Modern Cat Fall/Winter 2023 by Modern Cat Magazine

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These Catnip Alternatives Will Delight Your Cat p32

The lifestyle magazine for modern cats and their companions

INSIDE MINDS OF CATS THE

E FELIN S ET SECR LED!

F A L LF A· LW L I·NW T EI N R T2E0R2 23 0 / 2 43

TOYS THAT WILL DRIVE YOUR CAT

WILD

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

A RE VE

ranslate Your T Cat’s Meows ake This Cat T Personality Test Puzzling Behaviour Explained

moderncat.com DISPLAY UNTIL JAN 31 ‘24

Expert

Advice for a

Happy

Cat

Find out on p26!

$7.95

INSIDE: Giveaways, Contests, Problem Solvers, Tested & Approved Cat Gear + More!

FALL/WINTER 2023/24

VOL 12 NO 2

36 FEATURES 26

Is Your Cat Sad?

Understanding and helping your depressed cat. BY MIESHELLE NAGELSCHNEIDER

Take This Cat Personality Test Study divides cats into five distinct personality types. BY SHERI RADFORD

This Is Why Your Cat Goes Wild When You Say “Pspspsps”

Experts explain the magic behind this universal catattractant sound, plus other sounds cats like and dislike.

Is Pet Insurance Right for Your Cat? A vet explores who pet insurance is right for. BY DR. RACHEL L. STADLER

THE GOODS 22

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

Translating “Meow”

An A.I.-powered pet translation app aims to decipher your cat’s utterances.

BY ANNIKA HARLEY

How Socially Smart Is Your Cat?

Meet the American Shorthair

Get to know the oldest shorthaired American breed, a friendly, mellow cat with classic, easy-care good looks! BY CAROL W JOHNSON

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Vertical Space Solutions The best cat trees, perches, shelves, and more!

Try these social intelligence tests and see how your cat fares! 78

Purrfect Presents

A gift guide for cats & cat lovers!

BY STEVE DUNO

The Cat Gear Look Book

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

Tricks for Cats

How trick training can strengthen the bond between you and your cat.

Catify Your Life

Healthy Paws

Solutions for everything from picky eating to bad breath!

PHOTO LEFT SOUPSTOCK/ADOBE STOCK; ILLUSTRATION RIGHT MICHELLE SIMPSON; RIGHT INSET CATIT

BY TRACEY TONG

CAT LIFE 20

BODY & SOUL

We’ve got months of cool cat stuff—from pet portraits to wellness supplies—up for grabs! Turn to page 20 to see what you can win.

Home Alone

How long can cats be left alone? Experts agree this is the maximum amount of time.

How to Pill a Cat

Discover these 10 surprising facts about orange tabby cats, from their gregarious personalities to their shared commonality with your favourite redhead.

A vet shares her top tips for medicating your cat. BY DR. ELEANOR FLYNN

Top 5 Tips for Keeping Your Cat’s Teeth Clean

Life hacks for making a dreaded task easier.

10 Fascinating Orange Cat Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

On The ‘Nip

Plus, these catnip alternatives will drive your cat wild! BY ROSE FROSEK

Meet the smallest cat breed in the world!

REGULAR FEATURES 6 8 10 12 18 79

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

The Rusty Spotted Cat: Discovering the World’s Smallest Wild Feline BY EVA ERHARDT

Social gathering? Try these cat facts to get the conversation flowing! BY CAMILLE LEMOS

This Ragdoll cutie was photographed by Karen Weiler of Posh Pets Photography.

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Connie’s Book Club

Editor-in-Chief Connie Wilson’s selection of new, must-read books for cat lovers. 76

COVER CAT

8 Interesting Cat Facts

Tiny Cat Stories

Cat love in short form: miniature, reader-submitted cat stories of no more than 100 words. 80

Last Lick

Kittens: a balm for the spirit.

In USA: MODERNCAT (ISSN 1929-3933) Volume 12, 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 Cat, PO Box 310402, Newington, CT 06131-0402.

P H O T O L E F T S U S H K O V A 2/ S H U T T E R S T O C K ; R I G H T L A R R Y J O H N S O N ; L E F T I N S E T I W E I H U A N G / S H U T T E R S T O C K

We’re Giving it Away!

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

ome of the very reasons we love cats—their enigmatic nature, the wildness they retain, their sometimes-mercurial personalities—are also the things that confound us (isn’t that always the way?). We’re here to help you better understand your sometimes mysterious feline friend. Our team of feline behaviour experts has devoted their lives to delving into the minds of cats and explaining their behaviour. In this issue, “Cat Whisperer” Mieshelle Nagelschneider takes a look at sad cats, revealing how to diagnose depression in cats and sharing effective ways to cheer up an unhappy cat. We take a look at a cat translation app that claims to reveal what your cat’s meows mean. And cat-vet Dr. Eleanor Flynn shares novel ways to make pilling a cat easier. We’ve also got a science-backed Cat Personality Test you’re definitely going to want to take and a quiz to determine how socially smart your cat is. Did you know over 30 percent of cats don’t respond to catnip? Discover catnip alternatives that will drive your cat wild (p 32), along with the best vertical space solutions via our round-up of stylish and catapproved cat trees, perches, shelves, and more. And we’ve got gift ideas galore to delight cats and cat lovers. And that’s not all. Get to know the World’s smallest cat, enter our new round of giveaways to win cool cat stuff, and check out the latest batch of heartwarming Tiny Cat Stories. As usual, the issue is packed with expert advice, contests, tested and approved cat gear, tons of cute cats, and so much more! So, dive on in, and let us know what you think! If you’re not already, follow us on Facebook, where we run Friday Freebies every week—all you need to do to win awesome cat products is comment on the post!

Catpuccino & Magazines

“I having a catpuccino and reading my latest copy of Modern Cat... I fancy.” —@kedi_vs_tedi

Cover Material

How can I be the cover boy??? —@littlefujiandgoji

Thank you for being a part of this amazing cat-loving community. With love,

Connie Wilson, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

‘‘

Everything natural—every flower, tree, and animal— has important lessons to teach us if we would only stop, look, and listen. — Eckhart Tolle from Guardians of Being

’’

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Weekends are for Modern Cat

Enjoying some Caturday reading! —@auntiesmoggy

CON TRIBUT O R S FALL · WINTER 2023/24 VOL 12 NO 2 Publisher

Cat vet Dr. Rachel L. Stadler loves cats and writing about cats. For the past 12 years, Rachel has practiced feline medicine at Chester County Cat Hospital in West Chester, PA, where she lives with her husband and two children. In the office, she enjoys helping owners and cats have a good quality of life and a strong human-animal bond. Turn to page 56 for her look at pet insurance and whether it’s right for your cat!

Modern Cat Inc. Editor-in-Chief

Connie Wilson Editor & Creative Director

Jennifer Nosek Design & Production

Megan Carpick 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

Aly Stamper Administrative Assistant

Angelie Hizon

Author and pet behaviourist Steve Duno has trained thousands of pets and their people. His 16 pet care books and many articles address a wide variety of topics, including breed-specific behaviour, environmental enrichment, basic obedience training, behaviour modification, tricks, and nutrition. Turn to page 64 for Steve’s look at why you should teach your cat tricks and how to get started!

INTERESTED IN SUBSCRIBING? Give us a call at 1-800-417-6289 or subscribe online at moderncat.com/subscribe Advertising inquiries call (866) 734-3131 In Canada: MODERNCAT (ISSN 1929-3933) Volume 12, 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 12, 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 Cat, PO Box 310402, Newington, CT 06131-0402. PHONE

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

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

This issue’s cover was photographed by Karen Weiler, an award-winning pet portrait and commercial animal photographer who believes that earning the trust of your furry subject is the secret to an incredible portrait. Karen has travelled extensively around the world, but calls Toronto, Canada home. That’s where, in addition to photographing her Posh Pets Photography clients, she donates her photography services to multiple shelters and rescue groups. Karen and her husband are happily owned by two rescue kitties, Panda and Bentley.

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

Stuff We Love

Modern Cat staffers’ picks of the litter! 1 Don’t let hot spots get out of control! The antiseptic and anti-fungal properties of the Banixx Pet Care Spray provide soothing support for hot spots, ear infections, dry itchy skin, ringworm, rashes, abrasions, and wounds.—Linda ($17, banixx.com)

2 Great gift idea! Flip over the adorable pendant on this reversible, sterling silver

necklace and find the words “cat person” Inspired by vintage storybooks, the necklace is cast in sterling silver and enameled in artist Mark Poulin’s Oakland, CA workshop. Each piece comes with an adjustable 16-to-20-inch sterling silver chain and a cute box ready for gifting!—Connie ($92, markpoulin.com)

3 What could be more fun than a Custom Pet Portrait of your cat? Illustry lets

you choose from a variety of art styles and then generates an AI-generated portrait of your cat. Download a digital file or order a print of your finished portrait!—Yaunna (from $10, illustryai.com)

4 Control household pet odours and keep your air fresh with the QAIS-air-04!

This filter-less air purifier is designed specifically for pet odours and can be wall-mounted right above a litter box to capture smells before they spread throughout the house. Genius.—Megan ($350, us.sunstarqais.com)

5 Enjoy pet-friendly home fragrance with this hand-poured essential oil soy

wax candle. The Calm Your Pawzzz candle combines frankincense, ginger, vanilla, lavender, and ylang ylang to calm nervous tension, irritability, anxiety, and depression, and promote feelings of peace and relaxation. The ‘pawfect’ luxury scent for cat lovers.—Anna ($50, thestinkypetco.com)

6 Show off your fun, cat-loving side with the fantastical “Cats are Meowgical”

unisex tri-blend tee from LisetteArt Shop! Super soft and lightweight, this tee features a colourful design printed with eco-friendly inks.—Angelie ($30, lisetteartshop.com)

7 A high-tech solution to dreaded litter box chores! Leo’s Loo Too controls odours and ensures your cat always has a clean box by automatically sifting waste into an enclosed waste drawer. Remotely monitor via the connected app.—Simran ($650, casaleopet.com)

8 The very fun and adorable Catcouver Advent Calendar is our favourite countdown to the holidays! Each advent calendar box is filled with a variety of cat toys and treats to delight your cat, plus a sheet of Catcouver Christmas stickers for you!—Jory ($70, shop.catcouver.com) 9 Is your cat suffering from ear infections? The Zymox Ear Solution is veterinarian recommended for relief of feline ear infections—without antibiotics! This safe, gentle, and natural formulation reduces inflammation and helps problematic ears.—Rosie ($30, zymox.com)

10 Want a box of fun cat-themed goodies delivered to your door every

month? Who doesn’t? Each CatLadyBox contains three to four fun items for you, plus you can add in two goodies for your cats.—Aly (from $35 monthly, catladybox.com)

11 Did you know that BOBS from Skechers helps animals in need? You’ll look

and feel purrfect in cute and cozy slippers (including these adorable Pop Ups 3.0). BOBS purchases help save and support shelter pets.—Jennifer (from $55, BOBSfromSkechers.com)

12 This 2-in-1 Shell Comb from My Three Cats & Co. gently removes hair and

massages your cat, leaving healthy, shiny, tangle-free fur. The ergonomic design won’t scratch or irritate your cat's skin, so they’ll love their grooming session!—Cecilia ($15, mythreecats.com)

THE

HIDDEN

LANGUAGE

CATS

New book helps cat-people better understand cat communication

Ever wonder why cats scratch furniture? Although annoying for owners when it spoils furnishings, it’s an extremely important behaviour for cats. It not only maintains nail health, but also enables them to leave scent and visual signals. Owners should try and make sure that their cats have access to an appropriate scratching surface to try to keep cats from scratching couches or table legs.

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People often think that certain coat colours are associated with particular personalities, but there’s not much real scientific evidence to support this. Other factors, such as how much socialization to people a cat receives at an early age and how bold their father is, are more likely to influence their behaviour around humans.

Tail Up is a sign of friendly intent from one cat towards another. Cats also perform Tail Up when approaching humans. Always let the cat approach you first, but this tail position is a green flag to potentially making a new furry friend!

Sometimes litters of kittens can have a variety of coat colours—beyond that which can be explained by two parent cats. This is because some litters of kittens can have multiple fathers!

CE N T E R N E W A F R I C A / B I G STO CK ; TO P R I G H T E R I C I SSE L E E / SH U TT E R STO C K ; B OTTO M R I G H T N Y N K E VA N H O LT E N / B I G STO CK

Sarah Brown, a renowned cat behaviour scientist of over 30 years, has been at the forefront of research in the field, discovering how cats use tail signals to interact with each other and their owners. Her newly released book, The Hidden Language of Cats: How They Have Us at Meow, reveals previously unexplored secrets of cat communication. Here, she shares some of the intriguing cat facts from this must-read that will help even experienced cat-people better understand their favourite pet.

P H OTO S TO P CH A L A B A L A / A D O B E STO CK ; I N SE TS L E FT M A RT I N C A R L SS O N / A D O B E STO CK ;

Dr.

