Modern Cat Spring/Summer 2016 by Modern Cat Magazine

cat

How to Tell If Your Cats Don’t Like Each Other—And What To Do If They Don’t p62

The lifestyle magazine for modern cats and their companions

SPRING· SUMMER 2016

7 Steps

adopctute thesaets! c p56

to Catify Your Home

Toy time! Publications Agreement Number 42496543 Return Mail Dept, 202–343 Railway St., Vancouver, BC V6A 1A4

Get your freak on: Toys to drive your cat wild! p34

Do You Have The Personality Of a Cat?

p26

It 's Pudge!

Take this quiz & find out! p44 moderncat.com DISPLAY UNTIL JULY 31 ‘16

$5.95

Cat-tastic Décor p18

Win Cool Cat Stuff! p16

GROW GREENS FOR YOUR CAT! WALK YOUR CAT ON A LEASH STUFF WE LOVE ADORABLE CATS GALORE!

#CurrentObsessions

How to stop your cat from spraying p22 + Your cat could be in the magazine! p21

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VOL 5

NO 1

FEATURES 22

How to Stop Your Cat From Urine Spray-marking Are you at your wits' end? Help is here!

BY MIESHELLE NAGELSCHNEIDER

Rare Beauty Eight uncommon cat breeds and the cool traits (think curly hair, a love of water, wild cat spots, and more) that make them unique. BY KELLY CALDWELL

Best Friends Forever A cat lover’s dream vacation.

7 Steps To Creating a Cat-friendly Home Make your home a haven for your cat.

Do You Have the Personality of a Cat? Take this quiz to find out!

How to Tell If Your Cats Don’t Like Each Other—And What To Do If They Don’t

BY POOJA MENON

Tricia Helfer Knows Cats The amazing Tricia Helfer—actress, supermodel, and serious cat person (rescuer, end-animal testing campaigner, and semi-professional cat cuddler) —answers your cat questions!

It's Pudge! If you haven’t already, be prepared to fall for this famous cat provoking collective awww’s across the internet. BY ROSE FROSEK

BY JENNIFER NOSEK

BY ROSE FROSEK

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BEAN SUBMITTED BY JILL

16 21 THE GOODS 26

Cat-tastic Home Decor Finds to thrill both you and your cat.

Toy Time! Get your freak on—toys to drive your cat wild!

Want

it!

BODY & SOUL 48

Your Cat is Going To Need Those Teeth For A Long Time Here's how to help her keep them!

The New Kidney Disease Test That Could Save Your Cat's Life

It's Time to Upgrade Your Cat's Dining Set; Have a Field Day!

Adopt These Cats! Consider us your personal matchmaker; your new best friend may be on this page!

In USA: MODERNCAT (ISSN 1929-3933) Volume 5, Issue 1. Published semi annually by Modern Cat Inc. at 142 Churchill Drive, Newington, CT 061114003. Periodicals postage paid at Hartford, CT and additional offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Dog, PO Box 310402, Newington, CT 06131-0402.

L A H L I TA S U B M I TT E D BY M J

LIVING 10

Stuff We Love Modern Cat staffers' current obsessions.

We’re Giving It Away! We’ve got months of amazing giveaways, from cat activity centers to subscription boxes packed with toys, treats, and surprises just waiting to be won! Turn to page 18 to see what’s up for grabs.

REGULAR FEATURES 6 Editor’s Letter 8 Contributors 10 Stuff We Love 12 The Scoop 20 Photo Contest 77 Marketplace

36 COVER CAT It's Pudge! If you haven’t already, be prepared to fall for this famously adorable cat. Flip to page 72! Photographed by Kady Lone.

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K U D D E L S U B M I TT E D BY J O S E F L EO N A R D W I E L A N D

Too cute!

80 32

Garden of Eatin’ Create a green and grazeable feast for your cat. BY DARCY MATHESON

Connie’s Book Club Curl up with a good cat and a good book. Editor-in-Chief Connie Wilson’s selection of must-reads for cat lovers.

Love Conquers All How our Star Cat Contest winner united a community in its rally against animal cruelty.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENILYN SHEPPARD

Should I Be Walking My Cat on a Leash? Take your cat on a supervised outdoor adventure! BY TARYN CHEAL

The Algonquin Hotel Cat The best place to stay in New York City? Obviously the hotel where your check in will be presided over by the resident rescue cat!

Last Lick Special Delivery! Who wouldn’t sign for these adorable parcels?

OUR R E ADE R S WR IT E

ILLUSTRATION KIM SMITH

e’re so excited to unleash the latest issue of Modern Cat! We hope you find this issue as lovable and entertaining as your best friend—and we’re pretty darn certain you will. It’s packed with adorable cat photos (first things first, after all), expert behavioural advice, must-haves for you and your cat, and so much more. It’s our goal to improve all the cat-person relationships out there by advocating for cats and helping you understand your little “wild cat” better. One of the reasons cats so beguile us is that they retain, to a large degree, their wild nature. This, however, means that to have a great relationship with your cat you need to understand the feline psyche. By getting into the minds of your cats and understanding the why’s behind their sometimes mystifying behaviour, you can deepen your bond and better provide for their needs—and at the same time curb unwanted behaviour. Talk about a win-win situation! To this end, “Cat Whisperer” Mieshelle Nagelschneider explains how to prevent urine-spray marking (p 22), we round up toys that will delight your cat (get ready for a freak-out play session!—p 34), show you how to catify your home in seven easy steps (p 40), share beautiful cat-décor you’re going to want in your home (p 26)—and that’s just for starters. The super-adorable (and super-famous) Pudge is on the cover and we chat with her human, Kady Lone about Pudge’s rise to stardom (p 72). Rounding this out is more essential expert advice, like what to do if your cats don’t like each other, adorable adoptable cats (find a new best friend!), how to grow cat greens, and more. It’s my hope that you curl up with your cat and enjoy the issue as much as we loved putting it together for you!

CONNIE WILSON WITH DAO DAO, PHOTO TANYA KING

EDITOR'S LETTER

9 Signs Your Cat Loves You >> moderncat.com/9SignsCatLove

“Most of us cat folks know that our kitties love us, but some of the signs can be subtle. This article from Modern Cat magazine is actually pretty good at pointing them out!” —Marci, Feline Behavior Solutions

Feelin' the Love on Facebook With love,

Love this magazine! Great articles and wonderful photos too!! —Rosalie Kaye

9 Foods to Never Give Cats >> moderncat.com/9foodstoavoid

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

“

I'm glad I read this. I would let my cat lick my tuna, mayo, onion, mix bowl when I was done. No more!

Never, never be afraid to do what's right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society's punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way. —Martin Luther King, Jr.

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”

—Tammy Lee Rogers Perez

No!

cat

C ON TRIBUT OR S Photographer Jenilyn Sheppard has melded her lifetime love of animals and the arts to become one of Ontario’s leading pet photographers. She has been photographing pets since attending school during the days of film and has received numerous awards, working on projects from photographing celebrities to national corporate projects. Jenilyn has settled into Brights Grove, a beach community near Sarnia, Ontario, where she lives with her eight-year-old son and two rescue dogs and operates her pet photography company, LimeHippo. See Jenilyn’s photos of the adorable Joe, winner of our Star Cat photo contest, on page 60!

S P R I N G · S U M M E R 2 0 1 6 VOL 5 NO 1 Publisher

Modern Cat Inc. Editor-in-Chief

Connie Wilson Editor & Creative Director

Jennifer Nosek Audience Development & Digital Marketing Director

Lauren Cheal Social Media & Events Coordinator, Subscription Services

Taryn Cheal Assistant Art Director

Natalie Gagnon Sales & Marketing

Juila Klymenko, Jacqueline Lowndes, Nav Nagra Accounting & Subscription Services

Celine Benipayo Copywriter & Administrative Assistant

Rebekah Chotem Controller

Cecilia de Roca Chan Honourary Editor-at-Large

Darcy Matheson is a television journalist, pet blogger, and founder of PetFundr, a crowdfunding site solely dedicated to helping animal welfare projects. This proud mama to two sassy terriers is passionate about environmentally-friendly animal care. Her new book, Greening Your Pet Care, released April 1st, is a terrific guide for safe and sustainable pet care—from nutrition to habitat to activities—designed to minimize your pet’s environmental “paw print.” Flip to page 32 for Darcy’s how-to for growing edible garden greens for your cats!

Jytte Wilson 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 5, Issue 1. Published semi annually by Modern Cat Inc. at Suite 202–343 Railway St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6A 1A4 POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Cat, Suite 202–343 Railway St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6A 1A4 In USA: MODERNCAT (ISSN 1929-3933) Volume 5, Issue 1. Published semi annually by Modern Cat Inc. at 142 Churchill Drive, Newington, CT 06111-4003. Periodicals postage paid at Hartford, CT and additional offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Dog, PO Box 310402, Newington, CT 06131-0402. PHONE

Modern Cat contributor Pooja Menon is an animal lover, an animal welfare professional, a writer, and an avid traveler, having lived in Dubai, England, India, and Los Angeles prior to moving to San Francisco. She works for the San Francisco SPCA as a fundraiser/ advocate/storyteller on behalf of shelter cats, dogs, rabbits, and mice looking for loving homes. One of her most favourite ways to spend her time is to educate people on what amazing pets shelter animals make. In this issue we’re thrilled to share Pooja’s article on how to establish peace in your multi-cat home (page 62).

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(604) 734-3131

OR TOLL FREE FAX

(866) 734-3131

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

The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, images, photographs or other materials. By accepting and publishing advertising the publisher in no way recommends, guarantees or endorses the quality of services or products within those advertisements. Copyright 2016 by Modern Cat Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means, electronic or mechanical, including the Internet or photocopying without the written permission of the Publisher. Modern Cat and its logotype are the trademarks of Modern Cat Inc. Subscription orders and customer service inquiries should be sent to Modern Cat Subscription Services, Suite 202–343 Railway St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6A 1A4

PRINTED IN CANADA

www.moderncat.com Publications Mail Agreement Number 42496543

STUFF WE LOVE Modern Cat staffers’ picks of the litter 1 I’ve joined the raw cat food movement! The transition is made easy by Savage Cat Food’s delectable artisan raw cat food, made from real muscle meat and bone, without added hormones or antibiotics! Savage Cat’s wet, prey-based, no-filler diet provides cats with myriad health benefits, including a fuller coat and healthy weight. Savage Cat also donates a portion of proceeds to local shelters and is organic, small-farm sourced. Highly recommended!—Jennifer (8 week supply for $80, savagecatfood.com)

2 If your cat is anything like mine then she reigns supreme in your household, making the handmade Bastet Collar from Furocious Kitty a perfect fit. Bastet is the Egyptian Goddess of protection, joy, dance, music, family, love, and—naturally—cats; I can’t think of a better choice for my regal feline.—Rebekah ($12, etsy.com/shop/FurociousKitty) 3 Cats need lots of good, appropriate places to scratch and the Arty Cat Scratcher from P.L.A.Y. delivers just that! The stylish shape offers tons of spots for your cat to scratch (and lounge!). Major bonus: it also looks fantastic in your home.—Julia ($69, petplay.com) 4 Say goodbye to unwelcome hairballs with Natural Hairball Control Dry Cat food from Wellness. This tasty formula (think enticing proteins like chicken and turkey) features a fiber blend that helps move hair and already-formed hairballs through your cat’s digestive system.—Natalie ($14, wellnesspetfood.com)

