"The cat sits where the woman was sitting" is an ancient Latin proverb that can explain how historically the relationship between woman and cat is conceived. After all, many adjectives typical of the cat, such as sinuous, feline and unpredictable are used to describe the female universe.

The relationship between women and cat probably shows some differences traits compared to the male approach, which are often more stimulated to own a dog. Men who own a cat are rare, while the number of women who have a cat is pretty high.

It is interesting to note what the famous English zoologist Desmond Morris says on the matter, author of several books among which the essay "Catwatching", which has become a reference point for cat lovers. Morris has a rather bizarre idea on the subject but with a certain amount of truth.

First of all, he states that cats certainly find the female voice more pleasant than the male one, as it is more acute and therefore closer to the sounds they make. This fact could explain why kittens often turn around only when they hear a female voice calling them and not a males one. 

Another hypothesis, perhaps more bizarre, is based on the iron memory of the cat. The feline has a really good memory and is able to escape dangerous situations really quickly. As we all know, cats do not like to go to the vet, both for the task of traveling in a cage and for the care they absolutely do not want to receive. Considering that many vets are male, Morris associates the special relationship between women and cats with this factor, as felines perceive it as harmless. Now that the profession has also opened up to the world of women, it will be interesting to note the developments of Morris's studies and understand if this trait can still be considered relevant.

Let's take a small step back in time, when it was a symbol of witchcraft and love for the magical arts for a woman to own a cat. Although the time jump spans many centuries, we cannot forget the beliefs that accompanied the period of the Inquisition that led to the stake hundreds of innocent women. At that time, the black kittens were crossed with a sign in the tummy, to prevent them from turning into witches when they reached the seventh year of age. At the same time, popular belief was that certain women turned into cats during the night to drink the blood of cattle. No doubt about it, women and cats have gone through very difficult times, but they have also received the right honours, especially in the Egyptian period, when cats were considered a god and therefore were respected in an absolute and sacred way.

Going back to the present day, it is interesting to understand the analysis carried out by the Waltham Center for Pet Nutrition, which found out that cats bond with humans and especially women not only to obtain food. The research was published in the authoritative journal Behavioral Processes and is committed to uncover the dynamics and alchemy that regulate the relationship between cats and humans. Beyond the pure nourishment factor, the experiment conducted found that women are simply more predisposed to cuddle and fill felines with attention.

The result? Cats return the affection received in their own way, jumping on their knees, lovingly licking the hands and face of women and thus establishing a good relationship of mutual exchange. The key to understanding the relationship between cat and woman probably lies in the attention that females reserve for these delightful animals, which is certainly greater than males. The cats have chosen to reciprocate and therefore to start a relationship of mutual love that has been perpetuated since the dawn of time.

Dear animal friends, the time has finally come to consider the cat for what it really is: a proud and independent feline. Perhaps not everyone knows that the cat is very different from the dog and that its domestication cannot be considered as total.

The cat is an incredibly mystical animal, which is governed by nature and its rhythms. It is no coincidence that he loves nightlife. He can see in the night and enjoys exploring the world in a 'different' lighting.

Many times humans think that cats are similar to dogs, so they expect the same devotion and the same amount of affection. This will never be possible, as cats have a completely different natural disposition, which leads them to behave in a totally different way. We sometimes treat our cats as if they were dogs and expect them to be as cuddly as we are all the time.

Hence, human beings tend to fill kittens with cuddles and want their presence to be constant.

This is not fair and can be counterproductive for our feline friends. An interesting study by John Bradshaw, director of the anthropology department at the University of Bristol, revealed that modern cats are very stressed compared to their ancestors, as owners expect felines to live in confined spaces and cuddle for hours like they would do with a dog puppy.

The cat is an absolutely free animal, which needs large natural spaces to live a happy existence. The cat loves to climb trees, hunt small animals and run after butterflies. Unlike the dog, it needs contact with the earth. In fact, a cat can lie for hours on a haystack or on a nice fresh lawn. Bradshaw himself admits that giving too much attention to the cat is counterproductive and can give rise to stress diseases such as cystitis and dermatitis, which are increasing in the feline world.

The stressed cat licks itself continuously in certain points of the body, tends to isolate itself and to mark the territory urinating everywhere, even if sterilized. These behaviours are not symptomatic of a happy life. Cat owners must understand their pets actual needs which are freedom and a lot of autonomous space. Only by doing this, can they live peacefully, engage in favourite activities and enjoy excellent health.

Last but not least, lets analyze the relationship with technology. Do we think cats loves selfies? Well, we are wrong. Not only does the cat hate the electromagnetic waves of multimedia devices, but it also can't stand lights that are too strong such as flashes.

According to experts, the massive communication regarding kittens has led to a misunderstanding of its true nature in the new generation.

It is important that children are educated and shown how to treat cats from a young age so they can fully understand their needs. Once we have done this, coexistence can be perfect and kittens can show all their affection. Obviously in their own special way.