Founder Angela Rafuse

A Second Chance for i of a

Cats n Need New Home

ngela Rafuse was just 26 and living in her parent’s basement in Nova Scotia, Canada, when she founded My Grandfather’s Cat. The registered charity, now two years old, helps seniors and terminally ill people arrange homes for their pets before moving into assisted living or passing away. Its founding was personal, inspired by Rafuse’s grandfather and his 14-year-old cat Mackenzie, whom Rafuse took in upon her grandfather’s passing. “Sharing videos of Mackenzie on TikTok, I heard countless stories of how many seniors worried about what would happen to their pets when they moved to a retirement home or, heaven forbid, passed away,” says Rafuse. “It was the same fear my grandfather had.” In founding My Grandfather’s Angela Rafuse with her grandfather. Cat, Rafuse wanted to create a safe space for seniors to arrange second forever homes for their beloved pets. Within a month of operating, they received “countless emails” from people who were moving into retirement homes or terminally ill. Clearly, a need was being met.

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Rather than housing pets in a foster system, My Grandfather’s Cat arranges for them to move directly into a new home. There are no costs for either rehoming or adopting through the organization. Instead, the charity’s operation is funded through merchandise sales and the generosity of donors. Volunteers vet each applicant to ensure they are a fit for the animal’s needs. The senior or terminally ill person who owns the animal then reviews the applicants, interviews each person, and ultimately makes the decision of who adopts their animal. “Our goal is for the animal to stay with their human up until the very last day,” says Rafuse, who has been nominated for the 2022 Women of Inspiration Awards and Atlantic Business Magazine’s Top 30 under 30 Innovators. The charity is most often called upon when a senior is moving into a retirement home or care facility due to declining health, a person has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, or a person has unexpectedly passed away and the family is unable to adopt their pet. To date, they have found homes for 130 cats and dogs. The organization, which operates across Canada, receives about 25 enquiries per month from people needing to find a new home for their cat and try to help as many as they can. “The most rewarding part of the work we do is knowing we provide comfort to seniors and terminally ill people knowing their beloved pet has a second forever home,” says Rafuse.

>> Help support their work at mygrandfatherscat.ca/donate

P H OTOS TO P S O U T H T I D E P H OTO G R A P H Y ; L E FT I N SE T MYG R A N D FAT H E R S C AT

Charity aims to help pets of the elderly

CAPTION THIS!

There are only an estimated 3,500-7,000 snow leopards left in the wild

AND THE WINNING CAPTIONS FROM LAST ISSUE ARE…

Great Gift Idea:

Adopt a Snow Leopard! Help protect a snow leopard living in the wild with a symbolic adoption

he Snow Leopard Trust is the world’s oldest and largest organization dedicated to protecting the endangered snow leopard—and they have an adorable way of supporting the conservation of this iconic big cat. The registered non-profit offers symbolic adoption Snow Leopards. Proceeds provide a sustainable income to communities in snow leopard habitats and help to reduce poaching and other threats to these cats. Every symbolic adoption package directly funds their conservation efforts. These one-of-a-kind feel-good gifts delight adults and children alike. You can choose an instant adoption sent via email or a mailed adoption package that includes a personalized adoption certificate, a snow leopard cub plush, a photo of your snow leopard cub, a fact sheet, and a Snow Leopard Trust annual sticker. Feel good knowing your gift helped protect a snow leopard living in the wild.

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“Hang in there,Tom, you only have a few lives left.” SUBMITTED BY KELLI READOUT

RUNNER-UP CAPTIONS “This isn’t a drive thru Ralph, you’re just gonna have to come in and convince them you are starving like the rest of us…” SUBMITTED BY JACKI WILSON

“She's firm. You can come in when you agree to the surgery.” SUBMITTED BY ROBIN PRAYTOR

“Wave to Mittens on your way down.” SUBMITTED BY SILVANA LAGROTTERIA

“Just 10 more reps, and I’ll let you in!” SUBMITTED BY JANET MILLER

“Carl, my guess is that this behaviour explains why you're down to eight lives.” SUBMITTED BY MARION ALTIERI

P H OTOS TO P TO B OTTO M SLC F / SN OW L EO PA R D T R U ST; P R A SE N J E E T YA DAV / SN OW L EO PA R D T R U ST; I N SE T SN O W L EO PA R D T R U ST

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.

! E L I SM

moderncat’s

ELEANOR ROOSEVELT

Awww !

GARFIELD

YUNA

COCO

ESTHER

WILSON

ZOLA

TIGGER

MAX

TOVA

PHOEBE & ARCHIE

FREYA

KIM CHI

LUG NUT

POLLY

FRODO

HAMILTON

PEACHES

THOR

GÂTEAUX

PUMPKIN

CALLIE JO

MAX

OPHELIA & VALENTINA

Too cute! HARPER

ANNIE

GRAY LUKE Think your cat ought to grace the pages of Modern Cat?

TOOTSIE

PENNY

Upload your cat's photo at moderncat. com/photo-contest. 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

1st -14th

Win Armarkat’s Premium Model X7001 Cat Tree! A purrfect vertical space solution for your pampered feline, this durable cat tree is Cat Daddy approved by Jackson Galaxy.

November

15th -31st

Win 1 of 8 custom pet portraits from illustry! Includes a unique 12 x 18 print in the art style of your choice.

December

1st -14th

Win 1 of 4 custom framed portraits or unframed canvases from Crown and Paw! Winners will get to choose the portrait size and style.

Win 1 of 2 feline grooming prize packs from Pride + Groom! Includes their foaming waterless shampoo, leave-in conditioner, grooming wipes, a brush, deodorizing spray, and paw balm.

Win a six-month subscription to CatLadyBox! This monthly subscription box for cat lovers includes cat-themed surprises for you, plus ameowzing cat toys for your kitties!

15th -30th Win 1 of 3 sterling silver and enamel band rings from Mark Poulin Jewelry! Purrfect for cat people, this ring features the phrase “Talks to Cats.”

January

15th -31st

Win 1 of 3 complete Calm Your Paw’zzz sets from The Stinky Pet Co.! Includes one candle, room spray, sanitizer, and pet-safe essential oil blend.

February

1st -14th

Win 1 of 3 litter care prize packs from Catalyst Pet! Includes a six month supply of Catalyst litter, a premium scoop, and a litter mat.

March

15th -29th

Win 1 of 4 cat lover bundles from Skinny Pete’s Catnip! Includes an original cat tee or tank top and a framed cat-themed art poster.

1st -14th

Win 1 of 2 Cento cat trees from Mau! This beautiful tree includes everything your kitty needs, is easy to clean, and will last for years since all wear and tear parts are replaceable.

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.

15th -31st

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.

No purchase necessary to enter or win. Beginning October 1, 2023 at 12:01 AM (PST) through March 31, 2024 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: DRACO SUBMITTED BY KIRRA

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

Catify

Cats, experts in all things cozy, love the Vevo cat bed from Mau Pets! It’s made with cat-attracting silky, velvety materials, and the knotted weave design allows you to customize the shape to your cat’s liking. Available in two different colours, it can also fit a cozy cushion insert! maupets.com

240

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Canvas Portrait from Crown & Paw makes an incredible gift! Simply send in a pet photo, choose your theme, and their team will put together a sure-to-be-cherished hand-designed pet portrait. crownandpaw.com

Your Life! 7

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

The LoftyLoo Raised Litter Station makes cleaning up after your cat easy, even if you’re mobility challenged! The brilliant, minimalistic, and accessible design allows you to tend to the litter box while sitting or standing. Plus, it sits on locked wheels and features a storage cubby to keep supplies organized and within reach. It’s safe and easy for cats to access their box, too! loftyloo.com

from $60 A Custom Pet

Add an enchanting touch to your desk or bookshelf with the Bastet Glass Cat Goddess from Epiphany Glass! This stunning sculpture is handcrafted from molten glass and delicately layered with colour. epiphanyglass.com

Say hello to your cat’s new favourite toy! The Large Felted Pom Pom Wool Balls from PurrfectPlay are big, fuzzy, and handmade from natural wool. Light and bouncy. they entice play. Cats carry them all over the house, hunting and stalking their “prey!” purrfectplay.com

Cat Sad? Understanding and helping your depressed cat

By Mieshelle Nagelschneider,

host of two-time Emmy award-winning T.V. Show My Cat from Hell on Discovery Plus China and author of the cat behaviour science book The Cat Whisperer

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ats, known for their playful and mysterious nature, are not immune to experiencing emotions such as sadness and depression. In fact, as in humans, depression can stem from anxiety. While it may be challenging to identify these emotions in cats, the signs and symptoms of feline depression do exist. Recognizing these markers and implementing strategies to help alleviate your cat’s unhappiness is crucial for ensuring the emotional well-being of your feline friend.

Signs of Feline Depression Depression in cats can manifest in various ways, so it’s important for cat owners to be observant of any changes in behaviour. Before assuming your cat is depressed, it’s essential to rule out any underlying medical conditions. If your cat is physically unwell, the common signs of depression can overlap. Schedule a visit with your veterinarian to ensure your cat’s physical health is in order. If your cat is between seven and eight years of age, they are ready for a senior wellness check that includes a senior blood profile and urinalysis. Also, don’t forget your cat’s flea treatment if they go outside (even if only for a few minutes). Irritated skin from a single flea bite can cause your cat to be uncomfortable and stressed, leading to one sad cat!

PHOTO ADDINGWATER/ADOBE STOCK

Is Your

Understanding Feline Depression + Strategies To Promote Emotional Well-Being In Cats

DID YOU KNOW that your cat’s stress response system can become activated if their home environment is not enriched enough?

COMMON SIGNS A CAT MAY BE DEPRESSED

As with humans, a lack of interest in life can be a sign of depression in cats. The Common Causes of Depression in Cats: • Mundane Environment: lack of stimulation or an environment that does not provide ways for a cat to display their natural behaviour (i.e., not enough or variety of toys, perching, and hiding areas), or no person or companion animal to interact with.

EXCESSIVE VOCALIZATION: Cats suffering from depression may display excessive meowing or yowling with or without pacing behaviour.

CHANGE IN APPETITE: A decrease or complete loss of appetite may be an indication of depression or stress in cats. Inappetence is a much more common sign for many cat health issues, so again, be sure your vet performs a thorough examination.

SOCIAL WITHDRAWAL: Cats may become more reclusive or aloof, avoiding interaction with their human family members and other pets.

REDUCED OR INCREASED GROOMING: Depressed cats may neglect their grooming routine, leading to an unkempt coat. Overgrooming specific areas of the body is also a very common behaviour in cats that have anxiety and are depressed.

SLEEP DISTURBANCES: An increase or decrease in sleep patterns can be a sign of emotional distress.

• Moving or Change: moving to a new home, changes in a cat’s daily routine, or changes in the cat owner’s schedule. • Environmental Stressors: loud noises, lack of safe hiding and perching areas, overcrowding (too many cats), unpredictable feeding schedule, or conflict with other animals. • Major Loss: Losing a family member or animal companion. Even a son or daughter leaving for college can equate to a significant loss for a cat. • Physical Health: changes in a cat’s physical health can affect how they experience their environment. If a cat becomes obese, it may have difficulty perching in a windowsill or other perching area to view the birds, decreasing their enrichment.

moderncat.com

CREATE A SAFE AND STIMULATING ENVIRONMENT: Cats thrive in environments that provide mental and physical stimulation. Ensure your home offers plenty of hiding spots, scratching posts, toys, and perching areas for your cat to explore. Consider rotating toys and introducing interactive play sessions to engage their senses. Cats are one of the species that hunt a variety of prey and experience many different types of terrain. It’s important to create this variety with your cat’s indoor home environment.

PROVIDE VERTICAL SPACE: Cats love to climb and perch in high places. Install cat trees or shelves to allow your cat to observe their surroundings from an elevated position. This not only provides a sense of security but also offers mental stimulation (see page 60 for vertical space solutions).

BONDING AND AFFECTION: Spend quality time bonding with your cat daily. Petting, brushing, and interactive play. Positive reinforcement training like clicker training can also strengthen the bond between you and your cat.

ESTABLISH A ROUTINE: Cats are creatures of habit. Establishing a consistent daily routine for feeding, playtime, grooming, and cuddles can provide a sense of security and stability, reducing stress and anxiety.

ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES: Engage a cat’s natural instincts through interactive play sessions. Use toys that mimic prey, such as wanded feather toys or battery-operated toys that hide like real prey, to encourage exercise and mental stimulation. Puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys can also provide mental enrichment.

CONSIDER A FELINE COMPANION: Cats instinctively have a huge social repertoire with other cats. Adding another cat to the home can provide both enrichment and companionship.

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ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT: Incorporate elements that mimic the outdoor environment, such as a window perch with a view or a bird feeder or bird bath outside the window. These can provide visual stimulation, reducing boredom and promoting overall well-being.

CAT PHEROMONE THERAPY: Consider using cat pheromone diffusers or sprays specifically designed for cats to decrease stress and create a sense of calm and safety.

Need help with your cat behaviour issue? You can schedule a Zoom appointment with cat behaviour science author and Cat Behaviourist Mieshelle Nagelschneider at thecatbehaviorclinic.com.

PHOTO PHOTOCREO BEDNAREK/ADOBE STOCK

STRATEGIES TO HELP PULL A CAT OUT OF A DEPRESSED STATE

IS IT HUNGER? Have you read the feeding guidelines on your cat’s cat food label? Be sure to feed your cat the correct calorie allotment for their specific weight. If your cat is not receiving enough calories each day, he may sleep more than normal, have low energy, and become uninterested in cat toys.

Orange Cat Facts 10 Fascinating

You Probabably Didn’t Know

here’s lots to love about orange cats, from their chatty disposition to their unique markings. Read on for what makes orange cats unique!

