Modern Cat - Fall/Winter 2021

cat

You’re Probably Petting Your Cat Wrong. Science Reveals How to Do it Right

The lifestyle magazine for modern cats and their companions

FALL · WINTER 2021/22

Teach Your Cat To Talk

45

+

Gifts Your Cats Will Be Purring For!

YES, REALLY! p46 HOW ELP TO H EW N YOUR T TLE E CAT S p26 IN!

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

p80

6 Tips for Choosing a Shelter Cat Terrific Toys

Catify

Interesting Cat Facts

YOUR

Life!

p44

Cool Cat Apps

p22

moderncat.com DISPLAY UNTIL JAN 31 ‘22

$6.95

p22

Beautiful Cat Finds

Secrets Revealed! A professional cat photographer spills her trademark tips for awesome cat photos

NO 2

26 FEATURES 26

Cat Adoption Success 6 tips for choosing a shelter cat.

BY MIESHELLE NAGELSCHNEIDER

32

Going With Grace One photographer’s mission to capture comforting images of cats in their last days. BY ROSE FROSEK

44

Cat Apps These apps, designed for cats and the people who love them, aim to help cat parents better understand their often-enigmatic felines. BY BECKY BELZILE

46

Meet Steve, the Cat That “Talks” (Yes, Really) A cat behaviourist taught her cat to talk using a soundboard. Here’s how you can teach your cat to speak, too. BY CASSANDRA GILL

52

Do You Look Like Your Cat? These doppelgänger duos certainly do!

60 THE GOODS 22

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

30

Toy, Toys, Toys!

Toys to delight every type of cat—Modern Cat tested and approved!

34

Purrfect Presents Inspired gifts for all the cats and cat lovers on your list.

54

The Cat Gear Look Book Your at-a-glance guide to the best stuff for your cat.

70

Healthy Paws Solutions for everything from a dull coat and itchy skin to stomach sensitivities.

BY ROSE FROSEK

56

Why You're Stroking Your Cat Wrong and How to Do it Right Think you’re petting your cat correctly? A cat behavioural expert suggests otherwise.

BY CAMILLE LEMOS

60

The Danger Zone Professional cat photographer Erica Danger shares her leap-of-faith journey plus tips for irresistibly cute cat photos. BY INES WILSON

66

Anxiety Busters Six effective ways to calm an anxious cat.

BY ROSE FROSEK

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F AL L · WINTER 2021/ 22

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In USA: MODERNCAT (ISSN 1929-3933) Volume 10, Issue 2. Published semi annually by Modern Cat Inc. at 142 Churchill Drive, Newington, CT 06111-4003. Postage paid at Hartford, CT and additional offices.

POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Dog, PO Box 310402, Newington, CT 06131-0402.

RIGHT PHOTO ERICA DANGER

VOL 10

LEFT ILLUSTRATION BY MICHELLE SIMPSON

FALL/WINTER 2021/22

cat

LEFT INSET PHOTOS GERRARD GETHINGS

RIGHT INSET PHOTO HISAKATA HIROYUKI

COVER INSET PHOTOS FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: MOHAMED SAID GHAZY/BIGSTOCK.COM;

PHOTO COURTESY OF TABLY; PHOTO COURTESY OF CATASTROPHIC CREATIONS

52 BODY & SOUL 38

Why Cats Have Hanging Bellies; Add This Super Food To Your Cat’s Meal; Genetic Screening For Your Cat

40

Why You Should Get a Water Fountain For Your Cat

42

The Power of Probiotics for Cats The benefits of feeding probiotics to our feline friends.

24 CAT LIFE

BY JULIE ANNE LEE

20

We’re Giving It Away!

We’ve got six months of awesome giveaways, from litter to a beautiful cat tree. Flip to page 20 to see what’s up for grabs!

24

Ninja Cats!

Japanese photographer Hisakata Hiroyuki captures incredible action photos of cats, revealing them to be martial arts experts. BY CAMILLE LEMOS

72

DIY Craft: Punch Needle Embroidered Cat Pad Craft your own cozy, unique pet pad for your sofa, bed or floor! BY HAYLEY SCHMIDT

74

Connie’s Book Club Editor-in-Chief Connie Wilson’s selection of must-read books for cat lovers.

76

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

80

Interesting Cat Facts Social gatherings? Try these cat facts to get the conversation flowing! BY ISABELLE ORR

REGULAR FEATURES 6 Editor’s Letter 8 Contributors 10 Stuff We Love 12 The Scoop 18 Photo Contest 78 Marketplace

18 COVER CAT This issue’s cover cat was photographed by the uber-talented cat photographer Erica Danger, whom we profile in this issue. Turn to page 60 for her tips to instantly improve your cat photos!

Featured on the cover is Olive, a pintsized Abyssinian cat from Los Angeles, now living in Sweden with her brother, Cheese! You can see more of Olive—and Danger's work—at ericadanger.com or on her Instagram: @ericalikescats.

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EDITOR'S LETTER

Social icon

Circle Only use blue and/or white.

For more details check out our Brand Guidelines.

W

ith you as our inspiration, we threw ourselves into making a spectacular fall/winter issue, designed to fuel discovery and spark new practices. We’re here to help you better understand and deepen your bond with your cats with an issue brimming with insight!

As always, we aim to entertain while providing expert, actionable tips to solve problems and elevate the everyday.

If you’re thinking of adopting, Mieshelle Nagelschneider, aka the Cat Whisperer, shares her tips for choosing the right cat at the shelter, as well as how to help a new cat settle in. If you have an anxious cat or are returning to work, you might need some assistance helping your cat adjust. We’ve got you covered with proven anxiety busters to help make the transition smooth. Health concerns? From CBD to probiotics, natural wellness solutions pack these pages.

But that’s not all. A feline behaviourist details where cat lovers all too frequently go wrong when petting their cats, plus we’ve curated delightful ways to “catify” your home, including truly gorgeous vertical space solutions. Cat photographer Erica Danger reveals easy ways to instantly improve your cat photos—turn to page 60. Then, get inspired by the selection of reader-submitted Tiny Cat Stories before submitting your own! We profile a photographer specializing in end-of-life photo shoots and share a British photographer’s amazing, viral photos of catand-person doppelganger duos. But perhaps my favourite of the bunch is our look at how Kristiina Wilson taught her cat, Steve, to talk (yes, really), using buttons that are pushed to say words (p 46). We know you’re going to want to give it a try.

The issue is also filled with beautiful cat finds, toys, gift ideas galore, and our favourite gear. Basically, it’s the best of everything cat, all in one place. We hope you enjoy reading the issue as much as we loved putting it together. Thank you for being a part of our endlessly inspiring community of cat lovers.

With love,

Connie Wilson, Founder, Publisher, and Editor-in-Chief 6 moderncat

F AL L · WINTER 2021/ 22

We're Just Out Here Helping Cats!

I am emailing you to say THANK YOU for one of your articles from a few years ago, which recommended pumpkin purée to resolve digestive issues. One of my cats, who is elderly and diabetic, has had on again, off again issues with her digestive system. I’ve spent so much time, energy, and money trying to help her. Her vet kept prescribing meds that never worked out. I was at a loss for what else to do.

Until late this past Saturday night, when I found your article from 2018 online, which essentially claimed that pumpkin purée, in small daily doses, could cure any sort of digestive issue that cats have. First off, I was highly skeptical, but I was also desperate to help my cat feel better and for her to have better litter box visits. After doing a bit more research, I zoomed out to buy a can of pumpkin purée that night. I mixed a teaspoon of purée with her food. At first, she refused. Eventually, she went for it and gobbled it all up. Then, I waited. The next morning, after her box visit, I could already tell a change was occurring!

By the 24 hour mark, I saw a total turn around! Her...umm, business...was just as it should be! I was fully stunned. After everything I have tried, all the vet visits, the meds, the money, etc. it turns out the fix was on the grocery shelf for less than $4. Unbelievable. I am so incredibly thankful, and so is my cat, as well as is her litter box. Thank you so very much.

Thank you for looking out for the cats of the world!—Allison

» Read the article “Pumpkin, Your Cat's

Digestive Cure-All” at moderncat.com/pumpkin

PUMPKIN PURÉE PHOTO SAKSA/BIGSTOCK.COM

BLACK CAT PHOTO ANUTARAY/BIGSTOCK.COM;

CONNIE WILSON WITH DAO DAO, PHOTO TANYA KING

OUR READERS WRITE

cat

C O N TRIBUT OR S

F A L L · W I N T E R 2 0 2 1 / 2 2

CASSANDRA GILL is a Canadian entertainment and lifestyle journalist based in Los Angeles who covers celebrity news, luxury fashion, and red carpets.

An expert on all things popular culture, she has an encyclopedialike knowledge of past and present celebrity cats. Outside of her career as a journalist, she is actively producing her first short film Café Racer. A dessert lover, she's always on the hunt for the next great latté and cupcake. Flip to page 46 to her story on the remarkable Steve the Cat, who actually talks using a soundboard.

VOL 10

NO 2

Publisher

Modern Dog Inc. Editor-in-Chief

Connie Wilson Editor & Creative Director

Jennifer Nosek Design & Production

Hayley Schmidt Sales & Marketing

Linda Helme Comptroller

Cecilia de Roca Chan, CPA, CGA Accounting Services & Subscription Services

Vicki Szivos Marketing & Sales Assistant

Simran Parekh Audience Development Coordinator

Yaunna Sommersby Subscriptions & Office Administration

Becky Belzile Office and Circulation Assistant

Modern Cat’s very own HAYLEY SCHMIDT is the multitalented graphic designer whose design skills make this magazine’s pages beautiful.

When not working on Modern Cat, Hayley contributes illustrations for Vancouver-based publications like Discorder and SAD magazine, plays guitar in her band Guppi, and enjoys getting crafty. In this issue, Hayley shares her DIY knowledge—turn to page 72 to get started on making a custom-designed punch-needle embroidered pet pad. Find Hayley at hayleyschmidt.com.

Isabelle Orr INTERESTED IN SUBSCRIBING? Give us a call at 1-800-417-6289 or subscribe online at moderncat.com/subscribe Advertising inquiries call (866) 734-3131 In Canada: MODERNCAT (ISSN 1929-3933) Volume 10, Issue 2.

Published semi annually by Modern Cat Inc. at Suite 101 2930 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6J 3Y9 POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Cat, Suite 101 - 2930 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6J 3Y9 In USA: MODERNCAT (ISSN 1929-3933) Volume 10, Issue 2.

Published semi annually by Modern Cat Inc. at 142 Churchill Drive, Newington, CT 06111-4003.

Postage paid at Hartford, CT and additional offices.

POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Dog, PO Box 310402, Newington, CT 06131-0402.

PHONE

Author and cat behaviourist MIESHELLE NAGELSCHNEIDER is the founder of The Cat Behavior Clinic and was one of the first cat behaviourists in the United States. She has helped thousands of cat owners around the world in over 30 countries solve their cats’ behaviour issues. Turn to page 26 for Mieshelle’s expert advice on how to choose a shelter cat and set yourself up for adoption success. You can schedule a Zoom video appointment with her here: thecatbehaviorclinic.com.

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F AL L · WINTER 2021/ 22

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

FAX

(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 2021/22 by Modern Cat Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means, electronic or mechanical, including the Internet or photocopying without the written permission of the Publisher. Modern Cat and its logotype are the trademarks of Modern Cat Inc. Modern Cat is published two times a year. Two-year subscription prices: Canada $18CAD, U.S.A. $18USD, foreign $45USD. Subscription orders and customer service inquiries should be sent to Modern Cat Subscription Services, Suite 101 - 2930 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6J 3Y9

PRINTED IN CANADA

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

Stuff We Love

Modern Cat staffers’ picks of the litter!

