Modern Cat Spring/Summer 2014

cat

Easy Ways to Maximize Your Cat’s Indoor Space, Fab Giveaways + MORE!

The lifestyle magazine for modern cats and their companions

SPRING· SUMMER 2014

Cat Mojo

IT’S LIL BUB & GRUMPY CAT!

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

“Cat Daddy” Jackson Galaxy shares his secrets

The stories behind the internet’s most famous cats

Your Cat Will Love You p80 ? meoiw ng Cat

Decod zations Vocali 2 p3

Yum!

People Foods for Cats

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FUN DIYS STUFF WE LOVE FINDS FOR THE FELINE OBSESSED THE BENGAL CAT

Aww!

Men Love Cats Too

moderncat.com DISPLAY UNTIL JULY ‘14

$5.95

Smile!

Meet Grumpy Cat

Plus! Your Complete Guide to Being a Crazy-Chic Cat Lady

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FEATURES 18 Social Glue: Do Your Cats Have a

Group Scent?

How to promote bonding in a multi-cat household.

BY MIESHELLE NAGELSCHNEIDER 32

The Conversational Cat 12 sounds that cats make and what they mean.

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A Tale of Two Kitties Meet our Star Cat Contest winners, Lazarus and Aerostotle, two extra-special cats who, despite rocky starts, have triumphed over adversity. BY ROSE FROSEK

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Get Your Mojo On How to become a problem-solving cat detective: an interview with Jackson Galaxy, star of Animal Planet’s My Cat From Hell. BY SUZANNE BEECHER

BY STEVE DUNO

THE GOODS

60 How Cats Broke the Internet

The Rise of the Cat: from keyboard playing tabbies and

Cheezburger memes to the ubiquitous, frowny-faced

Grumpy Cat, “celebricats” are taking the world by storm. BY JEN REEDER 60

Stars & Their Cats Cat-loving supermodel Tricia Helfer on her 10—yes, 10—rescue cats. BY CHRISTOPHER AMERUOSO

BREED PROFILE 24

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Cool Cat Fab finds for the feline obsessed.

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The Complete Crazy-Chic Cat Lady Guide Modern Cat’s must-haves for the modern cat lady —and her male cat-loving counterpart, the cat gentleman, too. BY LAUREN CHEAL AND TARYN CHEAL

80 String Theory

Get your play on with these nifty cat-approved string toys!

BODY AND SOUL 54 Jackson Galaxy's Tips for Better Cat-munication

The Bengal 56

Take a walk on the wild side.

BY KELLY CALDWELL

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A Pets Before Profits Pharmacy; Gone, But Not Forgotten; The Find: Red Cross Pet First Aid App

52 LIVING 28 We’re Giving it Away!

We've got months of fab giveaways—from modular cat

condos to a year's supply of litter—just waiting to be won!

42 7 Easy Ways to Maximize Your Cat’s Space

Delight your indoor cat with these nifty ways to increase

his space. (Window perches, vertical space, outdoor enclosures!)

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9 Random Acts of Kindness Spread joy! Small effort, huge karmic payoff.

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Men Are Crazy About Cats Too! Adorable reader-submitted photos of men and their cats. #toocute

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

30 COVER CAT It's Lil Bub! The adorable cat with legion fans graces this issue's cover.

Turn to page 60 for more on this cutie and her "celebricat" friends, including Grumpy Cat! Photograph

by Mike Bridavsky.

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58 52 DIY Craft: Amazeballs

Make it! A how-to for super-simple yarn toys your

cats will love. Whip one up in less than 5 minutes!

Crafty!

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8 More People Foods For Cats Get even more snack-tastic! Creative, healthy treats for your cat. BY ELIZABETH SCOTT AND LAURA PASK

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How to talk to Animals An intro to animal communication. BY CINDY BRODY

70 5 Ways to Help a Semi-Feral Cat Adjust to a

Domestic Home

There’s a lot of time (and patience) that goes into

helping a semi-feral kitty adjust to a new home—but it’s

all worth it. Here’s how to succeed where others have failed. BY TARYN CHEAL 72

DIY Eat: Say Cheese!

We make entertaining easy with the deliciously adorable Nacho Cat cheese ball recipe.

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Connie’s Book Club Curl up with a good cat and a good book. Editor-in- Chief Connie Wilson’s round-up of must-read cat titles.

BY MICHELLE BUFFARDI

In USA: MODERNCAT (ISSN 1929-3933) Volume 3, 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.

ED ITO R ’S LE T T E R

Ou r R ead er s Wr it e

Sweet Tweets + Purrfect Posts Just want to thank you for the Natural Wand Cat Toy that I won. It arrived on the 26th and my cats just love it! It has even gotten the attention of my super-shy 12-week-old kitten. He actually comes downstairs to join in the fun when he hears the other kitties playing. My old guy even takes a few swats.

I thought his playing days were over! Thanks again!—Deb Evans [Head over to facebook.com/ moderncatmagazine every Friday for loads of great giveaways!—Ed.]

CONNIE WILSON WITH DAO DAO

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s Dr. Phil is fond of stressing, communication (defined as the meaningful exchange of information between two or more living creatures) is the key to successful relationships. And a lot of us need to work on better communication skills—particularly the listening part and especially where our non-human friends are concerned. Our cats are constantly communicating with us; we just need to learn how to effectively listen to what they’re saying. For a primer on understanding your cat’s vocalizations, turn to page 32. And don’t underestimate active observation. This means being fully present, not just glancing at your cat while texting a friend. (Being fully present also has proven health benefits for us humans, too, like lowered blood pressure and heart rate.) You might notice things that had previously escaped your attention, like a less than lustrous coat or the reason for a change in behaviour. A listless cat may be telling you he’s bored and needs his environment enlivened with some vertical perching space, toys and regular playtime (turn to page 42 for ideas on how to jazz up your cat’s indoor space!). Yes, understanding how cats think and why they do what they do can seem puzzling and at times downright frustrating (especially if it involves inappropriate marking or litter box woes), but Modern Cat is here to help! Our spring/summer issue is chock full of ideas and solutions for living your best life—and that means with cats, of course! “Cat Daddy” Jackson Galaxy shares how to become a problem-solving cat detective (p 46) and how to improve your cat-munication skills (p 54). Mieshelle Nagelschneider, aka The Cat Whisperer, shares the secret for bliss in a multi-cat household (p 18), animal communicator Cindy Brody provides an intro on how to talk to animals, we check in with the world’s most famous cats—Lil Bub! Grumpy Cat!—and so much more. Hope you enjoy it!

With love,

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

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I just read in @ModernCatMag that it's ok to feed your #kitty such things as spinach, blueberries, watermelon, chicken gizzards, and eggs!—@meowbox Just subscribed to Modern Cat. Can't wait for my first issue!—Teri Hilger Thank you for the photo shoot opportunity with the Star Cat contest! I'm excited to see my pictures!—Care for Lazarus I love your magazine, so glad to find your page!—Susan Estes

Lookin' good! Last issue's cover cat Mr. Magoo strikes a pose next to his Modern Cat cover feature.

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

Go to facebook.com/moderncatmagazine, twitter.com/moderncatmag & pinterest.com/ moderncatmag.

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SPRING/SUMMER 2014 VOL 3 NO 1

We’re thrilled to have Mieshelle Nagelschneider, world-renowned cat behaviourist, share her expertise in this issue! Mieshelle has revolutionized feline behaviour modification programs by altering the environmental landscape within the household. In this issue, Mieshelle explains how to ease tensions in a multi-cat home by establishing a group scent (p 18). Nifty stuff! We are eagerly anticipating her next cat behaviour book (we devoured The Cat Whisperer), which will explore cat behaviour through study of the wild cousins of the domestic cat!

Publisher

Modern Cat Inc. Editor-in-Chief

Connie Wilson Editor & Creative Director

Jennifer Nosek Circulation Manager & Marketing Director

Jessica Nosek Audience Development Coordinator

Lauren Cheal Social Media & Events Coordinator

Taryn Cheal Design & Production

P H OTO L EO L A M

Maxine Matishak Design & Production Assistant

Vanessa Dong Sales & Marketing

Julia Klymenko and Kara Gerlach Accounting and Subscription Services Assistant

Celine Benipayo Controller

Jessica Rae Gordon, a newspaper, magazine, and children’s book illustrator, makes her Modern Cat debut in this issue! (p 32) Jessica grew up in the picturesque mountains of Nelson, BC, but currently resides in Toronto, ON. She creates playful and whimsical artwork using a combination of acrylic paint, cut paper, and pencil crayon, often layering solid coloured papers, patterns, and shading to mix flat areas with dimensionally rendered elements.

Check out more of her work at jessicaraegordon.blogspot.com.

Cecilia de Roca Chan Donations Program Liaison

Jessica Nosek Honourary Editor-at-Large

Jytte Wilson Subscription inquiries call (800) 417-6289 Advertising inquiries call (866) 734-3131 In Canada: MODERNCAT (ISSN 1929-3933) Volume 3, 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 3, Issue 1. Published semi annually by Modern Cat Inc. at 142 Churchill Drive, Newington, CT 061114003.

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

PHONE

(604) 734-3131

OR TOLL FREE FAX

A lifelong cat lover and cat-centric style icon, Modern Cat staffer Taryn Cheal has an eye for all things feline.

She collaborated with her sister/ co-worker/best friend Lauren Cheal on “The Complete Crazy-Chic Cat Lady Guide” on page 36 of this issue and loves to find amazing new cat products to share with our readers.

Taryn lives in Vancouver, BC with her two adorable feral rescues, Penelope and Dorian, who are honoured to be among Modern Cat’s official product testers.

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(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 2014 by Modern Cat Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means, electronic or mechanical, including the Internet or photocopying without the written permission of the Publisher.

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

PRINTED IN CANADA

www.moderncat.com Publications Mail Agreement Number 42496543

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STUFF WE LOVE Modern Cat staffers’ picks of the litter 1 Wish upon this beautiful heart-paw charm necklace! Pay tribute to your cat with this super-cute necklace from Dogeared. The paw print on the heart-shaped charm is just too precious. This may be the best way to carry your cat with you wherever you go.—Celine ($58, dogeared.com)

$

2 My cat looks beautiful no matter what but with this adorable bow tie from Sweet Pickles Designs, she's now the most stylish kitty on the block! All their bow ties are handcrafted and feature an elastic loop so you can easily take them on and off. Appropriately, my cat's favourite design is “The Social Butterfly.”

—Kara ( $6, sweetpicklesdesigns.com)

3 Bring out your cat’s inner lion! You cat will love playing with this Lion Lure toy that mimics the movement of a rodent. Slide the wand out from under a door or sofa or hide around a corner and tease your cat with it. You'll enjoy watching your kitty have a blast!—Julia ($7 - $10, tigerteasers.com)

4 The NatureSPA UV pet water fountain is an all-in-one amazing water fountain. It

BL

has a charcoal filter and a UV light for sterilization, keeping the water healthy and clean. A spout of running water that is lit by an LED light delights my cats to no end and encourages them to play and drink. It even has an auto shut-off feature when the water level gets too low. You can also add on an extra-large reservoir and a non-slip spill mat to officially make this the Cadillac of water fountains.

—Taryn ($70, avppet.com)

5 Designed by people heavily into rescue, these unique cat enclosures are

(

strong, lightweight, quick and easy to assemble, and allow you to change configuration or size on a whim! Perfect for use indoors or out!—Jennifer (from $495, catsondeck.com)

6 These unique sterling silver jewelry cremation urns on a sterling chain are a beautiful way to memorialize a beloved cat. Fill the urn with a small amount of cremated remains, then wear around your neck to keep memories of your loved one close to your heart. Also available in gold and platinum.—Connie (From $155, pacificurns.com)

7 Practical and chic, that’s my motto. So, naturally, I love this beautifully handcrafted wooden cat-bowl holder. The raised feeder prevents messes, improves my cat's dining experience, and, the best part, its high-quality craftsmanship and lovely shape complement my kitchen décor!—Luisana ($25, etsy.com/shop/SewNSaw)

8 So cute! Cats will love the durable, sloped cardboard scratching surface

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of the Cattino Rattino scratcher, and the fun tail will also provide hours of entertainment.—Maxine ($29, etsy.com/shop/Cattino)

9 Thanks to the Litter Robot, I will never scoop litter again. This self-sifting unit only requires me to empty the waste tray every couple of days, even with two cats!

