Modern Cat Spring/Summer 2015

cat

cats getting high: Why your cat needs vertical perching space (p24)

The lifestyle magazine for modern cats and their companions

9 SIGNS

YOUR CAT LOVES YOU

SPRING· SUMMER 2015

Get Happy!

7 WAYS TO MAKE

YOUR CAT SMILE p80

wincat l coou f! st f Publications Agreement Number 42496543 Return Mail Dept, 202–343 Railway St., Vancouver, BC V6A 1A4

p20

Operation Inspiration!

Cats + Patios = Catios

Cat Tattoos p28

It’s Marmalade, winner of our Star Cat Contest!

Know Your Cats! p12

moderncat.com DISPLAY UNTIL JULY 31 ‘15

$5.95

DESIGN WITH CAT-ITUDE OUR CURRENT OBSESSIONS CATS YOU NEED TO FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM

Taylor Swift!

CHUBBY CAT? Easy Ways to Lose the Weight + DIY: Make Yourself an Adorable Cat-Printed Tee!

cat VOL 4

NO 1

I L LU ST R AT I O N K I M S M I T H

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

38 FEATURES 24

Cats On High Why your cat needs vertical perching space.

BY MIESHELLE NAGELSCHNEIDER, THE CAT WHISPERER

38

9 Signs Your Cat Loves You Signs of feline affection can be subtle or downright hard to read. Look for the following feline behaviours for confirmation your cat is totally into you.

42

Coat Colours and Patterns Learn which coat types are which—along with which can usually be an at-a-glance indicator of a cat’s gender.

48

7 Ways to Make Your Cat Smile Follow these steps to a happy and healthy cat!

54

What You Should Do If You Find a Kitten You'll likely have to fight your instincts. Best Friends Animal Society shares what you ought to do.

58

Hello, Marmalade!

Meet our amazing cover cat, once an unwanted kitten, now an internet sensation, cancer survivor, FIV warrior, and one darn cute cat!

68

8 Easy Ways to Get Your Chubby Cat Moving There are a whole lot of overweight cats out there and the health repercussions they suffer are serious. Here’s how help your cat drop the excess baggage.

BY TARYN CHEAL

BY LAUREN CHEAL AND TARYN CHEAL

BY ROSE FROSEK

KNOW YOUR CATS 28

Terrific Cats Wonder what breeds may contribute to your cat's unique looks and personality? Read on to see if you can recognize any of these pedigree traits in your mixed-ancestry cat. BY KELLY CALDWELL

10

THE GOODS 32

Design with Cat-itude Want it! Our current obsessions.

46

Cat Lovers Closet Say it loud—I love my cat and I’m proud! Check out our stylish finds on page 46.

BODY AND SOUL 62

Survey Says… Cats Rule!; The Secret Lives of Cats

64

Help Save Birds; Accident Prone Cats; Book We Love

66

Whisker Fatigue: It’s a Real Thing; Must Read! Connie's Book Club; How to Calm an Anxious Cat

BY ROSE FROSEK, PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEN BERGREN

2 moderncat

SPRI NG/ SUMMER 2015

fails!

18 LIVING 18

Cat Hiding Fails Hilariously unsuccessful feline attempts at invisibility.

20

We’re Giving It Away We’ve got months of fab giveaways, from awesome toys to all-natural litter, just waiting to be won by readers like you! Flip to page 20 to see what’s up for grabs.

REGULAR FEATURES 6 Editor’s Letter 8 Contributors 10 Stuff We Love 12 The Scoop 22 Photo Contest 78 Marketplace

54

P H OTO F E R N A N DA C A M A R G O

Cat hiding

68 34

Cats You Need to Follow on Instagram Get your daily does of kitty goodness with these four cats dedicated to bringing adorableness to your Instagram feed.

BY LILY NGUYEN

36

DIY Craft: Cat Tee Make your own cat patterned t-shirt with his easy DIY rubber stamp project!

72

How To Thrill Your Cat Our cats are crazy for these finds!

74

Cats + Patios = Catios!

Get inspired by one woman’s DIY solution to providing outdoor space for her indoor cats.

76

How I Met My Cat Sassie's second chance.

BY CYNTHIA VOCCIA

80

Last Lick: Cat Tattoos A love that lasts fur-ever.

72

COVER CAT It's Marmalade, winner of our Star Cat Contest!

Photographed by Jen Bergren of Fetchlight Pet Lifestyle Photography.

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SPRI NG/ SUMMER 2015

In USA: MODERNCAT (ISSN 1929-3933) Volume 4, Issue 1. Published semi annually

by Modern Cat Inc. at 142 Churchill Drive, Newington, CT 06111-4003. Periodicals postage paid at Hartford, CT and additional offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Dog, PO Box 310402, Newington, CT 06131-0402.

EDITOR'S LETTER

I

’m delighted that spring’s finally here, a season synonymous with rebirth and renewal. The longer daylight hours, new foliage, warmer temperatures, and bright blue skies noticeably boost spirits—as well as the homeless kitten population.

Although there’s nothing cuter than a litter of kittens (for proof turn to page 54!), many of them will ultimately end up in shelters. Worse yet, Best Friends Animal Society reports that roughly 70 percent of the cats who end up in America’s shelters will be euthanized. 70 percent. Let’s do something to turn this sad statistic around by getting our cats spayed or neutered and encouraging others to do the same. Should you find a litter of kittens (one can dream), turn to page 54 so you’ll know what to do! And of course, we think it’s always a grand idea to think about welcoming a shelter cat into your family—there are so many super-wonderful cats in shelters awaiting their forever homes. Just turn to page 76 for one such heartwarming account.

We’ve jam-packed this issue with all manner of sunshine-y feel-good must-reads to help you better understand your cat. For example: 7 Ways to Make Your Cat Smile (p 48), 9 Signs Your Cat Loves You (p 38), How To Thrill Your Cat (p 72), and Cats on High: Why Your Cat Needs Vertical Perching Space (p 24). We also introduce you to our inspiring Star Cat winner, Marmalade, share cool DIY projects (catios and cat tees!) and offer effective advice on how to help a chubby cat slim down. Add to that all sorts of cool finds, cat toys, and clothing for cat lovers, and I think we’ve put together a pretty irresistible page-turner. Enjoy the issue, the season, and your cats, of course!

CONNIE WILSON WITH DAO DAO, PHOTO TANYA KING

OUR R E ADE R S WR IT E

Our community is the best-est!

Email Love Just a quick note to tell you that I got my first issue a couple of weeks ago, and I love it! I've had dozens of cats in my life (growing up on a farm helped) and I thought I knew pretty much all there was to know when it came to kittehs. But I learned so much from your magazine. I love it! I really hope it will become a monthly, because I need my Modern Cat fix!—Stacey Hopkins

Facebook Friends You guys always have the greatest Facebook Friday Freebies!—Jennifer @TheCatBall I love your magazine! You have so many awesome ideas and kitties in your book!

—Carey S. Zuchowski I love your articles that I read through Facebook! I have a rescue kitty who has seizures and I feed a feral kitty I call Freddy and your articles are always helpful in many ways.—Nancy Brink

Sweet Tweets Thanks @ModernCatMag for featuring Buddy’s #cat tower. Three years later and he still loves it! moderncat.com/DIYcatperches —Heather Nabers West

Much love,

Connie Wilson, Founder, Publisher, and Editor-in-Chief

Love is a deep empathy With the other’s “Beingness.”

You recognize yourself, Your essence, in the other.

And so you can no longer inflict Suffering on the other.

—From Guardians of Being, words by Eckhart Tolle

Let us brighten your work day!

If you haven't already, sign up to receive the FREE Modern Cat e-newsletter, delivering all the latest, greatest, and cutest cat finds, stories, photos, and videos, straight to your inbox! moderncat.com/newsletter-signup

6 moderncat

SPRI NG/ SUMMER 2015

cat

C ON TRIBUT OR S Modern Cat staffer Lauren Cheal is a long-time feline fanatic who loves to spend time with her two cats—one fluffy shy guy (Lincoln) and one high needs buddy (the sociable Lyle).

Writing runs in the family; Lyle has his own column called Ask Lyle on moderncat.com where he dispenses cat-to-cat advice. Like Lyle, Lauren loves creating inspiring and adorable content and sharing it with our outstanding fans. Check out her insightful article “9 Signs Your Cat Loves You” on page 38!

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 VOL 4 NO 1 Publisher

Modern Cat Inc. Editor-in-Chief

Connie Wilson Editor & Creative Director

Jennifer Nosek Audience Development & Digital Marketing

Lauren Cheal Social Media & Events Coordinator

Taryn Cheal Design & Production

Natalie Gagnon Sales & Marketing

Kara Gerlach and Kai Jacobson Accounting & Subscription Services

Celine Benipayo Subscription Services Assistant

Lily Nguyen Controller

Jen Bergren was taking photography classes while working as an Advertising Designer at Petco’s San Diego office when her two interests collided and she started photographing pets for Petco.

Having found her calling, she left the corporate world to start Fetchlight Pet Lifestyle Photography and now photographs pets for pet parents to hang as art, as well as shoots for pet businesses and publications like Modern Cat (see page 56). Jen also volunteers to photograph adoptable pets—our kind of girl! To see more of Jen’s work, visit fetchlight.com.

Cecilia de Roca Chan Honourary Editor-at-Large

Jytte Wilson Subscription inquiries call (800) 417-6289 Advertising inquiries call (866) 734-3131 In Canada: MODERNCAT (ISSN 1929-3933) Volume 4, Issue 1.

Published semi annually by Modern Cat Inc. at Suite 202–343 Railway St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6A 1A4 POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Cat, Suite 202–343 Railway St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6A 1A4 In USA: MODERNCAT (ISSN 1929-3933) Volume 4, Issue 1. Published semi annually by Modern Cat Inc. at 142 Churchill Drive, Newington, CT 061114003.

Periodicals postage paid at Hartford, CT and additional offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Dog, PO Box 310402, Newington, CT 06131-0402.