5 Bach's Rescue Remedy for pets is a necessity for any cat owner. It has an immediate calming effect. Whether going to the vet or on holiday, this product is a must-have for any stressful situation.—Jacqueline ($14, rescueremedy.com/pets) 6 This artist-designed ceramic mug from Personalized Pooch delivers the perfect combo of cute and caffeine to get you through the day. Wake up to a “Home is Where My Cat Is" mug to keep the smiles—and energy—going.—Lauren ($18, personalizedpooch.com) 7 The Litter Lifter makes my mom super happy! Its parallel, peaked blades only pick up clumped litter which means less shaking and sieving and less time hunched over the litter box (and more time playing with me—win!).—Lyle the Domestic Shorthair ($7, litter-lifter.com) 8 Whenever I’m plagued with an ear or skin infection, hot spot, ringworm or other ailment I’m glad my owner treats it with Banixx Wound Recovery Spray! This fast-working spray treats most wounds and offers me relief so that I can get back to the important stuff like bird watching and hair-elastic chasing. Bonus points for it being odour and sting-free!.—Stella the Maine Coon ($12, banixx.com)

9 Let your cat relax in solitude in her very own private cabin! Nekochan’s foldable, easy-toassemble Pet House will let Mittens take shelter, escape the stresses of an open environment, and indulge in unlimited and unfettered catnaps.—Cecilia ($80, nekoflies.com)

10 I have had a lot of trouble finding the perfect bowl for my cats, but I can now stop my search! Dr. Catsby’s Bowl for Whisker Relief is everything I want in a cat dish—low sides for no whisker stress, machine washable, wide to help keep the food IN the bowl, and it’s sleek looking! I LOVE this dish almost as much as my cats do!—Taryn ($20, drcatsby.com) 11 Let the Open-Air Litter Robot do the dirty work for you! This automatic, self-cleaning litter box separates the waste from clean litter, while you reap the real rewards of cat ownership: cuddles!—Nav ($450, litter-robot.com) 12 Unwrap awesome surprises! Sign up for a Cat Lady Box subscription and receive a monthly box of cool cat-themed stuff, like exclusive jewelry, clothes, accessories, decor, and more, handpicked by cat ladies for cat ladies! What could be more fun?—Celine ($31/month, catladybox.com) 13 With a light sweeping motion, Fur-Zoff effortlessly removes pet hair, fuzz, and lint from carpets, upholstery, and clothing. Made from 90% post-consumer materials, it’s environmentally friendly, lasts forever, and is just $13. My new best friend!—Connie ( $13, furzoff.net)

BL (

* 10 moderncat

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MEET YOUR SECOND -BEST FRIEND

(After Your Cat) The latest robot vacuum is here to make your dreams of effortless housekeeping a reality

ou may already be familiar with the Roomba robot vacuum thanks to its starring role in the Youtube videos of a cat dressed as a shark riding a Roomba. (Yes, you read that correctly. Find this comedy gold at moderncat.com/sharkcat.)

For the unacquainted, this smart little robot vacuum navigates your home and picks up dirt and pet hair without you lifting a finger! Having a cat generally means battling cat hair, so we were instantly sold on the robot vacuum concept and at this point we're self-professed super-fans of both the Roomba and the blasé internet cat that rounds his house on one. We recently tested out the newest model, the Roomba 980, and with its new features and improved performance, it’s a dream come true for anyone who loves a clean home but isn’t so keen on cleaning it themselves. Yes, it will set you back $900 (other Roomba models are less expensive), but the Roomba 980 boasts tons of innovative new features to make your life easier. Case in point? App powered vacuuming. Say you’re at work and, surprise, you find out your mom will be stopping by that evening. With the Roomba Home App, you can not only pre-schedule cleaning, but also start an emergency

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vacuuming session when faced with unexpected visitors— simple as a tap on your phone! The vacuum also features a HEPA-style filter to trap dirt, dust, and allergens, keeping air clean. And unlike us, it works tirelessly until the job is done, automatically recharging itself when necessary. It adjusts to different flooring without losing a beat: carpet, hardwood, tile—no problem! And don’t worry about it falling down the stairs; this cleaning machine has sensors and its intuitive memory keeps it working on track to get the whole job done. Perhaps the best part, though, is that it tackles those hard to reach spots. With its sleek design, the Roomba 980 fits neatly under furniture, beds, and sofas, ensuring every inch of your house is ultratidy and free of cat hair. We wouldn’t necessarily recommend letting your cat take this model out for a spin, but if she can’t resist a joyride, we highly suggest capturing it on video!

THE SCOOP

CatConLA CATCON! SELFIES

Selfie station? Check! Cat skirt? Cat ears? Check and check! Best event ever? Check! Modern Cat's Taryn Cheal at last year's CatConLA event.

The coolest cat event ever Calling all cat lovers! The event of the year is upon us: the second annual CatConLA—think Comic-Con but for cat people—will be taking place in Los Angeles, June 25–26. Modern Cat is again a proud sponsor and this year’s event promises to be every bit as cool as last year’s! This awe-inspiring congregation of all things “cat” is your chance to gather with like-minded cat people, meet your favourite celebre-cats (Pudge! Nala! Bub!), peruse all kinds of amazing cat merchandise— shopping has never been so fun!—and so much more. There will be photo ops galore as well as everyone’s event highlight, adorable, adoptable cats! SPCA LA is hosting an adoption village, sponsored by Hill's and Petco. There will also be speed dating for cat lovers and a beauty bar (“caticures” are back, along with a new addition: cat-eye makeup tutorials), and a chance to get creative with a kitty colouring collective. This year’s series of not-to-be-missed lectures include “The Truth Revealed: You Can Train Your Cat” with cat behaviourist Marilyn Kreiger, “How I Met My Cat & Other Stories,” and “Awkward Family Photos Presents: Celebrating Awkward Cat Photos.” And that’s not all. Offsite events include a Cat Video Festival and Lil Bub's Big Show, both held at the Ace Hotel. And the whole shebang is in benefit of FixNation, the only free, full-time, non-profit spay and neuter clinic operating in LA. All and all, it's a great time for a good cause and we recommend getting your tail down there! Advance adult day passes are $25 and weekend passes are $40; child day passes are $15 and weekend passes $25 (meet and greets with Lil Bub, Pudge, and Nala are extra). Get your tickets at catconla.com!

Cats are like music. It's foolish to try to explain their worth to those who don't appreciate them. 14 moderncat

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LILLIAN SUBMITTED BY TY

Sleepypod's awesome cat carrier (sleepypod.com)

MODERN CAT POLL QUESTION Do you travel with your cat? CAST YOUR VOTE AT MODERNCAT.COM

THE SCOOP CAPTION THIS!

And the winning captions from last issue are…

The Find

How unbelievably cute is this donut cat toy? Bringing together awesome design with the stuff cats love (catnip!), these eco-friendly dessert-inspired toys are sure to fulfill your cat’s wildest desires! From $8 at seekadesigns.com.

Nap time! “For the last time, I cannot give you my mother's recipe for tuna casserole.” SUBMITTED BY GABRIELLE HOEPPNER

RUNNER-UP CAPTIONS MC ResuPoll lts

90% 16 moderncat

“Get up and go watch ‘The Real Mousewifes of Cheese Town’ while I cook us both some chowder.” SUBMITTED BY JOSEPH A. DEWAN

“Who's up for Cat-chatori tonight?”

of Modern Cat readers let their cats sleep in bed with them.

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SUBMITTED BY TRINA SELVEY

“I was hoping to surprise you with a delicious cooked mouse for your dinner.” SUBMITTED BY WENDY KUTIN

“I haven't eaten in weeks. Please move.” SUBMITTED BY MATTY MCFREE

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.

ENTER TO WIN

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

april

may

1st-14th

Win 1 of 3 three-bowl, four-inch Trendy Pet feeders for your two-kitty family! Winners choose between a white or black feeder.

15th-30th

Win 1 of 8 Chicken Soup for the Soul: My Very Good, Very Bad Cat books paired with a four-pound bag of Chicken Soup for the Soul premium cat food!

june

1st-14th

Win 1 of 5 Raceway Loungers from Prevue Pet Products! Your cat will love chasing, scratching, and lounging on this 3-in-1 activity center!

15th-31st

Win a set of Lotus Branch and Leaf Cat Shelves from The Refined Feline! Your cat will love perching on these beautiful bent ply shelves.

july

1st-14th

Win a Neko Pawdz UJI Tunnel Set and Neko Flies Kiticatterfly Wand Toy. Create your own tunnel combinations and use your wand toy for hours of guaranteed fun and laughs!

15th-30th

Win 1 of 5 Torus Watering bowls from Torus! Your choice of a 1 litre or 2 litre bowl in either pink, blue, charcoal or red.

august

1st-14th

Win 1 of 3 Pussy & Pooch lifestyle prize packs including an Octacat cat house (Catchitecture), Cat-ChaTrout toy (Wildebeest), catnip kicker (Hauspanther), and organic catnip (Tabby James)!

15th-31st

Win 1 of 2 SHRU interactive cat toys, aka Intelligent Cat Companion units from PDX Pet Design! Winners will also receive a bonus tail attachment!

september

1st-14th

Win a Litter-Robot Open Air automatic self-cleaning litter box! Empty the waste drawer when indicated and add litter as needed—it’s that simple!

15th-31st

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

1st-14th

Win 1 of 6 cat shirts from Shred My Couch and wear your love for cats on your sleeve! Available in unisex and women’s sizes up to 2XL.

15th-30th

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

No purchase necessary to enter or win. Beginning April 1, 2016 at 12:01 AM (PST) through September 31, 2016 at 11:59 PM (PST), enter each day at moderncat.com/giveaways. Each biweekly giveaway ends at 11:59 PM (PST). Every two weeks, the specified number of winners for that giveaway will win the prize featured in the giveaway calendar (ARV: $200). Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. Contest is open to legal Canadian and US residents 18 and older as of date of entry. Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited by law. Giveaway subject to complete official rules available at moderncat.com/giveaways.

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INSET PHOTO: ARIEL SUBMITTED BY AYAKA

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

moderncat.com

R E P cat SU PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS ! E T CU Reggie

Murzik Mimi Saffron Eleanor

Levi

Theodore

Dusty Blue 20 moderncat

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Pacie

Luna Baker-Burns

Tigger

Rico & Ritz

Tora

Mr. Kitty

Smoochybear

Wally Nutmeg

Bean

Blue Charlie Watson

Zoey Xander Lynch

Louie Armstrong

Fred Sophia Think your cat ought to grace the pages of Modern Cat? Upload your cat's photo at moderncat.com/photocontest. Not only will he or she be entered to be our Cat of the Week, but a selection of the photos entered will appear on these pages!

Adelaide

Miminho moderncat.com

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how to stop your cat from urine spray-marking Are you at your wit's end? Help is here! By Mieshelle Nagelschneider, aka The Cat Whisperer, cat behaviourist at the Cat Behavior Clinic Illustration by Taryn Gee

“S

praying is a major reason that cats get sent to the shelters or put out on the street. My job is to end the spraying and change the storyline. Like a director in a movie, I insist on my own ending, the happily ever-after ending with the cat and the owner staying together. And I always get my ending, because spraying is surprisingly easy to remedy.”—Mieshelle Nagelschneider in The Cat Whisperer: Why Cat’s Do What They Do and How to Get Them to Do What You Want At The Cat Behavior Clinic I’ve performed thousands of urine spray-marking behaviour consultations by phone or video Skype. Spray-marking is one of my favourite consultations because so many cat owners have been told urine marking is an unsolvable issue. On the contrary, it’s one of the easiest behaviour issues to solve. Once

the reason for the behaviour is identified and then eliminated, the urine marking can stop completely—sometimes even literally overnight. It may sound too good to be true, but as long as there is no longer a reason for spray-marking to be performed, then it shouldn’t happen, ever. In the majority of cases I’ve dealt with, it’s as simple as that. What is urine spray-marking anyway? And why does your cat stand there with tail held high and vibrating and insist on shooting urine vertically on your curtains and what might seem like any vertical surface he or she—that’s right, females can perform the behaviour too—can find? Even once neutered or spayed, cats can still urine spray-mark for territorial reasons, though fixed or unfixed, cats generally don’t urine spray mark before they are two

moderncat.com

years of age when they move into social maturity (social maturity happens between the ages of two and four years; sexual maturity at about 6 months). In my cat behaviour book, The Cat Whisperer, I’ve devoted an entire chapter to urine spray-marking, giving answers on why cats spray urine, how to stop the behaviour, and why Mieshelle Nagelschneider tackles your you need to calm down urine marking woes. already. There are several reasons cats urine-spray mark, but for this article, I’m going to discuss the number one reason.

