Hot Asphalt is No Good for Dogs’ Paws.
Dogs are not only at risk of overheating in summer. High temperatures might also burn their paws, if we let them walk on hot surfaces.
Hemingway’s polydactyl cats
More than one artist fell in love with these creatures and looked for inspiration for work in them. One of them was Ernest Hemingway. He is the author of the well-known saying “One cat just leads to another”. He really kept a large number of cats (in some periods even up to 60!) and admired them particularly for their independence which is the same reason why I admire them. You would recognize his cats with a closer look. They had six or even more fingers on their frontpaws and some of them even on their backpaws – they were polydactyl. Even nowadays, you can hear that cats with more fingers are called Hemingway’s cats. They are also called mittens because the sixth finger reminded people of a thumb.
More than one artist fell in love with these creatures and looked for inspiration for work in them. One of them was Ernest Hemingway. He is the author of the well-known saying “One cat just leads to another”. He really kept a large number of cats (in some periods even up to 60!) and admired them particularly for their independence which is the same reason why I admire them. You would recognize his cats with a closer look. They had six or even more fingers on their frontpaws and some of them even on their backpaws – they were polydactyl. Even nowadays, you can hear that cats with more fingers are called Hemingway’s cats. They are also called mittens because the sixth finger reminded people of a thumb.
Hemingway got his first six-fingered cat called Snowball from a sea captain who gave it to him as a rarity. It is said that these cats with more fingers got to America from Europe in the colonial era and their strange feature should help them to keep balance on the boat deck. But who knows if that’s true. But sailors always had cats on board, for luck and to catch mice. They believed that mainly the six-fingered cats bring luck. Considering the high number of cats Hemingway kept, it is no surprise that this abnormality spread quickly in the colony. All Hemingway’s cats have the gene for polydactyly but it is physically visible only in approximately half of them.
In Hemingway’s house in Key West on Florida which has been open to public since 60s, you can still see the offsprings of his cats that live in the residence (which is nowadays a museum) and Hemingway’s last will says that they have to be taken care of well. If you visit Heminway’s home at any time, do not forget to have a look at his garden, too. Each cat that lived in the villa has its memorial stone there.
It is a tradition to name cats here after famous people or film characters. Therefore, you can meet Charlie Chaplin, Pablo Picasso or Sophia Loren here. The breeding here is really careful. Most cats are neutered, only about two litters are born every year here.
Visiting this place must be undoubtedly interesting. If it was only for the high number of cats you can see here. Has any of you visited this house? Share what it was like.
Related articles
FeLV – Feline Leukaemia Virus
Besides FIP and FIV, FeLV is another fatal virus disease of cats. It is often called cat leukaemia because leukaemia is one of the common symptoms of the disease. How can your cat get infected, how can you recognize and treat it?
Portraits of Popular Breeds at Home and Abroad: Abyssinian cat
The Abyssinian is a short-haired elegant creature with a strong personality and history going back to the ancient Egypt. It wants to be a rightful family member and you won’t get enough of its thick, silky fur.
Portraits of Popular Breeds at Home and Abroad: Japanese Chin
If you are looking for a very social breed, you have already found one. The Japanese Chin takes the role of a companion as its life’s mission. This mini dog is joyful, playful and obedient companion for both children and adults.
How to Pick the Best Meat Can for Your Dog
Would you like to give the best to your dog but there is so many brands and types of cans on the market that you get confused? I’m coming with a few tips how to choose, what shouldn’t be missing in the can and what shouldn’t be there at all.
Mixed Household or How Can a Cat and a Dog Live Together
Relationships between a cat and a dog can be difficult. Some of them might be companions for life, others are mortal enemies. This is a story of our pack which consisted of various characters but we have always somehow managed living together.
Long Hair is Good for Dogs in Summer
In summer, we throw off one piece of clothes after another. Especially in the last few years when the temperatures go up to tropical values. You may say that the fur of your pet must be terrible and it will be better to cut it. Is that really true?
What Might be Dangerous for a Cat Outdoors?
Many adventures await a cat outside and hopefully even a few cat friends. However, also various dangers might be there as well. What can happen to a cat outdoors?
Rabbits’ Body Language
Not only dogs and cats communicate with us non-verbally. Even rabbits tell us what and how they feel with their non-verbal expressions such as postures, gestures and sounds. It helps us understand what mood they are just in. Let’s look at expression...
Natural Protection against Ticks
You can get natural variants of antiparasitic agents to you dogs as well or you can make them at home. What are their benefits and their downsides?
Feline Spring Fever
It is a well-known fact that cats love bright and warm spots, they like to relax on warm windowsills. Therefore, even though they are famous sleepyheads, they get new energy with the spring coming, they are more active, more sociable and more joyful....
AIDS of Cats Called FIV
FIV is a feared viral infectious disease of cats. It causes a slow disruption of immune systems, similarly to human virus called HIV. What is the cause and the progress of this malicious disease and what does its terminal stage look like?...