cat
These Catnip Alternatives Will Delight Your Cat p32
The lifestyle magazine for modern cats and their companions
INSIDE MINDS OF CATS THE
E FELIN S ET SECR LED!
F A L LF A· LW L I·NW T EI N R T2E0R2 23 0 / 2 43
TOYS THAT WILL DRIVE YOUR CAT
WILD
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A RE VE
ranslate Your T Cat’s Meows ake This Cat T Personality Test Puzzling Behaviour Explained
moderncat.com DISPLAY UNTIL JAN 31 ‘24
Expert
Advice for a
Happy
Cat
Find out on p26!
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INSIDE: Giveaways, Contests, Problem Solvers, Tested & Approved Cat Gear + More!
FALL/WINTER 2023/24
VOL 12 NO 2
36 FEATURES 26
Is Your Cat Sad?
Understanding and helping your depressed cat. BY MIESHELLE NAGELSCHNEIDER
36
Take This Cat Personality Test Study divides cats into five distinct personality types. BY SHERI RADFORD
50
This Is Why Your Cat Goes Wild When You Say “Pspspsps”
Experts explain the magic behind this universal catattractant sound, plus other sounds cats like and dislike.
62
56
Is Pet Insurance Right for Your Cat? A vet explores who pet insurance is right for. BY DR. RACHEL L. STADLER
62
THE GOODS 22
Cat-tastic designs to thrill both you and your cat!
Translating “Meow”
An A.I.-powered pet translation app aims to decipher your cat’s utterances.
34
BY ANNIKA HARLEY
64
41
How Socially Smart Is Your Cat?
60
Meet the American Shorthair
Get to know the oldest shorthaired American breed, a friendly, mellow cat with classic, easy-care good looks! BY CAROL W JOHNSON
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Vertical Space Solutions The best cat trees, perches, shelves, and more!
Try these social intelligence tests and see how your cat fares! 78
Purrfect Presents
A gift guide for cats & cat lovers!
BY STEVE DUNO
70
The Cat Gear Look Book
Your at-a-glance guide to the best stuff for you and your cat.
Tricks for Cats
How trick training can strengthen the bond between you and your cat.
Catify Your Life
68
Healthy Paws
Solutions for everything from picky eating to bad breath!
60
PHOTO LEFT SOUPSTOCK/ADOBE STOCK; ILLUSTRATION RIGHT MICHELLE SIMPSON; RIGHT INSET CATIT
BY TRACEY TONG
78
50
CAT LIFE 20
BODY & SOUL
We’ve got months of cool cat stuff—from pet portraits to wellness supplies—up for grabs! Turn to page 20 to see what you can win.
Home Alone
How long can cats be left alone? Experts agree this is the maximum amount of time.
30
How to Pill a Cat
46
Discover these 10 surprising facts about orange tabby cats, from their gregarious personalities to their shared commonality with your favourite redhead.
A vet shares her top tips for medicating your cat. BY DR. ELEANOR FLYNN
Top 5 Tips for Keeping Your Cat’s Teeth Clean
48
Life hacks for making a dreaded task easier.
10 Fascinating Orange Cat Facts You Probably Didn’t Know
32
On The ‘Nip
Plus, these catnip alternatives will drive your cat wild! BY ROSE FROSEK
54
Meet the smallest cat breed in the world!
REGULAR FEATURES 6 8 10 12 18 79
Editor’s Letter Contributors Stuff We Love The Scoop Photo Contest Marketplace
The Rusty Spotted Cat: Discovering the World’s Smallest Wild Feline BY EVA ERHARDT
72
36
Social gathering? Try these cat facts to get the conversation flowing! BY CAMILLE LEMOS
74
This Ragdoll cutie was photographed by Karen Weiler of Posh Pets Photography.
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Connie’s Book Club
Editor-in-Chief Connie Wilson’s selection of new, must-read books for cat lovers. 76
COVER CAT
8 Interesting Cat Facts
Tiny Cat Stories
Cat love in short form: miniature, reader-submitted cat stories of no more than 100 words. 80
Last Lick
Kittens: a balm for the spirit.
