Modern Cat Fall/Winter 2022 by Modern Cat Magazine

cat

Celebrating Our Best Friends + The Magic of the Human-Feline Bond!

The lifestyle magazine for modern cats and their companions

Inside Your Cat’s Mind

What They Really Think p28

FALL · WINTER 2022/23

EXPERT

CAT TIPS

Publications Agreement Number 42496543 Return Mail Dept, Suite 101 - 2930 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6J 3Y9

p62 Must-Follow Cat Accounts

MULTI-CAT LIFE HACKS

p34 Cat Cafés: Find Your Community!

moderncat.com DISPLAY UNTIL JAN 31 ‘23

$6.95

p24 Catify Your Life

Inside: Giveaways Galore! Expert Advice! Behaviour Insights! Heartwarming Stories!

FALL/WINTER 2022/23

10 Years of Modern Cat Covers from 2012 to present.

28 7 Cringey Things Your Cat Wants You to Stop Doing Seven ways you are annoying your cat—and what to do instead. BY MIESHELLE NAGELSCHNEIDER

34 Saying Goodbye to Java Cats, the Cat Café That Transformed Atlanta A beloved cat café closes its doors. BY EVA ERHARDT

48 Is Your Cat a Picky Eater? Here’s What To Do Your cat won’t eat? Tips and reasons why. BY YAUNNA SOMMERSBY

56 Meet the Amazing Acro-Cats Move over CATS, there’s a new show in town! This troupe of performing rescue cats is selling out venues big and small. BY ROSE FROSEK

58 10 Things Your Home Alone Cat Needs Weekend away? These nifty gadgets ensure your cats have everything they need! 62

The Best Cat Accounts Must-follow groups and accounts for cat lovers!

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NO 2

62 70 Multi-Cat Household Life Hacks Expert tips to create harmony in your multi-cat home. BY ROSE FROSEK

80 What Your Cat’s Sleeping Position Means From belly up to sprawled out, what your cat’s sleeping position says about their mood and comfort level. ILLUSTRATION BY MICHELLE SIMPSON

THE GOODS 24 Catify Your Life Cat-tastic designs to thrill both you and your cat! 32 The Cat Gear Look Book Your at-a-glance guide to the best stuff for you and your cat. 54 The Best Cat Treats From ideal training treats to health boosters, our top cat treat picks! 66 Healthy Paws Solutions for everything from itchy skin to litter box messes!

TOP RIGHT @HEIDIWRANGLESCATS

FEATURES

VOL 11

P H O T O T O P L E F T CO U RT E SY J AVA C ATS ; T O P R I G H T B E S T S E L E C T / S H U T T E R S T O C K ;

cat

Put Down the Cat Spray Bottle

Can Cats Have Separation Anxiety?

46 How to Prevent and Relieve a Cat’s UTI Naturally

Editor’s Letter Contributors Stuff We Love The Scoop Photo Contest Marketplace

22 We’re Giving It Away! We’ve got six months of giveaways, from a gorgeous cat tree to prize packs of cat food, litter, and treats. Flip to page 22 to see what’s up for grabs!

BY ROSE FROSEK

20 COVER CAT Tortoiseshell kitten Pedro, photographed by Erica Danger. Pedro was born into a feral cat colony in Oakland, CA. Local Trap-Neuter-Return group Feral Change trapped, fixed, and got her adopted! Browse adoptable kittens at feralchange.org. Find Erica at ericadanger.com or @ericalikescats.

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CAT LIFE

26 Doughnut Kitten Celebrates One Million Visitors A million people all over the world have had their screens painted with Doughnut Kitten’s infinite pastel rainbows.

REGULAR FEATURES 6 10 12 14 20 78

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68 Tiny Cat Stories Cat love in short form: miniature, reader-submitted cat stories of no more than 100 words. 74 Connie’s Book Club Editor-in-Chief Connie Wilson’s selection of must-read books for cat lovers. 76 9 Interesting Cat Facts Social gathering? Try these cat facts to get the conversation flowing! BY CAMILLE LEMOS

In USA: MODERNCAT (ISSN 1929-3933) Volume 11, Issue 2. Published semi annually by Modern Cat Inc. at 142 Churchill Drive, Newington, CT 06111-4003. Postage paid at Hartford, CT and additional offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Dog, PO Box 310402, Newington, CT 06131-0402.

THIS PAGE ILLUSTRATION BY MICHELLE SIMPSON; TOP RIGHT SJDURAN/BIGSTOCK.COM; INSET ‘MUGGY’ SUBMITTED BY DEANNA EVANS

BODY & SOUL

COVER INSETS FROM TOP: @BENBENCATCAT, PHOTOGRAPHED BY YAUNNA SOMMERSBY; HAYDN HILTON/JAVA CATS; PIDAN

EDITOR'S LETTER

Social icon

Circle Only use blue and/or white. For more details check out our Brand Guidelines.

CONNIE WILSON WITH DAO DAO, PHOTO TANYA KING

OUR READERS WRITE

Picture of a Well Read Cat

Charles the Tuxie poses with his Modern Cat collection. Submitted by Patricia Malicki

his Fall/Winter issue marks 10 years of celebrating cats! What an incredible journey we’ve been on together. When we launched Modern Cat in September 2012, we could not have anticipated the overwhelming enthusiasm it would be met with. And now here we are, 10 years later, with so many amazing milestones under our belt, the best of which is this community of cat lovers! Celebrity cats have graced the cover (Lil Bub! Nala! Pudge! Marmalade!). We’ve been featured in feature films starring the likes of Goldie Hawn and Amy Schumer—look for us in Snatched!—and have nearly a million Facebook followers. (If you’re not following us, what are you waiting for? We give away cool cat stuff every Friday and all you need to do to win is comment!). It’s been our biggest joy to be able to encourage adoption, help solve behaviour problems, support shelters and rescue groups, and highlight the coolest cat products, most from small businesses run by passionate cat people. We’ve been a title sponsor of all sorts of cool events, like CatCon and have made so many wonderful friends. Thank you for being a part of this amazing, endlessly inspiring community. You are the reason we come to work every day with smiles on our faces. Cats forever!

Kitten Cuteness!

Kittens at one of our foster homes celebrating World Book Day with their humans!—@wollykittenclub

With gratitude,

Connie Wilson, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

I have lived with many Zen masters, all of them cats. —Eckhardt Tolle

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I Call Dibs

It’s always a fight to see who gets to read this first!—@ charcharlie_and_frankie

10 YEARS OF MODERN CAT Covers from 2012 to present

moderncat.com

VISUAL TIMELINE OCT 2012

NOV 2012

Me-wow: The first issue of Modern Cat is released and is met with incredible enthusiasm.

The Modern Cat newsletter, delivering your weekly dose of cat-related goodness and giveaways, is launched (If you’re not yet a subscriber, sign up to receive the free newsletter at moderncat.com/newsletter)

Modern Cat launches its IOS app, making readership global.

Modern Cat’s Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Connie Wilson receives the Outstanding Contribution to the Pet Industry award from APPA.

MAR 2014

JAN 2013

The Modern Cat team weathers the pandemic, temporarily transitioning to remote work to make sure the magazine is published without interruption. Foster kittens help.

Zeroing in on the “cats rule the internet” zeitgeist, Modern Cat features Lil Bub on the cover. Other famous Modern Cat cover models include Marmalade, Pudge, and Nala.

APR 2014

Hollywood calling Modern Cat appears in Snatched, starring Goldie Hawn and Amy Schumer.

SPRING 2020

48,700 PEOPLE REACTED! FALL 2022

Modern Cat’s Facebook page nears a million followers!

Find us everywhere! Modern Cat continues to celebrate cats via the magazine, website, app, newsletter, and social media, focusing on brightening the world with good cat news, helping deepen the understanding of our feline friends, promoting rescue, and partnering with incredible non-profits like Best Friends. Here’s to the next 10 years!

SUMMER 2021

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ILLUSTRATION SURFSUP/BIGSTOCK.COM

MAY 2017 PHOTO KITTEN, INGRET/BIGSTOCK.COM;

YEARS OF MODERN CAT

cat

C ON T R IBUT OR S

FALL · WINTER 2022/23 VOL 11

Michelle Simpson is a

NO 2

Publisher

Modern Cat Inc.

regular Modern Cat contributor and full-time illustrator located in Ontario, Canada. These days, her focus is children’s book illustration, and she works with many publishing companies. Michelle’s art is often inspired by the outdoors, and her favourite thing to draw is animals. She has two furry co-workers that often meow at her to take breaks. To see more of her illustrations, visit michellescribbles.com, and turn to page 28 and 80 to see her work in this issue, including an illustrated guide to what your cat’s sleeping positions mean!

Editor-in-Chief

Connie Wilson Editor & Creative Director

Jennifer Nosek Design & Production

Constance Elwes Sales & Marketing

Linda Helme Comptroller

Cecilia de Roca Chan, CPA, CGA Marketing & Sales Coordinator

Simran Parekh Audience Development Coordinator

Yaunna Sommersby Subscriptions & Office Administration

Anna Regino Administrative Assistant, Sales & Marketing

Mina Zivkovic INTERESTED IN SUBSCRIBING? Give us a call at 1-800-417-6289 or subscribe online at moderncat.com/subscribe

When New Zealand-Canadian artist Tania Hennessy moved to East Vancouver, BC in 2008, she didn’t expect to wind up welcoming 200 cats and kittens from the Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association (VOKRA) into her apartment. Inevitably, her adorable foster kittens became the stars of their own creative project: doughnutkitten.com, a blissfully calming website that invites visitors to relax, while a kitten riding a frosted doughnut traces infinite pastel rainbows across their screens. Read more about Tania’s remarkable project on page 26.

Advertising inquiries call (866) 734-3131 In Canada: MODERNCAT (ISSN 1929-3933) Volume 11, Issue 2. Published semi annually by Modern Cat Inc. at Suite 101 2930 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6J 3Y9 POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Cat, Suite 101 - 2930 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6J 3Y9 In USA: MODERNCAT (ISSN 1929-3933) Volume 11, Issue 2. Published semi annually by Modern Cat Inc. at 142 Churchill Drive, Newington, CT 06111-4003. Postage paid at Hartford, CT and additional offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Dog, PO Box 310402, Newington, CT 06131-0402. PHONE

(604) 734-3031 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.

Eva Erhardt is a writer

attending Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Atlanta, Georgia. When she’s not working or attending to the school magazine, she likes to relax with her pets and curl up with a good book. In her debut Modern Cat piece, she reflects on the mourned closure of Java Cats, a beloved Atlanta cat café centered on building community and helping rescue cats (page 34).

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(604) 734-3131 OR TOLL FREE (866) 734-3131

FAX

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Copyright 2022/2023 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. Modern Cat is published two times a year. Two-year subscription prices: Canada $18CAD, U.S.A. $18USD, foreign $45USD. Subscription orders and customer service inquiries should be sent to Modern Cat Subscription Services, Suite 101 - 2930 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6J 3Y9

PRINTED IN CANADA

www.moderncat.com Publications Mail Agreement Number 42496543 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada. Nous reconnaissons l'appui financier du gouvernement du Canada.

