Modern Cat Spring/Summer 2022

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Modern Cat Furniture That Hides In Plain Sight

The lifestyle magazine for modern cats and their companions

SPRING · SUMMER 2022

THE

MAGIC OF CATS to How

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

catifry you e hom

BRIGHT IDEAS INTERESTING CAT FACTS p80 INCREDIBLE CATIFICATION MAKEOVER

76

BRILLIANT

CAT FINDS!

Cat Myths Debunked! p52

p26 Environment Enrichment 101

moderncat.com DISPLAY UNTIL AUG ‘22

$6.95

p46 Great Cat Groups

INSIDE: Your At-A-Glance Guide To The Best Cat Stuff PLUS Giveaways Galore!

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SPRING/SUMMER 2022

VOL 11

NO 1

28 FEATURES 24

Cats and the Pandemic The surprising ways the pandemic has affected cats.

BY ZAZIE TODD

BY LISA KANAREK

32 Life With 600 Rescue Animals Funny Farm teaches lessons in kindness, compassion, and cooperation.

BY LISA KANAREK

46 My Five Favourite Cat Charities Photographer and cat rescuer Erica Danger shares her favourite organizations helping cats.

52

Feeding Your Kitten or Cat Facts, myths, and huge mistakes.

BY MIESHELLE NAGELSCHNEIDER

60 Lost Cats, Amazing Reunions Missing pets and their unlikely, heartwarming reunions with their families.

BY TRACEY TONG

64 Prison Cats Programs pairing last-chance cats with inmates are transforming lives.

BY VIVIEN FELLIGI

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30 THE GOODS 22 Catify Your Life!

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

30

52

odern Cat Furniture M That Hides in Plain Sight Forget the carpeted cat trees of yesteryear—these feline objects deserve pride of place.

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

70 Healthy Paws Solutions for everything from itchy ears to litter box germs.

PHOTO INSET LEFT NILS JACOBI/SHUTTERSTOCK;

28 “Who Will Feed Our Cats” Ukranian Cat Café remains open despite advancing Russian invasion.

22 CAT LIFE

46

20 We’re Giving It Away!

We’ve got six months of awesome giveaways, from gorgeous cat trees to food and litter! Flip to page 20 to see what’s up for grabs!

BODY & SOUL 38

right Ideas: DIY Puzzle Toys Plus B Homemade Helpers for Bottle-Baby Kittens

40

o Lilies For Cats! Exposure Could N Be Deadly

42 Vomiting: Is it a Cat Thing?

BY MARGIE SCHERK

44

ow to Spot Arthritis H in Your Cat—And What to do About It

BY ELEANOR FLYNN

48 Cat Infiltrates Canine Airport Therapy Squad A lone feline squad member is brightening the days of harried travelers.

BY VIVIEN FELLEGI

56

Your Cat Wants a Catio Why “catios” or cat patios are a game changer.

BY CYNTHIA CHOMOS

68

REGULAR FEATURES

BY ROSE FROSEK

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

30 COVER CAT Wasabi, a rescued cutie at Cat Town Oakland, photographed by the über-talented cat photographer Erica Danger.

Turn to page 46 for Erica’s five favourite cat charities and more of her beautiful work!

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72 Pet Ministry: Blessing of the Animals

Church events recognizing the deep bond between people and their pets are drawing crowds.

BY CAROLYN KOZLOWSKI

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 Last Lick: Interesting Cat Facts Social gathering? Try these cat facts to get the conversation flowing!

In USA: MODERNCAT (ISSN 1929-3933) Volume 11, Issue 1. 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.

PHOTO COVER INSETS TOP SCALIGER/BIGSTOCK.COM ; BOTTOM ERICA DANGER

6 8 10 12 18 79

Cat Shelter Makeover: Cat Room Edition The brief, the inspiration, the transformation.

EDITOR'S LETTER

Social icon

Circle Only use blue and/or white.

For more details check out our Brand Guidelines.

CONNIE WILSON WITH DAO DAO, PHOTO TANYA KING

OUR READERS WRITE

Serving Up Inspiration

W

e are delighted to share the new Spring/Summer issue of Modern Cat with you! It was a labour of love and will hopefully spark joy in these troubled times.

From the hilarious (the cats that took a Vitamix hostage, their humans captivating the internet with updates on the blender box stand-off saga) to the heart-rending—the owners of a cat café in Lviv, Ukraine, holding fast despite the advance of Russian forces—we’ve filled the pages with stories of cat lovers finding purpose, entertainment, and solace in their relationships with their feline friends.

We also share the best, modern cat design, bust cat myths (page 52 & page 80), and publish more reader-authored Tiny Cat Stories—read the latest crop and find out how to get yours published on page 76!

We explore how cats see the world, provide how-to’s for easy, fun DIYs, share environment enrichment ideas galore (a catio, anyone?), and so much more. You’ll find gorgeous cat furniture, cat groups worth supporting, the best cat toys, and wellness advice, like how to spot arthritis in cats (it’s subtler than you may think), and what to do about it.

We hope you pounce on this issue and that it brightens your day and makes you a better cat parent. Thank you for being a part of our amazing community of cat lovers!

Just over here brushing up on our ninja skills with tips from the newest edition of @modern_cat_mag. We love parkour!

—@catnip_queens

Me Time

A little less screen time, a little more me time.—@buddynopants

Connie Wilson, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

The vital function that pets fulfill in this world hasn’t been fully recognized. They keep millions of people sane. — Eckhart Tolle 6 moderncat

SPRI NG · S UMMER 2022

Cover Material

When you’re not the cover girl...

—@belindascats

cat

C ON T R IBUT OR S

SPRING · SUMMER 2022 VOL 11

Dr. Eleanor Flynn

NO 1

Publisher

Modern Cat Inc.

believes you deserve a vet who is passionate about cats. At 28, she discovered and rescued a flearidden kitten who rekindled her desire to become a vet. She quit her job, went to vet school, and has been working as a veterinarian in cat-only practices ever since. To help other cat owners, in 2021 she started allcats.co.uk, where you’ll find a library of videos offering free, expert, cat-specific veterinary advice. Turn to page 44 for her tips on how to identify and treat arthritis in cats.

Editor-in-Chief

Connie Wilson Editor & Creative Director

Jennifer Nosek Design & Production

Constance Elwes Sales & Marketing

Linda Helme Comptroller

Cecilia de Roca Chan, CPA, CGA Marketing & Sales Coordinator

Simran Parekh Audience Development Coordinator

Yaunna Sommersby Subscriptions & Administration

Anna Regino Admin Assistant

Cats truly rule photographer Erica Danger's world.

They've taken over her photography career, become a central focus for her volunteer and rescue work in California's Bay Area, and inspire everything she creates for her shop on Etsy, The Catnip Dispensary. (Find specialty catnip blends, clever cat toys, face masks, enamel pins, and other fun gifts.) She also loves plants, vegan snacks, organizing things, and exploring anywhere she can. Erica photographed this issue's adorable cover kitten, and she shares her favourite cat cafes and rescue groups on page 46. Find Erica at @ericalikescats and ericadanger.com.

Peter Eckersley 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 11, Issue 1.

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 11, Issue 1.

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

Zazie Todd loves helping

people with their pets. She is the creator of Companion Animal Psychology, an award-winning blog that shares the latest science about our animal companions and evidence-based ways to care for them. Zazie has a PhD in Psychology and an Advanced Certificate in Feline Behaviour from International Cat Care. Her new book, Purr: The Science of Making Your Cat Happy is available May 3rd. Turn to page 24 for her look at the surprising ways the pandemic has affected our cats.

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

FAX

SPRI NG · S UMMER 2022

(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 2022 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!

2 Genius! File your cat’s nails while they scratch. Made from durable, washable, waterproof paper, Kitty Cure works like a nail file—simply measure, peel, and stick onto the inner litter box walls, furniture or anywhere your cat likes to scratch. —Constance ($10, kitty-cure.com) 3 If your cat is allergic to poultry-based foods, it can be hard to find an alternative!

The grain-free Salmon and Legumes recipe from Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Foods has salmon as the first ingredient and is formulated for all life stages.

—Yaunna (from $16, chickensouppets.com) 4 Vet bills can be costly and stressful, especially if you’re on a budget! Pet insurance plans from Nationwide allow you to see any vet at any time, and get your money back on eligible vet bills!—Simran (plans start at $35 a month, petinsurance.com) 5 Ah, the return of warm weather… and shedding. If your cat’s coat is shedding and cat hair is everywhere, you need Fur-Zoff! This durable, eco-friendly pet hair remover easily gets cat hair off of clothes, furniture, carpets, and more.—Connie ($13, furzoff.net) 6 Litter box hygiene is a big concern in multi-cat households. The MultiCat Plus Litter from Sustainably Yours is made with a unique corn-cassava blend for excellent clumping and odour control. Plus, it’s fragrance free, biodegradable, and sustainably sourced!—Cecilia (from $20, sylitter.com) 7 Want to provide safe outdoor access for your cat? Easy Pet Fence has a solution! Their Cat Fence Conversion kit is easily added onto your existing fence, keeping your cat safely in your yard and giving them freedom to explore!—Linda (from $350, easypetfence.com) 8 The best three dollars you’ll ever spend! Cats absolutely love crinkling sounds and the Jumbo Crinkle Ball delivers! Durable, soft, and lightweight, this toy is beloved by cats and is perfect for encouraging play.—Jennifer ($3, crinkleball.com) 9 Stinky litter box woes? Next Gen Pet’s Cypress Fresh Litter is made with Hinoki cypress wood and green tea leaves for ultimate odour control. Plus, the small pellets reduce litter tracking!—Rosie (from $21, nextgenpet.com) 10 Fashion, but make it sustainable. The printed fabric of the airlineapproved Madison cat carrier is made from recycled plastic bottles, features a breathable mesh back, and can be used with the Pet-Trek wheels for easy transport!—Anna ($189, apetwithpaws.com)

P H OTO D I I G N AT / B I STO CK . CO M

1 Be ready for any special occasion with an adorable Cat Bow Tie from Party Animal Pets! Available in a variety of fun colours and patterns, these delightful, handmade bow ties feature an adjustable Velcro closure!— Peter ($24, partyanimalpets.com)

P H OTOS L E FT & R I G H T M I K E B R I D AVS KY / I N S E T S TA C Y B R I D AVS KY

THE SCOOP

Meet Mister Marbles Late Instagram Star Lil Bub’s Legacy Continues with “Magical Space Cat” Mister Marbles

“I

literally cried tears of joy when I first held him in my lap on our way home from the shelter—the same feeling I had the first time I held Bub 11 years ago,” owner Bridavsky shared, introducing their new cat.