In USA: MODERNCAT (ISSN 1929-3933) Volume 12, Issue 2. Published semi annually by Modern Cat Inc. at 142 Churchill Drive, Newington, CT 06111-4003. Postage paid at Hartford, CT and additional offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Cat, PO Box 310402, Newington, CT 06131-0402.
P H O T O L E F T S U S H K O V A 2/ S H U T T E R S T O C K ; R I G H T L A R R Y J O H N S O N ; L E F T I N S E T I W E I H U A N G / S H U T T E R S T O C K
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CONNIE WILSON WITH DAO DAO, PHOTO TANYA KING
OUR READERS WRITE
S
ome of the very reasons we love cats—their enigmatic nature, the wildness they retain, their sometimes-mercurial personalities—are also the things that confound us (isn’t that always the way?). We’re here to help you better understand your sometimes mysterious feline friend. Our team of feline behaviour experts has devoted their lives to delving into the minds of cats and explaining their behaviour. In this issue, “Cat Whisperer” Mieshelle Nagelschneider takes a look at sad cats, revealing how to diagnose depression in cats and sharing effective ways to cheer up an unhappy cat. We take a look at a cat translation app that claims to reveal what your cat’s meows mean. And cat-vet Dr. Eleanor Flynn shares novel ways to make pilling a cat easier. We’ve also got a science-backed Cat Personality Test you’re definitely going to want to take and a quiz to determine how socially smart your cat is. Did you know over 30 percent of cats don’t respond to catnip? Discover catnip alternatives that will drive your cat wild (p 32), along with the best vertical space solutions via our round-up of stylish and catapproved cat trees, perches, shelves, and more. And we’ve got gift ideas galore to delight cats and cat lovers. And that’s not all. Get to know the World’s smallest cat, enter our new round of giveaways to win cool cat stuff, and check out the latest batch of heartwarming Tiny Cat Stories. As usual, the issue is packed with expert advice, contests, tested and approved cat gear, tons of cute cats, and so much more! So, dive on in, and let us know what you think! If you’re not already, follow us on Facebook, where we run Friday Freebies every week—all you need to do to win awesome cat products is comment on the post!
Catpuccino & Magazines
“I having a catpuccino and reading my latest copy of Modern Cat... I fancy.” —@kedi_vs_tedi
Cover Material
How can I be the cover boy??? —@littlefujiandgoji
Thank you for being a part of this amazing cat-loving community. With love,
Connie Wilson, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
‘‘
Everything natural—every flower, tree, and animal— has important lessons to teach us if we would only stop, look, and listen. — Eckhart Tolle from Guardians of Being
’’
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Weekends are for Modern Cat
Enjoying some Caturday reading! —@auntiesmoggy
CON TRIBUT O R S FALL · WINTER 2023/24 VOL 12 NO 2 Publisher
Cat vet Dr. Rachel L. Stadler loves cats and writing about cats. For the past 12 years, Rachel has practiced feline medicine at Chester County Cat Hospital in West Chester, PA, where she lives with her husband and two children. In the office, she enjoys helping owners and cats have a good quality of life and a strong human-animal bond. Turn to page 56 for her look at pet insurance and whether it’s right for your cat!
Modern Cat Inc. Editor-in-Chief
Connie Wilson Editor & Creative Director
Jennifer Nosek Design & Production
Megan Carpick Sales & Marketing
Linda Helme Comptroller
Cecilia de Roca Chan, CPA, CGA Marketing & Sales Coordinator
Simran Parekh Audience Development Coordinator
Yaunna Sommersby Subscriptions & Office Administration
Anna Regino Administrative Assistant, Sales & Marketing
Aly Stamper Administrative Assistant
Angelie Hizon
Author and pet behaviourist Steve Duno has trained thousands of pets and their people. His 16 pet care books and many articles address a wide variety of topics, including breed-specific behaviour, environmental enrichment, basic obedience training, behaviour modification, tricks, and nutrition. Turn to page 64 for Steve’s look at why you should teach your cat tricks and how to get started!