The #1 Reason: You have outside cats. No, really, you have outside cats! Your cat has become aware of an outside cat’s presence and feels his territory may be under threat. This is, by far, the number one reasons my client’s cats will urine spray-mark inside the home. There can be other reasons at play, but this is the main reason in the majority of the cases I work with. Your cat seeing (or smelling) outside cats can cause him to bolster up the perimeter of his home’s territory with urine. Doors leading outside, windows, walls—any location that is perimeter-based in your home—can become a prime urine marking location. In your cat’s mind, urine marking the perimeter will help deter outside cats from crossing the territorial line— “thou shall not pass”, so to speak. Yet many cat owners will tell me they have “never, ever seen an outside cat.” I tell these clients that their cat marking in the home indicates they most likely do have an outside cat (or cats, which is usually the case) visiting their property where their cat can see them. Feral cats are actively hunting between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. and often not seen by the cat owner—but are seen by their cats. Or your cat may simply see a cat all the way across the street in the neighbour’s driveway once a week and that is enough for daily urine marking.

Need more help? To schedule a behaviour consultation with Mieshelle Nagelschneider by phone or Skype video, please visit thecatbehaviorclinic.com.

Think you’ve tried everything? I’m pretty sure you haven’t. • Deter Outside Cats: Make your inside cat think he is the only cat in the universe. In other words, no outside cat of any sort (stray, feral, or neighbourhood cats) should be seen or smelled by your cat. This can mean a combination of two strategies—using humane outside motion sensor cat deterrents (Cat Stop and The Scarecrow by Contech are very effective) and blocking certain windows in your home so your cat cannot see outside cats where motion sensor deterrents may not reach. Many of my clients use wax paper on certain windows to block the view in cases where their cat could still see outside cats all the way across the street. • Remove Urine Odour: Use an enzymatic or neutralizing urine cleaner and discontinue using any products that contain ammonia in your home (ammonia is a constituent of urine). My favourite urine removal products are Zero Odor and Anti-Icky-Poo. • Promote Claw Marking: Give your cat an alternative way to mark territory that doesn’t involve urine. Place cat scratching posts or corrugated cardboard scratchers right in the areas where the urine marking is occurring. This will help promote claw marking which can help take the place of urine marking behaviour. Sprinkle cat nip on cat scratch areas to entice clawing behaviour. • Promote Body Rolling: Sprinkle dried catnip in the urine marked areas to create body-rolling behaviour in your cat. Cats also mark territory by body rolling in the location they wish to “mark” and this behaviour can help take the place of urine marking behaviour. • Trigger the Prey Drive: Encourage your cat to play in the area where the urine marking is occurring by maneuvering a wand toy daily in this area. This will help change the association of what your cat does in that area. Instead of having anxiety and urine marking, he is hunting and feeling confident. • Place Food Strategically: You can also feed your cat in the urine marked areas to help change the urine marking association to an eating association. Cats tend to keep eating and urine marking areas very separate. • Encourage Facial Marking: Replace the territorial behaviour of urine marking with friendly facial marking by utilizing friendly feline pheromones found at pet stores and online. The Feliway pheromone can be very effective, especially once you eliminate the outside cat threat. Above all, please remember that urine spray-marking is a natural behaviour. Your cat isn’t bad or trying to spite you. He is responding with his natural instincts to the environmental circumstances in which he has been placed. n

Medical Alert: Due to painful urination, some cats will actually urinate standing up which can look like urine spray-marking. Please be sure to work with your vet to rule out urinary health or kidney issues that can cause stand-up urination due to pain or discomfort.

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{Love this!} The Cat

Shelf Chill is the perfect cozy vantage point from which your cat can survey the house. She'll love its

soft pillow and oval shape (containing your cat for safer napping), and you'll love its sleek, unique design. Style and function! $82, cosyanddozy.com

CatTastic Décor Finds to thrill both you and your cat

and recyclable glass, these odour-neutralizing candles from Nelli Designs feature charming, original cat drawings by WACSO (Walkin Around Checkin Stuff Out), making them the perfect addition to any cat-loving home! $25, nellidesigns.com

{Editor’s Pick} How

cool is the Indiana Jones Cat Bridge from Catastrophic Creations? This customizable bridge (your choice of length, rope, stain, and bracket colour) is the perfect

place for your cat to curl up for a nap or keep

track of the goings on in your household. A beautiful, space conscious and unconventional way to engage your cat, it’s sure to get people talking! From $150, catastrophiccreations.com

This super-stylish modular cat scratcher is the perfect place for your cat to scratch, nap, climb, or snooze, and doubles as a shelving unit for all of your decorating and organizational needs. With near endless configuration possibilities, you can change it up to suit your space or mood! From $250, katriscat.com

Satisfying your cat’s needs needn’t come at the expense of your interior design. Sleek and functional, the Post

and Beam Cat House offers your cat a place to sleep, groom, scratch, and survey the house. Inspired by midcentury architecture, this solid-oak and African sapele wood haven is perfect in its minimal refinement. $1050, daviesdecor.com

Your cat will love cozying up within

the padded, flexible walls of the Cat Canoe—perfect for snugglers! Available in tons of lovely designs and colours. $33, thecatball.com

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{Great Gift Idea!} Made with natural soy wax

SPRING · SUMMER 2016

BREEDS

Turkish Van

Rare Beauty 8 uncommon cat breeds and the cool traits (think curly hair, a love of water, wild cat spots, and more) that make them unique

This ancient semi-longhaired breed was developed in central and southwest Asia, including parts of Iran, Iraq, and Turkey, then brought to England in the 1950s where it was further developed. The Turkish Van’s single-coated fur has a very soft texture and is water-resistant, something this water-lover can appreciate. Yes, this is a cat that swims. The breed’s coat pattern restricts colour to the head and tail. The rest of the cat is white. Eyes for this breed may be blue or amber, or even one of each.

K U D D E L S U B M I TT E D BY J OSE F L EO N A R D W I E L A N D

By Kelly Caldwell

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Snowshoe

This rare breed originated in Philadelphia in the 1960s, when a Siamese breeder’s cat gave birth to three kittens with white feet. These uniquely-marked Siamese cats were then bred with American Shorthairs and other bi-coloured breeds. Today’s Snowshoe coat colour is pointed with a light body colour with darker ears, face, legs, and tail. His namesake white feet are part of what makes this breed rather unique. No doubt owing to his Siamese heritage, the Snowshoe is a very vocal cat.

Chartreux

Research indicates that these French cats actually originated in ancient Persia and were most likely brought back to France by knights returning from the Crusades. A tough mouser, the Chartreux is a fine-boned but muscular cat with a woolly, water-resistant bluish-grey coat. But perhaps most unique is this breed’s smile—the result of a rounded head that tapers to a narrow muzzle.

P O L P E TTA S U B M I TT E D BY R E N ATA T U FA N O H O

Japanese Bobtail

This ancient breed is native to the islands of Japan, where records suggest he arrived about 1000 years ago from China. Legend has it that, in the 1600s, the silk trade was in crisis due to damage from rats. In came the Japanese Bobtail, who saved the day (and the silk). His tail is very unique and can have any combination of curves and kinks. This cat’s back legs are slightly longer than his front legs, giving the look of a very muscular cat. His eyes are more oval than round. This is a cat known for his pleasant voice, which he uses frequently.

moderncat.com

Cymric

Development of this breed began in the 1960s, starting with a combination of Siamese and Burmese cats. Today’s Tonkinese is a medium-sized, muscular cat with short, silky fur and stunning aqua-coloured eyes. His head is wedge-shaped like the Siamese, though a little more rounded. Another trademark of the breed is its distinctive oval paws.

Ocicat

Spotted like a wild cat but with the temperament of a family pet, the Ocicat (named for its resemblance to the ocelot) is a show stopper. He may resemble a wild cat, but this is a truly domesticated feline, developed since the 1960s by the interbreeding of Abyssinian, Siamese, and American Shorthair cats. This is a large, athletic, and muscular breed that comes in a variety of colours.

LaPerm

This new breed’s humble beginnings were on an Oregon farm in the early 1980s. A bald kitten born in a litter seemed to have no resemblance to its littermates or its parents. Within a few weeks, a soft and curly coat began to grow in. That kitten was eventually bred and, in subsequent generations, more bald kittens were born and the curly coat repeated. In time, the breeder developed a type and today the LaPerm comes in many colours and coat patterns. He might have a soft and wavy coat, or he might be sporting tight ringlets. Both shorthaired and longhaired versions exist. n

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SA N N A H E L L ST É N ; L A P E R M : ST I N A S U B M I TT E D BY J ESSI C A U L F SD OTT E R

Tonkinese

C YM R I C : K A N E L I S U B M I TT E D BY SA I J A M E L A N D E R ; O CI C AT: D E I G O S U B M I TT E D BY

This semi-longhaired cat is a variety of the Manx breed, originating on the Isle of Man. Length of fur is the distinguishing factor between the two breeds, with the Cymric boasting a medium to long, dense fur coat. He’s a muscular, medium to large cat with a rounded appearance. Four different tail types are produced, ranging from tailless to fully-tailed. Cymrics are fascinated by water and have been known to take a swim now and then.

Garden of Eatin’ Create a green and grazeable feline feast for your cat By Darcy Matheson

s a strictly indoor cat, four-year-old Bella doesn’t have access to grass or fresh greens. When the white and tabby mix feline started taking an interest in her indoor plants and herb garden, owner Erica Miller decided to introduce her beloved pet to cat grass. It was a huge hit. “When she gets new cat grass she immediately has to check it out, sniff it, and eat some. Otherwise she nibbles on it, and sometimes I see her sticking her face in it,” says Miller. While many cat owners routinely pick up a pot of cat grass at their local corner store or pet shop, it’s actually quite easy to grow your own indoor garden for your feline friend. Two of the easiest plants to grow—cat grass and catnip—are also the most loved by cats and boast many health and psychological benefits. “Cats need greenery just as we do,” says Dr. Nicky Joosting of the Vancouver Feline Veterinary Housecall Service, who recommends that cats have access to fresh grass every day. There are various theories about why cats go crazy for these greens, but it could have something to do with their evolution. Since cats are obligate carnivores (meaning the eating of meat is a biological necessity) and typically have protein-heavy prey diets, they seek out plants for dietary balance, says Dr. Barbara Hodges of the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association. “They eat

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plants as a source of fiber,” she notes, adding, “Cats are simply exploring their world and eat plants because they like the smell, taste or texture of particular plants.” Follow these easy tips and you’ll be well on your way to your own Garden of Eatin’ for your feisty feline!