Bending and scooping are a thing of my past.—Lauren ($369, litter-robot.com)

10 This ultra modern cat feeder is perfect for any interior. Plus, it's available in various heights, is super easy to clean, and is BPA-free! What more could you want?—Vanessa ($55, trendypet.com)

&

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CAT NEWS AND REVIEWS

Banish Writer's Block This kitten will help you write your next great novel (turns out all that was needed was proper motivation)

Looking for some writing inspiration, something to help you get down to brass tacks and get those words written? Whether you are writing a term paper for school, your personal blog, or the next great novel, Written? Kitten! (writtenkitten.net) has got you covered. This program uses positive reinforcement by giving you a new picture of a kitten every time you hit a specified word count to encourage you to keep on writing.

Simple, effective, and full of cats. Just what you need to get the creative juices flowing!—TC

CAT FACTS Cats are unable to detect sweetness in anything they taste.

Cats can be lefties or righties, just like us! More than 40% are lefties and some cats are ambidextrous.

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Operation Inspiration Let us help you get inspired/find blog fodder/arm yourself with cocktail party trivia—follow us and friend us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest already! We’re sharing breaking stories, cool finds, DIYs, modern design—generally, all manner of wonderfulness as it pertains to cats. Oh, and we give away freebies every Friday on Facebook, too. So, connect with us on Twitter and keep on top of the latest concerning our majestic friends, all in 140 characters or less; discover the wonders of Pinterest (oh the glorious hours lost to the endlessly inspiring images and projects “pinned” therein); and let’s be Facebook friends—we give our friends gifts! facebook.com/moderncatmagazine twitter.com/moderncatmag pinterest.com/moderncatmag

THE SCOOP

l sociarfly e but t

All Cats, All the Time Not enough cats on the internet for you? We hear you. Finally, someone has stepped up to address this problem with a nifty desktop application that allows you to replace all (yes, all) of the images in your web browser to cats. Simply go to meowser.me and add the extension to your browser, visit the cat-less page of your choice, and click the app to see all of the boring non-cat photos magically turn into ones with cats! It’s the best miracle ever, perfect if you are tired of seeing your friend’s new baby dominate your Facebook feed or if you simply need a little feline pick me up. You can even submit your own photo for possible inclusion in the app's cat image rotation by tweeting your photo to @meowserme. Here's to all cats, all the time!

MODERN CAT POLL Do you walk your cat on a leash?

CAST YOUR VOTE AT MODERNCAT.COM

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Let Us Help You Fill Your Social Calendar or Publicize Your Event We heart rescue events, walks, and cat happenings of all type, size, and stripe, so we’ve launched our brand new Events & Happenings page on moderncat.com. Find cool cat-related events in your area or post your own event to let others know about it. Check it out at moderncat.com/events! Whoop!

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

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

Weather.com's formerly weather-related photos are taken over by cats thanks to meowser.me.

THE SCOOP

Show Your Soft Side The best PSA ever "The idea of tough guys showing their soft sides actually came out of my husband’s relationship with our rescue cat."

A few years back, Baltimore was beset by one horrific case of animal abuse after another. A cat was set on fire by two 13-year-olds, a group of kids clubbed a puppy to death in a public park, and two teens were charged with dousing a dog, later named Phoenix, in kerosene and then setting her on fire. As someone who had grown up with pets, it was impossible for me to comprehend how anyone, let alone a child, could do this sort of thing to an animal. I went from being dumbfounded to angry when the Phoenix trial ended in a hung jury and there was speculation that the City would not undergo the expense of a retrial. I was so outraged that I could barely function and decided I needed to do something for my own sanity. The only thing I knew how to do was create advertising so that’s what I set out to do. The idea of tough guys showing their soft sides actually came out of my husband’s relationship with our rescue cat. My husband is an athletic guy, former college football player, and definitely no wuss, but around our kitty—he turns into a marshmallow. I believed if that was true for him, it was probably true for a lot of guys, and with the help of Lori Smyth, Promotions Director at 98Rock, the flagship station for Orioles and Ravens, we started testing out the theory. Within a few weeks, Adam Jones of the Orioles, Jarret Johnson of the Ravens, and John Rallo, MMA Fighter had all agreed to participate. Originally the campaign was intended to be posters in city schools, but with other friends’ help, we launched in September of 2011 with close to $200,000 of donated outdoor advertising and haven’t stopped since. Today, two years later, we have 49 official Softies from the fields of football, baseball,

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To his opponents, John Rallo is a fighting machine. To Doobie, he’s a pussycat

You might be surprised to learn that a lacrosse ball isn’t the only thing Paul Rabil’s been known to cradle. soccer, lacrosse, hockey, and MMA, as well as rockers, stuntmen, police, and comedians.

The campaign is done entirely pro bono by our Soft Side team and earlier this year we incorporated as a 501c3. While our goal has always been to educate kids (and adults) that compassion towards animals is a strength, not a weakness, we have, in the process, created a communications platform that’s helped increase adoptions and donations for shelters and rescues here in Baltimore, as well as at a number of others across the country. It’s a totally volunteer effort, but I can tell you on behalf of all us involved—we feel like we’ve found the thing we were put here on earth to do.—Sande Riesett

T BES DS EN FRI -EVER FUR

SOCIAL GLUE:

Do Your Cats Have a Group Scent?

By Mieshelle Nagelschneider

C

ats rely on scent more than any other sense, and they rely on group scent, in particular, for social comfort. Cats that are friends groom and rub up against each other to create and maintain their ever-important group scent. For example, if you have a five-cat household, each cat will have a “five cat” scent associated with their specific identity as a group, rather like we have last names that are family names. This group scent, or “social glue” as I call it, helps cats feel affiliated, friendly, and relaxed with one another.

Without a group scent, the best-case scenario is that your cats will merely coexist with one another, without ever forming a truly bonded relationship. I like to describe this as a scenario of forced captive living among domestic felids. In such circumstances, cats really don’t feel comfortable and probably would be happier as the only cat in the household. In the worst-case scenario, your cats will not get along well at all. Likely, they will display varying degrees of hostility toward one another.

Behaviours such as excessive claw marking and urine marking may predominate or become more frequent.

In a group, one cat may be the “social facilitator” cat. These cats groom and rub up against all the cats in the home to generate a group scent, which fosters positive social behaviour. If you

think your cats are lacking a group scent, you can become a social facilitator “cat” yourself, by brushing all of them daily with the same brush. If your cats don’t mind being brushed and remain calm when smelling a brush that contains another cat’s scent, you can easily facilitate more social and friendly interactions among them by doing this. By promoting “social glue” between your cats, an environment that was once a war zone can be transformed into a feline utopia. The cats will essentially feel a collective belonging to the group instead of discomfort with other cats that smell so distinctly different.

The technique: brush each cat two to three times a day, four to ten strokes for each cat every time you brush them. Rotate the order of cats as you go. The areas to brush are the areas where the cats themselves maintain the group scent—the entire head, neck, shoulders, and rib cage area. Use the same brush and don’t remove the hair from the brush between cats. Eventually you will remove the hair from the brush as it becomes full, but remember the idea is to spread the scent of each cat to the other. Before brushing, let your cat sniff the brush that contains the other cat’s scent. If his response is relaxed, proceed with brushing.

This can go a long way towards helping your cats get along and giving them the stress-free environment they deserve. n

Cats that are friends groom and rub up against each other to create and maintain their everimportant group scent.

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

CURVYNEST is like a

four-story apartment for cats! CurvyNest’s sinuous curves add style and flair to your living space. It’s a great, contoured place for cats to perch and enjoy private space. woofcenter.com

STURDI CATS travel safe

and comfortable in SturdiBag! It is simply the best, lightweight, height-flexible carrier available, perfect for in-cabin air travel.

Use code MCSB10 for $10 off any SturdiBag pet carrier! sturdiproducts.com

TIGER TEASERS Join the cat toy

revolution! Tiger Teasers’ innovative wire wand design simulates live prey.

Safe, durable, and irresistible, these fur toys are proudly made in the USA. Veterinarian recommended. Wholesale inquiries welcome. tigerteasers.com

SMILING BLUE SKIES

All Smiling Blue Skies Jewelry is one of a kind, made just for you in reclaimed fine silver, semi-precious stones, seed pearls, and Swarovski crystals.

Proceeds support The Smiling Blue Skies Cancer Fund. smilingblueskies.com

CATTINO Get 20% off the Cattino Cat-Shaped Cat Scratcher, Bed, and Perch with coupon code ModernCat14. Valid on orders of $100 or more; expires 2014-08-31. etsy.com/shop/Cattino

THE CAT’S

MEOW FAB FINDS FOR THE FELINE IN YOUR LIFE

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

PACIFIC URNS

Designed and manufactured in British Columbia, Pacific Urns offers a unique selection of pet cremation jewelry available in sterling silver or gold. A wonderful way to remember a beloved pet. pacificurns.com or 1-888-832-1195

KITTYO is a revolutionary new product that lets you watch, speak to, play with, and record your cat when you’re away. You can even dispense treats! kittyo.com

PEACH INDUSTRIES’ Kitty

Lounger and Kitty Lounger Mini are modern, ecofriendly, machine washable, and 100% USA made and sourced. Available in a variety of colours and prints at peachindustries.com

GOOFURR

The easiest way to medicate your cat!

Combine GooFurr’s 100% natural, delicious paste with medication and offer it as food or apply it to the fur. 100% bite, stress and scratch free! goofurr.com

WONDER SCOOPER New

breakthrough in collecting cat litter!

Wonder Scooper dramatically reduces time spent cleaning the litter box—one stroke does it all! Zero mess and no dust, environmentally friendly, and easy to clean! wonderscooper.com

LINKS-IT Changing tags is no longer a chore with LINKS-IT. It’s easy for you (and will save your fingernails!), vet-recommended, and comfortable for your pet.

Choose from nine stylish colors. links-it.com

SWANKY KITTY

For neck attire for every cat, check out Swanky Kitty! swankykitty.com

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R E P SU !

E T CU

cat

PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS

Kitty

Bobby Orr

Squishy

Willow

Armani & Cajun

Beau

Bombay

Ricky Bobby Tsuki Peter

Timmy 22 moderncat

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Isabel

Bella Joe Jr.

Biscuit Kobi

Trooper

Daisy

Jasper

Possum

Tibbi 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!

Bean

Ziggy moderncat.com

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BREED PROFILE

The Bengal Take a walk on the wild side

By Kelly Caldwell

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Brother from another mother: the Bengal tiger and the Bengal cat share similar markings

W

hen you come across a Bengal cat, you might just do a double take. Is this a family pet or a little leopard? As it happens, he’s a little bit of both.

Early Bengal enthusiasts set to work in the 1960s with a lofty goal: to develop a breed that had the exotic look of a wild cat, but with a friendly disposition ideally suited to a family pet. Inspiration was found in the Asian Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), a small wild cat native to central Asia. The Asian Leopard Cat was crossed with friendly domestic short-hair cats and successful litters resulted. Those hybrid kittens were then bred with carefully-selected domestic cats. Today’s Bengal breeders no longer incorporate hybrid breedings with wild cats; Bengals are bred with other Bengals.

Early enthusiasts of critical importance to the breed were Bill Engler and Jean Mill. Both worked at great length to champion the breed, but it is fair to say that it was largely Jean Mill’s persistence and dedication that led to the breed’s recognition in 1986 by The International Cat Association (TICA), as well as its growing popularity worldwide. TICA notes that the breed has become one of the most popular in today’s show circuit.