When feline social media sensation Lil Bub passed away in December 2019, her loss was mourned not only by her family, but by fans across the globe. Her humans, Mike and Stacy Bridavsky, were not planning to adopt any more pets, at least for a while, but that changed when they received a call from the team at their local shelter in Bloomington, IN. “As soon as Mister Marbles was dropped off, two or three people from the shelter contacted us immediately saying they thought he was a perfect fit,” Mike says. “Not only because he was so unique and had this fantastic energy much like Bub, but his name was actually Bubba when he came in.”

The shelter staff weren’t wrong—the family felt an immediate connection to the tiny 15-month-old cat and signed adoption papers that day.

“He sat on my lap, and I just started crying because it almost felt like she was back a little bit…He purrs just like her. It is kind of uncanny,” says Bridavsky.

Bridavsky describes Mister Marbles as “perpetually confused, curious, but also remarkably confident.” Their veterinarian suspects Mister Marbles may have a case of hydrocephalus, and the cat has a harder time eating because his teeth are pointing in different directions. Nevertheless, Mister Marbles is “incredibly happy” and

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currently has no major health concerns. “He loves to cuddle and literally follows you around anywhere you go,” Bridavsky reports. Their kids are “absolutely obsessed” with the new addition to the family.

“He is truly a magical critter undoubtedly sent to us by our beloved Bub,” Bridavsky shared when introducing Mr. Marbles on Instagram. “He weighs five pounds, has an impressive snaggletooth, a head shaped like a donut, enormous blue eyes, and a double-wide half-length tail that probably belonged to a raccoon in a past life.”

Most importantly, he has “the same magical energy that brings pure joy and wonder to anyone that meets him.”

“They both have this energy that puts people in awe whenever they are around them,” says Bridavsky. “Everyone wants to see Marbles and everyone wants to hold him. He’s extraordinarily social and he really wants everyone to know that he loves them.”

Mister Marbles will become the new face of Lil Bub’s Big Fund, the non-profit the Bridavsky’s started in honour of their late cat, and work to become a registered therapy cat. He will also be a part of new community and school outreach programs to teach kids how they can get involved in animal welfare and address anti-bullying issues.

“He continues her story in the present with all of his antics and through sharing his story. It gives us something new to share with all of her fans,” Mike says. “All of Bub’s fans are very loyal, committed, and excited to hear about Marbles. It feels good to have that again.”

—Yaunna Sommersby Follow Mister Marbles’ adventures on Instagram: @itsmistermarbles

P H OTO S N I K I I & J E SS I C A G E R S O N - N E E V E S

THE SCOOP

Cats Take Vitamix Hostage: THE BLENDER BOX STANDOFF THAT CAPTIVATED THE INTERNET

C

at people know that felines have a never-ending affection for boxes, but Jessica and Nikii GersonNeeves didn’t expect their three rescue cats to take that inherently feline obsession to the next level. The Vancouver Island, BC, residents ordered a Vitamix blender during a Black Friday sale, envisioning soups and smoothies, but when the package arrived in midDecember, their cats had other plans.

Their five-year-old tuxedo cat Max (also affectionately known as “the Sentient Soccer Ball”) sparked the situation, claiming the box just moments after it was brought inside and placed on the kitchen floor. Jessica snapped a photo and shared it on Facebook with a

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tongue-in-cheek caption, commencing what would become a diary of the standoff, captivating the Internet.

Not to be left out, their 13-year-old orange tabby George (aka “the Sentient Potato”) and their 13-year-old black cat Lando Calrissian (“the Questionably Sentient Dust Bunny”) joined in, demanding their turns. From the moment of its arrival, the cats refused to be lured from the box, squabbling over who got to sit upon it or guarding it while the other cats took a break to eat. The blender, of course, remained trapped inside the box.

“It turned out that this was not a passing interest in the Vitamix and this box was suddenly the most interesting thing in our whole house, according 

THE SCOOP CAPTION THIS!

to the three cats,” Jessica tells Modern Cat. “This kind of absolutely obsessive focus on one thing—neither my wife nor I had ever seen anything like this from them before.” Jessica even got up in the middle of the night in an attempt to reclaim the box. It was occupied.

The saga continued for over a month, with the cats never leaving the blender box unoccupied. The couple documented the hostage-taking on their Facebook page with regular updates, gaining over 54,000 followers in the process. The posts went viral, and their story was widely reported in the media, in outlets from The Washington Post to NPR. The couple was surprised and definitely amused by the response the situation has received.

“You know, the internet is pretty much always caught up in one cat or another, but you never really expect it to be your cat,” Jessica says.

Jessica believes the major reason people have become so captivated with the saga is the humour. They have even had healthcare workers and followers reaching out to them to say their posts are getting them through the day.

“There really aren’t words for how rewarding that is.

Something silly that we started doing for fun is actually making a difference in people’s lives. Our three goofy cats and the two of us being goofy is bringing so much joy to people,” Jessica says.

And yes, their posts even got the attention of Vitamix. The company sent the couple empty Vitamix boxes as decoys, hoping it would mean Jessica and Nikii could finally use their new appliance. Eventually, it became clear the decoy boxes were not going to work, so Vitamix sent another blender.

“When the second one arrived, we did not let it touch the floor! We got it right out of the box and put it directly into rotation,” Jessica explains. “Two days after that, they abandoned their ‘siege’ altogether, because of course they did.”

While this stand-off ended in the most cat-like way possible, the Gerson-Neeves’ are grateful they were able to bring people joy and have fun with their trio of beloved rescue cats at the same time.

“The cats were having fun, we were certainly having a lot of fun, the internet was having fun,” Jessica says. “My wife says, ‘find joy where it lives.’ In a world in which everything is very stressful and overwhelming right now, if where joy lives is in your kitchen on a blender box, go with it!”—Yaunna Sommersby

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C A RTO O N S BY J O H N K LO SS N E R ; J K LO SS N E R . CO M

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

And the winning captions from last issue are…

“It’s from Grub Hub. The dog ordered nachos.”

SUBMITTED BY JOSEPH DEWAN

RUNNER-UP CAPTIONS “Mondays...am I right?”

SUBMITTED BY LINDA FUKALEK

“Oh, by the way, I sold the dog on the Internet.”

SUBMITTED BY KATHY HOOK

“Let me stop you right there, Cheryl, not ‘til I’ve had my morning coffee.”

SUBMITTED BY PATRICK HOLT

“No need to get up, I know where the cream is!”

SUBMITTED BY TOBY COLLINS

INSET PHOTO MIHAILO K/BIGSTOCK.COM

What you see.

What cats see.

HOW CATS SEE THE WORLD Cats are colour blind, perceiving only shades of blue and green, but can see much better than humans in the dark PHOTO TOP ESIN DENIZ/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; BOTTOM LEFT THEIMAGESTOCKS/BIGSTOCK.COM

C

olour It is commonly thought that cats only see shades of grey, but this is incorrect.

A cat’s vision is similar to a human who is colour blind— they can see shades of blue and green but have trouble perceiving pinks

and reds (which appear green-ish) and purple (which appears as another shade of blue). Cats also don’t see the same level of colour saturation that we see.

Night vision Cats have evolved to be excellent nocturnal hunters. It is estimated that a cat’s nighttime vision is six times better than ours due to the high number of rods in their retina that are sensitive to dim light. The trade-offs are cats don’t see fine detail or rich colour as well as we do.

Why do cats’ eyes glow in the dark? Another reason cats have excellent nocturnal vision is because of the tapetum, an extra layer at the back of the eye behind the retina. The tapetum acts like a mirror, reflecting light that passes between the rods and the cones back to the photoreceptors. This gives cats a second chance to absorb the small amount of light available at night. Cats are also able to dilate their pupils widely, maximizing

the amount of light entering the eye in dim settings.

Distance vision Cats are nearsighted—they can’t see distant objects clearly. However, up-close they see very well, which serves them when hunting.

*

Editor’s Pick: Keep your cat’s eyes healthy. Ocu-GLO Soft Chews have Grapeseed Extract, Lutein, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and a unique combination of 12 different antioxidants to help prevent damage and protect vital eye cells! (from $35, animalnecessity.com)

moderncat.com

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E L I SM

moderncat’s Photo Contest Winners!

dutchess

holly

Too Cute!

stephen

elli

masuka

Nvidia & spero

talulah

mozart

Timmy

luna

Yuzu

jesse

pippa

ron

cousteau

dora

tohru

Dash

truman

swayze

cinnamon

Awww Sya

toulouse

Ollie

fabio

chester

cleo

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

mushroom

archie

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 April through September. Go to moderncat.com/giveaways to enter! Lucky readers will win every two weeks.

April

May

1st -14th

Win 1 of 12 Fur-Zoff, the new and better way to remove pet hair from your home and vehicles. Made in USA of 90% recycled material, it’s 100% durable!

15th-30th Win a Unique Wooden Cat Tree Condo from Morris Animal Foundation! Not only will your cat love this tree, but it will also look great in any home.

June

1st -14th

Win 1 of 2 prize packs from Eco Cat Co. Includes one Kitty Kebab sustainable scratching post and three eco-friendly organic catnip toys, purrfect for playtime and the planet!

15th-31st

Win 1 of 5 CBD Pet Care Transdermal Pens from The Green Pet Shop! Designed to help you easily provide your cat with the benefits of CBD.

July

1st -14th

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

August

1st -14th

Win 1 of 10 bags of WellyChef’s Homemade Cat Food Done Right Base Mix! Makes it easy to cook fresh cat food at home, simply add fresh meat raw or gently cooked.

15th-30th

Win 1 of 3 cat book bundles from Quirk Books! Includes copies of Cat’s First Baby, Pet That Cat!, Crafting With Cat Hair, Cat Castles, and The Cat Owner’s Manual.

15th-31st

Win 1 of 2 feline wellness prize packs from Vetericyn! Includes bottles of their Vetericyn Plus Feline Antimicrobial Facial Therapy, Hydrogel, Wound & Skin Care, and Ear Rinse solutions.

1st -14th

Win 1 of 6 SLIDERS from Cat Amazing! This vet recommended interactive puzzle feeder will keep your kitty busy and active while slowing down their eating.

September

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-31st

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.

15th-30th

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 April 1, 2022 at 12:01 AM (PST) through September 30, 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: MONIQUE SUBMITTED BY NATHALIE LESSARD

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

from

35

$

Create your cat’s dream set-up with the Armarkat Wall Series!

These sturdy sets include a cat condo, a wooden perch, and either an additional cozy soft perch or a sisal wrapped step. Bonus: add on the soft sisal ladder for extra fun! armarkat.com

from

77

$

The elevated Artisan Wood Feeder from Bowsers Pet Products let’s cats eat and drink with ease.