1 The AskVet Pet Lifestyle App instantly connects you with a licensed veterinarian when needed and provides insight into your cat’s health and wellness through personalized, guided care. BONUS: Modern Cat readers get a two-month free trial if they use code MODERNCAT at checkout.—Vicki ($30 a month after free trial ends, askvet.app) 2 Is your cat a messy eater? The hilariously adorable This is Not My Size! cat feeding mat from CatsDogsWords is made from durable neoprene rubber, is easy to clean, and features a textured back to avoid slipping.—Jennifer ($29, etsy. com/shop/catsdogswords) 3 Does your mischievous cat have a habit of attacking the toilet paper and making a mess? The Paws-Free TP Protection cover is available in a variety of adorable fabric patterns, helps protect your toilet paper from kitty destruction, and fits any wall dispenser.—Isabelle ($20, paws-free.com) 4 There’s no greater keepsake than a personalized pet portrait! Karen Sperling of Karen Sperling Art hand-paints beautiful pastel portraits from photos of your pets. A wonderful gift idea for you or someone you love!—Cecilia (starting at $200, artistrymag.com) 5 A celebration of the connection between man and feline, Me and Groucho: Tiptoeing Together Through Hollywood’s Litter Box by M.A. Walker follows Mike and Groucho on their misadventures in Hollywood. You’ll fall for this lovable, unlikely duo in this funny and moving recollection of their stumbles and successes in La La Land.—Connie ($5 for the Kindle edition or $13 for paperback, amazon.com) 6 Do your cats love to carry around their favourite toys? They'll love the soft and lightweight (and durable!) Crinkle Ball toy. It comes in a variety of sizes, makes a crinkle sound cats love, and is a fun way to teach your cat how to play fetch.—Hayley ($8, crinkleball.com) 7 For my trio of indoor cats, I make sure real meat is the first ingredient in their food. The Grain-Free Indoor Cat Food from Intrepid is made with fresh chicken, peas, and flaxseed, along with antioxidant-rich additions like dried cranberries.

—Yaunna ($6 per bag, intrepidpet.com) 8 If—despite your efforts to promote healthy scratching behaviours—your cat has singled out the sofa, we have a solution. Clawguard Furniture Shields are made from clear, flexible marine-grade vinyl and can be used on couches, ottomans, loveseats, mattresses, and more. Easy to install and practically invisible!—Becky (from $15, clawguard.com) 9 Upgrade your cat’s cardboard box with this beautiful multi-purpose furniture solution. The Pawristocrat Pet House Ottoman has a cozy cat bed hidden inside, and can be used as a footstool, tray table, or as an extra seat when guests stop by!—Jennifer (from $65, amazon.com/pawristocrat) 10 Destiny and Fern are back in Destiny’s Children! This second book in the series follows Destiny and her kittens as she navigates feline motherhood, her human’s divorce, and menopaws. A heartwarming read for every self-professed cat person.—Linda ($16, books2cherish.com) 11 Never worry about unexpected vet bills again. Nationwide pet insurance plans allow you to see any vet at any time, and get your money back on eligible vet bills!—Connie (plans start at $35 a month, petinsurance.com) 12 If your cat is sensitive to chicken or turkey proteins, try UKIUKI freeze-dried raw cat food in the lamb formula. It’s made from human-grade meat with no added preservatives.—Simran ($20, amazon.com/UKIUKI)

A

little black cat named Piran from Cornwall, England is being hailed a hero after helping save his elderly human. Local authorities had been searching for the 83-year-old woman who was reported missing from her home. The woman’s neighbour, Tamar Longmuir, 38, had been helping search crews when she noticed the cat frantically meowing and pacing nearby, trying to bring her attention to the corner of a large maize field near the woman’s home.

"The cat is very attached to her, and he was going back and forth in the gateway and meowing, so I decided to go and search the maize field," Longmuir told Sky News.

It was a good thing that Longmuir listened to Piran. With the cat leading the way, Longmuir was able to quickly locate her neighbour, who had fallen down a steep ravine.

"Just as I was going to go off the path and start going through the crop, I heard a very faint response to my calling.

I then quickly realized my neighbour was down the 70-foot ravine," she told Sky News. "She had gone through the barbed

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wire and was laying in the stream—we think she had been in there for hours."

She “had fallen approximately 70 feet down a very steep embankment, with incredibly difficult access and uneven terrain,” the Bodmin Police department noted in a Facebook post.

"Without the cat waiting at the gate to that field, it could have been hours later that I or anyone else would have checked there," Longmuir said.

The Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, a specialist water rescue team, Cornwall Air Ambulance, and the South Western Ambulance Service were all involved in the search and rescue efforts and helped hoist the elderly woman out of the ravine on a stretcher. She was then transferred to a hospital via air transport and remains in stable condition.

Despite the traumatic event, “she is in good spirits and is being well looked after,” said the Bodmin Police in an update.

According to Longmuir, Piran has received lots of treats for his heroic efforts.—Yaunna Sommersby

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BODMIN POLICE DEPARTMENT VIA TWITTER

BLACK CAT PHOTO GIEDRIIUS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; FIRE FIGHTER & BLACK CAT

Hero Cat Saves Elderly Woman Who Had Fallen Down a Ravine

Study shows cats prefer to not have to work for their dinner

By Becky Belzile

M

ost cat owners would say their feline friends prefer to have everything handed to them on a silver platter. A new study at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine proves just that.

While other species may enjoy the cognitive boost and reward of solving a food puzzle, the study, published in Animal Cognition this year, suggested that cats remain indifferent to the challenge. When given the option, cats would rather have access to free food.

The study followed 17 domestic cats who were presented with an unobstructed platter of food, as well as a food puzzle to encourage “contrafreeloading”—performing tasks for culinary reward. Most cats, despite their activity level or familiarity with food puzzles, preferred to freeload.

"It wasn't that cats never used the food puzzle, but cats ate more food from the tray, spent more time at the tray, and made more first choices to approach and eat from the tray rather than the puzzle," says the study’s lead author, Mikel Delgado, a cat behaviourist and research affiliate at UC Davis.

While there have been many studies of contrafreeloading in livestock such as pigs and chickens, few have looked at the behaviour in companion animals. The UC Davis team gleaned information from a previous food puzzle study involving six cats in a laboratory setting (none of which engaged with the puzzles) and tried again with 17 cats in a more neutral home environment.

Regardless of sex, age, and activity level, the results showed that cats just prefer a free meal.

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“The unanswered question,” posits the study, “is why cats, among multiple species tested—including chimpanzees, macaques, chickens, jungle fowl, pigeons, grizzly bears, maned wolves, rats, giraffes, and pigs—appear to be the only one that does not reliably contrafreeload. This tendency appears to contradict the fact that cats naturally work for food by hunting and will stop eating to hunt additional prey.”

Still, the researchers encourage cat parents to foster the activity for enrichment. It can also help cats whose instinct is to gobble their food in a short amount of time by regulating intake.

“I definitely recommend using food puzzles with cats, especially cats who are food motivated and need mental stimulation. I use them with my own three cats,” says Delgado.

“I think that cat owners should just consider a few things: introducing puzzles slowly and carefully, and whether their cat might need more motivation to get started—e.g., an easy puzzle at first or treats or a novel food. I'm also a fan of introducing food puzzles as a choice, as cats benefit from having a sense of control in their environment.”

She also notes that the study only used one type of puzzle and the same type of food the cats were accustomed to eating.

Under different circumstances, the researchers perhaps would have seen more evidence of contrafreeloading—or, then again, maybe not. Regardless, says Delgado, “just because cats preferred eating freely available food, doesn't mean that there might not be benefits from using food puzzles. Sometimes we go for a run even though we'd rather sit on the couch, and perhaps afterward we are happy we did!”

PHOTO MIK ULYANNIKOV/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

CATS PREFER A FREE MEAL

Pura X Litter Box, instachew.com

CAPTION THIS!

CARTOON BY JOHN KLOSSNER; JKLOSSNER.COM

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

Cat Litter Problems?

We Have the Solution!

And the winning captions from last issue are…

Choose the right litter and solve your litter box woes! Having the right litter encourages good potty habits, reduces mess and odour, and prevents out-of-the-box elimination habits.

You also want to consider the impact your cat’s litter has on the environment. In short, not all cat litter is created equally.

These three check all the boxes. Rufus and Coco’s Wee Kitty Eco Plant Clumping Tofu litter is vegan, biodegradable, and is sustainably made from naturally absorbent wheat and soy fibers. This lowtracking litter also has fast odour control, forms scoopable clumps, and is compostable. (from $19, rufusandcoco.com) World’s Best Cat Litter is made with natural, renewable corn ingredients.

Their Multiple Cat Unscented formula is highly absorbent, easy to scoop, and quick clumping. It's also long lasting and has great odour control—perfect for the multi-cat home. (from $12, worldsbestcatlitter.com) Instachew Made from all-natural, plant-based soy pulp and activated carbon compounds, the PETKIT Tofu Cat Litter from Instachew contains no chemicals or artificial additives. It's also super-absorbent, clumps well, and is easy to clean, plus, the soy fibers are anti-bacterial and deodourizing! ($50 for a pack of 4 bags, instachew.com) For our full round up of tested and approved cat litters, check out The Best Cat Litters of 2021 at moderncat.com/bestcatlitters

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“Litter box used in hall bathroom needs clean-up!”

SUBMITTED BY CHERYL AISOFF

RUNNER-UP CAPTIONS “Susan, it's time to get dressed!”

SUBMITTED BY JESSICA WOODCOCK

“I bought this from Amazon with your laptop using my feet. Isn’t that precious?”

SUBMITTED BY JOSEPH DEWAN

“This is your 4-hour wake-up call before your alarm goes off. I will be back again in an hour...as you were.”

SUBMITTED BY CAROLYNN SOKOL

“I am going to sing you the song of my people.”

SUBMITTED BY BARBARA MAYES

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!

E L I SM

PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS

sparky

humpy

leia

boots

hazel

coco

Lt. Dan

cleo

peanut

luna

louis

coco

zeus

Oreo

ivor

James

lavender

lady leia

Moomoo

finneas

minki

taffy george Roxy

charm

dusty

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

snoes

merlin

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

ENTER TO WIN

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

october

november

1st -14th

Win 1 of 12 FurZoff, the new and better way to remove pet hair from your home and vehicles.

Made in USA with 90% recycled material, it’s 100% durable!

15th -31st

4 lucky winners will receive a 3-month supply of highperforming, sustainable litter from Catalyst Pet. Choose from three different formulas.

december

1st -14th

Win Armarkat’s Model A7202 cat tree! Purrfect for providing cats with vertical space, it is Cat Daddy approved by Jackson Galaxy and one of Armarkat’s most popular cat trees.

15th -30th

Win 1 of 4 kitty litter prize packs from Neon Litter! The prize pack contains 6 bags of litter and a neon litter scoop. It comes in 5 bright colours, has zero dust, and is soft on paws!

january

1st -14th

Win a set of Modern Geometric Cat Wall Shelves from Morris Animal Foundation! These unique and stylish shelves are the purrfect lounge spot for your feline companion.

15th -31st

Win 1 of 3 $200 prize packs from Nature’s Logic! Winners will be able to choose from a selection of Nature’s Logic food, treat, and cat litter products.

february

1st -14th

Win 1 of 3 animal supplement prize packs from Animal Necessity!

Includes Ocu-GLO 30 count soft chews, Ocu-GLO Powder Blend 30 count capsules, and SHaNa Vet 45 count capsules.

15th -31st

Win 1 of 3 Sleep and Go 3-in-1 Cat Carriers and Bed from Doc & Phoebe! It acts as a cozy bed at home, a stress-free carrier, and a comforting spot for vet visits.

march

1st -14th

Win 1 of 5 12-pack cases of Intrepid Grain-Free Indoor Cat food. Their exclusive 1.4 lb vacuum packages maximize nutritional value and keep the kibble fresh by preventing oxidation!

15th -28th 1st -14th Win 1 of 2 feline wellness packs from Vetericyn! Includes a bottle each of their Antimicrobial Facial Therapy, Hydrogel, and Wound & Skin Care.

Win 1 of 3 Pet House Ottoman Cubes from Pawristocrat! This stylish, multi-purpose hideaway can be used as a cozy cat den, comfy footstool, tray table, or extra seat.

15th -31st

Win 1 of 3 HandsOn Gloves—the massage your cat will purr for!

These gloves provide a more thorough shedding, bathing, and grooming experience for you and your feline!

No purchase necessary to enter or win. Beginning October 1, 2021 at 12:01 AM (PST) through March 31, 2022 at 11:59 PM (PST), enter each day at moderncat.com/giveaways. Each biweekly giveaway ends at 11:59 PM (PST). Every two weeks, the specified number of winners for that giveaway will win the prize featured in the giveaway calendar (ARV: $200). Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. Contest is open to legal Canadian and/or US residents 18 and older as of date of entry. Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited by law. Giveaway subject to complete official rules available at moderncat.com/giveaways.

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INSET PHOTO: TARA SUBMITTED BY MELISSA BIRKAN

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

$576 Featuring floating sisal posts, a suspension bridge, lounges, escape hatches, planters, and a sisal pole, the architecturally beautiful Juggernaut Cat Condo from Catastrophic Creations is a cat’s dream. catastrophicreations.com Tip: Providing vertical space reduces territorial behaviours

Catify Your Life!