In terms of conformation, the Bengal is a medium-sized breed. Small females can weigh in at as little as six pounds; their male counterparts average closer to 15 pounds. The Bengal is an inherently muscular breed and rather long in the body, so often these cats appear larger than their weight.

Two accepted coat patterns have developed over the years: marbled and spotted. As for colours, you will find the Bengal in a variety of shades. TICA accepts colours and variations including brown tabby, seal sepia tabby, and seal lynx point tabby. The Bengal’s belly is always light to white in colour and spotted.

There’s no doubt about it, the Bengal’s coat is one of its most distinguishing features. Sleek and soft, many liken it more to a pelt than a plain old fur coat. This aside, two unique qualities make the Bengal coat even more striking: rosettes and glitter. Rosettes are rose-like markings found on the fur of a number of wild cats, including leopards, jaguars, and ocelots. In the case of predatory cats,

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There is no question that the Bengal has the exotic look of a jungle cat, but when it comes to temperament, this is one big pussycat.

Profile:

The Bengal Grooming:

The Bengal has a short, dense coat that is very soft and thick. Basic grooming is all that’s required to keep his coat looking luxurious.

Playfulness/sociability:

Couch potatoes they are not. The Bengal cat is a natural explorer who loves to play.

those coat patterns serve a practical purpose—to mimic shadows, helping these animals remain stealthy on the hunt. And just what, exactly, is glitter? When it comes to cats, it’s a recessive gene that gives the hair a shiny, metallic look. In the right light, a Bengal with glitter looks as though he’s been sprinkled with gold dust. Like rosettes, not all Bengals have glitter and it is not a required trait, though it is considered highly desirable.

There is no question that the Bengal has the exotic look of a jungle cat, but when it comes to temperament, this is one big pussycat. Bengals are known for their friendly and affectionate demeanour, and their people-pleasing nature has many a fancier referring to them as downright dog-like.

Athletic and playful, the Bengal will be happiest in an environment where he receives plenty of your time and attention. The Bengal wants to be part of the action and daily play time is a must. While you’re away, leave out some interactive toys for this curious cat, particularly if yours is a one-cat household. Bengals tend to get along well with other animals, so if there is another pet in your home, you’ll most likely see your Bengal making fast friends with him or her. But don’t worry, you’ll still be number one. Bengals love their people and when they are not on the move they’re almost always at your side (or more accurately, on your lap.)

And here’s something you don’t hear about cats very often: Bengals actually like the water. A dripping water tap will likely strike your Bengal as a great interactive toy. There are countless stories about Bengals playing with water and even jumping into the shower along with their owners. Think of it as just one more way in which the Bengal stands apart from the regular cat crowd.

It is said that a leopard can’t change its spots. In the case of the Bengal, between its exotic appearance and a fun-loving, affectionate temperament, it’s safe to say that fanciers wouldn’t want to change a thing. n

If you like the Bengal, give some consideration to the...

Heritage: A relatively new breed, the Bengal was designed to look like a small wild cat but possess the traits of an affectionate domestic short-hair.

US and Canadian Rescue: Visit the Bengal Rescue Network at bengalrescuenetwork.org.

Abyssinian

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American Shorthair

Toyger

Great Giveaways

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.

may

april

1st-14th

Win 1 of 2 Kittyos, the revolutionary new product that lets you watch, speak to, play with, and record your cat when you’re away. You can even dispense treats!

15th-30th

Win one of eight three-packs of Fruitables Whole Jerky Treats!

Fruitables are USA origin and made from premium cuts without fillers, nitrates or artificial flavours.

Win one of 10 copies of Learning the Secret Language of Cats – A Vet’s Translation, and begin a better understanding of your cat.

Win one of three state of the art UV Nature Spa Fountain from American Valley Pet! It reduces microorganisms and bacteria resulting in clean, clear water. Cats love it!

15th-31st Win one of three one-year supplies (12 bags) of Ecolife cat litter.

Ecolife, the ultimate eco-friendly cat litter!

july

june

1st-14th

1st-14th

15th-30th

Win one of seven meowboxes! Treat your kitty to a monthly box filled with unique toys and healthy yummy goodies, delivered to your doorstep.

august

1st-14th

15th-31st

Win one of five cases of this delicious Organic Tom Cat Turkey Recipe from Party Animal Pet Food!

It’s healthy food your cat will love!

Win one of three “four-box sets” from Catty Stacks, “Because cats LOVE boxes!” With these durable, eco-friendly, modular cat condos, cat furniture has never been more fun!

september

1st-14th

15th-31st

1st-14th

15th-30th

Win 1 of 10 Andis Trim 'N Go cordless trimmers. Nice and compact, it's purrfect for keeping faces and paws neat and trimmed or to remove small burrs and tangles.

Win 1 of 4 Cat Ball kitty beds by The Cat Ball! Choose this colour or select your own from the many gorgeous colour combos available!

Win one of 25 free bags of Vivamune Health Chews for cats, a delicious daily supplement that supports your cat’s joint, skin, and digestive health.

Win a Catswall Three-Bowl Raised Feeder! The cat-shaped handle makes this multi-cat feeder easy to pick up, carry, and clean and also solves ant problems!

No purchase necessary to enter or win. Beginning April 1, 2014 at 12:01 AM (PST) through September 30, 2014 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.

Bootsie’s Bunk Bed and Playroom is the all-in-one station for your cat's two best talents—playing and sleeping. It features spring-action toys, a scratchable roof that doubles as a comfy resting spot, and a secluded cave for when your cat has played herself out. $50, pioneerpet.com

Baggu’s bright, cat-print zip bag is a handy little hold-all for small belongings, perfect for make-up, travel toiletries, pencils, or jewelry. $8, baggu.com

These adorable, handmade, 100% felted wool Sea Ray toys from Lollycadoodle are oh-so-cute. Your cat will love batting them around!

They're especially ideal for the cat who loves to wrestle and bite. Clean them by washing in the dishwasher! $9, catniptoys.com

Chic and simple, Catbird’s bronze Love Cats rings are the perfect addition to any cat lover’s fingers. Wear them alone, with a litter of other cat rings, or stacked with some simple bands. $32, catbirdnyc.com

COOL CAT Fab finds for the feline obsessed

Take a catnap with these super-cute, hand-screened pillow cases from Xenotees.

Soft and machine washable, they're perfect for grownups' and kids' rooms alike! $32, xenotees.com

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Freshen up your litterbox with Sleepypod’s Little Germs Litterbox Odor Remover. This biodegradable cleaner will naturally and safely keep kitty’s smells and germs at bay, without harming your cat or the environment. $10, sleepypod.com

THE CONVERSATIONAL CAT

12 SOUNDS CATS MAKE & WHAT THEY MEAN 32 moderncat

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Wondering what your feline friend is trying to say? Read on to find out!

By Steve Duno Illustration by Jessica Rae Gordon

T

hink your cat’s meows, chirps, yowls, and purrs are just random gibberish? Think again. She’s actually communicating to you information about her world and about how she feels toward you. The good news is that if you listen closely, you just might begin to understand what all the meowing is about and use that understanding to your advantage.

Next to birds, cats possess the widest range of vocalizations of any domestic pet.

Though best known for their meows, purrs, hisses, and growls, the list of sounds they regularly make is more comprehensive than this. Depending on the situation, your cat is capable of making many distinct utterances, with multiple nuanced variations of each, according to importance. Some reflect contentment and ease, while others expose worry, fear, or even anger. All, though, are indicative of your cat’s emotional state of mind.

Meow Perhaps the most commonly heard cat sound, the meow of an adult cat is almost exclusively used to communicate with humans, and not other cats. First uttered by kittens when in need of their mothers, this juvenile vocalization fades away as wild cats mature. But, as cats in domesticity tend to think of themselves as our eternal offspring, they maintain this endearing vocalization throughout their adult lives. Generally, a meowing cat wants something—attention or food or perhaps access to a room.

Sometimes though, meows simply serve as a “welcome home” salutation.

Occasionally, a meow can signify loneliness or even illness. Older cats often meow more because of failing senses or due to anxiety over not being as nimble as before. In younger cats, the meow often gets shortened to an interrogative “mew?” when lonely or hungry. And the frequency of meowing is an indicator of a cat’s frame of mind; rapid-fire meows mean hey, pay attention to me, I’m talking here!

A longer, more plaintive “meowww” can indicate worry, annoyance, or objection to something. This version will often have a throatier quality to it, almost as if she is saying, “oh, come on.” And incessant meowing could indicate illness or injury; if you suspect this, consider a trip to the veterinarian.

Purr Perhaps the most enjoyable and hypnotic of cat sounds, the purr is a soft, deep, throaty rumble, most often made when your cat is in the best of moods. Gently petting your cat while she nests in your lap is a sure way to bring forth this motoring sound of utter contentment. moderncat.com

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Next to birds, cats possess the widest range of vocalizations of any domestic pet.

Chirps, Trills, and Chirrups Learned in kittenhood, these birdlike utterances are slightly more declarative than a meow. Originally used by mothers to tell kittens to pay attention and follow her, your cat may chirp in an effort to get you to pay attention to her or as a way to get you to check out something she deems important. Chirrups and squeaky little trills might also happen when a cat is excited and happy.

Chatter You might have heard your cat chatter her teeth while longingly staring out a window at a sparrow or squirrel in a tree.

Sometimes accompanied by a chirp, squeak or faint cry, the chatter is thought to be an indicator of a cat’s predatory excitement and of her stress at not being able to get to the prize. Some claim the chatter is actually a mimicked bird or rodent call, but this is anecdotal at best as the hunting prowess of cats is dependent on silence and stealth.

Hiss There is no mistaking the intent of a cat’s hiss.

Sounding like of a steak sizzling on the grill, it means your cat feels threatened and is ready to fight if need be. A big, goofy dog who gets too chummy with your feline is sure to provoke a hiss and perhaps more. Along with the threatening sound comes an arched back, puffed hair, twitchy tail, flattened ears, and an open mouth, fangs ready to strike. Spitting can also occur with a hiss. When your cat takes on this serpent-like guise, back off, and do what you can to remove the perceived threat.

Hissing depends very much upon the individual cat’s perception and level of comfort. Some friendly, outgoing felines might hardly ever hiss, while a more shy, reserved cat will resort to it whenever unsure of a situation. Abused, stray or feral cats are much more likely to go into “hissing mode” than is a well-adjusted, sociable pet.

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Yowl Unlike the reasonably happy, searching sound of a meow, the yowl is a longer, more drawn-out moan that denotes, worry, discomfort, territorial concern or mating issues. The yowl is often a cat-to-cat communication; it can mean “I want to mate,” or “I don’t want you coming around my place.” It can also occur when a cat isn’t feeling well, when senses or cognitive functions decline, or when something in her environment (perhaps a new cat on the block) isn’t to her liking. Cats who get relocated to new territories or adopted out to a new home can often yowl out their regret at the lost digs. And some cats will yowl simply out of boredom.

If your cat begins to incessantly yowl, check for signs of illness; a trip to your veterinarian might be in order. If he or she has not yet been altered, see to it as soon as possible, especially if you let your cat outdoors. Be aware of any cats who might be “invading” your cat’s territory; in some cases, strays or feral cats may need to be trapped, neutered, and hopefully adopted out to the right home.

Be sure your cat has ample toys and that she gets enough attention from you. Sometimes all it takes to end a case of the yowls is just an extra play session each day.

Caterwaul Uttered by females in heat when calling out to prospective mates, this abbreviated, plaintive, hollow-sounding version of a yowl has an almost “ahh-roo-ugh?” sound to it. During the caterwaul, the un-spayed female will do all she can to get outside to meet up with males cats, who will most likely be milling about, yowling and fighting for the honour.