INTERESTED IN SUBSCRIBING? Give us a call at 1-800-417-6289 or subscribe online at moderncat.com/subscribe Advertising inquiries call (866) 734-3131 In Canada: MODERNCAT (ISSN 1929-3933) Volume 12, Issue 2. Published semi annually by Modern Cat Inc. at Suite 101 2930 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6J 3Y9 POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Cat, Suite 101 - 2930 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6J 3Y9 In USA: MODERNCAT (ISSN 1929-3933) Volume 12, Issue 2. Published semi annually by Modern Cat Inc. at 142 Churchill Drive, Newington, CT 06111-4003. Postage paid at Hartford, CT and additional offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Cat, PO Box 310402, Newington, CT 06131-0402. PHONE
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This issue’s cover was photographed by Karen Weiler, an award-winning pet portrait and commercial animal photographer who believes that earning the trust of your furry subject is the secret to an incredible portrait. Karen has travelled extensively around the world, but calls Toronto, Canada home. That’s where, in addition to photographing her Posh Pets Photography clients, she donates her photography services to multiple shelters and rescue groups. Karen and her husband are happily owned by two rescue kitties, Panda and Bentley.
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The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, images, photographs or other materials. By accepting and publishing advertising the publisher in no way recommends, guarantees or endorses the quality of services or products within those advertisements. Copyright 2023 by Modern Cat Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means, electronic or mechanical, including the Internet or photocopying without the written permission of the Publisher. Modern Cat and its logotype are the trademarks of Modern Cat Inc. Modern Cat is published two times a year. Two-year subscription prices: Canada $18CAD, U.S.A. $18USD, foreign $45USD. Subscription orders and customer service inquiries should be sent to Modern Cat Subscription Services, Suite 101 - 2930 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6J 3Y9
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ENTER TO WIN
We’re giving it away! Enter to win fabulous giveaways October through March. Go to moderncat.com/giveaways to enter! Lucky readers will win every two weeks.
October
1st -14th
Win Armarkat’s Premium Model X7001 Cat Tree! A purrfect vertical space solution for your pampered feline, this durable cat tree is Cat Daddy approved by Jackson Galaxy.
November
15th -31st
Win 1 of 8 custom pet portraits from illustry! Includes a unique 12 x 18 print in the art style of your choice.
December
1st -14th
Win 1 of 4 custom framed portraits or unframed canvases from Crown and Paw! Winners will get to choose the portrait size and style.
Win 1 of 2 feline grooming prize packs from Pride + Groom! Includes their foaming waterless shampoo, leave-in conditioner, grooming wipes, a brush, deodorizing spray, and paw balm.
Win a six-month subscription to CatLadyBox! This monthly subscription box for cat lovers includes cat-themed surprises for you, plus ameowzing cat toys for your kitties!
15th -30th Win 1 of 3 sterling silver and enamel band rings from Mark Poulin Jewelry! Purrfect for cat people, this ring features the phrase “Talks to Cats.”
January
15th -31st
Win 1 of 3 complete Calm Your Paw’zzz sets from The Stinky Pet Co.! Includes one candle, room spray, sanitizer, and pet-safe essential oil blend.
February
1st -14th
1st -14th
1st -14th
Win 1 of 3 litter care prize packs from Catalyst Pet! Includes a six month supply of Catalyst litter, a premium scoop, and a litter mat.
March
15th -29th
Win 1 of 4 cat lover bundles from Skinny Pete’s Catnip! Includes an original cat tee or tank top and a framed cat-themed art poster.
1st -14th
Win 1 of 2 Cento cat trees from Mau! This beautiful tree includes everything your kitty needs, is easy to clean, and will last for years since all wear and tear parts are replaceable.
15th -31st
Win 1 of 2 feline wellness prize packs from Vetericyn! Includes two bottles each of their Vetericyn Plus Feline Antimicrobial Facial Therapy, Hydrogel, Wound & Skin Care, and Ear Rinse solutions.
15th -31st
Win 1 of 4 feline wellness prize packs from Banixx! Includes a bottle of the Banixx Pet Care Spray, cat treats, cat toys, and catnip.