Modern Cat staffers’ picks of the litter! 1 In search of a high-performance, sustainable litter? Made with sustainable bamboo fibers, Rufus & Coco’s Wee Kitty Bamboo Odor Control Litter is ultraabsorbent, fast-clumping, easy to scoop, and has great odour control. Plus, the paw-friendly pellets mean less litter tracking and low dust!—Anna (from $20, rufusandcoco.com) 2 Winter wardrobe update! Show off your love of cats with this super-cute, ultra-soft Love My Cat Beanie from MyThreeCats.com! —Simran ($21, mythreecats.com) 3 Your adventure cat will travel in style with the Kittyrama Caravan Carrier and Hideaway! This chic, easy-to-clean carrier boasts four openings, detachable handles, an expandable awning, and self-locking zippers for a comfortable and safe journey.—Mina ($63, kittyrama.com) 4 Forget the pain of unexpected vet bills or having to weigh care versus cost. Nationwide pet insurance plans allow you to see any vet at any time, and get your money back on eligible vet bills!—Connie (plans start at $35 a month, petinsurance.com) 5 For my trio of indoor cats, I make sure real meat is the first ingredient in their food. The Grain-Free Indoor Cat Food from Intrepid is made with fresh chicken, peas, and flaxseed, along with antioxidant-rich additions like dried cranberries. —Yaunna ($6 per bag, intrepidpet.com)

6 If you love feline rescue and adoption stories, Curling Up with Cats: True Stories of Feline Rescue and Adoptions will warm your heart. This collection of 38 wonderful real-life short stories of second chances is a delight. —Linda ($12, lorensreadingroom.com) 7 Next Gen Pet’s Green Tea Fresh is an all-natural, earth-friendly cat litter made from wood scrap (no clay or bentonite) and green tea powder, which naturally suppresses bacteria and controls odour. This healthy, low dust, superior-clumping litter will be loved by both you and your cat! —Rosie ($16, nextgenpet.com) 8 Update your wardrobe with cute cat stuff! Featuring adorable cat-themed designs, the BOBS from Skechers collection is cute, comfy, and stylish—and gives back to shelter animals in need via a partnership with Petco Love!— Jennifer (from $45, bobsfromskechers.com) 9 With Magoo and His Magic Poo, author Howie Ronay and illustrator Michael Harring have created a hilarious and charming children’s book for all ages. Magoo uses his special “talent” to help save puppies from a puppy mill, foster unlikely friendships, and inspire kindness and silliness.— Constance ($10, magooandhismagic.com) 10 Incredible gift idea: a custom cat portrait. Award-winning artist Debbie Sampson of Art Sports creates original oil paintings or pencil artwork pieces from personal photos. Get 25% off a custom commission using code SAVE25!—Cecilia (from $95, artsports.com)

P H OTO SV I AT L A N K A . YA N K A / B I G S TO C K . CO M

Stuff We Love

THE SCOOP

(They may know your name, too)

hough cats have a reputation of only being self-interested, findings from Japan show they’re actually listening to us quite closely. A recent study from Kyoto University published in Scientific Reports found that cats have the ability to recognize each other’s names—and may even know their owner’s name, too. The study looked at household and café cats who lived in groups of three or more. Each cat was shown photos of cats they knew and others they didn’t know on a screen while listening to a voice recording of their owner calling a cat’s name. The household cats spent a longer time looking at the monitor when the name being called didn’t match the photo shown, a phenomenon known as the expectancy violation effect. “Only household cats anticipated a specific cat face upon hearing the cat’s name, suggesting that they matched the

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stimulus cat’s name and the specific individual,” wrote the researchers. “Upon hearing a cat’s name, the subjects expected the corresponding face.” Cats from the cat cafés, however, showed no discernible difference in their reactions. The researchers hypothesize this is because the cafés cats are called their individual names less often than those in a home. A second experiment sought to determine whether cats can recognize the names of their humans. As in the first experiment, household cats tended to look longer at the facial images of unknown people, suggesting they knew the names of their cat parents. This was especially true of cats from larger households and those that had lived in the household for a longer period. Saho Takagi, who helmed the study, believes the new findings are just the beginning.

Diagram illustrating each condition in Experiment 1. Two model cats were chosen from cats living with the subject. The model cat’s name called by owner was played through the speaker built into the laptop computer (Name phase). Immediately after playback, a cat’s face appeared on the monitor (Face phase). On half of the trials the name and face matched (congruent condition), in the other half they mismatched (incongruent condition).

“It’s been believed that cats are indifferent to things that don’t benefit them, but we’ve learned that they pay attention to the communication between their human and feline roommates,” Takagi told Japanese daily newspaper The Mainichi. “Going forward, I want to study how cats learn the names and faces of other cats.” Takeaway: Don’t underestimate your cat. They may look like they’re ignoring you, but they are definitely listening.  Want to increase the likelihood of your cat knowing your name? Science suggests hanging out with your cat as much as possible. The more time cat parents spend with their cats, the better cats can remember their humans’ names.

P H OTO TO P L E FT M AG U I R F / S H U TT E R STO CK

Cats Learn the Names of Their Friend Cats

THE SCOOP

‘‘My cat ‘ from hell’ ‘ goes global

at behaviour expert (and regular Modern Cat contributor) Mieshelle Nagelschneider was offered a unique opportunity—to host My Cat From Hell in Asia. What she learned is that cats—and people—are the same everywhere.

“The cats have all the same behaviour issues I’ve been helping my clients with around the world for over 25 years as a cat behaviourist,” says Nagelschnieder. “From Singapore to Chicago, same, same: Urination and defecation issues, a lot of inter-cat aggression issues, human-focused aggression, urine spray-marking, and excessive vocalization.” What she didn’t anticipate is the impact the show would have. In China alone, the second episode in Season One reached a viewership of 125 million and was one of their top seven shows— that’s more than any television show in the United States. She shares the screen with her co-host, Nicholas Tse, who is her translator and protégé. “One of the reasons the show was so popular and watched by so many was because Nicholas is a huge celebrity, like our Brad Pitt,” she explains. “He is also a huge cat lover! Luckily, cats all speak the same behavioural language anywhere on the planet, so language barrier wasn’t an issue,” she laughs. But the real dream come true was how many cat’s—and owner’s—lives were positively impacted. One couple featured on the show had several cats, along with one

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Cat behaviour issues are watered down with spaying and neutering. Without it, it can really be unlivable. social-media famous cat with 500 million followers, but they were discouraging spaying and neutering to their millions of cat-loving followers due to their belief it was bad for the cat. It took Nagelschneider several hours to convince the couple to spay and neuter their cats if they expected everyone to live in peace and harmony. “I mentioned the many behavioural benefits of spaying and neutering, but the serious health risks of not spaying and neutering, I think is what caught their attention, and they quickly scheduled the surgeries,” she recounts. The couple promised to spread the word to their millions of followers that they must spay and neuter. After the surgeries, the cats no longer fought with one another or marked with urine. Following the first season airing, the vet clinics were overrun with spays and neuters because it was covered so heavily on the show.

The Power of Love. Cat Love, That Is “Something very amazing and indescribable happened on the show. Even with all the differences and tensions between people and countries in the world today, the love everyone had for cats literally brought us all together in one profound moment—this cat show,” Nagelschnieder says. “We had forgotten about all our political, religious, and cultural differences for a bit of time and realized how we all were very much alike in our hearts—all due to our love for the most interesting and mysterious creature, the cat.” Watch My Cat From Hell on Discovery Plus China and South East Asia. It’s translated into different languages for each country.

THE SCOOP CAPTION THIS!

Free Your Home of the Litter Box! An outdoor litter box for indoor cats

h, the litter box, the most disliked aspect of cat guardianship. The mess, smell, the space it takes up—all largely unavoidable… until now. Meet the patented, ingenious solution that solves common litter box woes by booting the box outside. A new product called Privy Kitty ($400) provides an outdoor litter box for indoor cats. In doing so, it eliminates all the undesirable elements that come with having a litter box inside your home. Here’s how it works. Privy Kitty mounts securely to the exterior of your house. All that is required is a small hole in an exterior wall, like that needed for a cat flap or doggie door. (Unless you’re a DIY-er, they recommend a handyman for the job and estimate it will take about an hour to install.) Your cat then passes through your interior wall and arrives inside the litter station box where they do their business. A mat and vapor flap keeps the smell, litter, and dust outside so your indoor space remains fresh and odour-free! Cleaning the Privy Kitty is simple and easy—just walk outside your house, open the lid to the litter station, and clean as usual. Privy Kitty lets you keep the litter box outside and your home clean while keeping your cat safe—what could be better?

Find it at privykitty.com

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C A RTO O N S BY J O H N K LO SS N E R ; J K LO SS N E R . CO M

Test your "funny." 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.

And the winning captions from last issue are…

“This is Fred. He’s my indooroutdoor human.” SUBMITTED BY LAUREN BRINJAC

RUNNER-UP CAPTIONS “I can fit through anything bigger than my head.” SUBMITTED BY ROBERT WELCH

“When you’re done playing around, my bowl is empty...” SUBMITTED BY KYLE KNOWLTON

“You’re cute, but we’re going to make sure you’re neutered.” SUBMITTED BY JOSEPH DEWAN

“You may look ridiculous to me right now but imagine what your neighbours are seeing on the other side!” SUBMITTED BY LORI SMIGIELSKI

! E L I SM

moderncat’s Photo Contest Winners!

april

Harry

Too Cute!

fiona

jaxon

oliver

conrad

boots

richard

muggy

lenny

pansy

oliver

diddy

river

bambi

merlin

gopher

maxwell sebastian

oscar

newman

nusse

Justin blue

zoey

zeus

kizzy

bumble

meow

star

snowflake

Talulah

Awww melvin Think your cat ought to grace the pages of Modern Cat?

beans

milo

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!

ENTER TO WIN

We’re giving it away! Enter to win fabulous giveaways October through March. Go to moderncat.com/giveaways to enter! Lucky readers will win every two weeks.

October

November

1st -14th

Win a Unique Wooden Cat Tree Condo from Morris Animal Foundation! Not only will your cat love this tree, but it will also look great in any home.

December

1st -14th

Win 1 of 2 prize packs from Nature’s Logic! Winners will get to choose $250 worth of Nature’s Logic cat food, treats, and litter.

15th -31st

Win 1 of 3 Lily Pod Reversible beds from MyThreeCats.com! These cozy beds can be used in two different shapes, are machine washable, and come in a variety of fabric patterns.

15th -31st

4 lucky winners will receive a 3-month supply of highperforming, sustainable litter and a litter scoop from Catalyst Pet! Winners can choose from three different litter formulas.

February

1st -14th

Win a Litter-Robot 3 Connect! Never scoop again and reduce litter box odours with the highestrated WiFi-enabled, automatic, self-cleaning litter box for cats.

15th -30th

Win 1 of 2 feline grooming prize packs from Pride + Groom! Includes their foaming waterless shampoo, grooming wipes, a two-sided brush, and a cat toy.

January

1st -14th

Win 1 of 4 feline wellness prize packs from Banixx! Includes a bottle of the Banixx Pet Care Spray, cat treats, cat toys, and catnip.

15th -31st

Win the Purrclean Smart Litter Box from Instachew! This app enabled automatic litter box scoops, cleans, and deodourizes your cat’s litter and features an LED touch screen and safety sensors.

March

1st -14th

Win 1 of 2 one-year supplies of ökocat litter! Winners will receive 12 coupons to redeem at their favourite ökocat retailer.

15th -28th 1st -14th Win 1 of 2 litter box prize packs from The Grate Litter Box! Includes The Grate Litter Box, a hook to hang your scoop, and two filters.

Win 1 of 3 HandsOn Gloves—the massage your cat will purr for! These gloves provide a more thorough shedding, bathing, and grooming experience for you and your feline!

15th -31st

Win 1 of 2 feline wellness prize packs from Vetericyn! Includes two bottles each of their Vetericyn Plus Feline Antimicrobial Facial Therapy, Hydrogel, Wound & Skin Care, and Ear Rinse solutions.

No purchase necessary to enter or win. Beginning October 1, 2022 at 12:01 AM (PST) through March 31, 2023 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/or 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.