Features dishwasher safe ceramic bowls for easy cleaning. Especially great for older or arthritic cats! bowsers.com

Catify Your Life!

30

$

Fact: Cats often prefer running water. Keep them hydrated with the Pioneer Pet Magnolia Drinking Fountain. It features three drinking surfaces, continually filtered water, and a replaceable charcoal filter, plus it’s easy to clean! pioneerpet.com

17

$

Your cycling adventures need this adorable Cat Bike Bell from My Three Cats! It’s not just a cute cat face—a loud bell to ensure you’re heard. mythreecats.com

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

$

850

Give your cat the ultimate feline hideout with the Square Paws Anchovy Cat Cando! This handcrafted cat condo is a work of art. A sisal scratching post and plush carpeting make it a cat’s dream. squarepaws.com

from

50

$

Perfect for cat lovers, Skechers’ BOBS shoes are cute and comfy—plus the brand gives back to shelter animals in need across North America through Petco Love. bobsfromskechers.com

P H OTO S B O G D A N S O N J A CH N Y J / S H U TT E R S TO C K . CO M

Cats & The Pandemic: The Surprising Ways the Pandemic Has Affected Cats Why your cat loves having you at home (and how to help them adjust to more alone time)

By Zazie Todd

T

owards the end of the working day, my cats come and join me in my home office and take turns to walk across my desk. Sometimes Melina lies down next to my keyboard and purrs. I pet her a little and then when I start to type again, she bats at my hand with a paw, a soft rap on the knuckles to tell me to finish work for the day.

They didn’t used to do this. I noticed a change in my cats in the first half of 2020: they like us being home more. It turns out my cats aren’t the only ones.

HOW THE PANDEMIC AFFECTED CATS Everyone’s experience has been different, but whether we had a strict lockdown or not, many of us worked from home more and went out to socialize less. This

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meant our cats had the pleasure of our company for longer—or had to put up with us being around, depending on their perspective.

CHANGES IN CAT BEHAVIOUR Cats may actually have fared better than other pets, as several studies show that people report positive changes in their cat’s behaviour. Many people say that their cat is interacting with them more, according to a survey of American pet owners published in People and Animals. Dr. Shelly Volsche of Boise State University, the first author of this research, says, “Our study and observations suggest that many cat ‘parents’ were quite surprised at their cat’s enjoyment of them being home. I remember at the beginning of

PHOTO MASHHA/BIGSTOCK.COM; ILLUSTRATION SSSTOCKER/BIGSTOCK.COM

the pandemic, there was a meme or media article to the effect that dogs were loving the work from home lifestyle and cats were simply waiting for us to go back to work.

Our respondents clearly found the opposite.”

There are similar results from a large survey that took place during the first UK lockdown, published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Cat guardians, more so than other pet guardians, said there were positive changes in their pet’s welfare. 36 percent said their cat was more affectionate during lockdown.

Understanding these changes is not so simple. If our cats are

Pandemic Adoptions Contrary to popular reports, people did not rush out to get cats for the first time. Research by the ASPCA published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science found that pet ownership did not increase during this time, and in fact slightly fewer homes had a pet cat compared to before the pandemic.

HAPPY VS. UNHAPPY: SIGNS IN CATS ·

Your cat should still be doing their normal things: eating, sleeping, playing, sitting near you, etc.

·

A happy cat will have resting periods throughout the day. Signs of a more relaxed posture include laying on their side or curled like a doughnut, the tummy being visible, the tail being loose and away from the body, and the eyes being closed or semi-closed.

·

A happy cat will be interested in play, including playing with toys on their own and interactive play with you. More play with the wand toy will likely make them happier!

·

In a multi-cat home, cats will get along with each other as usual. A worsening of the relationship (which may be as subtle as one cat blocking the other) may be a sign that one cat is unhappy or unwell.

·

Changes in behaviour such as house soiling, agitation, frustration, aggression, or sleeping more than usual may be signs your cat is unhappy. See your vet to check for medical issues.

attached to us, it may be that they simply enjoy spending more time with us. Or we’re encouraging it. Dr. Emily Shoesmith of the University of York, first author of the UK study, says we could be reinforcing our cats’ attention-seeking behaviour.

We already know that people can inadvertently encourage their cat to meow more. “It is clear that many owners have a greater need for their animals’ company during the pandemic,” says Shoesmith, “so it seems reasonable to suggest that the perceived increase in cat’s affectionate behaviour and dependence on the owner may be the result of changes in owner behaviour during lockdown.” Think: wanting company and cuddles from our cat.

Another possibility suggested

by Volsche is that until some pet guardians were bored at home, they did not notice the ways in which their cat was trying to connect with them.

HOW TO HELP YOUR CAT COPE WITH CHANGES There are several ways to help your kitty adjust to a new routine, but there’s something to not do too, at least not without some thought.

If you’re heading back to the office every day, some people may be tempted to get another feline friend.

But don’t rush out to get another cat unless you know that your existing cat is friendly towards other kitties.

Some cats enjoy feline company  moderncat.com

25

doing things together.”

Changes in routine can also be tricky. “If you are going to be away for longer periods of time and you’re going from five feeding times per day down to two feeding times per day, you probably need to adjust them to that gradually rather than just doing it all at once,” says Niel.

As things open up, cats also have to adjust to us inviting people into our home more often. It’s a good

idea to make sure your cat has multiple safe spaces where they can hide if they wish. This is especially important if there are children in the home, since some cats are nervous of young children. For very small children, always supervise interactions and guide their hand if they want to pet the cat.

Some cats may not like their guardian leaving them home alone for longer periods. Niel says keep a close eye on your cat “to make sure that you’re catching any of those subtle changes that might indicate that your cat is anxious about being alone more often.” Changes might include meowing at the door after you leave, house soiling, agitation, frustration, and aggression.

Enrichment Ideas One of the things I most enjoyed about writing my book, Purr: The Science of Making Your Cat Happy, was including lots of practical tips on enrichment. Here are three favourites:

·

Play with a wand toy. Cats love interactive play! Move the end of the toy like it’s a prey animal. When it’s time to end the session, give the cat a treat or toy they can keep. Put the wand toy away when it’s not in use.

We love the PetKi's Classic Rod toy ($11) with their Birdbug attachment ($16), rompicatz.com

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·

Use scent. Most people know about catnip, but not all cats respond (it’s genetic). Other scents you can try are silver vine (sticks or powder), honeysuckle wood, and valerian. Almost all cats will respond to at least one of these scents.

We love Dezi & Roo’s Cloud Nine Silver Vine, $11, deziroo.com

·

Food puzzle toys are a great way to get your cat to work for their food. When introducing them, fill them to the brim, include treats, make sure they are on their easiest setting, and show your cat that food will come out.

Alternatively, put small amounts of food in cupcake holders and hide them for your cat to find.

We love Cat Amazing’s Classic Puzzle Toy and Feeder, $16, catamazing.com

P H OTO S M E R K U LOVS T U D I O / S H U TT E R S T O CK . CO M

but others have a strong preference to be the only cat in the home.

A lot depends on their early experiences, and personality comes into play too, so think carefully about your cat’s perspective.

If you’re now going out more than you did earlier in the pandemic, enrichment is very important, according to Dr. Lee Niel of the Ontario Veterinary College.

She particularly recommends food puzzle toys and interactive play.

She says it’s also important to think about spending time with your cat: “Set aside time for them each day so that they have that opportunity for all of the things that you’ve been doing throughout the pandemic—snuggling together, playing together, just in general

CATS NEED MORE ILLUSTRATION ANSVETAS/BIGSTOCK.COM

Can Your Cat Get Covid?

It’s possible for people to transmit COVID-19 to their cat. So even though it seems that most cats don’t get sick from it, if you have COVID you should take measures (like wearing a mask and keeping your distance) to protect your cat. But there’s very little risk to people from cats. Dr. Scott Weese of Ontario Veterinary College writes on his Worms and Germs blog, “If my cat gets infected, he got the virus from me, my wife or my kids.”

As we notice changes in behaviour due to the pandemic, it means it’s a good opportunity to learn. Volsche says, “Take the time to find out your cat’s likes and dislikes. Spend time on the internet learning more about cat body language so you can have better “conversations.” Buy books, join social media groups dedicated to cat training, and find the joy in trying to see the world through your cat’s eyes.”

Shoesmith says the results of her study are unexpected, “particularly as there is a general assumption that cats are much more independent than other species.” I think of the way my cats like to join me at my desk.

If there’s something we can learn from the pandemic, perhaps it’s that, contrary to the stereotype, our cats do like—and need—our company after all.

Ukrainian Cat Café Remains Open Despite Advancing Russian Invasion

By Lisa Kanarek

“S

ending love and prayers.” “I admire you for not leaving your kitties.” “Thank you for your bravery and love for your cats.” These are just a few of the hundreds of messages flooding the Cat Cafe Lviv Facebook page days after Russia began its attack on Ukraine. While some businesses in the Western Ukraine city of Lviv have closed, the owners of the Cat Café refuse to leave. This feline-filled business is adamant about remaining open to care for their 20 cats and to provide comfort to customers.

CNN’s on-the-ground reporter Erin Burnett found the Cat Café Lviv to be the only place where she could get food. She wasn’t alone in seeking sustenance there; she saw a family fleeing Russian invasion inside the café also. “They were

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P H OTOS C AT C A F E L I E V

“Who Will Feed Our Cats?”

smiling because they saw the cat wheel. You cannot look at that and not smile and today any human being of this country needs the gift of a smile,” she said.

“Many people have left Lviv, so now we are one of the few who dared to work in this difficult time,” says Cat Cafe Lviv owner Serhii Oliinyk. Although they currently have fewer regular visitors, he says that people who need hot food and “positive emotions” are visiting the cafe from other cities.

Most of Oliinyk’s close friends and relatives have owned cats for years and always enjoy spending time with their furry friends. But he realized that having a pet was impossible for some. Whether they were unable to take on the responsibility of caring for a pet or shared a home with someone who suffered from allergies, these cat enthusiasts didn’t have the option of becoming pet parents.

The avid cat-lover found the ideal solution: create a place where people could meet friends for a meal or coffee while at the same time surrounding themselves with cats. What began in 2015 as a dessert cafe with eight cats has grown to a business with a full kitchen, bar, and 20 felines.

This place for informal get-togethers and birthday celebrations consists of three large rooms, two of which are in the basement of a historical building. During this frightening time, the thick walls are an added benefit, as they provide a safe shelter for customers and the café’s wide collection of cats.