$35 Your cats clearly rule the roost.

Why not get them their own little castle?

Fit for feline royalty, the adorable, easy-toassemble Castle Cat Scratcher House from Midlee Designs comes with a removable scratchpad and a hanging mouse toy for extra fun. midleedesigns.com

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

340

$

Cats love vertical space and the Metropolitan Cat Condo from My Three Cats is a stylish solution!

Featuring five levels and a stepped design, you can mix and match the frame, platforms, cushions, and sisal pads to customize. mythreecats.com

25

$

52

$

Give your cat a cozy hideaway with the Scatter Cardboard Cat Pyramid from Kitty Kardboard! The sturdy cardboard house is printed with biodegradable, water-based ink and can be easily assembled by simply folding and tucking. kittykardboard.com

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The highly rated SmartCat Tiger Diner engages your cat’s hunting instincts and slows down fast eaters. Made from durable ceramic, it’s also easy to clean and dishwasher safe. pioneerpet.com

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NINJA CATS!

Japanese photographer Hisakata Hiroyuki captures incredible action photos of cats, revealing them to be martial arts experts

By Camille Lemos | Photos by Hisakata Hiroyuki

From powerhouse swipes to levitating roundhouse kicks, Japanese photographer Hisakata Hiroyuki’s incredible photos of cats in apparent combat training reveal what we suspected all along: cats are the agile martial-arts experts that action-movie dreams are made of.

The Kyushu, Japan-based photographer has been photographing cats for four years. Initially, he took photos of a cat named Jarashi. Inspired by the reception the photos received online, Hiroyuki continued to shoot “Ninja Cats” in order to publish a book of photos.

He encountered no shortage of feline models.

“There are many islands in Kyushu, and many of them have [stray] cats,” says Hiroyuki. “Island cats love people very much.”

To capture the incredible postures and attitudes of these cats, Hiroyuki has developed an unusual technique.

“The trick is to shoot while at a good social distance from the cat,” he explains. “If you are too close to the cat, the cat will not play [out of] caution. The trick is to keep your distance. That's why I hang a toy on the tip of a long fishing rod—swing the fishing rod with one hand and shoot with the camera with one hand.”

The results are captivating—Hiroyuki’s Ninja Cats appear as if they are dancing or doing karate or kung fu.

“The most interesting thing is to show a lot of facial expressions,” says Hiroyuki. “The expression of a cat playing seriously is very interesting.”

The Internet has, as one would expect, delighted in the photos.

“Everyone is having a lot of fun. From my pictures, you can imagine anime characters and famous movie actors. I would like to continue to convey the fun of Ninja Cats to everyone.”

For more Ninja Cats, follow Hiroyuki’s Instagram account @photo.accent. moderncat.com

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ADOPTION

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Cat Adoption Success: 6 Tips for Choosing a Shelter Cat

By Mieshelle Nagelschneider, Cat Behaviourist, host of the TV show My Cat From Hell (2021), and author of the cat behaviour science book, The Cat Whisperer.

Illustration by Michelle Simpson

I

t’s very exciting to be able to give a cat a forever home, especially one from a shelter. For every cat someone purchases from a breeder, one remains at a shelter and is possibly euthanized. By adopting a shelter cat, you are saving cats’ lives and helping shelters make space for new cats coming into the shelter. If you follow these guidelines, the process of adopting a shelter cat should be a rewarding and enjoyable experience and set the stage for a longlasting relationship with your new cat.

INSET PHOTO ALBINA TIPLYASHINA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

1. Kitten vs. an adult cat: There are advantages and disadvantages to adopting an adult cat or a kitten. Yes, kittens are cute, adorable, and entertaining. But their high-level energy coupled with their extra need for supervision and attention may not be the best decision if you are a busy person or out of the home much of the time. If you have small children, older cats or dogs, or a home filled with silk furniture, curbing a kitten’s natural predatory instincts can be a difficult battle to win (especially in the beginning). If you don’t kitten-proof your home, anything is fair game (alive or inanimate) to sharpen their hunting skills. True, a kitten’s dialed-up prey drive is a temporary predicament until they mature, but until then, their main goal is to eat, sleep, and prey on anything that catches their eye. The stalk/chase, grab/bite, pounce/bite, and “kill” bite are the motor pattern sequences your kitten will need to practice over and over again. If you are set on a kitten, it’s in everyone’s best interest to adopt two kittens around the same age so they can continue sharpening their hunting skills on the appropriate target—their kitten friend—instead of members of your human family or the potted fern. An adult cat still requires attention, but much less than a kitten.  moderncat.com

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ILLUSTRATION BY MICHELLE SIMPSON

It's a very good response if the cat readily plays with a wand toy that you maneuver in the visitation room.

2. Temperament expectations: Cats

in love with the first cat you see (or like me, all of them), but do take a minute or two at each cage to observe each cat.

You may think you’re looking specifically for a male orange tabby or a female gray cat. Still, if you take your time, you may find a specific cat’s cute personality overrides your gender and colour preferences. Also, keep in mind the cats you’re viewing are also viewing you, so taking that extra bit of time with each cat may help you find a very special connection you weren’t expecting.

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can be difficult to determine a cat’s true personality and temperament when it’s in a shelter cage. If the shelter has a visitation room, absolutely spend 30 minutes with the cat that you’re interested in adopting. A cat that is scared and hissing huddled in the back of a cage can be an absolute love when you spend time with him out of his cage and away from other cats. The shelter visitation rooms are the closest you will come to learning what the cat will be like when he is in your home. In addition to being stressed, many cats do not like being pet and are not playful while in a cage. It's a very good response if the cat readily plays with a wand toy that you maneuver in the visitation room. A cat that is too fearful may not play and this can mean they may need more time adjusting to a new home or may do better in a calmer home instead of one with a lot of activity. If a cat does become playful, this is a great sign that he may adjust more quickly to a new home. Once you’ve helped the cat relax with a bit of play time, he will be more likely to accept petting from you.

Before picking a cat up, ask the shelter staff their experience with this. It’s best to let a cat approach you instead of putting pressure on the cat to be social with you. The cat you’re interested in should show at least some mild interest in you. Walking towards you and asking for attention is a very positive sign.

J K 30 30/ B I G S T O C K . C O M ; A L I E E E / B I G S T O C K . C O M ;

3. Take your time and be open: It’s easy to fall

4. Get acquainted in a visitation room: It

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in general have different personalities and temperaments that make each of them unique.

To help ensure a successful adoption, be realistic about your expectations of the relationship you want with a new cat. Are you wanting an outgoing, playful cat to integrate into a home with your other active cats? Or do you want a laid back, mellow cat that happily curls up on your bed or lap while you’re reading a book? If you already have pets at home, it’s important that you keep in mind what type of cat would blend in well with your other pets. For example, an outgoing cat may be a bit too much for a more sedate senior cat.

INSET PHOTOS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: ANUTA1988/BIGSTOCK.COM;

STEVEEE/BIGSTOCK.COM

5. Ask questions: The shelter staff will usually be able to provide you with a behaviour assessment of the cats at the shelter and sometimes a cat’s prior history. Oftentimes, they already have information on whether a cat would do better as the only cat in a home vs. living with other cats, or how vocal the cat may be. Ask as many questions as you can, and you may find that speaking with more than one shelter worker can give you more insight into the cat’s behaviour and personality. Is the cat friendly, outgoing, and playful, or is he cautious or skittish until he gets to know you?

6. Be patient after adoption: Once home with your new cat or kitten(s), it can take a few weeks for the newcomer to adjust to their new home, so please be patient if they decide to hide under your bed or in your closet for several days. Make sure they have all their necessary

Editor's Pick One of the best ways to form a bond with your new cat or kitten is through play! The RompiCatz Kattipede toy can be attached to a wand and is double-jointed so it wiggles for ultimate playtime fun. ($16, rompicatz.ca) supplies—litter box, food, water, cat bed, and toys. One of the best ways to help your cat acclimate more quickly to their new surroundings is to play with them using a wand toy with a feather or toy mouse on the end. Catnip is also a great behaviour tool to help them become more playful (kittens won’t respond to catnip until around six months of age). Activating your cat’s animated play state is their most confident fear-free mood state and is the fast track to helping them become confident in their new home. Instead of hiding under the bed for a week, the new cat can be out playing confidently like they own the place that same evening! 

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! s y o T ! s y o T ! s y To

PLAYTIME

$15

Birds of a feather.

Does your cat love feathers and bouncy balls? The Pidan bouncy balls for cats are lightweight, feature two feathers, and encourage natural play behaviour and activity. teddybob.ca

$11

Isn’t it wanderful? Your kitty will be flying through the air to catch the Da Purr Peller toy from My Three Cats! Made with real feathers, this interactive wand toy is designed for ultimate play. mythreecats.com

$11

$6

Bunny kicking time!

Packed with organic catnip, the durable Chi-CAT-a Banana Peeled toy from Yeowww!

Catnip is purrfect for your catnip-obsessed feline.

Bonus: the peel crinkles for extra playtime fun! yeowww.com

Bring on the bliss! If your cat doesn’t respond to catnip, try this natural alternative that produces a similar euphoric state. Delight your cat with Dezi & Roo’s fresh, potent Cloud Nine silvervine (80% of domestic cats respond to silvervine) for a rollicking good time. Comes with an adorable cloud toy! deziroo.com

3 for

$12

This is how we roll. These crocheted ball toys from Crochet Kitty are handmade with yarn, a hollow wooden ball, and bells. Available in four vibrant colours, your cat will love batting and chasing these around! crochetkitty.com

$20

Peek-a-boo! Keep your curious cat active and entertained with the Peek-a-Boo Mouse Interactive Cat Toy from P.L.A.Y.! This durable toy stimulates their hunting instincts as they try to catch the speedy mouse. petplay.com

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Angela & Cole

GOING with GRACE

Liz & Dazey

One photographer’s mission to capture comforting images of cats in their last days

By Rose Frosek | Photos by Jennifer Starr

Charlie

et photographer Jennifer Starr’s specialty is an unusual one: end-of-life photo shoots.

Starr’s journey as a pet photographer began in 2009 when she started photographing pets at her local Olathe, Kansas animal shelters. When she began receiving requests from people wanting emergency photo sessions, she realized there was a need for a special type of session celebrating a pet’s life and bond with their owner.

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“Typically, they would tell me their pet was diagnosed with cancer or another unexpected illness and wanted to capture their pet before they crossed the rainbow bridge,” she says.

The realization spurred Starr to create Going with Grace. Her mission is to offer custom photography for senior or critically ill pets at a reduced rate.

“I hoped offering a discount would encourage more people to have their pets photographed, since so many are also juggling the expenses of end-oflife care,” says Starr. “Helping people

Advice For People Facing the Loss of a Beloved Cat Photographer Jennifer Starr urges pet parents to photograph the family and pets together every year and compare photos as the years progress.

“Even if you don't choose a professional, you can use the self-timer on your phone and set up a tripod,” she says.

“Remember to take lots of videos too—the videos we discovered after our beloved Abby crossed the bridge provided us great peace.”

navigate these delicate moments in their life gives me a sense of purpose… I feel called to perform this service.”

Liz Musil was one such individual.

Musil reached out to Starr and booked a session for her 19-year-old cat, Dazey, after he was diagnosed with cancer.

“Seven years later, I still miss him and cherish those pictures so much,” says Musil. “He was my pet soulmate so having our love captured means everything.”

Angela Lamb’s cat, Cole, was 18 and a half when he passed. Their session

took place in her home just two days before she said goodbye.

“It’s a reminder how time-sensitive these sessions are,” says Starr.

“It was one of the best things I could have done to make the loss of my beloved Cole easier,” says Lamb. “It has been several years and I still cherish the photos as much today as I did the day they were taken. Having professional photos of us together and photos of him in his favorite spots around the house are priceless.”

The sentiment is shared among Starr’s clients.

“I see how much these photos mean to people, especially after they say goodbye to their pets,” says Starr. “Just knowing that a simple photo session can provide such immense comfort during and after their loss is beyond touching to me. It’s the heartfelt messages from people telling me how thankful they are that really keep me strong.”

Find more about Jennifer and her Going With Grace photo sessions at petsgoingwithgrace.com. moderncat.com

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

Purrfect Presents A gift guide for cats & cat lovers!

These adorable Catit scratchers are great for your tiny tiger to claw at and lounge on! Available in 9 different zoo animal designs. Shop them all on catit.ca Gift the joy of crinkle this holiday season.