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INSET PHOTO: PRINCE ROOROO KITTY SUBMITTED BY KELLY BURGOS HARPER

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

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The Blooming Cactus Cat Tree from Vetreska is a hardworking beauty! Handmade with only safe, natural materials, it’s both an adorable, sturdy scratching post and vertical space provider featuring a cozy nap spot/lookout. vetreskanyc.com

Does your cat love to bird watch and lounge by your windows? The K&H EZ Mount Window Bed is a cinch to install thanks to powerful suction cups. It holds up to 60 pounds and features an open top for easy access! khpet.com

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Encourage positive scratching behaviour with the beautifully minimal Catit PIXI Cat Tail scratcher. Designed with wood and high-quality replaceable cardboard, this is a scratcher that will last—and look great in your living room. catit.ca

Catify Your Life! Cat-tastic designs to thrill both you and your cat!

from from

What could be better than a box of surprise cat goodies delivered to your door each month? Each CatLadyBox contains three to four fun items for you, plus you can also add in two goodies for your cats. A great gift idea! From $35 monthly, catladybox.com

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Bring the playtime fun with the Purr and Pounce Cat Tunnel from P.L.A.Y. Your cat will love this easy-to-store tunnel’s soft plush interior, crinkle paper, peep hole, and dangling mouse toy! petplay.com

Your cat will lounge and play the day away with the Pidan Jump, Jump cat tree! The stylish tree features four levels, a cozy hammock, sisal scratching posts, and a sisal ball for the ultimate activity station. teddybob.ca or teddybob.us

Doughnut

Kitten Celebrates One Million Visitors

A million people all over the world have had their screens painted with Doughnut Kitten’s infinite pastel rainbows By Rose Frosek

Tania Hennessey

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KITTEN PHOTOGRAPHS/IMAGES BY TANIA HENNESSEY

isit doughnutkitten.com, and a small kitten sitting atop a cartoon doughnut will trace infinite pastel rainbows across your screen. The site does just this one thing. There is no selling, no ads—just rainbows and a kitten, the site’s ‘pointlessness’ arguably a delightful act of subversion. In April 2022, the website celebrated one million visitors. The project is the work of Vancouver, BC-based artist, photographer, and kitten rescuer Tania Hennessy. Like many artists, her inspiration came from a place of pain. “Back in 2015, I started experiencing these unpredictable episodes of excruciating facial pain that made sleep impossible,” recounts Hennessy. “Late one night, I came across The Useless Web, a hub for all things quirky and weird on the internet, and became strangely obsessed with this curious genre of art. The browserbased works were amusing, distracting, and often completely pointless.” After her mysterious agony was diagnosed as trigeminal neuralgia, she decided to start working on a new project called Emoji Kittens, a series that playfully juxtaposed classic kitten photography with emojis against minimal pastel backdrops. “One of my favourite images in the collection was of an adorable kitten sitting in the doughnut emoji,” says Hennessy. “It was the perfect character to feature in a delightfully distracting website of my own.” Doughnutkitten.com was born. Hennessy has now been working on Doughnut Kitten for seven years. “As the project evolved, it proved to be

PAW ILLUSTRATION ZAGRALEX/BIGSTOCK.COM

FUN FACTS he kitten’s name is Spaghetti. He was from a litter T of “pasta kittens” Hennessy fostered for Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue (VOKRA). lose up, Spaghetti features a phenomenon that’s C known as the Mona Lisa effect—a mesmerizing gaze where the eyes appear to follow you as you move around the image. paghetti is sitting in a 3D-printed doughnut prop S which is attached to a set Hennessy built. There is even a space under the doughnut that hides a little pillow for maximum kitten comfort!

An early iteration of Doughnut Kitten.

“I came across The Useless Web, a hub for all things

quirky and weird

on the Internet, and became strangely

obsessed with this curious genre of art.”

surprisingly multidisciplinary,” Hennessy says. The doughnut prop was redesigned for maximum kitten comfort. She illustrated a set of pastel frosted doughnuts, tweaked the website code countless times, and completely rebuilt the photography set from scratch. Then, of course, there was the time spent photographing the kittens. “During auditions, our adorable models would drift off to sleep in the prop, make playful silly faces, and photobomb each other as we attempted to get them to look at the camera with all kinds of toys, treats, and weird sounds,” she recounts. People find their way to doughnutkitten.com from all over the internet: social media, links posted in bizarre forums, oldschool blogs, and websites that are dedicated to sharing lists of pointless websites all funnel visitors. “The traffic patterns are interesting to look at,” says Hennessy. “They rise high Monday through Friday, and then they drop over the weekend.” She hopes the project brings respite and a bit of joy to visitors. “For many of us, going on the internet is something we do when we want to relax or check out, but a lot of what we’re looking at is designed to elicit negative emotional states like fear, anger, and sadness. Doughnutkitten.com was created to be the opposite: a website that helps visitors relax, even if it’s just for a few moments, and experience the blissful calm that comes from gazing into Doughnut Kitten’s infinite rainbow dreamscape.” 

moderncat.com

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CRINGEY THINGS YOUR CAT WANTS YOU TO STOP DOING Seven ways you are annoying your cat— and what to do instead By Mieshelle Nagelschneider,

Cat Behaviourist, host of the TV show My Cat From Hell, and author of the cat behaviour science book, The Cat Whisperer Illustration by Michelle Simpson

ats can be the most adorable creatures, but they all come with a set of instincts that can cause them to dislike some of our behaviour. Here are seven ways to help your cats better thrive in their environment while making you a less cringey cat owner!

#1. Putting All Their Cat Toys in One Basket If your cats could roll their eyes at this one, they would. Where in nature is all the prey in one location, or always

in plain sight? A cat’s natural prey is abundant in both species and habitat. Not only are there different types of prey (birds, mice, insects, reptiles), but they’re also in many different types of resting and hiding locations. A cat’s prey will hide in areas like holes, nests, behind bushes, in trees, under rocks, and in water. When you supply your cat with toys inside the home, try varying both the types of toys and the areas they are located, just like prey in an outdoor environment. Creating this enrichment their instincts yearn for will help avoid a mundane life and a stressed and unhappy cat. If you must put the cat toys in a basket, have several baskets around the home! moderncat.com

Prey mostly moves away from cats, as opposed to moving towards them. When playing with your cat, do your best to maneuver prey away from your cat. This will help replicate real prey behaviour: trying to escape or hide. Doing so will activate the cat’s seeking circuit, which is the best feel-good brain-chemical experience for cats. Hide and seek or “Whack-A-Mole”-type battery-operated toys can also help provide the best part of the hunt: hidden prey. Instinctively, cats will purposely half-kill their prey only to release it so that it will hide. When the prey finally reappears (or it’s pulled out of the hole by the cat), it becomes less exciting to the cat. The cat will eventually release the prey again to repeat the thrill of the hunt. This cycle can continue for some time. You can create this experience for your cat by wiggling your cat’s wand toy behind pieces of furniture so they can hear it but not see it. Using this seeking circuit strategy, many cat owners see their normally sedate cat play for the very first time!

#3. Expecting Them to “Obey” Cats are not dogs. Interestingly, these two companion animals that live with humans couldn’t be more different from each other. Dogs will obey and try to please the owner to remain a part of the pack, but cats do not share this way of thinking. Think of your cat being more like a squirrel or a raccoon. They might do what you want for food or treats, but obey? It’s just not in their wheelhouse of behaviour traits.

#4. Not Giving them Enough Attention While cats can sometimes seem distant or aloof, the truth is they have a huge social repertoire. They will rub up against and groom other cats and play-fight with each other. We also know they will perform these behaviours with other species, like dogs—and humans.

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I L LU ST R AT I O N M I C H E L L E S I M P S O N

#2. Wiggling the Cat Toy in Their Face

Talking to your cat, playing with your cat, brushing, and petting your cat are all forms of attention your cat understands. Even spending time in the same room together counts and can develop a bond between you.

#5. Giving Your Cat Too Much Attention Yes, I know. Cats are mysterious creatures! Have you ever noticed that sometimes your cat doesn’t come when you call but other times comes running? Or one minute your cat can’t seem to get enough attention from you, and the next minute treats you like a roommate they don’t like? Most cats will let you know when they want attention. Others may need a little coaxing. Whatever you do, don’t force the issue or hold the cat against her will. It’s better if the cat feels in control and doesn’t experience any pressure from you. If your cat doesn’t like to be pet very much, try playing with her using a wand toy.

#6 Reprimanding Your Cat This hopefully goes without saying. Reprimanding or punishing a cat for unwanted behaviour is stressful for the cat and can even be inhumane. It’s unlikely your cat will connect the dots that his

behaviour led to your reprimand, and even if it did, it will most likely not stop the undesired behaviour. Your cat may run from you when you clap your hands and tell him no for jumping on the kitchen counters, but he will not understand the behaviour he performed was wrong and that he shouldn’t do it again. He may even decide to jump on the counters when you’re not around because you act so crazy when he does it. Another unfortunate outcome of reprimanding is that your cat may learn to distrust you. Over time he may avoid you and become withdrawn.

#7 Old-School Feeding and Watering Feeding cats and kittens too many hours apart can create stress. Gone are the days of only feeding a cat twice a day, with meals 10 to 12 hours apart. It’s best to feed your cat multiple times a day with fewer hours in between meals. Having an empty stomach for extended periods of time can lead to one unhappy and stressed cat. Behaviour issues can surface, like increased claw marking, excessive vocalization, aggression between cats, and even aggression towards the owner. There are timed feeders available for both canned and dry cat food to easily make this improved feeding schedule a reality. 

THE CAT GEAR LOOKBOOK

Your at-a-glance guide to the best stuff for you & your cat

TOYS

Feline Foliage Organic Cotton and Catnip Toy $7; ecocatco.com

Feline Frenzy – Cat Toy Holiday Collection from $9; petplay.com

Peek-A-Prize Toy Box $33; pioneerpet.com

Crinkle Ball $3; crinkleball.com

SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post $80; pioneerpet.com

Silver Vine Dental Sticks $13; defineplanet.com

Cat Scratching Ball Toy $76; am-zii.com

A Tail We Could Wag Side-Release Cat Collar $24; auburndirect.com

Necoichi Bandana Cat Collar with AirTag Pocket $25; necoichi.com

Leather Cat Collar $20; hotdogsalldressed.com

Cats! When a Dog Just Won’t Do T-shirt $27; teepublic.com

Enamel Cat Bangle Bracelet $33; mythreecats.com

Coffee Cat Stoneware Mug $17; petshop.fringestudio.com

ENRICHMENT

Catnip Jumbo Vegetable Toys from $17; naturaltoys4cat.com

COLLARS

Kittyrama Neon Botanicals Cat Collar Collection $16 per collar; kittyrama.com

FOR PET PEOPLE

Paw Print Classic Pendant from $165; buddiespets.com

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Saying Goodbye to Java Cats, the Cat Café that Transformed Atlanta A beloved cat café closes its doors

Zoe Hughes-Nelson, manager of Java Cats Café, holds Daisy (now named Dolly Purrton), one of the largest cats to ever come into Java Cats Café.

Java Cats founder Hadyn Hilton snuggles a cat. A Java Cats resident plays with toys.

Hadyn Hilton, owner of Java Cats, bottle-feeds foster kittens.

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P H OTOS CO U RT ESY O F H AY D N H I LTO N / J AVA C ATS C A F É , PAWS AT L A N TA VO LU N T E E R F R E D ST RO B E L , A N D F U R K I DS .

By Eva Erhardt

hen you approach Java Cats, you’re instantly welcomed with the smell of roasting coffee and the sound of soft pop music. Catherine, the barista behind the counter with purple hair and colourful nails, asks if you have reservations. “We can’t take you if you don’t have one,” she says. “We’re all booked up.” What’s so special about this coffee shop? Why are they booked up for weeks? And most importantly, why is there catnip next to the tip jar? Java Cats is a ‘cat café’ based in Atlanta since 2018, opened by animal lover Hadyn Hilton. She came up with the idea while in college after writing a paper about YouTube Cat videos. During her research, she discovered cat cafés, and the rest was history. Cat cafés came into prevalence during the mid-2010s, with the idea being introduced in Japan. In a city where most apartments don’t allow pets, these modern coffee shops allowed patrons to enjoy some furry companionship while enjoying coffee-shop-inspired drinks. Soon enough, cat cafés started popping up around the world, with countries like Russia, Taiwan, and Sweden all joining in on the fun. With her cat café, Hilton wanted to shoot higher and solve the ever-present problem of cat overpopulation in Atlanta. With 3.4 million felines entering shelters every year, there’s an abundance of cats in the U.S. looking for homes. All the cats in the store are from the Humane Society of Cobb County, a “no-kill animal shelter serving Cobb County and the surrounding area in Georgia.” In the lounge, they foster up to 20 cats at a time, with all the cats being ready for adoption. Hopefully, while customers visit the store, they may find a connection with a special cat and add him to their family. It’s proven to be an effective system, with Java Cats in specific adopting out over 1,800 cats since opening. Caroline Perkins, a student from the Atlanta area, adopted Mitski (formerly

known as Bebe) after finding Java Cats on Instagram. Although she didn’t plan on adopting a cat while visiting the café, she instantly “fell in love” with the black and white cat on the windowsill. “She was overly friendly toward us and was rubbing on our hands,” says Perkins. “We knew we had to take her home after she wouldn’t stop cuddling with us for 10 minutes.” After Perkins and her partner decided to adopt Mitski, they filled out paperwork with a volunteer and were called back to the store when their adoption was approved. Fast and simple, they were able to add a new member to their family just by visiting their local coffee shop. Hilton and her staff had crafted a perfect model. In the environment of Java Cats, guests could enjoy drinks and snacks, relish in the company of 20 felines, and hopefully give a home to one of the adoptable pets. Being the first cat café in Atlanta, it was an exciting new novelty and found enormous success. Over time, the store racked up over 20 thousand followers on Instagram, all while booking up both an Atlanta and Marietta location. Java Cats’ customers found a place of love and relaxation up until its abrupt closure this spring. The shutdown came as a surprise to most. Hilton penned an emotional Instagram post in late November 2021. “Java Cats Fam, it’s with a heavy heart that I need to break some news,” she wrote on the official Java Cats page. “I’ve put off making this post for a while because it makes it so real. Grant Park’s five-year lease will end March 2022, and we are sadly not in the position to renew after the pandemic.” Zoë Hughes-Nelson, who was a manager of the Atlanta location, was able to experience firsthand the pitfalls that COVID had on Java Cats. She was one of the sole employees during the peak and was consistently anticipating its consequences. “I think I always had a feeling that at some point the café may close,” says Hughes-Nelson. “Due to COVID, we had to cut our capacity in half and increased prices. However, at some point expenses kept coming up.” moderncat.com

her foster kittens, Scribble and Scrabble.