The Cat Cafe Lviv gives guests the opportunity to interact and spend time with the establishment’s full-time residents, who Oliinyk says love people’s attention. It’s a win-win situation for all parties. While strolling through the space, some cats aren’t shy about sniffing a patron’s meal.

The curious cruisers are well-fed but know that “people food” is off-limits. It’s not uncommon to spot a cat jumping

Meet The Cats The four-legged ambassadors are no strangers to the regular clientele and the cafe’s more than 11,000 Facebook followers. In separate entries, Cat Cafe Lviv introduces the collection of cats through photos and profiles that would rival any online dating site.

“Hello, my name is Khalisi!” reads one post. “I really really love lying on the lap or shoulders of two-legged friends; it’s so warm and cozy!”

Another reads, “Hello, my name is Quicky! I’m quite a smart and outgoing kitty, very talkative and I really really love snuggling in teapots on my two-legged human friends’ tables.”

Some are described as outgoing, while others need a little more time to warm up to guests.

on shelves, lounging on a nearby chair or running like a hamster in a large wheel tucked into the niche of a white brick wall.

The six people who work for Oliinyk are also his close friends.

They help him care for the cats and play with them when there is a lull in customers. Some cafes in other parts of the world allow patrons to adopt the animals, but the cats roaming throughout Cat Cafe Lviv are there to stay.

The variety of breeds weaving their way through chairs and napping on tables includes Persian, Canadian

Sphynx, Don Sphynx, Scottish Hat cat, and Bengal, among others. Oliinyk often stresses the health benefits of interacting with cats, including their ability to increase happiness. He ends nearly every social media post with the words, “And remember: Cats = Good mood = High immunity.”

Along with offering messages of hope, pet lovers from around the world are donating funds to the cafe. Oliinyk apologizes for not being as active on social media lately but takes the time to thank those who have contributed funds to feed the felines and support the Ukrainian army. A former employee and his wife, now living in Canada, are managing donations from outside the country as Ukrainian PayPal is not accepting money at this time. If you would like to donate, you can do so via PayPal using the email innagreen20@gmail.com.

Twenty percent of all donations the café receives are being sent to the Ukrainian army to fund their efforts.

Oliinyk says that for now, Lviv is calmer than many cities in Ukraine.

Residents often hear air raid sirens, but he reports being safe.

“We don’t panic,” he says. “We stay with the kitties and stay ready to defend our city.” moderncat.com

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The Ivy cat tree from Mau Pets is a boho beauty featuring a variety of perch heights, machine washable cushions, and four fun pom-pom balls to encourage play! Plus, the baskets and all other parts can be replaced and customized.

A gorgeous way to provide all-important vertical space! maupets.com

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Your cat will lounge the day away with this Lounge Cat Hammock from Catastrophic Creations.

Wall-mounted to free up space, this modern, minimal hammock features hidden brackets to give it a floating look.

(Fabric is removable and washable!) catastrophiccreations.com

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This durable, jute-wrapped spherical scratcher is a thing of beauty. The round shape of the Kitty Power Paws Sphere Scratching Post from Prevue Pet Products provides additional scratching, pouncing, and jumping space, and a feather-tipped tassel brings extra fun! prevuepet.com

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Adjust the tilt of this beautiful, convertible cat scratcher from Makesure to allow your cat to scratch at angles up to 90 degrees. Configure horizontally and it doubles as a side table or platform for your cat to rest on.

Genius! makesurepet.com

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Seamlessly hide your cat’s litter box with Tuft and Paw’s gorgeously minimal Rifiuti Litter Box Enclosure. Made from solid pine, this stylized modern cabinet has space for a litter box and litter tray and is easy for your cat to use. tuftandpaw.com moderncat.com

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Juliette

Politico

Laurie & Hope Blind baby lamb, Bradley

Laurie & Hope Nikki

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LIFE

WITH 600 RESCUE ANIMALS Funny Farm teaches lessons in kindness, compassion, and cooperation

L

By Lisa Kanarek

aurie Zaleski was in kindergarten when her mother, Annie McNulty, fled an abusive marriage, her three children in tow. The family settled into a one-bedroom shack they rented in the woods, where electricity and water were a luxury. Between the homeless pets her mom brought home from her job at the local animal control and the ones abandoned at the edge of the farm, more than 35 animals lived on the property. Annie dubbed their place the “Funny Farm.”

From childhood, Zaleski resolved that one day, she would buy her mom a farm to rescue and care for abused and neglected animals. 20 years later, she fulfilled that promise, purchasing a 15-acre farmstead in Mays Landing, NJ, and creating one of the largest animal rescues in the Northeast, with over 600 animals, including dogs, cats, goats, pigs, chickens, and horses.

Her idea was to live on the property with her mom—her best friend—and continue to run her thriving business, Art-Z Graphics, a company she started in 1996. Her plans abruptly changed when two weeks before Zaleski signed the closing documents, her mother passed away from cervical cancer.

She maintained the Funny Farm on her own for 12 years while still operating her business. Finally, in 2011, when her feed bill reached $4,000 a month, she started the process of forming a non-profit. The Funny Farm Rescue & Sanctuary was established a year later.

Soon, people asked when they could visit and volunteer. She couldn’t imagine anyone wanting to help her without pay, but not long after, a small group of family and friends trickled into the farm to help. Word spread in the community, and the number of volunteers grew. Currently, Funny Farm has between 10 and 12 regular volunteers throughout the week and about 100 for special events and projects. An adult must accompany children under 15, and all visitors and volunteers are required to sign a waiver. As one of the few farms with no age restriction for volunteers, they’ve ranged  moderncat.com

33

Laurie, Tucker & Nemo the Goat

from ages 3 to 83. One volunteer even uses a walker and greets visitors at the front gate.

More than 100,000 people visit the Funny Farm each year at no charge.

In her new book, Funny Farm: My Unexpected Life with 600 Rescue Animals, Zaleski details events from her past, including her family’s challenges living on the edge of poverty. “It’s the story of my mother’s life Laurie & Darth Vadar from my perspective and how the Funny Farm came to be,” she says. Interspersed are tales of a few of the many animals she’s taken in and the unlikely bonds they’ve made with one another.

Before writing a book geared to adults, Zaleski teamed with social media volunteer Matt Reeves to create children’s books based on three Funny Farm animals. The books are part of her Kindness Program, teaching anti-bullying and understanding those with special needs. By bringing animals to schools, she shows that if various species can get along, so can the children.

On a typical weekday, Zaleski wakes up at about 4 am. She runs her graphics firm from home, occasionally going into the office.

Although the Funny Farm is only open to the public on Tuesdays and Sundays, volunteers arrive each day to help. The first task of the day is to feed and water the animals. “If I get three volunteers a day, I’m ecstatic,” she says. “If I get five or six, we can get it all done.”

Adele, her chicken, lives inside with 11 dogs, but most of the animals roam the farm, interacting with different species and forming unexpected friendships. “They’re loose, and I want them to live their best life and be free,” she says. It’s not uncommon for her to look up and see a horse or cow peeking through her windows.

Zaleski is well versed in helping vets and other people with pets who otherwise would be euthanized. She has become somewhat of an expert on megaesophagus, where the esophagus gets larger and is unable to move food to the stomach. The disorder is more common in

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dogs than cats and requires the pet to sit in a box-shaped highchair while eating. Considering their short life expectancy, she dubbed Chucky, her dog with megaesophagus, the “Miracle Dog” because the odds were against him.

The vet predicted the dog would only last six months, but he lived for five years. She currently has two dogs with the condition.

Although the Funny Farm is filled with rescued and abandoned animals, people are not allowed to drop pets randomly at the gate.

But during the pandemic, someone left 21 cats covered in feces in two crates. A camera monitors activity at the front entrance, but the cats were left at the edge of the road, out of range.

Her neighbour spotted the cats and called Zaleski.

“I’m usually pretty even-keeled,” she says, “but I got on Facebook Live and asked, ‘How can people do this to animals?’” They were all sick and piled on top of each other. Five of them were pregnant.

She couldn’t let these cats mingle with her current cats and risk infecting them.

Immediately after her broadcast, people came to the farm in droves. They brought food, blankets, money, litter, and anything else they could think of to help the cats. “We didn’t ask for anything, but they just started coming,” she says. “People could feel my pain.”

A vet provided shots at a discounted rate while someone else fixed the animals. After recovering, all were adopted, except for four feral ones who remain on the farm.

People often ask Zaleski what Annie would say if she saw the Funny Farm now. “We would have way more visitors and volunteers because my mom wouldn’t stop talking about it,” she says.

“Sometimes I’m sad, but I know that she’s here.” Funny Farm, published by St. Martin’s Press, was released February 22, 2022.

P H OTOS F U N N Y FA R M R E S CU E

Adele the Diva chicken on toilet

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Homemade “Rice Socks” Keep Bottle-Baby Kittens Warm & Cozy Help your local shelter or rescue group with this fun DIY!

DIY Puzzle Toys for Cats Keep your cat entertained for hours with a Tupperware filled with cat toys and treats. Just cut holes in the lid (be sure to smooth any rough or sharp edges) and voilà, you’ve made your own cat puzzle-toy!

Tips for making the puzzle toy: l

Make sure the materials the container is made from are not too thick or it will be harder to make the holes in the lid.

l

easure out/mark where you want the holes before M cutting them.

l

Smooth/sand off any rough edges from the holes you have cut to make sure your cat’s paws don’t get scratched or poked.

l

ake sure the holes are large enough for your cat’s paw M to fit in. (We cut them to about 1.5 – 2 inches in diameter)

l

For beginners: use some of your cat’s favourite toys and treats to encourage them to dig/seek/actually use the puzzle. Be sure to choose some toys or treats that are easy for your cat to remove from the puzzle.

To challenge your cat: use toys or treats that are harder to remove.

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Gather up all those single socks—here’s how you can create rice socks for your local animal organization!

What You’ll Need: •

You’ll want a pre-washed, thick athletic sock (calf or knee length works best.)

•

Uncooked, dry rice (the quantity will depend on the size of your sock, but do not fill to the top; you’ll need room to tie it closed.)

How To Make the Rice Sock: •

Pour rice into the clean socks. The easiest way to fill a sock is to place rice in a cup, stretch the sock opening over the cup, and dump the contents in the sock. You can use a funnel as another option. Don’t pack the rice too tightly; leave some room so the sock will still be flexible and can conform to a kitten’s body.

•

Close the sock by tying a knot, as you would with a balloon.

•

If using, to heat the sock, microwave for approximately 40 seconds, then test the temperature to see if it’s nice and warm or needs more time.