Watch your cat bat, pounce, and fetch the Canadian-made Crinkle Ball. Available in 3 sizes. Keep your cat happy all year! crinkleball.com

Supersize your holiday season with Crochet Kitty’s Phat Cat’s Kickin’ Shark. This durable, handmade catnip and crinkle-filled toy withstands all your furry feline’s JAWsome hugs and kicks! crochetkitty.com

Irresistible and cat-approved! The Hide and Sneak has everything cats love: it's a paper bag, box, and tunnel toy that's a blast for cats to play, sleep, and live in. deziroo.com

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

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Clever, curious, and caring! Our cats keep us company, provide unconditional love, share in the ups and downs of our lives, and make every day an adventure.

Royalties support American Humane. chickensoup.com

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Purrfect Presents Readers fell in love with Destiny in her first meowmoir. Now she's grown up, contemplating motherhood, and still trying to figure out her humans. A page-turning adventure for all cat lovers on your list. books2cherish.com

CONAIRPROPET’s Cat Soft Slicker Brush is the purr-fect slicker to brush out your cat’s coat! Made with soft-coated pins, it gently removes mats and tangles and has a comfortable memory gel grip. chewy.com

‘Twas the holiday season of treasures and treats. But Fuddles only wanted to eat, open his presents, and play, but that's not what happened on this Christmas day. fransvischer.com and amazon.com

Cats can’t wait to get their paws on the new Yeowww! Catnip kitten mittens. Made of durable cotton twill and stuffed to the cuff with organically grown catnip, these mittens are sure to be a hit! yeowww.com

Curious cats will love batting pegs, swivelling leaves, and uncovering 16 hidden treat compartments.

The Buggin’ Out Puzzle toy can be adjusted for beginners or for smarty cats. Encourages a healthy eating pace! mythreecats.com

The all-new WORBL Salmon Scented cat toy from KuhleKatz is a solo play toy, which consists of a proprietary salmon scent, a TPR mesh ball, and real guinea feathers. kuhlekatz.com

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

Purrfect Presents

Anyone with a love of cats and a desire for clarity will have a source for those reflections in the “CatDala Coloring Book.” Over 50 Cat mandalas and mantras/affirmations are included! leftpawpress.com

Want to improve your cat's health and well-being? Try this 250mg CBD Wildlife Sublingual. Made with third-party lab-tested isolate CBD sourced from industrial hemp, products by Creating Better Days are safe, pure, and effective! creatingbetterdays.com

The Firm Slicker Brush is a light, durable brush that effortlessly glides through all feline coat types. Remove dead hair, unravel tangles, and eliminate matting with high-quality metal teeth that enhance hair health while leaving fur with a lustrous shine.

Available in sizes Medium and Large. andis.com

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

A Cats Domain offers beautiful, unique modular cat furniture systems that will have your cat purring for more! Made with highquality materials like Baltic Birch, they’re the perfect cat-friendly addition to any home. etsy.com/ca/shop/ ACatsDomain

Meet BooBoo, the feline fashion king and his friends! Check out these fun photography cards for all occasions that are sure to bring a smile. Proceeds support local cat shelters. etsy.com/shop/DressUpCat

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

Purrfect Presents Modern, minimalist, and full of cheeky charm! Cozy up to these playful pillows that will be sure to make your guests smile. Visit Austinwood for more feline fun inspired home goods! austinwood.shop

Give your pets at-home pain relief with the 15W My Pet Laser!

The same cold lasers used at the vet’s office in the convenience of your own home. It can treat over 300+ conditions: arthritis, back pain, hip pain, elbow pain, post-surgery, and more. laserriffic.com or email dryoukey@mac.com

The PureClean Smart Litter Box is a Wi-Fi enabled, self-cleaning litter box! Everything is controlled using the Instachew Infinity app, which is available on the iOS and Android app stores. instachew.com

This cat toy rope basket from Midlee Designs is a beautiful way to store your cat's toys. Available in two sizes! midleedesigns.com or amazon.com

Cats deserve a shampoo specially formulated for them! J.R.LIGGETT’s Cat Shampoo for Sensitive Skin is all-natural and 100% detergent-free, helping relieve itchy skin and leaving them feeling clean and silky soft. jrliggett.com

Keep smiling while you cater to that fussy eater! This fun feeding mat is washable, durable, and it will last way longer than your kitty’s hunger strike. Created by Washington-based artist Sherry Scharschmidt. etsy.com/shop/catsdogswords moderncat.com

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Ever wonder what that hanging skin on your cat’s tummy is? Read on to find out!

You may have noticed that some cats have a pouch of hanging skin on their bellies, regardless of how much they weigh. This is their primordial pouch. Experts believe it is a carry-over from evolution. The loose skin and extra fat provide protection to the vulnerable abdominal area during fights, helping to shield internal organs. It also lets cats store extra energy—wild cats didn’t know when their next meal was coming. Plus, the excess skin of the primordial pouch allows cats to stretch out and take longer strides when running and playing.

There are some breeds in which the primordial pouch is more predominant, such as the Egyptian Mau, Japanese Bobtail, Pixie Bob, and the Bengal. It can also be more prominent in male cats or those who were previously overweight.

Do your cats have a primordial pouch? We dare you to brave touching their bellies to find out!

Add This Super Food To Your Cat’s Meal Goat milk, one of the most widely consumed milks in the world, has a host of nutritional benefits for your cat. Rich in omegas and medium-chain triglycerides, it provides fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. It’s also packed with protein and amino acids with high levels of digestible taurine. Plus, goat milk is easier to digest than cow milk thanks to its smaller fat globules and lower lactose levels. And it encourages picky eaters and adds much-needed moisture to a kibble diet!

The latter is perhaps the most important. Cats are notorious for consuming little water. Unlike humans, they are designed to obtain the majority of their water from the foods they eat, and this this nutrient-rich digestive aid definitely helps in that regard.

Plus, in its raw form, goat milk has natural antiinflammatory properties, and the probiotics can improve digestion and help fight the yeast that can grow in and around ears and paws.

Try Primal Pet Foods’ raw goat milk for cats and dogs. (from $7, primalpetfoods.com)

Genetic Screening For Your Cat

A simple cheek swab tests for commonly inherited diseases Test for more than 80 commonly inherited diseases and traits found in cats with the CatScan Kit from Paw Print Genetics. It’s the largest and most accurate genetic screening available to cat parents. Having insight into your cat’s genetics can help you monitor for symptoms, discuss preventative treatments with your vet, and provide your feline friend with the best care possible. Simply use the provided cheek swabs and send them back to their team for results in 14 days. ($65, mycatscan.com)

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PHOTOS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, TOP TO BOTTOM: SLOWMOTIONGLI/BIGSTOCK.COM; UNITONE VECTOR/BIGSTOCK.COM; THEIMAGESTOCKS/BIGSTOCK.COM

Why Cats Have Hanging Bellies

Three to Try

Provide fresh drinking water via a reservoir while monitoring your cat’s drinking habits with the smart, cat friendly Felaqua Connect. Not only does it encourage hydration, it highlights changes you may have otherwise missed. (from $100, surepetcare.com)

Why You Should Get a Water Fountain For Your Cat!

C

ats prefer running water as they would seek in the wild. You may see your cat attracted to the running faucet or tapping the surface of the water in their bowl with their paw before drinking it. Cats don't like drinking out of still water sources. In the wild, still, stagnant water would often be contaminated with bacteria.

The charcoal-filtered Vortex Drinking Fountain from Pioneer Pet Products circulates the water in a unique “vortex” that oxygenates the water while also removing debris. An automatic pump turns the fountain off when the water is too low. ($50, pioneerpet.com)

Cats don’t have a naturally high thirst drive. In the wild, most of a cat's water intake would come from their food—fresh meat which contains a lot of moisture.

Domesticated cats largely eat prepared foods containing less moisture. If they don’t drink much water, it can lead to or exacerbate urinary tract and kidney diseases. A water fountain can encourage cats to drink more.

Your tap water may have a taste or smell your cat doesn’t like. If the fountain also filters, the water likely tastes better.

Placement Tip: Cats would rather not drink where they eat. In the wild, cats will drag their food away from water sources. Put your cat’s water in a different location, such as across the room, from food bowls.

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Beloved by Modern Cat feline testers Rosie, JoJo, and Nuit, the Catit LED Flower Fountain comes with a triple-action filter and a petal top that allows your cat to drink even when the fountain is off! ($38, catit.ca)

OPENING CAT PHOTO NATVISHENKA/BIGSTOCK.COM

Feline Fountains:

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Vetericyn Plus Feline Antimicrobial Facial Therapy helps jumpstart healing and prevents infection in cat acne, cuts, and mouth sores.

Use it to remove irritants, clean discharge in and around the eyes and nose, reduce inflammation, and soothe the itch and irritation associated with allergies. It’s the royal treatment for your cat’s face! vetericyn.com

Cleaning your cat’s ears is no longer a chore, thanks to Oxyfresh Pet Ear Cleaner.

Safe, gentle, and effective, it neutralizes odour-causing bacteria while also gently deep cleaning the ear canal to help remove wax buildup, ear mites, and dirt, preventing infections. oxyfresh.com

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

Learn how to give your feline friend more purr and pounce with this whiskers-totail guide! This adorable book is everything your cat could ask for and takes you inside their mind to learn what they want and how they’re telling us. You won’t look at your cat the same way again. theexperimentpublishing. com/happycathandbook

Your cat deserves the best!

Just like you they can suffer from discomfort due to injuries and aging, making it important to use a top-quality supplement like PURICA Pet Recovery to help reduce pain, inflammation, and spasms as well as strengthen connective tissue, muscles, and bones. purica.com

Light But Mighty! Boxiecat Air is a plant-based, lightweight litter that doesn’t compromise on performance. AirTight clumps lock in odours, scoops easily, and don’t crumble. Enjoy a super clean litter box while saying goodbye to weight, odours, and dust. Boxiecat Air is made of renewable, biodegradable, sustainable, non-GMO, USA sourced barley. boxiecat.com/collections/lightweight-litter

UKIUKI freeze dried cat food is made with GMO-free, humangrade raw meat. Available in a selection of flavours like duck, lamb, and chicken breast. They also make for a great training treat your cat will love! amazon.com/UKIUKI moderncat.com

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CAT DIGESTIVE ANATOMY PHOTO METAMORWORKS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

THE POWER OF PROBIOTICS FOR CATS The benefits of feeding probiotics to our feline friends | By Julie Anne Lee, DCH

What are Probiotics for Cats?

Probiotics are live bacteria that are good for your cat (and yourself and all your other animals).

Just like humans (and dogs), cats have this incredible system inside their bodies called the microbiome. It contains those billions of tiny soldiers, plus lots of other tiny microbes. And as mentioned, most of it is located in the gut.

Just like us, the majority of your cat’s immune system makes its home in the gut as well. In fact, your cat’s immunity is almost completely dependent on a healthy digestive microbiome. So, if the digestive tract isn’t healthy, your cat isn’t healthy. When the digestive tract is out of balance, immunity may suffer. It’s this imbalance that can result in a whole host of illnesses and disease. Research tells us that poor gut health can even impact mental health. It’s incredible.

Unfortunately, there are plenty of things in the average cat’s environment that can impact that delicate balance, allowing the bad bacteria to proliferate and overwhelm the good bacteria.

This includes things like:

• Chemical cleaners

• • • •

• Pharmaceutical drugs

Stress Antibiotics Infection Diet

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Seriously—you can feed the absolute best nutrition on the planet, give your cat plenty of playtime and exercise, and of course lots of love, but without a healthy gut much of that nutrition and effort goes to waste (not the love of course— that’s never a waste!).

Benefits of Probiotics for Cats A study in the American Journal of Veterinary Medicine found that giving cats probiotics helps to rebalance the gastrointestinal microflora in cats, noting: “Probiotic supplementation was associated with increased numbers of beneficial Lactobacillus and L acidophilus groups in feces and decreased numbers of Clostridium spp and Enterococcus faecalis, indicating an altered bacterial balance in the gastrointestinal tract microflora.”

So, with the added probiotics in the diets, the kitties had an increase in good bacteria and a decrease in bad. What does this rebalancing mean?

The benefits of probiotics for cats include: • Improved appetite • Better, firmer stools • Better nutrient absorption

• Improved digestion • Boosted immunity • Resilience against autoimmune diseases • Better bladder health • Healthier teeth and gums

Antibiotics can have a long term impact on your cat’s health by killing off all bacteria, not just bad bacteria. This can cause serious damage to the gut lining if you don’t replace the beneficial bacteria. A high-quality probiotic with added support for the gut wall will help encourage the repopulation of friendly bacteria after a round of antibiotics, bringing the microbiome back into an optimal state.