If Your Cat is Orange, It’s a Tabby. All orange

cats are tabbies (though not all tabbies are orange). Many people mistakenly believe that “tabby” is a specific breed when in fact, it is a reference to the unique coat markings all tabby cats have. The word “tabby” originates from a striped silk made in Iraq.

Look for the “M.”

All orange cats sport an “M” on their forehead. Though various legends attribute the “M” to everyone from the Virgin Mary to Mohammed, the

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real, science-backed explanation is in their DNA. The trademark “M” marking is caused by the same gene that gives orange cats their tabby pattern.

Orange Cats Are Almost Always Male. Four out of five orange

tabby cats are born male—a whopping 80 percent of orange kittens will be boys. Why? The marmalade colour comes from a sex-linked gene, with the X chromosome being responsible for the orange coloured fur. Because females have two X chromosomes, females need the gene for orange fur to occur twice in both of their X genes. Males, on the other hand, have the XY chromosome, so they only need their one X gene to have the marker for orange colouring.

They’re Chatty Cathy’s. Orange cats are

known to be talkers. According to Gary Weitzman, head veterinarian at the San Diego Humane Society, cat personalities are tied to coat colour—and orange cats are far and away the most talkative of the bunch!

Trademark Black Freckles. Many orange

cats have dark freckles around their nose and/or gums. This is caused by a genetic condition caused lentigo, which is common in calico and tortoiseshell cats. Lentigo increases in the number of pigment-producing cells, causing the freckles. Lentigo is not cause for worry in and of itself, though if you notice any changes, speak with your vet.

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Discover these 10 surprising facts about orange tabby cats, from their gregarious personalities to their shared commonality with your favourite redhead

6 7 8 9 10

They Have Something in Common with Your Red-Headed Friends.

A specific pigment called pheomelanin causes the orange coat colour. This is the same pigment that causes red hair in humans.

Velcro Cat Reputation. While there’s no

scientific studies to back this, orange cats are thought to be friendlier and more affectionate than other cats. This could be because 80% of orange cats are male, and male cats tend to be more social and affectionate with both humans and other cats.

Types of Stripes. There are no cats with sol-

id-coloured orange coats. All tabby cats, including those that are orange, have a patterned coat caused by the agouti gene. This gene results in one of four possible tabby patterns: mackerel (tiger stripes), ticked (fur with alternating light and dark stripes), spotted, and classic (a swirled pattern).

Bigger Than Your Average Cat.

Marmalade cats tend to be slightly larger and taller than other cats. This is likely because most orange cats are males.

Easy-going Snugglers. Though all

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ginger cats have individual personalities, consensus says these cats like to relax. Easy-going and laid-back, orange cats are perfect snuggle buddies.

moderncat.com

ON THE ‘NIP Plus, these catnip alternatives will drive your cat wild! By Rose Frosek | Photos by Andrew Marttila

Undeniably, many cats go crazy for the stuff. But just what is at play here? And is it good for cats? Researchers suspect that the herb targets feline “happy” receptors in the brain, says the Humane Society of the United States. Cats rolling in catnip tend to have a euphoric response, whereas if eaten, it tends to mellow cats out. Most cats react to catnip by rolling, raking, rubbing cheeks and chin, drooling, bunny-kicking toys, zipping around the house, and eventually chilling out. They may even meow and growl at the same time.

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But is catnip good for cats?

Catnip is a wonderful, safe enrichment tool. It can help stimulate cats both mentally and physically, helping contribute to a happier, healthier life. You can use catnip to encourage play, thereby fighting obesity and stress, and to help your cat use their cat scratcher instead of your couch—using catnip on scratchers helps attract your cats to these areas.

Can I give my cat catnip every day?

Though catnip is safe and non-addictive, it’s effect can be diluted if you give it to your cat too often. Alexander Animal Hospital recommends you limit the use of catnip to about once every two to three weeks in order to prevent habituation. Others suggest once a week. Note that young cats and older cats may have a lesser response to cat nip.

My cat doesn’t respond to catnip. Why?

Not all cats respond to catnip. About a third of domestic cats (as well as most tigers) display no response to catnip at all. This is because over 30 percent of domestic cats do

P H OTOS A N D R E W M A RT I L L A

there anything more fascinating and funnier than cats experiencing catnip-induced euphoria? Cat photographer Andrew Marttila’s delightful book Cats on Catnip is devoted to the hilarious poses of cats in the thrall of a catnip high, and it is as fun as one would imagine.

not inherit the traits that make them respond to nepetalactone. For these cats, catnip alternatives, like silver vine, Tatarian honeysuckle, and valerian may provide your cat with similar enrichment. All three alternatives cause playful, euphoric behaviour similar to that seen with catnip.

Silver Vine

Silver vine (also known as matatabi, Japanese catnip, or cat powder) is the most effective of these plants—almost 80 percent of cats respond positively to silver vine, says the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. That’s more than those that respond to catnip. Silver vine is much more common in Asia, where the Japanese refer to the euphoric behaviour of cats after sniffing the plant as “the matatabi dance.” While catnip has just one compound (nepetalactone) that attracts cats, silver vine contains two—actinidine and dihydroactinidiolide. It also has half a dozen other active ingredients that are like nepetalactone. Silver vine poses no risk of toxicity. “I only let my cat play with it once a week [but] it can be used every day without any harmful side effects,” says Sara Ochoa, a veterinary consultant for DogLab.

Tatarian Honeysuckle

Around 50 percent of cats respond to Tartarian honeysuckle. Typical response includes rolling, licking, sniffing, drooling, hugging, and rubbing it on their chin and cheeks. Cats under the influence may become extremely affectionate. Pro tip: wetting the wood can help bring out the aroma. Tartarian honeysuckle is safe for both adult cats and kittens and is a wonderful way to enrich your cat’s environment.

Valerian Behaviours of cats on valerian root are similar to those of cats on catnip. Expect playful behaviours, such as chin and cheek rubbing, rolling, meowing, pouncing, drooling, and licking. When consumed, the effects of valerian can include euphoria, purring, relaxation, and even falling asleep. Valerian Root is not only safe for your cat but is beneficial! It helps relieve stress and anxiety and promotes play and exercise for indoor cats. Just under 50 percent of cats respond to valerian.

Sprinkling a ¹⁄4 teaspoon of silver vine on your cat’s bed, toys, or scratching posts can help with anxiety. Chewing on silver vine sticks can help clean the tartar off your cat’s teeth.

Alternatives to Catnip: A 2021 Study on Olfactory Enrichment for Cats In a study of catnip alternatives, researchers found that 79 percent of domestic cats responded positively to the silver vine, whereas 68 percent responded to catnip, 53 percent to Tatarian honeysuckle, and 47 percent to valerian root. Males and females appeared to be equally responsive. There was no difference in responsiveness based on age, but the researchers did note a lower response intensity in older versus younger cats, specifically for catnip. They also noted that shy or scared cats were just as likely to respond as affectionate and friendly cats. 31 percent of cats did not respond at all to catnip; however, of these cats, 71 percent responded to silver vine, 32 percent to Tatarian honeysuckle, and 19 percent to valerian root, suggesting that these are effective alternatives to catnip. Further, among the 21 percent of cats that responded to only one plant material, that material was most often silver vine. So, if your cat doesn’t respond to catnip—or if you’d simply like to mix it up—try one of these alternatives. Your cat will thank you.

OUR PICKS A CATNIP TOY CATS GO CRAZY FOR Yeowww!

My Cats Balls is a trio of perfectly sized two-inch toys stuffed with potent organic catnip to delight your feline. Perfection. ($12, duckyworld.com)

SILVER VINE CHEWS

If your cat doesn’t react to catnip, try the Define Planet Silver Vine Dental Sticks! Made from unprocessed and natural silver vine, these sticks excite and stimulate cats while also promoting dental health. ($13, defineplanet.com)

CLASSIC, ORGANIC ‘NIP

The Classic Catnip tin from Skinny Pete’s Catnip is packed with 25 grams of pure organic catnip! Perfect for refreshing cat toys or spreading on cat trees or scratchers to encourage positive scratching behaviour and play! ($13, skinnypetescatnip.com) moderncat.com

THE CAT GEAR LOOKBOOK

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

SCRATCHERS

pidan Valley Cat Scratcher Bed $40; teddybob.ca or teddybob.us

Emory Cat Scratcher $49; maupets.com

Arty Cat Scratcher $55; petplay.com

The Ultimate Scratching Post $80; pioneerpet.com

TOYS

Rainbow Cat Charmer $7; catdancer.com

Kitty Cravings Cat Toys $12; petshop.fringestudio.com

Jumbo Crinkle Ball $3; crinkleball.com

Nip Nibblers $5; pioneerpet.com

2024 Cats on Catnip Wall Calendar $16; pageaday.com

Unisex “Terot Card” Black Tee $25; skinnypetescatnip.com

Petshop Celestial Cat Stoneware Mug $17; petshop.fringestudio.com

Great White Shark Cat Ball Bed $83; thecatball.com

Buttercup Bed from $70; bowsers.com

Armarkat Cat Bed C18HTH/MH $54; armarkat.com

FOR CAT PEOPLE

Nose Print Pendant from $277; robinslovingtouch.com

BEDS

K&H Self-Warming Pet Pad $23; khpet.com

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Take This Cat Personality Test Study divides cats into five distinct personality types

man could be crossed with the cat,” Mark Twain once wrote, “it would improve man, but it would deteriorate the cat.” The writer and humourist was a bit of an expert on the subject of feline personalities, having lived with up to 19 cats at a time and even seeking out feline companions while on vacation. Anyone lucky enough to share a home with a cat has undoubtedly discovered the idiosyncrasies that make up each one’s unique personality. It turns out that analyzing a few specific factors can impart useful insights about the

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cat’s personality—and offer important clues for how their human companions should interact with them. In 2017, scientists asked the owners of 2,802 domestic cats in Australia and New Zealand to use a seven-point scale to rate their pets for 52 personality traits, including playful, cooperative, self-assured, reckless, inquisitive, greedy, vocal, defiant, excitable, independent, shy, trusting, and predictable. The researchers then collated the results to come up with a set of personality factors now known as the Feline Five or the Big Five.

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By Sheri Radford

P H OTO #1 L A R Y K A / B I G STO CK ; #2 A F R I C A ST U D I O / SH U TT E R STO CK ; #3 DA N I E L L E A R M ST RO N G / SH U TT E R STO CK ; #4 S U K H OT H A I B OY / SH U TT E R STO CK ; #5 A N T I BY D N I / SH U TT E R STO CK

The Feline Five Personality Traits 1. Neuroticism

4. Impulsiveness

Neurotic cats present as shy, suspicious, anxious, and insecure. They’re skittish and often demonstrate a fear of people. Conversely, cats low on this scale appear trusting and calm and may act boldly.

Impulsive cats often behave erratically and restlessly. A low score on the impulsiveness scale suggests a well-adjusted cat with an enjoyable and predictable routine.

2. Extraversion

5. Agreeableness

Extraverted cats are outgoing, active, curious, vigilant, decisive, smart, inventive, and open to new experiences. Cats with low scores on the extraversion scale may seem withdrawn, clumsy, and aimless.

Agreeable cats are gentle, affectionate, well-adjusted, and friendly towards people and other animals. Cats with low scores on this scale may seem irritable, frustrated, solitary, and aggressive towards people.

3. Dominance Dominance refers to bullying behaviour and aggression, possibly resulting in injuries and stress for other animals (and people) in the household. A low dominance score indicates a friendly and submissive cat.

•••••

nalyzing a cat in terms of the Feline Five is useful for pet owners hoping to glean a deeper understanding of their animals. “It takes the complex phenomenon of personality and categorizes it into just five dimensions that are easy to understand and, in many parts, relatable to cat behaviour,” says Sarah Ellis, Head of Cat Mental Wellbeing and Behaviour at International Cat Care, a charity in the U.K. “If we take the dimension of ‘openness’ [extraversion] versus ‘closed to experience’ [introversion] and a situation common to cats, such as going to the vet for a routine health check, we can quite easily apply this dimension,” Ellis explains. “Cats that have a personality

“It’s worth taking the time to become familiar with the quirks of each cat’s personality.”

that lies close to the ‘openness’ end of the spectrum are more likely to be curious in the consult room—they may physically explore, sniffing the floor and equipment and even interacting positively with the vet. Cats that lie closer to the ‘closed to experience’ end of the spectrum may be more likely to remain disengaged from the experience, perhaps remaining in their cat carrier when the door is opened.” Ellis believes it’s worth taking the time to become familiar with the quirks of each cat’s personality. “We know that cats have very specific needs as a species—for example, they are all obligate carnivores, solitary survivalists, and use scent and pheromones to communicate to other cats—but each cat is also an individual,” she says. “Some cats are very bold and new things do not faze them, some are very sociable and enjoy physical interactions with people, while others are timid and cautious, some towards people, some towards the physical environment, and some towards both. By assessing a cat’s personality, we gain a greater understanding of who it is, what its likes and dislikes are, and are therefore able to better set up the environment and interact in a way that suits each individual cat, thus maximizing their physical health and mental wellbeing.” Linda Hall and Rita Reimers agree that the value of using the Feline Five lies in being better able to understand and respond to a cat’s specific needs. Hall and Reimers are the dynamic moderncat.com

duo behind the 19 Cats and Counting podcast. (The “and Counting” part refers to the fact that neither woman can resist rescuing any cat in need.) Both are Certified Cat Behaviourists who regularly help stressed cat owners solve litter box issues, aggression, unwanted scratching, and other problems. “You tailor your approach to your cat’s personality,” says Reimers. “A shier cat, a more reserved cat, is more cautious, maybe a little bit closer to her feral roots than, say, a cat that’s overly friendly. So you want to really make your moves small around those types of cats.” “You have to work on their level,” says Hall, likening the situation to figuring out what a specific person may need. “If you’ve got a human in your life who tends to be skittish and has sensory issues, you’re not going to take them to the bar. You’re going to take them to a quieter restaurant. You’re just

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A neurotic cat may appreciate having several hiding places and quiet areas around the home to escape to, while an impulsive cat may respond well to stressors being removed from the environment. An extraverted cat may need constant stimulation in the form of new toys to play with, challenging environments to explore, and frequent social interactions with humans or other animals. A disagreeable cat might actually be displaying signs of a health problem or cognitive impairment and could benefit from a veterinary checkup. An owner who pays close attention to their cat’s specific personality traits is more likely to notice changes that could indicate the need to visit a vet or a cat behaviour specialist. It’s also worth remembering that any cat may occasionally display some of the less pleasant of the Big Five, including anxiety and aggression, upon sensing a threat to resources such as food, water, or territory. “There is no concept of sharing out in nature,” Hall explains. “If I smell a stranger coming in, honey, they ain’t moving in to do mimosas and brunch with me! They’re gonna steal everything I’ve got.” Reimers describes a 15-year-old cat she adopted. “She’s got a large-and-in-charge personality, but she was nervous for quite a while before she would trust me. It took two years before she would sit on my lap,” Reimers says. “Even though she was bold, she stayed reserved until she knew she could trust again.” A cat’s true personality may take some time to shine through in a new environment.