PHONE

(604) 734-3131

OR TOLL FREE

Our very own Subscription Service Assistant Lily Nguyen is a Vancouver fashion blogger, lifelong animal lover, and social media aficionado. When she’s not working at Modern Cat or blogging, she enjoys reading, hiking, and of course, spending time with her beautiful and brilliant stud of a cat, Lucky. In this issue, Lily shares the top four cats you need to follow on Instagram now (page 34). You can also follow Lily on Instagram @lilyannenguyen.

8 moderncat

SPRI NG/ SUMMER 2015

FAX

(866) 734-3131

(604) 734-3031 OR TOLL FREE (866) 734-3031

The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, images, photographs or other materials. By accepting and publishing advertising the publisher in no way recommends, guarantees or endorses the quality of services or products within those advertisements.

Copyright 2015 by Modern Cat Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means, electronic or mechanical, including the Internet or photocopying without the written permission of the Publisher.

Modern Cat and its logotype are the trademarks of Modern Cat Inc. Subscription orders and customer service inquiries should be sent to Modern Cat Subscription Services, Suite 202–343 Railway St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6A 1A4

PRINTED IN CANADA

www.moderncat.com Publications Mail Agreement Number 42496543

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!

#

STUFF WE LOVE Modern Cat staffers’ picks of the litter

$

1 I'm in love with these custom-crafted floating shelves—and so are my cats! Made of solid poplar

and finished with the carpeting of your choice, these lovely, minimal shelves are the ultimate, stylish cat perch. All hardware is hidden in the shelf for seamless and easy installation!—Cecilia (From $85, kascadedesigns.etsy.com)

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2 Tripping over your cat's worldly possessions but not in love with cat-themed storage containers?

Store your feline's favourite playthings in a beautiful, handmade, lidded Kaisa basket from Dhaka Handicrafts, a worker-owned company that markets items made by rural artisans in Bangladesh.— Natalie ($52, tenthousandvillages.com)

3 What could be better than a custom illustrated family portrait of my partner and our two cats?

Lili Di Prima combines her love of vector illustration and vintage family photos to create beautifully unique portraits that capture the personality of her subjects, pets included!—Lily ($135, etsy.com/ shop/LiliDiPrima)

4 If your cat wants to stand out from the crowd then a bow tie from Sweet Pickles Designs is just what he’ll need. Watch him strut around in these beautifully designed and handcrafted bow ties that will declare his personal sense of style. The elastic loop makes it easy to put on and take off.

Smiles guaranteed!—Connie ($6, sweetpicklesdesigns.com))

5 Sleek and stylish, the Whisker + Box cat bed is a must for any cat home! Flexible by design and available in three fabulous colours, this cat bed gives my kitty the coziest catnap. And a portion of sales are donated to animal shelters, so it’s a can’t miss!—Kai ($42, whiskerandbox.com)

%

6 If you ask me, cat-love ought to be expressed at all times, so I’m pretty proud my mom wears

BM

this Glasses Cat T-shirt from Moodcatz. It shows she is always thinking of me and my brother, even when she isn’t with us.—Lincoln the Norwegian Forest Cat ($23, etsy.com/ca/shop/MoodCatz)

7 I love my cats (probably too much, if that’s possible) but I don’t love litter smells. So I am so happy that I found Intersand’s Odourlock Litter because it is beyond fantastic. It truly lives up to its name, absorbing odours quickly and keeping my apartment from smelling like a litter box!—Taryn ($15, intersand.com/en)

^

8 CaseCavern handmade this super-pretty phone case specifically for me, and I couldn’t love it more!

They use unique vintage embellishments and lovely case colours (available for great assortment of phone models) to suit your style. The likelihood of anyone having a case like yours? Highly unlikely.

Having the cutest phone case? Super likely!—Celine ($23, etsy.com/shop/casecavern)

9 What’s my secret to soft, clean fur? I use this awesome moisturizing pet shampoo made with

natural ingredients such as oatmeal and almond oil. And it’s not just for cats and kittens—even my humans and dogs can use it!—Staff Cat Salsa ($12, freshdog.com)

10 My cat Salsa loves her super-stylish Katris shelf, which allows her to sit on top and relax

with a view. She also loves that these shelves were designed to be given a good scratch! I like that it doubles as a cool-looking bookshelf I can decorate—perfect for a small apartment!

—Kara ($50 per shelf, papercutlab.com)

11 The Sleepypod Mobile Pet Carrier is perfect for those trips to the vet and is so comfy that my guys also like to nap in it at home. I love the style of this truly versatile carrier!—Lauren ($180, sleepypod.com)

12 What time is it? Clearly it’s kitty time! Swatch’s new Cattitude watch from their adorable animal

BL

collection adds whimsy to any outfit. The dial is printed with a cat face, the eyes move as time passes, and the matte white strap has the cutest little whisker print. Anyone need the time? Let me consult my super-cute watch!—Jennifer ($60, swatch.com)

(

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SPRING/ SUMMER 2015

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&

CAT NEWS AND REVIEWS

Cat Lady We Love

Taylor Swift shows off her cat Olivia as she leaves her apartment in NYC.

Taylor Swift Loves Cats!

It doesn’t get much cuter, folks.

Super-sweet superstar Taylor Swift is 100 percent bonkers in love with her adorable Scottish Fold cats, Meredith Grey and Olivia Benson—and who can blame her?

The 25-year-old singer was spotted last fall carrying new addition Olivia, (pictured) around the streets of NYC, raising a few eyebrows. But as she told Access Hollywood, there’s a perfectly logical reason why—not that this pair need to explain anything!

Taylor Swift @taylorswift13

PHOTO © PACIFICCOASTNEWS

“The kitten freaks out about being put in the cat carrier,” said Taylor. “So I was just like, ‘OK, all right, we're gonna just do this!’ It was like a ten-foot walk from my door to the car! What I thought was funny about those pictures is that, like, the cat is looking straight at the cameras!”

Scottish Fold kitten Olivia found a home with Taylor last June, joining the singer's three-year-old cat, Meredith Grey.

What’s with those names, you ask? They sound familiar for a reason.

Taylor named her cats after her favourite Law & Order: SVU and Grey's Anatomy characters (Olivia Benson Meredith Grey, respectively).

“Strong, complex, independent women,” she explained to Rolling Stone.

“That's the theme.”

Need more reasons to adore this trio?

Not only is Taylor’s Twitter (@taylorswift13) filled with adorable photos of her cats, but Meredith has a Twitter account of her very own, too, @MeredithKitty. Not to be outdone, Olivia was the model for these awesome Champion Sneaky Cat sneakers Taylor designed for Keds celebrating the release of her album, 1989. (The sneaks, $55, are currently sold out but more are to be released later this spring— you can sign up on keds.com to be alerted when they come available.)

Then of course there’s the Diet Coke commercial the three did together.

If you ask us, 2015 belongs to Taylor Swift—and her too-cute cats!

12 moderncat

SPRING/ SUMMER 2015

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"It's like Comic-Con… but for cat people"

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FUN DIYS LOVE STUFF WE E THE FELIN FINDS FOR OBSESSED AL CAT THE BENG

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It's happening! What's shaping up to be the coolest cat event ever is debuting June 6–7 at the Reef in Los Angeles. Taking its name inspiration from Comic-Con, the notoriously weird and wonderful convention for everything comic related, CatCon LA is promising a similar convergence of devotees, though in this case, cat fans, aka the best people out there! The event promises the coolest cat merchandise and so much more. Think celebrity appearances (and by celebrity, we mean celebrity-cat), a rumoured cat-manicure booth so cat-loving fashionistas can get their nails cat-ified (sign us up!), and more surprises yet to be unveiled. A series of panels will be offered with some pretty darn impressive luminaries—Ben

"I just love it!

You shouldn't have!"

94%

of Modern Cat readers buy presents for their cats.

14 moderncat

SPRING/ SUMMER 2015

Huh, founder of Cheezburger, and Will Braden, the man behind the existential musings of Henri Le Chat Noir, are just two of the prominent presenters who will be on hand. What will likely turn out to be the most sought-after event of the weekend, though, is the meet-and-greet with everyone's favourite celebrity cat Lil Bub, who will be in attendance with owner Mike Bridavsky. 150 lucky attendees will get to say hello to the internet’s top dog, er, cat, up close and in person. We’re counting down the days. With big sponsors on board (like Modern Cat magazine!), this is going to be the real deal.

We’ll be there, will you? Check it out at catconla.com. Tickets for the convention run $40 for the weekend and are available through showclix.com.

Insta-Smile

Modern Cat's now on Instagram!

Looking to brighten your day?

Follow @modern_cat_mag on Instagram to get your daily cute cat fix! #awww #toocute

THE SCOOP CAPTION THIS!

Inspirational Cat The second-place winner in our Star Cat Contest is a little feline with an amazing story of triumph over unspeakable cruelty. Joe was shot in the head with a pellet gun 17 times—and survived. Joe the Cat now fights against animal cruelty and his alleged attacker is awaiting trial. For more on Joe's journey and his campaign for tougher animal cruelty laws (You go, Joe!), check out joethecat.net or Joe's Facebook page, facebook.com/joethecatsarnia. #LoveAndRespectForAllSpecies

PHOTO CONTEST ENTRY TUXEDO SUMIBTTED BY JOSEPH LOW

Lady Isab Blu Golde ella nFur MonsteEyes r

MODERN CAT POLL Does your cat have a middle name?

CAST YOUR VOTE AT MODERNCAT.COM 16 moderncat

And the winning captions from last issue are…

"You know as soon as you close that door I'm going to paw at it until it opens right?"

SUBMITTED BY CAROLYN JOHNSON

RUNNER-UP CAPTIONS "Pants? Isn't today casual Friday?"

SUBMITTED BY BRENT LYMER

"I understand work is a rat race and I want to get them." SUBMITTED BY CYNTHIA M HOCEVAR "Would you like to borrow my lint brush?"

SUBMITTED BY LIZ BARNES MARQUARDT

"Just so you know, I'm feral, so I am going to freak out as soon as that door closes."

SUBMITTED BY JOSEPH A DEWAN

SPRING/ SUMMER 2015

C A R T O O N S © 2014/15 B Y D A V I D J A C O B S O N

ARTWORK BY MARLA S.