No purchase necessary to enter or win. Beginning October 1, 2023 at 12:01 AM (PST) through March 31, 2024 at 11:59 PM (PST), enter each day at moderncat.com/giveaways. Each biweekly giveaway ends at 11:59 PM (PST). Every two weeks, the specified number of winners for that giveaway will win the prize featured in the giveaway calendar (ARV: $200). Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. Contest is open to legal Canadian and/or US residents 18 and older as of date of entry. Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited by law. Giveaway subject to complete official rules available at moderncat.com/giveaways.
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INSET PHOTO: DRACO SUBMITTED BY KIRRA
s y a w a e v i G t a Gre
SPECIAL PROMOTION
Purrfect Presents A gift guide for cats & cat lovers!
Handmade in Pontiac, Michigan, the epiphany glass Sleeping Kitties are guaranteed allergy free and never need a litter box! Solid hot-sculpted glass with layers of colour, signed and dated on the bottom. epiphanyglass.com
The Holiday Crinkle Ball is the purrfect way to make your furry friend feel special during the holiday season! This toy combines fun, engagement, and festive cheer to keep your cat entertained for hours. cancorinnovations.com
The RYERCAT Toothbrush is a dual-sided, cat-specific toothbrush with a super small micro head and pointed pick end. Made of cornstarch and available in five colours! RYERCAT is a small family business based in Vancouver, Canada. ryercat.com
Gorgeous gloves embellished with Laurel Burch’s infamous Polka Dot Gatos enhance any outfit! These buttery soft touchscreen gloves are ideal for driving and protect your hands with style. mythreecats.com
The Yeowww! Catnip Kris Krinkle Gift Bundle comes bagged and tagged and ready for giving. Whether naughty or nice, cats will be clamoring for a bundle of this holiday cheer! Includes 3 Yeowww! Catnip toys and a mini bag of catnip. yeowww.com
Gift peace of mind with Tractive’s CAT Mini, the world’s #1 GPS tracker for cats! Featuring Live GPS tracking, activity and sleep tracking, Virtual Fence and more. tractive.com
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SPECIAL PROMOTION
Purrfect Presents
The Armarkat A8104 is a premium cat tower designed for ultimate feline comfort. Its plush, supportive design ensures your furry friend enjoys a cozy retreat, making it a perfect addition to any cat-loving home. armarkat.com
Show your love for cats in style with these PURRRfect artistcreated gifts! LisetteArt Shop has whimsical wood signs, fun mugs, tees, art, and more. You’ll find MEOW-velous gifts for any cat lover! lisetteartshop.com/cats
Four feet of rainbow coloured plush fabric attached to an unbreakable wand inspires snake hunting adventures in the minds of cats! Certified safe, colourfast and non-toxic, the Rainbow Cat Charmer toy is made in Cat Dancer’s solar powered factory in Wisconsin. catdancer.com
Purrfectplay Catnip Baby Carrots are perfect to toss, carry, and juggle! Little organic cotton gems that keep your kitties active. Made in the USA, these toys are fragrant, fresh, and plastic free! purrfectplay.com
Elevate your day with LoftyLoo: sit or stand to scoop. Lifts litter pans for joint-friendly cleaning. Wheelchair accessible. Storage controls odour while keeping supplies within reach, and the raised litter station creates accessibility for all. loftyloo.com
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The Yeowww! Catnip La CAT-rina toy brings playtime to life! Based on the designs of the decorative sugar skulls emblematic of the Day of the Dead celebrations, La CATrina is an elegant and colourful feast for kitty’s senses. Made with durable cotton twill and packed with organically grown catnip! yeowww.com
SPECIAL PROMOTION
Purrfect Presents
Big solutions from a little boost! All-new Go! Solutions Boosters wet food toppers for cats provide a complete and balanced meal alternative, conveniently packaged in a single-serve, single-solution package. go-solutions.com
Countdown to a meowgical holiday season with the Catcouver Cat Advent Calendar! Treat your furry friend to daily surprises and festive feline fun. A purrfect way to celebrate together! shop.catcouver.com
Experience luxurious, petfriendly home fragrance products with The Stinky Pet Co.’s hand-poured essential oil soy wax candles, room sprays, hand sanitizers, and essential oil blends for diffusers. thestinkypetco.com
Litter Genie has become the hassle-free litter disposal system that is closing the lid on cat odours with its unique air-tight design and multi-layer bags to lock away undesirable smells. littergenie.com
The Catit Vesper Treehouse is a modern, natureinspired playground for adventurous cats and kittens! Features elegant wooden branches and is available in 3 sizes. Learn more on catit.ca
Whether it’s your car, couch, or carpet, Fur-Zoff’s patented recycled material will quickly remove pet hair from the fabrics of your life! Works for all types of pet hair. amvllcproducts.com
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BODY & SOUL
How to Pill A Cat A vet shares her top tips for medicating your cat | By Dr. Eleanor Flynn
G
iving medication to cats is notoriously difficult, making it extra stressful when your cat is ill. No one wants to fight every day to get medication into their cat! The good news is there are many things that you can do to make the process easier and less stressful. Here are my five top tips to help you get meds into your cat without it being stressful!