LIGHTBULB INSET ILLUSTRATION DMITRYNEW83/BIGSTOCK.COM

D

id you know that your cat has billions of microscopic soldiers parading around inside her, most of them in her gut?

Well, they’re actually friendly bacteria, but their job is the same—to defend against invaders (bad bacteria).

Probiotics for cats are a way to build up the good bacteria in your cat’s body. Doing so will lead to positive health effects for both the digestive system and for overall health.

So, what exactly are probiotics, what are the benefits, and how do you find the best one?

Your cat’s immunity is almost completely dependent on a healthy digestive microbiome.

Feline Probiotics: What to Look for To get the best probiotics for cats, there are a few specific things to look for: 1. Cat specific. There are plenty of probiotics out there on the market, including probiotics for humans, dogs, and horses.

Look for one that’s specifically designed for cats yet is top quality human-grade. Yes, we all have microbiomes, but our systems are different, so different things are needed.

2. Several different bacterial strains. Look for a probiotic that has a minimum of 10 strains of bacteria, not just one or two.

That way your cat gets the complementary benefits of all of them, with no one strain overwhelming the other.

3. Don’t forget the prebiotics. Probiotics need to be fed to survive, and that’s where prebiotics come in. Prebiotics feed the probiotics and many have their own unique benefits. My favourite is larch.

4. Easy to use. Cats are picky. It’s that simple. Trying to give your cat a probiotic in pill format will probably have you tearing your hair out on day one. Just skip those ones. Find one that you can easily add to your cat’s regular food and is really tasty to keep the stress levels to a minimum.

Probiotic Powered Cat Litter Probiotics can also help with litter box cleanliness and odours! BoxiePro Deep Clean Probiotic Cat Litter harnesses the power of probiotics to help deep clean your cat’s litter at a microscopic level so your cat won’t track unseen waste! Easy to scoop and fast clumping, this low-tracking litter also traps bacteria and ammonia odours. ($22, boxiecat.com) moderncat.com

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MeowTalk

CAT APPS

These apps, designed for cats and the people who love them, aim to help cat parents better understand their cats

By Becky Belzile

MeowTalk: App Designed

By Former Alexa Engineer Translates Cat Meows

E

ver wonder what your cat’s really saying to you? If it’s hard to decipher one meow from the next, look no further than MeowTalk, an app designed by former Alexa engineer Javier Sanchez.

Bellevue, WA-based Sanchez hopes to change the way we interact with our cats by improving communication.

His free language decoder app is used on your smartphone to help translate what’s on your cat’s mind. Whether your cat is asking to be fed or showing you affection, the app deciphers meows to give you a better understanding of your cat’s intentions.

MeowTalk is constantly evolving, developing an algorithm based on user feedback as it learns. As you provide

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Tably

updates, you can even input your cat’s own dialect—cats have unique vocalizations. Just don’t expect a direct translation. Sanchez’s research indicated nine general “meanings” behind the meow, ranging from “let me out!” to “I’m hungry,” “I love you,” and “I’m angry!”

But what does this mean in terms of breaking down the language barrier?

Sanchez told GeekWire, “A tool like this can help certain people bond even more with their cats…this could be a real game-changer.” But for many, the greatest benefit will be in knowing whether a meow signifies pain.

Sanchez’s ultimate goal is a cat translation collar that will directly translate your cat’s meows into a human voice, an objective that makes sense as cats meow almost solely to communicate with humans—cats rarely meow to communicate with each other.

“It’s not a language. They don’t share words or communicate with each other,” Sanchez told King5 News. “Cats never meow at each other out in nature."

DID YOU KNOW?

Cats rarely meow to communicate with each other.

Meowing is usually reserved for communicating with humans.

All in, it’s an entertaining app that could potentially improve the way people interact with their pets. And it’s only set to improve with human testing and feedback. MeowTalk is available for free on iOS and Android. Currently it sits at a 4.3 rating on Google Play with over 20,000 reviews and has been downloaded by over a million users.

PAIN INDICATORS IMAGE YULIYA SHUSTIK/BIGSTOCK.COM

Ears held down and/ or rotated toward the back show pain or distress.

Half closed or squinting eyes can indicate your cat is experiencing pain or is in distress.

Tably: This Camera App Can Reveal Your Cat’s Mood—And Expose Hidden Feline Pain

F

eline okay? It can be hard to tell. Cats are notoriously hard to read. In particular, cat parents know that detecting acute pain in felines can be very difficult—cats, masters of deception, hide their pain very well. This likely had an evolutionary advantage as displaying pain indicates weakness and vulnerability to potential predators, but it can also make caring for cats difficult. As veterinarians attest, all too often, feline pain and illness go unaddressed.

What if we could easily decipher our cat’s facial expressions and physical cues to find out what they’re really feeling? Enter Tably, the new app designed by animal health technology company Sylvester.ai. Tably uses AI learning to assess the facial expressions of cats—including ear and head position, eye-narrowing, muzzle tension, and whisker changes—to detect distress, referencing a veterinaryvalidated pain scale referred to as the “feline grimace scale” or FGS. The scale, developed by a veterinary research team at the University of Calgary, is based on the eye, ear, and whisker positioning of cats. According to the study, “along with the evaluation of behavioural changes, facial expressions have the potential to indicate emotional experiences in animals and provide valuable information regarding internal states.” By deciphering the positioning of cats’ facial expressions, researchers are able to rate pain and vets can treat accordingly.

But even for professionals, visually matching a cat’s face to the FGS images in order to determine a cat’s physical state can prove tricky. The Tably camera app does it for you, allowing you to scan your cat’s face for feedback about their

The whiskers express pain when they are pointing straight out and held more forward.

A tense muzzle and the head dipping below the shoulder line are signs your cat is in pain.

physical state. Its learning AI improves with use and helps you actively monitor your cat’s health. This is particularly useful for cats who are post-op, cats with chronic health issues, and even cats nearing the end of life.

To use Tably, simply open the app and hover the screen over your cat’s face. This allows Tably to take several photos at once to decipher your cat’s expression. Then their algorithm compares the images to the Feline Grimace Scale to produce a result.

When testing the app on their resident feline, Hobbs, Tably began to repeatedly suggest that he was unhappy. After receiving this feedback consistently, Hobbs was taken to a veterinarian and diagnosed with ear mites. A few days after treatment, his results were back to “happy.”

MeowTalk

The takeaway: you already have a ton of cat photos on your phone. Now, taking those photos can help you determine if your cat is unhappy.

Want to give it a try? Tably is available for free on IOS.

Tably

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TRAINING

A cat behaviourist taught her cat to talk using a soundboard. Here’s how you can teach your cat to speak, too

By Cassandra Gill

F

rom Garfield to the Cheshire Cat, there’s been plenty of talking A-List felines over the years— but now there’s one in real life, too: meet Steve the Cat of TikTok fame.

While the 12-year-old internet star doesn’t exactly spout zingers like Salem on Sabrina the Teenage Witch, the feline has impressively mastered the art of button communication.

To keep it simple, this means the black-and-white piebald is able to use a colourful soundboard to let his human know if he wants to go out, eat, or snuggle, just to name a few actions. The board features pre-recorded buttons that can be pressed to say words, allowing Steve to clearly communicate his wants and needs.

“Steve has always been very communicative and highly intelligent, so I thought training him with the AAC [augmentative and alternative communication] speech buttons would be a good project,” his owner Kristiina Wilson explains to Modern Cat. Wilson, an animal behaviourist, got the idea for training Steve after seeing fellow Insta-famous pet Stella the dog. The Catahoula/Blue Heeler mix has garnered a fan base of over half-a-million followers on the ‘gram, propelling owner Christina Hunger into a New York Times bestselling author.

Once Wilson’s Master’s program at Hunter College was put on pause during Covid-19, she found herself

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PHOTOS KRISTIINA WILSON

Meet Steve, the Cat That “Talks”(Yes, Really) Kristiina Wilson & Steve

with plenty of extra time and decided to channel it into her latest obsession— teaching Steve to talk.

“My thesis work was on hold during Covid—​​it involved working with the Animal Care Centers of NYC, which is the city's open-intake animal shelter, which was closed to all but essential staff for the first few months of quarantine,” shares Wilson, who was a fashion photographer for 15 years before focusing on animals.

Notably, her thesis explores the effects of fluorescent light on the stress behaviour of shelter animals.

“I had seen Christina Hunger's amazing work with Stella. I wanted to do something science-based and fun to bridge the gap while I waited for data collection to begin again.”

Surprisingly—or perhaps not so surprisingly—Steve was a natural at picking up the new skill.

“He learned super quick. Steve had the first button—‘Outside’—down

In the same way that a dog can be trained to ring a bell to communicate that he or she wants to go outside, each button is associated with a simple concept that represents something the animal might need or want.

in four days and the other buttons followed in quick succession,” she explains, breaking down how it all actually works.

“It's important to remember that this is not language or speech acquisition— instead, it's associative concept training,” Wilson says. “In the same way that a dog can be trained to ring a bell to communicate that he or she wants to go outside, each button is associated with a simple concept that represents something the animal might need or want. Training involves consistency and time spent on the part of the human, and simple repetition with button-pushing when modelling the action it represents.”

Can you teach your cat too?

While there’s still plenty of research to be done, a recent academic study did find that there is the possibility of “genius” dogs—and likely “genius” cats, too—Wilson shares.

“Steve has always been highly motivated and extremely 

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47

communicative, and I believe the combination of his drive and interest plus my behavioural training made our work together go so smoothly,” Wilson adds of her BFF. While Steve may be particularly well suited to the challenge, Kristiina’s stacked resume was also undeniably influential here.

The New York City resident has spent two decades working with both domestic and feral cats, including fostering and placing over 400 abandoned cats in homes. She decided to trade her long-term fashion career for a full-time one with the cats four years ago, leading her to both go back to school and become a certified animal behaviourist via the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.

Wilson’s growing social media presence has also played a role in her work, as followers and friends are able to help connect her with those who may be looking to take a new fourlegged friend in—developing a community in NYC and beyond.

She currently has 10 cats at home, including Steve, whom she rescued when he was just a few days old, along with his feral mama. Wilson says she knew early on there was something different and special about her beloved housemate, who boasts plenty of human-like qualities (sitting upright being a frequent one).

“He’s a frat boy trapped in a cat's body,” she says when asked how she would describe her best guy. A glance at his Instagram doesn’t seem to prove the statement wrong: he seemingly takes any opportunity to sprawl himself out or plop

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down on the sofa for some good ol’ fashioned telly. Of her 10 cats, Steve is the only one to acquire the skillset.

"Steve is the only one who pushes the buttons, says Wilson. “Everyone else understands them and will come when they hear them used for the rewards requested—play and food and outside, usually. Generally, only one cat in a multipet household uses the buttons. I'm not sure if it's a social hierarchy thing or not."

Social media stardom wasn’t part of Wilson’s plan when she hopped on the Covid-spurred TikTok train. Her content quickly started going viral on the platform, building an impressive 195,000 followers on her @stinktok page as of summer 2021. Steve also has his own Instagram account, @thedailysteveb, where thousands of fans follow closely for an inside look at his home life, including, of course, that button pushing (he uses ‘Outside’ the most and ‘Eat’ the least).

“I started it as a personal account for fun during Covid because I was bored...after a month or so I started posting cat content because we have 10 cats, so that's a big part of my life.

Once I started working with Steve and the buttons, the account took off, but I never expected or planned for him to blow up!” she notes.

“Honestly, I was shocked that people were so excited about Steve's button use!” Wilson confesses. The celeb cat is already living his best influencer life, right down to the fancy packages (he recently got one sent from My Lovely Feline).

“Of course, I think Steve is the best guy in the world, so I love that other people are coming around and getting to know him also. It makes me so happy when other people love Steve—it's truly a heart warmer.”

Scrolling through Steve’s page, it seems he was destined for stardom in some capacity. Just recently, the cat—who is called “Steven” during serious discussions—got sneaky with his mom. Using the buttons, he hit “lady” and “snuggle” to get Wilson up and off the couch before making a run for the door while she was distracted! “The Invention of Lying featuring ME,” the LOL-worthy caption read.

He’s not afraid to share an opinion, either: when Jennifer Lopez was singing at Joe Biden’s inauguration last January, Steve went right ahead and tapped the “no” button.

“I have been careful to not give Steve any buttons that would anthropomorphize him or present him with concepts that don't have a direct 1:1 translation,” she adds on a serious note, also sharing advice for cat owners who may want to try training their own pets at home.