P H OTO TO P L E FT YAU N N A S O M M E R SBY ; I L LU ST R AT I O N L I N E A RTS / B I G STO CK . CO M ; R I G H T E V D O H A / B I G STO CK . CO M

Bright Idea

I

n the spring and summer months, shelters and rescue groups are flooded with kittens. The most vulnerable of them are “bottle babies,” very young kittens who have been abandoned or orphaned and need to be bottle fed, in addition to receiving other special care. One of their needs is to be kept warm, which is where these rice socks come in handy. San Antonio, TX-based non-profit animal rescue organization San Antonio Pets Alive recently put out a call for volunteers to make and drop off rice socks to help out their neonatal kitten population: “We are in great need of rice socks to send home with neonates when going to a foster home. This would be a great school project…” pleaded the rescue group.

No Lilies for Cats!

Have cats? Give lilies a hard pass— exposure could be deadly

T

he entire lily plant is toxic to cats: the stem, leaves, flowers, pollen, and even the water in a vase. Eating just a small amount of a leaf or flower petal, licking a few pollen grains off the fur while grooming, or drinking the water from the vase can cause your cat to develop fatal kidney failure in less than three days, notes the FDA .

Signs of Lily Toxicity Early signs of lily toxicity in cats include decreased activity level, drooling, vomiting, and loss of appetite. These symptoms start zero to 12 hours after ingestion. Signs of kidney damage start about 12 to 24 hours after ingestion and include increased urination and dehydration.

What Should I do if My Cat Ate a Lily?

Lilies cause acute renal failure in cats. If you suspect your cat ate or

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WHICH LILIES ARE POISONOUS TO CATS? The list of poisonous lilies includes Easter lilies, day lilies, tiger lilies, and stargazer lilies. (Other plants with ‘lily’ in the name, such as peace lily, which is not a true lily, does not cause the acute renal failure associated with members of the Lilium and Hermerocallis genera, though peace lilies are mildly toxic to cats in their own right.) was exposed to a lily, the best thing to do is immediately take your cat to the vet. If you remember to do so, take a photo of the flower in question or bring it with you in a sealed Ziploc bag. Any pollen on your cat’s fur should be immediately washed off with lots of water to prevent your cat from grooming and ingesting the pollen.

“All parts of the lily (the flowers, pollen, leaves, and stems) are extremely toxic to cats, even in very small quantities. Even minor exposures, such as a cat chewing on a leaf or getting pollen on the coat or whiskers, can prove fatal.”

At the vet, your cat will be given an oral liquid that binds to the toxins and moves them out of the body through the GI tract. Fluid therapy will likely also be initiated. Cats who are treated within 18 hours of exposure to a toxic lily generally recover. However, in cases where treatment is delayed, the prognosis is generally poor and most cats are euthanized, notes the resource website noliliesforcats.com.

If you have cats, make sure there are no lilies in your home (like in flower arrangements) or yard, if you have outdoor cats in your area.

Exposure could prove fatal to your cat.

P H OTO L E FT SE RG E E VA L E K A / B I G STO CK . CO M ; R I G H T O L D M A N S TO CK E R / B I G STO C K . CO M

BODY & SOUL

• Can you see semi-digested food in it? What about hair, feathers, grass?

Among other things, semi-digested food may indicate poor gastric motility.

VOMITING: Is it a Cat Thing?

By Margie Scherk DVM, DABVP (Feline)

V

omiting: typical cat! Or is it? For some reason, we believe that it is normal for cats to vomit. “It’s just what they do. It’s part of being a cat.” But it is no more “normal” for them than it is for us. It’s a sign of a problem.

Cats ARE prone to problems that result in vomiting. These include exposure to toxins (from poisons, bacteria, food or kidney disease), stress, motion sickness, and inflammation of the intestine (inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, constipation), stomach, liver or pancreas.

How should a caring cat parent help their puking puss? If kitty is otherwise well, it isn’t an emergency, however your cat will need help from their doctor if they barf more than once. If your cat is acting ill, get her to the veterinarian quickly. In less urgent cases, your vet may send you home with a dewormer against intestinal parasites or a bland, readily digestible food for a week to sort things out. As part of a thorough examination, your vet will check under your cat’s tongue for string, such as thread or tinsel, that may have accidentally been ingested, causing a sore mouth. (Yes, cats WILL still eat even if their mouth

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hurts, which may cause them to “binge and barf.”)

In persistent or urgent cases, further workup (blood tests and urinalysis) is needed because the cause for vomiting may be systemic rather than gut related.

The more information you give your vet, the better.

• When did the vomiting first start?

• How often does it happen?

• Is the timing associated with eating?

If so, does it occur right after eating or 4-8 hours afterwards? Or is there no relationship to the time of eating?

Timing may help suggest the location of the problem.

• What does it look like (colour, quantity, consistency, contents)? Is it clear, colourless liquid or froth? Is it yellow or green? Is there fresh red blood or black coffee ground-like contents? Is it slimy or watery when you wipe it up?

Are there worms in it? Does it smell like feces? Appearance can provide clues to location and cause of the problem. Yellow-green, for example, is bile, indicating possible pancreatitis, liver disease or severe inflammatory bowel disease.

•W hat does the process look like? (Get out your mobile phone and video it if you can.) Is it preceded by yowling, drooling, lip-smacking and repeated swallowing? If so, that suggests stomach or below. If the process looks less upsetting and the vomit is tubular, it may well be from the esophagus (regurgitation).

•D id the problem start after or around the time of any change in diet?

• L et your vet know if your cat has been receiving any over-the-counter treatments, medications or homeopathic remedies.

•A re any of your other cats sick? Infectious diseases that cause vomiting may also affect the other cats in the home.

Remember to mention anything else that doesn’t seem normal with your cat. Is there any diarrhea, weight loss, coughing, or increase in the amount of urine or drinking? In older cats, changes can occur gradually so you may have to think back one or two years and mentally compare current health to previous energy, temperament, appetite, weight, mobility, etc. In a younger cat, changes in health tend to be more abrupt.

Hairballs (tubular wads of hair) are also not normal! They represent either an abnormal increase in hair ingestion (suggesting stress, itchy skin, or pain) or decreased normal passage of hair (could be caused by inflammation anywhere in the cranial abdomen resulting in decreased motility).

Vomiting always has a cause. Your cat does not enjoy vomiting. Get it checked out.

For more information go to feline-friends.org.uk/vomiting

PHOTO TUNATURA/BIGSTOCK.COM

•H ow much of it is there? (If a puddle, report in inches.) Liquid deposits on carpet make answering that question difficult, but if it is a pile, you can still report the size.

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The PIXI fountain from Catit is hydration at its cutest! This adorable 2.5 L fountain features triple action filtration, unique drinking features, and a low water level alert with auto-shutdown.

Available in four stylish colours, this fountain will provide your cat with a continuous source of fresh water! catit.ca BoxiePro products contain advanced probiotics that deep clean litter and prevent unseen waste from spreading to other areas of the home. BoxiePro helps to keep your home healthy and clean for you and your pet. Available in clumping clay and lightweight litters, and Litter Extender Sprays. boxiecat.com/pro Essentials contains a full complex of balanced vitamins and minerals to enhance cellular structure, amino acids to assist brain and muscles, and digestive enzymes to help promote stomach and intestinal health. Helpful for cats suffering from kidney or urinary tract infections, needing to manage their weight, or to maintain mobility. pureformpethealth.com

Ocu-GLO contains antioxidants, including Grapeseed extract, Lutein and Omega-3 fatty acids to help combat oxidative stress while supporting ocular health, healthy immune system, and normal vision of your aging pet. Ocu-GLO is the #1 veterinarian recommended eye health supplement by veterinary ophthalmologists around the world! ocuglo.com moderncat.com

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How to Spot Arthritis in Your Cat— and What to do About It

By Eleanor Flynn

How to tell if your cat has arthritis Feline arthritis can be challenging to spot because cats are excellent at hiding pain and will modify their behaviour to hide illness. Instead of cats clearly demonstrating they have arthritis, they may simply stop doing things they used to do. You may notice them grooming less, sleeping more or sleeping in lower places because they are no longer able to access the higher spots. You may also notice that your older cat is more irritable, especially when picked up or handled. This may be a sign that they are in pain. Arthritic cats also hesitate when they are jumping up or down from higher places. Occasionally cats with arthritis will limp, but the vast majority of cats will not, so limping is a poor indicator of arthritis in cats.

If you have an older cat, it is really important to pay attention to any slight changes in behaviour that may indicate that your cat is arthritic. Many owners associate these signs as an indication that their cat is “slowing down,” when in fact their cat may have potentially painful yet treatable arthritis.

Your vet will be able to help you to diagnose arthritis by palpating the joints and their overlying muscles, coupled with your observations at home. X-rays can

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also be performed if needed. Another way to confirm arthritis is to simply treat the cat as if they have arthritis using pain medication. If the cat suddenly becomes more mobile and starts playing and grooming more, it is a fair assumption that the cat was in pain due to arthritis.

What you can do at home to help your arthritic cat There are plenty of things you can do at home to make your arthritic cat’s environment easier to navigate and their daily tasks easier to perform. Raising food and water bowls can help cats who have arthritis in their back or neck by allowing them to bend their head and neck less when they eat and drink. There are lots of good-looking raised pet food bowls available, but you could simply put a book or a brick under the bowl to raise it up a couple of inches.

Occasionally cats with arthritis will limp, but the vast majority of cats will not.

Help your cat get to high places by providing steps. You can make these at home or there are many styles of cat steps for sale online. Put these next to beds, sofas or windows your cat favours, so instead of having to jump, he can simply walk up the steps. If you have an outdoor

cat, steps can also be placed outside so that your cat finds it easier to get over fences or access a perching spot in your garden that is high up. My top tip for buying steps is to please use a measuring tape. You want to make sure that you are buying steps that are high enough. Steps should also be non-slip. Try to buy steps with a wide tread so that when your cat is stepping down, the step is not too narrow.

If you have an older cat, I also recommend that you place a litter box on each level of your home so that your cat does not have to walk up and down stairs to go to the toilet. Litter boxes should also have a low lip so that your cat does not have to step over a high lip when getting into the box. Inaccessible litter boxes are a very common cause of older cats urinating in the house, simply because it is more convenient to urinate on the floor than navigate stairs.

Please continue to play with your older cat. This will increase bonding, alleviate boredom, and contribute to your cat’s wellbeing. Due to their arthritis, your older cat may want to play for a shorter amount of time and then rest. You should encourage them to play for short amounts of time more frequently.