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“A cat’s true personality may take some time to shine through in a new environment.”

helping to facilitate their needs, and that’s all we need to do with cats.” She adds, “We all come with baggage—humans and animals alike.”

Hall and Reimers both mention more than once that in order to truly understand a cat’s personality, it’s vital to remember one key fact: everything a cat does is based on their own survival and the survival of their species. “Cats are both predator and prey in nature,” Hall says. “Danger’s all around. This is a cat’s life outside. They could be eaten at any minute.” Out in the wild, a cat’s very life depends on learning where the rewards and the dangers are. Though it’s impossible to change the core personality of a cat, the same way it is with a human, by recognizing and understanding a cat’s key traits, you can tailor your actions to what the animal needs. “You can make an anxious cat more relaxed by how you interact with the cat and how you set up the atmosphere,” Reimers says. “Early on, in my 20s, when I was still pretty neurotic, as 20-year-olds can be, I had a cat named Precious, and Precious was just as persnickety as I was back then. I notice that as I’m older now, the kittens I acquire tend to be more laid-back because I am. So, I do think that they take their cues from you. They’re empaths.” Hall agrees. “They’re picking up on our feelings,” she says. “They watch every facial expression, everything you do, and they know how you’re feeling.”

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Occasionally, people misinterpret this extreme empathy, viewing it as cats fundamentally altering their personalities to mimic those of the people they live with, but that’s not the case. Reimers explains that the animals are merely responding to “the stimulus they’re getting from us.”

Similarly, Ellis doesn’t believe that a cat’s personality ever actually changes to match an owner’s. “Personalities are relatively fixed in adults and their adult cats,” she says. “Instead, what may be happening is that owners are attracted to cats with personalities that are similar to their own or that they are more likely to ‘see’ the personality traits they recognize in themselves. This may not be a bad thing, as viewing someone or, in this case, a cat as similar to yourself can increase the caregiver’s bond to their cat.” Perhaps cat owners should be rating themselves on the Feline Five, too? 

Take the Feline Five Personality test at idrlabs.com/cat-personality/test.php moderncat.com

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Handmade in Pontiac, Michigan, the epiphany glass Sleeping Kitties are guaranteed allergy free and never need a litter box! Solid hot-sculpted glass with layers of colour, signed and dated on the bottom. epiphanyglass.com

The Holiday Crinkle Ball is the purrfect way to make your furry friend feel special during the holiday season! This toy combines fun, engagement, and festive cheer to keep your cat entertained for hours. cancorinnovations.com

The RYERCAT Toothbrush is a dual-sided, cat-specific toothbrush with a super small micro head and pointed pick end. Made of cornstarch and available in five colours! RYERCAT is a small family business based in Vancouver, Canada. ryercat.com

Gorgeous gloves embellished with Laurel Burch’s infamous Polka Dot Gatos enhance any outfit! These buttery soft touchscreen gloves are ideal for driving and protect your hands with style. mythreecats.com

The Yeowww! Catnip Kris Krinkle Gift Bundle comes bagged and tagged and ready for giving. Whether naughty or nice, cats will be clamoring for a bundle of this holiday cheer! Includes 3 Yeowww! Catnip toys and a mini bag of catnip. yeowww.com

Gift peace of mind with Tractive’s CAT Mini, the world’s #1 GPS tracker for cats! Featuring Live GPS tracking, activity and sleep tracking, Virtual Fence and more. tractive.com

moderncat.com

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The Armarkat A8104 is a premium cat tower designed for ultimate feline comfort. Its plush, supportive design ensures your furry friend enjoys a cozy retreat, making it a perfect addition to any cat-loving home. armarkat.com

Show your love for cats in style with these PURRRfect artistcreated gifts! LisetteArt Shop has whimsical wood signs, fun mugs, tees, art, and more. You’ll find MEOW-velous gifts for any cat lover! lisetteartshop.com/cats

Four feet of rainbow coloured plush fabric attached to an unbreakable wand inspires snake hunting adventures in the minds of cats! Certified safe, colourfast and non-toxic, the Rainbow Cat Charmer toy is made in Cat Dancer’s solar powered factory in Wisconsin. catdancer.com

Purrfectplay Catnip Baby Carrots are perfect to toss, carry, and juggle! Little organic cotton gems that keep your kitties active. Made in the USA, these toys are fragrant, fresh, and plastic free! purrfectplay.com

Elevate your day with LoftyLoo: sit or stand to scoop. Lifts litter pans for joint-friendly cleaning. Wheelchair accessible. Storage controls odour while keeping supplies within reach, and the raised litter station creates accessibility for all. loftyloo.com

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The Yeowww! Catnip La CAT-rina toy brings playtime to life! Based on the designs of the decorative sugar skulls emblematic of the Day of the Dead celebrations, La CATrina is an elegant and colourful feast for kitty’s senses. Made with durable cotton twill and packed with organically grown catnip! yeowww.com

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Big solutions from a little boost! All-new Go! Solutions Boosters wet food toppers for cats provide a complete and balanced meal alternative, conveniently packaged in a single-serve, single-solution package. go-solutions.com

Countdown to a meowgical holiday season with the Catcouver Cat Advent Calendar! Treat your furry friend to daily surprises and festive feline fun. A purrfect way to celebrate together! shop.catcouver.com

Experience luxurious, petfriendly home fragrance products with The Stinky Pet Co.’s hand-poured essential oil soy wax candles, room sprays, hand sanitizers, and essential oil blends for diffusers. thestinkypetco.com

Litter Genie has become the hassle-free litter disposal system that is closing the lid on cat odours with its unique air-tight design and multi-layer bags to lock away undesirable smells. littergenie.com

The Catit Vesper Treehouse is a modern, natureinspired playground for adventurous cats and kittens! Features elegant wooden branches and is available in 3 sizes. Learn more on catit.ca

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

moderncat.com

PHOTO FORGABY/SHUTTERSTOCK

HOME ALONE How long can cats be left alone? Experts agree this is the maximum amount of time

he stereotype that cats are solitary and fine on their own is false. Cats struggle with change, can experience separation anxiety, and require regular care. Most vets agree that cats should be left alone for no more than 24 hours. If you leave your cat alone for longer than 24 hours, there are significant safety issues. Cats left alone could: Become shut or locked in a room without access to their food and water Get hurt or sick from falls, ingesting something they shouldn’t, etc. Become trapped in small spaces Spill their water and have nothing to drink You’ll need to have someone check in on your cat at least once a day while

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you’re away to make sure they are okay and can receive veterinary care if needed. Cats also need company. If you have been away, look for these signs of separation anxiety in your cat: Destructive behaviour Excessive hiding, grooming, and/ or vocalization “Accidents” (eliminating outside of the litter box) Refusal to eat or drink

BOTTOM LINE: If you are going to

be away longer than 24 hours, have a neighbour check in on your cat daily or hire a cat sitter. Most cats prefer to stay in their own home, but if this isn’t possible, cat boarding is also an option. For more cat tips and expert cat advice, check out 10 Things HomeAlone Cats Need on moderncat.com

{EDITOR'S PICKs} CALMING PHEROMONES Feliway Optimum Diffuser Kit releases pheromones that are proven to calm cats, reducing signs of stress. A Ceva study found that 93% of cat owners reported enhanced calming. ($35, feliway.com)

CAT CAMERA Keep an eye on your kitty while you’re out. The Catit PIXI Smart Mouse Camera is a full HD resolution camera that allows you to watch your cat live and see what they get up to! You can even talk and listen to them when you’re away from home. ($100, catit.ca)

BODY & SOUL

How to Pill A Cat A vet shares her top tips for medicating your cat | By Dr. Eleanor Flynn

iving medication to cats is notoriously difficult, making it extra stressful when your cat is ill. No one wants to fight every day to get medication into their cat! The good news is there are many things that you can do to make the process easier and less stressful. Here are my five top tips to help you get meds into your cat without it being stressful!

# 2. EXPLOIT YOUR CAT’S WEAKNESS

Use your cat’s favourite food or treat—wet food, canned food, sardines—to your advantage and hide their medication in it. Create scarcity around this food—reserve it especially for meds time. Cats who love dry food may still eat their dry food with medication crushed on top. I know this seems improbable, but it works really well for some cats. You can also mix medications in with liquid treats if this is something your cat loves to eat. Some cats will eat pills designed to be palatable, but many cats will still be suspicious of them. Marinating these pills with your cat’s favourite treats may provide the final incentive they need. Do this by taking the medication out of the packet and putting it in the packet of treats for a day or two or simply by rubbing the pill and the treat together. Make sure you put down some treats too. Your cat may be so busy hoovering up their favourite treat that they may not notice that one is not quite like the others.

Pro Tip: Remember that hunger is always your friend when giving medication in food or treats. Choose the time when your cat is hungriest and, therefore, most likely to polish off food quickly. # 3. PILL PUTTY

Treats designed to hide medication in are soft, allowing you to mould the treat around the medication. If your cat will not eat these treats, marinate them with your cat’s favourite treats to make them more appealing.

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# 4. DOG TREATS

I’ve used dog treats to medicate my difficult-to-pill cat for many years because nothing else works! Dog treats are larger in size and may allow you to hide your cat’s medication within the treat. You need to make sure that the treat is not too big and that it is not a dog chew treat as this may break or damage your cat’s teeth. I use a dog treat that is soft in the centre. I cut it in half, scoop out the soft centre with a knife, and hide half a tablet in the treat before sealing it up with the soft centre. One or two dog treats (even daily) to get medication into your cat will not harm them.

# 5. GELATINE CAPSULES

If you can’t tempt your cat to take pills in food or treats and therefore must put medication in your cat’s mouth, this tip is for you! For these cats, you can use gelatine capsules. These are empty capsules that come in several different sizes, allowing you to put your cat’s medication inside. This achieves two things: the gelatine capsule disguises any bad taste or smell and it allows you to give multiple medications at once as you can fit several different medications into one capsule.

# 6. BONUS TIP: A FEEDING TUBE

Cats who are acutely unwell and on a lot of medication often do not eat or are extra picky, so hiding medication in food is not an option. For these cats, vets often recommend a feeding tube. This is a tube that usually goes directly into the oesophagus. Your cat can be fed food, water, and medication through this tube. Cats tolerate these tubes well and often do not even notice them. And they can stay in for weeks, until your cat has recovered. Placing the tube is very easy. It does require a short anaesthetic, but it can save a lot of anxiety in the long run. If your cat is ill, it is worth discussing with your vet if a feeding tube could help your cat.

* For more expert, cat-specific vet advice, visit allcats.co.uk!

P H OTO N E W A F R I C A / B I G STO C K

# 1. IS THERE AN ALTERNATIVE?

If you are struggling with the medication your vet has prescribed, your vet may be able to change it for something easier for you to give your cat. Some medications come as both liquid and tablets. A few medications even come as a transdermal cream that you rub on your cat’s skin. Please talk to your vet—together you can decide which form is best for you.