“Consistency is key! When training, make sure to always model your button pushes and [associated] activity whenever possible. Once your cat is trained, continue to reinforce concepts and respond to your pet with your own button pushes,” she says.

One major no-no: making the first button a “food” word.

“Your cat may associate all further buttons with food if you do,” she points out. “Praise and patience go a long way,” she also shares.

More tips can also be found on Wilson’s website TalkToTheBeans.com, which has full guides, tips, and even a community forum for other cat lovers to connect. There’s also plenty of easy-to-follow videos for cats and their owners wanting to get started using AAC speech buttons. 

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DO YOU LOOK LIKE YOUR CAT? These doppelgänger duos certainly do! | By Rose Frosek, photos by Gerrard Gethings

I

n a captivating photo series made into a memory card game, British photographer Gerrard Gethings captured cats and their doppelgängers with hilarious results— glorious hair, striking physicality, and all. The popularity of the photos caught even their creator off guard.

“To be honest, I didn’t expect it to be any kind of thing. And yet it’s in three exhibitions this year in Europe,” says Gethings.

The series actually began with pairs of dog-human lookalikes. Following its incredible success (even Justin Timberlake posted a video of himself and Jessica Biel playing the card game), Gethings moved on to cats.

“The cat one was maybe a thousand times more difficult,” says Gethings, surprising exactly zero cat people. “If I knew how hard it was I might not have done it. But I’m glad I did.”

Unlike with dogs, Gethings had to travel to the cats and photograph them in their homes.

“Four times I went to homes and set up and the cat wouldn’t play. It was quite demoralizing,” he laughs.

The effort, however, paid off: the cat photos went viral.

But such perfect pairings don’t happen on their own. The

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series was a year in production. Gethings photographed the cats first and then set out to find their human lookalikes, a task that presented less challenges than anticipated.

“Asking people to play dogs was way more difficult,” Gethings says. “By the time I did cats I was well practiced in the art of giving people just enough information to get them to the studio. Plus, cats are kinda beautiful. It's a compliment to be compared to a feline.”

North America, Germany, the UK—the cat photos were undeniably a hit. It became surprisingly popular in Turkey because the white moustached man bore a striking resemblance to beloved Turkish actor/comedian Levent Kirca.

This particular photo happens to also be Gethings favourite of the bunch. “This is the type of perfect casting that I dream of at the start of a project,” he says. “I had photographed the cat with no real plan as to who I could find to pair it with. I posted a picture of the actor Wilford Brimley on Instagram and asked if anyone knew someone similar. I got a reply from a lady in Edinburgh who volunteered the services of her dad. He was perfect.”

As for the idea of looking like a cat or a dog? “I think it’s universal,” says Gethings. “Anything that’s so successful needs to be applicable in every country.”

Find the Do You Look Like Your Cat memory card game (there's also a book!) on Amazon. Find Gethings at gerrardgethings.com.

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THE CAT GEAR LOOKBOOK

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

COLLARS

Cat Bow Tie, from $9; sushicatstyle.com

Comfort Suede Breakaway Collar, from $13; sleepypod.com

Peter Pan Collar in Red Brocade, from $24; partyanimalpets.com

Midlee Pink Stripe Cat Collar with Breakaway Buckle, from $10; midleedesigns.com

Disposable Sifting Litter Box, from $20; kitty-sift.myshopify.com

Pidan Snow Mountain Cat Litter Box, from $90; teddybob.ca

Ultimate Litterbox, from $20; pioneerpet.com

Petkit Flying Fish Cat Scratcher, from $50; instachew.com

Vesper Minou, from $85; catit.ca

Armarkat Premium Cat Tree and Kitten Scratcher, X2101, from $65; armarkat.com

Fun Feline Blank Greeting Cards, from $5.50; etsy.com/shop/DressUpCat

Sterling Silver Love Kitty Ring, from $50; markpoulin.com

Laurel Burch Indigo Cats Umbrella, from $25; mythreecats.com

LITTER BOXES

Kitangle Corner Kitty Litter Box, from $160; kitangle.com

SCRATCHERS

Arty Cat Scratcher, from $69; petplay.com

FOR CAT PEOPLE

The Boss: Cat necklace, from $275; carriecramer.com

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PHOTO NEW AFRICA/BIGSTOCK.COM

!

Purr

Why You're Probably Stroking Your Cat Wrong & How to Do it Right

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PHOTO DANIELLE ARMSTRONG/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Think you’re petting your cat correctly? A cat behavioural expert suggests otherwise

W

ould you be shocked to find out your cat is likely just putting up with being pet? This is all too often the case, says Dr. Lauren Finka, a feline behaviour researcher at Nottingham Trent University whose work focuses on improving our understanding of cat behaviour, wellbeing, and human-cat relationships.

She frequently sees cats suffer through petting they don’t love, likely because their relationship with you offers other benefits. (Think: treats.)

Petting cats: Where people commonly go wrong

“In many instances, a cat may only be partially enjoying what we’re doing—or perhaps mostly just tolerating it,” says Dr. Finka. “The most important thing to keep in mind is why are we petting the cat and for whose benefit? If we truly want a stroking session to be of mutual enjoyment, then we really need to be mindful of what we are doing to the cat and how they are responding. This might seem obvious, but in my experience it rarely happens in reality.”

Cats biting “out of nowhere” is commonly reported. Dr. Finka debunks this. “What’s basically happening in these situations is that the person hasn’t been paying sufficient attention to any of the subtle behavioural indicators that most cats will typically display as they start to feel uncomfortable during petting and interactions with people.

By paying close attention to these behavioural cues and stopping touching the cat either before or as soon as we notice any of these indicators, we will remove the need for the cat to take matters into their own paws (or teeth!) and bite or scratch us.”

Of equal importance is to accept that some cats (even otherwise friendly ones) may not like being stroked much at all, adds Dr. Finka, who has a PhD in feline welfare and behaviour. “This doesn’t mean they are ‘grumpy’ or ‘unsociable,’ just that they generally find the sensation unpleasant, or only like being stroked in a very specific way,” she says.

And as she shared with BBC Science Focus magazine, when it comes to petting, it’s best to remember that cats as a species aren’t inherently social or tactile.

“It’s important to remember that most cats will prefer quality over quantity when it comes to being stroked,” says Dr. Finka. “Each cat will also have their individual preferences for where and how they like being stoked, but often we might not be paying enough attention to their reactions (or equally misinterpreting them) to really understand what these preferences are.”

There’s no such thing as a cat “suddenly” biting

The subtle (and not so subtle) signs that indicate a cat isn’t into how they’re being touched The obvious signs—which include growling and hissing; biting and swiping; and the cat struggling to get away—are hard to overlook. But there are other signs that most people tend to miss.

These include:  moderncat.com

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PHOTO VIACHESLAV MAKSIMOV/BIGSTOCK.COM

/ A swishing, thumping, or twitching tail that is either held in the air in a horizontal position, or is near to or resting on the ground. / A raised or lifted paw that is held in the air, motionless / The fur on their back ripples or ‘twitches.’ / Nose licking (outside of when the cat is eating) / Head shake or body shake / A short, rapid bout of grooming that looks a little ‘out of context.’ / The cat slowly turns their head to one side (may be accompanied by a yawn), or they angle their bodies, or walk or away from you during an interaction. / The cat seems to ‘freeze’ or go a bit still, often assuming a more tense posture. / Ears that rotate backwards or flatten downwards to the sides of the cats’ head.

General no-go zones to avoid when petting a cat “Most cats will find areas such as the tummy, base of the tail, and top of their backs unpleasant to have stroked; however, there are always exceptions (and some cats may really enjoy these areas being touched), so it’s important to just be very observant of how each cat is responding when we are touching different areas of their bodies,” notes Dr. Finka.

What is the right way to pet a cat?

The best way to ensure that petting happens in a way that is enjoyable for the cat is to let them dictate if, how, when, and where petting takes place, says Dr. Finka, who offers an aptly named acronym—CAT—to guide the encounter: Provide the cat with choice and control (C) Pay attention (A) to the cat’s behaviour and body language And think about where we are touching (T) the cat

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Obtain cat consent Most cats prefer to be given the option to ‘make the first move’ when it comes to being stroked. Dr. Finka suggests gently offering your hand or fingers to the cat to see if they decide to sniff and/or rub against you. “This is a simple but very effective cat ‘consent test’—if the cat responds by making contact then this is a good indicator that they are receptive to petting,” she says. “Most cats prefer to be stroked at the base of their ears, around their cheeks and under their chin, so particularly if we don’t know a cat very well, it’s better to stick to these areas.

We should pay close attention to their responses at all times and pause what we are doing if we notice any indication the cat isn’t enjoying the session. When I pet cats I usually prefer to keep my hand pretty still to begin with and just observe what parts of the cats’ body they choose to have in contact with me—in essence I let the cat stroke me, rather than the other way around! This also helps me identify what regions of the cats’ body they probably like having touched and how much stroking they probably want. For some cats, their ideal interaction with a person may simply be

them rubbing against us as few times before sauntering off. By remaining quite passive to start with, this allows me to identify such cats before I otherwise push things too far.”

Signs a cat is enjoying the interaction Look for these signs indicating the cat is enjoying being pet: - Tail waving (tail held in the air and gently waving from side to side) - Ears in a neutral or forward position - A relaxed posture and facial expression - ‘Treading’ or ‘kneading’ with front paws - Sniffing and rubbing against you - Purring or ‘chirruping’ - Trying to initiate further petting if we stop By tuning in and taking a moment to pay attention our cats’ reactions when being pet, we can prevent stress and discomfort—and possible injury to ourselves. 

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INSPIRE

Say C heese !

The

Danger Zone

By Ines Wilson | Photos by Erica Danger

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Professional cat photographer Erica Danger shares her leap-of-faith journey + tips for irresistibly cute cat photos

T

he 36-year-old Los Angeleno Erica Danger has carved herself an enviable niche for a cat lover, spending her days photographing cats and kittens and helping rescue groups. How did she get here? By taking the leap to combine her lifelong love of cats with her talent for photography.

“When I moved to Los Angeles, photography was put on the back burner while I worked an office job. I liked my work there, but I didn't love it—imagine

that!” she jokes. “I started asking myself the age-old question about what kind of work I would do for free if money weren't an issue, and I kept coming back to cats.”

She joked to her then-partner that she wished she could pet cats for a living. They laughed about it, but after having this conversation a few times, he suggested she combine her love of photography and love of cats and become a cat photographer.

While Danger “had her doubts that could be a thing,” she decided to give it a try—and hasn’t looked back. 

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DANGER'S ADVICE

FOR ASPIRING Pet Photographers

1

Take as many photos as you can, of all different types and temperaments of animals, and in all kinds of different lighting situations.

You'll learn so much, the more you shoot!

2

Volunteer your time with animal shelters and rescues. Not just as a photographer, either. You can help with socialization, cleaning kennels...There's a lot of need for volunteers, and you'll get to work with all kinds of animals! If they offer training programs to learn cat or dog behaviour or skills for handling them, sign up to learn every single thing that you can, and then practice those skills until they're second nature for you. You'll gain a lot of knowledge and experience, and you'll be helping animals in so many ways!

3

It's okay to pursue your photography career part time while you work another job, especially if you don't have a big financial cushion to rely on! Sometimes people expect there's a certain deadline that they need to meet to be successful and go full time, but it's just not true. Don't ever let anyone else tell you what your path "should" look like!

After about a year, she went full-time with cat photography and has since seen her work featured on magazine covers such as this one.

“It's been absolutely amazing being self-employed, though not always the easiest,” she admits.

The pandemic threw a wrench in the works, putting a stop to in-house photo sessions and travel, the bread

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and butter of a photography business.

Danger Persevered, digging into her bag of tricks. “I've been sewing since grade school and put those skills to use,” she says. In the spring of 2020, Danger started making cat-themed face masks, available through Etsy and her website, thecatnipdispensary.com. Since then, she’s expanded her offerings to include creative cat toys, like crinkly, catnip-filled

hundred-dollar bills “that look like the real deal” and a selection of super-potent catnip and catnip blends for sale, too.

All proceeds go toward helping her do rescue work.

“There are so many rewarding parts of what I do,” Danger says. “I love getting that really positive, sometimes super emotional feedback from photo clients, and it's always a victory for me 

DANGER'S

TOP 3 TIPS to Improve Your Cat Photos

1

Lighting is everything.

EVERYTHING. Even the greatest cat can kind of look terrible if there isn't enough light, so make sure you're photographing them near a light source, ideally bright and indirect natural light, like you'd find near a window.