If you feel that the changes you are making at home are not sufficient to manage your cat’s arthritis and you are worried that your cat may be in pain, please consult your vet. There are several treatments, such as anti-inflammatory painkillers and acupuncture, that can be used to help your cat feel more comfortable.

PHOTO STIVA URBAN/BIGSTOCK.COM

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rthritis is extremely prevalent in older cats. It is estimated that as many as 90 percent of cats over the age of 12 have some form of arthritis, but its signs aren’t as obvious to spot as you may think.

HOW TO HELP CATS WITH ARTHRITIS

Easily deliver the many benefits of CBD, like pain relief, with the CBD Pet Care Transdermal Pen. Simply pump the pen for an exacting dose then rub into the inside of your cat’s ear to supply organic, broad-spectrum hemp with naturally occurring CBD, plus MSM and lemon myrtle. ($40, thegreenpetshopcbd.com) P H OTO P H OTO G R A P H Y LOV E R / B I G STO CK . CO M

Formulated with a feline-specific blend of glucosamine, antioxidants, and vitamins, WellyTails Senior Cat Vitality Supplement supports joints, immunity, and urinary tract health. ($35, wellytails.com)

Provide continued, safe access to your cat’s favourite spaces. The pet steps from Bowsers Pet Products lets your cat avoid injury while climbing or jumping. (from $180, bowsers.com) moderncat.com

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The Catcade

Cat Café Lounge

Cat Town

Feral Change

Cat Café Lounge

Cat Café Lounge

The Catcade

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Great Cat Groups Cat Town

Photographer and cat rescuer Erica Danger’s five favourite cat charities, rescues, and cat cafés Photos Erica Danger “Oh, this is a tough one!” laughs cat photographer Erica Danger. Danger’s assignment—share her five favourite groups making a difference for cats—wasn’t an easy one. Danger devotes a ton of time to helping out cat rescue groups across the U.S. Lucky for us, she was up for the challenge. Here are Danger’s five favourite cat groups doing wonderful work that is worth checking out and supporting!

Feral Change

Cat Café Lounge

FERAL CHANGE, Bay Area, San Francisco, CA “First is Feral Change, who I volunteer and foster with here in the Bay Area. We focus on TNR for feral and community cats, where we humanely trap, neuter or spay, and then return cats to where we found them,” says Danger.

They make sure the cats get any medical care that might be needed, and whenever possible, find homes for any cats who are social enough to become house cats through Feral Change’s foster and adoption program or through partner organizations.

CAT ADOPTION TEAM, Portland, OR “I also love Cat Adoption Team, which is a cat rescue just outside of my hometown of Portland, OR. I adopted one of my first cats, Godzilla, from them many years ago!” says Danger Cat Cafés: CAT TOWN, San Francisco, CAT CAFÉ LOUNGE, Los Angeles, CA & THE CATCADE, Chicago, IL “My favourite cat cafés would have to be Cat Town here in the Bay Area, Cat Café Lounge in Los Angeles, and The Catcade in Chicago,” enthuses Danger. “All three are non-profit cat cafés, and they’re chock full of rescue cats that you can meet and adopt if you fall in love. The pandemic has limited a lot of the ‘café’ side of their operations and forced closures for months at a time, but the rescue work has never stopped! They do so much for the cats and care so deeply about saving as many lives as possible, often pulling cats into their programs who have been passed over in shelters for behavioural issues or expensive medical problems, and then they take care of it all.

The love and compassion at all three of these organizations is immeasurable.”

Cat Café Lounge

“There are dozens of other organizations that I love and support,” Danger continues, “but these are a few of the smaller organizations that could really use a little more recognition!

(And donations, if you’re feeling generous!)” moderncat.com

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CAT INFILTRATES CANINE AIRPORT THERAPY SQUAD A lone feline squad member is brightening the days of harried travelers | By Vivien Fellegi DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, DENVER, COLORADO. Therapy cat Xeli always seems to know when she’s needed. So, when she starts tugging on her leash, her handlers follow the cat to an older couple hunched miserably over their chairs at one of Denver International Airport’s concourses. Their return flight was cancelled, and they’ve logged countless hours trying to get back home.

Volunteers Nathan and Laine (last names omitted for privacy) ask the duo if they’d like to hold the cat. The travellers’ faces light up instantly and Xeli bounds onto their laps and curls into a ball. The couple start reminiscing about their own pet who resembled the tabby. By the time the trio leaves, the travellers are smiling. “Visiting with Xeli was the highlight of our day,” they say.

These kinds of transformations are par for the course for members of the Canine Airport Therapy Squad (CATS;

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flydenver.com/cats). Despite the acronym, the team consists of 94 dogs and one cat—Xeli. The program, founded in 2015, offers stress relief to travellers overwhelmed by the airport’s hustle and bustle, missed or late flights, or the scrutiny at security, says Volunteer Program Manager Karla Grahn. By the time voyagers reach the boarding areas, they’re ready for the soothing snuggles and distraction of the therapy teams. “They take you out of your headspace,” says Grahn, “and put a smile on your face.”

Xeli has always done that. Her “sweet nature” was evident to Nathan and Laine from the moment they glimpsed the purring kitten at a Petsmart adoption event. After bringing her home, the couple quickly realized that Xeli could charm even their most feline-resistant friends. A friend told Laine, “I’m not really a cat person, but Xeli’s pretty cool.” That’s when the couple began to see Xeli’s potential as a therapy animal.

Not every cat is cut out for the role. A potential therapy cat

Nathan, Laine, and their therapy cat Xeli volunteer at the Denver International Airport easing traveller anxiety.

must have a mellow disposition and enjoy interacting with people, says Grahn.

Prospective animals have to be certified by a recognized national agency who puts them through a gauntlet of simulated real-life situations, including loud noises and nearby dogs. Cats who prove their mettle undergo a more specific evaluation at the airport, where they’re shepherded through security, taken up escalators, and ride the trains. “There’s just a whole bunch of activity going on,” says Grahn. “We want to make sure it’s a good fit.”

Xeli passed both tests with flying colours. After a stint visiting Alzheimers patients, she was welcomed as the first feline to break into Denver airport’s CATS program. The couple and their cat volunteer once a month for two hours at a time.

Some travellers don’t know what to make of the tabby and her handlers, dressed in matching blue plaid vests.

“Some people give us weird looks,” says Laine. Others offer money. A few have even tried to adopt the cat.

“We own her,” the volunteers clarify.

“We’re here so that people who might be a little anxious can have some kitty cuddles.”

Many passengers need exactly that.

After getting permission, the handlers allow Xeli to jump on their suitcases or lounge on their laps. While snuggling with the cat, travellers often reminisce about a pet from their past, or the one they’ve left at home. Being able to hold a cat is comforting, says Laine. Many snap selfies. All are grateful. “This totally made my day,” they often tell the handlers.

Xeli has a ‘trading card’ that provides added entertainment. Every CATS participant boasts its own card proving its therapy animal status and sporting fun facts such as its hometown, favourite treat, and pet peeve. (Xeli hates having her teeth brushed). Laine and Nathan dispense Xeli’s cards to flyers, who use them as bookmarks or tuck them away for their kids. The airport employees are especially stoked to score the lone cat’s card on their way to amassing the complete collection. “It’s like the rare Pokemon card,” says Grahn.

Xeli gets as much out of these visits as the flyers or the airport staff. The program has extended the cat’s fan base and earned her limitless cuddles. Xeli basks in the limelight. “She loves attention,” says Laine. moderncat.com

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P H OTO G L A DSK I K H TAT I A N A / S H U TT E R S TO C K . CO M

Feeding Your Kitten or Cat: Facts, Myths, and Huge Mistakes

By Mieshelle Nagelschneider,

Cat Behaviourist, author of The Cat Whisperer, and host of TV show, “My Cat From Hell” (over 125 million viewers internationally!)

Myth: Kittens Should be Fed on a

Schedule, Supposedly Like Adult Cats Should Be Fed Many cat owners report to me that their kitten is “eating too much” or “eating more than their adult cats.”

Fact: A rapidly growing kitten’s metabolism wheel

is spinning fast. This means not only do they need more calories per unit of body weight than an adult cat, but they need to be fed more frequently, too. Scheduled meals that

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are too many hours apart, or kittens not being fed enough calories, can mean both behavioural issues and physical issues, like not reaching their full genetic growth potential.

Until kittens are four to six months of age, they need to have food readily available. Many hungry kittens will eat anything they can get their tiny paws on if they do not always have access to their kitten food. Kittens ingesting non-food items because they are merely hungry can lead to a long-lasting problem through adulthood.

An exploratory surgery to remove the duvet button your kitten ingested because she was hungry? Not that

P H OTO N I L S J ACO B I / S H U TT E R S TO CK ; F I S H I L LU S T R AT I O N A N V I N / B I G STO CK . CO M

“Cats who are fed only twice a day during scheduled feedings can become agitated, and they can get even more cranky if the food isn’t served on time.”

—Excerpt from Mieshelle’s book, The Cat Whisperer uncommon. Of course, kittens are naturally investigative and ultracurious, but when not fed correctly, the added impulse to investigate edibility can cause harm.

• Behaviour commonly reported by kitten owners who were underfeeding or not feeding their kittens (or cats) frequently enough: constant meowing, more aggressive with the owner or other cats in the home, extremely ravenous when you present their meal, foraging through garbage cans, chewing on kitchen sponges or towels that may have remnants of food on them, stealing food off your fork or plate, frequently on the kitchen counter or table, eating cat litter, chewing on carpet fibers, cords, or corrugated cardboard scratchers—basically anything they can stick in their little mouths.

• Read the Cat or Kitten Feeding Guideline Label. It’s really that easy and very important. Reading the feeding guidelines on the cat food label will help ensure that you are not underfeeding (or overfeeding) your kitten or cat. Kittens require double to triple the adult cat feeding guideline depending on their age and weight. Most “all life-stage” labels will give both kitten and adult feeding guidelines. Kitten food will give you guidelines for kittens by age and weight.

• When was the last time you increased your kitten’s calories? Are you still feeding your six month old kitten the same amount you did when he was three months old? Uh oh.

Revisit the feeding directions on the food label monthly! You will also need to weigh your kittens weekly.

• When cats reach approximately one year of age, they can be fed

adult cat food, but because they are still growing, they will require more calories than an older cat.

• If feeding a kitten (or cat) a combination of wet and dry food, make sure it meets the total amount of calories they need daily.

Myth:

Dry Food is Better for Cats Than Canned Food Most cat owners know the basic fact by now that wet cat food is healthier than dry food, but just in case…

Fact: Cats that are fed a dry food only diet are seen more often for urinary health issues than cats that are fed canned cat food. The problem that so many cat owners face is how to feed their cats four to five meals a day when they can’t leave canned food out all day because of the risk of spoilage. After four hours, wet food should be replaced with fresh food. This is where feeding some amount of dry food can be helpful.