Scream If the un-spayed female is outdoors, her caterwauling will draw in a male, whereupon mating will surely occur. She will assume a head-down, rear-up position (called lordosis), while the male bites her neck and begins the mating process. When removed, the male’s barbed penis evidently creates pain for the female, causing her to emit a blood-curdling scream. The moral here: have your cats sterilized!

Cats in the midst of a fight may also scream. These primeval shrieks often come after a long, ominous yowl, and usually punctuate a climactic paw swat or vicious bite. Whole cats are more likely to fight, though even fixed pets will actively defend their territories. To avoid fighting injuries to your cat, consider keeping her indoors.

ILLUSTRATION JESSICA RAE GORDON

On rare occasions, purring can occur when your cat is agitated over something. It’s similar to how you might nervously whistle or hum while waiting for in-laws to arrive for dinner. The key to discerning this “worry-purr” is body posture; if your cat’s ears are back and her body seems tense, the purr denotes concern over something.

Snarls and Growls Often accompanying the hiss are random snarls and growls, usually indicative of fear, anger or territorial threat. Unlike those of larger cats, such as tigers and lions, the domestic cat’s snarling and growling are of a higher pitch and can start or end with a yowl.

Generally, just leave this cat be, unless she’s in imminent danger from another cat. A snarling or growling cat will have the classic defensive body posture—puffed up fur, arched back, ears back, tail twitching.

Breed Talk Some cats are by nature more talkative than others. As a general rule, shorthaired cats tend to be more talkative and outgoing than longhaired felines. And if you are looking for an instinctively chatty kitty, consider certain breeds of Asian origin. These include: Abyssinian

Sphynx

Balinese-Javanese

Bengal

Ocicat

Oriental

Birman

Japanese Bobtail

Siamese

Peterbald

Tonkinese

Turkish Van

If you’d prefer a less vocal cat, consider a Persian, Russian Blue, Chartreux, Norwegian Forest Cat, or Maine Coon. These breeds tend to be on the quieter side. But breed-specific guidelines are not failsafe; you could end up with a noisy Persian or a silent Siamese!

By knowing what your cat is trying to say, you’ll be better able to predict her mood, intentions, and needs. Whether she is hungry, sick, happy, lonely, playful or mad, you’ll understand and be better equipped to give her what she needs. And the two of you will be able to have a nice, friendly cat chat whenever the mood suits! n

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THE COMPLETE

CAT LADY GUIDE

By Lauren Cheal and Taryn Cheal

We know that real cat ladies behave far differently than the pop culture stereotype implies; naturally, the Modern Cat team is comprised of cat ladies—and they are perfectly social, thank you very much. In this comprehensive guide, two of our favourite felineenthusiast staffers share their very best picks for being a crazy-chic cat lady.

4

$

Loving cats as much as we do means that cat hair is usually part of the ensemble, though one we like to downplay. We like to keep lint rollers at work (and home), and these Scotch-Brite 3M Printed Lint Rollers add delight to an otherwise tedious task. scotch-brite.com

15

$

Cats are my bag, how about you?

This 100% cotton canvas tote bag hand-printed by Noelle Burke in her Philadelphia studio is an ecofriendly way to proclaim your cat love. xenotees.com

7

$

Adorable, filled with organic catnip, eco-friendly, and made in the U.S.A.—what more could we ask for? West Paw toys are always a hit with the clowder (and make great gifts for new cat owners). westpawdesign.com

99

$

The Cat Ball will become a beloved place for your cat to play, sleep, and hide, and with its adorable shark design, it will be the second most adorable thing in your home (after your cat, of course). Also available in all sorts or colours and non-shark designs, too. thecatball.com

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CAT LADY GUIDE

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$

4

$

The Krazy Kitty Double Whammy is one of those toys that never fails to enchant and excite a cat. Filled with both catnip and honeysuckle, it pleases everyone. It also contains dried beans, adding weight and making it great for throwing around! This really is one of the best toys ever. petvalu.com

The modern cat lady is sociable and popular, so she can often be found texting and making plans on her phone.

Covering said phone in adorable-ness with the help of a cute case is an absolute must. zazzle.ca

7

$

Please, buy one of these Litter Lifters. No one wants to spend too much time hovering over a litter box and the Litter Lifter is amazing because its unique design makes sifting a thing of the past.

Spread the gospel to your cat-loving friends and they will come back to you for more great advice. litter-lifter.com

10

$

Cat hair is one of the most difficult parts of having a cat. Luckily, Swipets offers a fast and eco-friendly way to deal with it. Simply don a Swipet glove and rub your hand over the hair laden surface to pick up cat hair like magic. Throw them in the wash when they're dirty and they're ready to go again! swipets.com

90

$

We can’t get enough of this dress! Truly over the top in catittude, this classic cut frock is adorable, stylish, and oh so irresistible. $90, modcloth.com

crazy-chic

FOR THE CAT GENTLEMAN...

7

$

The Da Bird from Go Cat is one of the best wand toys out there.

The strong string holds up to a lot of play and the fishing-lure construction allows the feathers to spin and whip around, creating the most enticing action for your cat.

This is a keeper! go-cat.com

24

$

12

$

These stainless steel Anchovy Bowlz from Rogz are perfect for cats. The low sides don’t put stress on your cat’s whiskers while he eats and the silicone bottom prevents slipping. Dishwasher safe and cute, they'll please both you and your cat come meal time! rogz.com

It’s so true. You can tell a lot about a person by the way they treat animals, and this shirt is pretty much guaranteed to attract the pawsitive attention of awesome cat-lovers in any man's life. etsy.com/shop/RCTees

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The amazing

Star Cat

WINNER

AEROSTOTLE Photographed by Madelyn Caranci

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A Tale of Two Kitties

By Rose Frosek To say the race was close is an understatement. In the final hours of our Star Cat Contest, two cats vying for top position were receiving so many votes per second that our server could hardly keep up. In the end, the vote difference was so negligible—both cats were neck in neck with over 85,000 votes each—we decided to declare not one but two winners and feature both of these amazing cats in this issue of Modern Cat! Read on to see why these spunky cats inspire so much devotion.

MEET STAR CAT WINNER AEROSTOTLE

S

herri Smith found herself a cat—and a calling—on August 23, 2013 at the Jacksonville Humane Society. Weeks earlier, the shelter has taken in two three-week-old kittens. Both had suffered neglect at the hands of humans and a serious eye infection that had set in. The little girl cat was able to heal from the eye trauma and was adopted quickly, but the boy, being much smaller and weaker than his sister, wasn't able to recover. Both his eyes were so infected that at four weeks of age he had to undergo a risky operation to have them removed. Thanks to the skill of Dr. Jennifer Broadhurst, the surgery was performed successfully and the little cat, now minus sight but not spirit, stayed at the shelter awaiting a second chance—until that fateful day in August when Sherri Smith went to the shelter and fell in love.

Soon after Sherri adopted the kitten, whom she named Aerostotle or Aero for short, she realized what a character he was.

“He seemed like a normal happy boy,” Sherri says. “I decided that maybe if I made a Facebook page for Aero, I could share his story with others and educate people that a blind cat is just like any other cat and can live a happy life.”

She began posting photos and updates on his day-to-day challenges and achievements. Slowly, people found his page and began to share similar stories with Sherri; it wasn't long before Sherri found herself an advocate for adopting “specially-abled” cats.

“They deserve the same chance as any cat that needs a home,” Sherri asserts. “People shouldn't look at the differences or the disabilities but should adopt based on any cat they feel a bond with. Blind cats, diabetic cats are wonderful cats [and] caring for any of these cats is not difficult. Everyone deserves a chance at having the best life possible.”

“It's as if he knows he has a mission in life,” she continues. “People write to me all the time and tell me that seeing Aero's photos and videos makes them smile. If Aero can overcome his tragedies in life then so can they. This is a huge accomplishment for a little cat who can't see.”

As we hear time and time again in rescue stories, the benefits are not just one-sided.

“I have learned to have more patience for myself and for others,” Sheri says. “I have learned that while we are all different, we are all equal and we are all lovable.”

Aero’s Stats FAVOURITE PASTIME Playing with his endless supply of toys and making people smile.

NICKNAMES Turbo Cat MOTTO “I see with my heart, not with my eyes.”

Of course, Aero is part of a larger community and Sherri wanted to thank some of Aero’s many friends and supporters, including Freida the Throw Away Kitty, Tenderness for Tyrone, Spirit a Blind Cat, Pretzel The Little Kitty Who Could, and Forgotten Felines of Maine, as well as Oskar and Klaus for Aero's wonderful bow ties. For more tales of feline triumph, check out Aero’s friends on Facebook.

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The lovable

LAZARUS Photographed by Lynn Thompson

t a C r a t S ER WINN

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Laz’s Stats FAVOURITE PASTIME Lazarus loves napping under the covers or playing in his cat tree.

NICKNAMES Laz, Lazzie, Vampire Cat

“This little guy has the perseverance that most of us could only dream of.”

MOTTO “We are all beautiful and unique in our own way.”

MEET STAR CAT WINNER LAZARUS, the charming “vampire cat” that has fans worldwide! This cleft palate kitty doesn’t let his differences slow him down.

A

t the tender age of just 10 weeks, a little kitten with a severe bilateral cleft palate was found on the streets of Johnson City, Tennessee. Just how he had survived thus far is a mystery. Happening upon him, a student at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) plucked him up and, in a stroke of genius (or was it the fingers of fate?), called Cynthia Chambers, a woman known for her animal rescue efforts who also just happens to be a special educator.

“When I saw the little guy,” Cynthia says, “I was immediately overtaken with the fear that I was going to be told to put him down. I cried the whole way to the veterinarian’s office.”

The vet, however, had another idea, despite the kitten having exposed bone in the roof of his mouth. The vet responded that Lazarus had lived this long so “why not give him a chance?” He prescribed an antibiotic, a nourishment plan, and flea medication, and off Cynthia and Lazarus went. Within weeks, Laz had grown healthy soft tissue over the exposed bone, gained weight, and was flea free, though his mouth still needed medical attention. Cynthia knew the little cat with the unique look needed an advocate and someone to love him dearly; she also knew that person was none other than herself.

Thus, she started the Facebook page Care for Lazarus to reach out to others for advice but also to seek assistance financially for what was expected to be a long and expensive process of getting Lazarus fixed up. Friends and support started pouring in. “To this day,” Cynthia says, “I don’t know what I would have done without the support of Lazarus’ Facebook community.”

Lazarus’ story spread like wildfire through various media outlets worldwide. Articles appeared everywhere from her local newspaper to the Huffington Post. Cynthia chalks it up to their unique story: “Given that I am a special educator who trains teachers to work with people with disabilities and then I rescued a cat with special needs, people became quite interested. Not to mention, Lazarus’ unique appearance quickly draws people in wanting to learn more.”

Cynthia Chambers and Lazarus

Lazarus’ looks are definitely unique but they do not impact his quality of life. Necessary surgeries were performed, but there are no plans for a full repair of Lazarus’ cleft palate because there is no medical reason for it—which is good, because Cynthia and Laz have a lot to attend to. Together they’ve started a range of service projects that will make you feel like a slacker.

They started a program called Learning with Laz, which involves Cynthia and Lazarus talking to classes or groups about finding your own unique characteristics that make you special and accepting differences of others. They also run Laz’s Pet Supply Challenge, which is a worldwide program to collect supplies for animal shelters and groups. And locally, they make community visits to collect donations. They also have team members who set up donation sites to benefit their community’s animal rescue groups. In short, these two are busy.

It’s this triumph over adversity that has earned him legion fans; Lazarus’ appeal (beyond that very cute face) lies in the very lesson that Cynthia herself learned from him.