Exercise your funny bone. Create a caption for this cartoon and submit your entry at moderncat.com/cartooncaption. The most comic captions will be published in the next issue.

CAT HIDING FAILS

“Sill y hooman s will never find me!”

Hiding in the laundry! Lol!­ — Rachel Salmons

Spanky

Spencer

My cat in stealth mode!­

Sammie

— Heather Blake

Cali

Oreo Lola

Buddy

Happy Katie

Matt

Mook

Whaseck

For a behind-the-scenes look at what we’re up to in the MC offices, the latest breaking stories and videos, cool contests, events, and exclusive giveaways, become a fan of Modern Cat on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Go to facebook.com/moderncatmagazine, twitter.com/moderncatmag & pinterest.com/moderncatmag.

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SPRING/ SUMMER 2015

s y a w a e v i G t a e Gr

ENTER TO WIN We’re giving it away! Enter to win fabulous giveaways April through September. Go to moderncat.com/giveaways to enter! Lucky readers will win every two weeks.

april

may

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Win 1 of 36 Oster Shedmonster Less Stress De-Shedding Tools! It reduces shedding by up to 90% and its smooth edges protect your cat’s skin!

15th-30th

Win 1 cool and comfortable Sleepypod, the award-winning everyday pet bed that becomes a car seat and carrier, along with a Sleepypod jewelry-grade pet pendant!

june

Win 1 of 24 bags of all-natural, non-toxic Guardian Angel Pine Cobble Litter. Controls odour while eliminating dust and allergens.

You will love it!

15th-30th

Win 1 of 5 three-month subscriptions to Paws & Play Pet Subscription Boxes, packed full of awesome toys, healthy treats, and premium surprise cat goodies!

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Win 1 of 10 three-packs of Kitty Caps!

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When the claws come out, they’ll dazzle! Made from nontoxic vinyl resin, they’re safe and easy to apply.

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Win 1 of 15 two-year subscriptions to Modern Cat magazine , chock full of helpful articles, heartwarming stories, and so many cute cat photos!

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Win 1 of 10 Calm Cat coats and ease your cat’s anxiety this rainstorm, thunderstorm, and fireworks season. Safe, drug-free, and machine washable.

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15th-30th

Win 1 of 15 Fur-Zoff, the new and better way to remove pet hair from your home and vehicles. Made in USA of 90% recycled material, it’s 100% durable!

No purchase necessary to enter or win. Beginning April 1, 2015 at 12:01 AM (PST) through September 31, 2015 at 11:59 PM (PST), enter each day at moderncat.com/giveaways. Each biweekly giveaway ends at 11:59 PM (PST). Every two weeks, the specified number of winners for that giveaway will win the prize featured in the giveaway calendar (ARV: $200). Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. Contest is open to legal Canadian and US residents 18 and older as of date of entry. Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited by law. Giveaway subject to complete official rules available at moderncat.com/giveaways.

20 moderncat

SPRING/ SUMMER 2015

R E P cat SU PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS !

E T CU Lady Chewbacca Gigi Bigguns Simmons Pfieffer

Ellie Benny

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Shadow 22 moderncat

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Tia

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Friday & Ashton Micky B.

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Miu Think your cat ought to grace the pages of Modern Cat? Upload your cat's photo at moderncat.com/photocontest.

Not only will he or she be entered to be our Cat of the Week, but a selection of the photos entered will appear on these pages!

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S LET' GET !

HIGH

Cats On High

Why your cat needs vertical perching space

By Mieshelle Nagelschneider, The Cat Whisperer

W

e’ve all seen our cats perched dangers. In the wild, cats climb trees in high places. In fact, if we to escape predators and to gain a good don’t create environments for vantage point to look for prey. The need our cats that are rich with vertical to climb is so deep-rooted in your cat’s territory options, they will often cregenetic makeup that he will seek out ate their own, sometimes knocking high places even in a home where he down potted plants in the process. knows he is safe and well cared for.

Providing spots to jump to When you come home from work to Jumping—along with scratching— encourages exercise, which is sorely is a cat behaviour people like to find your cat on top of a shelf, your favourite books scattered on the floor discourage, but in fact these behaviours lacking for many indoor cats. beneath him, he’s giving you a hint are natural and should actually be that his territory needs some vertical enriching. encouraged—just in more appropriate ways than allowing Though your cat is domestic, his need to perch can be traced your cat to jump onto the stove while you’re cooking dinner or back to his wildcat ancestry. Even when he is safe and happy scratching the side of your expensive sofa. Providing spots to in your home, his wildcat instincts are still ingrained in him jump to encourages exercise, which is sorely lacking for many and determine many of his actions, including avoiding potential indoor cats, and scratching helps cats to shed a sheathe from

moderncat.com

25

Turn a blank wall in your house into a fun space for your cats! The Catswall modular wall hanging system let’s you create a stylish vertical cat climbing area! Adjust the grid size to suit your needs, then easily add or rearrange Catswall components to your heart’s desire! catswall.com

Catty Stacks' doublewalled cardboard box sections are custom configurable and held together with clips, letting you build a cool cat tower that works for your space! cattystacks.com

In a multi-cat home, having a variety of vertical spaces plays a critical role in how well your cats will get along. When cats live together, they develop their own systems.

their claws, a necessity for health. Vertical spaces, such as cat trees, help your cat to be able to safely climb, jump on, and scratch furniture that has been designed for that very purpose. The more appropriate places you provide, the less inappropriate places he will seek out.

In a multi-cat home, having a variety of vertical spaces plays a critical role in how well your cats will get along. When cats live together, they develop their own systems for timesharing resources such as water, food, toys, and yes, even perching areas. Providing a variety of vertical resting areas throughout your home will decrease territorial and competitive thinking and will help your multi-cat home be more harmonious.

These days, there are a lot of options to consider when thinking about incorporating vertical spaces into your home. Cat trees are one of the most popular options because they can be purchased in any pet store and are easy to assemble. Many cat trees are multi-tiered, which allows several cats in a multi-cat home to closely share the resource without anyone feeling threatened. To cover two bases at once, look for cat trees that have scratching posts incorporated into them. Cat trees are traditionally large, heavy, and ugly, but more chic options are available if you search around, albeit for a larger price tag. Some cat trees are even designed to look like pieces of art.

Cat shelving and catwalks are also popular options. The premade versions of these are a bit harder to come by and will require more of an effort to assemble and install, but they will

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make less of a footprint in your home since they attach to walls and can be placed towards the ceiling. This type of vertical space can be simple or elaborate, depending on your budget, skills, and imagination. There are many blueprints and tutorials online (check out moderncat.com/diycatperches) to create a varied environment for your cat. When constructing DIY cat shelving and catwalks, be sure that they are built wide and sturdy enough to hold the weight of your jumping cat.

Window perches are easy to install and give your cat some extra stimulation by providing a front row seat to all of the action outside. For an extra treat, add a birdfeeder just outside the window and watch your cat go nuts as the birds flutter around outside.

Many people choose to simply create vertical space with the furniture they already have in their home. A properly secured bookshelf or table can go a long way in creating valuable perching space. Despite my own home being filled with plenty of options, my cats still sometimes prefer an everyday breakfast counter stool!

In nature, where your domestic cat’s wildcat instincts come from, he would have a whole jungle’s worth of options. When choosing vertical space options, think about what you can do to create the best landscape inside your home to help your cat thrive. It will benefit your cat physically and emotionally to have multiple perching spots throughout your home just like he would out in nature. n

Terrific Cats Wonder what breeds may contribute to your cat’s unique looks and personality? Read on to see if you can recognize any of these pedigree traits in your mixed-ancestry cat

By Kelly Caldwell

T

he vast majority of cats—about 98 percent—are considered Domestic Shorthair or Domestic Longhair cats; in other words, cats without a pedigreed background. But some mixed ancestry cats do include a purebred cat in their immediate family tree. In shelters, some of the more common mixes you may see include Siamese cross or Maine Coon mix. If you take a close look at your cat, you may find a resemblance to one or more of these historic breeds. Read on for a summary of prominent features and personality traits to look for.

Abyssinian: Though named for the country where the breed was thought to have originated (know as Ethiopia), recent research indicates the Abyssinian actually came from Egypt. Sleek and strong-muscled, this is a medium-sized cat with a truly regal look.

He’s known for his silky, ticked coat—a genetic variation of the tabby pattern in which hairs are light at the base and grow darker towards the tip. His ears are prominent and held high, complemented by expressive almond-shaped eyes that come in a variety of colours.

Himalayan: This breed is very similar in type to the Persian, with the notable exception of its striking blue eyes and point colouration—the result of interbreeding between Persian and Siamese cats.

The Himalayan has a round body and shorter legs, so he is not known as a high-jumper. Himmies are highly social and, owing to their Siamese influence, are active and playful cats.

Birman: This medium-sized longhaired cat has a silky pointed coat, piercing blue eyes, and white socks. The origins of the Birman are somewhat of a mystery, but he is sometimes referred to as the sacred cat of Burma and may have served as a companion to priests there in the past. With his gentle and loving disposition, it’s easy to imagine him serving in that capacity.

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American Shorthair: Considered America’s native shorthaired cat, this popular breed’s origins trace back at least to the crossing of the Mayflower, where cats were brought on board to hunt rats. Some of these cats jumped ship in the New World and managed to adapt to their surroundings and climate. Though similar to many shorthaired cats, the pedigreed American Shorthair distinguishes himself by being bred to a standard of type and temperament. This playful breed is known for its sweet disposition and amiable nature around children, dogs, and other cats.

s ter a m a 'm I ouser ! m

Siberian: This cat is a national trea-

British Shorthair: England’s

sure of Russia, having been documented for centuries and even mentioned in fairy tales and children’s books. Medium to large in size, his coat has developed to adjust to a harsh climate and is dense, medium to long in length, and water repellent—the latter of which comes in handy because, believe it or not, the Siberian is known for his enjoyment of the water. A very acrobatic breed, the Siberian is a powerfully-built cat and a true high-jumper.

oldest cat breed was actually first a valued member of the Roman Empire, where he was a prized mouser. That same skill earned him a place in the streets and homes of England, where he was further developed over the centuries.

