People who say cats aren’t very expressive and are impossible to gauge just don’t have a clue. A cat’s ears, eyes, body posture and, in particular, her tail, express exactly what she’s thinking and how she’s feeling. You just have to “listen” to cat tail language. “Since cats are such...
Henry, the famous long-haired tuxedo cat whose YouTube moniker was Henri, le Chat Noir, has made us laugh for about a decade with his cattitude-filled videos and an eponymous book. Sadly, the beloved kitty crossed over the Rainbow Bridge in December at age 17. He will be missed, but, thankfully,...
Have you ever wondered why does my cat knead on me? Sometimes referred to as “making biscuits,” kneading is a common behavior for cats. When kneading, cats push in and out their front feet with varying levels of claw action. This light scratching behavior with or without purring is something...
Cat hairballs don’t discriminate based on age or breed. You just hope that the hacking sound followed by the wet hair mass expulsion doesn’t land on your new living room rug or jar you awake in the middle of a sound sleep. The word hairball involuntarily triggers grimaces on faces...
How old was your cat when she was spayed? Increasingly, I’ve been seeing people adopting kittens at 7 or 8 weeks who have already been spayed! the advice of my vets, I’d never spayed a cat before she was several months old but admittedly my lady cat is 21 years...
With cats, unlike dogs, it’s not just a matter of putting on a collar and leash and giving treats. Habituating a cat to a harness and then to a harness-plus-leash takes time and needs to follow specific steps. We’ll start by warning you that this will look completely hopeless at...
In my role as an emergency veterinarian I treat some very sick cats. And I also meet some cat owners who feel very guilty. They wonder whether their cats might not have gotten so sick if they had recognized earlier that a problem was developing. Although some cat emergencies come...
Morris and Garfield are just a few of the iconic orange tabby cats that are part of our culture’s collective cat consciousness. It’s not hard to know why. Their big, bold and brightly colored coats is one reason. But, as anyone who’s lived with an orange tabby cat can attest,...
Cat enthusiasts are probably the most passionate demographic around. We love our cats! We wear our love, we record it, we photograph it and we share our love, wholeheartedly. While we love our cats and want our cats to love us back, sometimes we get a little too zealous in...
Have you ever thought about adding a purebred cat to your family? The Cat Fanciers’ Association recognizes 46 pedigreed breeds, all with different characteristics, appearances and behaviors. The CFA prefers the term “pedigreed cat,” as many breeds of cats were developed as hybrids or developed crossings. Pedigree references CFA’s ability...
Choosing a healthy cat food can feel overwhelming, especially when you look at the sea of brands, formulations and flavors. Before choosing a food, first identify your cat’s life stage. “Cats have different nutritional needs depending on where they are in their stage of growth and life cycle,” says Johnna...
If you’re both a dog and a cat person, you may give your dog peanut butter. The sticky-and-sweet treat is the perfect addition to a food puzzle or Kong and helps medicine go down better than a spoonful of sugar. But can your feline friend also partake? “Yes, cats can...
You may like to joke that your cat is allergic to you. If your kitties frequently hide, only emerging to let you know they’re hungry or to wake you up at 5 a.m. for no apparent reason, saying they’re allergic to people is a funny gag. But there’s a chance...
Go to any pet supply store and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the wide array of cat litter options. All those options make it hard to know which litter is best. Here’s how to pick the right cat litter for your cat. What are the common cat litter options?...
The party line has always been not to feed cats variety, but Athens, Georgia-based veterinary nutritionist Dr. Donna Raditic suggests rethinking this theory. Even for cats, she says, variety is the spice of life. BEGIN at the BEGINNING If you happen to get your cat as an inquisitive kitten,...
Almost every day I get emails from animal shelters begging me to care for kittens until they’re old enough to go up for adoption. Shelters (the term I’m going to use for both independent rescues and municipal facilities) are desperate for foster homes to take what I call “tweans”— weaned...
People sometimes call the average domestic cat a tabby, but tabby is not a cat breed — it is actually the pattern of kitty’s coat. And it happens to be the most common of all the feline coat patterns. Technically speaking, no matter what colors or markings you see on...
Looking for a way to celebrate our feline friends this month? Here are a few fun March 2021 cat events. NOTE: Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many events have been cancelled. But here are some virtual events you can check out. All month: National Nutrition Month Sixth- through eighth-grade students...