# 2. EXPLOIT YOUR CAT’S WEAKNESS
Use your cat’s favourite food or treat—wet food, canned food, sardines—to your advantage and hide their medication in it. Create scarcity around this food—reserve it especially for meds time. Cats who love dry food may still eat their dry food with medication crushed on top. I know this seems improbable, but it works really well for some cats. You can also mix medications in with liquid treats if this is something your cat loves to eat. Some cats will eat pills designed to be palatable, but many cats will still be suspicious of them. Marinating these pills with your cat’s favourite treats may provide the final incentive they need. Do this by taking the medication out of the packet and putting it in the packet of treats for a day or two or simply by rubbing the pill and the treat together. Make sure you put down some treats too. Your cat may be so busy hoovering up their favourite treat that they may not notice that one is not quite like the others.
Pro Tip: Remember that hunger is always your friend when giving medication in food or treats. Choose the time when your cat is hungriest and, therefore, most likely to polish off food quickly. # 3. PILL PUTTY
Treats designed to hide medication in are soft, allowing you to mould the treat around the medication. If your cat will not eat these treats, marinate them with your cat’s favourite treats to make them more appealing.
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# 4. DOG TREATS
I’ve used dog treats to medicate my difficult-to-pill cat for many years because nothing else works! Dog treats are larger in size and may allow you to hide your cat’s medication within the treat. You need to make sure that the treat is not too big and that it is not a dog chew treat as this may break or damage your cat’s teeth. I use a dog treat that is soft in the centre. I cut it in half, scoop out the soft centre with a knife, and hide half a tablet in the treat before sealing it up with the soft centre. One or two dog treats (even daily) to get medication into your cat will not harm them.
# 5. GELATINE CAPSULES
If you can’t tempt your cat to take pills in food or treats and therefore must put medication in your cat’s mouth, this tip is for you! For these cats, you can use gelatine capsules. These are empty capsules that come in several different sizes, allowing you to put your cat’s medication inside. This achieves two things: the gelatine capsule disguises any bad taste or smell and it allows you to give multiple medications at once as you can fit several different medications into one capsule.
# 6. BONUS TIP: A FEEDING TUBE
Cats who are acutely unwell and on a lot of medication often do not eat or are extra picky, so hiding medication in food is not an option. For these cats, vets often recommend a feeding tube. This is a tube that usually goes directly into the oesophagus. Your cat can be fed food, water, and medication through this tube. Cats tolerate these tubes well and often do not even notice them. And they can stay in for weeks, until your cat has recovered. Placing the tube is very easy. It does require a short anaesthetic, but it can save a lot of anxiety in the long run. If your cat is ill, it is worth discussing with your vet if a feeding tube could help your cat.
* For more expert, cat-specific vet advice, visit allcats.co.uk!
P H OTO N E W A F R I C A / B I G STO C K
# 1. IS THERE AN ALTERNATIVE?
If you are struggling with the medication your vet has prescribed, your vet may be able to change it for something easier for you to give your cat. Some medications come as both liquid and tablets. A few medications even come as a transdermal cream that you rub on your cat’s skin. Please talk to your vet—together you can decide which form is best for you.