2

Little details matter! From clutter in the background or crumbs on your cat's face, to the expression or posture your cat is giving in a photo, to the items around your cat, you want everything to look as intentional as possible. A cute and comfortable cat, who looks engaged, against a stylish and clean area of your home, with a fun pop of colour, toy, or facial expression—now THAT is the shot you want!

3

Experiment! Try different angles, especially ones that have you crawling around on the ground. Incorporate different colours in your photos. Take weird close-ups. Try photographing your cat at different times of the day when your cat's mood or activity level vary. The possibilities really are endless, so never stop experimenting!

when I have a certain pose or shot in mind and I'm able to capture it exactly the way I was imagining—but my absolute favourite part is helping cats in need.”

Danger fosters kittens—and photographs them, of course. She also takes photos of cats at rescues and shelters, even when on the road.

“When I was traveling a lot, I would find rescues in whatever city I was in and volunteer with them for an afternoon to create great professional images for the cats' adoption profiles,” she says.

Her volunteering also extends past photography to include socializing cats, helping feral and community cats, vaccinating kittens, and organizing and inventorying supplies behind the scenes.

Contributing to her success both behind the camera and in the shelters is her understanding of cats.

“Okay, this is going to sound really

weird, and maybe even a little bit ‘woo woo,’ but I think the most surprising thing to me has been how naturally understanding cat body language and behaviour has become for me, almost as though I'm fluent in their language…kind of like it's in the Spanish section of your brain—I just have a cat section of my brain,” she laughs.

Despite her immersion in the world of cats, Danger continues to find inspiration in her subject matter.

“I'm inspired by cats in a lot of ways,” she says. “They don't feel the need to change who they are to impress others.

They give love when they're ready and will set (and enforce) boundaries with you when they're not. They definitely know how to relax! And they stretch pretty much every time they get up from rest, which is a habit I think we can all learn from.” 

Find Danger at ericadanger.com, check out her shop at thecatnipdispensary.com, or see what she’s up to on social media (@EricaLikesCats) where she posts tons of cute cats, travel plans, and other tips and tricks! “I love when folks send me pics and videos of their cats!” she enthuses. Danger hopes to resume in-studio and in-home sessions shortly. Studio sessions start at $150 and in-home sessions start at $500.

She also offers discounts for adopted pets and provides discounted and free photo sessions for rescues and shelters as her schedule permits.

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The Petcube Play 2 cat camera with builtin laser toy in action.

ANXIETY BUSTERS Six effective ways to calm an anxious cat | By Rose Frosek

A Cat Camera A camera lets you keep an eye on what your cat is up to. Simply use it to check in on your cat or to understand triggers and interrupt behaviour by speaking to your cat.  The Petcube Play 2 cat camera lets you see, talk, and check in on your cat remotely via your smart phone. A built-in laser toy even lets you play with your cat remotely, helping to ease separation anxiety. You can even set up auto play to keep your cat entertained! ($179, petcube.com)

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Treat-dispensing puzzle toys One of the best and easiest ways to keep your cat busy and happily engaged? Enrichment toys that offer mental stimulation.  Catit’s Senses 2 Digger is designed to be pawed at to capture treats, keeping your food-motivated cat occupied and engaged. (Food for the win!) Simply insert your cat’s favourite treats or kibble into this interactive puzzle toy and watch your cat stay mentally and physically stimulated while trying to get her paws on the tasty rewards. A perfect way to keep your cat busy when you’re not home! ($15, catit.ca)  Reduce anxiety, boredom, and even litter box woes with this veterinarian-designed Indoor Hunting Feeder system. Cats have a biological need to hunt for their food.

Instead of putting your cat’s dinner in a dish, put wet food or kibble in these fun, clever feeders and hide them around the house so your cat can hunt, catch, and play with many small meals a day, as nature intended. Bonus: these also reduce instances of scarf and barf and early wake up calls from a hungry cat. Ingenious! ($20, docandphoebe.com)

PHOTO #6 K.DECOR/BIGSTOCK.COM

This stuffy with a heartbeat is designed for kittens transitioning from their mom and littermates to a new home and is especially ideal for bottle babies or rescue kittens. (Plus, how cute is it?!) Aptly named Snuggle Kitty, it recreates the intimacy and physical warmth with a “real feel” heartbeat, designed to comfort and reduce loneliness and separation anxiety in your feline friend. ($40, snugglepuppy.com)

Pheromone Power

Naturally calm your cat with the power of pheromones.

Pheromone diffusers and sprays mimic the pheromones nursing cat-moms emit to create feelings of comfort and safety. A pheromone product like bSerene, available as a spray or plug-in diffuser, helps put an end to sometimes anxiety-induced behaviours like destructive scratching, urine spray marking, and eliminating outside of the litter box, as well as easing tensions in multi-cat households by helping cats feel comfortable and relaxed in their environment. (from $30, scientiapet.com)

5

Essential Oils

A time old remedy, essential oils can be used to calm cats, but caution should be taken as essential oils used incorrectly can be harmful to felines. Choose a vet-approved formulation designed for cats, like the Furbliss Calming Spray, formulated to keep your cat calm through vet visits, car rides, and more. Made with a unique blend of botanical extracts and cat-safe essential oils, this spray is easy to use and vet recommended. Works for dogs, too. ($7, vetniquelabs.com)

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CBD to the Rescue!

“Typically, anxiety requires a multi-modal approach (including supplements, behavioural modification, and medication) as one thing alone is not likely to solve the problem, but CBD can be an excellent adjunct therapy since it has anxiolytic, antiinflammatory, and pain-relieving qualities,” says Dr. Kramer, a veterinarian at Vancouver Animal Wellness Clinic. Here are three CBD products to try: Suzie’s CBD Bites for Cats are made with chicken and tuna, making it easy to provide your cat with the benefits of CBD! Each tasty treat contains a half mg of full-spectrum, human-grade, organic CBD from their USDA organic farm. ($16, suziespettreats.com) Developed specifically for felines, the third-party lab-tested 250 mg CBD Wildlife Sublingual from Creating Better Days includes natural ingredients like fast absorbing CBD, coconut oil, wild salmon oil, vitamins, and probiotics. ($25, creatingbetterdays.com) The Paws Elite CBD Oil for Dogs and Cats is formulated with high-quality, full-spectrum, organic CBD oil and coconut derived MCT oil.

Third party lab tested, there are no additives or preservatives, and it is easy for cats to digest! (from $55, pawselite.com)

I N S E T #4 M A L I F L O W E R 73 / B I G S T O C K . C O M ; I N S E T #5 A N T I B Y D N I / B I G S T O C K . C O M

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A Mom Substitute

Healthy PAWS

ORANGE CAT PHOTO SUSAN SCHMITZ/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Solutions for everything from a dull coat & itchy skin to stomach sensitivities

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1. DENTAL HEALTH MADE SIMPLE

2. IRRITATED SKIN SOLUTION

Eliminate the bacteria that causes bad breath, remove plaque buildup, and protect your cat’s gums by adding Oxyfresh’s Pet Dental Water Additive to your cat’s water dish. The patented formula is safe, tasteless, and odourless. ($16, oxyfresh.com)

Facial irritation? Vetericyn Plus Feline Antimicrobial Facial Therapy is an antibiotic- and steroidfree liquid formula that cleans, soothes, and prevents potential infection. It’s safe if licked or ingested and won’t sting. ($13, vetericyn.com)

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3. GOODBYE ITCHIES! Relieve itching due to dry skin with J.R. Liggett’s all-natural cat shampoo. Formulated for cats, it’s hypoallergenic, detergent-free, and contains soothing ingredients like coconut, almond, and hemp oils. Choose the biodegradable bar or liquid option. (from $8, jrliggett.com)

4. A NATURAL, HEALTHY LITTER Catalyst Pet Soft Wood cat litters are sustainable, lightweight, clump well, and offer superior odour control. Available in MultiCat, Healthy Cat, and Unscented formulas, there's a litter to meet your needs! (from $14, catalystpet.com)

5. SKIN & COAT SUPPORT Rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, Sammy’s Shiny Coat from Stengel Oils keeps your cat’s coat and skin healthy while supporting cognitive function. Bonus: Omegas also help with inflammatory and immune disorders. (from $20, stengeloils.com)

6. BRIGHT EYES

8. TREATS FOR CATS WITH SENSITIVITIES Made only with natural, wildcaught, human-grade minnow and no added preservatives, these Minnow Freeze-Dried Cat Treats from PureBites are an ideal treat option for cats with a sensitive stomach, obesity, diabetes, or allergies. (from $11, purebites.com)

9. EASY DEMATTING Is your cat’s coat prone to matting? The Andis Dematting Rake features a non-slip grip, a wide-tooth design, and is made with pro-grade stainless steel to help gently break up matted fur. ($14, small-animal.andis.com)

10. PEARLY WHITES Not so pearly whites? BioBrilliant Dental Health Powder is made with sustainably sourced ingredients like kelp, goat milk whey, green tea, coconut, papaya, and calcium bentonite to help support feline dental health!

Simply add into their food. ($16, shop.inclover.com)

11. LET FOOD BE THY MEDICINE

Boost and support feline eye health with Ocu-GLO Soft Chews.

Ingredients like Grapeseed Extract, Lutein, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and a unique combination of 12 different antioxidants help prevent damage and protect vital eye cells. ($60, animalnecessity.com)

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they must eat meat.

Nature’s Logic Freeze-Dried Beef Liver Bites are made with just beef liver and have natural amino acids such as taurine, cystine, and methionine for cardiac support. (from $8, natureslogic.com)

7. EASE ARTHRITIS & CHRONIC PAIN

12. HEALTHY BODY & HAPPY JOINTS

Laser therapy speeds healing and reduces inflammation.

Harness the power at home with the 15-watt My Pet Laser from Laserriffic. FDA approved for use at home, it can help with feline arthritis and chronic pain, as well as post-surgery. (Find out more at laserriffic.com)

With hyaluronic acid and a proprietary bioflavonoid complex, Purica’s Pet Recovery Extra Strength Chewables help prevent injury and reduce pain and inflammation. Deliciously flavoured, they’re formulated for whole body health and joint function. (from $28, purica.com) moderncat.com

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PET PROJECT

craft D.I.Y.

Punch Needle Embroidered Pet Pad

Craft your own cozy, unique pet pad for your sofa, bed, or floor!

By Hayley Schmidt

Make This!

Feline model Shadow

For a fast start, you can buy patterns and punch needling kits that contain everything you need, but for a pet pad you’ll need a larger hoop than those included in most kits. I used an art-store stretched canvas, removing the canvas from the frame and recovering the frame with monk’s cloth. Here’s how: • Remove staples and pull off the canvas from the frame.

• Once the canvas is removed, set the frame down on a flat surface.

• Lay monk’s cloth overtop frame’s front side and cut to size leaving about two inches of cloth past the frame’s edge.

Supplies Needed:

• Monk’s cloth

• Punch needle

• Marker

• Yarn in colours of your choice

• Fabric scissors

• Staple Gun • Staple Remover • 20” Canvas with wooden frame*

• Elmer’s School glue • Medium paintbrush • Neutral coloured Felt • Hot Glue Gun

*Choose a larger canvas/frame for a larger cat.

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• Tighten the cloth and staple down the monk’s cloth on the edge of the wooden frame. Repeat on all four edges of the frame.

• Pull the edges of the monk’s cloth while stapling, ensuring the fabric is tight and feels like a drum. You will need one hand for pulling tight and one hand for stapling. Asking a buddy to help you with this will make it a bit easier!

• Flip the frame over and on the flush/flat side of the frame, use your chosen pattern or draw your design in mirror-image with a marker. This is the side you will be punching (you work on the reverse/wrong side). I chose a simple square pattern, using a ruler to measure each square shape evenly.

For beginners, abstract patterns, shapes, and polka dots are easy to draw and punch!

I N S E T P H O T O #1 M A R I A J O J O J O / B I G S T O C K . C O M ; #2 O K S A N A S H U F R Y C H / S H U T T E R S T O C K . C O M ;

Preparation:

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R

elated to rug hooking (and we all know how much cats like carpeting), punch needling is a type of embroidery that dates back hundreds of years but can look modern or rustic depending on the pattern and colours used. Instead of stitching through the fabric, you keep the needle on the surface. The result is a textured design made of loops. Once you get the hang of it, you can cover a large area quite quickly, making it a perfect technique for larger projects like this pet pad. It’s one of the fastest types of needlework and even kids can learn the basics quickly. Let’s get started!

“It’s one of the fastest types of needlework and even kids can learn the basics quickly.”