Eric A. says after his cat suffered severe complications during routine surgery, he and his husband called a lawyer. “We want justice,” Eric says. Ann S. says after her kitten got injured at a neighbor’s house, she called a lawyer. “It felt good calling, so somebody could handle this for...
I walk into a cozy candle store in the capital region of Pennsylvania, ready to ask the staff to fetch the subject of my story — but there is no need. Wicks, a big, gray tabby, is already stretched out on the floor in the middle of Keystone Candle’s busiest...
W hat you feed your cat goes a long way to how easy — or challenging — the food is to break down in the digestive tract and then the quality and quantity of the excess waste exiting out of your cat’s body. Food is not only fuel to fortify the...
Looking for something fun to put in your cat’s Easter basket? These bunny-inspired carrot toys are full of catnip — and they’re really easy to make! What you’ll need: Felt — orange and green Coordinating thread Water-soluble fabric pen Scissors Pinking shears Fiber fill Catnip How to make the catnip...
You might think your cat is going crazy. With a wild look in her eyes, she zooms around the house at speeds you didn’t know she was capable of. If you have stairs, she runs up and down them several times. She jumps on and off of furniture and over...
What do a bunch of cat veterinarians talk about when they’re hanging out at a party together? Cat poop, of course, says Dr. Jean Hofve, holistic veterinarian, author, and founder of the site Little Big Cat. Why? Because the state of a cat’s poop is one of the fastest ways...
Blue Bell Foundation for Cats The Blue Bell Foundation for Cats nestles on the green hillside on the winding Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach, California. It can accommodate 60 residents and offers care to senior felines in a tranquil, forever-home setting thanks to animal lover Bertha Yergat, who founded the...
Felines are built to excel in athletic pursuits. Their superiority in speed, precision and flexibility are only matched by their remarkable ability to sleep 12 to 16 hours a day. There are no gold medals in sleeping, although cats are certain there’s a loophole in the World Feline Bylaws —...
A few years ago, the novelist Margaret Atwood decided to write about cats. Her revered bibliography includes The Handmaid’s Tale — a dystopian book that became a hit TV series — but for her new project, she embraced the medium of graphic novels. Collaborating with the illustrator Johnnie Christmas, she...
Cat dental problems are among the most common medical issues seen in cats. If unaddressed, dental problems can lead to a variety of consequences including bad breath, loose teeth, oral pain and difficulty eating. In my experience, the most common feline dental emergency is a sudden inability to eat because...
Author Terry Pratchett said, “In ancient times, cats were worshipped as gods; they have not forgotten this.” When you hear this phrase, do you automatically think of ancient Egyptian cat goddesses and cat gods? Probably. Do you think of any other cultures when it comes to cat goddesses, cat gods and...
New parents are often (and understandably) concerned about how their cat will react to a new baby. But even if things go well and the cat warms up to a newborn, life changes when your baby turns from a stationary bundle of joy into a toddler. “The toddler is a...
Laid-back, yet lively and with looks to kill, this feline will snuggle her way into your good graces with one slow blink of her expressive eyes, one quick peek at her sweet smile and one quick touch of her plush coat. What’s in a name? Just the Exotic. One name,...
Tigers live as solitary hunters in jungles. Lions live in prides in grasslands. But what about our domestic cats? Are they loners like tigers or social like lions? Yes and yes, and no and no — depending on the cat and the situation, experts say. We talked to some of...
Everyone knows of the lazy cat stereotype, but in reality cats aren’t supposed to lie around all the time. In fact, cats who live strictly indoors are often far too sedentary. “We’ve come to realize that cats kept exclusively indoors often don’t get enough mental or physical stimulation,” says Dr....
If you’re a cat lover with a quirky sense of humor, you’ll love the album Kittyland by Harry Tangos, a family band from Davis, California. After seeing a wave of homeless pets brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kidd family is trying to help a cooperating nonprofit by raising...
If you wake up one morning and notice that one of your cat’s eyes looks a little odd, you might wonder if it’s something that requires a veterinary visit. What does it mean if your cat has watery eyes or teary eyes, or if your cat is squinting or pawing...
Cats are natural hunters and in need of daily exercise. A simple way to increase the amount of activity in your cat’s day is to stop feeding your cat in a bowl and allow your cat to “hunt” for their meals. Instead of just putting your cat’s meals into a bowl...
In my volunteer job as a cat socializer at a private shelter near my home, I met a lot of cats. But the one that stood out the most for me in the two years I spent petting kitties was a special guy named Blue. I first saw Blue on...