Kitty poses for a photo in the café.

“I would engage in very deep, intense conversations with complete strangers, and it was completely normal because that is just the type of space Java Cats provided.” Despite applying for two separate Paycheck Protection Program loans and working around the clock, it still wasn’t enough. “Our rent ended up tripling in price, and the building was sold to new landlords who were completely unwilling to work with us,” says the cat enthusiast. “I had never been so devastated.” The loyal customers of Java Cats poured out support in person and through social media. They were heartbroken by the closure as well. According to Hughes-Nelson, for many, Java Cats was a safe haven. “(We were) hugely beneficial for (their) mental health, mine included,” she said. “I remember some days I would engage in very deep, intense conversations with complete strangers, and it was completely normal because that is just the type of space Java Cats provided. Everyone has had such a hard time coping with the idea of Java Cats no longer existing, and it has been absolutely heartbreaking to watch.” In the five years of Java Cats, they were able to accomplish exactly what Hilton originally set out to solve. Almost 2,000

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A Java Cats Café foster kitten.

cats were adopted into loving families, all while building strong connections in the community. Although the closing has been tough, the dedicated employees are looking forward to the future. Hilton has begun working with local animal shelter PawKids, and Hughes-Nelson will continue fostering kittens— something that the store introduced her to. Although they have no idea if Java Cats will ever return, Hughes-Nelson does know one thing for sure: “Java Cats will never come to an end in terms of the community it created and the lives changed, both human and animal.” 

P H OTOS CO U RT ESY O F H AY D N H I LTO N / J AVA C ATS C A F É , PAWS AT L A N TA VO LU N T E E R F R E D ST RO B E L , A N D F U R K I DS .

Java Cats manager Zoe Hughes-Nelson with

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Cats and kittens require a gentle all-natural, non-detergent shampoo. J.R.LIGGETT’s Sensitive Cat Shampoo contains almond oil, hemp oil, and neem oil and no fragrance or tea tree oil to give cats soft, healthy, beautiful hair! jrliggett.com

Designed specifically for your cat’s comfort, the Kittyrama Caravan Cat Carrier and Hideaway will become their favourite hideaway spot! Featuring four openings and detachable handles, it is easy to clean and airline capable. kittyrama.com

Say goodbye to scooping with Instachew’s Purrclean Smart Litter Box, which comes with automatic cleaning, safety sensors, odour control, and scheduled scooping through the Instachew Infinity App. instachew.com

Vitakraft Lick ‘N’ Lap is what cats are really into! Flavour meets texture in single-serve snack packets, perfect for treats, training, and bonding. vitakraft.us

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Door Buddy is the easier way to keep your dog out of the litter box. Our adjustable door strap lets cats into rooms, but keeps dogs out of trouble! Get 10% off with code MODERN10. thedoorbuddy.com/ modern-cat

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The Yeowww! Catnip Kris Krinkle and Dreidel Krinkle catnip toys will entice every cat to frolic under the mistletoe. Handstuffed with organically grown catnip and krinkle fabric, these are sure to deliver a jolly good time! yeowww.com

nanoScent PET is a revolutionary, touch-activated pet perfume and conditioner. Made with beneficial ingredients that are nourishing, conditioning, and shine-inducing, it can be used immediately after bath or as an in-between deodourizer! nanotechscent.com

CatLadyBox is an ameowzing subscription box for cat ladies and their cats! Get catthemed goodies like shirts, accessories, home décor, and more for you, plus cat toys for your kitties, too! catladybox.com

The 73” Ivy has it all! Beauty, height, endless scratching rope, cozy baskets, machine-washable cushions, toys, and best of all – every part can be replaced as they’re worn out so the tree can last furr-ever. maupets.com

The K&H EZ Window Mount Kitty Sill is the easiest, strongest, most versatile window sleeper on the market. This awesome product is available in single level or double stack. khpet.com moderncat.com

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Beautifully embroidered with a holiday cat tree design, these hand towels will be the eye-catching centerpiece for your bath or powder room. Made from 100% cotton and machine washable! mythreecats.com

The Catit PIXI Spinner is a fun, interactive toy with a unique fabric cover your cat can easily grab on to. As your cat paws at the toy, it starts spinning, dispensing treats at random to reward your cat’s playfulness. catit.ca

Leo’s Loo Too is a smart self-cleaning litter box with advanced features like Google and Alexa voice controls, a connected mobile app, triple-layer safety protection, UV light sterilization, and more. smartypear.com

Gain insight into your cat’s genetic health with Neogen’s My CatScan, the largest and most accurate feline genetic screen. Test for more than 80 diseases and traits commonly found in cats. mycatscan.com

Whether it’s your car, couch, or carpet, Fur-Zoff’s patented recycled material will quickly remove pet hair from the fabrics of your life! Works for all types of pet hair. amvllcproducts.com

Pure Cravings is a world-leading, human-grade, premium cat food with a purpose. The only brand in the world using sustainably wild caught fish that are 100% mercury tested to a strict mercury limit! purecravings.com

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Feline paradise! This must-have wall tree will give your cat unlimited joy. It provides scratching, hiding, and resting spots for your cat and it is the best for cats with limited space. armarkat.com #1 ranked, multi-award winning, HandsOn Gloves are the revolutionary all-in-one shedding/bathing/grooming gloves. Animal preferred for the loving HandsOn massage. HandsOn is changing the way we bathe, de-shed and groom all our animals. Forever. handsongloves.com

Give your cat the gift of crinkle this holiday season! The crinkle ball will keep your cat active, happy, and busy. Made in Canada with materials sourced in the USA . crinkleball.com

Honour a beloved feline with an original oil painting or pencil art work piece from award-winning artist Debbie Sampson of Art Sports! Custom commissions are accepted upon request. artsports.com

The gift that will have your cat meowing for more! One shake is all it takes. Holistic Natural Feline Treats are fortified with vitamins and minerals and have no fillers or by-products! Made in the USA . amazon.com/ benchandfield Spoil your cat with the Three Piece Gourmet Catnip gift set! Each set comes with a tin of “Blue Meowy Wowy,” “Furmaceutical Grade,” and “Purruvian Pink” organic catnips that are home grown in the USA . skinnypetescatnip.com moderncat.com

Why you should rethink using a spray bottle or loud noises to deter your cat

ut down the spray bottle. Using aversive techniques to deter your cat from unwanted behaviours will frequently backfire on you, explains Zazie Todd, author of PURR: The Science of Making Your Cat Happy. Spraying your cat with water, shaking a can of pennies, or even clapping your hands or yelling to startle a cat have unintended consequences—one of which is a damaged relationship. “Spray bottles and loud noises can make the cat very stressed because cats don’t like to get wet or to be startled,” explains Todd. “Unfortunately, when cats are stressed, they can develop other behaviour issues, such as being fearful or toileting outside the litter box. There is also a risk that instead of associating the punishment with what you didn’t want them to do, they will associate it with you. This will

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affect your relationship with the cat.” So, what to do instead? Todd suggests the long game. “It’s best to think about the issue from your cat’s perspective and use positive reinforcement to train them to do what you would like them to do instead,” she says. “For example, suppose you want to deter your cat from getting on the kitchen countertops. There are two things that are especially important to understand from the cat’s perspective: If there’s nice food there, that’s very tempting; and cats like high up spaces. So, you need to not leave food out that will tempt them, and you should also make sure they have alternative high-up spaces instead, like a cat condo. Some people like to train their cat to stay on a cat condo or on a mat instead of coming onto the counter when they are in the kitchen. Use small treats and follow a training plan if you want to train your cat.”

P H OTO TO P A L E N A OZ E ROVA / SH U TT E R STO CK ; B OTT L E H O M EST U D I O / B I G STO CK . CO M

Put Down the Cat Spray Bottle

BODY & SOUL

This Is (Not a) Lost Cat Poster A UK artist’s funny cat poster finds its way around the world

nspiration can be found in the unlikeliest places. Just ask Steve Chapman. The UK-based artist happened upon a lost cat poster that spurred him to create an art project that would end up spanning the globe.

“I couldn’t help but notice how majestic the picture was,” recalls Chapman. “Tall, proud, slightly cross-eyed—the picture made me wonder whether the cat was actually lost or whether the owners were just showing off what a great cat they had.” He got home, painted the cat, and then decided to turn the piece into a poster, ultimately placing them in random spots around London. “Surprisingly, they elicited a remarkable response,” says Chapman. Photos of his (Not a) Lost Cat posters were popping up on social media, and people were asking if they could get involved. He decided to expand the project and see how many locations around the world he could get the (Not a) Lost Cat posters put up in. Since then, the project has taken on a life of its own with posters now found in 50 countries across all seven continents, including Antarctica.

“I sort of have a mission to gently re-weird the world, to create pattern interruptions, where you’re going about your day-today life and suddenly something catches our imagination and interrupts that pattern,” says Chapman in an interview for Tripe + Drisheen. “Who knows what might happen as a result of that? It might make you think, it might make you order a cat poster, it might make you quit your job.”

Want to be a part of this project? If you are willing and able to put up a poster in a new location, reach out to Chapman, and he’ll send you two posters—one for you to keep and one for you to put up in public. All you need to pay is the postage. In return, he requests a photograph of the poster and its location so he can add it to the map. He’s especially interested in continents, countries, regions/states not already covered.

F ollow @stevexoh on Instagram for more. Visit notalostcat.com for an interactive map and list of locations or to request a poster. moderncat.com

BODY & SOUL

CAN CATS HAVE SEPARATION ANXIETY? Signs of separation anxiety in cats and what to do about it

Cats who are experiencing separation anxiety might respond to their human’s absence with obvious behaviours like excessive meowing, excessive grooming, excessive eating, or by urinating on places that are saturated with their human’s scent, like pillows, laundry, and beds—but they also may respond with less obvious behaviours like hiding or withdrawing from interaction, explains Bell. Of the bunch, the out-of-the-box urination is probably the most frustrating. “It’s easy to misread the inappropriate elimination as an act of spite, but it’s really just a way

SIGNS OF SEPARATION ANXIETY IN CATS • Excessive meowing • Excessive grooming • Excessive eating

• Urinating on pillows, laundry &

beds • Hiding

• Withdrawing from

interaction

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for cats to self-soothe by mixing their scent with their human’s,” says Bell. “Try to be understanding and try to help them.” She also notes all these behaviours could be attributed to a number of medical issues, so a trip to the vet to determine if medical help is needed should be the first step.

Common Triggers of Separation Anxiety in Cats Your cat may tense up when they hear you pick up your keys or see you reach for your purse. If so, practice doing those things several times a day, advises Bell. “Work up to actually walking out the door and then immediately returning. Each time you walk back into the room, greet your cat casually like all of this is no big deal,” she says. “Gradually increase the time spent outside of the home and change up the time of day you do these mini-training sessions. And if you figure out certain objects that trigger the anxiety, carry them around the house for a while each day, so they are no longer an anxiety trigger.”

How Do You Stop Separation Anxiety in Cats? Don’t make a big deal when you’re getting ready to leave home. “Cats feed off our energy. So, the calmer and cooler you are

SEPARATION ANXIETY TOOL KIT Food puzzle toys CBD calming treat adio or TV tuned to a R familiar station idden toys for your cat to H discover A window with a view (distraction!) Pheromone diffuser esensitization to departure D cues

about leaving, the better,” says Bell. And make sure you provide lots of enrichment while you’re gone, like toys to play with, windows to look out of, cozy spots to nap, and a food puzzle to figure out, she continues. Providing cats with a structured routine of exercise through wand toy playtime (and affection, of course) when you are home is a wonderful way to prevent separation anxiety before it starts.