“I have learned that I can overcome any difficult situation with the love and support of people around me. We are stronger than we give ourselves credit for and if this little gray kitty can defeat the odds, then we can too!” n

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#2 This Catalina cardboard scratcher provides an

attractive and durable place for your cat to stretch, scratch, and play! Made from natural paperboard that is non-toxic to your kitty, it lets Mittens safely enjoy a good scratch! If you have an extra wide windowsill, place it there to afford a view, too. $70, enchantedhomepet.com

#1 Build the ideal wall space for your cat with

Catswall’s Modular Cat Climbing Wall! Install the slats, then mix and match the mountable fixtures (they just clip right in!) that best suit your cat.

You can choose boxes, platforms, and stairs to customize the wall exactly to your cat’s needs.

From $1199, catswall.com

EASY WAYS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR CAT'S SPACE #3 Let your cat safely #4 Indulge your cat’s natural incli-

nation to scale your decor with these Santa Monica Promenade bookshelf ramps. They easily clip onto any standard bookshelf (like the Ikea Billy bookshelf), giving your cat a safe, stylish, carpeted ramp to easily make their way from shelf to shelf. $39, franklincatfurniture.com

explore the outdoors with Kittywalk’s Teepee. This cute enclosure gives your indoor cat lots of space to climb and play, allowing for safe outdoor adventuring in a secure area.

The mesh can also be removed for indoor use.

Love that vertical space! $480, kittywalk.com

#5 Give your cat a bird's eye

view of the great outdoors with the Kittycot window perch. Easy to clean, safe, and sturdy, your cat will love lounging the day away on this suspended perch. $40, kittycot.com

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HOW-T O: BRIGHT E SOMEO N NE’S DAY

8 Random Acts of Kindness Spread joy! Small effort, huge karmic pay off

1

Become a cat companion! Chances are your local shelter is in need of cat-loving volunteers. For example, the BCSPCA is looking for cat lovers to help care for cats and kittens by helping clean cages, giving food and water, and, most importantly, providing love, exercise, and playtime. Their volunteers need to commit to just one two-to three-hour shift per week. Why not reach out to your local shelter or humane society and see if you can help out?

2

If you have extra gently-loved cat toys, collars, harnesses or beds kicking about, donate them to your local humane society or rescue group. Simply drop them by the front desk. Almost all shelters and rescues warmly welcome donations.

3

Handwrite a note, poem or wish and tuck it inside your favourite cat book at your local independent bookseller, perhaps accompanied by a few dollars or a lottery ticket to delight a stranger.

4

Drop by your local shelter with cupcakes for the unsung heroes who work or volunteer there.

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5 6

Buy an extra bag of cat food and drop it by your local food bank. Cats go hungry too.

Make little cat treats for your co-worker’s or your neighbour’s cat. Match them up with some fresh baked cookies (for people) to really make someone smile. Get a recipe for easy, homemade, super-delish organic cat treats here: moderncat.com/homemade-organic-cat-treats

7

Drop magazines you’ve read by a daycare, kindergarten or school where the photos in them can be used for collages and art projects. The best kind of recycling!

8

Hilarious/adorable photos of cats will brighten anyone's day. Share a link to your favourite cat meme or cat gif for a quick laugh and to let your mom or bestie know you’re thinking of them. (This is also a great way to cheer up a co-worker that’s having a bad day). For the best cat memes of the moment, check out moderncat.com/best-catmemes. Our share function makes sending a smile super-easy. n

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How to Become a Problem-Solving Cat Detective: an Interview with Jackson Galaxy, Star of Animal Planet's “My Cat From Hell”

By Suzanne Beecher

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PHOTO JOHN LENNON

GET YOUR MOJO ON

W

hen friends heard I interviewed Jackson Galaxy they wanted to know, "What's he really like?" I'm pleased to tell you the Jackson Galaxy we see on My Cat From Hell is the same warm, sincere guy I interviewed. Jackson's easy-going style made the interview feel like we'd known each other for years, and the advice he shared is going to help thousands of cat owners.

With cat problems like scratching, biting, or inappropriate peeing (the #1 reason cats are surrendered or returned to a shelter), most of us wouldn't even know where to begin. But Jackson shares insights about how we can become cat detectives to solve the problem, and in the process, learn more about our cat’s mojo—which makes for a happy owner and a happy kitty. *

*

*

MC It's kind of embarrassing, but I'd have to say one of the things my husband and I learned from watching your show is how to play with our cats. My husband and I were kind of like the guy you featured on an episode of My Cat From Hell. When you asked him to let you watch him playing with the cat, the guy just stood there, holding the toy out in front of his cat, waiting for the cat to start playing. My husband and I just always thought our cats weren't interested in toys, but we had to learn “cat play.”

If someone was trying to solve a problem they're having with their cat, how would they begin to find a solution?

For instance, if a cat is peeing outside the litter box, are there general steps that a cat owner could do to try to find a solution to the problem?

JG First of all, go to the vet. Get your cat checked out to make sure nothing is medically wrong. Don't sit there driving yourself and your cat crazy trying to figure out what the behavioural peeing problem is when your cat is raising the red flag and saying in their own way, “Ouch, it hurts when I pee.” So you have to rule that out first.

Once you do that, you need to get it out of your head that the peeing is random. Random locations—it's a mindset. “He's peeing everywhere” is what you're telling yourself and whoever will listen. But your cat isn't peeing everywhere; he's speaking to you. In the absence of language, a cat's urine or where they pee is speaking to you about their insecurity in their territory. So get it out of your mind that it's jealousy, that it's a grudge your cat has against you, and it's not spite, you know, those are traps that we fall into. Because we don't understand the behaviour we go to that easy place, which is to humanize the cat's behaviour. Once you realize it's not spite, you realize it's anxiety. One of the most important things you can do is to journal your experiences. I don't care what kind of behaviour problem you're dealing with, when you're journaling, you get out of the mindset of the random, and move towards your work as a cat detective.

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“Leaving music on for the cats when you leave the house or go away on vacation, I tend to classify it as sonic guilt. ‘Hey, I'm leaving the house for 12 hours, here, have the radio.’ Your cat would much rather hear the sounds of their territory.

They want to hear the squirrels in the yard.

They want to hear people walking by. Remember, cats are territorial animals.

It's not about, hey, Brahms relaxes me. Keep a window cracked. Let them hear the sounds of the outdoors.

The sound of nature is music to a cat's ears.”

—Jackson Galaxy

MC Because then when you're journaling, the person is saying in their mind that it's kind of an experiment?

JG Right, right, and it actually serves another purpose; it emotionally takes you out of the equation. If you're a detective, then you are impartial—you're gathering information. You're not responding to that feeling, “Dammit, my cat's peeing everywhere.” Instead, you're invested in solving the problem. And it's hard to solve a problem that is offensive to family members.

So journaling is a psychological exercise to remove you, to take the “stakes” away a little bit, right?

MC I can see why journaling is so important. It helps you remember.

I can't remember what I had for lunch or what I did yesterday, so I

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see what you mean, if you're looking around at all the places your cat has peed, you're thinking, “Oh my god, the cat's peeing everywhere,” but if you're journaling every day, you look back and see, “Well, no, he's only peeing by the door.”

JG And it's also not just the where, it's the when (that's very important), and it's the “who”—meaning is it somebody's belongings? You're journaling and then doing what I call the “Anti-Treasure Map.” The Anti-Treasure Map: use painter's tape, I think the brand name is Blue, and put an X-marks-the-spot wherever your cat pees.

The tape doesn't stick to the carpet; you don't have to worry about any of that. Put those X's around the house and for each X, you journal. And I promise you, at the end of a week, I promise, you'll look at it and go “Oh my god, right!” You'll see that your cat was making a circle around a certain area. Your cat was saying, “There's something in this particular area that's making me insecure.”

Then [its] detective work is…Is it another animal in the house or something outdoors? If your cat is peeing by the front door and beneath the window, that’s perimeter marking. It's your cat's way of almost offensively saying, “This is my castle; this is my moat. Keep away barbarian, away from the gate.” So who is your cat talking to? Is it a threat in the house? No, it's a threat from without, because obviously there are cats in your neighbourhood that are threatening your cat inside. He's peeing on that window and peeing on that

door to send a message to the outsiders: “This belongs to me.”

Those are the things you discover when you get your mind away from, “Oh my god, the drapes, he peed on the drapes.”

Instead you're asking questions. As you've seen in my show, half the work is cat behaviour and half the work is human psychology. And this empowers you to emotionally divest, and I think that's really an important thing.

MC Talking about the human psychology side of the problem, several of the questions readers submitted, included a note, “My cat is peeing all over and my spouse is extremely upset about it.”

JG Okay, that's fair to say. Someone might tell me, “I have a new boyfriend that moved into the house and now my cat's peeing all over the place.” So first of all— yes, somebody came into the house and that person represents a territorial threat to an insecure cat. Now, let's get out of the personal feelings, investigate and ask questions.

Is the cat peeing in your boyfriend's shoes?

Yes. So now we know what's going on, and instead of letting your boyfriend buy into the poison of telling you, “Your cat hates me, you know—well, I don't like your cat then,” you have to find ways to turn your boyfriend into a positive presence and allow your cat to realize that this guy is a good thing, not a threat.

In my book there's a section where I liken the experience of learning how to com-

"If you want to solve a problem, you have to be an ambassador; you have to be a detective." municate with your cat to being an Ambassador. The American Ambassador, where you're sitting across the table from a hostile country—which you know nothing about—and how do you get to the point where you trust each other? The technique to trust, I call the three-step handshake.

At first you present yourself in a completely non-threatening way to the cat, which is by scent. Then you give them a gift that smells like you—I present the ear of my glasses—and then the last thing you do is shake hands. Take a finger, let the cat sniff it like he did the glasses or pen, and bring that finger toward the spot between and just above the eyes. Let him meet your finger with his head and push against it until you've made a fluid move from the bridge of his nose up to between the ears. It's a mutual gesture, like a handshake or an embrace. There: you're no longer strangers.

If you want to solve a problem, you have to be an ambassador; you have to be a detective. You don't want to be a hotheaded person bent on revenge. That's where you get nowhere.

MC Yes, it really is like learning to interact with people. If you want to be right, you can stick to trying to be right. But if you want to solve the problem, you're going to have to put aside the emotions that you've built up.

JG Exactly right. Ego gets you nowhere. By the way, a lot of the talks I've been giving around the country about cat mojo—the topics always morph into what you've learned about your marriage in working with your cat, what you learned about other humans, and what you learned about your own character defects by working with cats. It's actually really a bottomless well of fascination. Because cats are involved in so many parts of the human experience, and they're so right for projection—we can project all kinds of nonsense on them. When you reverse that projection, [it reveals so much about] you and your character defects, your strengths, and the way you treat relationships. n

>>The multi-talented Suzanne Beecher (author of this article, mastermind behind dearreader.com, and inspiration to the

375,000+ people her read her daily emailed column) has a very cool new venture designed to help animal shelters get what they need. Check it out at ShelterWishList.com.

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men are crazy about cats too! reader-submitted photos of men and their cats

Huey + Matthew

Cecil + Phoebe

Mark + Lexi Jasmine + Arjun

Beh + Maxwell

utus Gryphon Leo Troy + +Br

Louie + Vinny

Jamie + Edmund Princess + Steve

Ken + Leonidas Nick + Gertrude Todd + Auggie

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Tanner + Bryan

Princess + Steve

Pickle + Tim Lil Sox + Flory

Cecil + Phoebe

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PET PROJECT

craft D.I.Y.

Amazeballs!

Make it! A how-to for super-simple yarn toys your cats will love. Whip one up in less than 5 minutes! Crafty!

FOR EACH BALL YOU WILL NEED •

Approximately 4 yards (4 meters) of any colour of yarn (Whatever yarn you have on hand will work just fine. You can make tons of these toys out of a single ball of yarn.)

•

One short piece of yarn, about 6 inches (15 cm) in length, to tie off the ball

•

Scissors

•

Ruler or tape measure if you want to be exact, but really you can just make this thing whatever size you want. The more yarn you use in Step #1, the larger your finished toy will be.

HOW-TO 1.