One afternoon, several years ago my cat Captain Jack Sparrow was with me in my backyard. He strolled up to a glazed flower pot saucer filled with water and started drinking. The saucer was perched upon a concrete stepping stone at the corner of my patio. Birds took baths in...
Did you set a New Year’s resolution to increase the amount of exercise you’re getting? Don’t forget to include your cats in that resolution. Physical exercise is important for cats of all ages. Like with people, cats who get regular exercise are generally happier and healthier both physically and emotionally....
Has your dating life been a cat-astrophe? Well, there’s an app for that! Tabby — The Cat Person’s Dating App is an offshoot of Dig — The Dog Person’s Dating app, launched in 2018 by sisters Leigh and Casey Isaacson. Tabby is a great way for cat lovers to connect....
A cat tail is an amazing and beautiful thing. Not only is it an anatomical wonder, it’s an excellent tool for feline self-expression. Even the most obtuse of humans can learn the secrets of this behavior — “cat tail talk,” if you will — with a little observation, and your...
When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Even if you have an indoor cat it’s likely their coat will change seasonally. “A cat’s undercoat will bulk up in winter months because fur growth is related more to the amount of sunlight available than...
Roses are red, violets are blue, you love your sweetheart but want to keep your cat safe, too. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day or any day, flowers can bring a smile to a person’s face. But some plants pose health and safety risks for cats. The good news: Roses...
When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Jafari Jamison Underfoot is a cat like no other. He’s not only mastered the art of wearing a harness and leash, but takes walks daily with his owner that often turn into short sprints. Living in...
Think fast: When was the last time you enjoyed a date night? The pandemic has forced local restaurants to close or switch to takeout and us to hunker down for — checks notes — almost a year. It’s made it difficult to go anywhere, let alone indulge in a date night....
Looking for something special for kitty? We’ve got the latest feline-friendly products to put on your shopping list. Ebo CatEntertain, chat, take photos, videos or livestream kitty with Ebo, a robot companion with an HD camera. It wheels, rolls and dances, or you can take control and play with kitty...
Spend a few minutes looking at social media, and you’ll agree: Cats are sweet, friendly, and cuddly. Until they aren’t. Whether it’s your own cat or a cat you’ve just met, it can be quite intimidating when a kitty becomes aggressive and decides to lash out. As a professional cat...
Meow. Mah! Mowwwww … Exactly what is your cat trying to say with different vocal tones? Kitties definitely seem to have a range of sounds they use to make us smile, love us, pester us, and even shame us when we deserve it. (My cats have a vocal chorus that...
When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. There’s a stereotype out there that cats are stuck in their ways. And while some certainly are, others are up for learning a new thing or two. Helping a cat learn a new skill or to love life a little...
My cat, Bella, has been driving me crazy. She’s decided that “I’m not gonna eat that!” is her new favorite game in the world. As food goes, Madame won’t have the chicken — that would be the super-premium raw frozen organic chicken, which she has eaten with gusto for months....
Do you have cat toys scattered all over your home? When you have an appointment at the veterinarian for your kitty, can you find his or her papers easily? Are the cat food cans, bags of dry food, treats, bowls and feeding dishes stored in a handy spot? What about...
Looking for a way to celebrate our feline friends this month? Here are a few fun January 2021 cat events. NOTE: Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many events have been cancelled. But here are some virtual events you can check out. Learn what makes cats cats at this virtual seminar....
I’ve seen plenty of dogs chasing their tails before, so I was caught off guard when I saw a cat chasing his tail. My friend’s cat, Jax, started to chase his own tail, and it made me wonder if Jax was copying the behavior of my friend’s Golden Retriever. Later,...
You know her as Blossom, or most recently as Amy Farrah Fowler from The Big Bang Theory or maybe even as C.C. Bloom from Beaches. But there are two boys and three cats who simply call her Mom. That’s right, I’m talking about the incredibly talented Mayim Bialik! Recently, I...
When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. There’s nothing like the thrill of knowing that you’ll soon be bringing a new cat into your home. Whether you’re getting your cat from a shelter or a breeder, the excitement is the same. You’re looking forward to spending lots...
Norwegian Forest Cat Quick Facts The Look of a Norwegian Forest Cat Because they developed in a cold climate, Norwegian Forest Cats have thick, double coats that can keep them warm in just about any weather. The coat is fluffy, especially around the neck. They shed out much of the...