P H OTO TO P X I AO J I AO WA N G / SH U TT E R STO CK ; I N SE T M A R Y SW I FT / SH U TT E R STO CK

es, cats experience separation anxiety. “Despite stereotypes of being solitary creatures, cats can form very close bonds with humans and may experience separation anxiety,” says Samantha Bell, cat expert for Best Friends Animal Society.

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human-grade, raw meat and without the use of corn, wheat, soy, sugar, or preservatives. Available in a variety of delicious proteins, they also make for a great training treat your cat will love! amazon.com/UKIUKI

Help your cat live their best life with these wellness products!

Essentials contains a full complex of balanced vitamins and minerals to enhance cellular structure, amino acids to assist brain and muscles, and digestive enzymes to help promote stomach and intestinal health. Helpful for cats suffering from kidney or urinary tract infections, needing to manage their weight, or to maintain mobility. pureformpethealth.com

Boxiecat Air is the plant-based, lightweight litter that outperforms the competition. AirTight clumps lock in odours, scoop easily, and keep the litter box cleaner for longer. Boxiecat Air is 60% lighter than clay and is 99.9% dust free. It’s made of USA sourced barley that is renewable, biodegradable, sustainable, and non-GMO. boxiecat.com

Nutrience Care Oral Health for Cats is designed to promote good dental and oral health. The high-quality, gluten-free kibble is oversized to encourage your cat to chew thoroughly. This helps clean their teeth, maintain good oral hygiene, and fight plaque and tartar build-up. nutrience.com

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BODY & SOUL

How to Prevent and Relieve a Cat’s UTI Naturally

WHY BLADDER HEALTH IS IMPORTANT The bladder is responsible for many functions. It’s the kidney’s main squeeze and best friend. The kidneys remove urea (a waste product) from the blood. From there, the urea travels down the tubules and into the bladder, where it’s eliminated through urination. The bladder also contributes to controlling levels of electrolytes in the body (hugely important for cell life or death and vital hydration) and it helps to regulate blood pressure. As you can see, this little organ is very important! Unfortunately, cats of any age can have problems with their lower urinary tracts. A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is actually a bacterial infection in their bladder or urethra. Why does this happen? If any bacteria makes its way into the urinary tract, it can cause a problem.

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Natural support for your cat’s bladder health | By Julie Anne Lee, DCH

SIGNS OF A CAT UTI There are several things to look for if you believe your cat has a urinary tract infection. Keep an eye out for:

• • • • • • • • • •

Drinking more water than usual Peeing outside the litter box Persistent licking of urinary openings Straining to urinate Crying when urinating Dark or cloudy urine Visible blood in the urine Loss of bladder control or urine dribbling Inability to pass urine or passing very little urine Vomiting, lethargy, lack of appetite

HOW TO PREVENT AND RELIEVE A UTI NATURALLY So, how can you keep your cat’s bladder healthy? The number one key is a raw, species-appropriate diet. At the very, very least, a high quality, no grain, and preferably NOT dry food. There are also several things to add to your cat’s diet to protect that vulnerable urinary tract and prevent (or relieve) that painful UTI. The following all work synergistically with each other to achieve optimal results. (Adored Beast’s new Easy Peesy supplement, a feline-specific supplement combining all of these, is a good go-to.)

PHOTO TOP LEFT NEW AFRICA/SHUTTERSTOCK; MIDDLE LEFT SHEBEKO/SHUTTERSTOCK

he importance of a healthy bladder is so often overlooked. When things are flowing well, we hardly give it a passing thought. That is, until there’s a problem.

P H OTO TO P R I G H T D I G I D E S I G N / B I G S TO C K . CO M / M I D D L E V EC TO RW I N / B I G STO CK . CO M /BELOW RIGHT MADLEN/BIGSTOCK.COM; INSET CAT PHOTO NASTYAOFLY/BIGSTOCK.COM

8REMEDIES NATURAL FOR UTI’s 1

D-Mannose

3 T his simple sugar closely related to glucose occurs naturally in berries and some plants

3 Does not affect blood sugar 3 B inds to bad bacteria to carry it out of the bladder in the urine

Larch

Nettle Leaf

3 N atural prebiotics

3 Tonic herb

3 S upports the probiotics and

3 A nti-inflammatory, astringent

immune system

Dosage: 50 – 130 mg daily

Dosage: 25 - 37.5 mg daily

3 Diuretic 3 Supports the kidneys Dosage: 2.5 – 5 mg daily

2 N-acetyl

Every system of the body is as equally important because it is all interconnected. Don’t forget the bladder! It needs support and love too.

Glucosamine 3 T argets inflammation response in smooth muscle of bladder wall & lining

3 H elps keep the lining of the urinary tract healthy and strong Dosage: 15 – 25 mg daily

Marshmallow Root

3 Rich in mucilage 3 Helps to coat the mucus membranes 3 Protects delicate tissues

3 Provides beneficial bacteria to

establish colony and keep bad bacteria at bay.

Dosage: 15 – 25 mg daily

Cranberries

3 Prevents E.coli adherence to MadinDarby Canine Kidney cells

3 Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties

Dosage: 25 - 37.5 mg daily

ulti-strain M Probiotic Blend, 1 billion CFUs

Dosage: Find a product for pets and follow the directions on the label.

Uva Ursi

3 C ontains natural compounds called arbutin

3 Is a known astringent 3 I s known to help decrease inflammation Dosage: 6 – 12 mg daily

HOW TO PROMOTE URINARY TRACT HEALTH Say Goodbye, UTI! with the newest tincture from Suzie’s CBD Drops. Formulated specifically to address feline urinary tract issues, it combines full spectrum CBD oil with dandelion root, cranberry seed extract, and marshmallow root to promote healthy function and soothe discomfort. A base of wild Alaskan salmon oil makes it easy to give your cat! $30, suziespettreats.com

moderncat.com

IS YOUR CAT A PICKY EATER? HERE’S WHAT TO DO Your cat won’t eat? Tips and reasons why By Yaunna Sommersby

Dr. Mikel Maria Delgado

How can you tell if your cat is just being picky or if there’s an underlying health problem?

A: If your cat stops eating food that they previously enjoyed, it is worth reaching out to your veterinarian. A change in appetite can be a sign of several medical issues, and not eating can become a medical emergency quickly.

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How much variety is too much variety in a cat’s diet? Is the food the root cause of the picky eating?

A: It really depends on the cat. If you are feeding your cat

a nutritionally complete commercial food (as determined by the Association of American Feed Control Officials) and your cat likes it, and you like it, then that’s fine. Some cats can be particular about textures and shapes, so you may have to try a few different brands and flavours to find a few that your cat enjoys. For example, do they like pate or chunks in gravy?

PHOTO TOP BODNAR.PHOTO/SHUTTERSTOCK

your cat a picky eater? Does it seem like no matter what cat food formula you try, your cat is just not interested? After one too many wasted cans of cat food, I wanted to find out more about feline eating habits and discover if my cats are truly fussy eaters or if there is something else at play. We tapped Dr. Mikel Maria Delgado, PhD, scientist and established cat expert at Feline Minds, for some advice. Dr. Delgado is a feline behavioural expert who has worked with cat owners, animal shelters, and pet-focused corporations to answer cat behaviour questions and solve problems. Here is what she had to say about feline dietary needs, preferences, and what could be causing your cat’s “picky” eating behaviours.

Reasons Why Your Cat Won’t Eat G I Issue or Inflammatory Bowel Disease

l D ental pain, such as an abscess or

fractured tooth l

Constipation

Pancreatitis

Urinary or digestive obstruction

Upper respiratory infection. (If your cat has a cold and they can’t smell, they likely won’t eat!)

What is the best way to keep your cat’s diet varied and interesting?

A: Why do cats need a varied diet? They would naturally eat a

lot of mice...day after day. If your cat eats their food, and their food is nutritionally complete, it is probably interesting enough! Aim for a few flavours or brands of food that your cat likes, and don’t worry about providing them with too much novelty. If your cat seems picky, check with your veterinarian.

What is your biggest piece of advice for someone who is dealing with a picky eater cat?

P H OTO P I X E L-SH OT / SH U TT E R STO CK

A: First, talk to your veterinarian and make sure your cat

doesn’t have any health problems like gastrointestinal (GI) or dental disease that might be contributing to the “pickiness.” Many picky cats have GI disease! Second, make sure that your feeding area or station meets your cat’s needs. They need fresh food from clean bowls, so if you are in the habit of just topping up their bowl, the bowl could be filled with crusty or stale food and be dirty with your cat’s saliva. Change out bowls and food daily.

Kidney or liver disease

Inflammation of the esophagus

Parasites

Stress or changes within the home

Cancer

Make sure your cat feels safe eating—make sure they can see around them (don’t put the dish against the wall where they have to put their back to others) and have plenty of space away from other animals. Cats are not naturally “group eaters” so each cat needs their own food dish, and you should have several feet between cats who are eating (not side by side dishes) or even feed them in separate rooms. Finally, cats naturally eat several small meals each day and many cats prefer to eat just a few bites at a time. Sometimes people misinterpret walking away after a few bites as being “picky.” It’s best for most healthy cats to let them have some control over their feeding behaviour (for example, a microchipactivated dish that they can graze from) or give them several small meals a day.

hat other signs of GI disease could W people look for that could indicate that their cat’s pickiness is in fact a GI issue?

A: Sometimes picky eating is the only sign of GI disease,

but you may also notice your cat sniffing at the food and licking their lips or walking away, which can indicate nausea. Unintentional weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy are other common signs that something is wrong! moderncat.com

✔ Add some water from a can of tuna or anchovies. (If your cat is on a low-sodium diet, skip the anchovy water as anchovies can be high in sodium).

✔ Try adding a bit of goat milk,

Cat-safe ideas to tempt picky eaters ✔ If your cat eats dry food, try adding some canned/wet food— the smellier, the better! (Think seafood varieties.) We love the Wild Tuna and Salmon cutlets in gravy from Pure Cravings, made with sustainable, wild caught, 100% mercury-tested tuna and salmon. ($30 for a case of 12 cans, purecravings.com)

✔ Sprinkle nutritional yeast on your cat’s food. Many cats go crazy for the nutty, cheese-like flavour and it’s rich in B vitamins. (Note: nutritional yeast and brewer’s yeast are not the same thing.)

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✔ Try a little sprinkle of parmesan cheese to your cat’s food to get your cat interested.

✔ Try adding a bit of pureed meat baby food, chicken or turkey variety, to your cat’s regular food. (Be sure it doesn’t contain onion or garlic!)

✔ Add a tasty topper formulated especially for cats, such as the Superfood Crumbles Cat Food Topper and Gravy Mix from JAC Pet Nutrition. Available in Chicken, Salmon, or Shrimp formulas, these toppers also contain organic quinoa and turmeric. ($8, jacpetnutrition.com)

✔ Add a bit of fish oil to their food. Added benefit: fish oil improves your cat’s overall health, from skin and fur to joints. We like the pharmaceuticalgrade, unscented Salmon Oil from Iceland Pure. (from $15, icelandpure.com)

✔ Add a bit of low sodium chicken broth (again, no onion or garlic!) Or better yet, a bone broth formulated just for pets, like the Primal Pet Foods Turkey Bone Broth, which is made with ingredients such as organic carrots, butternut squash, and turmeric. ($10, primalpetfoods.com/broth)

✔ Try adding a probiotic for pets, such as the Probiotic Everyday chewables from VetriScience, to improve digestion. ($9, vetriscience.com)

PHOTO TOP LEFT JAROMIR CHALABALA/SHUTTERSTOCK; BOTTOM LEFT KEITH HOMAN/BIGSTOCK.COM; MIDDLE ZOOM ZOOM/BIGSTOCK.COM; ABOVE RIGHT YLIVDESIGN/BIGSTOCK.COM; MIDDLE LEFT MADLEN/BIGSTOCK.COM,

Entice Your Cat: How to Encourage a Picky Cat to Eat

which can encourage a picky cat to eat and has added digestive and immune health benefits. Open Farm’s Goat Milk Digestion Blend includes organic pumpkin, coconut cream, carrots, fennel, and chicory root for an extra boost. (from $13, openfarmpet.com)

CAT WON’T EAT?