Wrap your length of yarn around the index and middle fingers of one hand. Keep your fingers together so that the width of your looped yarn is around 1.5 inches (4 cm). (Imagine making a “gun” with the index and middle fingers of one hand. Wrap the yarn tightly around those two fingers—you want to have a nice, tight loop of yarn—until all your yarn is wrapped around your fingers.

2. Slide the yarn off of your fingers, ensuring the loop stays intact.

3. Use your short piece of yarn to tie the loop across the middle, so that it forms a figure 8. Tie the knot as tight as possible.

(Feel free to tie it a couple times if you feel like it could be tighter.)

4. Snip the looped ends on both sides and fan out the yarn. Trim any long strings to make a uniform ball.

5. Let Mittens play!

Tip: You can use a wire bristle brush to brush out the yarn of the finished ball to make it fluffy, if your cat prefers.

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BODY & SOUL Jackson Galaxy’s Tips for Better Cat-munication The Cat I Love You Anitra Frazer’s “Cat I Love You” technique isn’t just for cat behaviorists. Try it yourself. First, look at your cat. Soften your gaze, remove all challenge to his perception. This is important: understand the difference between staring and soft eyes. Then match an eye blink to the silent phrase “I love you” like this: 1. Eyes open: “I” 2. Eyes fall slowly closed: “love” 3. Eyes open again slowly: “you” If you’re truly relaxed and your intention is focused and genuine, your cat will respond, first by blinking—and then by relaxing, dropping his guard just a tiny bit.

Meeting a New Cat? Try the Three-Step Handshake Cat Reintroduction 101 When two cats have fallen out, the way to reintroduce them is by using positive association—which means food!

Feed the two cats on either side of a door so they understand they only smell each other when they get food, and they only get food when they smell each other.

“Hmmm,” they’ll start thinking, “maybe this other cat isn’t so bad.”

Gradually move the bowls closer, keeping each on the opposite side of the door. Then crack the door to add a visual element to the reintroduction. You’re on your way!

1. Use the slow-blink Cat I Love You technique to break the language barrier.

2. Do you wear glasses? Take them off and present the cat with the tip of an earpiece. It’s not as threatening as your hand, and it is heavy with scent from the area just behind the ears that’s loaded with your signature smell. Let him sniff and hopefully rub a cheek on the earpiece.

If you don’t wear glasses, try putting a pen or pencil behind your ear for a bit and then offer it to him.

3. Take a finger, let him sniff it like he did the glasses or pen, and bring that finger toward the spot between and just above his eyes. Let him meet your finger with his head and push against it until you’ve made a fluid move from the bridge of his nose up to between the ears. It’s a mutual gesture, like a handshake or an embrace.

There: you’re no longer strangers.

Excerpted from CAT DADDY: What the World’s Most Incorrigible Cat Taught Me About Life, Love and Coming Clean by Jackson Galaxy with the permission of Tarcher/Penguin. Copyright Jackson Galaxy 2012.

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BODY & SOUL How Cool Is This?

A Pets Before Profits Gone, But Not Forgotten In memory: online tributes to passed pets

The joys of having cats are boundless; unfortunately, so are the depths of sorrow in parting with them, almost inevitably, far too soon. To honour our friends who have passed, we’ve created a memorial page where you can post a photo and a tribute to a cat who has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. For a heartwarming and, yes, likely tear-inducing look at just what our cats mean to us, take a scroll through the smiling feline faces and lovely tributes posted. It won’t leave you dry-eyed, but it will remind you that it’s all worth it, and, if you’re grieving, that you’re not alone. Post a tribute to a cat that’s passed on as well as find resources if you’re currently grieving at moderncat.com/memorials.

THE FIND:

Red Cross Pet First Aid App The answers to pressing feline health questions are now in the palm of your hand! The American Red Cross has released a Pet First Aid app that gives you instant access to potentially lifesaving health and safety information for cats and dogs.

It offers step-by-step guides accompanied by video and images to guide you through 25 common first aid and emergency situations, as well as resources for early detection of illness and preventative care. It also provides emergency veterinarian contact information and allows you to set up different profiles for each of your pets so you can keep track of their appointments separately. Download the app, available for both iPhones or Android smart phones, for just $0.99.

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Pharmacy: Online pet medication pharmacy offers competitive pricing, major brands, and good karma Pet lovers spend a ton of money on pet medications every year—a whopping seven billion was spent in the U.S. alone last year.

American veterinarian Dr. Glenn Buckley decided he was going to make some of that money count, so in June 2013 he launched Pet Rescue RX (petrescuerx. com), an online pharmacy that lets you save on pet medications and supplies— with 100 percent of the net profits going to an animal shelter or rescue of the customer’s choice.

“I started Pet Rescue Rx with one goal— to raise money for the thousands of animal shelters and rescue groups in the country and the millions of pets they care for,” says Dr. Buckley.

Just how much of an effect can this initiative have? Consider this: the largest online pharmacy for pet medications made more than $16 million in net profit last year. No less than this amount is Dr. Buckley’s goal.

“We believe this money should be getting to the shelters and rescues that need it most,” he says. “I take no compensation from Pet Rescue Rx. This is about giving back in the best way I know.”

Check it out at petrescuerx.com.

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8 More People Foods For Cats Get EVEN MORE snack-tastic!

Creative, healthy treats for your cat

By Elizabeth Scott and Laura Pask Hint: start introducing little bits of extra treats when your cats are kittens. Kittens tend to be more adventurous, while cats are often a bit suspicious of new foods. If your cat is already an adult, fear not; you can still introduce new foods, it may just take a bit of perseverance. Experiment with a few different options and try offering them to your cat more than once before declaring the cat not a fan of a particular food.

1. Yogurt 2. Raspberries

These berries are high in fiber, vitamin C, and manganese. Try them frozen for a cool summery treat! Tip: If your cat is extra playful, you may want to first introduce the berry unfrozen.

Frozen berries may prove more tempting as a toy than a treat!)

Plain, unsweetened, low fat yogurt can be a great treat for cats, especially overweight ones as yogurt is high in calcium and protein. Try freezing it for an extra special feline treat. Note: all milk-based treats are high in calcium, so cats prone to bladder stones should only have cheese or yogurt occasionally as this added calcium can contribute to stone formation. Caution: make sure any yogurt you share does not contain any artificial sweeteners.

3. Beef heart

Heart is a rich source of digestible protein but is also high in fat, so reserve this as a special-occasion treat. Feed beef heart boiled or baked and store the remainder, cooked, in the freezer for easy treats-on-hand. It can also be thinly sliced and dehydrated for a chewy teeth cleaning treat.

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Tip

To avoid obesity, treats should not make up more than 10 percent of your cats daily nutrient intake.

4. Chicken feet or duck feet 5. Bananas

This lunch box staple is packed with potassium and vitamin B-6, which is used as a co-factor in many of the enzyme pathways in the body. This can have a positive effect on everything from the nervous system to inflammation. Try sharing a bit of fresh banana with your cat, mashing it up and adding it to their food, or freezing it for a cool summer treat.

Although not a commonly considered a “people food” in North America, chicken and duck feet are widely eaten in Asia. But it’s not just a dim sum favourite; some cats love the crunchy texture of chicken/duck feet. The feet can be found dehydrated in some pet stores or can be fed fresh—try your butcher or local Asian supermarket (rinse them before feeding raw). As with anything containing bone, there is the risk of damage to the esophagus or stomach, so if your cat looks to want to eat the feet whole, chop the feet into smaller pieces. Bonus: the raw bones can help keep your cat’s teeth clean.

Do note: raw meat products can contain a variety of serious pathogens so make sure you handle raw meat with caution and do not feed to very young kittens or old cats or to cats taking immunosuppressive drugs (ie prednisolone, cyclosporine, etc.) If your cat is on these medications, it’s best to talk to your vet before feeding raw meat of any kind.

6. Meat-based baby foods

(onion/garlic free) Freeze extra baby food into ice cube trays to make convenient cat treats. Baby foods seem to be a greatly enjoyed cat snack, which is great as most baby foods are natural, plain, low in fat, and good sources of protein.

(Note you can not substitute baby food for cat food!) Be sure the baby food is onion- and garlicfree as both onions and garlic are toxic to cats.

7. Sprouts 8. Dehydrated liver

There are a number of different kinds of sprouts, including bean, broccoli, and sprouted grains; any of them can be shared with your cat in small quantities. Try sprinkling a few sprouts on your cat’s dinner to give a little boost of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Note that sprouts are very prone to bacterial contamination so if your cat is elderly or immune compromised, cook any sprouts before sharing them. n

Most dehydrated liver on the market tends to be beef. Beef liver is a great source of protein and cats tend to love it. Stick to feeding a small piece of liver once or twice a week though as it has a high iron and vitamins A and D content. Since most cat foods are already supplemented with iron and vitamins A and D, you can cause toxicity if you feed too much liver.

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HOW CATS BROKE THE INTERNET

By Jen Reeder

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PHOTO MIKE BRIDAVSKY

The Rise of the Cat: from keyboard playing tabbies and Cheezburger memes to the ubiquitous, frowny-faced Grumpy Cat, “celebricats” are taking the world by storm

Lil Bub holds a press conference.

Just what is a meme, anyway?

A meme is simply an idea, behaviour, or style that spreads from person to person within a culture, especially via the internet. Think uploading a short video of your friends dancing to the Harlem Shake (thanks for the great example, Wikipedia) or the Grumpy Cat phenomenon.

PHOTO COURTESY GRUMPY CAT

I HAD FUN ONCE

M

anager Ben Lashes will never forget the first time he met his most famous client, Grumpy Cat. Though he’d seen photos of the mixed breed cat, he thought her iconic frown must be Photoshopped. Then he arrived in New York City’s Times Square to meet with Grumpy Cat before she was to appear on the Today show and had a realization.

“It’s like the first time you see the Mona Lisa or read Shakespeare or something—you know it’s a classic the minute you see it,” Lashes says.

While discussions of Grumpy Cat’s fame may be tongue-incheek, the feline’s success is no joke: Grumpy Cat is a million dollar brand. The little kitty with feline dwarfism and a permafrown from an underbite shot to stardom after the brother of her owner posted a photo on the social news website Reddit in September 2012. The meme went viral on the Internet, particularly after someone added the caption: “I had fun once. It was awful.”

Now Grumpy Cat has a bestselling book, a line of “Grumppuccino” coffee drinks, an odour eliminator spray, a role as a “spokescat” for Friskies, a slew of t-shirts, plush dolls, and other merchandise, and a movie deal in the works. In 2013, Grumpy Cat appeared on the cover of the Wall Street Journal and New York Magazine, and received the “Golden Kitty” (Best in Show) at the second annual Internet Cat Video Festival in Minnesota, which drew over 10,000 attendees. She has over 2.6 million “likes” on Facebook and has appeared on Good Morning America, Today, CNN and VH1, among others. She has flown to Disneyland to meet Grumpy the Dwarf, and to New York to meet Oscar the Grouch.

Lashes says the Internet has changed the way anyone gets famous, not just cats. For example, a YouTube video can be one’s ticket to fame and fortune.

“Justin Bieber and Grumpy Cat have a lot in common with how they got famous and how they stayed famous,” Lashes says.

“The Internet has just changed how we get our culture.”

IT WAS AWFUL The meme that skyrocketed Tardar Sauce, aka Grumpy Cat, to worldwide fame.

Grumpy Cat’s owner Tabatha Bundesen, a 28-year-old from a small town in Arizona, says she “never could have imagined” her cat would become so famous. She says Grumpy Cat, whose real name is Tardar Sauce (Bundesen’s young daughter spelled her name), isn’t actually grumpy. She’s a sweet cat who never scratches the furniture, loves to be petted between her eyes, and lives happily with her feline family, including her mother, Callie, and feline roommates Pokey, Soy Sauce, and Katchup.

“It’s really awesome just knowing that Grumpy Cat brings smiles to so many faces all around the world,” Bundesen says.