It is essential for us to focus on other more important aspects in our pet, such as proper nutrition and plenty of outdoor space available to move and play. We must remember that although the cat has undergone an incredible evolution over the centuries, its nature as a feline will stay forever!

 Deciding to share your life with a pet is a fairly common choice, but many are faced with the same dilemma each time: dogs or cats?

If it important to decide with patience. You might end up with a cat when you might have preferred a dog and vice versa!

On the other hand, when you know exactly what pet you prefer it will be the one that corresponds to your needs and your lifestyle. Of course, living with a cat and a dog has its substantial differences. Some studies conducted by Carroll University of Waukesha, located in Wisconsin (USA) has even underlined how the personality of the human is decisive in the choice of owning a dog rather than a cat and vice versa

Those who prefer cats have an unconventional character, lover of their habits, very discreet and affectionate, love to surround themselves with comfort and love good food.

Those who prefer a dog as a pet love the outdoors, walking, hiking, nature, adventures, movement, open spaces, socialize very easily and in 70% of cases practice a sport in a constant way. There is also a fairly significant percentage of people who decide to take both a dog and a cat. The experimentation of coexistence between humans and our furry friends becomes even more interesting and constructive. The emotional and affective exchange is of a high range; Lets dispel the rumour that dogs and cats cannot live together.

If animals are well educated and accustomed to domestic social life, coexistence generates excellent results; we will see our cat sleeping peacefully between our dog’s paws, and also eat meals from the same bowl in good harmony.

The decision of having one or more pets is a positive and beneficial choice for the whole family environment, especially for those with children. Growing up with a pet at your side is important for the psychophysical development of our children. The proximity of an animal (another living being) which requires care, affection and attention, makes children more responsible and self-confident and promotes socio-affective manifestations.

Obviously, we must not overlook the importance of applying rules and precautions, both hygienic and organizational; cleaning and feeding care, veterinary checks, vaccinations are fundamental and necessary elements to take care of your pet, as well as towards your children and their well-being, for a happy and long coexistence with your furry friends.

 The phenomenon of pet spa is also landing in Italy.  From the big cities, the birth of these specialized centres is moving to villages and towns, becoming a reference point for those who are not satisfied with simple grooming sessions.

Spas for dogs and cats in fact offer a much more complete and refined service than the traditional toilet centre. It is essentially a complete program, where the dog and cat undergo a check-up followed by proposals relating to diet and beauty treatments. If your dog or cat are overweight or need to tone their muscles, the Spa draws up a real food plan, which is flanked by toning and slimming massages and swimming sessions in the designated pools.

The whirlpool or hydro pool is dedicated to dogs, as kittens do not particularly like water, and it is implemented periodically to tone the muscles of our four-legged friend and to make them more lively and reactive.

The Spas offer a series of treatments ranging from anti-stress massage to real beauty treatments, such as masks, hydrotherapy, massage therapy and beauty-related sessions, with specialized hairdressers and a myriad of accessories dedicated to hairdressing. All this is completed by the use of dedicated perfumes and essences, which help both to relax the animals and to make them fragrant in view of social gatherings.

In Italy, the phenomenon mainly affects large cities, Milan and Rome in the lead. In the Milanese city it is possible to take your four-legged friend to the "Terme di Fido", a center located 20 kilometers from the center in the locality of Pessano con Bornago. The structure has 600 square meters of space and is equipped with a large swimming pool with whirlpool and many rooms dedicated to aesthetics and dog health.

 Also in Milan, we find the innovative “For Pets Only Beauty & Spa centre”, a real relaxation place for dogs and cats. Scented candles, relaxing paths and treatments with essential oils await cats and dogs. In Brescia, there is the “Dog's Sporting Academy”, much more than a wellness centre, as  there is a spacious swimming pool, a playground and a wellness area equipped with ozone treatments and hydro massages.

Following the Italian boot towards Sicily, we can find “La Vecchia Fattorina”, a beauty farm located in Rome that includes a professional and highly trained staff. Hairdressers, beauticians and even yoga teachers are at the disposal of feline friends and dogs, together with a veterinary specialist who is perhaps the most canonical figure within the structure.

The very luxurious “Chalet of San Giovanni Teatino” is in the province of Chieti. Although it is a structure purely dedicated to trauma rehabilitation, the centre offers hydrotherapy, massage therapy and allows you to completely renew the look of your four-legged friends.

Excessive? Unbridled luxury? Certainly. These centres offer specific services at a very high cost. On the one hand, these treatments are absolutely devoted to the health and aesthetics of animals and do not contemplate episodes of fanaticism like the latest news we had to get through live from Russia. The video was a huge hit on the web and featured a cat transformed into a bee and a dog into a dragon. With colours. Although the owner of the centre has ensured that the colours used were non-toxic and safe for animals, it would be advisable to encourage the owners to buy a beehive or to go to the island of Komodo, where there are dragons existing on earth instead of transforming your animal into one!