SPECIAL PROMOTION
Hello fresh breath and clean teeth! Oxyfresh Premium Pet
Dental Kit features their top-selling pet dental water additive and pet toothpaste, plus easy-to-use finger brushes. And because these cat dental cleaning kit ingredients are tasteless and odourless, even the
pickiest pets will love it. oxyfresh.com
Boxie Pro Deep Clean Cat Litter is made with proprietary Cat Activated probiotics that deep clean litter on a microscopic level 24/7,
so your cat won’t spread unseen waste around your home. Live probiotics consume microscopic waste and odours, providing continuous cleaning each time your cat uses the litter box! boxiecat.com
Help your cat live their best life with these wellness products!
Grooming your cat can either be a real hassle or a pleasant experience for you both. This unique 2-in-1 shell comb removes hair and
massages your cat in the most gentle way possible, leaving healthy, shiny fur, free from tangles and knots. Ergonomically designed for cats’ unique body structure. mythreecats.com These lightweight Silver Vine Activity Balls are made with 100% shredded silver vine and held together with natural gum. Easy for your feline friend to
playfully roll, with the added benefit of improved oral health and stress reduction! Silver Vine has a greater potent fragrance guaranteed to excite cats, making it a great alternative to cat nip. defineplanet.com
TEEF for Life’s Protektin30 for cats is an award-winning water additive for
easy, at-home dental hygiene. TEEF’s vegan, prebiotic technology leverages microbiology and molecular nutrition to safely promote dental health and fresh breath. One scoop per day in drinking water or on food works to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria while growing beneficial bacteria essential for optimal dental health. teefhealth.com
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#
Dental Care
I am a huge advocate for dental care. It improves cats’ health and well-being dramatically. Please make sure to check out the dental health coverage options in your insurance research. Most cats need dental exams and cleanings multiple times in their lives. Dental care in felines involves blood work, general anesthesia, dental radiographs, dental scaling and polishing, pain medications, and, more often than not, oral surgery. It’s a necessary investment, and I would expect your cat to need it. Oral care kibble does help, but please try to brush, too!
#
3
Multiple Cat Households
Those three adorable kittens will all turn ten years old together and enjoy the tuna surprise cake treat and new cat toys, and oh yes, your veterinarian will recommend blood work and blood pressure checks for all of them. They will still need their vaccines and probably some joint support supplements too. Whoa, what a handful! “As cats reach their senior life stage, we see an increased frequency in chronic conditions like cancer, heart disease, hyperthyroid disease, and chronic kidney disease,” says Dr.
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Emily Tincher, Senior Director of Pet Health for Nationwide Pet Insurance (petinsurance.com). Remember that across the pet insurance industry, pre-existing conditions are typically excluded from coverage.
Things Your Cat Might Be Considering: #1. Should I eat the feather toy? #2. How much kibble can I inhale in thirty seconds? #3. How well can I hide my dental pain from my owner? #4. Where to go prowling tonight? #5. This plant is delicious. Oh, my belly... #6. Yes, there are bugs to hunt in the basement! #7. What pretty flowers the humans brought in for me… Pet insurance is a great idea, but it should be personalized to your family, your finances, and your feline. After all considerations, pet insurance might help your family out, but only if you check it out!
PHOTO TOP PHOTOSUNNYDAYS/SHUTTERSTOCK; RIGHT INSET GRISHA BRUEV/BIGSTOCK
Among cats insured by Nationwide, chronic kidney disease reclaimed the top spot as the most common medical condition, with more than 18,400 individual claims received in 2022. The highest cost from any of the top 10 conditions came in at more than $19,821 for a Georgia cat who suffered a severe diabetic episode.