Her cat’s fame has changed her life; though she still lives in the same home and has the same friends, she no longer has to work as a waitress, gets to travel with her cat, and sees her brother much more often. She was amazed by the public’s response when Grumpy Cat attended the 2013 South by Southwest arts festival in Texas.

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Above: Classic Cheezburger lolcats.

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“It was insane! People would stand in line for three hours in the rain just to lean in and get a picture with her,” she says.

Bundesen says it has been particularly rewarding to help make a difference in people’s lives. She and Grumpy Cat have visited animal shelters and met with patients at a cancer center. She was excited when Grumpy starred last December in the charity video “Hard To Be a Cat at Christmas,” along with fellow celebricats Colonel Meow, Oskar the Blind Cat, Nala Cat, and Hamilton the Hipster Cat, for which Friskies donated 600,000 cans of cat food to animal shelters.

“Grumpy Cat definitely supports adoption,” she says.

“Anyone that loves Grumpy Cat and doesn’t have a cat of their own should just go adopt any cat because they’re all amazing.”

Manager Lashes says some of his other clients helped pave the way for the meteoric success of Grumpy Cat. The original Keyboard Cat video dates back to 1984, when Washington State resident Charlie Schmidt recorded his orange tabby Fatso “playing” a song on an electronic keyboard.

He digitized the video and posted it on YouTube, and in 2009, it went viral. Within a week, he was approached by major companies like Sony and Microsoft with business offers.

Schmidt just happened to be best friends with the father of Ben Lashes, so Lashes offered to manage the meme by negotiating deals. Because Fatso had passed away years before, Lashes suggested Schmidt adopt a new orange tabby and make more videos. Soon Schmidt’s new tabby, Bento, was making videos—and loving it since he gets a treat before each performance.

“He sleeps on the keyboard,” Schmidt says. “Fatso, we only did it one time—two takes, one day, that was it. But Bento is a working cat. We just finished three weeks of shooting for Animal Planet.”

Schmidt has been able to stop designing logos for a living and devote his time to Keyboard Cat projects and says it’s rewarding to “make people’s lives a little better, even if just for a few seconds.”

“Money totally aside, it’s why I did it in the first place: to try to make people feel better that day, and then to just help my friends a little. That’s why I still do it … do what you love to do every day full blast and hope for the best.”

Chris Torres, the graphic designer who created Nyan Cat, made the original image during a charity event for the 2011

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHEEZBURGER

“The Internet is the world’s cat park that allows people to be able to share their cats.”

NO. Above from left: Nyan Cat creator Chris Torres, at right, with meme manager Ben Lashes in front of the Nyan Cat pop-up shop in NYC; another classic Grumpy Cat meme.

Tohuku earthquake in Japan—people could watch him draw their suggestions during a video chat and make a donation for his efforts. Inspired by several requests and his “affectionate, playful” Blue Russian, Marty, he designed a cat with a Pop Tart body flying through space, leaving a rainbow trail in its wake. He spent about six hours animating it and posted it on YouTube on April 1, 2011. On April 5, another user mixed it with a popular Japanese song so it sounds like the cat is singing “Nyan,” which is the Japanese equivalent of “Meow.” Five days later, it went viral and the business offers started pouring in. “Nyan Cat” was the fifth most-viewed YouTube video of 2011, and has over 104 million views.

Torres no longer works as a secretary at an insurance company and can promote the Nyan Cat brand full time. He said when Marty suddenly died in 2012, the support from the Internet community was tremendous, with thousands of people tweeting their condolences. He’s happy that Marty’s legend will live on and recently rescued another cat, named Seven of Nyan.

“One of my hobbies is going to cat shelters and just playing with cats because I love cats so much,” he says.

He thinks the Internet celebricat phenomenon will continue to grow because people seem to be increasingly “fanatic” about it.

Emily Huh, director of business development at Cheezburger. com, agrees that the trend will continue. Cheezburger’s network of Internet humor sites launched in 2007 and featured “LOLcats” (photos of cats with captions that make viewers want to laugh

out loud—a British Shorthair with the caption “I can has cheezburger?” inspired the name). It continued to grow despite the recession and now has 50 employees. In 2012, Bravo aired a reality show about Cheezburger, which featured employees comically working to provide people with “five minutes of happiness a day.” The Seattle-based company now receives 8000 to 10,000 photo and meme submissions each day, about half of which showcase animals.

Huh says there are several reasons why cats have generated greater Internet fame than dogs.

“There are no cat parks; you don’t necessarily bring your cat outside. The Internet is the world’s cat park that allows people to be able to share their cats,” she says. “Secondly, not to be putting down our dogs, but definitely cats are more expressive. They tend to have the range of emotions from really sweet, like ‘I want you to pet me,’ to ‘I’m going to take over the world and you are my minion’ type of thing.”

She says people often want to know how to make their cat famous, but trying too hard can make a photo look doctored or seem inauthentic. It helps to have quality photos and videos that are consistently uploaded, something that worked for one of the most famous celebricats, Lil Bub, this issue’s adorable cover cat.

Mike Bridavsky, Lil Bub’s “Dude,” started posting photos of the perma-kitten whose tongue curls out to a Tumblr blog (named “bublog,” of course) in November 2011 at a friend’s suggestion—he thought it would be funny. A photo made the front page of Reddit in April 2012, went viral, and then BuzzFeed wrote an article about her that July.

While discussions of Grumpy Cat’s fame may be tongue-incheek, the feline’s success is no joke: Grumpy Cat is a million dollar brand.

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“That’s when Good Morning America called. That’s when it started getting crazy,” Bridavsky says.

Bridavsky was overwhelmed with Lil Bub’s sudden fame, and even considered abandoning the limelight. But the heartfelt messages Lil Bub received from people who said she’d inspired them to struggle through hard times—even suicidal thoughts—changed his mind.

“Her whole thing about being positive and proving that being different is good— this came from her,” he says. “So I just kind of see myself as a facilitator of that.”

Now the Indiana-based recording studio owner/engineer spends 60 to 80 hours a week managing Lil Bub’s brand, which includes a book with a testimonial from Whoopi Goldberg (who she met on The View), calendars, plushies, apps, an Internet talk show (guests include an Air Guitar World Champion), and the documentary Lil Bub and Friendz, which won an award at the Tribeca Film Festival (where she met Robert De Niro).

Bridavsky donates a portion of proceeds from all Lil Bub merchandising to animal charities like Best Friends Animal Society and the ASPCA [Lil Bub’s Big Fund for the ASPCA was just recently announced.

Check it out at lilbub.com/bigfund.] and often insists licensees and business partners do as well.

“Over $60,000 direct from us, but as far as total money raised because of Bub, it’s well over $100,000,” he says.

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PHOTO WALKER ART CENTER

“That’s when Good Morning America called. That’s when it started getting crazy”

Lil Bub and her person Mike Bridavsky at the Walker Art Center Cat Video Festival.

Lil Bub’s fame has helped herself as well. She was born with several health issues, including the short lower jaw and lack of teeth that make her tongue stick out, and has a rare disease called osteopetrosis, in which her bones become denser as she ages. It affected her ability to walk, and she became dependent on Bridavsky to carry her everywhere.

Then an expert reached out to Bridavsky and suggested an alternative therapy involving electromagnetic pulses. As soon as she started using it, Bub started twitching—and then stood up.

“If she never got famous, I never would have found this unique treatment that has basically changed her life,” Bridavsky says.

He says Lil Bub loves to be scratched under the chin, meditates, and is highly intelligent despite the fact that some people look at her protruding tongue and assume she’s stupid.

“That’s part of her thing: you can’t judge someone just because they look different,” he says. “There’s something about her that really defines her more than her looks.”

He summed up his feelings for Lil Bub with a sentiment shared by anyone who’s ever loved a special cat—famous or not.

“I think I’m pretty lucky that I got to be the caretaker for her.” n

>>Go! For more LOLs, check out grumpycats.com, lilbub.com,

charlieschmidt.com, keyboardcatstore.com, nyan.cat, and cheezburger.com.

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INSPIRE

By Cindy Brody, animal communicator

W

hen I was a kid I loved the television show Mr. Ed. It was a show about a horse that could talk. I loved horses and I really loved that Mr. Ed could speak his mind. I also felt a little jealous because I knew I could hear Mr. Ed better than Wilbur. I watched that show every week. I was glued to the television set.

Next, I saw the movie Doctor Dolittle and I was really jealous. Why was this man getting all this credit for talking with animals? It wasn’t that hard. To me it felt normal. I wanted my own show.

Worse yet, Wilbur and Doctor Dolittle were missing a key element; neither of them put their hands on the animals to make them feel good. They simply chatted. I knew more than they did! I was nine years old.

Fast forward thirty-some-odd years later, and I can still—and do—talk with animals.

So just who can talk to animals? We all can. Most people are already communicating with their pets on some level; they just don’t give themselves any credit. “Lilly, come, sit, and stay”—this is simple animal communication. Your cat or dog understands what you are saying and shows it to you by responding.

By trusting your intuition and practicing a few simple techniques, you too will be conversing with your pets. We animal communicators are regular people, just like everyone else. Some people are good at math, science, and the arts and some people are good at talking to animals and doing energy work. There are many amazing communicators helping animals all over the world. I want to demystify the process.

Animals talk to us through sending us thoughts, feelings, and pictures, like snap shots that just pop into our heads. Sometimes when working with a client I’ll get a feeling that isn’t my own, it may be a stressful feeling or happiness will come over me, or a thought will pop into my head. It may not make sense to me, but it usually hits home with their guardian. I always trust that the information is coming from my four-legged client and that’s when the conversation gets rolling.

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So just who can talk to animals? We all can.

Most people are already communicating with their pets on some level; they just don’t give themselves any credit.

Yes, it is that simple. You can practice on your friend’s pets.

Have them email you a picture. Reading from pictures is easy.

You have a captive audience. Simply ask the photo easy questions, like what’s your favourite food, where do you like to sleep or what is your favourite toy. Write down their responses.

Talking to animals is easy when you trust the intuitive voice in your head. Next you will need to quiet the voice in your head that says only special people can talk to animals. You can program your brain to learn to ignore any thoughts that are negative. We are who we think we are and by screening our thoughts we can be anyone we want to be, including an animal communicator. If animals are your passion you will learn to talk to them on a deeper level.

The next technique is a “hands on” practice. I started using this technique when I was nine. Rub your hands together, give a clap, and then hold them about an inch apart. Can you feel the warm tingling energy? Now play around with the energy in the palm of your hands. See if you can get your hands to feel hot like you are holding a fireball.

Be patient and focus on your breath. Once you feel the warmth, place your hands over your face and then, with a light touch, slowly move your hands down to your neck, throat, shoulders, chest, stomach, and abdomen.

By first practicing on ourselves we learn the calming effect of energy work. It will also help us to develop our intuition.

Practice this progression on your cat. They may be surprised at the difference in your hands and walk away, but trust me they will learn to love the energy and will come back for more. You will “hear” their voices, “more please!” I have worked with thousands of animals and they all love it. With practice, we can all talk to animals. Animal communication and energy work is easy to learn and can help all your pets in all stages of life. n

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STARS & THEIR CATS

Tricia Helfer with Bella, left, and Cesar, two of her 10 rescue cats.

AQ&A with Tricia Helfer

Interview & photograph by Chris Ameruoso

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Cat-loving supermodel Tricia Helfer on her 10—yes, 10—rescue cats

Q: Tell us about your cats Cesar and Bella.

A: Bella (along with and her sister, Delilah), I adopted in New York when I was still living there. They were part of a litter of nine that had been found in an alley. Bella’s a polydactyl or Hemingway cat, meaning she has an extra claw on her front paws. I loved her “mitten” feet and adopted them straight away. They were only about nine weeks old at the time and are now turning 14 years old!

Cesar we adopted from Kitten Rescue here in Los Angeles. He was such an insane flirt that I instantly fell in love.