His calm and easygoing nature matches the teddy bear look given by his large, round eyes, often copper in colour.

A medium to large size, the British Shorthair comes with a dense coat in a number of colours and patterns, though the most familiar is the bluish-gray coat.

I to clolikwen ar o u n d Balinese: With his pointed colouration and those sapphire blue eyes, it’s no surprise that this cat owes his origin and good looks to the Siamese.

However, he is distinguished from his forebears by a silky coat that flows out to a plume-like tail, and he’s a little more soft spoken than a Siamese. Regal in appearance he may be, but the Balinese is widely regarded as one of the biggest clowns of the cat world—playful, inquisitive, and loving.

Burmese: In 1930s San Francisco, a doctor returned from Burma with a small dark-brown female cat that he bred to Siamese cats. The result of his efforts was a sable-coloured (dark brown) cat that led to the development of the Burmese. While originally all Burmese cats were sable, the breed now comes in a wide variety of colours. This breed’s eyes are very large and expressive, and have won many a cat lover’s heart. moderncat.com

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Maine Coon:

ac k I 'm laloidveabble ! and

Sturdy, rugged, and very large, this is the gentle giant of the cat world. A longhaired breed native to America, his long and flowing coat has a silky, almost oily texture, and comes in literally dozens of colour combinations.

His tail is another recognizable feature—extremely large and heavily plumed. Intelligent, sweet, and a world-class mouser, the Maine Coon is a wellrounded cat.

Persian: The name suggests this breed originated in Persia, and records show the breed was exported from that region in the 1600s.

However, ancient Egyptian drawings bearing resemblance to this breed have many questioning just where he originally came from. This popular breed is known for its luxurious coat, large eyes, and flat face. It comes in an array of coat colours and patterns: solid colour (white, black, blue, red, cream), silver and golden, shaded and smoke, tabby, parti-colour, calico and bicolour, and Himalayan.

His legs are short but heavily boned, so he’s not the most athletic of cats. He is, however, a world-class cuddler.

Siamese: Believed to be descended from the sacred temple cats of Siam, from where they were exported in the late 1800s, this is one of the world’s most popular and recognizable breeds.

The aristocrat of cats, the Siamese features sleek, long lines, deep blue almond-shaped eyes, striking point colouration, and a wedge-shaped head. The Siamese is the chatterbox of the cat world, known for his loud vocal machinations.

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Ragdoll: A California breeder in the 1960s used street cats to develop a type and temperament for a feline that would be large, lovable, and laid back. In time, that type was established and today’s Ragdoll is a large and muscular, semi-longhaired cat with blue eyes and an affectionate disposition. He comes in three colour patterns. The Ragdoll is not much of a jumper—he’d rather follow you around the house and will most likely help you greet guests at the front door.

Manx: This ancient breed originated on the Isle of Man, where Manx cats are also referred to as stubbins. Most Manx are born without tails—a genetic mutation most likely caused by the limited cat population. The beed has a dense, plush double coat, and, while the island’s original cats were shorthaired, longhairs were introduced during the time of the Vikings. The Manx’s back appears rounded because his hind legs are longer than his front.

This also gives the Manx plenty of strength and agility. His head and large eyes are round, and his ears are quite wide, tapering to a fine tip.

Turkish Angora: Documented as early as the 1600s, this ancient breed originated in central Turkey’s Angora region.

The breed’s soft and silky coat is its trademark, and this breed is widely considered to be the origin of the mutations for both white coat colour and long hair in cats. The Turkish Angora was used extensively in the development of the Persian. n

There aren’t words for how much we dig this do-it-yourself paper lampshade for a hanging light. You buy the flat plan and then cut out, fold, and glue the parts together.

The end result: super cool design at a low price! etsy.com/shop/ mostlikelyShop

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$

99

$

10

$

This super-stylish high gloss melamine Wetnoz cat food dish is wide and shallow, making it ideal for cats as it prevents whisker stress! Dishes are dishwasher safe, feature a no-skid bottom, and are available in four bold, basic colours: indigo, hibiscus, pear, and night. amazon.com

Style, privacy, easy cleaning —the Kitty a Gogo litter box has it all! A hinged door and pullout litter tray drawer makes clean up a snap. Ventilated, durable, and it comes in six stylish designs! kittyagogo.com

Wanted! Our current obsessions and must haves, from an everyday tote with sparkle to an amazing DIY architectural hanging lamp

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$

150

$

The Vesper V-High Lounge is simultaneously futuristic and elegant. Made of poplar, this modern piece of scratching furniture provides your cat with a unique observation deck and resting cave, as well as replaceable sisal scratching mats. usa.hagen.com

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Little Lark’s Happy Cat cotton tote is just the thing to bring along to the beach or farmer’s market, adding a little sparkle (the cat is printed in silver glitter) to your day. alittlelark.com

Gr Gift Iedat ea!

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This set of 3 nesting dolls —a lion, cheetah and cat—from Wee Gallery are hand painted in a village in Russia. weegallery.com

GET SOCIAL!

CATS YOU NEED TO FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM

By Lily Nguyen Instagram is the perfect (or would that be purrfect?) place to go to get your daily dose of kitty goodness. Here are four fearless felines you need to follow on Instagram right, um, meow.

FOLLOW MODERN CAT ON AM INSTAGR @modern_cat_ mag TOO!

Sam

@samhaseyebrows 150K

followers

“His natural curiosity coupled with his permanent "expression" of concern attract fans because people believe that he is feeling whatever each post is conveying.”

Amanda

Venus

@venustwofacecat 291K

human's name

followers

Christina

human's name

Princess Monster Truck

@princessmonstertruck 120K

followers

Tracy & Bryce

“His natural curiosity coupled with his permanent "expression" of concern attract fans because people believe that he is feeling whatever each post is conveying.”

humans' names

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“Most people, they don't think [her striking colour pattern and eye colour] is possible and that Photoshop must somehow be involved. I think people also like her because they know she was a rescue and supports charitable causes for animals in need, not to mention she makes a bold statement that it’s NOT a bad thing to look different.”

Richard

@richard_kitty 114K

followers

Maya

human's name

“I think people love Richard for the same reasons I fell for Richard the day that I adopted him from a local shelter during an adult cat rescue fair—he's an oddeyed, beautiful, loving, confident cat with a personality so fascinating that it leaps out of all of his photos. n

PET PROJECT

craft D.I.Y.

Cat Tee!

Make your own cat-patterned t-shirt with this DIY rubber stamp project!

What You'll Need:

·· One SpeedyCut rubber pad ·· One Speedball linoleum cutter handle and blade ·· Speedball Fabric Block Printing Ink in your desired colour ·· A shirt to stamp on—whatever style you fancy! *

(All of the above should be found at your local art supply store.)

How-to:

a ballpoint pen, draw or trace your design ÆÆonUsing your rubber pad. >> Find an assortment of adorable cat‑head silhouettes like the one pictured in this DIY at moderncat.com/stamp.

Using the linoleum cutter, create your stamp by stripping ÆÆaway the rubber surrounding your design. When you’re done, the cat-head design will be raised and everything else will be in relief.

ÆÆInk your stamp and start stamping!

Let dry at room temperature for at least a week ÆÆbefore washing.

* Tips for Success…

1 Make sure you’ve created a “clean” stamp. Before you start stamping on your t-shirt, ink your stamp and test on a piece of paper. If anything other than the cat-head design transfers to the paper, strip away more of the rubber surrounding your stamp.

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Speedball's Fabric Block Printing Inks print on a range of fabrics (cotton, poly blends, linen, rayon…), dry to the touch overnight, and remain permanent through the wash with no heat-set required. After the ink is dry (4-7 days), you're ready to wear and wash normally! How cool is that?

2 Put a piece of plastic or paper inside your t-shirt to ensure none of the ink transfers through to the other side.

3 Wait until the front side is dry before flipping over to stamp the back.

4 To make extra-sure your finished t-shirt design is set and washable, iron it before laundering.

5 Wear with pride!

E LOV N IS I IR A THE

T A C R U O Y S N SIG LOVES YOU Signs of feline affection can be subtle or downright hard to read. Look for the following feline behaviours for confirmation your cat is totally into you.

By Lauren Cheal & Taryn Cheal Illustration by Kim Smith

# 1

or, if you are luckier, the toy version of same, is sign that your cat thinks of you as family and wants to provide for you. Like all gifts, it’s the thought that counts; accept it graciously (once you’ve finished dry-heaving).

Following You Around (Everywhere) You hear the th-thud-thud of four paws hitting the floor when you stand up from the couch. You nearly take a tumble while carrying a large pot of water over to the sink because someone is underfoot. You haven’t used the bathroom alone in years.

All of these are signs that you are lucky enough to have a cat that doesn’t want to leave your side. This one is pretty clear-cut, but if your buddy is always following you around, you can bet he loves you a whole bunch. Consider bringing him to your work, school, or other social functions—a built in conversation piece and amazing lifestyle choice all in one!

# 3 Belly Up

#2

They Leave You “Gifts” (Also Known As Bringing You Dead Things) Though these gifts might be of dubious distinction (or, yes, downright disgusting), do not chastise your cat for leaving you an offering. It is a sign of his esteem for you. When your cat drags the lifeless carcass of a small animal to your bedside, it can be difficult to take it as the compliment that it is, but it unequivocally means she is totally into you. Bringing you the “treat” of a dead mouse, dead bird,

A cat’s stomach is his most vulnerable spot. By showing you his belly, your cat is revealing that he is comfortable enough with you to be unguarded and at his most vulnerable.

And if your cat rolls on his back and allows you to rub his tummy? You’ve hit the big time! This is the ultimate sign of trust. WARNING: A tummy rub can turn violent on a moment’s notice.

You may have to live with some light scarring. Cats are capricious.

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# 4

# 8

Head Butts and Cheek Rubs When you see your cat coming at you with her head cocked, brace yourself, you’re in store for a good head butt! Head butts are like a hug from your cat and are one way she tries to mix your scents together to cement your bond.

Closely related to head butts are cheek rubs. If your cat is milling around your legs, try holding your hand (with a closed fist) near her head to see if she rubs her cheeks on your knuckles.