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Boxie Pro Deep Clean Cat Litter is made with proprietary Cat Activated probiotics that deep clean litter on a microscopic level 24/7,

so your cat won’t spread unseen waste around your home. Live probiotics consume microscopic waste and odours, providing continuous cleaning each time your cat uses the litter box! boxiecat.com

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

Grooming your cat can either be a real hassle or a pleasant experience for you both. This unique 2-in-1 shell comb removes hair and

massages your cat in the most gentle way possible, leaving healthy, shiny fur, free from tangles and knots. Ergonomically designed for cats’ unique body structure. mythreecats.com These lightweight Silver Vine Activity Balls are made with 100% shredded silver vine and held together with natural gum. Easy for your feline friend to

playfully roll, with the added benefit of improved oral health and stress reduction! Silver Vine has a greater potent fragrance guaranteed to excite cats, making it a great alternative to cat nip. defineplanet.com

TEEF for Life’s Protektin30 for cats is an award-winning water additive for

easy, at-home dental hygiene. TEEF’s vegan, prebiotic technology leverages microbiology and molecular nutrition to safely promote dental health and fresh breath. One scoop per day in drinking water or on food works to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria while growing beneficial bacteria essential for optimal dental health. teefhealth.com

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BODY & SOUL

Top 5

Keeping Your Cat’s Teeth Clean

Tips for

our cat’s dental health plays a huge—and overlooked— role in their overall health, says Dr. James Anthony, a board-certified veterinary dentist with more than 35 years of expertise in the field. Gum disease can even be a contributing factor in heart disease. “Addressing gum disease is crucial for your pet’s oral health and overall wellbeing,” says Dr. Anthony. Periodontal disease leads to swelling and damage to the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Chronic inflammation produces by-products that spread throughout the body, contributing to diseases such as arthritis, and heart, kidney, and liver disease. But as every cat person knows, brushing a cat’s teeth can prove difficult. Here are our top five tips for keeping your cat’s teeth clean.

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Check out your cat’s gums.

Start a Daily Dental Care Routine. Daily brushing is by far

Red and inflamed gums are a sign of dental disease. Gums should normally be pink and healthy. To address, massage your cat’s gums with a bit of gauze. Try dipping your finger into tuna water to make your cat more cooperative.

the best way to prevent dental disease. This is easiest if you start young. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends getting cats used to the process while they’re kittens by using gauze along with toothpaste made specifically for cats. Do not try to brush your cat’s teeth with “people” toothpaste. If fluoride toothpaste is ingested, it can make your cat severely ill. Once your cat tolerates the brushing, slowly transition to a cat-specific toothbrush.

Get your cat a chew toy.

Try a water additive, such as

Dental diets (feed exclusively or

Cats in the wild eat the bones of animals, which helps to scrape the plaque and tartar off their teeth. Chew toys designed for cats can help do the same thing. Just make sure it’s a chew toy designed for cats and not too hard or it could fracture your cat’s tooth. Oxyfresh Pet Dental Water Additive. It’s vet-recommended and clinically proven to reduce plaque and tartar. Simply add to your cat’s drinking water. use as treats) are also beneficial, says Dr. Anthony. Look for Vet Oral Health Council (VOHC) on the label. The size, shape, and texture of dental kibble is designed to clean the tooth as your cat chews.

OUR PICKS A TOOTHPASTE FOR CATS

Oxyfresh’s five-star-rated Premium Pet Dental Gel Toothpaste is formulated to deliver cleaner teeth, remove plaque, condition gums, and freshen breath. Plus, it’s tasteless and odourless! ($12, oxyfresh.com)

PLAQUE-REDUCING SPRINKLE

The ProDen PlaqueOff Powder for cats is a 100% natural pet food supplement containing the natural kelp ingredient A.N ProDen shown in clinical trials to help reduce plaque and tartar and improve bad breath. Results are usually seen between three to eight weeks with continued use. Just sprinkle the tasty powder over your cat’s food once a day. ($17, swedencare.com)

WATER ADDITIVE

TEEF for Life Protektin 30 Dental Kit is a powder water additive for cats. It uses clinically validated molecular nutrition to selectively favour the growth of beneficial microbes in the mouth, and to stop the growth of destructive bacteria that cause dental disease. All you need to do is a add a scoop of the powder to your cat’s drinking water! ($30, teefhealth.com)

A BETTER BRUSH

Made strictly for cats, Ryercat’s dual-sided cat toothbrush makes a dreaded task easier. The curve of this toothbrush allows you to clear the front teeth, so you don’t hit the sensitive Jacobson's Organ. Use the soft, round head for everyday brushing and the pick side to get food out from the back molar groove. Bristles infused with charcoal help neutralize bacteria. ($20, ryercat.com) moderncat.com

This Is Why Your Cat

Goes Wild

When You Say “Pspspsps” Experts explain the magic behind this universal cat-attractant sound, plus other sounds cats like and dislike By Tracey Tong

“As a whole, a cat’s sense of hearing is phenomenal, with one of the widest ranges of hearing across all mammals in the animal kingdom,” says Ingrid Johnson, Certified Cat Behavior Consultant at FundamentallyFeline.com. Cats can hear over a range of 10.5 octaves, among the broadest for any mammal, including dogs. By contrast, humans hear about 9.3 octaves. Cats can hear both higher and lower frequencies than humans can. “Their sense of hearing is so sensitive, primarily because it helps them find prey,” says Dr. Mikel Delgado, animal behaviourist with Feline Minds Cat Behavior Consulting. “Cats can also move the pinnae—or external part—of their ears to better localize sound.” Animals in the wild—cats included—“are simply more heightened and constantly aware, utilizing all of their senses to what seems like a much fuller extent than their

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domesticated counterparts,” Johnson says. But our pets’ senses still are more sensitive than ours. “They are only challenged at hearing low octaves. On the other end of the spectrum, they hear high-pitched sounds exceptionally well.” Cats can hear sounds as high as 64,000Hz, says Johnson, whereas humans can only hear 20,000Hz. “It is suggested that cats can hear these frequencies better than some breeds of dogs as well,” she says.

Sounds Cats Make With the ability to make over

100 different vocalizations, cats communicate with their humans and other cats through sound. If your cat is meowing, she’s talking to you. “The ‘meow’ has been developed since domestication and is a sound cats use almost exclusively for interacting with humans,” Johnson says. Vocalizations used for inter-cat communication include chirps, trills, and murmurs.

Sounds Cats Like With few studies about cats’

responses to sounds, it is difficult to definitively say what they prefer, says Delgado, an expert in pet-human relationships who authored Play with Your Cat! and co-authored Total Cat Mojo. Delgado notes that a cat’s response may be because it is biologically relevant; for example, it sounds like prey or

PHOTO DIXENIX/SHUTTERSTOCK

atch and you’ll likely see your cat’s ear twitch in response to the subtlest sound from the other room. Pay attention and you may see your cat freeze in advance of the knock at the front door that heralds someone’s arrival, reminding you that feline hearing is much better than yours. But how much better, you may not be aware.

DID YOU KNOW? • Cats can hear middle frequencies particularly well. If your cat is staring at the wall, they are probably hearing something moving inside it.

PHOTO MAKSIM SHEBEKO/ADOBE STOCK

• Cats can hear sounds up to 64,000 Hz, about three times higher than humans.

something threatening. She notes their response does not automatically mean the cat actually likes the sound.

Shush Generally speaking, a

quiet home is typically best, especially if a cat is timid, fearful, or senior. “Opportunities to minimize noise, loud voices, loud music, barking dogs, etc. should all be taken into consideration,” says Johnson. Having music, the radio or television playing softly in the background is acceptable. “[One] study of cats who were under anesthesia for spay/neuter surgery had lower respiratory rates and less pupil dilation when Classical music was played than when pop or heavy metal were played,” says Delgado.

Research also shows that cats favour music with frequencies and tempos similar to that of the purr, which can also be found in Classical music. Other options include jazz—Johnson prefers to leave “smooth jazz playing for my cats” if she needs background noise. Anita Kelsey, a UK-based feline behaviourist and author of 2020’s Let's Talk About Cats: Conversations on Feline Behaviour, suggests David Teie’s Music For Cats, which she says “has specific tones that some cats respond well to.”

Why Your Cat Goes Wild When You Say “Pspspsps” While music and

white noise work to soothe cats, other sounds, specifically those from the natural environment, can get their attention. A high-pitch “pspsps” sound—which Johnson says mimics that of prey rustling in dried leaves or a

cricket chirping—is attractive to cats. So much so that Johnson uses this sound as a “come” command. Kelsey agrees. Cats like certain sounds because of the associations connected with them, she says, giving the example of a tin can opener, which signals the cat will soon receive food.

How Cats Show They Like a Sound Because cats can’t tell you what they like, cat guardians need to learn to read their cat’s body language. “If a cat is relaxed (eyes closed, body stretched out), engaging in healthy, typical behaviours such as resting, playing, cuddling, or sleeping, then they probably aren’t bothered by a sound,” says Delgado. “This doesn’t mean that they like a sound, but they don’t find it stressful.” A cat’s seeming indifference can also show that it likes a sound, says

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Johnson. (Ah, cats.) But if your cat is simply not reacting to any noise—that is, there is no ear movement—you should have a vet test for deafness.

Cat-cophony: Sounds that Cats Dislike Most cats hate the look and sound of a vacuum

and aerosol spray, which sounds like hissing, Kelsey says. “They also dislike loud, harsh tones as this would startle them, frighten them, or appear to be some form of aggression.” For that reason, cat guardians should be careful when watching TV shows that depict animals in distress or fighting, Johnson says. “A cat can hear a mouse squeaking in tall grass in a space the size of football field, pinpoint it and kill it, so how loud is that baby crying from their perspective?” asks Johnson. “If we think about how loud our televisions are, the music in the car on the way to the vet, the children’s toys that makes a constant annoying beeping sound… most people do not take into consideration how incredibly ear-piercing these everyday sounds are to our cats. We all need to vacuum, but we do not need to walk around with our cell on speaker.” The ideal environment, says Delgado, is relatively quiet, predictable, and provides safe spaces where a cat can get away from any unpleasant or disruptive sounds.

How Cats Show They Dislike a Sound Some cats may adapt to predictable noises.

For others, it leads to chronic stress, says Delgado. Less predictable, loud noises such as fireworks or construction could cause a cat to be fearful and hide in response. When a cat perceives that another animal is being aggressive, it may respond by hissing back, running away, or by freezing, the latter of which happens when it is unsure of what is happening, says Kelsey.

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A cat can hear a mouse squeaking in tall grass in a space the size of football field, pinpoint it and kill it, so how loud is that baby crying from their perspective? If your cat runs and hides when it hears a sound, or seems otherwise stressed—lots of ear movement, hissing, etc.—then it finds that sound upsetting. It may be the sound itself or an experience associated with the sound, says Delgado, “a learned fear, such as the doorbell predicting scary visitors.”

The Sound of Your Voice Most cat owners

talk to their pets, and in fact, reading or speaking to a pet is a recommended technique for helping a new or shy cat acclimate to its new people while still confined to their safe room, Johnson says. Cats typically prefer a high-pitched voice, but Delgado doubts that the voice alone would be enough to determine whether a cat likes or dislikes someone. “In general, cats like people who are gentle, predictable, and respectful of how they approach cats,” she says, [but the voice] could possibly stack the deck.” Even if your voice isn’t especially soothing, worry not. “Your cat has built a relationship with you and so recognizes your usual calm tone when being spoken to,” says Kelsey. As for what to say, she busts the myth that cats don’t like to be “spoken down” to. “There’s no harm in the typical baby talk we give cats,” she says, “and cats do respond in kind, with the meow, to us talking to them.” 

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As hearing deteriorates with age, cats may become far less reactive to sounds that previously used to perturb or even scare them, Johnson says. “This can be a plus for shy, timid cats,” she adds. “I had a cat that went deaf around the age of 17. [It] gave her a whole new lease on life. She was a much more outgoing cat after losing her hearing. I could vacuum around her, and she wouldn’t even move.”

The Rusty Spotted Cat:

Discovering the World’s Smallest Wild Feline Meet the smallest cat breed in the world!

hen thinking of wild cats, most people conjure visions of tigers and lions—big cats about 30 times larger than your typical tabby. Yet, amidst the wilderness of Sri Lanka and India, there’s a much smaller wild cat on the prowl—one that can fit in the palms of a human hand. Introducing the Rusty Spotted Cat, the World’s smallest breed of feline, affectionately known as the hummingbird of the cat family. Be prepared be enchanted by this incredible creature! MEASURING UP As adorable as they are tiny, the Rusty Spotted Cat weighs in at a miniscule two to four pounds, with a body length of just 12 to 20 inches. With these measurements, this breed is about half the size of a typical house cat but shares the fur pattern of one of its bigger relatives—the spotted leopard. The Rusty Spotted Cat has a grey-brown coat with red spots,

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appearing as a “washed out” version of its big cat relative. The leopard and the Rusty Spotted Cat also share a white under belly, dark streaks across their face and large, typically orange eyes. TINY BUT MIGHTY Although these cats are a fraction of the size of their relatives, they still pack a punch when it comes to hunting. Living off a diet of frogs, rodents, and domestic poultry, the Rusty Spotted Cat is known for being a fierce predator, often taking down animals that are triple their size. In fact, 19th Century zoologist and naturalist T.C. Jerdon kept a Rusty Spotted Cat as a pet, and observed its hunting bevahiours first hand. In his studies, he recorded the wild cat seizing squirrels, along with animals much bigger than you’d expect. “When introduced to a young gazelle, the cat immediately seized it by the nape of the neck and had to be pulled off before it would let go,” Jerdon wrote in one of his reports.