Q: How many rescued cats do you have right now.

A: I have 10.

Q: Wow, how did you get so involved in rescuing cats?

A: I love all animals, but I’ve always had an affinity for cats. I got involved with Kitten Rescue after donating money to them when I was at Petco buying cat food. They had a little stand there and some cats up for adoption…I saw the donation sign and I wrote a cheque, handed it to the woman, and walked away. She caught up to me and was crying and hugged me. We’ve adopted a few cats from them since and I got more involved with the organization, as well as with HSUS, Best Friends, RAPS, and PETA. I decided to make a “shop” section on my website [triciahelfer.com] where 100 percent of the profits go to animal charities. Because of work travel, I’m not home enough to be as hands on as I’d like in terms of volunteering, so I hope I can at least help out with donating what I can and helping to raise awareness.

Q: What have you learned from having these cats in your life?

A: I have learned to not feel sorry for myself. I have a couple of old cats with ailments and a three-legged cat. They don’t feel sorry for themselves; they just keep on going. They give you so much love it’s silly.

Above: Candid snaps of Tricia at home with her cats

Q: What are some of their favourite things?

A: Both Bella and Cesar love the sunshine and the cattery (enclosed, outdoor cat playroom). They also both like going on harnesses and leashes in our backyard. They come running at the sound of us getting the harnesses out.

animals. He was never really an animal person before. Not that he disliked animals, just didn’t have any or didn’t really understand the bond with them. He has definitely changed his tune and is a certified crazy cat person like me.

Q: How does your husband like having all these rescue cats in your life?

Q: What is the greatest thing about being a guardian for cats?

A: I had Bella and Delilah when my husband and I met. He quickly fell in love with them and has been a huge supporter of having

A: Quite simply the joy I get from helping save a few wonderful little souls. They give me so much love everyday. n moderncat.com

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5

Ways to Help a Semi-Feral Cat Adjust to a Domestic Home

There’s a lot of time (and patience) that goes into helping a semi-feral kitty adjust to a new home—but it’s all worth it! Here’s how to succeed where others have failed.

By Taryn Cheal

Helping a semi-feral cat adjust to her environs can be time consuming and challenging— because of this they are more likely to be sent back to their adoption agency and have a harder time finding good forever homes—but this doesn’t mean it isn’t worth the effort; to the contary. While it can seem like a battle (one that sometimes threatens to verge on stalemate or out and out loss) there are a few key things you can do to make your new cat’s transition to a happy domestic life easier. And trust me, from personal experience, your time and love will definitely pay off, as once semi-feral cats who have adjusted into their new lives are some of the most loving, affectionate, and appreciative cats you could ever hope for. These five easy steps will help make your feral cat’s adjustment as quick and problem-free as possible.

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1. Have a dedicated cat room When you bring

your new cat home, have a safe room ready with all of your new cat’s amenities ready and waiting for her. It should have scratching posts, a few toys, food, water and a litter box (ensure the food and litter are on opposite sides of the room).

This room should be quiet and, for the time being, not for human use. This space should also have some small and safe hiding places, like a cat house or a blanket draped over a chair, but no places that are completely inaccessible to you, like under a bed, to prevent serious hiding as that allows the cat to completely remove herself from her new environment. You should spend time in this room every day to help the cat acclimate to your presence. While in the room read out loud, or call someone, and just talk. This lets the cat learn the sound of your voice and become comfortable with it.

2. Put food to use Food is the initial key to

your new cat’s trust and eventual affection. Cats domesticate themselves for a steady food source. For the first little while, it is crucial that you stick to a regular feeding schedule so that your cat learns that you are, without fail, the bringer of delicious food. Once the cat is comfortable enough to eat (it shouldn’t take too long), begin sitting in the room while she eats.

Do not interfere with her or the food during this time; this assures the cat that they are safe with you. If

You need to let them have their space and learn that they are safe in their new home.

the cat is difficult to convince, you may have to start withholding food unless you are in the room. Food is also a great way to get your cat to do new and scary things.

Keep special food (“chicken in gravy” baby food is pretty much a guaranteed hit) to encourage new steps to becoming more comfortable with you. The offering of delicious food will help your feral cat come to you and become more and more used to her new domestic life.

3. Avoid eye contact

If you find your cat staring at you, do not engage. Eye contact is an aggressive act to feral cats. If you accidentally find yourself in a staring contest, the best thing to do is to calmly blink, keeping your eyes closed for a few seconds and turn your head away. This shows your cat that you do not mean to threaten them, and are taking a submissive role, which helps them feel safe and confident in the new space.

4. Don’t force physical contact Your cat will come to you when she feels safe to. This can be encouraged with food once the cat is more comfortable. Put a bit of the special baby food on your finger and have them lick it off. This initiates contact and allows the cat to have positive associations with you. To begin petting, extend a closed fist while you look away, and let the cat come to you and initiate any contact she feels comfortable with.

5. Have patience

Finally, the most important thing when adopting a feral cat is patience.

These things take time, and cats are notoriously guarded. You need to let them have their space and learn that they are safe in their new home. This can take much longer than you would like, but your patience will be rewarded with such love and affection as will prove all the effort worthwhile. n

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PET PROJECT

eat D.I.Y.

Say Cheese!

Impress your friends. We make entertaining easy with this delicious Nacho Cat cheese ball recipe! The next time company is coming, make the centerpiece—conversationally and otherwise—this zesty feline-inspired appetizer. (Note: this snack-tastic cheese ball is intended for human, not feline consumption)

by Michelle Buffardi

Serves 15-20 I’ll take a cat in cheese ball form any time. The nacho-cheesy flavour of this cat works really well with tortilla chips, but if you try to dip a chip into this feline, it’ll break. Instead, spread the cheese onto tortilla chips, or serve it with crackers instead.

INGREDIENTS •

16 ounces cream cheese, softened

•

1 1⁄2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, preferably orange

•

1 tablespoon minced onion

•

1 jalapeño, cored, seeded, and chopped

•

1 tablespoon tomato salsa

•

2 teaspoons ground cumin

•

Pinch coarse salt

•

1 carrot, 2 nacho cheese tortilla chips, 1 pitted black olive, and fresh chives, for decorating

•

Tortilla chips or crackers, for serving

DIRECTIONS

1. Using a stand mixer or a bowl and a spatula, mix together the cream cheese, cheddar, onion, jalapeño, salsa, cumin, and salt until combined. Form the mixture

Twins?

into a ball, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

2. While the mixture is chilling, peel strips from the carrot to use as “stripes” on the cat and set aside. Peel the carrot until you reach the middle. Remove any bits of carrot sticking to the core of the carrot and reserve for the cat’s tail.

3. Before serving, unwrap the cheese ball and break off a 3-ounce portion (about the size of a golf ball), roll into a ball, and set aside; this will be the cat’s head. Form the remaining cheese mixture into an egg shape, and place on a plate. Arrange the reserved carrot strips on the egg shape to make the stripes. Attach the reserved carrot to the back of the cat for the tail. Place the reserved golf ball– sized cheese ball on top of the cat to make the head. Stick the chips in for the cat’s ears. Cut the olive into eyes and a mouth and arrange on the cat’s face. Finish with pieces of chives for the cat’s whiskers.

4. Serve with crackers.

For more deliciously adorable cheese ball recipes, check out Great Balls of Cheese © 2013 by Michelle Buffardi!

Reproduced by permission of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

All rights reserved.

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From The Photographed Cat: Picturing Human-Feline Ties, 1890-1940

Connie’s Book Club Curl up with a good cat and a good book

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

8 Titles to Pick Up Now Lil Bub’s Lil Book: The Extraordinary Life of the Most Amazing Cat on the Planet

By Lil Bub The world’s most inspiring cat finally has her own book! Lil Bub’s Lil Book chronicles internet sensation Lil Bub’s adventures in adorableness, both on her home planet Bub Ub Bub and here on earth with her human and feline friends. Guaranteed to keep you smiling from cover to cover.

The Photographed Cat: Picturing Human-Feline Ties, 1890-1940

By Arnold Arluke and Lauren Rolfe Featuring fascinating vintage photos and interesting cultural insights into the history of cats, this beautiful book takes a historical, photographic look at the evolving relationship between humans and felines from 1890 to the 1940s, providing an illuminating portrait of how our cats transitioned into the friends we know today.

Henri, le Chat Noir: The Existential Musings of an Angst-Filled Cat

By William Braden Ennui, melancholy, and world-weariness are just a few of the words that describe Henri le Chat Noir’s outlook. Lucky for us, he brought all his existential angst to bear on this book.

Juxtaposing gorgeous cat photos with Henri’s trademark reflections, this charming and funny book would make a great gift for the cat-loving philosopher in your life. moderncat.com

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The Natural Cat

By Anitra Frazier with Norma Eckroate Originally published in 1981, this newly revised and updated version of The Natural Cat, the beloved book of natural cat care, contains a fountain of information that builds on the strength of the original. From guidelines for ideal diet to advice about behavioural problems to a breakdown of common health problems, this book has it all. Required reading for all cat lovers!

From Guys Can Be Cat Ladies Too: A Guidebook for Men and Their Cats

Buster and the Magic Star

By Robert Chadwick In weaving the fascinating history of how cats and humans became domestic partners into a fictional narrative about a cat searching for a way back home, this sweet and winning book combines fact and fiction for a truly delightful and compelling read. Loved it!

The Secrets of Lost Cats

By Dr. Nancy Davidson Part personal memoir, part therapeutic guide for people who have lost their precious pets, The Secrets of Lost Cats explores our incredibly powerful relationship with our feline friends. The book chronicles 20 different “Lost Cat” posters, delving into the stories behind each of them and the unique bond between the missing pet and worried owner. An examination of love, loss, recovery, and everything in between that anyone with a cat will relate to.

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The World According to Bob

By James Bowen This follow-up to James Bowen’s worldwide smash hit, the bestselling memoir A Street Cat Named Bob, recounts Bob and James’ transition from their former lives as a homeless drug addict and street cat companion to celebrated writer and his famous cat. Bob remains by James Bowen’s side, providing love, loyalty, support, and happiness, as they adjust to their new found success and celebrity.

A heartwarming read for any cat lover, this book delights with its retelling of Bob and James’ unlikely ascendency and reallife happy ending.

Guys Can Be Cat Ladies Too: A Guidebook for Men and Their Cats

By Michael Showalter Here’s one for all the awesome guys who love cats. And if you are new to becoming a cat gentleman, there’s finally a handy guide just for you! Guys Can Be Cat Ladies Too: A Guidebook for Men and Their Cats is a hilarious look at the much-underestimated bond between men and the cats they love. In answering burning questions like “They hate me, right?” this book will help any man become closer to his fabulous feline. n

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LAST LICK

10

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This eco-friendly raffia and catnip toy is an awesome toy for the environmentally conscious cat owner. The long string allows for you to throw this ball far across your house, getting your cats attention and encouraging lots of energetic play! hagen.com

8

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26

This toy has it all! Crinkle paper, feathers and catnip on a fun wand!

Great for hunting and tracking, your cat will love hunting this all-in-one teaser toy! kongcompany.com

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The fluttering petals of this wand will entice and delight any cat!

Design4Paws’ Tropical Flower Wand is resembles a beautiful bouquet—one that your cat will love chasing and hunting! design4paws.com

String Theory Get your play on with these nifty, cat-approved string toys

4

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This simple spool toy is a hit with cats!

Infused with catnip, it will entice your cat for hours. Your cat will love chasing the string and batting the spool about. petstages.com

11

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This super adorable butterfly wand toy comes with a 41" long string that allows your cat to get a really great workout while chasing this fluttery and sparkly toy. nekoflies.com

15

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This mouse will drive your cats wild! Hang the toy from a doorknob and the battery operated mouse flips his tail all around.

This great toy will keep your cat playing for hours on end! petlinkssystem.com

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