the true owls. Barn owls have a heart-shaped face, long legs and powerful talons. Barn owls are medium-sized birds. There are 16 species of barn owls, including the greater sooty owl, Australasian grass owl, ashy-faced owl, barn owl and Sulawesi owl.

True owls are more diverse than barn owls, with nearly 190 species in about 23 genera. Some better known true owls include screech owls, horned owls and saw-whet owls.

True owls vary in size from the tiny elf owl to the bulky Eurasian eagle owl. True owls have a round facial disc, a short tail and a large head. Their color is muted (consisting of mostly brown, rust, gray, white and black) and their pattern is mottled, helping to conceal them from both predators and prey.

Owls feed on a wide variety of prey. Their main food source consists of small mammals such as mice, squirrels, voles and rabbits. Owls swallow small prey whole. They must tear larger prey into small pieces before swallowing. They later regurgitate pellets of indigestible material such as bone, fur and feathers.

Most owls hunt at night and in doing so avoid competition with daytime avian hunters such as hawks and eagles. Although nocturnal feeding is the norm for most owls, some species such as burrowing owls and short-eared owls feed during the day. Still other species, such as pygmy owls, feed at dusk or dawn.

Owls are depicted in cave paintings in France that date back 15,000 to 20,000 years. Owls also appear in Egyptian hieroglyphics. They have held a variety of symbolic roles in culture and have represented misfortune, death, prosperity, and wisdom.

International Bouquet Competition..

 

Date of Issue : 16 January 2013

Hi

Here is a beautiful stamp issued by Monaco Post..The stamp features a magnificent bouquet – a wonderful stamp for flower lovers !!  The International Bouquet Competition never fails to amaze its many visitors with the quality of the floral designs in competition. Organized by the Garden Club de Monaco and chaired by H.R.H. the Princess of Hanover, the 46th competition will take place on the Casino terraces, Monaco, on 4 and 5 May 2013. The bouquet shown on the stamp won last year's prize in the "Mediterranean Garden" category.

INTERNATIONAL CAT EXHIBITION 2013

Date of Issue : 16 January 2013

The Turkish Angora featured on new Monaco stamp will be honoured at the next International Cat Exhibition. The event, organised by the "Fédération Féline de Monte-Carlo" in Auditorium Rainier III, gives the public an opportunity to admire the most beautiful cats of each breed.

Cute Cats on new Vanuatu stamps

 

Date of Issue : 14 July 2011

Hi ! In today’s Post some cute cats on stamps of Vanuatu issued on 14 July 2011. These are Vanuatu’s most famous working cats.The one on 100 Vatu stamp is most photographed cat in the world and is able to do many acts as an entertainer and has been on the job of inspecting the catch on the incoming fishing boats and also as a rat cat. The First Day cover is awesome with beautiful cancellation of cat paws. It’s a nice item for those collecting stamps on cats or pet theme. This is all for Today…Till Next Post…Have a Nice Time !

 

Cats of Vanuatu

Cute and cuddly is the theme of these tropical cats of Vanuatu.  Cats come in many colours in Vanuatu and are as lovable and popular as any of the cousins the world over. The lush backdrop of tropical flowers adds to the appeal of the stamps.

The issue features Boots on the 100 vatu stamp who is without doubt Vanuatu’s most famous cat. Boots was born in February 2003 in Port Vila to a Mother who was a bit of a floozie. Looking for a better life Boots ventured out on his own and found a pet friendly home with 2 large dogs and two territorial cats.

Working Cat

To avoid confrontations Boots was given a job as a rat cat at the Waterfront Bar & Grill. He soon discovered that he loved the Waterfront and the fresh fish but hated rats. He then applied for a position of entertainer. After trying different acts he proved his prowess in sucking a drink through a straw and ringing a ships bell as shown on the stamp. When asked he would hop on the bar, stroll to the bell and wait for instructions. He can differentiate any number up to five and ring the bell that many times and is then rewarded with fresh tuna.

Most photographed cat in the world

He also has the job of inspecting the catch on the incoming fishing boats and there has never been a bad fish since Boots has been on the job. With his pet humans, Boots has recently moved to his new home at the War Horse Saloon in Port Vila where he performs six nights a week seeing visitors from all over the world. He has been on Television and in the media in both Australia and New Zealand and is arguably the most photographed cat in the world and is honoured to feature on a Vanuatu stamp, though he wishes it was fish flavoured.

 

For more information about this issue please contact:
The Manager,Philatelic  Bureau,Vanuatu Post, Port Vila, Vanuatu E mail: philatelic@vanuatupost.vu

Cute Cats from Poland….

 

 

 

To be issued on 17 February 2010

Hi ! In today’s Post some cute cats from Poland…These beautiful stamps featuring some lovely cats, will be issued by Polish Post on 17 February. There are 3 designs of FDCs for each pair of these pretty cats…A wonderful collectible item for pet lovers…. I just love to see them so soft & furry…..though I have a pet dog…But cats are lovely too …. This is all in this Post……Till Next Pos….Have a Wonderful Time !

 

 

The cat (Felis silvestris catus), also known as the domestic cat or housecat to distinguish it from other felines and felids, is a small carnivorous mammal that is valued by humans for its companionship and its ability to hunt vermin and household pests. Cats have been associated with humans for at least 9,500 years,and are currently the most popular pet in the world. Due to their close association with humans, cats are now found almost everywhere on Earth. This extreme adaptability and their worrying impacts on native animals has led to them being classed as an invasive species.

Cats Species

Zoologists divide cat family in different groups and each group high-flying itself with different kind of cats. But according to latest researches, zoologist believes that there are just three genera of cats: - Felis for all the small cats - Panthera for the big cats (which are defined by their ability to roar) - Acinonyx for the cheetah.

Regardless of wild cat species, many different cat species have been domesticated since prehistoric times and it was always been an ultimate option to take a cat as a domestic pet because of its harmless nature. Most of the people love to keep those cat species that are rare and charming in their first look as a domestic cat so Persians, Himalayan and Siamese cats are at top among domestic cat species.

Persians may be black, white, or any of colors, including calico, cameo, tabby, and tortoiseshell. The Himalayan breed resulted from the crossing of a Siamese with a Persian cat; these domestic cats have the solid bodies and long Persian like hairs, and mostly with Siamese coloring. What kind of cat you have in your home?

 

Cats are similar in size and anatomy to the other Felids, with light, flexible bodies and teeth adapted to killing small prey. A skilled predator, the cat hunts over 1,000 species for food, using its excellent eyesight and hearing. Unusually, cats have lost the ability to taste sugar and in some breeds show hereditary deafness.

 

Despite being solitary hunters, cats are a social species and use a variety of vocalizations, pheromones and types of body language for communication. These include meowing, purring, trilling, hissing, growling, squeaking, chirping, clicking, and grunting. They are also bred and shown as registered pedigree pets. This hobby is known as cat fancy.

 

 

Until recently the cat was commonly believed to have been domesticated in ancient Egypt, where it was a cult animal. A study in 2007 found that the lines of descent of all house cats probably run through as few as five self-domesticating African Wildcats (Felis silvestris lybica) circa 8000 BC, in the Near East. The earliest direct evidence of cat domestication is a kitten that was buried with its owner 9,500 years ago in Cyprus.