Remember These Important Facts: • Like their wildcat ancestors,

our domestic cats have evolved to eat small meals frequently throughout the day. Only providing two scheduled meals a day for an adult cat can cause them stress and is on the fringe of being inhumane.

Three to five meals a day is better, without too many hours in between. At minimum, an adult cat should be fed three meals a day spaced approximately six to seven hours apart. If your cat can regulate his food intake (75 – 90 percent of cats do), you might consider free-feeding.

• Young kittens under four to

six months of age should have food readily available.

INTERESTING KITTEN FACT:

Between the ages of 4 and 6 months, your kitten will need more calories than any other time in its life . moderncat.com

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Again, the goal is more canned food and less dry, but when it won’t work with your schedule, dry food can be an alternative option. If feeding dry food, choose a grain-free high protein cat food for cats, a kitten dry food for kittens, or an all life-stage food for both cats and kittens. Remember the goal: frequent meals and enough calories. Because dry food can be left out for longer periods of time, this option may work better for both you and your kitten or cat. Dry food can also be placed in food puzzles to keep their little brains occupied during the day. Timed feeders for both wet and dry food are a great option making scheduled meals a possibility when you’re away from home.

Cats are obligate carnivores and need animal protein. Plant protein

HUGE MISTAKE! It’s not okay to make your cat a vegetarian or vegan.

is not the same as animal protein and not the specific kind of protein cats are biologically designed to eat.

Beyond this obvious, scientifically researched fact, cats also require certain amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. They also have a unique

fatty acid requirement. In addition to health problems, ignoring these dietary requirements and making a cat vegetarian, or worse, vegan, can also cause your cat to develop behaviour issues. Cats can become more aggressive with other cats in the household, as well as with their owners, if they are lacking proper nutrition. Luckily, the number of cat owners that have made their cats vegan or vegetarian are few, but I’ve seen this unfortunate trend grow in recent years. Hopefully, it’s a passing fad, because it’s a very uninformed decision to place a cat on a diet that is not animal protein-based. Just because a cat owner is vegan doesn’t mean their ethics are good for their cat. Imposing these human beliefs onto cats is anti-animal-advocate and causes harm. 

*Watch cat behaviourist Mieshelle Nagelschneider on National Geographic and Discovery Channel. She is an

award-winning cat-behaviour-science author of the book, The Cat Whisperer. She conducts consultations by Zoom throughout the United States and in over 30 countries. You can schedule a consultation with her through thecatbehaviorclinic.com 54 moderncat

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Your Cat Wants a Catio Why “catios” or cat patios are a game changer

By Cynthia Chomos

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s we head toward summer’s warmer temperatures and longer days, your docile indoor kitty may suddenly turn into a door dasher or screen slasher. Signs of stress and aggression in indoor cats can be caused by unsatisfied urges for fresh air, hunting, and a taste of the outdoors.

If your cat (and you) are experiencing these seasonal changes, you can increase playtime indoors or satisfy your cat’s natural desire for stimulation by providing additional territory outdoors. However, if a cat is allowed to roam freely, the dangers of the outdoors can increase vet bills or reduce your pet’s lifespan. The safe solution for a cat-friendly home all year long?

A catio!

Catios, a portmanteau of “cat” and “patios,” are outdoor cat enclosures that solve the indoor/outdoor dilemma and protect precious birds and wildlife in your backyard. One of the joys of catios for cat parents is peace of mind knowing your cat is protected from predators, poisons, and diseases, as well as from getting hit by a car, lost, locked in a garage, or chased up a tree. You also won’t be the recipient of a gut-wrenching feathered “gift” from your feline hunter.

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For cats, the catio lifestyle offers endless ways to exercise, enjoy the wind in their whiskers, chase bugs, watch birds (the best cat TV!), and partake in family activities in your backyard.

Catios can be built in various sizes to suit your feline’s fancy and complement your home and garden. Whether you purchase a DIY catio plan, pre-assembled kit, or hire a carpenter to build a custom catio for you, the creativity and options are endless.

Vertical and horizontal spaces can be built using cedar shelves, branches, steps, and bridges. Carpet-covered lounging areas allow for cat naps in the sun. Cat-safe plants, toys, and scratchers provide additional stimulation. You can also add an outdoor litter box for convenience and to help reduce indoor litter odours, though it should never replace your indoor litter box.

When choosing the best location for your catio, consider:

How much space is available?

The amount of light—a sunny or part-sun site is

best; shade-cloth and cat houses can offer shade.

How your cat will access the catio. While you can

certainly carry your cat to the catio, the joy of catios is your feline’s freedom to access the enclosure based on their timing.

Cat doors for a window, wall, slider patio, or door are the gateway to a safe catio experience. Cat doors can also include locks or a lock-out panel to control your kitty’s outdoor time.

If you have limited space in your garden or have a small deck or balcony, a three-sided catio located against your house, such as a window box or a narrow and tall catio, is a good choice.

Your cat can easily access the catio directly through a cat door. For larger spaces, a cat tunnel—elevated, on the ground, or along a fence—can connect your home to a standalone four-sided catio further away from the house. One of my favourite custom catio projects was building four catios in various locations connected by 150 feet of cat tunnels—the lucky cats could completely circumnavigate the house and garden!

Larger catios offer space for humans and can be decorated to complement your home and personal style (think “she sheds” for cats and humans). Add outdoor rugs, seating, pillows, and decor to create a mutually enjoyable outdoor room for you and your cat. Time spent in nature and bonding with your cat is good for you too.

Bottom line? Cats naturally crave outdoor stimulation, and happy cats equal happy cat parents. A catio is the purrfect outdoor solution to keep cats safe and enriched year-round.

*

Cynthia Chomos, designer/builder and founder of Catio

Spaces, is passionate about design, nature, and cats. She lives in Seattle with her tabby Serena, quality assurance expert for her custom catios and online DIY catio plans. moderncat.com

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THE CAT GEAR LOOKBOOK

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

TOYS

Yeowww! Catnip Butterflies, $5; yeowww.com

Pidan Ball & Track Swinging Tumbler Cat Toy, $24; teddybob.ca

Lightning Bolt Organic Catnip Toy, $11; ecocatco.com

Catnip Crinkle Cash, $17; ericadanger.com

Kitty Power Paws Tall Round Scratching Post, $70; prevuepet.com

Arty Cat Scratcher, $79; petplay.com

Zoo Scratcher – Crocodile, $24; catit.ca

PIXI Fountain, $50; catit.ca

Wood & Metal Pet Feeder, $35; gfpet.com

Jelly Bean Elevated Bowl, $27; makesurepet.com

MORE? Premium Feeding Mat, $29; catsdogswords.com

Laurel Burch Laurel’s Garden Cats Melamine Dinner Plate, $17; mythreecats.com

Cat Person Pronoun Enamel Pins, $10; ericadanger.com

SCRATCHERS

Classic Cat Tree B250, $78; armarkat.com

FOUNTAINS & FEEDERS

Felaqua Connect, from $115; surepetcare.com

FOR CAT PEOPLE

Sir Alfred the Cat Mug, $25; inkopious.com

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moderncat.com

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Lost Cats

Brenda Popoff and Radley

Andrea Caron and Sneakers

Amazing Reunions Missing pets and their unlikely, heartwarming reunions with their families

By Tracey Tong

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eah Gellar-Shore still remembers the day she’d lost her best friend—and gained a new one.

Gellar-Shore, who was living in Jacksonville, FL at the time, had invited a date back to her house. David, not knowing that her tortoiseshell mix, Beethoven, was strictly indoor, mistook the five-year-old’s cat’s signals as indicating he needed to go outside. Beethoven—who had never worn a collar or tags because he never went out— was startled by a car alarm and darted out of sight.

“I was hysterical,” remembers Gellar-Shore. Beethoven, she says, “was my best buddy. He’d rub up against my legs and sit

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in my lap for hours in the evening[s].” She’d gotten him after her younger brother had passed away, and he’d been a huge source of comfort. “We looked everywhere for him, until the early hours of the morning.”

In the weeks that followed, David helped her put up posters and contacted the area’s shelters. Although they had no luck, the experience brought the couple closer.

Six months after he disappeared, there was a sound at Gellar-Shore’s door. David, who had moved in with her, opened it to find a thinner—but as it turned out, perfectly healthy—Beethoven.

I was hysterical.

Losing a beloved pet is tough stuff, and Gellar-Shore is certainly not the only one to have gone through it. But sometimes, the cat does come back—albeit not the very next day—bringing with it an increased appreciation of just how important our feline friends are to our lives.

Even before his disappearance in October 2014, Siamese-tabby mix Radley and his person, Brenda Popoff, were inseparable. Popoff, a Trail, BC, resident, calls her “lap cat” her best friend and is still deeply affected when she talks about the time that he went missing.

Popoff had never left the three-yearold indoor cat before entrusting Radley to her upstairs landlady—herself a cat owner and enthusiast—to go on a weekend getaway with her boyfriend.

“Radley knew her well and I knew that she would go feed him and visit with him,” says Popoff. “I felt assured but was still terrified to leave him alone for a few nights without me. I worried the moment I left. He was always on my mind.”

The morning after she’d left, the unthinkable happened. “[The landlady] called me crying that he escaped,” says Popoff. “I was heartbroken.” Although Popoff never blamed her landlady, she was devastated. “I just wanted to go home to look for him. I was over seven hours away from home so the trip back home was long and so sad.”

“I looked for him the moment I got home, day and night. Many nights it was cold and raining. I looked all over the neighbourhood, put up signs outside and all over social media. I went across the street where there was a storage unit that I had walked by many times. I phoned the company and explained he was missing [and asked if they] could look inside in case he was trapped. I had many people say they spotted him

way on the other side of town. Not sure if that was true, or if it was just a cat that looked like him.”

When Radley’s absence became too difficult to bear, she moved in with her boyfriend. “My boyfriend saw how devastated I was and knew our bond. He said he thought it was just too hard for me to be there always looking out that window for him.” Just over two weeks after his disappearance, Popoff presumed Radley had been killed. “There were so many wild animals around the old place,” she says.

The day after moving in with her boyfriend, her landlady called to say Radley was back. “He was skin and bones,” says Popoff. “He just laid in my arms and wouldn’t leave my side. What a great day that was.”

Seven years after his big adventure, Radley, now 10, still loves to sit on Popoff’s lap and sleep with her at night.

“I wanted to know, good or bad, what happened to him. I still wonder where he was and how he survived.”