As we cool kitties know, adding cats makes all things purrfect. This includes everything from shipping boxes to face masks for preventive measures. And since wearing a mask is the fur-real thing to do right now, here are a few of my faves to add that dash of cat style....
When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The holiday season brings with it an endless supply of boxes, making it an exciting time for cats! Boxes of all kinds, from shipping boxes to shoe boxes to gift boxes, create enticing spots for cats to hide...
Looking for a way to celebrate our feline friends this month? Here are some fun December cat activities. NOTE: Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many events have been cancelled. But here are some virtual events you can check out. Meet adoptable pets through special videos during this year’s Holiday Windows...
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Have you ever thought, “Why is my cat always hungry?” You’re not alone. As a cat guardian, you know that a cat who won’t eat for a day or so means a trip to the vet. But did you know that a cat who is always hungry can be a...
They’re as funny as they are cute, and that’s why so many of us love kittens. It’s also why more than 2 million cat videos on YouTube were viewed more than 25 billion times, according to an article published on theconversation.com last updated in 2018. No doubt these past couple...
The holidays are upon us, and everyone’s writing their letters to Santa, hoping they’ll find that special something underneath the tree. Even cats have gift wish lists and would be pawsitively pleased to have their holiday dreams fulfilled. Here are six presents cats would scratch onto their Christmas lists, most...
Some of the most profoundly heartbreaking moments of my cat-caretaking life revolve around being unable to tell how much pain my beloved friends were suffering. Even though I know cats are very good at disguising their pain, I can’t help but guilt-trip myself sometimes over this health issue, because as...
Your barn cats may not come into your home, but they’re in your heart and part of your family. When the temperatures dip, you want to ensure these kitties have everything they need. Because of the way cats have evolved, they often need a little extra TLC in the winter....
The goal of Swedish startup Animalist is simple: Make beautiful art for pets and their humans. Co-founder Jan Van Helleputte says that they want to “celebrate the beauty and joy our four-legged companions bring us through modern and personalized art inspired by Scandinavian minimalism.” With just a few simple steps,...
When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Luckily, a kitten’s instinct to bury or hide its waste is strong. As long as you provide a nice litter box setup, your kitten is likely to catch on quick. Related: Tips for Choosing the Right...
A friend in Hawai’i during dinner a few years ago mentioned that a black cat had crossed his path the previous day while he was en route to some big, math-related test for his big, math-related master’s degree. When he specified that it was a black community cat (the University...
We think we can control our cat’s behavior. Laughable! We sometimes put in boatloads of research in our pursuits to train our favorite kitties and certainly come up with expert suggestions; however, ultimately, the cat trains us. Here’s a little feline feedback on humans’ attempts at training them — take...
It’s 4 a.m., and your cat is meowing in your ear. Is it a series of shorts mews or in rapid-fire succession? When a toddler accidentally pulls your kitty’s tail, what is your feline saying when she hisses at this little person? Cats have a large repertoire of sounds. Every...
The beauty of the Thanksgiving holiday is reflected in the happy faces of family and friends gathered together — felines included. But, not all Turkey Day traditions are good for kitties. Follow these tips to ensure a safe Thanksgiving with cats! From toxic foods to unsafe decor, Thanksgiving can be a dangerous...
There are dog people, there are cat people, and there is a substantial number of people who love both canines and felines. If you fall into the latter category, you should prove able to keep dogs and cats under the same roof safely with proper planning and training. The harmonious...
’Tis the season for gratitude. It can be hard, given all that 2020 has thrown at us, but sometimes it’s healthy to take a step back and be thankful for all we have. As cat parents, we are thankful for Kitty’s snuggles, antics and companionship. But, are our cats thankful...
I’ve been making and donating cloth face masks through a Facebook group I joined when the pandemic first started. If we need to wear masks, why not make them fun?! There are all kinds of masks out there — some with nose pieces, some with filter pockets, some with casings,...
Anyone who has ever shared a home with multiple cats has at one point or another experienced conflict between cats in the home. In some cases, squabbles are isolated or short-lived, but other times there are ongoing issues between cats. “Cats are naturally quite territorial creatures and territorial aggression may...
Two kittens from the same litter have been each other’s biggest support since day one. Lauren @our_fostering_tails Four rescued kittens were brought to the kitten college program at Animal Welfare League of Arlington when they were less than three weeks old. Lauren, a foster volunteer, took them into her care...
