Let us devote this hub to explore a very interesting issue. The difference between a cat and a mouse trap.

To begin with, the mouse trap cannot identify and seek it's target.

It is the action of the target that causes the mousetrap to spring into action, whereas a cat can actually sense the presence of a mouse by the sensors which are pre-installed in it's system.

A cat can sense the presence of a mouse by utilizing its sense of smell, and its acute hearing abilities.

In short a cat is a programmed mousetrap which actually seeks its target.

It is a mobile mousetrap which uses its sensors like a heat seeking missile going after it's target irrespective of location, within the boundaries if it's marked area.

The cat leaves no evidence of any action, it just swallows up all evidence.

A mousetrap has to be set and re-set every time a task is completed, and in addition, it has to be cleaned up too.

It is not as dangerous to accidentally step on a cat as it is to step on a mousetrap.

Unintentionally stepping on a cat, you could get away with a loud "NGG-EEEEYEOW!!!" followed by a "khkhkhkhkhkh....."

Stepping on a mousetrap could result in the requirement of getting an anti-tetanus injection.

Associating with a cat is a pleasant experience whereas associating with a mousetrap is far too dangerous.

So, if you are faced with the problem of mice, get yourself a cat.

Go for it! If you are one of those dudes or dudesses who prefers solar energy to fossil fuel energy, and if you are one who would select an eco friendly location for a holiday, then in your attempt to align with nature, get yourself NATURE'S MOUSETRAP, cat.

If the pet store is too far away for you to access, try and catch one in the alley.

Otherwise request your postman to get you one!

These guys come across many on their rounds, and would be delighted to oblige such a request ... I believe!

As an alternative, you could make a request from the local policemen who do night patrolling in your area! I wish you the very best of luck!

... end of part one

According to history, human beings have been associating with cats for nearly 9,500 years.

Good for them! Associating with cats is a fascinating thing indeed.

The cat is a very friendly animal indeed. The sound that a cat makes, "ngaew," is really pleasing to the human ear.

I mean to say it is pleasing to MY ear, and I am human!

According to Wikipedia, Cats may be the most popular pet in the world, residing in over six hundred million homes throughout the world.

Officially known as FELIS CATUS, the cat is a carnivorous animal and is useful to the household by virtue of it's ability to rid homes of mice, snakes, scorpions, and most other undesirable insects.

Cats need around fifteen hours of sleep for every twenty four hour period.

Some can even doze of for up to twenty hours!

Cats have excellent night vision. In fact I believe they can see pretty well in complete darkness.

The eyes of a cat appear to look like one jet black marble immediately after sunset, enabling this function.

Even their sense of smell is supposed to be fourteen times stronger than that of humans.

The ancient Egyptians used to adore cats, and considered them sacred. I do not remember the source to quote from.

I do believe it was mentioned in a book on Tutankhamun.

The same source stated that men used to shave their eyebrows when a cat died.

Cats are good looking animals. In fact out of all the animals on earth, when it comes to good looks, I would certainly pick the cat as the best looking.

Even the sound that they make suits their appearance very well! A well tuned "ngyaeow," one that is modulated with a purr usually comes out of a hungry cat when his meal is about to be served!

It is at this time that the tail is up on full mast when the excitement of the prospect of a meal is on!

A cat's life-span is supposed to be 15 years. However as they pass the twelfth year they lose interest in almost everything around.They become dull and appear to be lethargic.

They are no longer interested in tiny moving objects, no longer interested in mice, and simply want to be left alone. They are not interested in playing any more.

A strange kind of dignity sets in, probably one associated with old age!

They don't dart after something at the slightest provocation caused by the movement of an insect. Their eyes no longer widen up when they hear a rustling sound.

They no longer are curious to "check out" the contents of bags brought home.

You can no longer get them to stand on their hind legs and reach out for a piece of meat that you are holding!

I guess that is the retirement age for cats!

... concluded