Both head butts and cheek rubs are selfguided pets that mean your cat is marking you as her own. Receive these with pride.

# 5

Visiting You for Nighttime Cuddles Your best feline friend can be a secretive creature and will often not want to show his affections for his human to anyone—including you. As a result, your best cuddle session may just happen when you are fast asleep. You may be drooling and your hair might be a real mess, but your cat is using this time to express his love on his own terms.

Just because you aren’t awake to share in it, doesn’t diminish its significance.

Your cat coming to you in the night and sitting on your chest, face, or side is a sure-fire sign that she loves you.

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Kneading or “Making Biscuits”

# 6

Offering a Slow Blink Cats do a lot of talking with their eyes and one very special way they say “I love you” is through the slow blink.

When a cat is happy and content with you, she may just look over and slowly close and reopen her eyes. In this they are saying, “Hey friend, I love you, and I feel comfortable enough around you to let my guard down.”

This is basically a marriage proposal from a cat and the best response is a reciprocated slow blink accompanied by the warm feeling in your heart from the certainty that your cat loves you.

(Helpful tip: The slow blink is also a great way to introduce yourself in a non-threatening way to a new cat to show that you mean no harm.)

# 7

The Tail Has It Cats often greet people they like with a question-mark-shaped tail. Pay attention to your cat’s tail to judge how happy she is to see you. (For more on reading feline body language, check out moderncat.com/felinebodylanguage).

There are competing theories about why exactly cats knead.

One theory holds that adult cats forever associate kneading with the comfort of nursing (kittens knead to stimulate their mother’s milk production), so when a cat kneads near her human, it shows she is relaxed and comfortable with her family. If that’s not love, what is? And when that kneading happens on your lap and is accompanied by purring and an intense, searching gaze, you know you have one content cat on your hands!

# 9

Hanging Out In Your Space Cats will show animosity or discomfort, particularly with strangers, by simply vacating the premises. Your cat may not be overly affectionate, but if she’s always in the same room you’re in—even if she seems to not be paying you any attention—then she values your company. Simply put, not all cats are lap cats; this is frequently misunderstood as aloofness or indifference, but sometimes proximity is all a cat needs to be happy with you. We call these special guys Nearby Cats. Your Nearby Cat is just out of reach on the couch, at the foot of your bed, or in an adjacent chair in the living room. This reserved fellow loves you just as much as those showy lap cats.

Trust us. n

Coat Colours & Patterns If you thought Tabby was a breed, you’re not alone

Tabbys o ften have an M-shape mark on t d he forehead ir s

Tabby is often erroneously thought to be a breed designation when it actually refers to a coat type, one found in a variety of cats, pedigreed and mixed breed alike.

Read on for how to determine which coat pattern goes by what name, as well which coat types can usually be an at-a-glance indicator of a cat’s gender.

By Rose Frosek

TABBY refers to a coat featuring distinctive stripes, dots, or bands. Tabbies typically have a coat pattern mark resembling the letter M on their foreheads. The tabby coat is the most common of feline coat patterns and comes in four varieties: Striped (also called Mackerel), Blotched (also called Classic), Spotted, and Ticked.

A Striped or Mackerel Tabby has tiger-like narrow stripes that run horizontally across the cat’s sides. Blotched is the classic tabby look; this coat pattern is notable for its swirling, rounded, marbleized pattern along the cat’s sides. Spotted Tabbies, as the name suggests, have spots all over their sides. A ticked tabby does not possess the typical tabby stripes or spots but does have the traditional tabby markings on the face. The ticked tabby has a salt and pepper coat, the result of something called agouti hairs. Agouti hairs are individual hairs that are striped in alternating bands of light and dark colour. Abyssinians have a prominently ticked coat as do some mixed breeds.

DILUTES TUXEDO As the name suggests, tuxedo is a black and white coat. Tuxedo cats are typically black with white paws, chest, and belly. The face is sometimes white or partially white.

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A dilution references any one of a number of genes that has created a lighter colour of coat, such as cream instead of white, or grey instead of black.

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POINTED With a Pointed coat, the “cooler” parts of the body—face, paws, and tail— are a darker colour than the rest of the body.

CALICO This three-colour coat is predominantly white but features distinct patches of two colours– often orange and black or the more subdued cream and blue tones. Calico cats are almost always female. Why is this? Genetics. Coat colour in cats is a physical characteristic related to gender. The genetic coding for displaying orange or black colour is found on the X chromosome. Females have two X chromosomes, so they are able to have two different coat colours plus white to create the calico mix. The rare male calico cat usually has a chromosomal aberration of two X chromosomes and one Y chromosome. Male calico cats are usually sterile.

TORBIE Also known as a patched tabby, a Torbie is a tortoiseshell that has a very distinct tabby pattern on all coloured parts of the cat’s coat (but not on the white).

TORTOISESHELL OR TORTIE Like the calico, this mix of two colours plus white is found almost exclusively in female cats. The difference between the tortie and the calico is that in the tortie, the coat colours are blended or swirled together rather than being distinct patches. Like the calico, the tortie may also have significant amounts of white.

Mixes of orange and black are common, but other combos include chocolate, grey, blue, and cream. n

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STYLE

Cat Lover's

CLOSET Sweet and chic, the cat-printed retro-styled Lovely Leah Lettie Cat dress from Nooworks is a must-have if you ask us! Perfect for the office, an afternoon shopping… you name it! $116, nooworks.com

Top our Best Dressed list with these finds that let you wear your cat-love on your sleeve!

Up your game with this adorable crop top from Feline Boutique. Featuring a scoop neck and perfectly minimal cat-head print in pale blue, it’s sure to be a hit this spring/summer season! $23, etsy.com/shop/thefelineboutique

Start a conversation and feed your cat addiction at the same time with this “Ask Me About My Cat” sweatshirt from Kinship Goods. Super soft and comfortable, this sweatshirt is pretty much guaranteed to become your new favourite go-to for effortless off-duty style. $50, kinshipgoods.com

Truth. Show off your cat-love loud & proud with this tee from Look Human. We can all agree with this sentiment: we work hard so our cats can have everything they need (and more!), and we’re definitely not ashamed to admit it! $28, lookhuman.com

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Want it!

Meowingtons founder Emma Bass is offering some of the cutest cat-themed apparel out there, from stockings to Swarovski studs ($50), adorable body suits, tees ($32) and scarves ($15). This Brooklynbased company has succeeded in creating a one-stop online shopping destination for cat-loving fashionistas. Prepare to want one of everything. meowingtons.com

For all of the cat-loving dudes out there, Sun Frog has an awesome selection of printed cotton cat tees like “Check Meowt” and “Spike Lee Cat.” We can think of a whole ton of guys for whom these would make a great gift! $19, sunfrogshirts.com

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WELLNESS

7 WAYS TO MAKE

YOUR CAT

Smile

Follow these steps to a happy & healthy cat!

1

Let your cat graze

Plant cat grass so your cat can nibble indoors. Cat grass is not only a digestive aid, it’s a delicacy—most cats simply enjoy the taste. For the uninitiated, cat grass is a fiber-rich cereal grass, usually barley, oats, wheat or a combination thereof and can easily be grown indoors in pots.

You can often find containers of cat grass or cat grass seeds at pet stores or garden centers. Go to catgrass.net to order quality, organic cat grass online.

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2

Provide the appropriate number of litter boxes—one per cat Cats greatly prefer not to share

litter boxes. By providing a litter box for each cat (and cleaning them regularly!), you’ll reduce the chance of litter box mishaps. Cats eliminating inappropriately (read: outside of their litter box) is one of the top reasons cats are surrendered to shelters.

Prevent the frustration of bathroom “accidents” by giving your cat his own place to go.

4

Set aside time to play with your cat every day Spending time actively engaging with your cat every day will cement your bond and keep your cat mentally and physically active. Many people erroneously think their cats don’t like to play but chances are they’re just doing it wrong. Try out different playing styles (both up high and slithering along the floor, as well as an assortment of toys. If you have more than one cat, separate them then play with them one at a time. Cats sometimes won’t play with another cat present.

Toy to try: The pictured four-in-one Cat Roll Toy ($7, cynjo.com) combines feathers, sisal, catnip, and treat-dispensing capabilities for all around fun!

3

Brush your cat every day

This accomplishes several things: bonding, the loosening of hair and thus the prevention of hairballs, and it allows you to check in with your cat and note any changes or sore areas so you can alert your vet if need be. If, at first, your cat isn’t super keen on brushing, have some treats on hand to sweeten the deal and make sure she associates grooming time with something good.

Bonus: brushing will significantly reduce the amount of cat hair adhered to surfaces/blowing around your home! For all shedding cat breeds, long hair or short, we dig the Oster ShedMonster Less Stress De-Shedding tool. For details on how to win one, flip to page 20!

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We'd be lost without each other.

5

Install a window perch

Allow your indoor cat a vantage point from which to bask in the sun’s rays streaming through the window and watch the birds and squirrels outside. This keeps them mentally engaged. Most window perches are affordable and install easily.

We like the Kitty Kot window perch, pictured ($40, kittykot.com).

It mounts to windows in seconds —no tools required!—via superstrong suction cups, giving your cat a safe, easy-to-install bird’s eye view.

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6

Microchip your cat

All cats, both indoor and out, should be microchipped. If your cat slips out the door and goes missing, having her microchipped greatly increases the odds of your reunion. A study of more than 7,700 stray animals at animal shelters showed that cats without microchips were reunited with their owners only 1.8% of the time, whereas microchipped cats were reunited with their owners 38.5% of the time. In the case of microchipped cats not returned to their owners, it was most often due to old contact information (or no contact information registered at all!) in the microchip registry database. Don't forget you must register your information after you’ve had the chip implanted and then keep your information updated. How and when should you update your info? If you’ve moved, changed phone numbers or email addresses, or you’re no longer the primary contact, you need to update your contact details.