TRY THESE TIPS FOR PICKY EATERS P H OTO TO P L E FT F OTO G R A F I N I A / B I G S TO C K . CO M ; I L LU S T R AT I O N M I D D L E R I GT H L I U _ M I U / B I G STO CK . CO M ; B OTTO M R I G H T CH A L A B A L A / B I G STO CK . CO M ; M I D D L E S O U PSTO CK / B I G STO CK . CO M ; M I D D L E R I G H T SH E B E KO / SH U TT E R STO C K

Make sure your cat’s food bowl is wide and shallow—or just feed your cat on a plate. A highsided bowl can cause whisker stress, over-stimulating your cat’s sensitive whiskers and discouraging your cat from eating.

Hunger strikes are not okay—not eating can be deadly within days. See a vet if your cat doesn’t eat for 24 hours.

Never suddenly switch your cat’s food. Always transition to new foods gradually.

Try gently warming the food in the microwave or adding a bit of warm water, which will greatly enhance the smell and help to pique your cat’s interest in eating—cats are very driven by their sense of smell! Just make sure it’s not too hot.

Don’t free feed. Serve your cat, leave the food out for 20 minutes, then take it away if they haven’t eaten it. Offer your cat multiple small meals like this throughout the day. If you’re not home to do so, you can get a smart feeder that will automatically feed your cat numerous small meals on a schedule. (See p.59)

Decrease treats. A hungry cat is more inclined to eat.

Try catnip. Some cat owners report that catnip stimulates their cat’s appetite. Can’t hurt, might help, and provides enrichment.

Know your cat’s flavour and texture preferences. New isn’t always better.

Increase exercise to stimulate hunger. Get your cat moving with a laser pointer or feather wand toy session—just remember to let them catch their “prey.”

Ditch the bowl and engage your cat’s hunting instincts with this veterinarian-designed Indoor Hunting Feeder system. Instead of putting your cat’s dinner in a dish, put wet food or kibble in these fun, clever feeders so your cat can hunt, catch, and play with many small meals a day, as nature intended. ($20, docandphoebe.com) moderncat.com

THE BEST CAT TREATS From ideal training treats to health boosters, here are our top cat treat picks!

TRAINING

High-value treats make training exciting and engaging for your cat! The G.O.A.T. freezedried chicken treats from Primal Pet Foods are a low calorie, highly motivating treat made from sustainably sourced chicken, chicken liver, and gut-supporting goat milk. ($6, primalpetfoods.com)

THE BEST HYDRATING TREAT

HYDRATING

The Churu lickable cat treats from Inaba are a Modern Cat office cat favourite! These hydrating treats are available in a variety of flavours cats adore. Made with premium proteins and no by-products, preservatives, or artificial colours, this low-calorie treat can also be used as a delicious topper on wet or dry food. ($4, inabafoods.com) THE BEST DENTAL TREAT

DENTAL

Give your cat a treat that is designed to improve their dental health! The grain-free PlaqueOff System Crunchy Dental Bites for cats are made with ingredients like salmon oil and kelp to control and improve plaque, tartar, and bad breath. A delicious way to maintain your cat’s oral health! ($9, us.swedencare.com)

THE BEST TREAT FOR CATS WITH ALLERGIES

ALLERGIES

If your cat has allergies or is sensitive to common proteins, treat them with UKIUKI’s freeze-dried food made only from duck. Handcrafted and minimally processed, this novel, human-grade protein makes an excellent nutritionally-dense treat or meal! ($13, amazon.com/UKIUKI)

FUNCTIONAL

BEST FUNCTIONAL CAT TREAT

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With their delicious chicken and tuna flavour, Suzie’s CBD Bites for Cats make it easy to treat your cat to the many benefits of CBD. Made with full-spectrum, human-grade, organic hemp grown on their USDA organic farm, they’re formulated specifically for felines and help with pain, anxiety, and more. ($16, suziespettreats.com)

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CAT PHOTOS FROM TOP: NYNKEVANHOLTEN/BIGSTOCK.COM; NYNKEVANHOLTEN/BIGSTOCK.COM; NYNKEVANHOLTEN/BIGSTOCK.COM; NYNKEVANHOLTEN/BIGSTOCK.COM; NONGASIMO/BIGSTOCK.COM

THE BEST TREAT FOR TRAINING

Meet the AMAZING Acro-Cats Move over CATS, there’s a new show in town! This troupe of performing rescue cats is selling out venues big and small

By Rose Frosek

amantha Martin has an unusual career, to say the least. She travels around the U.S. with a troupe of trained, performing cats called The Amazing AcroCats, delighting audiences with circus tricks and an all-cat band, The Rock Cats. For weekend runs, the travelling show sells out venues of 500 to 600 seats. “Once word gets around, people show up in droves,” says Martin. It’s hard to do justice to the act, which is better seen than described. Martin is an incredibly talented animal trainer. Her

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cats play cowbell and xylophone, drum, hit the applause sign, jump through hoops, collect donations, perform barrel rolls, ride skateboards, and more. Audiences are amazed by the cooperation and capabilities of the cats, says Martin, who trains the cats using clicker training, a positive reinforcement-based training method that marks desired behaviour with a distinctive “click” sound. The cat rescuer and entertainer recently gained an even wider audience—she was featured in episode two of the Netflix documentary Cat People, released July 2021. The six-part series is a delight, introducing individuals of different backgrounds and cultures who have built a life around cats. Martin charms with her upbeat stage persona—a humorous counterpoint to the drollness of the cats—and her self-deprecating humour. There are 15 cats that Martin currently tours with—all of them former orphans, rescues, and strays—along with two or three assistants and a driver. (They are currently hiring.) The all-female team travels in a 45-foot tour bus that is “catified” espe-

The cats are my pets all the time, even when they are performing. cially for the cats’ comfort. “We have a spot in the front for our foster kittens that we call kitten city and an area called Condo row for the cats that want their own space,” says Martin. “The back lounge was converted into a cat paradise with runways, perches, and hammocks. Two-thirds of the bus is for the cats, and one-third is for humans—also shared with the cats—when the bus is not in motion.” It all started in 2004 with a rescue kitten named Tuna. “This particular kitten was unlike any other I had encountered. She was not very affectionate but took an interest in training like no other cat that I had worked with,’ says Martin. Martin started taking the kitten around to show off her skill set. “Her signature trick was the bell ringing,” she says. “Sometimes, I would take her to a pet expo rescue booth and have her ring a bell, tap a donation jar and then donate the proceeds to the shelter. It made me feel great to be able to help others while socializing and training my cat in different places.” Next, she put together a little show with some of the other cats she was working with, thinking it may garner the attention needed to get them into film and television. She would ask galleries that were having shows or openings if she could bring her troupe of cats to work them in their space. “Initially, it was kind of a disaster, but people showed up in droves to see the cats perform—or not,” she laughs. “The cats taught me what they needed to feel comfortable in front of a crowd.” Martin decided to try to rent a theater, sell tickets, and see if she could make a go of it. “People showed up and absolutely loved our show, which inspired me to continue to take the cats on the road.”

Acro-Cats has now been touring for 13 years—in 2019, they were on the road for nine months of the year. They aim for longer residencies “because it’s a lot of wear and tear on us humans.” The troupe rolls into town and sets up for runs up to four weeks in length. “The cats absolutely love training and performing,” says Martin. “They frequently follow me around and will jump on their props to let me know that they want to work.” They are rewarded with boiled chicken and high value treats such as fresh tuna, salmon, and chicken liver. “The cats are my pets all the time, even when they are performing,” she says. “Many of them I have raised from just a couple of days old. They all live with me. I take them on adventures. I watch television with them. They are pets on stage and off. That’s what makes our show so unique, and that’s what keeps people coming back to see the show time and time again. Every show is different, depending on what the cat feels like doing.” In 2009, Martin started fostering cats and kittens that would otherwise be euthanized, and it became a focus of the show. “It became a mission to educate people on how to bond with their cats, so they don’t end up in a shelter,” says Martin, who has fostered and found homes for over 300 cats and kittens to date. “I continue to take in foster kittens when I’m able and find them ‘furever’ homes. I do train every single foster kitten to do some sort of ‘parlor trick,’ so that their owner would never dream of abandoning them. Who is going to give up a cat that high-fives them when they walk in the door at the end of the day?” Though the pandemic halted touring and presented the group with challenges they are still recovering from, Martin’s passion remains undiminished. The troupe is building back up to their former touring schedule. “If you have a theatre in your town and would like us to show up, let us know!” says Martin. moderncat.com

Leo’s Loo Too

ats are creatures of habit and generally don’t like disruptions to their routine or environment— unlike dogs, your cat would likely much prefer to stay home than be sent to a boarder. Of course, your cat should still be checked on daily by a pet sitter (Check out kittensittin.biz to find a cat sitter near you), neighbour, or a friend to provide company and make sure your cat is okay. The following recommendations from the Modern Cat team will ensure your cats have everything they need, from fresh food and water to entertainment.

An Automatic Litter Box

No one likes a dirty bathroom, cats included. Make sure your cat’s litter box remains fresh— even if you’re not there to scoop it—with a litter box that does the dirty work for you. Leo’s Loo Too is a self-cleaning litter box that automatically cleans up after your cat visits, separating waste from clean litter and depositing it in the enclosed waste drawer underneath. An alert lets you know when the drawer needs emptying. With a 4.8-star rating, reviewers are very pleased with their purchase: “It makes it easy to take weekend trips and feel comfortable leaving my cat at home;” “no smell;” “The machine does what it’s supposed to do. We just top it up with our regular clumping clay litter that we have always been using. Now we rave about it to our other friends, lol.” ($600, smartypear.com or chewy.com).

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Things Your Home Alone Cat Needs Weekend away? These nifty gadgets ensure your cats have everything they need! By Rose Frosek

A Cat Flap If your cat has access to the outdoors or a catio area, a cat flap allows your cat to enter and exit without you needing to open the door. Sure Petcare’s microchipped pet doors stop intruder animals from entering your home by only opening for your pets’ existing identification microchips. Their slightly higher-priced models also let you set exit hour parameters, so you can prevent your cat from going for an evening stroll. (from $161, surepetcare.com)

An Automatic Feeder A programmable auto

feeder ensures your cat has access to food on a regular schedule and is not waiting on the cat sitter for breakfast. Cats prefer multiple, more regular meals, and an automatic feeder allows you to deliver, whether you’re away or simply at work. (Used when you’re at home, it can also prevent regular 4:30 am breakfast wake-up calls courtesy of your cat!). We like Instachew’s Purebite Smart Pet Feeder. This appenabled feeder allows you to automate and schedule feeding times, control portions, and keep kibble fresh. A slightly more expensive model, the Purechew Smart Pet Feeder has all the same features plus an HD camera, allowing you to check in on your cat while she dines. (from $80, instachew.com)

A SelfRefilling Water Bowl Ensure

your cat has access to fresh drinking water—and that they’re actually drinking it!—with Sure Petcare’s Felaqua Connect. This smart water bowl delivers fresh water, automatically refilling from the reservoir as your cat drinks. It also monitors your cat’s drinking patterns—used with the Sure Petcare App, Felaqua Connect tells you how often, when, and how much your cat drinks. Plus, you’ll receive notifications when the water needs changing. How smart is that? (from $115, surepetcare.com).