Cat Grass

Cat grass, which is actually a cereal grass like oat or wheat, provides a safe outlet for grazing. The consumption of these supplemental greens will also help your cat’s digestive tract. Eating roughage provided by greens such as cat grass can help remove indigestible matter, like the fur they’ve swallowed during grooming. This is especially true for indoor cats that wouldn’t otherwise get to eat greens in their daily routine. John McMaster, who fosters cats and kittens for Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association (VOKRA), provides the grass regularly to the cats in his care. He says not to be concerned if your cat coughs it back up. “Don’t be alarmed! The grass encourages the removal of fur, which can be an irritant to the cat’s upper digestive tract,” he says. Dr. Joosting says many of her client’s cats vomit as soon as they get the grass—but it’s only from overindulging. “They are so excited that they gorge,” she says, adding that

SUNSHINE SUBMITTED BY AMBER SHIPLEY

Two of the easiest plants to grow—cat grass and catnip—are also the most loved by cats and boast many health and psychological benefits. it’s often just temporary. “Once they get used to it, then they will nibble their daily leaf, and only gorge when they feel the need to vomit—they do seem to use it as a purge.” Cat grass also has a calming or psychological benefit—and can act as environmental enrichment for stressed out kitties. Dr. Joosting recommends providing cat grass for people whose cats are “wool suckers” or are destructive chewers. Ditto for cats who have a penchant for nibbling—or attacking—other houseplants. Before she provided a daily supply of cat grass, Dr. Joosting said her four cats would “go crazy” and eat any greenery coming into the home. But that’s no longer the case now that they’re satisfied with the cat grass. That’s also been the experience of Erica Miller, Bella’s owner—to her great relief. “The biggest benefit is that it seems to distract her from eating other plants,” she says.

Tips for Growth

Growing your own supply of cat grass is very easy. It wilts after two weeks, so plant several pots a week apart for a continuous supply. Buy seeds from your local garden or pet store. Soak them for a few hours before starting them in potting mix in a sturdy four-inch plant pot. Place in a warm, sunny spot. It will take around two weeks for the shoots to germinate and grow. Your cat can enjoy it for a few weeks before you need to pull out the remaining shoots and plant more seeds. Lack a green thumb? Buy your cat live, certified organic, ready to nibble cat grass delivered straight to your door at petgrass.com.

Catnip

Best known for the “natural high” it can give your cat, it’s easy to grow catnip in your home garden. A bonus? Expert gardener and bestselling author Wim Vander Zalm says you can give it to your cats fresh as well as dried. “Cats will roll through it, chew on it, and eat the fresh leaves as well,” he says. “It is the marijuana for cats.” This member of the mint family loves damp soil and is partial to full sunshine. You might consider surrounding this perennial plant with a cage or barrier in its early growth stages to prevent your cat from devouring all of it! “You may have to protect the baby plant, but once it is estab-

lished, all you have to do is cut it back,” says Dr. Joosting. “Don’t be surprised if a cat makes a nest in it.” Vander Zalm suggests growing it outside and bringing the clippings inside to provide fresh or dried. “Inside it can dehydrate; it will thrive more in an outdoor environment,” he says. The euphoric reaction to catnip, which comes with rubbing, sniffing, salivating, and licking, comes from the volatile oil Nepetalactone in the plant. The oil binds to the receptors that stimulate pleasure in your cat’s brain, though only 70 to 80 percent of cats will react to the plant. Dr. Joosting says some plants will be stronger than others, so you may need to experiment with the variety you grow for your cat. But catnip isn’t just for making cats frisky. VOKRA foster cat dad John McMaster sprinkles it on food to encourage cats with a decreased appetite to eat, and uses it to motivate chubby kitties to roll around and get some exercise. Cat parents can also enjoy its benefits, he says. “It can also be brewed as an herbal tea for people and it has a calming, soothing effect that is similar to chamomile,” he says.

Catnip Alternatives

Every cat has a different reaction to catnip. For cats that have a more boisterous or even aggressive reaction to the plant, you can try providing a catnip alternative, like silver vine or honeysuckle. Both of these outdoor climbing plants, which do well on a trellis or arbour, elicit a catnip-type response from many cats. The leaves of silver vine, which produce a mildly euphoric response, are a popular cat treat in Asia, especially Japan, where the dried plant is called Matatabi. Honeysuckle has properties that act as a cat-attractant, and your feline will love to rub against the branches, especially when they are wet. Both plants are spring and summer bloomers that like full sun, but honeysuckle can get by in part-sun. Joosting says training honeysuckle or silver vine to grow to form a “cat cave” may be the best thing you’ll ever do for your cat—especially if it’s in a sunny area of your home or protected balcony area. “All cats love to sleep in a pot of warm sunny soil,” she says. “In that green bush cave they can watch the world go by, dappled with sun, safe and secure.” n Planting an edible garden for your cat is one of the many ways you can reduce your environmental "paw print." Darcy Matheson's first book, Greening Your Pet Care is filled with easy tricks to lower your pet's impact on the environment, from the food they eat to vet care and products. Available at major pet and book stores, and through Amazon.

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Let your cat snuggle and nuzzle to her heart’s content with the Annabella Pillow from Bavarian Cat Toys. This cat-sized pillow is filled with just the right amount of Bavarian grown valerian root and catnip to entice and amuse your cat! $20, bavariancattoys.com

Playtime meets nap-time in the all-inclusive Bootsie’s Bunk Bed and Playroom from Pioneer Pet. Nap on top, hide within, bat the spring-activated toys, or simply scratch—this toy seriously does it all! $50, pioneerpet.com

Toy Time! Get your freak on—toys to drive your cat wild!

Your cat will go wild for the natural fur scent of the Buffalo Mouse Cat Toy from Primal Pets. These toys, handmade in the USA, are constructed using real bison fur and leather and can be stuffed with organic catnip for extra fun. But be forewarned, these toys are incredibly lifelike! $10, primalpetshop.com

The Original Kittenator Cat Toy simulates the natural furry scampering of a mouse to drive your cat wild! It comes with a 41-inch long string with a swivel clip for attachment to the rod (sold separately, $20) and can be interchanged with Neko Flies’ other attachable toys, like the katarantula, kragonfly, kattipede or other creepy critters. Guaranteed to keep your delighted cat playing for hours! $20, nekoflies.com

The next generation of cat-tertainment! Shru is an interactive toy that automatically responds to your cat’s style of play by mimicking a small animal’s erratic movement and sound. It’s rechargeable by USB and you can configure it to operate in different play modes, as well as change the tail feather style, to keep your cat super-engaged and entertained. $99, getshru.com

Endless playful opportunities guaranteed with the Kitty Power Paws Post! Multiple platforms offer your cat a variety of places to jump, rest, pounce, and play, while the sturdy rope and feather-tipped tassels engage your cat in interactive fun! $105, prevuepet.com

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Your cat is going to LOVE this. Hide, stalk, pounce, scratch—the Ripple Rug lets your cat do it all. The upper rug’s 13 touchpoints attach to a carpet base to form customizable ripples that create tunnels, hideouts, and scratching spots. The configuration options are as wild as your imagination and your cat’s desires, letting you provide a new adventure as often as you like! $40, ripplerug.com

PHOTO CONNIE WILSON

Modern Cat's Editor & Creative Director Jennifer Nosek gives some love to a resident baby pot-bellied pig.

BEST FRIENDS FOREVER A cat lover's dream vacation By Jennifer Nosek

he first thing that strikes you upon arrival in Southwest Utah is the landscape, otherworldly and gloriously so, with stunning red rock cliffs meeting the largest and bluest of skies. Our destination? The Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, located in the wonderfully named Angel Canyon, found just outside of Kanab, Utah, and nestled between the sprawling ochre-hued rocks of the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Zion national parks.

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The Sanctuary is the heart of Best Friends Animal Society, the lauded national animal welfare organization. In its 30-plus years of operation, the Sanctuary has grown from little more than a dream to America’s largest no-kill haven for companion animals. Nearly 2,000 animals, including cats, dogs, goats, horses, birds, rabbits, and pigs call the Sanctuary home. Many of the animals are up for adoption but there are also those who will live out their lives here. All of them will receive a

They come to vacation, to volunteer, to take in the acres of majestic natural beauty that the Sanctuary occupies—in short, they come to be a part of the magic.

lot of love—more than 25,000 people per year visit. They come to vacation, to volunteer, to take in the acres of majestic natural beauty that the Sanctuary occupies—in short, they come to be a part of the magic. Of the original 31 founders, 18—all self professed old hippies—still live on the property. The dream of a no-kill shelter has grown into the dream of a no-kill nation, and this amazing organization is now doing good work on a national scale. The contribution and change inspired by the non-profit is tremendous. They have become the leader in the nokill animal movement, bestowing immense grants on city shelters to help them transition to no-kill, launching education initiatives, Trap/Neuter/Return programs, and spay and neuter campaigns, lobbying government for better animal protection, helping shut down puppy mills, and more. All of this is made even more amazing by the prevalent laid-back vibe. It’s no wonder people want to be a part of this. One volunteer we spoke with had actually moved from out of state to be closer to the Sanctuary. Throughout the day, volunteers and staff are found at varying tasks—playing with cats and socializing kittens (important pre-adoption activities), chatting with shy cats, working with terrified former strays and feral cats, taking enthusiastic dogs for walks, and clicker training bunnies. Come lunchtime, most everyone convenes for a vegetarian buffet offered every day and which, in the deal of the century, is not only delicious but just $5 and enjoyed at communal tables with million dollar views. More than a few moments move us to tears—the proud-as-punch woman we meet just outside the gift shop (tip: be sure to pick up awesome Best Friends tees as we did) who has just decided to adopt the fluffy, scruffy guy she was volunteering with; the quiet moderncat.com

From left: Three of the founders of Best Friends Animal Society, Jana de Peyer, Gabriel Quincy, and Faith Maloney.

reward of simply hanging out with the recently rescued cats; coaxing an unsure senior cat to play (the joyous kittens needing no such encouragement!); the heartstring-tugging experience of visiting Angel’s Rest, the final resting place for Sanctuary animals as well as the pets of Best Friends members and staff. Here, surrounded by the beauty of Angel Canyon, we wander the serene setting, the musical sound of wind chimes ringing with the slightest breeze as we pass by a multitude of markers, each in remembrance of a beloved animal. To say it is moving doesn’t begin to capture the spirit of this special place. Angel’s Rest, like all of the Sanctuary, is a spirit-replenishing place where a deep and profound respect for animals is evidenced. It is quite simply a pleasure to spend time with likeminded folks amongst nature and animals. Yet among all these highlights, some of our favourite moments were spent hanging with the “crazy ones, misfits, and rebels,” as the founders characterize themselves. Their magnetism and remarkable vision has changed the very conversation and practice around animal sheltering and pet population control. They’ve inspired others to take up the cause of the no-kill movement and believe it, together we’ll get there, far sooner than many could have predicted thanks to the passion of the Best Friends crew and their ever-growing supporters. But don’t take our word for it—go see for yourself! n

IF YOU GO... The Sanctuary is open to both visitors and volunteers. If you’re planning a visit, consider reserving one of the cottages, cabins, or RV sites, all located on Sanctuary grounds. Cottages accommodate up to six guests and three pets, with rates starting at $95 a night. The Angel Canyon cabins are a smaller, cozier option for one to two guests and two pets and start at just $60. If you’d like, you can even invite one of the Sanctuary pets for a sleepover (many of the cats would make a delightful slumber party guest!) and provide a meaningful break and socialization opportunity for an adoptable animal. There are also many off-site accommodations to be found in town.

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LET'FSY! CATI

7 Steps to Creating a Cat-Friendly Home Make your home a haven for your cat By Rose Frosek

With high perches, playhouses, swinging ropes, ladders, and more, the Classic Cat Tree from Armarkat has something for every cat. From $45, armarkat.com

The beautiful Lotus Cat Shelves from Refined Feline provide an ideal up-top perch for your cat. Not only do they provide vertical space, but they're supremely chic. From $64, refinedfeline.com

Expand your cat’s world: create vertical space.