WILD BEHAVIOUR The shy nature of this rare feline means there is little in-depth knowledge of these elusive cats’ behaviour. However, limited studies from wildlife biologists have revealed the basic routine of the Rusty Spotted Cat. As a primarily nocturnal animal, the “Hummingbird Cat” is known to begin hunting after the sun goes down. Under the cover of darkness, they hunt their prey, utilizing their agility and keen eyesight, which is six times more powerful than the human eye. They’re also very skilled tree climbers, although most of their hunting is done close to the ground. ON LOCATION If you’re looking to spot one of these elusive creatures, you’ll only have luck in two locations—India and Sri Lanka. They can be found in caves, rain forests, rocky hill slopes, scrubland, and more. As of late, Rusty Spotted Cats have also

PHOTOSCLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT WRANGEL/BIGSTOCK; JIRIK V/SHUTTERSTOCK; NILANTHA/SHUTTERSTOCK

By Eva Erhardt

PHOTO MICHAL SLOVIAK/SHUTTERSTOCK

been spotted in abandoned houses, miles away from their native habitats. It’s been inferred that they have been forced to relocate due to habitat destruction, and in doing so, found a food source—rats—in the houses. CONSERVATION OF CATS Back in 1834, the Rusty Spotted Cat was a rare find, but recent discoveries have shown they are more widespread than once believed. Despite this, their population is rapidly declining. Though they are not officially endangered, they have earned a “Near Threatened” classification by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Habitat destruction, along with hunting from locals, has caused a decline in population that is inching towards a dangerous point. Rusty Spotted Cats are a protected animal across their population range, with trading and hunting banned in India and Sri Lanka. Unfortunately, they are still targeted by poachers, usually when mistaken for a baby leopard. They are also huge targets in the illegal pet trade, often trapped from wild populations, further endangering the world’s smallest cat breed. PET “LEOPARD” With their petite size and those adorable, huge eyes, you could be forgiven for wondering if the Rusty Spotted Cat would make a good pet. Though they may be wildly cute, these are wild animals and should remain so. If you’re smitten by the Rusty Spotted Cat, consider the Bengal, the only spotted domestic cat breed with markings (called “rosettes”) similar to those found on leopards.

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Is Pet Insurance

Right for Your Cat?

hat dreaded sound. It’s four o’clock in the morning, and you are peacefully asleep when it starts. It sounds like a cough, almost rhythmic. Then it grows in intensity with the strained augh at the end. Your sleepy brain starts to register. Oh! The cat! You jolt out of bed, stumbling over the blankets, looking for Fluffy. Yep, you were right. Poor Fluffy is on the rug, retching violently. “The rug, yuck, please onto the hardwood floor,” you cry and scurry behind her, trying to get her to move. But the vomiting episodes continue. There is no hope for your bedroom floor, and Fluffy is miserable. You try to be patient, but she is in distress. Your primary care vet isn’t open for hours. You take Fluffy to the nearest animal emergency room. Thankfully, the ER has free coffee in the waiting room. “What a morning so far! I’m beat,” you mumble to yourself while stirring your coffee.

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The doctor comes out to speak with you. Fluffy is stable, but she has ingested a foreign body. They think it is a nut, an almond, perhaps? You keep listening, hoping the coffee helps. Then you hear it: It will be $3,000 to $5,000 for the surgery to remove… Now, you are awake. Emergencies happen, and the medical care needed in these situations is expensive. For most cats, these events are rare. If you’re fortunate enough to have some extra funds or credit to cover the sudden expense, you should be fine, and your cat will receive the care they need. But this is a lot of money for most people. I have seen families cancel vacations to care for their cat! I know how devoted we are to our felines. Perhaps it’s time to take a moment to consider what pet insurance is and if it would be helpful for your family. Pet insurance is becoming more common. There are approximately five million insured pets in the U.S. as of the 2022 census, and around a million of these pets are felines.

PHOTO AC MANLEY/SHUTTERSTOCK

By Dr. Rachel L. Stadler

Pet insurance premiums are calculated based on several factors, including the species, breed, age of the pet, and the cost of care where you live. Interestingly, the number of insured pets is increasing by about 20 percent each year, so more families are considering and purchasing insurance. Let’s take a look at some basics! First, you will need to take the time to get quotes from a few companies for your specific cat. I’d encourage you to understand accident and illness and wellness, oh my! So

preventative care, such as physical exams, vaccinations, laboratory testing, and flea/tick/heartworm prevention. The yearly premiums change dramatically between these options. According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association, in 2022, accident-only coverage averaged $122 annually, while accident and illness cost an average of $387. With wellness included, that premium increased to $613. For comparison, yearly veterinary wellness care is between $200 to $600, depending on where you live and the age of your cat. Currently, most cat owners don’t have pet insurance. I think there are some situations that make it worth your money and that hopefully reduces some anxiety, too!

Things For Cat Owners to Consider:

PHOTO STOCKPHOTOPRO/ADOBE STOCK

many options, I know. You’ll need to decide if you want pet insurance for the rare emergency (accident) or for illness too (gastrointestinal issues, skin issues, cancer, etc.). Some companies offer wellness plans as part of their coverage. Wellness plans cover some portion of the cat’s yearly

Indoor versus Outdoor Lifestyle

If you have an adventurous outdoor feline, the chances of your cat having an accident (cat bite wound or being hit by a car) is much higher compared to the indoor feline. Outdoor cats also need to have additional vaccinations—the feline leukemia virus vaccine is the big one—and they will need to have monthly flea, tick, and heartworm preventative medication. Likely, they’ll be out hunting in the garden too. Your veterinarian will recommend yearly or even more frequent fecal exam testing to keep your cat and your family safe. Who wants roundworms!? Outdoor cats definitely require additional care that comes with associated costs due to a higher risk lifestyle.The good news is they have great environmental enrichment, which improves mental health, and they get more exercise.

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Dental Care

I am a huge advocate for dental care. It improves cats’ health and well-being dramatically. Please make sure to check out the dental health coverage options in your insurance research. Most cats need dental exams and cleanings multiple times in their lives. Dental care in felines involves blood work, general anesthesia, dental radiographs, dental scaling and polishing, pain medications, and, more often than not, oral surgery. It’s a necessary investment, and I would expect your cat to need it. Oral care kibble does help, but please try to brush, too!

Multiple Cat Households

Those three adorable kittens will all turn ten years old together and enjoy the tuna surprise cake treat and new cat toys, and oh yes, your veterinarian will recommend blood work and blood pressure checks for all of them. They will still need their vaccines and probably some joint support supplements too. Whoa, what a handful! “As cats reach their senior life stage, we see an increased frequency in chronic conditions like cancer, heart disease, hyperthyroid disease, and chronic kidney disease,” says Dr.

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Emily Tincher, Senior Director of Pet Health for Nationwide Pet Insurance (petinsurance.com). Remember that across the pet insurance industry, pre-existing conditions are typically excluded from coverage.

Things Your Cat Might Be Considering: #1. Should I eat the feather toy? #2. How much kibble can I inhale in thirty seconds? #3. How well can I hide my dental pain from my owner? #4. Where to go prowling tonight? #5. This plant is delicious. Oh, my belly... #6. Yes, there are bugs to hunt in the basement! #7. What pretty flowers the humans brought in for me… Pet insurance is a great idea, but it should be personalized to your family, your finances, and your feline. After all considerations, pet insurance might help your family out, but only if you check it out!

PHOTO TOP PHOTOSUNNYDAYS/SHUTTERSTOCK; RIGHT INSET GRISHA BRUEV/BIGSTOCK

Among cats insured by Nationwide, chronic kidney disease reclaimed the top spot as the most common medical condition, with more than 18,400 individual claims received in 2022. The highest cost from any of the top 10 conditions came in at more than $19,821 for a Georgia cat who suffered a severe diabetic episode.

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PROBLEM SOLVERS Ingenious solutions to common cat-life problems

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PROBLEM: NO EMERGENCY CONTACT PLAN FOR YOUR PETS SOLUTION: Save My Pet ID Tag products are worn by the pet parent to alert emergency personnel that you have pets that need care. Your emergency contact information is engraved on the pendant, bracelet, or keychain. savemypetidtag.com PROBLEM: GROOMING WOES

PROBLEM: FELINE STRESS

SOLUTION: If you

SOLUTION: Chill, Kitty Kitty soft chews are enriched with broad-spectrum hemp, valerian root, and more to dial down stress-related behaviours. These all-natural, veterinarian-formulated chews promote gentle relaxation without sedation. Made in the USA with locally sourced ingredients! okoapet.com

have difficulty comfortably grooming your cat, check out HandsOn Gloves. They allow you to easily brush and bathe your cat, creating a happy and less stressful experience for both of you. handsongloves.com

PROBLEM: FELINE ACNE, ITCHY SKIN, AND FACIAL WOUNDS SOLUTION: Vetericyn Plus Feline Antimicrobial Facial Therapy aids healing and helps prevent infection in cat acne, cuts, and mouth sores, while also sooting itch and irritation associated with allergies. Safe if licked or ingested, won’t sting, and is antibiotic and steroid-free! vetericyn.com

PROBLEM: CLAY LITTER IS HARMFUL FOR THE ENVIRONMENT SOLUTION: Every

year, five BILLION pounds of clay are strip-mined in the US for litter. Made from upcycled soft wood, Catalyst has the clumping power of clay without the environmental damage. catalystpet.com

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VERTICAL SPACE SOLUTIONS Providing vertical space is an essential component of environmental enrichment for cats. It provides comfort, security, and a secure vantage point. These Modern Cat approved picks fit the bill!

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With its bright accent colour, Armarkat’s Premium

Cat Tree X2101 is high on style. Made from pressed wood and ultra-thick faux fur, it features a lookout platform, ramp, scratching post, and toy. ($65, armarkat.com)

Vetreska’s

Fruit Frenzy Cat Climber brings the fun!

Cats will love this elevated lounge spot! Sleekly designed, the Castillo cat tower from Mau Pets features two circular resting areas, raised sides, and a machine-washable faux fur cushion. Suitable for cats up to 20 pounds! ($199, maupets.com)

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With four teddy-fleecelined platforms and jute-wrapped posts, your cats will love to perch, play, and scratch on this durable and multi-functional cat tree. ($140, vetreskanyc.com)

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The gorgeously minimal Horizontal

Cat Scratcher from Catastrophic Creations is wallmounted to free up your floor space. Hidden brackets give the furniture a modern, floating look. Weight tested to hold up to 85 pounds, it can accommodate multiple cats. (from $92, catastrophicreations.com)

The Vesper High Base cat tree

has it all: height, good

looks, a tall observation platform, a cozy cubed den with two entrances, memory foam cushions, and an extra-long paper rope scratching post. Made from highquality MDF with a walnut-look laminate finish, it checks all the boxes. ($200, catit.ca)

Elevate your home’s decor with the unique

geometric leaf shelf from

IfCatsCanFly. Stylish and functional, these shelves are made from durable plywood and feature a spot for a soft cushion for added feline comfort. (from $204, etsy.com/shop/IfCatsCanFly)

The gentle curve of the floating Lotus Leaf Cat Shelf provides

a perfect perch for lounging and observation. Made from solid wood and bent ply lined with Berber carpet, these sturdy, comfortable shelves are beloved by cats. ($90, mythreecats.com)

The Milo Cat Tree from Tuft and Paw is the

ultimate feline jungle gym!

Perfect for multi-cat homes, this tree includes two covered treehouses, two perches, and two slide-like scratching posts that are upholstered in durable carpet fiber. ($999, tuftandpaw.com)

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Translating “Meow” An A.I.-powered pet translation app aims to decipher your cat’s utterances By Annika Harley Illustration by Michelle Simpson

the morning, it’s a drawnout howl for kibble. When it’s time for me to leave, it’s perky little chirps as my cats wind around my legs, entreating me to stay. Sitting on my lap while I watch TV, it’s a deep rumbling purr. I’ve gotten used to my cats’ vocalizations, even coming to expect the indignant meows Basil makes when I try to cuddle him while he’s eating. With all this meowing, testing out MeowTalk, a new cat translation app created by a former Amazon engineer, proved irresistible. My cats didn’t know what to make of the phone held up to their snouts. Basil ignored the microphone altogether, rubbing his cheeks on the corner of my phone and gnawing at the rubbery case. Little Orange wanted nothing to do with it, swatting at my outstretched hand and hightailing it in a huff. I tried following them around the apartment, hunched over, hand with phone outstretched. Being cats, neither cooperated. The first successful translation happened when I sat back on the couch and patted my lap, signaling Basil to come over and cuddle. He stood up and stretched in his spot on the coffee table and lazily made his way over to me before jumping into my arms and tucking into my

chest. I turned on the microphone as he meowed a clear, bright meow, and the translator did its thing. An advertisement for a psychic played, and then the translation was revealed: “I love you!” (The ads disappear if you upgrade to a premium account.) It was a surprisingly validating confirmation of what I already believed this meow to mean. The idea is of decoding our cats’ utterances is not as implausible as it may seem. Machine-learning systems, which can extract patterns from large data sets, can distinguish between the squeaks that rodents make when they are happy and those that they emit when they are in distress, notes the New York Times. MeowTalk uses machine-learning software combined with 13 preset vocalizations to distinguish between different vocalizations and identify cats’ meows. The app detects and analyzes cat utterances in real-time, assigning each one an intention, such as happy, resting, hunting, or mating call. My subsequent translations included many more “I love you’s,” “I’m happy,” and the always useful “Hey, you.” The translations did seem to accurately convey my cats’ moods. “We’re trying to understand what cats are saying and give them a voice,” says Javier Sanchez, a founder of

MeowTalk. “We want to use this to help people build better and stronger relationships with their cats.” With a rotating cast of feline characters in my apartment—my own cats, plus whatever cats or kittens I happen to be fostering at the moment—there were endless opportunities for translation. The app had a hard time figuring out the squeaks of the six-week-old kittens I was fostering, but MeowTalk allows users to report their feedback if they think the app is getting things wrong. It also uses the sounds it records to refine its algorithm and improve its performance. In 2021, MeowTalk researchers reported that the software could distinguish among nine intents with 90 percent accuracy overall. In the scientific paper published by the founders, the authors noted that “Cats vocalize in order to convey different emotions and/or intents and although their repertoire/vocabulary may not be universal, it exhibits consistent characteristics on an individual basis.” The app is better identifying some sounds over others. It was quickest to detect purring, labeling it as “I need to relax,” but I didn’t really need an app to know that. Other sounds, like those indicating happiness or in pain, it confused not infrequently, according to the study. Though the translations may not always be 100 percent accurate, what’s indisputable is the interest in decoding what our cats are saying. Cohabitating with pets calls for some mutual understanding, and pet translator apps may be a good place to start. Since November 2020, MeowTalk has seen over 17 million downloads worldwide, over 250 million meows recorded, and more than eight million cat profiles created. But while developers work out the kinks, the best way to get to the bottom of your cat's commentary is by spending time with them. When you form a familial bond with your pet, it doesn’t take an app to know when they are saying “I love you.”  moderncat.com

Tricks For Cats

How trick training can strengthen the bond between you and your cat

ricks? A cat? That’s a dog thing, right? Wrong! Though not known for performing on cue, cats are just as capable of learning new behaviours as dogs. The difference is in motivation and drive. Dogs are more sociable and, as such, can learn new behaviours within a group construct. They’ll learn a trick to please you, for a treat, or both. Cats, though, have a more egotistical approach. Basically, it’s “what’s in it for me?” That almost always means food. If you want to teach tricks to your cat, the right bribe at the right time is the magic ticket.