P H O T O C A T N I P S O U T H 12 T H / B I G S T O C K . C O M

A Solo-Play Cat Toy

Catit’s Groovy Fish Toy is perfect for solo playtime. Thanks to its highly sensitive motion sensor, it springs to life when pushed by your cat’s paw and will automatically enter standby mode when playtime is over. A catnip pocket draws your cat in, and the realistic movement and soft, padded cover make it a cat favourite. Three modes and a rechargeable battery are bonuses that make this toy a winner. Positive reviews abound: “I got home, and the box was on the table, and my cat was on the box owning it. On opening the box, my cat was very excited about the smell of catnip and was trying to claw it out of my hands while I was trying to switch the thing on. Hilarious. Bought months ago, and he still goes nuts with it. Best thing I’ve ever bought him, and I’m sure he would agree.” ($24, catit.ca)

A Pet Camera

Check in on your cat while you’re away! The Petcube Play 2 is a smart, high-definition pet camera that connects to your phone via an app so you can see what your cat is up to no matter where you are. With a 160-degree lens, two-way audio, and a built-in interactive laser toy, you can see, talk, and even play with your cat, keeping them active even when you aren’t home! ($280, petcube.com)

Pair with Skinny Pete’s organic catnip for the ultimate solo play session. ($13, skinnypetescatnip.com). moderncat.com

Bring the outdoors in by providing your cat with cat-safe greens. Indoor cats often try to satisfy their craving for greens by munching on houseplants, which can prove toxic. Cat grass, which is actually the sprout of the wheat grass seed, provides a life-enriching, safe alternative. It fulfills the desire to consume greens, probably a leftover from pre-domestication when cats would consume the digestive tract— greens included—of the prey animals they hunted. It also improves digestion via green fiber that supports digestive health and helps with hairballs. Plus, it’s packed with chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals, protein, and antioxidants. Bellrock Growers’ Pet Greens offer fresh, organic, pre-grown cat grass, ready for your cat to enjoy—no green thumb required! ($30 for a pack of three, bellrockgrowers.com or amazon.com)

Vertical Space Give your home-alone cat more

space to explore by expanding their territory upwards. A cat tree or cat shelves give your cat all-important vertical space, providing new vantage points from which to survey their surroundings. We love Catastrophic Creations’ modern, minimal wall-mounted Bunker Cat Condo, which turns your walls into a cat jungle gym, complete with bridges, ledges, scratching posts, and even a spot for cat-safe plants! ($389, catastrophicreations.com)

An Activity station

Provide your cat with ample areas to lounge and play so they have something to do. Pidan’s super-cool two-story Pet Nest for cats offers multiple cozy areas to stretch out and four fun sisal ball toys to bat around for an all-in-one feline activity station your cat will love. Plus, it looks great! ($87, teddybob.ca or teddybob.us)

Door Stoppers to Prevent Accidental Lock Ins

If you’re leaving your cat alone for a day or two, it’s ultra-important to ensure all the doors in the house stay open. Anything from drafts to a curious cat can result in doors accidentally closing, preventing your cat from accessing food, water, or the litter box while you’re gone. Door Buddy’s foam rubber door stoppers are perfect for keeping all the doors open and your cat safe from accidental lockdowns. Plus, it comes with a door strap, which keeps babies and dogs out of the room with the food or litter box, while still allowing your cat access. ($20, thedoorbuddy.com or amazon.com) 

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PHOTO TOP LEFT IRYNA IMAGO/BIGSTOCK.COM

Cat Grass

SPECIAL PROMOTION

PROBLEM SOLVERS Ingenious solutions to common cat-life problems PROBLEM: CAT IS BORED OF CATNIP SOLUTION: Define Planet Eco-Kitty Silver Vine Toys are made of natural and unprocessed silver vine sticks. Silver Vine has additional health benefits and makes a good alternative to catnip. With a more potent fragrance, it is guaranteed to stimulate and excite cats! defineplanet.com

PROBLEM: FINDING A SUSTAINABLE LITTER THAT REALLY WORKS! SOLUTION: This high-performing, sustainable litter also

has unrivalled cat acceptance! Catalyst Pet is four times more efficient than leading clumping clay litters, making it easy on both the planet and wallet. catalystpet.com

PROBLEM: ECOLOGICALLY HARMFUL CAT LITTER SOLUTION: Sustainably Yours Cat Litter is biodegradable, clumps firmer and faster than conventional litter, and offers an efficient and sustainable alternative to mineral-based litters. Cat Daddy approved! sylitter.com

PROBLEM: ANXIOUS CAT SOLUTION: Composure fast-acting calming chews work to promote calm behaviour in cats in times of increased stress, like parties, overnight guests, or separation from their owner. Available in three delicious, cat-approved flavours! vetriscience.com PROBLEM: FELINE ACNE, ITCHY SKIN, AND FACIAL WOUNDS

PROBLEM: PET HAIR EVERYWHERE SOLUTION: You thought you’d tried everything—and you still have a pet hair problem. Fur-Zoff removes pet hair quickly and effectively, saving you time and money. furzoff.net

SOLUTION: Vetericyn Plus Feline Antimicrobial Facial Therapy helps healing and prevents infection in cat acne, cuts, and mouth sores, while also soothing itch and irritation associated with allergies. Safe if licked or ingested, won’t sting, and is antibiotic and steroid-free! vetericyn.com moderncat.com

SMILE!

The

Best Cat Accounts Must-follow accounts for your daily dose of feline cuteness

@heidiwranglescats

Modern Cat Magazine August 20, 2022

•

45,285 likes

79k likes

@heidiwranglescats 184k followers

Super-popular on both Instagram and TikTok, Brooklyn-based cat rescuer Heidi Wrangles Cats shares way-too-cute footage of her rescue cats and kittens along with inspiring Trap-Neuter-Release videos, bottle feedings, and chubby kitten weigh-ins.

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249

Modern Cat magazine 857k followers

Join Modern Cat’s nearly one million Facebook followers for weekly Friday Freebies, cat behaviour insight, and cute/funny cats galore. Free cat stuff plus community? A no-brainer.

@catloversclub 5.4m followers

This Instagram account’s five million followers are here for the adorable cat footage. Followers from around the world submit pictures and videos, which are curated and shared on the account. Think sweet videos, like a toddler pushing her incredibly cooperative kitty in a stroller. 

PHOTO CENTRE MODERN CAT/YAUNNA SOMMERSBY

Happy Caturday! Here are some of the adorable cats and kittens who were in attendance at meowfest today! BenBen CatCat, Bing Clawsby, and Paw McCartney were there and busy meeting fans. The adoptable kittens were very popular and most of them found their forever homes today!

moderncat.com

Natalie Brecese August 22, 2022

•

Just a chonk and a slonk

1.5k 9,045 likes

This Cat Is C H O N K Y 913k followers

The private Facebook Group “This Cat is Chonky” has just one rule for admission: no chonk shaming. Join to connect with other cat lovers and enjoy hilarious “life with (hefty) cats” moments, such as droll updates on large-and-in-charge cats holding boxes—and the purchases inside—hostage.

75,811 likes

@carathevettech 1m followers

Aspiring vet tech in the family? Follow Cara The Vet Tech on TikTok for funny, behindthe-scenes videos of what it’s really like to work in a veterinary practice, anal-gland expressions, difficult clients, and all.

125,230 likes

@sukiicat

1.9m followers

Get wild with Suki Cat. This wanderlustinspiring account delivers impossibly gorgeous alpine vistas and emerald lakes, all explored by an intrepid Bengal cat, delighting 1.9 million followers.

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@DontStopMeowing 1.6m followers

Fifi and Kareem are couple goals and “pawrents” to their three-member feline crew, Chase, Skye, and Millie. The duo adorably document their day-to-day, from brushing teeth with a clingy cat draped over one shoulder, to being pushed to the outskirts of the bed because Kareem has made room for all the cats under the covers.

@meetmayacat 528k followers

Maya the cat has a genetic abnormality, her feline pal Dragon is paralyzed, and canine mate Mordecai is deaf. Together, they’re proving that different is awesome. Follow on Instagram for mood-lifting “day in the life” photos and videos guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

45,688 likes

@1Bike1World 1m followers

Join Dean Nicholson and his intrepid cat Nala as they cycle the globe, winningly sharing updates of their adventures along the way. In 2018, Dean discovered a stray kitten near the Bosnia-Montenegro border. He scooped her up, named her Nala, and they have been travelling together ever since. They’re currently exploring the gorgeous landscape of Scotland, visiting with alpacas, and camping with Nicholson’s gran. A must-follow.

PHOTO TOP LEFT: NATALIE BRECESE; ZOLA (LEFT) AND CALLIE (RIGHT)

moderncat.com

Healthy PAWS Solutions for everything from itchy ears to litter box germs

1. FOOD CATS LOVE Protein is a must in the feline diet! SnappyTom Naturals cat food is protein-rich and made with natural, sustainably sourced chicken and fish. Grain-free with no artificial additives or preservatives and available in five nourishing flavours your cat will love. (from $2, snappytom.com)

2. ITCHY SKIN SOLUTION Relieve itchy dry skin with J.R. Liggett’s all-natural cat shampoo. Formulated for cats, it’s hypoallergenic, detergent-free, and contains soothing ingredients like coconut, almond, and hemp oils. Choose the biodegradable bar or liquid option. (from $8, jrliggett.com)

3. SPEED HEALING

P H OTO R E M A R K _ A N N A / SH U TT E R S TO CK

Banixx Pet Care Spray speeds healing, relieves dry, itchy skin and treats ear infections, hot spots, ringworm, and wounds. Antiseptic and anti-fungal, it’s made without steroids or antibiotics and is sting-free! ($15, banixx.com)

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4. FELINE FACIAL Does your cat have facial wounds or irritation? Vetericyn Plus Feline Antimicrobial Facial Therapy is an antibiotic- and steroid-free liquid formula that cleans, soothes, and prevents potential infection. It’s safe if licked or ingested and won’t sting. ($13, vetericyn.com)

5. GOOD GUTS Support your cat’s immune, joint, and digestive health with Molecular Biolife’s Over The Top Intestinal formula! Packed with pre- and probiotics, this highly digestible formula is made with organic sprouted rye and flax seeds, fruit and vegetable powders, dried kefir powder, and poultry collagen for overall wellness. ($17, mbipet.com)

6. LITTER MESS CONTAINED! Tired of litter mess? The NVR Miss Litterbox features high walls to keep litter and kitty mess contained and a cat-friendly center entrance for easy use. A smooth finish, flat floor, and curved corners makes it easy to clean! (from $26, nvrmiss.com)

7. A BETTER LITTER The Multi-Cat Litter from Sustainably Yours is made with a unique and natural corn-cassava blend for excellent odour control. Fragrance free, biodegradable, and sustainably sourced, this litter also has mixed sized granules to balance clumping and tracking! ($23, sylitter.com)

8. BANISH PAIN & ANXIETY Naturecan’s CBD oil for cats is specifically formulated for felines and made with a proprietary blend of CBD, CBDA isolate, and coconut oil. Give drops orally or mix with food to provide pain and anxiety relief and reduce joint inflammation. (from $30, naturecanpets.com)

9. NAIL CLIPPING MADE EASY Trimming your cat’s nails can be stressful for both you and your cat! The Zen Clipper from Pet Product Innovations has a patented conical blade that helps ensure you only cut the tip of your cat’s nail and avoid cutting the quick. ($17, petppi.com)

10. CAT TOOTHPASTE Your cat’s dental health has a huge impact on overall health. Keep your cat’s teeth and gums healthy (and save money on vet bills!) with the Pet Dental Gel Toothpaste from Oxyfresh. Odourless and tasteless, this toothpaste helps remove plaque and promotes healthy gums. ($11, oxyfresh.com)

11. CAT EYES Protect your cat’s eyesight. With Grapeseed Extract, Lutein, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and a unique combination of 12 different antioxidants, Ocu-GLO soft chews help prevent damage and support vital eye cells! (from $35, animalnecessity.com)

12. HEALTH BOOST Ensure your cats are getting what they need for a long, healthy life. PureForm Pet Health’s Feline Essentials supplement is formulated with glucosamine, amino acids, and a full spectrum vitamin and mineral complex to help cats of all ages. Especially great for cats with kidney or urinary tract infections! ($90, pureformpethealth.com)

13. RISK FACTOR Assess your cat’s risk for developing common, inherited diseases. Developed by veterinarians and PhD geneticists, the CatScan Kit from Paw Print Genetics screens your cat for over 80 inherited diseases and traits. You’ll receive results for each gene tested as normal, a carrier, or at-risk for each disease. ($100, mycatscan.com) moderncat.com

LOVE LETTERS

Sassy, distinguished by her little black nose against her alabaster fur, was my best buddy and support for 15 of her 19.5 years of life. Loyal and loving, she comforted me with her affection after my husband passed away. She was the sentinel at the foot of my bed, never budging during my initial post-operative recovery from total knee replacement. Her tiny black nose would appear at the door whenever I entered my apartment because she could discern the sound of my garage door from others. She crossed the Rainbow Bridge with me by her side in November 2021. —Linda S. Moellering