Punch Needling Your Pattern Your punch needle should come with a wire loop to help wind yarn through the needle. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for threading your punch needle. For a large project like this, you’ll likely want to use the largest needle you have.

• Working on the backside, punch your needle down through the cloth at your chosen starting point. For this first punch, keep the needle in the cloth, pulling the yarn through to the opposite side (which will become the display side once completed) and leaving a one-inch tail of yarn coming through the opposite side. Once yarn is through, simply methodically punch back up and down, following your pattern. The size of your needle determines the size of the yarn loops you’re creating on the other side. Each punch should be about 0.25" or 0.5", one after the other.

• Continue this process until you are finished with that particular colour of yarn or have filled in the desired area.

• Once an area is complete, simply cut yarn where you want to end while your needle is punched up. To change colours, restart this process over again.

Finishing: • Once your design is finished, remove the staples and pull the fabric from the frame. Trim any excess cloth leaving about one inch of monk’s cloth around the final design area.

• Cut slits in the corners of this border material so you’re able to fold the sides to the back.

• Generously brush School glue on the backside of the design.

Fold and stick down the excess monk’s cloth so it’s adhered to the back. Brush more glue overtop of the folded down sides. Leave to dry for one or two days or until completely dry.

• Once dry, cut a felt piece and affix to backside with hot glue gun.

• Now show your cat your handiwork!

For in depth step-by-step instructions, go to moderncat.com/punchneedle moderncat.com

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Editor-in-Chief Connie Wilson’s selection of must-read books for cat lovers My Clever, Curious, Caring Cat: 101 Tales of Feline Friendship Edited by Amy Newmark

A Very Fuddles Christmas

By Fran Vischer Over-indulged, pampered feline Fuddles is back in this charming Christmas story guaranteed to delight the young cat-lovers in your life. When Fuddles discovers the irresistible smells and sights of the holiday season, he, of course, gets himself into trouble and ends up lost outside in the snow. Will he make it back home in time to celebrate? This adorable and hilarious holiday story is perfect for the little cat-people on your list.

The Twelve Days of Snowball

By Kristen McKanagh Cozy up this Christmas with this purresistibly heartwarming novel featuring the mischievous kitten we met in Snowball’s Christmas, now grown up and happily in charge of greeting guests at her forever-family’s quaint Victorian B&B. Snowball unexpectedly finds herself with a new role—that of matchmaker—when she senses the bed and breakfast’s new manager, Sophie, belongs with Daniel, the construction manager overseeing the hotel’s new wing. But with Daniel continually making a mess of things, it’s not going to be easy. Will holiday cheer and Snowball’s efforts be enough to bring them together? You’ll enjoy finding out.

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Cue smiles of recognition and teary eyes—this heartwarming, entertaining, and entirely devourable collection of stories from Chicken Soup for the Soul moves and delights. My Clever, Curious, Caring Cat features 101 true stories showcasing the magic of feline friendship and hilarious, heartwarming stories of heroics, mischief, and unconditional love.

CatDala Coloring Book

By Laurren Darr Meditate, focus, relax, and unlock your creative side with some art therapy courtesy of the CatDala Colouring Book! With over 50 cat mandalas, mantras, and affirmations included, this colouring book was created for cat people to help relieve stress and is a unique way to increase productivity and positive energy. Great gift idea!

The Handbook for a Happy Cat: Speak Their Language, Decode Their Quirks, and Meet Their Needs—So They’ll Love You Back!

By Liesbeth Puts Want to better understand your cat? In The Handbook for a Happy Cat, certified behaviourist Liesbeth Puts explains, solves, and demystifies confounding cat behaviour. This essential whiskersto-tail guide reveals the meanings behind cat quirks and shows how we can meet our cats’ instinctual behavioural needs through environmental enrichment, play, training, and more.

FEATURED PHOTO COURTESY OF FRANS VISCHER

CONNIE’S BOOK CLUB

LOVE LETTERS

An Adoption Tail

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

Coffee Talk Frosty, who graced the world with her presence for 20 years, fell in love with my husband Greg the moment she joined our household. One of my favourite memories is when she would greet him at the door in the morning as he returned from work. He'd sit on the floor with his coffee, and Frosty would sit next to him. Greg would talk to her and she would chatter away, as if she was telling him about her day. They never knew that I would often sit in the hallway upstairs and listen. I loved their relationship.—Diane M Gooding

Best Friends One cold winter day in 1988, our Old English Sheepdog, Sampson, brought home a wet and sickly kitten and insisted we keep him. We called him Winston and they became inseparable.

Winston was a wily kitty who would chase balls and dig in the garden right alongside his bestie. Eventually he learned how to open my mom’s basement bedroom window, but he never learned how to shut it.

One day, we heard Winston crying loudly in mom’s room and went to investigate. Sampson was stuck halfway inside the window. It was only the beginning of their lifelong, troublesome misadventures.—Michelle Gouldby

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I went to the local shelter to make a donation and visit the cats. That’s where I met her, a tiny black and white kitty. She looked at me and purred loudly. I was instantly smitten!

What a lovely “Melody,” I thought, already naming her. Noticed her tail was missing fur and learned that it was due to a flea infestation allergy before she had been rescued. Didn’t let that stop me from adopting her. Four years later, Melody’s tail is now quite fluffy and gets even more so during her dinnertime excitement.—L. Ceglia

Meet Dr. Cat! What do a retired Registered Nurse and a cat have in common? Well, they literally saved each other. I lived alone, adopted him when he was six months.

When he turned eight years old, he’d frequently awake me during the night by bumping his head against mine. It took a while to figure out why until the penny dropped. I’d be loudly snoring and wake up gasping for air. My cat was on the alert. Eventually I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea, now corrected with a CPAP machine. My cat diagnosed me. Love him to bits!—Connie Cook

Righteously Indignant Felines My husband and I imagine our cats as humans. Cricket, our leggy, Mensa caliber calico, would be a runway model/Noble prize recipient; Kato the corpulent, a department store Santa.

12 years ago, I shamelessly abandoned them. Calling home, their plaintive, highly dramatic meows reflected my betrayal. Two weeks later, I returned with a black Labrador in tow—without their written consent. Both balked; they didn’t agree to this new addition!

Did they know Portia was not a pet, but my highly valued guide dog? Probably not. But they extended their home to her with grace until she died yesterday.—Debra Cooper

FEATURED ILLUSTRATION SSSTOCKER/BIGSTOCK.COM; 'BEST FRIENDS' INSET PHOTO ALINA-ART/BIGSTOCK.COM;

Watching the news, I saw the Humane Society asking for assistance in adopting a special needs kitty. They mentioned a cat that had cerebellar hypoplasia (CH) named Mr. Wobbles.

My sister looked over and said, “He's the one for you.” I quickly went over the next day and was able to adopt Mr. Wobbles. It's been a year already and “special” is truly how I describe him. Not because of his handicap, but because he overcomes his daily obstacles. Mr. Wobbles runs around with no fear and gives me his trust. I did find “the one” and he definitely found me.—Mary Jane Diaz

' M Y C A T S A V E D M Y L I F E ' I N S E T P H O T O N A T A R T 076/ B I G S T O C K . C O M

The One For Me

“Greg would talk to her and she would chatter away, as if she was telling him about her day. They never knew that I would often sit in the hallway upstairs and listen.”

Double Void Love Madagascar (Maddy) and Gibraltar (Gibby) were siblings rescued from my local TNR program. During the Covid outbreak last year, the shelter had to give all the cats to fosters so I showed up to take two feral little kittens not knowing what to expect. The bond with these two was unreal and the pack mentality they had for me kept my mental health and addiction struggles in check. I was no longer lonely with my new family. They gave me courage to keep going, boundless happiness, and the desire to help others in need. I was blessed that day.—Rachelle Lohnes

Filipos the Lap Cat Filipos was born a street kitten. He was rescued from a car engine on Syros, Greece.

I adopted him through a wonderful charity. He has proved to be the most affectionate of lap cats.

Sometimes though his desire to be always beside me gets him into trouble.

One day, I was taking a bath. Filipos decided he should be on my lap and leaped into the bath to join me.

The water gave him a shock and he fled dripping down the stairs at such speed that my poor cleaning lady had a fright.

His devotion makes him very special.—Rose Moss

Special Delivery “Meeoow!” Purrl calls out into the dark.

Her white paws batting the catniplaced mouse to and fro’ around the maple chair legs. A fierce huntress cloaked in her fur of orange and gold.

Then, suddenly, the sound of running paws on carpet and a bold pounce up onto the bed, with catch in mouth.

She noisily chirps and bats her prey all around my quilt-covered feet and legs. For a brief second, even I am convinced. I quickly switch on the bedside lamp, relieved to find, once again, that her mouse truly is made of gray felt and fiberfill.—Brandy Conyers

The House of Misfit Cats First, we adopted Snuggy, a beautiful tortoiseshell kitty with partial facial paralysis. She loved my husband most. That is until he gave her eye ointment for a week. She’s been a mama’s girl since. Second, we adopted grey Gwendolyn, found as a stray and missing part of her tail. She is a sweet loving girl but required a frisky friend. Third, we adopted striped, overweight Bean. She became best friends with Gwendolyn. With only adult cats in the home, we needed some kitten energy so adopted Edgar. A boy kitty perked up everyone’s energy level!—Carolyn Fenzl

Who Wants to be My Kitty?

Nightly love-ins at the cat shelter weren't enough. I needed a kitty. With overwhelming numbers of deserving felines, I left the choice to them.

Bellowing, "OK, listen up. Who wants to be my kitty?" promoted a small Calico X with a peach-coloured derriere to position herself on my lap.

Aware, her friend, a pumpkin-looking Tom swiftly joined us. Home we went and happily aged as years folded into decades.

When Pumpkin was 17, he asked to join other kitties in heaven. We agreed. Sadly.

At 20, three years later, when once more asked who wanted to be their kitty, with Peaches response she too crossed the Rainbow Bridge.—Moneca Litton Graham

My Cat Saved My Life My kitty, whose name is Puss Puss, saved my life when my house was on fire and I did not know it. He came in my room while I was asleep and got in my face, hollering at me in an unusual manner. I got up to put him out of the room and my whole house was full of flames and smoke. If it wasn't for him I would not be here.—Ann Lockett

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

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Must-haves for you & your cat

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CAT FACTS

Social gathering?

Try these cat facts to get the conversation flowing!

By Isabelle Orr

Cats + Boxes, a Love Affair

Cats respond most readily to names that end in an “ee” sound, which naturally is vocalized in a higher intonation. “A study was done several years ago to show that cats respond to their name much better if the name terminates in a highpitched sound,” explains veterinarian Dr. Burstyn of Vancouver, BC. “For example, Lancelot ends on a low sound. He’s much less likely to respond [to] that than if we call him Lancey.”

Is your cat stressed? Give him a box to hide in. Animal experts believe that small, enclosed spaces make cats feel secure and protected. Shelter cats are sometimes given boxes to snuggle in to reduce their stress levels with good reason. A Dutch study divided 14 shelter-intake cats into two groups—those provided with a hiding box and those without. By measuring the cats’ Kessler and Turner Cat-Stress-Score (CSS), the study determined that cats provided with a box were able to recover faster in their new environment. The researchers determined the hiding box was an important enrichment for the cats to cope effectively with stressors in a new shelter environment in the first weeks after their arrival.

Evol-eww-tion Due to their desert origins, cats evolved to absorb large amounts of water from their urine to stay hydrated. The result? Extra concentrated, extra smelly cat pee.

I’ll Take A Dozen!

A group of kittens is called a kindle, while a group of fully-grown cats is called a clowder.

Not Just Southpaws Male cats are more likely to be left-pawed, while females are more likely to be rightpawed. 11 percent of cats are ambidextrous.

Eye See You Cranium Collab Ever feel like you and your cat are two of a kind?

Research shows that humans and cats share a similar brain structure. The way we process memories, emotions, and the five senses are shared with our feline companions, according to Nicholas Dodman, BVMS, MRCVS, animal behavior chief at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine in Boston.

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Though they have an acute sense of sight and can see exceptionally well in complete darkness— approximately six to 10 times better than humans can—cats have a blind spot under their nose. They cannot see objects well that are directly in front of them, or under their nose or chins.

They also perceive motion better than colour. Cats see mostly blues, purples, and greens, perceiving reddish tones less clearly.

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Cat, M.D. According to professors at the School of Veterinary Medicine in UCLA, investigators have found that the sound frequency of purring can "improve bone density and promote healing" in humans and cats.

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INTERESTING

Here, Kitty Kitty

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LAST LICK