The creation of vertical space is HUGE for cats. It opens up their space, makes it easier for cats in a multi-cat household to get along as they can “time-share” their space/assets because there are enough spots to go around, and it lets them survey their world from on high. It also encourages exercise, sorely lacking for many indoor cats, by giving them somewhere to jump to. There are many awesome (and attractive!) ways to create vertical space for your cats: amazing cat trees, cat shelves, and the connection of these vertical spaces to create “cat super highways.”

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The Artisan Feeder from Bowsers embodies utilitarian chic. The low sides won’t bother your cat’s whiskers and the neutral wood base and elegant white ceramic bowl add appropriate sophistication to dinnertime. Your cat approves. From $57, bowsers.com

Provide a dining experience free of whisker stress.

Did you know the high sides of your cat’s dish bother his delicate whiskers? It’s true. Whiskers are extremely sensitive. A wide, low-sided dish suits cats best.

Give your cat a cocoon, not a hideaway.

Provide a spot for your cat to disappear in plain sight so he can still be a part of family life. If your cat is able to “hide” by crawling into a “secret” spot off to the side of the living room—such as that provided by the lovely Ombré Cat Cave from Karma Cat, handcrafted by women’s collectives high in Nepal with a blend of Tibetan and New Zealand wools ($65, distinctlyhimalayan.com)—as opposed to retreating to a spot under the bed, you’ll be able to help a nervous or scared cat build confidence and integrate with the family. SPRING · SUMMER 2016

The multi-bathroom home.

“Cat Daddy” Jackson Galaxy recommends the “plus one” rule, meaning when determining how many litter boxes you need, count the number of cats you have and add one; if you have two cats, you’ll want three litter boxes, situated in locations with social significance to your cats. Unfortunately, your cats would like their litter boxes placed where you spend most of your time. We get that you might not want a litter box in your living room but perhaps you can compromise; if your cats spend a lot of time by certain windows or doors, place the litter boxes in these spots or in the bathroom that you use.

SIGNS YOUR CAT NEEDS A WINDOW PERCH

Offer a room with a view. Cats love to look out windows.

Create a lookout point for your cat with a window perch or an appropriately situated shelf or bookcase. Though be aware that the outdoor presence of neighbourhood cats can disquiet indoor cats (page 22).

Get your scratch on! Vesper V-line cat furniture melds catfriendly materials with elegant design, combining cozy cubes, platforms and tunnels with strategically placed scratching areas. From $65, (pictured $155) vesper-cats.com

Scratch me!

No “gas station” bathrooms please.

Cats want a clean and non-stinky place to do their business and who can blame them? Consider improving your cat’s bathroom situation by upgrading to a litter box that fights odour issues. The design of the new Cateco litter box, for instance, is clinically proven to reduce odours by up to 86 percent by fighting humidity and therefore bad smells. By optimizing natural air circulation it allows litter to dry properly, discouraging the growth of bacteria and fungus, aka the cause of stinky ammonia and other malodorous gases. Bonus—you’ll need to change your cat’s litter far less frequently! ($60, cateco.co)

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GIZMO SUBMITTED BY KELSEY

SPRING · SUMMER 2016

Place scratching posts where your cat wants them, rather than where you want them.

There are a number of reasons your cat is choosing the sofa and the doorjamb of your bedroom for scratching. They are important locations to your cat, marking key territory. Just reflect how much time you spend between these two locations; your cat wants to leave her mark in these key outposts to indicate her co-ownership (Awww, it’s like a Facebook “in a relationship” status update!). Instead of tucking away scratching posts where you’d like them, place them in these spots (or wherever else your cat seems to want to scratch). And make sure the scratching posts you choose are super sturdy and provide for a variety of scratching positions—horizontal (aka what the arm of your sofa used to provide), vertical, and inclined. “Scratchability” is also important—it doesn’t help that the couch and door frames are usually made of ideal scratching material, so make sure the alternative on offer is satisfying for your cat to sink her claws into. Remember, cats aren’t just making their mark when scratching but are also stretching their back muscles and removing the outer nail sheath. n

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do you have catitude?

Do You Have the Personality of a Cat? Take this quiz to find out! By Lauren Cheal & Taryn Cheal

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SAY

GOODBYE TO SAY HELLO TO THE

Tally your answers to the following questions to determine what kind of cat personality you possessâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and what type of cat would be your best match!

1 2

LITTER BOX.

It's Saturday afternoon. You can be found: A. Lunching with your besties (basically everyone). B. Reading Modern Cat magazine in a sunbeam in your fave chair. C. On the couch, armed with snacks, watching literally anything (#netflixandchill). D. Chilling with your boo. He gets you. E. Hitting the shops, hunting for deals.

It's a mix and mingle cocktail party situation. You are: A. Hopping between all the groups, making intros, being hilarious. B. Finding the cat of the house and spend-

Clinically proven Convactive Technology drastically reduces strong, foul odours. TM

Makes maintenance an afterthought.

ing your evening trying to befriend her.

C. If you made it at all, you parked it on a comfy couch and are counting down the minutes until it will be appropriate for you to skedaddle.

D. Circling around the host. E. Rifling through the medicine cabinet and

knocking all the books off the shelves.

Your favourite form of exercise is:

A. Advanced Zumba with your crew. B. Yoga. C. Exercise? D. Is paddle-boating with your girlfriend a sport? E. Hitting the climbing gym.

Learn more about what could be the smartest litter box you ever own at cateco.co! facebook.com/nobaproducts

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meet your other friends. B. Politely say hello and then excuse yourself ASAP. C. Ask them what their fave TV show is so that you’ll have something to talk about. D. Introduce them to your BF; isn’t he great? E. Invite them to go hiking with you this weekend.

A. Barely eating anything because you have such good stories to tell everyone. B. Enjoying a quiet meal at home with a good book. C. Getting takeout. Who has the energy to cook something? D. Enjoying date night at your favourite bistro with your bae. E. Trying an exotic new cuisine.

the verdict Mostly A’s: You have the personality of a super-social, life-of-the-party cat! Like your ideal feline companion, you are unreserved, friendly, and the social glue of your group. You love to meet new people and make new friends quickly. Your ideal feline counterpart is likewise confident, outgoing, and loves making new friends. Style tip: accentuate your cat's personality with a bow tie from Pets by Carvas. (Pictured, from $14, etsy.com/shop/PETSbyCarvas)

Mostly B’s: You have the personality of a reserved cat! More introverted, you appreciate quiet and comfortable spots where you can enjoy solitary pursuits. Much like a shy cat, you prefer smaller groups or solo time until you feel comfortable, but people who take the time to get to know you are rewarded by your slow-burn wonderfulness.

Mostly C’s: You have the personality of a homebody cat! Your ideal day is a relaxing one: lots of snacks and TV consumed from YOUR spot on the couch. Your perfectmatch cat would love to sleep in sunbeams and only wake for mealtime and a brief perusal of what’s happening on the home front. Tip: keep your homebody cat happy with a Sunny Seat window-mounted cat bed. ($25, osterpets.com)

Mostly D’s: You have the personality of a snuggle bug cat!

You are all about the L.O.V.E. You definitely have a soul mate and you two are inseparable! Ideally you’d spend ALL your time with the object of your affection—washing each other’s hair, staring deeply into each other’s eyes, sharing a single plate at dinner—and your ideal feline match is the same: a super-cuddly love-y cat that only has eyes for her person!

Mostly E’s: You have a personality of an adventurous cat! If you’re not already on a vacay, you’re booking your next one. You love trying new things, you’re always on the go, and there’s no adventure too great or too small for you. Your cat counterpart is the same—she loves hunting, playing, and going for walks on leashes! n

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PEANUT SUBMITTED BY TERESA

A. Talk their ear off and make plans for them to

It's dinnertime. You are:

LEFT: SAVVY SUBMITTED BY KARYN WOLF; RIGHT: CLEOPATRA SUBMITTED BY JESSICA

You're introduced to someone new. You:

moderncat.com

YOUR CAT IS GOING TO NEED THOSE TEETH FOR A LONG TIME

Here’s how to help her keep them!

whopping 80 percent of cats and dogs will show signs of periodontal disease, including red and swollen gums, bad breath, pain, and tooth loss. Cats (along with small-breed dogs) are especially susceptible. If left untreated, periodontal disease progresses to plaque build up, gum recession, loosened teeth, bad breath, inflammation, and bleeding of the gums, and, eventually, loss of teeth, oral infections, and even poor overall health. Yikes! Bad breath is usually the first telltale sign that your cat has underlying oral health issues, but you need to tackle more than just the funky breath! An easy to follow (easy is the key to success) oral health care regimen is extremely important for your cat’s longterm health and also reduces the likelihood of periodontal disease, discomfort for your cat, and costly teeth cleaning visits to the vet, which usually require general anesthetic.

Mechanical 1 The single most effective mode for cleaning teeth is the mechanical action of direct contact. Brushing teeth using toothpaste formulated for cats (never use people toothpaste!) is the best defense. (Yes, you can brush your cat’s teeth. Adult cats can be more resistant, however, so, as the American Veterinary Medical Association notes, it’s a good idea to start in kittenhood using a finger cot or gauze and a toothpaste especially formulated for cats. While you’re at it, massage the gum area to keep them healthy. Gums should be pink, not red.) Specially designed dental chews and toys can also provide the mechanical abrasion to clean cats’ teeth.

Rinsing 2 Rinses complement the mechanical action of teeth cleaning by ensuring the whole mouth—teeth, tongue, gums, and palate—receives attention. Of course, cats and dogs can’t rinse and spit so an easy-to-use drinking water additive is an ideal choice. Gels and foams can also be used. The key is to choose a rinse that’s designed for pets and that has the right formulation to prevent and disperse biofilm, which is where the harmful bacteria associated with periodontal disease multiply.

In short, it’s time to commit to an action plan! We asked Bluestem, pet oral health care experts, for a routine that works. Here are their four steps to ensuring your cat has a healthy mouth and keeps those teeth!

Diet 3 Specialized cat food products are also available, usually in dry kibble form.

Good oral care for cats is not that different than it is for people. We brush, rinse, and (hopefully) floss; the same multi-pronged approach works best for cats.

Make It Routine 4 Just like caring for our own teeth is an everyday function, so it goes for cats

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These foods help clean teeth through chewing action. Try adding some dry kibble to your cat’s wet food or give him deboned raw meat to encourage him to chew.

and dogs. It’s important to select a routine that you, as a pet owner, can conveniently take care of every day. Accounting for the laziness factor is why daily use of an oral care rinse for cats in the form of an oral care water additive can be a great idea.

SNOWY SUBMITTED BY MARYAM; LOUIE SUBMITTED BY TANYA DE TULLIO

BODY & SOUL

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BODY & SOUL

The New Kidney Disease Test That Could Save Your Cat's Life

Did you know kidney failure is one of the top four causes of death in domestic cats? In fact, one in three cats will develop kidney disease. It’s particularly common in geriatric cats—more than half of cats over age 15 are afflicted. The kidneys are critical organs in the body. Normally, healthy happy kidneys are adept at eliminating protein wastes, balancing body water, salts, and acids, and providing certain hormones for calcium, phosphorus and red blood cell maintenance by producing high quality urine. However, as cats age, kidney disease can strike and compromise these important activities. Catching kidney disease early can enable cat owners and veterinarians to treat the disease and allow cats to live years longer than they otherwise would. Symptoms of chronic kidney disease can include weight loss, increased urination and thirst, vomiting, and decreased appetite. You will likely notice your cat sleeping more, grooming less and appearing unkempt. Your kitty’s gums may not be as pink as usual, indicating anemia. In more severe cases, you might notice bad breath.