WHY TRAIN A CAT? Good question. Most cat lovers enjoy their cats for who they are and what they do on their own. Their independent nature is one of the reasons we love them, right? “Training a cat offers great rewards for both you and your cat,” says Anne Gordon, veteran Hollywood animal trainer. “It creates a more powerful bond that will help you understand each other on a higher level.” Gordon adds that it is also an 64 moderncat F A LL · WIN TE R 2 0 2 3 / 2 4

effective way to communicate beyond what you might have thought possible. “And,” she adds, “it’s just fun.” Truth is, you have probably trained your cat without even knowing it. Example: At feeding time, you pull out a can of cat food and tap on it with a spoon. Out of nowhere, your feline comes running. Why? Because they have been conditioned to know that the tapping sound is always followed by food. Other reasons to train? Simple: as Gordon says, training your cat will strengthen the bond between you. And it will actually make your cat smarter. By expanding your cat’s vocabulary and repertoire of behaviours, you literally create more neural connections in her brain. As in humans, a bigger vocabulary makes for a stronger brain. Who doesn’t want a smarter cat?

GETTING STARTED A key factor in teaching tricks to a cat is—you guessed it—the cat. Yours needs to be fairly outgoing with a good appetite. Timid cats or feral rescues won’t respond as well as a young, frisky, friendly one. Shorthaired cats such

PHOTO KISIALIOU YURY/SHUTTERSTOCK

By Steve Duno

PHOTO CHRISBRIGNELL/SHUTTERSTOCK

“Training your cat will strengthen the bond between you and actually make your cat smarter.” as the Siamese, American Shorthair, or Burmese tend to be more outgoing than longhaired breeds like the Persian or the Angora, though any breed or mixed breed can learn if trained properly from a young age. Older cats learn more slowly, as will those with a weak food drive.

is coming. It will heighten your cat’s expectations and attention. Another prop you might want to obtain is a light leash in combination with a light cat harness. If you have a kitten or very young, outgoing cat, walking on a leash can be a good way of safely getting your pet outside.

FEED ME ON A SCHEDULE! Food is the primary motivator in shaping a cat’s behaviour. If your cat loves dinnertime, you won’t have much problem motivating them. To optimize training though, you’ll want to establish precise feeding times instead of free feeding. If food is always available, it will mean less than if it is anticipated at a specific time. Exact feeding times of short duration will program your cat to be hungry when you need her to be. The best treats to use? Instead of using a typical cat treat, try a lickable cat treat! This allows you to better control the delivery of the treat and keeps your cat there, licking. Other treats can take too long to eat or cause the cat to walk off to a corner to eat it. In addition to a lickable treat, you can use meat-flavoured baby food on a spoon, tiny bits of meat, tuna, or cheese. Use whatever works, provided it can be eaten quickly. A cat that will not respond to treats will be challenging to teach. But if there is something your cat does respond favourably to—a particular toy, a catnip ball, or even a teaser wand—try using it instead of food.

SET THE STAGE Schedule training sessions right before feeding time. That way, your cat will be properly motivated. Make the sessions brief—no longer than a few minutes. Choose a quiet room with no distractions, including people or other pets. Consider using a tabletop, desk, or coffee table for the training sessions. Cats like to be up high, and it will be easier on your back!

EQUIPMENT A clicker is a key training device for cat training. The “click” sound acts as a bridge between the desired behaviour and the reward. The instant your cat performs a desired behaviour, you “click” then reward. The click is the signal to the cat that it has done the right thing and that a treat

FAMILIARIZE TO TOUCH Training frequently involves touching your cat, so preface training with touch desensitization. Hopefully you have done this since kittenhood! Brushing, massaging, and even trimming nails will help immensely. While you lightly brush, offer a nice treat. Same goes for massage. Pick your cat up from an early age. Pick up, treat, repeat. Eventually, carry your cat about the house, then put her down and treat. If your cat simply does not like it, it’s okay, but it means that trick training will take a bit longer.

4 Tricks to Teach Your Cat #1. SIT First, be sure your cat is

hungry! Place her atop a table in a standing position in front of you. Hold a treat an inch or two in front of her nose. A lickable treat like Churu or a spoon with baby food works well because you can control access to the treat. When

{EDITOR'S PICK} THE BEST TREAT FOR TRAINING CATS

Have them eating out of your hand! Churu, the signature wet treat from Inaba, is a perfect choice for trick training. These lickable purée meat tubes for cats were designed to be fed by hand for an interactive way to spend time with your cat. Made with wholesome ingredients and no bad stuff (you won’t find grains, preservatives, artificial colors, or carrageenan), these hydrating, creamy treats come in 19 savory flavours and are only six calories a tube! (from $4, inabafoods.com) moderncat.com

Work this briefly, five times each day. Each time, use less and less physical manipulation on the foot until all you need to do is reach your hand out and say “shake” to initiate the lift. Once she really gets it, you can try getting her to raise the other paw, using the same process of tapping on the back of her wrist.

#2. SPIN Start the trick with your hungry cat standing on the floor (not a table), with you kneeling in front of her. With a treat in one hand and a clicker in the other, hold the treat near your cat’s nose, then slowly lure her in a small circle while saying “spin.” How you offer and move the treat (or spoon) will be a trial-and-error affair, so work it until you perfect it for your particular cat. If she follows the treat around even partially, click and reward. Success will be when you get her to go full circle. Do not overwork it, as the cat will get bored. Each day, slowly increase the speed of the spin and the distance your treat hand is from her nose. Take your time and reward any positive movement. The circular motion you make with your treat hand will eventually become the hand sign for the trick. The goal is to get your cat to spin without luring her all the way around. When perfected, just a small circular hand motion from three or four feet away coupled with the spoken command will trigger the spin. Be sure to click and treat each time! #3. SHAKE Though not necessarily a hard trick to teach, some cats are not crazy about having their feet touched, so don’t overdo it. Start with her sitting on the edge of a table. Have a treat in your hand. Gently tap on the back of your cat’s wrist while saying “shake” until she lifts the foot. Even a slight lift should be clicked and rewarded! 66 moderncat F A LL · WIN TE R 2 0 2 3 / 2 4

KEEP PRACTICING! If practiced regularly while being upbeat and positive, your cat will enjoy the sessions and might eventually begin performing on her own for attention and food. When that happens, you’ll know you have engaged her brain, increased her confidence, and expanded your relationship. So, let’s start training!

PHOTOS LEFT TO RIGHT DIMABERLIN/BIGSTOCK; ANCIENS HUANG/SHUTTERSTOCK

your cat shows interest, slowly move the treat up and back while saying her name and “sit.” Keep the treat close enough so that your cat doesn’t try to rise up to get it. You should get her to naturally sit within ten tries. If not, end the session and try later. The moment she does sit, click your clicker, give her the treat, and say, “good sit!” Repeat once more, then quit. Right before the next mealtime, repeat the process. Within a few weeks, she should understand the behaviour and sit for you on command.

#4. KISS Hope you don’t mind getting a friend’s face messy! Teaching your cat to kiss your cheek will require you to dab a bit of tasty food on a friend’s cheek. You can’t use yourself for this until your cat has been taught this trick. Use a treat that will stay on your friend’s face. Meat-flavored baby food or cream cheese will work. To begin, place your hungry cat on a table with your friend in a chair in front of her. Be sure your friend already has the treat smeared on a cheek and that it is clearly evident to the cat. Get your friend close enough so that the cat can’t help but notice the smeared food. If she takes even a sniff of it, say “kiss,” then click and reward the cat with a different treat—a tiny bit of cheese or tuna will do. Practice this several times each day. Slowly reduce the amount of goo on your friend’s cheek until the cat will simply kiss the cheek on command for the reward. Also, gradually increase the distance between your cat and your friend until the cat will cross the table to give the kiss. Eventually you should be able to say “kiss” to your cat and have her kiss your own cheek for a tasty reward. Remember, unlike dogs, cats need a food reward every time they perform a trick.

moderncat.com

Healthy PAWS Solutions for everything from picky eating to bad breath!

1. CAT FOOD FOR PICKY CATS Made with real fish and all-natural ingredients, Snappy Tom Naturals’ Ocean Fish with Salmon is everyday premium food cats love, in an easy-to-open pouch. The pure fish protein tempts even picky eaters! ($2, snappytom.com)

3. A BETTER GROOMING EXPERIENCE Keep the cat hair under control with a pair of HandsOn Grooming Gloves. Simply pet your cat with these gloves on (use wet or dry) to remove loose hair, massage muscles, stimulate circulation, and maintain your cat’s skin and coat health. Your cat will love these gloves! ($25, handsongloves.com)

If your cat has feline acne or facial irritation, you need Vetericyn Plus Feline Antimicrobial Facial Therapy. This antibiotic and steroid-free liquid formula cleans, soothes, and prevents potential infection. It’s safe if licked or ingested and won’t sting! ($14, vetericyn.com)

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P H OTO N E W A F R I C A / A D O B E STO CK

2. FELINE ACNE SOLVED

4. FOOD FOR A HEALTHY WEIGHT Maintaining a healthy weight and mobility is key to preventing health issues. Go! Solutions Weight Management + Joint Care’s grain-free chicken recipe can help your cat stay fit, active, and full of life! Its blend of lean protein, healthy fats, and functional ingredients—like L-carnitine to help burn fat and chondroitin to help maintain healthy, mobile joints—is loved by cats. (from $23, go-solutions.com)

5. NO MORE PEEING OUTSIDE OF THE BOX! Is your cat routinely having “accidents” or rejecting their litter box? Dr. Elsey's Cat Attract Clumping Clay Cat Litter boasts a unique blend of natural clay and cat-safe herbs that attract cats to their litter box! Great for both single and multi-cat homes. (from $20, drelseys.com)

6. OUTSMART ODOURS Bid litter smells adieu! The Purrr Litter TWIST’R outsmarts odours in multiple ways: patented twist technology seals in odours, activated charcoal absorbs smells, and a seven-layer bag traps odour molecules. Each bag holds up to 17 pounds of litter and lasts up to 14 days for a fresh home and a happy cat! ($50, redrocketpets.com)

7. A PEAK PREY DIET FROM NEW ZEALAND ZIWI Peak wet cat food features up to 92 percent meat, organs, seafood, and bone, all ethically and sustainably sourced from New Zealand. An added superfoods blend of poultry heart, New Zealand green mussels, and organic kelp make this a nutritional powerhouse. As their tagline says, this is what your cat would choose in the wild. ($60 for 24 cans, ziwipets.com)

8. LIGHTWEIGHT LITTER, SUPERIOR ODOUR CONTROL Catalyst Pet’s sustainable, lightweight Soft Wood cat litters clump well and offer excellent odour control. With Multi-Cat, Healthy Cat, and Unscented formulas, there’s a litter to meet every need! ($20, catalystpet.com)

9. SPRITZ AWAY BAD BREATH AND PLAQUE Oxyfresh’s flavour-free, pickycat-approved dental spray helps prevent plaque buildup, reduce periodontal issues, and maintain healthy gum tissue with no hassle. Their proprietary bad breath-fighting ingredient, Oxygene, works on contact to safely eliminate odors caused by bacteria in your cat's mouth. ($17, oxyfresh.com)

10. GOODBYE TANGLES You need this brush. Designed to gently glide through your cat’s coat to remove small knots and tangles, the CONAIRPROPET Cat Comb has durable stainless-steel pins and a memory gel-grip handle for comfort and control while grooming. ($12, babylissPRO.com)

11. SUSTAINABLE, HEALTHY LITTER Reduce your cat’s environmental pawprint with the ökocat Original Premium Clumping Wood Cat Litter! This sustainably sourced litter is soft on paws, controls odour, has a fresh natural scent, and is long-lasting. Bonus: it is also free from powdery dust! (from $13, healthy-pet.com)

12. A PROBIOTIC JUST FOR CATS Improve your cat’s gut health and support a healthy immune system with FeliOtic, the only daily liquid probiotic developed from cats and for cats! The lactobacillus reuteri in FeliOtic is feline-sourced and helps to replenish your cat’s natural gut flora with good bacteria. ($24, bluegrassanimalproducts.com) moderncat.com

How Socially Smart is

Your Cat? How independent is your cat?