To do this, call your chip’s maker (Avid or Microchip I.D. Solutions are just two examples), give them the chip ID, and then tell them your new info. No longer sure what kind of chip it is? You can look it up at the American Animal Hospital Association website, petmicrochiplookup.org, or call your vet; if they inserted the chip they should have this information on file. It’s also a good idea to register your cat on foundanimals.org, a database that stores contact information for microchips of all kinds, regardless of the manufacturer.

7

Clean the litter box daily

Would you want to use a filthy bathroom? ‘nuff said.

Want to make the task easier? Litter-Lifter (litter-lifter.com) lifts out waste without sifting, meaning less dust and fewer passes. n

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

The CAT BALL CAT BED is the perfect place for kitty to sleep, lounge, and play!

The unique design has six panels, two openings, is washable, padded, warm, and flexible. thecatball.com

With NEATER SCOOPERS’ attached waste bin and clever trap door design, waste is deposited directly into a bag, making cleaning the litter box quick, easy, and sanitary! 15 bags included. NeaterPetBrands.com

This wonderful MOISTURIZING SHAMPOO is good for the whole family—cats, dogs, kids, and parents!

Crafted from Natural Colloidal Oatmeal, Sweet Almond Oil, Coconut, and Echinacea, it calms, cleans, soothes, and softens. $12, FreshDog.com

THE CAT’S

MEOW FAB FINDS FOR THE FELINE IN YOUR LIFE

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FUNCTIONAL REWARDS for dental, respiratory, urinary tract, and coat health have an 80% approval in feline taste tests and are scientifically formulated for results in a single bag! All natural, grain-free, low calorie, and made in USA. inclover.com

We all know cats love bags so imagine how crazy they’ll go for one infused with catnip!

These SUPERCAT CATNIP CAVES have Nanoburst Technology that releases catnip when the bags are crinkled or scratched! supercatproducts.com

Pet hair problem?

Try FUR-ZOFF, the best solution for the pet hair mess. In your car and home Fur-Zoff works faster and cleans better than any other product— and it lasts forever! $12.99, furzoff.net

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Take the gross factor out of cleaning the litter box with KITTYSCOOP! KittyScoop holds one day’s worth of litter in its chamber—just replace the bag for easy, daily clean up!

KittyScoop.com

BIOURN is a biodegradable pet cremation urn that holds ashes, along with soil and a seed. Once planted, the BioUrn grows a memorial tree that serves as a loving, living tribute to your beloved companion. BioUrn4Pets.com

The 100% BITE AND SCRATCHFREE WAY TO MEDICATE A CAT. This delicious paste sticks to fur! It’s easy, kind, safe, and stress-free for both the cat and caregiver. goofurr.com

The ultimate pet parent's keepsake! PETPRINTS 3D uses 3D printing technologies to create a custom model of your pet, right down to her cattitude. Easy online ordering—just upload photos! PetPrints3D.com

The discerning cat's answer to the cardboard box! WHISKER+BOX is designed to respond to the feline desire for compression. Your furry friend will spend hours happily squeezed into this mod box! whiskerandbox.com SMART N’ TASTY grain-free dental treats help clean teeth and freshen breath. The limited ingredient formula is perfect for sensitive and picky cats. emeraldpet.com

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What You Should Do If You Find A Kitten You'll likely have to fight your instincts.

Read on for tips from Best Friends Animal Society…

T

welve years ago, it seemed like the right thing to do. Janice Dankert found a litter of tiny kittens under her porch and her first response was to scoop them up.

“I hadn’t realized that free-roaming female cats—who haven’t been spayed yet—do leave their kittens alone for a few hours every day,” says Dankert, now a community cat expert for Utah-based Best Friends Animal Society.

“But the vast majority of the time the mama returns in plenty of time to feed them. When I took these kittens into my home and started bottle-feeding them, I had no idea how much work, time, and emotion was ultimately involved. I also didn’t know at that time that the best chance for survival for neonatal kittens that are born outside is to keep them with their mother. Fortunately, I was able to carry this through and these kittens made it.

But there was yet another problem: “I also didn’t realize that

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female cats go into heat again immediately if their kittens are pulled from them. Two months later, I had the same mother cat back under my porch with another litter of kittens. It was then I realized the enormity of this problem. Honestly, that is what led me to get actively involved in helping community cats,” said Dankert who now heads up Best Friends’ Four Directions Community Cat Program in southern Utah.

Roughly 70 percent of the cats who end up in America’s shelters are killed. (Please, please spay and neuter your cats, people!) Most of these are community cats, either stray or free roaming. Best Friends is working to save lives by implementing innovative trap/ neuter/return (TNR) programs across the US. Through TNR efforts, cats are humanely trapped then taken to a veterinarian who spays or neuters them cat, vaccinates, and tips one ear as a visual signal that this cat has been sterilized. The cats then are returned to their

Aw

! w w w

outdoor home to live out their lives.

“Right now we are in what is known as ‘kitten season’ and shelter employees everywhere are bracing themselves for the influx of babies,” said Dankert. (Kitten season is really three seasons in one, starting in spring, peaking in late spring or early summer, and ending in fall.) “At Best Friends, we hear from shelters all over the country that are overwhelmed with the arrival of kittens still weeks away from being old enough to be weaned, spayed or neutered, and adopted. Some arrive without moth-

ers and need to be bottle-fed every two hours, and the workload almost immediately outweighs what shelter staff can take on.

“What I don’t think most people understand is that most animals shelters simply do not have the resources to care for neonatal kittens, so wellmeaning people who ‘rescue’ a litter of kittens by taking them to the shelter have in almost every instance inadvertently signed the kittens’ death sentences.” Dankert said.

Best Friends Animal Society offers the following tips on what to do if you find a litter of kittens outdoors:

1

First of all—don’t panic. Observe and leave the

kittens alone. Make sure they have been abandoned before you take action. You’ll often find that their mother is simply out looking for food or for a good place to move

them. Take note of the exact location so you can share the address and description of where the kittens are located if you find that they have been abandoned.

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“Please also remember how important it is to spay and neuter your pets. This is the single most important thing we can do to prevent unwanted litters.”

2

Contact your local animal shelter to get the

contact information for your local community cat or TNR program. These groups will be able to determine if mother comes back in a normal time frame or if the kittens will need to be bottle-fed.

3

Though it may go against your instincts,

4

If the mother does not come back

don't immediately scoop kittens up and take them to the shelter. and you are willing to volunteer with your local group to care for the kittens, please first read Best Friends’ resource article “Feeding and Caring for Bottle Babies”. (Find it at moderncat.com/bottlebabies)

5

If the mother does return, keep your eye on her and the

kittens until they are old enough to be trapped, spayed or neutered, and returned to the area they came from. TNR is not only the most humane method of preventing cats from entering the shelter system, it’s the most effective. n 56 moderncat

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WANT TO HELP COMMUNITY CATS? • Best Friends Animal Society has volunteer opportunities in Los Angeles, San Antonio, Baltimore, Albuquerque, DeKalb County, Georgia, St. George, Utah, and the Four Directions program for rural southern Utah.

• The Best Friends No More Homeless Pets Network of local animal rescue groups and shelters has more than 250 groups nationwide that are involved in helping community cats.

• Your local animal rescue groups and shelters can put you in touch with the community cat programs that are not affiliated with Best Friends.

You also can do an internet search to find groups in your area.

Hello

MARMALADE! Photographed by Jen Bergren

Star Cat

WINNER

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Thanks to our awesome contest sponsor, Nutrience!

Meet our amazing cover cat!

To be certain, Marmalade is one popular cat.

He and his best friend, Cole, the snuggly black cat he lives with, call Oceanside, California, home— though one could argue they’re equally at home on the internet, a domain where cats rule and these two have their fair share of disciples. Their people, Christopher Poole and Jessica Josephs, delight their cats’ many fans with the requisite funny cat videos, but their aim is actually much higher: the promotion of rescue, spay and neuter, black cat adoption, and FIV+ cats. Our kind of people, to say the least!

Marmalade's Mottos MARMALADE’S STORY OF TRIUMPH: From Unwanted Kitten, to Cancer Survivor, to FIV Warrior, to Internet Darling, to Modern Cat Cover Cat! Phew—that’s quite the trajectory!

M

armalade had a rough start in life. Christopher and his wife, Jessica, then residing in Florida, adopted Marmalade as an unwanted, flea-covered kitten. They had been thinking about adopting a playmate for their cat Cole, whom they call “the world’s sweetest black cat,” so when they learned of this kitten, destined for the shelter or—worse yet— the street, they called it fate and decided to give him a home.

Marmalade tested negative for FIV, and when they introduced him to Cole, the two got along from the get go!

“Marm definitely had a lot of fight in him,” says Christopher, “but Cole turned into a very good big brother.”

Cole also started out as an unwanted kitten, found at a busy Florida intersection by one of Christopher and Jessica’s friends.

Covered in fleas, anemic, and only about five or six weeks old, they had to bottle-feed him. The payback was in the bond they developed. “He's a big snuggle bug,” Christopher shares. “Marm really isn't a lap cat—unless you're sitting on the toilet!—but Cole loves the attention. He's a very sweet and smart cat. We believe he's a Turkish Angora. He loves to go on walks outside, is great at ninja attacks when you open the door and we feel extremely lucky that he came into our lives.”

Six months ago they all moved to California and “the boys did great,” as you can see in their YouTube vlog. Once they arrived though, there was trouble. Marmalade started vomiting

“Never give up, never surrender!” and “Adopt, don't shop!”

frequently. When he was taken for a check up, the vet not only found a tumor in Marmalade’s intestines, but also found he tested positive for FIV, which is likely why he got sick so early on in life. Christopher and Jessica were undeterred by the diagnoses.

Marmalade had the tumour removed, underwent chemo treatments, and is now in remission, “eating the best diet possible, and on supplements to make sure he stays healthy and fit for as long as possible!” Christopher happily reports.

With wellness restored, it was back to the business of brightening the days of others. (Who says cats are selfish?) We asked Christopher just what it is about these two cats and his videos that have so many people enthralled—they have over 100,000 YouTube channel followers alone.

: How did they come to have so many fans? The video of them meeting is so cute!