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To date, a big challenge for veterinarians and pet owners alike has been diagnosing kidney disease while the kidneys have some function left. It’s important to know that kidney disease has no visible signs until most function is lost, which is why being able to test early is so important. Veterinarians have traditionally diagnosed kidney disease through measuring blood creatinine, a measure that typically does not detect kidney disease until 75 percent of kidney function is lost. There’s good news, though. A new test, SDMA, is now available, which is capable of detecting kidney disease much earlier. It’s the only test available that can detect kidney function loss earlier than the blood creatinine test. Once kidney disease is identified, vets and pet owners can manage the disease through feeding kidney-friendly diets, increasing water intake, and administering medications and even fluids under the skin (cat owners can even do this themselves at home once properly trained!) Veterinary offices can have the test automatically added to all chemistry panels they order so every cat can be easily tested. Ask your vet if they have the SDMA test available to screen your cat’s kidney function. With this new test, kidney function can now be tested as early on in your cat’s life as you’d like!

OLLIE SUBMITTED BY DIANE

By Dr. Roberta Relford, DVM

BODY & SOUL

OREO SUBMITTED BY MARION LEGGETT

IT'S TIME TO UPGRADE YOUR CAT'S DINING SET We’ve found the perfect feeder for all day grazing and multipet households where food stealing is a problem! What to do when one of your cats keeps eating another’s food? We have a nifty, high-tech solution to this vexing problem! The SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder only opens when an authorized cat approaches. (The feeder recognizes the cat through their existing microchip or the SureFlap RFID collar tag.) When the right cat approaches, the lid over the feeding bowl opens and remains open until the cat leaves. This is especially useful if one of your cats is on a prescription diet, plus it keeps food fresh, keeps pests away, and diminishes the smell of cat food in your home! Genius. ($150, sureflap.com) Filter and store your cat’s water so she always has a fresh, clean supply! The ergonomic Torus water bowl is innovatively designed to store water in the bowl’s food-grade hollow walls, protecting the water from contaminants and autoreplenishing as your cat drinks. A low profile means no spills and its valve-lock feature makes it perfect for travel too! ($60, heyrex.com)

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Have a Field Day with Green-a-licious & Nutritious Wheatgrass! Wheatgrass (also called cat grass) provides really awesome nutrition for your cats. It's: · High in protein · Has valuable fiber to help support healthy digestion · One of the richest sources of chlorophyll on the planet · Contains necessary vitamins, minerals, amino acids, & enzymes Introduce some greens to your cat's environment. Buy fully grown, certified organic wheatgrass, ready for your cat to nibble, at petgrass.com and they'll deliver it straight to your door. Get a 3-pack for $25 and shipping is free!

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Cure A Pet is a 100% non-toxic, natural wound and skin care product that is safe to use on all parts of your animals. It will kill bacteria, prevent infection, and help promote faster healing of skin problems and post surgical sites. Before you call the vet, try Cure A Pet. cureapet.com

Help your cat live her best life with these wellness products! The Kitty Care Harness is ideal for cats that would otherwise resist grooming, nail trims, bathing, subcutaneous fluids, medications, and general care. This restraint gently and effectively limits a cat’s range of motion while giving you full control. It's the only cat grooming and care harness that guards against scratches and bites! healthykitty.club/kittycare-harness

All Natural Goodwinol Shampoo is gentle enough for even six-week-old kittens and puppies! This safe and natural shampoo is made in the USA, contains a natural insecticide, and has a clean bright scent! goodwinol.com

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Smart n’ Tasty grain-free dental treats help clean teeth and freshen breath. The limited ingredient formula is perfect for sensitive and picky cats. Available in 6, made-in-the-USA forumlas. emeraldpet.com

Feed your cat the best. MEGA morsels dehydrated raw cat food delivers the benefits of raw with the convenience of kibble! Handmade with human-grade free-range meats (no antibiotics, growth hormones or steroids!), vegetables, salmon oil, eggs and kelp. NO GRAINS. It’s your cat’s ideal diet. Cool air dehydration retains the nutritional integrity of natural ingredients. Get your free sample at amorepetfoods.com!

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Adopt these Cats! Consider Us Your Personal Matchmaker!

Meet Blanca!

: 10 AGE

Thes Cats Nee a Homee! d

These cuties, all currently at the San Francisco SPCA, are in search of a forever home. Could your new best friend be on this page? Read on to see if it’s a love match!

PERSONALITY: Lion Hearted GENDER: Female

BIO: As her name implies, this lovely lady is mostly white (with a bit of beige in her tail for added flair). Blanca likes her share of attention, but, like us, she sometimes has limits as to how much attention she wants—oops, she’s switching her tail; perhaps she's had enough petting for now (a girl reserves the right to change her mind). But once she finds her new forever home she should become more comfortable and relaxed. Could you deliver this lovely lady the sunny spot in your home she deserves?

Macadamia

PERSONALITY: Cat Next Door GENDER: Female

BIO: There is nothing nutty about our girl Macadamia! She’s a mostly black cat with a white spot on her chest. (She’s fashionable like that.) Macadamia has lots of :5 confidence and will greet you AGE as you arrive, rubbing around your legs until you give her some attention. And Macadamia has a great voice and will gladly use it to tell you how much she loves you! She is a big girl so you have more kitty to love. Macadamia wants to be in an adults-only home where she is the only feline in your family—she wants all the attention for herself!

All of the cats featured on this page are available for adoption through the SF SPCA. If you’re interested in adopting one of these cuties, please call one of their Adoption Centers at 415-522-3500 (Mission Campus) or 415-568-3058 (Pacific Heights Campus). For more adoptable cats go to sfspca.org/adoptions.

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Tatiana

PERSONALITY: Cat Next Door GENDER: Female

BIO: This beautiful brown tabby goes by Tatiana. She may take a moment to come out and say hello, but soon she will be wrapping :8 herself around your AGE legs wanting attention. Tatiana will let you know if you are ignoring her by giving you a head butt. She loves to share her soft purr with others and she is ever so comfortable in a lap. Could this sweet girl be the cat for you?

Polly

PERSONALITY: Lion Hearted GENDER: Female

BIO: Polly got her name because she’s a polydactyl cat, meaning she has extra toes. This girl looks pretty in her tuxedo and loves to purr :4 the day away just for fun. AGE She likes to play, and a warm lap is always welcomed after a good session. Polly promises to fill your life with happiness and cheer. Do you have a spot for her in your heart and home?

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Connie’s Book Club Above and right from Walter Chandoha: The Cat Photographer

Curl up with a good cat and a good book

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CONNIE WILSON’S SELECTION OF MUST-READS.

Walter Chandoha: The Cat Photographer Long before the days of Instagram and Buzzfeed there was one man bringing cats to stardom: Walter Chandoha. With a commercial animal photography career that began in the 1950s, Chandoha’s highly influential photographs of cats have been featured in the pages and on the covers of countless publications, including National Geographic and Life magazines. The collection of gorgeous, captivating portraits in this overdue book showcases 50 of Chandoha’s best cat images, from the fluffiest to the adorably grumpiest, all bearing Chandoha’s signature approach of clean, coloured backdrops and glamour backlighting, a look much copied today. An interview with Chandoha (now 96!) follows the collection, offering insight into his life and work, as well as tips on taking the perfect shot. This stunning photo-book is a musthave. Buy one for yourself and one for a friend while you're at it!

{Editor's Pick: Great Gift Idea!} Chicken Soup for the Soul: My Very Good, Very Bad Cat This collection of 101 very funny, heartwarming, and sometimes mind-boggling stories about our feline friends and their (mis)adventures will make you laugh, cry, and probably want to give your cat an (unwanted) hug! The perfect book to curl up with on a rainy afternoon.

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Tall Tail There’s nothing like curling up with a gripping mystery novel and a cuddly cat! Lucky for us, New York Times bestselling author Rita Mae Brown is back with the latest in her Mrs. Murphy mystery series—which she coauthors with her tiger cat, Sneaky Pie! This all-new mystery features Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen and her cohort of crime-solving cats. When an unfathomable murder strikes the town of Crozet, Virginia, Harry starts investigating. It’s not long before someone confesses—trouble is no one believes the confessor is the actual culprit. What follows is a tale of deceit and deception, centuries-old mysteries, and inquisitive cats. We can’t think of anything better.

Men with Cats: Intimate Portraits of Feline Friendship Fascinated by the unique and enduring friendships between men and their cats, David Williams started capturing these strong bonds in a series of photos that unexpectedly went viral. The book that followed, Men with Cats, is a collection of these portraits capturing intimate and offbeat glimpses into the lives of cats and their male companions. Tattoo artists, mountain men, police officers, punk musicians, bikers, opera singers, and others share stories of how their cats stole their hearts. Funny, poignant, and at times surprising, this book will steal your heart.

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STAR CAT WINNER

Thanks to our awesome Star Cat Contest sponsor Feliway!

Star Cat

WINNER

love conquers all —and unites a community in its rally against animal cruelty Photographed by Jenilyn Sheppard

he beginning of Joe’s story is marked by unimaginable cruelty, but thankfully that is not the entirety of it. We pick this story up right as it’s about to turn around… It was a bitterly cold winter day when a Sarnia, Ontario local returning from Sunday church found Joe on the side of the road. Seeing movement, the Good Samaritan pulled over. It was immediately apparent that Joe had been shot numerous times in the head with a pellet gun and that he needed immediate medical attention. Joe was taken to the Sarnia & District Humane Society then transferred to Blue Cross Veterinary for treatment. Miraculously, he made a full recovery, save for the loss of one eye. It was at this point that forces were at work to land Joe in his perfect forever home. The Sarnia Humane Society was hoping to

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keep Joe as a shelter pet so Shannon Jacques, who works for the Society, took Joe home to socialize him with dogs, a necessity for a shelter pet. Joe had other ideas though. “He fit in so well at my house that I decided to keep him forever!” Shannon says. Amazingly, Joe hasn’t let his past mar his future. “He’s an incredibly happy guy, and the loss of his one eye hasn’t affected his ability to live a happy, full life just like any other cat,” Shannon shares. “He’s a perfect example of how resilient animals can be. How wonderful is it that a creature that has been through so much was able to forgive and accept love and affection without hesitation?” Though Joe has completely moved on, his experience has definitely left its mark on his community in a positive and powerful way.

“Joe, regardless of what he has been through, is the nicest, most affectionate cat I have ever had. He doesn’t let the fact that he only has one eye get in his way at all. He does everything a regular cat can do—but he does it with a purr!”

“The support for Joe was an amazing thing to witness. Our community really came together to care for this little guy,” says Shannon. Unfortunately, Joe is just one of many cases of animal cruelty that the Ontario Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) sees on a daily basis. “It’s difficult to come to terms with, but Joe has really shone a bright light on the matter,” Shannon notes. “Since then, in our small community, people are more aware of the issue of animal cruelty, and are much more likely to report something that they think might be wrong.” Joe’s case even went before the courts, however, no guilty verdict was reached. This disappointing outcome, however, is not what those involved in Joe’s rescue focus on. As Alissa Scarpelli Assistant Manager, Sarnia & District Humane Society says, “the awareness and education that Joe brought to our community is an amazing feat in itself!" n

JOE’S MOTTO:

Love everyone —and eat all the treats!

The Warm FuzzieS

Why not foster a cat like Joe? “Fostering is wonderful and so rewarding,” Shannon enthuses. “The fact that you get to play a pivotal role in an animal’s journey to their forever home is an absolutely incredible thing. It’s such a great way to give back to your community and animals.” The other upside? Fostering opens up space within the organization you’re fostering for, allowing them to help more cats! Why not reach out to your local shelter or rescue group and inquire if they’re in need of fosters?