Shared Interests Unite

Tiny Cat Stories Cat love in short form: miniature, reader-submitted cat stories of no more than 100 words. Esmeralda I’ve heard some say that our pets who have passed on choose our next pet for us. It makes perfect sense that they would want another pet to enjoy the same wonderful life that they had. After my 17-year-old Himalayan passed away, I was ready to look for my next Persian kitty. When I went to my local shelter, much to my amazement I found a beautiful tabby Persian sitting in the very same cage as my former cat had occupied 10 years earlier. What are the chances of THAT happening? I named her Esmeralda. —Pat DeWald

Who Rescued Who? I’d ended my time as a foster mom and was desperately lonely. I entered the shelter, and a small black kitten sidled up to me and began purring. She climbed into my lap, softly brushing her cheek against mine. Time stopped for me. The darkness that had become etched in my mood lifted. All I could see was this precious ball of fur. She chose me and has become our therapy cat. After adopting Canary, we saw she’s the definition of “scaredy cat”. I’m forever grateful for the bravery she exhibited that day to save me from my sadness. —Lindsey Goshgarian

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I rescued my adult strays, Molly and Rosie, six months apart, from our county shelter. Both of their files carried the notation, “Doesn’t get along with other cats.” So true—they barely tolerate each other. While they’ve stopped hissing and fighting, they still don’t play or cuddle as I’d hoped they might with time. But I’ve found two things they do enjoy together without sass or bullying: They both come running at the word “treats” and at hearing the dulcet voice of David Attenborough. Only at those times can I capture them in the same picture frame. —Robin Praytor

He Found Me Gojo found me. I was working at the library that day, out sitting under the big clock. Gojo came over, but not too close. He meowed and rolled around in the grass. I went and got him water. I told myself if he is outside when I get off, I will take him home. Sure enough, he was waiting on me at the door. He let me pick him up, and we have been together ever since. I needed him more, I think. Gojo came into my life at my darkest moment and brightened it up. —Carla Waller

Heaven Sent Our beloved cat Purrcy passed after a long illness, and I was inconsolable. A friend at a local shelter called about a kitten that was rescued from Hurricane Maria and flown up to New Jersey. She told me, “You must come see this baby!” Still grieving, we went to visit, and it was as if the universe knew I could not live without Purrcy— heaven sent us a miniature of him! Purrcy was 13 pounds, and Stellaluna remains five pounds! She trembled for weeks then one day, she simply stopped—and now rules her domain and heals our hearts! —Laura Baker

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Sassy

Follow Spats followed me home ‘cause I promised him food. He slept in my car at night, and walked into the house with the dogs in the morning. He’s taken my chair and most of my pillow at night. Records show that I adopted him, or has he adopted my house and all that is in it? I now work for him to maintain his house, his food, and the big screen TV he prefers to watch Animal Planet on. I also need to provide the catnip-filled mice with bells on them, which I confess sometimes even I find intriguing. —Joseph A. Dewan

Reindeer Kitties I love it when I’m outside—usually, one or two of my cats like to follow me around. One day I was walking down for the mail and looked back. There they were. Not just one cat or two, but all of them! I felt like Scott Calvin from the Santa Clause when the reindeer were following him, except I had a clowder of kitties—or should I say a clowder of reindeer kitties following me in a line. —Michelle Molna

Hello My cat Hobbs can be skittish around noises and new things. When it’s time to go to the vet or if she’s missing and won’t come no matter what, I know there is one thing that will make her appear. I play “Hello” by Adele. She can be in a dead sleep or just hiding, and as soon as she hears it, she comes running. She will headbutt you and meow as it plays. This never fails to work. But as soon as it’s over, she’s done. So, I thank Adele for my cat’s favourite song. — Darla Markel

The Slip Happy Feet is the most graceful of all our cats, rarely losing his footing at any time. But what happens when he leaps onto a stair post piled with laundry? Off he slips, his legs splayed, and lands squarely on the floor, as bewildered as any fallen ballerina could be. —Tatiana S.

Get published in Modern Cat! Submit your cat story of no more than 100 words (word count strictly enforced) to tinycatstories@moderncat.com. By submitting you are consenting to publication of your story.

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MULTI-CAT HOUSEHOLD LIFE HACKS

The Mau Pets Ivy cat tree. (from $389, maupets.com)

Expert tips to create harmony in your multi-cat home | By Rose Frosek

Group Scent

Feline behaviourist Mieshelle Nagelschneider says, “We’ve seen pheromones be the only reason existing cats accept the newly adopted cat.”

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“Owners should have one box per cat plus one more,” says Nagelschneider, host of My Cat From Hell. “For instance, two cats need three litter boxes. Tight on space? Multiple locations trumps number of boxes.” If you have all your litter boxes in one location, such as the spare bathroom, it can cause hostility among your cats and hierarchy battles for who has access. It may also cause your cats to select a new litterbox location you won’t like, such as the guestroom bed.  Multiple cats also mean those litter boxes will need more frequent cleaning. High-traffic litter box? Try the BoxiePro Scoop and Spray Litter Extender, which eliminates odour and keeps the litterbox cleaner longer via probiotics and biodegradable surfactants that encapsulate smells. ($23, boxiecat.com)

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 A pheromone spray or diffuser, which mimics the friendly pheromones happy cats produce, can help create calm and a feeling of wellness among your cats. Try the Comfort Zone Multi-Cat Diffuser, which helps reduce stress with a unique pheromone formula. (from $25, comfortzone.com)

Litterbox Math

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Bonded cats will groom each other, which creates a group scent. This bonded behaviour is called allogrooming. If your cats are not getting along, try grooming them one at a time using the same brush or a soft cloth, which helps to spread friendly pheromones among your cats and create peace in your household.

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Domesticated cats share 95.6 percent of their genome with tigers. And like their wildcat relatives, they are solitary hunters and want to eat alone. Feed your cats in separate rooms in your home. Even if it looks like they are getting along when eating next to each other, it can cause bullying later in the day as eating next to each other creates an impression of scarcity.

Playtime Power Moves

When cats are playing, they are actually enacting a hunting sequence. Never play with your cats at the same time with a single wand toy and expect them to share or take turns. This is against their nature—they are solitary hunters—and can cause animosity and competition. Before you finish playing, always let your cat go in for “the kill.” Allowing them to catch the toy completes the play sequence and leaves your cat feeling satisfied instead of frustrated.  Try the RompiCatz Feather n’ Fabric Teaser wand toy featuring pounce-able soft fabric, feathers on the tip, and a bell for extra enticing play time! (from $10, rompicatz.com)

To the Well

Provide multiple water locations for your multicat household. If you have three cats, have three water locations in very separate areas throughout the home. To your cats, three water bowls right next to each other is the same as just one water source and can lead to resource guarding or animosity.

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Be sure to provide multiple scratchers in different areas of your home so one of your cats doesn’t claim ownership and restrict access. You don’t want one of your cats to resort to your new sofa because there weren’t enough scratchers available.  Try the Catit Vesper Minou scratcher. It combines a scratchable exterior (covered in replaceable sisal scratching mats!) with a cozy hideout featuring a memory-foam cushion and two entrances so your cat won’t feel cornered! ($100, catit.ca)

Timeshare

Given enough resources, your cats will timeshare—just like those who buy into Mexican vacation condos. Make sure there are multiple perching areas, such as cat trees, cat shelves, cat beds, and boxes, located throughout your home so your cats can rotate through, peacefully sharing territory.  Try the Armarkat Classic Cat Tree (model B7301)! Featuring multiple levels, perching spots, a cozy cat house, a plush hammock, and sisalwrapped posts, this tree is a multi-cat haven. ($215, armarkat.com)

Plentiful Prey

Instead of leaving all the cat toys in a basket, create the feeling of plentiful prey by putting out toys in different areas of your home. Rotate toys weekly to keep things interesting. We love the Frisky Furball toy from P.L.A.Y.! ($7, petplay.com).

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Your Cats are Solitary Hunters

Cat Scratcher Scarcity

Editor-in-Chief Connie Wilson’s selection of must-read books for cat lovers Country Vet

Adventures in Fosterland By Hannah Shaw, illustrated by Bev Johnson From New York Times bestselling author and kitten rescuer Hannah Shaw—also known as Kitten Lady—comes this adorable children’s chapter book series. Inspired by Shaw’s real-life experiences with foster kittens and other baby animals, these delightful, inspiring books teach empathy and compassion.

How Snowball Stole Christmas By Kristen McKanagh Mischievous feline Snowball is back in the latest installment in this beloved cozy series. As the unofficial town matchmaker, Snowball has her paws full trying to get Grinch-like Peter Diemer and small business owner Lara Wolfe to realize they are actually a perfect match. Will she manage to pair them in time for the holidays?

Good Grief: On Loving Pets Here and Hereafter By E.B. Bartels This terrific book poignantly explores the incredible bonds humans have with companion animals, and how we grieve their loss. Sharing stories from veterinarians, archaeologists, ministers, and more, Bartels examines grief rituals around the globe and shows there is no right or wrong way to say goodbye to a beloved companion.

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Thirty years of treating animals and trying to understand their owners By Randy L. Skaggs, DVM In this wonderfully entertaining collection of stories, country vet Randy L. Skaggs recounts hilarious and charming tales from his 30-plus years working as a veterinarian in a town of just 8,500 people. Like vets of old, those working in small communities treat “anything that isn’t human.” Skaggs’ retellings of treating everything from bulls to bald eagles are a delight. From run-ins with cheeky monkeys to assisting birthing cows and helping barn cats, you’ll find yourself entirely won over by this small-town vet and the cast of colourful characters that call this Texas panhandle town home.

HOT DOC! Cat Daddies Directed by Mye Hoang Be sure to catch Cat Daddies, the heartwarming debut documentary from director Mye Hoang. The doc provides a moving portrait of nine men—from an undocumented and disabled immigrant living on the streets of New York City to an ad executive turned cat rescuer—whose lives were forever changed by their love for cats. Tender and moving, Cat Daddies follows the “cat dads” during the early days of the COVID19 pandemic, showcasing cats Tora, Pickles, Lucky, Zulu, Toodles, Flame, GoalKitty, and Princess. This touching look at modern masculinity proves that being a cat person has no gender, that the sometimes-unlikely bond between man and cat can change lives, and that unconditional love is always transformative. Opens in select theaters U.S.wide October 14th.

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CONNIE’S BOOK CLUB

CAT FACTS

Social gathering? Try these cat facts to get the conversation flowing! By Camille Lemos

Wrist Whiskers Not only do cats have whiskers on their face, but they also have a set of whiskers on the backs of their front legs. Look at your cat’s forearms, and you’ll see a few small tactile hairs growing on the back of them called carpal vibrissae, named for the Greek carpus, meaning wrist.

Cat Nap Cats spend an average of 15 hours a day sleeping, with some cats sleeping up to 20 hours a day. This means cats will spend approximately 70 percent of their lives asleep!

The Bolt The average, healthy housecat can run at the remarkable speed of about 30 mph (48 km/h) over short distances. This means that a cat can easily outpace superstar runner Usain Bolt!

Achoo! In a role reversal, people are causing breathing problems in cats. One in 200 cats is believed to have asthma that is irritated by human dandruff, smoke, dusty homes, and pollen.

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Most cats have 18 toes—five toes on each of their front paws and four on their back paws. However, Polydactylism, a condition in which cats are born with extra toes, is very common. Polydactyl cats are most frequently found in Western England, Wales, Canada, and the Eastern United States. Their prevalence in those geographic areas regions is often credited to their days on transcontinental ships—polydactyl cats were thought to be lucky and were kept on sailing ships as mousers.

House Panther House cats share 95.6 percent of their genetic makeup with tigers, from which they diverged about 10.8 million years ago. The finding is the result of a 2013 study that sequenced the genomes of tigers, snow leopards, and lions. Like their wild cat relatives, domesticated cats stalk and pounce on prey and engage in scent and urine marking.

You’re Mine Cats rub against people not only to be affectionate but also to mark out territory using the scent glands on their faces. They also mark objects in the same way.

Catwalk Cats walk like camels and giraffes. They move both right feet first, followed by both left feet, moving half of their body forward at once. Camels and giraffes are the only other animals to walk with this sequence.

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Cats Ruled Ancient Egypt In ancient Egypt, cats were revered creatures who were believed to bring good luck. They were adorned in jewelry in life and mummified after death. When a family cat died, the members of the household shaved their eyebrows as a sign of mourning and continued to mourn until their eyebrows grew back.

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INTERESTING

Toe Beans

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LAST LICK

Must-haves for you & your cat

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Illustration by Michelle Simpson

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