SPECIAL PROMOTION
PROBLEM SOLVERS Ingenious solutions to common cat-life problems
PROBLEM: DAILY LITTER BOX SCOOPING AND ODOUR SOLUTION: Upgrade to the Leo's Loo Too and enjoy a smart litter box that automatically sifts waste, controls odour, and includes remote monitoring with the connected app. A huge step forward for cat families! casaleopet.com
PROBLEM: NO EMERGENCY CONTACT PLAN FOR YOUR PETS SOLUTION: Save My Pet ID Tag products are worn by the pet parent to alert emergency personnel that you have pets that need care. Your emergency contact information is engraved on the pendant, bracelet, or keychain. savemypetidtag.com PROBLEM: GROOMING WOES
PROBLEM: FELINE STRESS
SOLUTION: If you
SOLUTION: Chill, Kitty Kitty soft chews are enriched with broad-spectrum hemp, valerian root, and more to dial down stress-related behaviours. These all-natural, veterinarian-formulated chews promote gentle relaxation without sedation. Made in the USA with locally sourced ingredients! okoapet.com
have difficulty comfortably grooming your cat, check out HandsOn Gloves. They allow you to easily brush and bathe your cat, creating a happy and less stressful experience for both of you. handsongloves.com
PROBLEM: FELINE ACNE, ITCHY SKIN, AND FACIAL WOUNDS SOLUTION: Vetericyn Plus Feline Antimicrobial Facial Therapy aids healing and helps prevent infection in cat acne, cuts, and mouth sores, while also sooting itch and irritation associated with allergies. Safe if licked or ingested, won’t sting, and is antibiotic and steroid-free! vetericyn.com
PROBLEM: CLAY LITTER IS HARMFUL FOR THE ENVIRONMENT SOLUTION: Every
year, five BILLION pounds of clay are strip-mined in the US for litter. Made from upcycled soft wood, Catalyst has the clumping power of clay without the environmental damage. catalystpet.com
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Meet the
American Shorthair Get to know the oldest shorthaired American breed, a friendly, mellow cat with classic, easy-care good looks! By Carol W. Johnson
Photos by Larry Johnson
A Breed Born and Bred in America While there are no records
of when cats first came to North America, it is believed that shorthaired cats were brought to North American by European ships, aboard where they controlled rodents and protected food supplies. As settlers journeyed west, cats went with them, earning their keep by protecting houses and barns from vermin. Shorthairs were featured in the first U.S. Cat Show in 1895 and were one of the first five recognized breeds when the Cat Fanciers’ Association, the world’s oldest and largest registry of pedigreed and companion cats, was formed in 1906. They were shown initially as “Shorthairs,” then as “Domestic Shorthairs” before the
name “American Shorthair” was chosen in 1965. The American Shorthair is this oldest shorthaired American breed. So, what makes them so special? The American Shorthair is a muscular, medium-to-large cat with a strong, powerful presence. This cat’s distinctive head sets it apart from today’s random-bred cats. The head is large and oblong (slightly longer than wide), with a square muzzle and jaws that are designed for catching mice. The eyes are characteristically large, set wide apart, and have a shape found in no other breed: the top lid is almondshaped and the bottom lid rounded. The cat’s short, dense coat has a high degree of weather resistance and is easily maintained with weekly brushing.
A Rainbow of Colour Choices While silver and brown
classic tabby Americans are the most popular, the breed is recognized in more than 100 different colour combinations. The basic colours are white, black/brown, blue, red, and cream. These can be modified with a silver gene and/or a gene that produces patches of white. American Shorthairs are found in patterns that include solid, parti-color (tortoiseshell), smoke, shaded, and three tabby patterns (classic, mackerel, and ticked).
A Playful Spirit Americans love
to play, especially chasing feathers on a wand or on a string. If you play with your
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cat at about the same time each day, don’t be surprised to find your American fairly dancing in anticipation! This breed is most comfortable with all four feet on the floor and may feel off-balance when picked up, so be sure to strongly support your American Shorthair from underneath when handling.
An Easy-Care Kitty That’s Also Easy to Find American
Shorthairs are a healthy breed, with most living 10 to 15 years, some even longer. Care simply involves daily brushing and regular claw clipping. A wire-toothed slicker brush or a grooming mitt is perfect to help manage shedding. Finding an American Shorthair shouldn’t be a problem. They have consistently been in the top 20 breeds registered by CFA. To find a reputable breeder, consider attending a cat show.
P H OTOS L A R R Y J O H N S O N
L
ooking for a cat who is friendly, mellow, and easy to care for? Look no further than an American Shorthair! Happy-go-lucky and confident, these are true family cats, generally comfortable with children and dogs, and as American as apple pie.
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A kitten is the delight of a household. All day long a comedy is played out by an incomparable actor.
P H OTO A N U R A K P O N G PAT I M E TSH U TT E R STO CK
—Champfleury
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