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How To Tell If Your Cats Don’t Like Each Other

—and what to do if they don’t By Pooja Menon

friend of mine, let’s call her Amy, is the proud owner of two wonderful, affectionate cats. Amy is a cat-expert. She works in animal welfare and has fostered over a 100 felines. But despite her knowledge of cat behaviour, she just cannot get her cats to like each other. Amy is very pragmatic about their mutual dislike and keeps them in separate rooms. Both cats are comfortable and happy. This is one way to do it. Most cat owners, however, would prefer a more harmonious solution. But what if our cats don’t feel the same way as we do? How can we tell? More importantly, can we fix this? Most wild cats tend to be lone hunters. They are protective of their resources and very territorial. The house cat, while being a social animal, still retains her territorial instincts. We’re talking food, toys, napping areas, even people. When any of these resources come under attack, or what the cat perceives as an attack, she gets defensive. As cat owners, it’s easier for us to notice the more “overt” signs of antagonism between our cats—swatting, hissing, howling, and sizing each other up. But tune yourself to notice the subtler movements, because they are the ones that will tell you more. For example, do your cats attend mealtime together or does one tend to hang back, allowing the other to eat first? During playtime, do both cats engage in play or does one tend to monopolize your attention more than the other? Other subtle signs of stress include reduced appetite, eliminating outside the litter box, shying away in the presence of the other cat, and vomiting—usually exhibited by cats at the lower end of the hierarchical order.

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Plan A: The first step in ensuring your cats’ comfort is by providing enough resources to go around, thereby eliminating the need for competition. • Place multiple feeding stations and litter boxes around the house. • Provide both cats with adequate playtime. If your cats prefer to play separately, ensure they get individual playtime. • Provide multiple cat trees and perches. The cat on the higher end of the totem pole is more likely to hog the loftiest spot. By providing more resting spots, you’ll help reduce the tension between them. • Reward positive interactions of any kind between them—from acknowledging each other to initiating friendly play—by tossing treats and praising effusively. The more they associate positive experiences with each other, the less likely they’ll be to turn on each other. If your cats continue to be mortal enemies despite all the above efforts, don’t beat yourself up. Cats, just like people, have preferences about the company they keep. Before you throw in the towel, there is one more thing you could try, outside of engaging a professional animal behaviourist.

Plan B: Re-introduction Put both cats in separate but adjacent rooms and provide them with their own bowls, litter boxes, cat trees, and private youtime. Start by feeding them with their bowls placed on either side of the door. The distance to the door will be determined by how reactive your cats are to each other. This distance can be reduced

This is called establishing a Group Scent! over time depending on their progress. By separating them in this manner, we want to give them their own space and help them associate each other with a positive activity, like eating. Once this is achieved, open the door a notch during feeding time. Make sure to reward them with special treats if they display curiosity toward each other, or even if they ignore each other. Continue to open the door wider in small increments over the course of the re-introduction process until they’re able to eat in each other’s company in a relaxed manner. The final step would be to attempt interactive play sessions together. Always remain calm and alert during playtime and make sure to give both cats equal attention. During the re-introduction process, it’s important for both

cats to be familiar with each other’s scent, and for the scent to be distributed evenly around the house. This can be done by conducting a room swap every couple days. You might need an extra set of hands to help you do this. The re-introduction process can take a few days to a few weeks. It can be immensely successful or completely unsuccessful. It’s important for you to be prepared for both outcomes. In the case of the latter outcome, you might need to consider separate living spaces for your cats going forward or find one of them a new home. This is a gut-wrenching decision, but remember that this will be far less stressful for you and your cats in the longterm. After all, nobody likes being forced to pick his or her companion. They must come to this decision on their own. n

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The CAT BALL cat bed is the perfect place for kitty to sleep, lounge, and play! The original design has six panels, two openings, is washable, padded, warm, and flexible! thecatball.com

PETS BY CARVAS makes the cutest bow ties for cats. Chic and handsome styles for boys and girls. They will instantly make your kitty picture purr-fect! Carvas.co

KLIPSCOOP, a 3-in-1 catfeeding tool from Dexas and Popware for Pets, is a colourful food scoop, a collapsible measuring cup for correct portion sizes, and a sturdy bag clip, all in one! store.dexas.com

THE CAT’S

MEOW FAB FINDS FOR THE FELINE IN YOUR LIFE

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The purrfect combination of fun and luxury, P.L.A.Y.’S PURR & POUNCE TUNNEL features a plush interior, stylish exterior, whimsical peephole and interactive hanging mouse. Available in two colours on PetPLAY.com.

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The GOOGIE CAT BED is architecturally inspired, comfortable, and fun! Quality-built in the USA, it’s perfect for any cool cat who loves to snooze in style! Three patterns available. DaviesDecor.com COSY & DOZY A perfect chill out zone. Your kitty will absolutely love to perch, play, and fall asleep on this comfy curved shelf. Fun, and great looking, it will improve your cat’s life and your home décor! cosyanddozy.com

STURDIBOX FOLDABLES is the original, multi-purpose, watertight box with snap closure—a must for the litterneeds of your traveling feline. Available in a multitude of colours and several sizes! Get yours at sturdiproducts.com.

The TIGER WIRE CATIO is a window patio designed to give household cats safe outdoor space! Made with stainless steel screen, the catio is guaranteed not to rip or tear! tigerwirescreens.com

A cute cat sticker every month for just $3.50? Yes please! CAT STICKER CLUB will make you smile—and supports cat shelters and rescues in the process! catstickerclub.com

PURR PACKS overflow with full-sized treats and toys and start at $24.99! These customizable, monthly subscription boxes are available in three sizes or as one-time gifts. Save 10% using code MC10. purrpacks.com

The motion-activated lid on the SUREFEED PET BOWL helps you say goodbye to dried-out food, flies, and nasty smells in your home. It really is the next generation of pet bowl! $75, sureflap.com

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PHOTO MANFRED BAUMANN

ASK TRICIA HELFER

Tricia Helfer Knows Cats

Tricia has a cat nap.

We have a new columnist! The amazing Tricia Helfer, actress, supermodel, and serious cat person (rescuer, end-animal-testing campaigner, and semi-professional cat cuddler) is here to answer your cat questions!

Hi Tricia, there is a neighbourhood cat I have befriended. The cat seems in good health and is very sweet, however, the cat doesn’t wear a collar and I am not sure whether he belongs to anyone in the neighbourhood or if he is actually a stray. If he is a stray, I would love to help bring him inside, but I don’t want to do so if he has an owner. Really, I would like to get this guy inside one way or another. Any suggestions for doing so without potentially stepping on a neighbour’s toes? Without a collar, it is difficult to tell if he is a stray or not. As you said, the cat seems in good health and is sweet, but he could just have another friendly neighbour putting out food for him. To find out if he has an owner, you can take the cat to a vet or shelter and have him scanned to see if he is microchipped. It only takes a second for them to scan for a chip and does not cost anything. If the cat is not chipped, take him and put out some “Found” posters in your neighbourhood. A cat could have lost his collar but if he is not chipped and no one responds to your posters, then you have the right to try to help find this guy a good home—or keep him yourself! If he is chipped and/or someone

responds to the posters, then maybe the fact that you thought he was a stray will be enough for the owner to consider putting a collar on him or keeping the cat indoors and safe.

Hi Tricia, I know you are an avid cat and animal lover and have a lot of cats! My question is, for a two-bedroom apartment, how many cats would you say is the max number? I have two now and am considering getting another, but I worry it may be too many for their comfort. I applaud you for being concerned with your cats’ comfort. Certainly there are a few deciding factors off the top that are simple logistics. For one, is there anything in your condo, co-op, homeowner’s association or rental agreement that prohibits you from having more than two? With cats, it is not that hard to hide being over the allowed number, but you should look into it if you are not sure and gauge if you should or can have more than two. Other than that, the size of an apartment can vary a lot—a two bedroom could be 900 square feet or 2500 square feet. Going with a standard 1200 square foot two-bedroom, two cats seems like a moderncat.com

good number, though three or four could certainly be doable. You will need another litter box and you may need to have them in separate locations, as the more cats you have, the more places you will need to designate as litter stations. If you have an alpha cat that is frustrated with a newer cat, the alpha may guard the litter box a bit; having another location for the cats to “go” will help with this situation. There are some really nice pieces of furniture that conceal a litter box, making it visually pleasing to have them around the apartment. Consider also the personalities of the two cats you already have. If you got them separately, did they integrate well? Is one a strong alpha that may have an issue with a new cat coming in? When there is more space, of course, there is more room for

them to all find their "spots." If you do go up to three or four cats, I would make sure that you have a few climbing trees or perches (if you do not already), as well as places for them to look out the windows, such as window perches or cabinets placed in front of windows. Also, little kitty beds and scratchers are a good idea, so that the space available to your cats is not just on the ground. Many cats love climbing, jumping, and being elevated, so if you have high places for them to get to, then your two bedroom is not just floor space square footage, but vertical space as well, providing other levels and layers of play and sleeping areas. Opening up your space in this way allows for a greater chance of harmony in a multi-cat home.

Hi Tricia, what are your top five favourite cat toys and why? CATS IN BOXES CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: JOHN ALEXANDER; CHRISTINE ARCHER; SA LANDRY

Cardboard boxes. Just like kids, cats often love the simplest things. In my house, new boxes arrive all the time, so whenever there is a new one, I leave it on the floor for my cats to play in. When they start to ignore it, I will take it away and then when a new box comes, they are super excited to have it to play in for a while. Sparkly balls or catnip filled canvas toys. Each of my cats kind of gravitates to certain kinds of toys. I have a wicker basket—their toy box—filled with different types of small toys. Sparkly balls, small tennis balls, canvas or wicker balls filled with catnip, tiny stuffed animals. They each tend to grab a certain toy. For example, one of my cats, Prissie, loves ‘Nip Heads handmade, organic catnip toys the tiny sparkly balls. Another of mine, Bug, has a favoufrom FoxnFeline are rite green stuffed toy that looks like a dill pickle. He carries guaranteed to delight! it around and then falls asleep with it as a pillow—though ($6, etsy.com/shop/ I would say in my household the most favourite is probably FoxnFeline) the little sparkly balls. Feather or ball on a string. Wand toys are great for encouraging cats to exercise. Most cats love wand toys and will race around trying to catch it, keeping you on your toes as you dangle it just out of their reach. One of mine, Delilah, is too smart—she figured out at a young age that if she immediately chews the string/elastic of the cord once she’s snagged the toy/feather, it will fall off and she has the toy! I have to be quick playing with her! Cat room or climbing trees. I am fortunate to have the space to have an outThis realistic, door enclosure attached to my house that shimmering is filled with climbing trees and elevated Kragonfly wand walkways. If you have the space, even a toy will get your small enclosure is a big deal to them. My cat moving! ($12, nekoflies.com) cats LOVE their cat room. But, if you are in an apartment, climbing trees with difThe lovely Sprout ferent levels and compartments are not tree house. ($180, only essentially a large toy for playing on, but also pettreehouses.com) great for cat naps. If you are short on space, there Laser pointer. Cats love laser pointers and are some simple canvas ones that you can either with a laser pointer you can still play with your hang on the back of a door or bolt to the wall like a cats even if you are laid up with a sprained ankle piece of artwork. n [or lazing on the couch watching TV!—Ed]

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TRAINING

Take your cat on a supervised outdoor adventure! By Taryn Cheal

alking your cat on a leash gives her safe outdoor access, exercise, and mental stimulation. To be sure, not all indoor cats are candidates for being walked on a leash, but some most certainly are. Here’s how to determine if a leashed walk is a fit for your cat, as well as how to get started!

Sturdi Products walking vest (from $18, sturdiproducts.com)

Safety First!