Respect for animals is manifested in daily gestures, in providing them with a healthy diet and in dedicating all the affection and time we can. Everything else is a surplus, which wealthy people can afford and which certainly represents a great trend in our present.

There are many cases in Italy (and in the world) of people who rely on pet therapy to promote the healing process. This discipline provides the presence of animals, mainly dogs, to carry out physiotherapy processes or treatments and management of particular psycho-emotional pathologies.

Our four-legged friends have a sensitivity that goes beyond the limits of human understanding, as their affection and devotion are truly unexpected! The dog's total devotion to its owner must be investigated in its origin, as he elects the pack leader and follows him in all respects. We become real leaders for them. From these notions, we can understand how powerful the love that our four-legged friends have for us. Therefore, they have a great healing potential for pet therapy.

It is incredible how much affection dogs can give us during illnesses. This is the case of patients admitted to the oncology department of the Massa Carrara hospital. In this place, the first pet therapy project in Italy was activated, where dogs are in contact with patients at particular times of the day. This prodigious project is called "A Paw to Therapies”. It requires dogs with disinfected fur and with a complete certificate to accompany patients for a few hours during the chemotherapy session.

The results are surprising, many people who are alone during therapy sessions find it extremely pleasant all of a sudden. Labradors, cubs and delightful puppies snuggle at the patients' feet and keep them company for the entire duration of the therapeutic session. The benefits translate into a greater chance of recovery for patients, as the good mood that dogs spread helps patients face the disease with more serenity and courage.

The head of the structure, Dr. Mambrini, is convinced that alternative therapies can be very successful for the healing process or, at least, make it happier and less harsh. To this end, he organizes concerts, including famous artists, art shows, singing and theater sessions and always hopes to be able to subject patients to chemotherapy in the open air, taking advantage of the hospital's green spaces.

Regarding the introduction of four-legged friends, the head physician said "We started with six other Italian hospitals with the Day Hospital department: we followed 90 cancer patients in contact with dogs for six months and compared them with 90 other patients without pet therapy ".

Regarding the results and benefits for patients, the luminary says: “We measured the vital signs of pressure, pulse and temperature. The psychological ones of apprehension, anxiety and depression. Finally, also the symptoms of nausea, vomiting and pain. The patients of the pet therapy had vomited less, had regained their natural face colour and forgot depression. Others even returned at the end of chemo session to meet the dogs again. The significant scientific finding was the increase in the partial pressure of oxygen in the blood. In a department where we always talk about the past, seeing people talking about the future is wonderful. The positivity you breathe is a paradise for everyone ".

Finally, we can witness a beautiful all-Italian experience, as this therapy is still not very well known around the world. Beyond the enormous improvements that pet therapy brings to patients, we must never forget its positive effect on mood, which very often represents the key to victory against tremendous and apparently invincible diseases.

If we speak of Pet Therapy, it is necessary to mention the Niguarda Hospital in Milan. In this large and important Milanese hospital there is the Spinal Unit; a particular department where very special doctors work. We refer to them as pets.

Their names are Happy and Angel, and they deal with physiotherapy. They are two magnificent honey and chocolate coloured Labradors. Two experienced human pet therapists lead these two exceptional animal doctors. The unusual medical team, thanks to an incredible synergy, records surprising results.

In this medical unit, patients in wheelchairs wait in the gym every day for the arrival of the two "doctors", who have assisted their patients for 10 years now. Happy and Angel are accompanied by Patrizia Spada, the responsible pet therapist of the Dog4Life Association, as well as Alessandra De Fronzo with the Belgian shepherd malinois Alinghi and Enzo Panelli, the first pet therapist in a wheelchair with his sweet black Labrador.

This unique group of therapists take care with constancy and love of the numerous victims of motor vehicle or sports accidents as well as accidents in the workplace. The physiotherapy applied aims to restore the mobility of the trunk and limbs. The exercises that benefit all patients are simple, games which provide great help, day after day, to patients with mobility problems.

They games range from the launch of the ball to that of the Frisbee; to the placement on the ground of treats hidden under overturned cups, and last but very important the paragility path. Each exercise is meticulously designed to reactivate the muscle groups and strengthen them with the interaction of perfectly trained, highly intelligent dogs which are able to create a relaxed atmosphere of affection.

The physiotherapist of the ward Liliana Panigata explained: “This is an integrative therapy that accompanies the regular medical courses, but has the advantage of promoting socialization and creating a relaxed and informal atmosphere. The dog, with its spontaneity, communicates with them without prejudice, without filters and without seeing the disability in those in front of them. In addition, the patient gradually acquires self-esteem and autonomy in learning how to lead and give commands to an animal. Fatigue becomes pleasure and sweetness dissolves any resistance".

However, this is not the only department where we engage trained animals in daily exercises and rehabilitation therapies. This wonderful practice is spreading more and more, with great benefits for immobilized people. Pet Therapy also bears witness and justice to all animals, underlining their importance and the great wealth of fidelity and love that they know how to give in exchange for just a simple caress...