A: I uploaded a video called "Black Cat Stick 'em Up!" to my personal Youtube channel and it went viral. Then I discovered that black cats were the least likely to be adopted and first to be euthanized so I made another video "10 Reasons to Adopt a Black Cat" which was also very popular. At the time I was working at a big cat sanctuary (bigcatrescue.org) as the videographer so I decided to take my work home with me on a smaller scale and make videos of Cole to show people how awesome black cats are! Then

Q

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59

PHOTOS JEN BERGREN

Hi, Ile'm!

Co

Marmalade's Fun Facts FAVOURITE FOOD Probably tuna, which I've been using for the past few months to hide his pills inside. He swallows them up right away!

Plus he LOVES coconut oil! [Get some for your cat at cocotherapy.com—Ed.] FAVOURITE PASTIME Sleep! But he also likes to join us every time we are in the bathroom to get some snuggle time in and explore the cabinets (I have to lift him up because there's no other way to get up there!). And his eyes light up when he hears us getting a Q-Tip from the jar. He love to steals it to play with!

Christopher Recommends

“Love Your Feral Felines do amazing work to help feral cats in the Oceanside, CA area.” Check them out at loveyourferalfelines.com.

Marm came into the picture and I created a Facebook page and other social sites. I try to keep a balance of funny videos and educational videos so I'm not just making silly videos for our fans to enjoy, we're also helping raise awareness about adoption, spay/neuter, feral cats, declawing, and how people can help save lives.

Q

: Why should people consider adopting a cat?

A: They’re good for your health, make you laugh, and keep you company, but most importantly you'll be saving a life! With millions of cats and dogs being euthanized every year because they don't have a home to go to, doing your part to help stop pet overpopulation is the number one reason why people should consider adoption! #adoptdontshop

Q

: What can people learn from cats?

A: The main thing I've learned from them—from house cats to tigers and lions I've helped care for—is that you should make the most out of everyday! Sure cats don't have to worry about the future and things like investments and finances, but even though we're burdened with stuff like that, we still need to appreciate the little things in life—which for cats is a cardboard box or a few cat treats or a bird in the trees outside to watch! n

CAN'T GET ENOUGH? More Cole & Maramalde: facebook.com/ColeandMarmalade

@coleandmarmalade

twitter.com/ColeTheBlackCat

youtube.com/user/chrispoole20

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Here you'll find a behind-the-scenes video from Marmalade's Modern Cat photo shoot!

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BODY & SOUL

[THE SECRET LIVES OF CATS]

Survey Says…

Cats Rule!

Cats are very curious pets with unique characteristics.

Did you know…

Household cats outnumber dogs by 12 million in the United States, but how much do cat lovers really know about their furry feline companions?

Royal Canin, makers of specialized cat food diets, conducted a national survey to find out. Read on for some of the interesting discoveries…

We cat people always try and do our best where our cats are concerned...

15%

of cat owners try their cat’s food While many cat owners are aware that their feline rests frequently throughout the day (up to 16 hours a day!), many are unaware that cats spend time each day…

• marking their territory

• hunting

• hiding

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When it comes to cat owners, taste plays a big role in cat food selection.

38%

nly chef! o est in f the plz!

of cat owners believe that cats have a strong sense of taste.

This is likely why…

42%

of cat owners consider flavour when it comes what they feed their cat In truth, cats have a weak sense of taste; aroma and texture play a much bigger role in how cats choose their food.

Cats use their claws to mark their territory.

When you get a rub from a friendly feline, she’s releasing her pheromones onto you.

Cats eat in several sessions throughout the day. The average duration of a meal is two minutes.

They are on the hunt!

Cats treat their toys as prey.

Cats make up to 100 sounds. Dogs make only 10.

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BODY & SOUL The co colours llar-cover's b r a presenc lert birds to ight e so bir a cat’s ds ca to safe n fly away ty

Accident Prone Cats

Outdoor cat predation of songbirds is a serious bird conservation issue and one that has pitted bird lovers against cat lovers. For the record, for the safety of our cats, we think cats should be strictly kept indoors, but if your cat goes outside, get your cat a Birdbesafe collar and help save birds.

Data from an independent U.S. scientific field study found an 87% reduction in birds killed when cats wear Birdsbesafe.

Petplan pet insurance combed through half a million of last year's claims records to create a list of the most accident-prone cats, as organized by name. Here's how it shook out:

How it works: songbirds have specialized colour vision so the bright colours and patterns on these patent-pending collar covers attract birds' attention, allowing them to notice your cat’s presence and escape imminent danger. Birdbesafe attaches to your cat’s breakaway collar and releases under pressure, ensuring your cat’s safety while protecting birds.

(Bonus: reflective trim helps your cat be seen by cars at night.) Plus, they’re jaunty-looking! It’s a win-win-win. $10, birdsbesafe.com

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Most Accident-Prone Cats by Name

Book We Love: Guardians of Being

From Guardians of Being, words by Eckhart Tolle with Mutts cartoons by Patrick McDonnell

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Maya Tucker Thomas Rascal Rosie

6. Tommy 7. Samantha 8. Tigger 9. Olive 10. Samson

PAT R I CK M CD O N N E L L . R E P R I N T E D W I T H P E R M I SSI O N F R O M N E W WO R L D L I B R A R Y. N E W WO R L D L I B R A R Y. CO M .

Birdsbesafe cat collar covers save birds from cats

F R O M T H E B O O K G UA R D I A N S O F B E I N G . WO R DS © 2009 ECK H A RT TO L L E , EC K H A RT T E ACH I N G S . M U TTS C A RTO O N S © 2009

Help Save Birds

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BODY & SOUL

Trendy Pet's feeder makes sure dinner time is whisker-stress free!

Whisker Fatigue: It's a Real Thing

A cat’s whiskers aren’t themselves that remarkable. They are essentially thick, long hairs. What makes them special is that there is a sensory organ called a proprioceptor at the end of each whisker. These send ultra-sensitive tactile messages to the brain and nervous system. Because of these proprioceptors, whiskers can detect the slightest directional change in a breeze or help your cat respond to vibrations in the air, such as when chasing flying prey. If you put a cat in a dark room they have never been in before, they will walk around using their whiskers to feel out where furniture is based on how air currents change! Cats are naturally farsighted, so their whisker sensitivity helps them to “see” close up. Whiskers also serve as a natural ruler of sorts, as they are about as long as your cat is wide, so they help to figure out if they can fit through a space (or in a box).

Your cat’s whiskers are so sensitive that they can become easily fatigued by unnecessary contact with things like the sides of bowls. To help prevent whisker fatigue, make sure your cat’s food bowls are low and shallow and her water dish is wide. This little consideration will save your cat a lot of unnecessary discomfort. We like Trendy Pet’s wide, shallow, ceramic bowl that sits atop a Japanese-design-inspired base ($42, trendypet.com), making it just the right height while ensuring whisker-stress-free dining experience.

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How to Calm an Anxious Cat {Editor's Pick} Let peace prevail with Bach's Rescue Remedy for pets. Just add a couple drops to your cats' drinking water to ease their fear or anxiety. When to reach for this natural stress reliever? Think vet visits, moving, storms, multi-cathousehold strife, or a just plain nervy cat. Bach Flower Remedies have been used on humans and animals for more than 80 years. $21, rescueremedy.com/pets

Must Read!

Connie's Book Club Think Like a Cat: How to Raise a WellAdjusted Cat—Not a Sour Puss By Pam Johnson-Bennett This reissue of Pam Johnson-Bennett’s feline behaviour bible delves into almost any issue you may encounter living with a cat, from health issues to serious behavioural problems. Essential reading for both the new and seasoned cat companions!

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8 Easy Ways to Get Your Chubby Cat Moving!

By Taryn Cheal

88 percent of the cat owners with cats classified as obese initially thought their cat was in the normal weight range.

T

he image of a fat cat is a classic. Unfortunately, the health repercussions of this excess weight—cancer, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, reduced life expectancy—are no laughing matter. Worse yet, the number of fat cats out there indicates an obesity epidemic. A 2013 study by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) found 57 percent of household cats in the US were overweight or obese.

“Obesity has the greatest collective negative impact on pet health and yet it is almost completely avoidable,” said Dr. Ernie Ward, veterinarian and founder of APOP. Interestingly, many people don’t even realize their cats are overweight. In a phenomenon referred to as “the fat gap,” cat owners who agreed to have their cats assessed for the APOP study were

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first asked to classify their cats’ weight. A whopping 88 percent of the cat owners with cats classified as obese initially thought their cat was in the normal weight range. For the sake of our cats’ health, let’s make sure we’re not among them.

Take a clear-eyed look at your cats: could they stand to lose a little weight? If so, read on! We’ve outlined eight fun ways to get your fat cat moving, either by putting food to use or by playing smarter. Option A: Chances are, fat cats are food motivated, so make meal or snack time a workout. Option B: Cats are hunters by nature, so determine your cat’s playing style then get him moving by activating his instinctual need to hunt. Put a few of these tips into action and your chubby cat will lose the extra weight in no time!

APPROACH A Put Food to Use Proper motivation is key here. Fat cats clearly like food, so use it to get them moving!

1

The Meal Time Parade!

First things first—no more free feeding! Your fat cat’s food cannot stay out all day as she is clearly helping herself to more food than is good for her. Now, come dinner time, put your cat’s food in her bowl and walk around your home. If you have stairs all the better!

Climb them, carrying your cat’s food. Chances are, she will follow your lead if she’s hungry and you’re carrying supper. Periodically put the bowl down for five seconds or so to let your cat have a taste and keep her with you. Random reward is incredibly motivating.

2

The Great Food Puzzle

There are many different types of interactive feeders and treat puzzles out there that can keep your cat engaged while making her work for her dinner. Interactive feeders/toys get both your cat’s brain and body working. Your cat has to manipulate them, rolling them around to get a treat or piece of dry food, encouraging movement. Nina Ottosson's interactive, treat dispensing cat toys are definite winners in the get-your-catmoving-while-having-fun category. Check out her Cat Treat Maze and MixMax Puzzle for cats (pictured, nina-ottosson.com).