Is your cat tuned in to your emotions?

HOW TO TEST

Sit in a room with your cat. Ignore them, sitting quietly or paying attention to a book or phone for 2 minutes. Then, try to interact with your cat—call them to you. If they come, pet and talk to them.

Take your cat into a room with a potentially frightening object they have never seen before, like a robot vacuum. Sit calmly on the floor with your cat, then make friends with the object, saying “what a nice vacuum” in a calm, friendly voice. Approach the object and touch it.

WHAT IT MEANS

THE LESSON FOR OWNERS If your cat tends to be antisocial, try spending more time with them. Like humans, cats can become more friendly if we make an extra effort.

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When your cat is calm, say four words of about the same length and accent as their name, waiting 15 seconds between words. Then, say their name.

If your cat gradually reacts less to each random word, but responds to their name by turning their head toward you, rotating their ears, or moving their tail, they probably “know” their name.

THE LESSON FOR OWNERS It may be easier to train cats that know their name, for example, when using verbal commands like, “Sit!”

Does your cat prefer you—or food? HOW TO TEST Pick a few items you think your cat may enjoy, such as treats and toys. Set them on the ground, sit nearby, and see where your cat lingers.

WHAT IT MEANS

If your cat is initially freaked out but calms down—and even approaches the object—after you make friends with it, your cat likely can pick up on your emotional cues and alter their behaviour in kind.

Your cat prefers whatever they spend the most time with. But they may just be hungry. Repeat the experiment in varied situations to be sure of their preferences.

THE LESSON FOR OWNERS

Your mood can influence your cat’s mood. So, if you’re calm and chipper at the vet’s office, they may stay calm as well.

If your cat prefers you to toys or treats, the best incentive when training or rewarding them may be your presence.

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common tests of social intelligence, try these simplified experiments from Science at home. Make sure your cat is calm and relaxed before you start.

Highly social cats immediately come to you when you begin to pay attention to them, whereas more independent cats keep their distance.

HOW TO TEST

WHAT IT MEANS

TO FIND OUT whether your cat can pass some

WHAT IT MEANS

Does your cat know its name?

What’s Up with That Open-Mouth Sniffing?

INTERESTING

CAT FACTS

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

World’s Oldest Living Cat

That slightly openmouthed sniffing face your cat makes? Completely normal. It’s called the “flehmen reaction.” Cats have an organ at the roof of their mouths called the vomeronasal organ, or Jacobson’s organ. This small sensory organ is composed of two fluid-filled sacs connected to the nasal cavity. When your cat sniffs, leaving their mouth open for a few seconds, they’re actually drawing air past the Jacobson’s organ. This helps the organ to process the scent more deeply than your cat’s nose can and sends signals to your cat’s brain. This incredible organ makes your cat’s sense of smell 14 times better than a human’s!

The Guinness World Record-verified oldest living cat, Flossie, is a tortoiseshell kitty from Orpington, UK. In human years, she’s over 120 years old! In cat years, she’s 27 and will turn 28 on December 29, 2023.

Who Says Cats Can’t Do Tricks? A cat named Didga and her owner, Robert Dollwet of Tweed Heads, New South Wales, hold the Guinness World Book record for most tricks performed by a cat in one minute. In 2016, they managed an incredible 24 tricks in just 60 seconds, and still hold the record today.

Oldest Known Pet Cat? 9,500-year-old Burial Site Found in Cyprus It was originally thought that Egyptians domesticated cats, but French archaeologists have found evidence that our close relationship with cats may have begun much earlier than originally thought. A 9,500-year-old cat grave discovered in Cyprus predates Egyptian art about cats by over 4,000 years, making this the oldest known pet cat.

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World’s Richest Cat When UK millionaire antiques dealer Ben Rea passed away in 1988, he left his beloved pet cat Blackie a £7 million inheritance. The reclusive cat owner refused to recognize his family in his will, instead leaving his fortune to three cat charities, along with the instruction that they were to look after Blackie for the duration of the cat’s life.

Newest Cat Breed The most recently recognized breed of domestic cat is the Selkirk Rex, known for its thick, curly fur. The Selkirk Rex arose from a spontaneous genetic mutation in a cat born in Montana in 1987, from which the breed was developed. In 2013, the Selkirk was officially recognized as a genetically distinct line by the University of Veterinary Medicine in the USA, and it has been recognized as a valid separate breed by the International Cat Association, the American Cat Fanciers Association, and the Cat Fanciers' Association.

Vocal Cats Much like birds, cats make many different sounds. In fact, cats can make up to 100 sounds—from purrs and growls to trills— whereas dogs only make 10. Of these sounds, adult cats meow exclusively to communicate with people, not other cats. Kittens meow to let their mother know they're cold or hungry, but once they’re older, cats no longer meow to other cats.

BARRIRRET/BIGSTOCK; MACROVECTOR/BIGSTOCK; TRISHAMCMILLAN/BIGSTOCK; MACROVECTOR/BIGSTOCK; IMAGE CAT PROTECTION

Egyptians believed cats were magical and brought good luck to the people who housed them. In 440BC, Herodotus wrote that cat owners shaved off their eyebrows as a sign of mourning following the passing of a feline. They continued to mourn until their eyebrows grew back. Deceased cats were mummified.

PHOTOS CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT NYNKEVANHOLTEN/BIGSTOCK; KATYA SLAVASHEVICH/BIGSTOCK; LIFE ON WHITE/BIGSTOCK;

Cats Ruled Ancient Egypt

CONNIE’S BOOK CLUB Editor-in-Chief Connie Wilson’s selection of must-read books for cat lovers

Oh, It’s You: Love Poems by Cats By Francesco Marciuliano

From Squash, the Cat by Sasha Mayer

Squash, the Cat Written and Illustrated by Sasha Mayer Squash the orange tabby and his young human Maggie are perfect-for-each-other-bestfriends and do everything together—until Squash makes a terrible mistake. An adorable storybook that explores the bond between cats and kids and the importance of friendship.

Indoor Cat: How to Enrich Their Lives and Expand Their World By Laura J. Moss and Lynn Bahr, DVM Should every cat live exclusively indoors? If your cat is an indooronly cat, you likely worry about whether they can truly live an active, stimulating, and fulfilling life. Journalist Laura Moss and feline-only vet Lynn Bahr have put together an engaging and informative guide that explores the lives of indoor cats via expert opinions, interviews, and scientific studies. A must-read for every cat parent!

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Cats have quirky ways of showing their love and affection for their humans, something the author of the beloved I Could Pee on This series knows well. His new book, Oh, It’s You, is packed with hilarious love poems from cats. A purrfect combination of feline snark and sweetness, you’ll surely see their own cats in these poems.

Kaia’s Big Felines Written and Illustrated by Aura Lewis Kaia’s Big Felines is a wonderful storybook that helps kids navigate big emotions. In it, Kaia explores her feelings by relating them to types of wild and domestic cats. A great resource for families and teachers working on emotional intelligence with kids!

Snowball Unwrapped By Kristen McKanagh “I’m adorable. Everyone says so… I matchmake all the couples around here.”—Snowball This irresistible holiday heart-warmer has charm in spades. Sweet Snowball returns in this whimsical romance that has it all: subterfuge, secrets, on-air romance, twins, snooping staff—and cats, of course. This may be Snowball’s easiest matchmaking job yet! You’ll fall for this Christmas treat.

moderncat.com

LOVE LETTERS

In 2019, I trapped a six-month-old kitten. The kitten, while terrified, seemed sweet, so my spouse and I decided that we could probably tame her. We named her Waffles and quickly discovered that she was NOT interested in us. She’s able to hide in the craziest places. This year, however, she’s decided to join our other cats for breakfast. She meows and allows me to pet her while she eats. We’ve instituted daily “Waffles Updates,” in which we discuss our interactions with her. She’ll always be our most nervous baby, but we’re so proud of how far she’s come! —Kelsey A. Kemp

Precious Little One

Cat love in short form: miniature, reader-submitted cat stories of no more than 100 words. Surprise In August 2012, I encountered a skinny, dirty, but friendly female street cat. No indication she belonged to anyone, I took her in. A month later, suddenly, she became very big—too big to be overweight. My suspicions were confirmed when she laid on my stomach one night and I felt small “bumps” against my hands. Pregnant! The birth went smoothly, and all three kittens were healthy. Though not expecting to have to take care of not one, but four cats, I couldn’t help but fall in love. Please meet Sphynx and the minions, Emery, Hobo, and Phineas. —Danielle Yardeni

Ninja On a very warm night, I slid the small window over my bed open. My cat, Ninja, decided to stand on my head to look out. I startled him. He leapt out the window. I panicked. Dressing, turning on every light, and calling his name, I anticipated a long search for my lost indoor cat. Imagining all kinds of horrors as I opened the door, Ninja dashed by me with the attitude, “Why did you throw me out the window?” —Roberta Kerr

Henry the Lost Cat Finder When an indoor-only cat slips out, the local rescues know who to call. Henry the tuxedo cat has a special talent: he tracks the scent of lost cats to find their hiding place and reunite them with their owner. Henry follows the trail of the escapee and unlike a dog, he can walk right up to the hiding kitty and sniff noses. Families are reunited and Henry gets love and treats for a job well done. Many lost and frightened kitties are home thanks to Henry the Lost Cat Finder. Henry is truly a Modern Cat ahead of his time. —Kim Freeman

Support Cat According to law, cats cannot be Service Animals, only Emotional Support Animals. Seiji was far more. He would greet me at my car if I came home after dark so he could walk between me and the ditch. I fell in it twice before he chose that job. He’d come when I walked the dog—no leash, just walking beside me as if he was teaching the dog how to do it. He guarded my chicken coop. If the girls made a noise after dark, he was out the door to save them! He was definitely one of a kind. —Donna M. Capdevielle

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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P H OTO K E I T H B A I R D

Tiny Cat Stories

Our little cat was turned in to the pound down south, as she has no back feet. A rescuer met her and brought her north and asked us to foster. Well, we fell so utterly in love with this angel, there was no way she was going back into the world! She runs, jumps, plays, has no idea she is “challenged.” She is so good natured, and she puts a smile on my face every time I see her. We named her Myfanwy (mih-fon-wee) which means “precious little one” in Welsh! She lives up to the name! —Laurelei Baker

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Waffles For Breakfast

Meet the

American Shorthair Get to know the oldest shorthaired American breed, a friendly, mellow cat with classic, easy-care good looks! By Carol W. Johnson

Photos by Larry Johnson

A Breed Born and Bred in America While there are no records

of when cats first came to North America, it is believed that shorthaired cats were brought to North American by European ships, aboard where they controlled rodents and protected food supplies. As settlers journeyed west, cats went with them, earning their keep by protecting houses and barns from vermin. Shorthairs were featured in the first U.S. Cat Show in 1895 and were one of the first five recognized breeds when the Cat Fanciers’ Association, the world’s oldest and largest registry of pedigreed and companion cats, was formed in 1906. They were shown initially as “Shorthairs,” then as “Domestic Shorthairs” before the

name “American Shorthair” was chosen in 1965. The American Shorthair is this oldest shorthaired American breed. So, what makes them so special? The American Shorthair is a muscular, medium-to-large cat with a strong, powerful presence. This cat’s distinctive head sets it apart from today’s random-bred cats. The head is large and oblong (slightly longer than wide), with a square muzzle and jaws that are designed for catching mice. The eyes are characteristically large, set wide apart, and have a shape found in no other breed: the top lid is almondshaped and the bottom lid rounded. The cat’s short, dense coat has a high degree of weather resistance and is easily maintained with weekly brushing.

A Rainbow of Colour Choices While silver and brown

classic tabby Americans are the most popular, the breed is recognized in more than 100 different colour combinations. The basic colours are white, black/brown, blue, red, and cream. These can be modified with a silver gene and/or a gene that produces patches of white. American Shorthairs are found in patterns that include solid, parti-color (tortoiseshell), smoke, shaded, and three tabby patterns (classic, mackerel, and ticked).

A Playful Spirit Americans love

to play, especially chasing feathers on a wand or on a string. If you play with your

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cat at about the same time each day, don’t be surprised to find your American fairly dancing in anticipation! This breed is most comfortable with all four feet on the floor and may feel off-balance when picked up, so be sure to strongly support your American Shorthair from underneath when handling.

An Easy-Care Kitty That’s Also Easy to Find American

Shorthairs are a healthy breed, with most living 10 to 15 years, some even longer. Care simply involves daily brushing and regular claw clipping. A wire-toothed slicker brush or a grooming mitt is perfect to help manage shedding. Finding an American Shorthair shouldn’t be a problem. They have consistently been in the top 20 breeds registered by CFA. To find a reputable breeder, consider attending a cat show.

P H OTOS L A R R Y J O H N S O N

ooking for a cat who is friendly, mellow, and easy to care for? Look no further than an American Shorthair! Happy-go-lucky and confident, these are true family cats, generally comfortable with children and dogs, and as American as apple pie.

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A kitten is the delight of a household. All day long a comedy is played out by an incomparable actor.

P H OTO A N U R A K P O N G PAT I M E TSH U TT E R STO CK

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