Will your cat like being walked on a leash? If your cat is confident, curious, and energetic, a leashed walk may be perfect for you both! Before you head outdoors, here are some steps to ensure a successful walk…

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Ensure your cat is microchipped and your contact information is current and up to date. You can update your contact details by contacting the pet microchip registry your cat is enrolled with. Visit the company’s website to get their phone number or to update your cat's info online. Not sure which microchip your cat has? Call your vet and ask. It will be in your cat's veterinary records. Get a collar—we love Furocious Kitty's unique designs (etsy.com/ shop/furociouskitty)—with an ID tag that clearly states that your cat is an indoor cat and should be returned to his home if found, such as Bad Tag’s “If I’m Out I’m Lost” tag. ($13, etsy.com/shop/BadTags) Make sure your cat is up to date on all shots, and flea and tick treatments. When outdoors, cats can pick up things indoor-only cats simply aren’t exposed to.

The Gear: Select the right harness, collar, and leash In addition to a collar, you will want a harness, as a harness is much more secure and will keep your cat safe and near you even if he tries to dart or run away. (The collar is for identification purposes only.) Walking cats on leashes is becoming increasingly popular so there are an increasing number of styles as well as fun colours and patterns to choose from!

PHOTO LISA-MARIA PADILLA

SHOULD I BE WALKING MY CAT ON A LEASH?

The best choice is a walking vest. A walking vest provides a more comfortable and secure harness option. Sturdi Product's durable walking vest is easy to put on, secure, and adjustable for a comfortable fit. It is a particularly good choice for regular walkers or stronger, more determined cats. (From $18, sturdiproducts.com) You will also need a lightweight cat leash. Avoid retractable leashes and dog leashes; these are too heavy for a cat. Many cat harnesses come with a cat leash, which is a great place to start, but there are other options, like the PetSafe bungee leash ($16, petsafe.net) that will give your cat a little more range once you both are comfortable outside.

The Process: Harness Training in the Home and Beyond Let your cat get used to simply wearing a harness inside. As strictly indoor cats, my cats don’t normally wear collars and harnesses, so getting them used to wearing harnesses was a big first step. Take it slow: once your harness has been purchased, leave it out on the floor, perhaps with some treats on it to create a positive

association and get your cat smelling it so it’s not a completely foreign object. After a couple of days, put the harness on your cat and immediately provide pets and treats. If your cat is visibly uncomfortable, take the harness off. Never leave your cat in visible distress or alone while wearing the harness. Slowly, day by day, increase the amount of time your cat spends in the harness until he doesn’t mind it. Always use the time for attention, playing, love, and treats to ensure that your cat associates harness time with happiness. After the harness is well worn in, attach the leash following the same procedure. Once he is comfortable, take your cat out in a safe space, like a patio, deck or enclosed area where he is protected from other people or animals. Slowly venture further, always taking care via treats and attention to show what a fun time it is to be outside on leash. Any negative experience when walking your cat can set you back, so pay close attention to anything that could spook or harm your cat. Note that a cat walk will never be like a dog walk. You will likely stay close to home, and the walk will be more of a meander: a slow exploration of the sights and smells nearby, though not without its charms. A cat walk is a chance to slow down, reflect, and bond with your cat, so why not take the time to go outside and smell the flowers with your best furry friend? n

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COVER CAT

It's Pudge! If you haven’t already, be prepared to fall for this famous cat provoking collective awww’s across the internet By Rose Frosek; Photos by Kady Lone

his proudly hirsute cat—“I’m a girl and my mustache is better than yours,” as her Instagram account proclaims—has achieved the kind of fame usually reserved for Hollywood starlets. With the help of her 26-year-old human, Kady Lone, this Minneapolis-based cat known affectionately as Pudge has amassed over half a million followers on Instagram alone. We asked Kady some questions about the adorable Pudge and just what kind of effort goes into managing the social media accounts of her super-famous cat. Q: So Pudge is clearly adorable and made for Instagram. How and when did you get started with her account? Was there a plan or did she just sort of take off in terms of popularity? A: Pudge's Instagram account actually started as just a regular account for myself in 2011 where I would occasionally post photos of her. I started getting random people following me asking me to post more photos of Pudge and the whole account just grew from there. About a year after I started my account, I decided Pudge had officially taken over and I changed the handle to @pudgethecat. Q: Pudge has a ton of followers! Was there a point when you were like, whoa, things are getting crazy? Like a tipping point in terms of audience? For the most part, her following has grown at a steady rate but there have been some hallmarks along the way. Pudge attended the first Internet Cat Video Film Festival in 2012 and there were so many people wanting to follow her—that was when I realized things were getting crazy.

Kady & Pudge

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Q: What are your tips for taking great cat photos? Every cat's personality is different, but the approach I take with Pudge is not to stage photos. I like to cap-

ture Pudge just chilling around the house as she normally does. You don't have to have a super nice camera—sometimes the best photos of Pudge are captured on my phone because she's doing something super cute and that's all I have on hand. However, having a professional camera that can shoot lots of photos in a second helps capture some pretty funny Pudge faces. Q: How many photos do you usually take to get “the one?” Sometimes if Pudge sneezes or yawns I can probably snap 30 photos in a couple seconds and I'll get a handful of funny faces. I also take the approach of taking lots of photos of Pudge on one particular day and then having a bunch of photos to choose from for posts until I need to take more photos. Of course I'd have to say the majority of them turn out as "the one." Pudge nails every photo, every time. Q: What are your tips for creating a cat Instagram post that people will really like and connect with? I think capturing Pudge in her normal day-to-day life has helped people connect with her. The photos feel more genuine to Pudge's personality. Witty captions, maybe with some trendy hashtags, also help. Q: Do you see certain themes in terms of what’s most popular? Aside from baby photos of Pudge, which are always a hit, it's hard

Pudge Facts!

to gauge what people are going to react the most to. Sometimes I'll take a photo of Pudge and think the internet is going to love it only to see it get average response, and other times I'll take a random photo of Pudge sitting in bed and the internet goes crazy. Q: Your PIY crafts (Pudge It Yourself) on YouTube are so fun. How many followers do you currently have and what has been your most popular video to date? (We loved Pudge "helping" with your taxes!) I loved doing the PIY videos, but they were sooo much work! I had two interns and a friend working with me on them every week, so I've kind of been enjoying a break from posting more videos. The PIY pilot episode where Pudge did cat nail art received really awesome response, but the episode on how to make a cat tipi has since surpassed that episode. There's some pretty adorable footage of Pudge playing in the tipi at the end. She has about 20,000 YouTube subscribers, but I haven't been as active posting videos there as I have been on Instagam, Snapchat, or Vine.

• Pudge’s birthday is July 5th. She is 5 years old. • Pudge is actually really small; she looks much larger than she actually is. Pudge only weighs 7 pounds. • Her favourite pastimes are breakfast, dinner, playing in the bathtub, and sleeping in the sink.

• Even though her name is Pudge, she's not very food-motivated. In fact, she's not a fan of cat treats or catnip at all. The snacks she does like include chicken, coconut oil, and bonito flakes.

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Q: How much time a day do you generally spend managing Pudge’s social media accounts? Is it your full-time job at this point? Some days I might spend more time on it than others, but it is definitely a never-ending task that has taken over my life. I quit my day job in 2013 initially just so I could take a few months off during the holiday season to focus on shipping out orders from the Pudge store, but I ended up never going back! I went to school for print design and my background in design and love for photography definitely helped Pudge grow into the celebrity she is today. I take all the photos of Pudge and design all of her merch, website, and social media assets. Q: We know Pudge is an Exotic Shorthair. Is there a name for her colouring/markings? Yep! Pudge is an Exotic Shorthair with Calico colouring (and some

ge! Baby Pud

Meet Pudge at CatConLA this June! Here’s your chance for a meet and greet! Pudge and Kady will be making an in-person appearance at this summer’s CatConLA event. (Turn to page 14 for event details.) How does Pudge like doing events? “I've had a number of people ask me if I drug her during events or travel,” Kady says, “but that's just how she always is." “Last year we had our meet and greet on the last day of CatCon and Pudge was tired from the busy weekend she mostly just wanted to sleep through her entire meet and greet! This year it will be on the first day, so I'm hoping she'll be nice and well rested!” Kady is also currently working on some no-doubt adorable merch she'll have for sale at CatConLA. Expect some donut-themed Pudge items and possibly some socks and new sweaters!

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very unique markings, from her half tan/half black face to her white mustache). Her mother was Calico and her father was a cream Tabby, so she actually has a couple orange spots on her with a little faint tabby striping. Q: What is Pudge’s personality like? Pudge is very much more like a dog than like a cat in a variety of ways. She's very laid back and easy going. She sleeps at the foot of my bed every night, all through the night. She likes to go for car rides (and even air plane rides). In fact, she LIKES dogs but she doesn't really like other cats. Aside from that she's pretty independent and a bit of a sassy diva like your typical cat. Q: What is Pudge’s ideal Saturday? Sleeping in nice and late. Eating some breakfast around noon. Taking a nice long nap in the sun on the couch. Eating an early dinner around 4pm and finishing up the day being brushed in bed. Ah, the life of a celebrity cat! n

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Cats with Jobs MATILDA’S FAN CLUB Find Matilda on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or send her fan mail via email: matildaalgonquincat@ algonquinhotel.com. FUN FACTS The Algonquin opened on November 22, 1902. Single rooms cost $2 a night while larger three bedroom accommodations cost $10. In 1980, author Hilary Knight immortalized The Algonquin Cat with his illustrations for a children’s book.

THE ALGONQUIN HOTEL CAT

M a t i lda t at her front d e s k po s

The best place to stay in New York City? Obviously the hotel where your check in will be presided over by the resident rescue cat! The rooms are spacious and lovely, the lobby bar dark and cozy, and the Midtown locale, steps from Bryant Park and Times Square, perfectly situated. And yet those are not even the best parts, because this hotel has a resident cat!

just two days after his passing a stray cat wandered into The Algonquin; Billy’s replacement had appointed himself and was christened Rusty, though he would shortly be renamed Hamlet in honour of John Barrymore, who was a resident at the time.

The Algonquin Hotel is storied, to be sure. This historic, petfriendly hotel has both old-world elegance and a literary arts pedigree—writer and wit Dorothy Parker and thespian John Barrymore were among the hotel’s residents and frequenters, and the group of writers that regularly lunched there from 1919 to 1929 were the very ones that gave rise to the term vicious circle. Today, however, the hotel has a totally different reason for being regarded as catty.

Over the years the hotel has been home to a total of 11 cats, all of them rescues, in a lineage that includes seven Hamlets and three Matildas. The cats have proved a huge hit with guests, and the current Matilda, who began her residence in December 2010, is no exception.

The Algonquin Hotel, which happens to be the oldest continuously running hotel in New York City with a history that dates back to 1902, has an equally venerable feline tradition: the hotel has been home to a succession of “Algonquin Cats” since 1923. A stray cat named Billy was the first, kicking off a tradition that continues to this day. For 15 years Billy ruled the roost at the Algonquin and it seems that he was intent on a successor—

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Alice De Almeida, the Algonquin’s Chief Cat Officer (how do we get this job?), reports that Matilda receives fan mail and gifts from around the world, including such far flung countries as Japan, Australia, and Russia. If you’re in the Big Apple, stop by and say "Hi" or, better yet, book yourself a room. Not only will they welcome you, they’ll welcome your cat—free of charge. Need a reason to visit? Matilda’s tenth anniversary party is taking place August 10. The bash will include a cat fashion show with looks designed by Ada Nieves and will benefit the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC Animals. We can’t wait.

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PHOTO JENNIFER BRANSON

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