3

Treaty Chasey

Get a bag of delish cat treats that are super tiny and super low cal (this is key!). Throw a single treat down a hall for your cat to chase. Do this on repeat, always insisting your cat comes back to you before you throw another so that he has to do the whole run for each treat, and he will get quite the workout without even realizing it! Low-cal cat treat we love: In Clover's Slim cat treats.

These tasty little treats are not just low-calorie, they contain active ingredients like prebiotics to maintain a healthy weight and svelte figure: give your kitty a leg up in the battle of the bulge. Also, be sure to slightly reduce your cat’s dinner portion size so that the treats consumed don’t result in an increase in daily caloric intake.

4

Hide and Go Eat

Secure your cat in another room while her dinner is being prepared then put her bowl in a different place each day before you release her so she has to chase around looking for it. Your cat has a great nose and will surely find her meal, but she will have to work out a little for it!

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APPROACH B Better Play A healthy cat is an active cat! Stimulate your cat’s predatory instincts to get him moving.

1

The Magic Wand

There are so many awesome wand toys out there now that you should be able to find one that even the laziest cat will get moving for. Watch how your cat plays in order to pick the right wand toy for your cat. Some cats like to hunt on the ground, preferring toys that skitter along the ground (try Neko Flies' original Kittenator cat toy that lets you simulate the scampering of a furry mouse! $20, nekoflies.com), and some like to hunt in the skies and would rather a feathery flier toy to chase (try Nekochan's Neko Birbug, nekoflies.com, pictured). Personalize your cat’s play to make them want to get up and move.

2

The Bait & Switch

Rotate the selection of toys that your cat has out. On a weekly basis (or even more frequently) take away the toys you have been leaving out for your cat to play with while you are away and put out a different selection to keep his attention. Think new and interesting; the same old gets boring. Making compelling new toys available to your cat encourages active play.

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3

The Laser Show

A laser pointer or LED pointer (the latter is safer for your cat’s eyes) can get almost any cat’s attention. And they’re pretty inexpensive and a great tool to help you learn how your cat likes to play, which has carry-over to successfully using other toys to encourage your cat to play. Notice if your cat likes to hunt the laser methodically or would rather chase it around, then focus on that kind of play. Also try tracing the laser up furniture and walls; if your cat follows it, keep going! (Bonus: it’s pretty fun to watch.)

Just remember to throw your cat a toy to “kill” at the end of the play. All hunt with no pay off at the end will only end up frustrating your cat.

4

If at First You Don’t Succeed…

Give it to a Friend Not all toys will be a success; what works for a particular cat is a process of trial and error. Set up a deal with a cat-loving friend to trade toys that aren’t a hit in your respective homes. The key to motivating playtime is using what works for your cat! n

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How to Thrill Your Cat Our cats are crazy for these finds! $

7

With their feathered tails, the adorable catnip Lovebirds cat toys from the Kathy Ireland collection are almost too cute to play with! Perfect for batting around and pouncing upon! worldwise.com

$

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Go wild! The Wild Spinner scratch post is covered with durable seagrass and carpet and is topped with an electronic moving wand and feathers to delight your cat. It has two speeds and shuts off automatically in 15 minutes for bursts of crazy fun play! petlinkssystem.com

Get cozy with the Comfy Cocoon! The wire-supported opening can be adjusted to your cat’s size and the back end can be zipped shut if your cat is a real snuggler or left open so he can dart out of either end, increasing your cat’s confidence and feeling of security. jacksongalaxycatproducts.com

These super-cute SuperCat plush toys come in a twopack for double the fun! Not only that, but they’re filled with crinkly mylar and come with a SuperCat Catnip Spray, a play-activated spray that releases catnip like a scratch 'n sniff sticker! supercatproducts.com

from

179

$

How cool is this? These cat trees with leaves came to be when the cat lovers at Pet Tree Houses couldn’t find anything like it at pet stores— so they created what they were dreaming of! Made from real trees left in their natural state and embellished with silk foliage, these cat trees provide the ultimate perching and scratching experience. pettreehouses.com

20

$

$

$

9

9

Our cats loooove House of Cat’s homemade, all natural cat treats made with healthy ingredients like sustainably caught wild salmon, free range organic chicken, organic eggs, cold pressed organic virgin coconut oil, and organic catnip. And how cute is the packaging? etsy.com/shop/houseofcat

179

$

Designed and made in France, the Trendy Cat House is made from a recycled drum! Previously used for transporting flowers, it’s now a cozy sleeping spot for your little Petunia.

With its wood grained front, leather-look outer fabric covering, and snuggly interior cushion, it’s a most welcome living room addition! simplyfido.com

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INSPIRE

Cats+ Patios =

Catios!

How cool is this? Design blogger Julia Konya of

Cost Around $350 ed Time Requir ly ure A week of leisg in d il bu

Q: What inspired you to build this?

A: I felt increasingly bad for our cats as they got older and wanted them to be able to enjoy the outdoors without getting into grave danger. So I started to research outdoor structures and found several companies that sell metal structures, which inspired me to build my own from materials found at the local supply store.

Q: How do your cats like it?

A: They don't just like it; they love it!

They especially like to hang out by the section of the tunnel that looms over the grill. It's the perfect place for them to check out what we are cooking.

Q: How much time do your cats spend outside on their catio?

A: Our polydactyl calico Lilly actually spends most of her time lounging somewhere outside. She even wants to have her dinner outside on her catio. The others go for walks three to four times a day.

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cuckoo4design.com wanted her indoor cats Harry, Heidi, Lucy, Lilly, and Monkey to be able to safely enjoy the outdoors so she created her very own outdoor cat enclosure—and it’s awesome! Julia was inspired by the commercially available catios, but being on a tight budget, she used her keen eye for design to undertake this project on her own. Her cats’ favourite place to hang out? Right above the grill, in the hopes of getting a piece of chicken!

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—HOW I MET MY CAT—

SASSIE'S SECOND CHANCE

By Cynthia Voccia

S

ometimes a pet comes into your life when you least expect it. With six rescued cats, our home and hearts felt complete. We didn't plan to add a seventh cat to our lives, but sometimes life sends you down a different path. I met Sassie on a beautiful spring day in May 2014. As a volunteer with Homeless Animals Rescue Team (HART) in Northern VA, I volunteered to meet and photograph four cats. Their owner, Kelly, had suddenly passed away at her home in a tragic and sad way. I went to Kelly's home to evaluate the cats and report back on their adoptability. The cats had been living in Kelly's home without her, and family members were coming over every day to care for them. When I left Kelly's house that day, I whispered in my head and my heart that I would do what I could to help her cats. Little did I know how true this would turn out to be. Two of the four cats were kept by the family, and the other two, Kit and Sassie, came to HART to find new homes. Kit and Sassie moved into a cage at Petsmart where Kit was adopted after a short time. Scared and confused, Sassie hid behind her litter box. Shy, cautious, and frightened, she waited. And waited. She waited for someone to come and fall in love with her, but at more than 10 years old, finding a home for her would probably be difficult.

Time passed, and one day a fellow HART volunteer noticed that something was wrong with Sassie. Sassie had been vomiting, and her belly was bloated and distended. She was immediately taken to a vet. Sassie had the royal treatment, including blood work, exams, and X-rays. Then she was seen by a second vet for an ultrasound. Sadly, it was determined that she had a serious mass in her belly. The tests showed that it was located near her stomach and was pushing her intestines off to one side. There was talk of surgery and quality of life, and while some rescue groups may have ended her life at that time, my friends at HART were determined to help her. Surgery was scheduled.

I volunteered to drive Sassie to the vet for her surgery.

Afterwards, we were told that her tumor could not be removed because it had spread to the vessels that attach to her vital organs. Remembering the promise I made in my heart to her

WE SEC O CHA ND NCE S!

mom Kelly, I brought Sassie home for what I assumed would be her last days. That night, with her belly full of stitches, she curled up in my lap and purred like a lion.

Sassie was timid when it came to exploring the house and stayed in one room for a whole month. Giving her the time and space she needed, she eventually came out to meet our other cats. She also discovered the bed. She jumped up on it, purred like crazy, made happy paw “biscuits,” and claimed the bed as her own. It had been a long time since Sassie had snuggled in the bed with a human. She had a home again. While technically it was a foster home, it was without a doubt her forever home.

Weeks started to pass, and little by little, day after day, Sassie was feeling better. Like a true miracle, prayers were being answered—the fluid in her belly started to go away, and at 11 years old, she re-discovered her inner kitten. She felt like playing all the time. She ran through the house and played with the other cats. She rolled around with toy mousies and threw them in the air only to catch them again. Her distended belly started to appear smaller and smaller. While no one could explain why or how she was feeling better, we had to believe that kitty dreams could come true.

After an amazing seven months of healing, playing, purring, running, and tossing toy mousies in the air, we received the most amazing news: Sassie’s latest vet visit determined that what was thought to be a tumor is likely a non-cancerous cyst. While still complicated and serious, this was certainly news to celebrate!

No one knows for sure how long she has with us (or how long any of us have with our cherished pets, for that matter), so she reminds us on a daily basis how important it is to appreciate every day. Sassie is not only our forever foster, but our cat, our girl, and part of our family. While we felt before that our home was complete, we now understand that she is the part that truly completes our lives, family, home, and hearts. n Sassie's rescue group, HART, has been saving animals in the Northern VA and DC area for 25 years. Check them out at HART90.org and facebook.com/HomelessAnimalsRescueTeam

Share your story. We are now accepting "A Letter To My Cat" submissions. Email yours to Last Lick to lastlick@moderncat.com

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LAST LICK

Cat Tattoos

We asked you to share your cat-inspired tattoos with us and the countless examples we received were so sweet, varied, and lovely we could think of no finer way to close the issue than with an assortment. The artistry and indelible love they represent seem a very fitting tribute to our feline friends.

Here's to a Love that Lasts furever!

Tasha Webb Manu Unam

Meredith Briscoe

Karen Kuhlman

Eric Kaufman

Beth Wilson

Cathy Dunn

Real Life Inspiration: Madison St. Gelais

Amorina Cruz

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Daniel Quagliozzi

Mariah McMahon

The cat behind the tattoo

SPRING/ SUMMER 2015

Share your awesome cat tattoo with us: facebook.com/moderncatmagazine