The hardest part about losing a cat, agrees Guyrene Johnson, “is wondering if they are okay and not hurt.”

Johnson’s cat, Minou, disappeared while the Vancouver, BC resident was away on a month-long trip.

The friend who had been cat-sitting told her the domestic shorthair had escaped through a bathroom window and was gone. “This is a major city and near very busy streets,” says Johnson, who was in Toronto, ON, at the time. “I was heartbroken and worried myself sick.”

Johnson placed a classified ad in the newspaper, to no avail.

Two weeks later, Johnson, who had moved, was sitting outside the house when she spotted Minou “running up the sidewalk towards me. It was the happiest moment ever,” she says. She recalls moderncat.com

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being amazed, as Minou had never been to the house, and had no way of knowing that Johnson was there.

Minou, says Johnson, “was my world.” When she died at the age of 17, it was a huge loss, says Johnson, “maybe even more than a parent passing away.”

Where do these cats go when they wander off? Ideally, to the home of a loving cat owner like Andrea Caron.

Over the past 12 years, the Greenfield Park, QC resident, had numerous cat visitors at her home, and has reunited many with their owners by posting their photos on Facebook and putting up flyers. She found the owner of a 12-year-old cat who was also named Minou.

“We believe that Minou saw my cats (Caron has had cats her entire adult life and is currently cat mom to tabbies Dexter and Sneakers) outside my house and thought, ‘hey, this is a cat-friendly home,’ and saw the cats go in the cat flap and followed them inside. Minou’s owner, Fatima, is forever grateful that Minou found a cat-friendly home and that I took care of Minou. She insisted on giving me a thank you gift and we met and talked for two hours. I am so happy I was able to reunite their cat, and I made a new friend at the same time.”

Her advice for those who have lost a cat? “Keep looking, keep posting on social media,” says Caron.

Measures you can take to increase your pet’s chances of being returned should it wander include microchipping, collars and identification tags, and GPS tracking tags, says Hannah Sotropa, assistant manager of communications at the Toronto Humane Society. Also, ensure cats stay indoors, says Sotropa.

“The outdoors poses a slew of potential risks for a domestic cat, such as wildlife, dogs, harsh weather conditions, people, and cars. There’s a lot you can do by means of indoor enrichment! Additionally, with the right approach, you can also harness train your cat so that they can enjoy outdoor time safely.”

If you lose your cat, Sotropa recommends contacting the Helping Lost Pets network and relevant city animal services and local shelters, as well as putting up flyers.

“Social media provides a platform to reach a wider audience,” adds Sotropa. “There are also dedicated lost and found pet groups and sections on community Facebook pages and opportunities to expand one’s reach.”

Perhaps most importantly, breathe, says Sotropa. “It’s scary, but composure is needed to take all the necessary steps possible to find your pet. Keep at it, sometimes it can take days, weeks, or even months for animals to be reunited with their owners.”

Since Radley returned, Popoff has left him with a reliable house sitter several times. “I explained about him going missing and my anxiety,” she says. “She would send me pictures of him to reassure me. I’m always glad to be back home with him.”

As for Gellar-Shore, she credits Beethoven’s disappearance with bringing her and David, now married to each other, together. She still doesn’t know where her beloved cat went for almost half a year. For the most part, she’s just happy to let his remarkable reappearance remain a wonderful mystery.

“Everything,” she says, “happens for a reason.” 

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

PROBLEM SOLVERS Ingenious solutions to common cat-life problems

PROBLEM: GROOMING WOES SOLUTION: If you 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: ECOLOGICALLY HARMFUL CAT LITTER SOLUTION: Sustainably Yours Cat Litter is biodegradable, clumps firmer and faster than conventional litter, and offers an efficient and sustainable alternative to mineral-based litters. Cat Daddy approved! sylitter.com PROBLEM: AWKWARD, HEAVY CAT CARRIERS COMPLICATE TRAVEL SOLUTION:

PROBLEM: FINDING A SUSTAINABLE LITTER THAT REALLY WORKS! SOLUTION: This high-performing, sustainable litter also has unrivalled cat acceptance! Catalyst Pet is four times more efficient than leading clumping clay litters, making it easy on both the planet and wallet. catalystpet.com

The Pet-Trek is a four spinner wheel folding trolley that moves in any direction, eliminating the discomfort of carrying a pet and carrier on your shoulder. Allows you to transport your pet with ease! apetwithpaws.com

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

PROBLEM: CATS HAVE SHARP CLAWS SOLUTION: The Kitty Cure Cat Scratching Manicure Strips act as a nail file for your cat. Peel and stick anywhere your cat likes to scratch. When they scratch, they file and feel the dig! kitty-cure.com moderncat.com

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Prison Cats Programs pairing last-chance cats with inmates are changing lives

By Vivien Felligi | Illustration by Michelle Simpsom

I

n prisons, cats are transforming human lives. These aren’t therapy animals—they’re regular cats, and they’re working their uncertified magic in prisons, with transformative results. Cutting-edge programs are pairing inmates and unsocialized, last-chance cats, changing the trajectory for both. Prisoners are helping to rehabilitate stray and feral felines, and in the process are themselves changed.

PHOTO SPAY NEUTER KINGSTON INITIATIVE

BATH INSTITUTION FERAL CAT COLONY, KINGSTON, ON Overseen by Spay Neuter Kingston Initiative Animal welfare advocate Joanne Boudreau’s heart was pounding as the prison gates at Kingston’s Bath Institution clanged shut behind her on a chilly day back in March 2010. Boudreau is the co-founder of Spay Neuter Kingston Initiative (snki.org), a non-profit dedicated to humanely reducing the cat overpopulation in Kingston, ON, and she and a colleague had come to inspect a cat colony on the prison grounds. There are no guards visible in this “pretty creepy” place, only 25 burly, bearded men towering on the stairs. They begin chanting “Save our cats! Save our cats!”

One man yelled, “Are you going to help us?” The duo gave the inmates a thumbs up. A raucous “Yeahhhhhhh!” pierces through the biting winter wind. The men’s enthusiasm was heartwarming, recalls Boudreau. “I’ve never seen anything like it.,” she says.

“I was tickled pink.”

The cats, viewed as pests by the prison’s warden, had been slated for euthanasia until the outraged inmates circulated a petition to stop the slaughter. A media firestorm

erupted, culminating in a deal— Spay Neuter Kingston Initiative (SNKI) would fix all the felines, try to find them homes, and oversee the veterinary care for the rest. In return, Canada Corrections Services would allow the rest of the animals to remain at Bath Institution.

Over a decade later, the inmates remain devoted to their charges, says Boudreau. They’ve built shelters for the cats, pay for their food, and keep close tabs on their health. When the animals require medical procedures, the guys, some of whom work odd jobs at the prison, pool their paychecks to raise money. Recently, they contributed $3,000 to pay for a senior cat’s dental work. “I don’t think they make that much money,” says Boudreau. “This shows the level of commitment these inmates have towards these kitties.”

But the benefits between the cats and the men flow both ways. “It gives them something to take care of,” says Boudreau. And, in an environment where perceived weakness can be deadly, the cats allow the men to express positive emotions safely. Witnessing these moments has been “nothing short of amazing,” says Boudreau.

An inmate’s ex-wife, Sophie Smith (names have been changed for privacy), has also witnessed the cats honing the inmates’ humanity. “A lot of them are in there for crimes against people,” she says. But the guys are very protective of all animals, including birds, squirrels, and even skunks, she says. “Except for the drug dog—they don’t like him.”

Their common vested interest in the felines has promoted teamwork amongst the men, says Smith. On one occasion, a cat, Big Mama, disappeared when she hitched a ride on a truck headed out of town. The inmates took to their phones en masse, calling tirelessly until the runaway was spotted and safely returned. The animals’ escapades also keep the guys entertained, says Smith. “It’s a break from the day-today monotony of being in prison.”

The cats have certainly turned around the life of her ex-husband, Jake Waters. After the cats came into his life, Waters’ spirits lifted. “He had purpose getting up each day,” says Smith. “He had his cat family to relate to.”

Over the years the colony has boosted Water’s empathy, says Sophie. Unlike humans, the cats are clueless about his past. “There’s no judgement from an animal,” she says.

Particularly not when treats are involved—Jake earns these through his work at the prison and distributes them fairly to all members of the colony.

Not all cats have staked an equal claim to his heart, though. One chubby beauty is clearly his favourite. Waters plies her with compliments as he cuddles her close inside moderncat.com

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MONROE CORRECTIONAL COMPLEX, SPECIAL OFFENDERS UNIT, MONROE, WA Cat and Kitten Connections (Purrfect Pals Cat Shelter and Sanctuary) It takes several days for the inmate at Monroe Correctional Complex to win over the shy black kitten who cowers under the bed. He’s not fazed, though. The man who grew up surrounded by fear and fury knows exactly how the kitten feels.

Gary (last name withheld for privacy) murmurs endearments to the cat and tosses him ball after ball. One morning he wakes up to find Prince snuggled beside him. He’s purring.

The prisoner and self-proclaimed loner—“I live in a unit of 47 other men yet I’m alone”—is overwhelmed by a rush better than any drug. “A warm feeling,” he calls it. Love.

Over 15 years, Gary has tamed 129 kittens and cats through the Cat and Kitten Connections foster program, which pairs under-socialized felines from Purrfect Pals Cat Shelter and Sanctuary in Arlington, WA (purrfectpals.org) with incarcerated fosters on the psychiatric unit, known as the Special Offenders Unit, at Monroe Correctional Complex (Monroe, WA). Since Purrfect Pals serves many shy and/or semi-feral animals, their cats are often passed over by potential adopters, says Susan Bark, the non-profit’s Foster and Intake Manager. But after spending time with inmates trained in socialization techniques, many animals are able to find a forever home in the community.

Since the program’s inception in 2006, almost a thousand cats have been placed. The inmates also profit, says Bark. In the “sterile” world of beige uniforms and concrete floors, the cats supply a splash of colour. It’s a “win-win for everyone,” she says.

The chance to foster a feline has to be earned. The inmates must demonstrate solid coping skills and avoid infractions for a year before they’re entrusted with an

animal. “That is a huge motivator for them,” says Cassidy Gebhardt, the clinical psychologist on site. Recently, one surly inmate who never returned her greetings crouched down and cooed to a batch of newly arrived kittens. He straightened, looked the psychologist in the eye, and asked “How do I get into the cat program?” Gebhardt was floored. “I had never even heard this gentleman speak before,” she says.

Purrfect Pals provides thorough training to the program’s newcomers. “Start out real slow,” is a key message, says Bark. The men learn to read a cat’s body language, paying heed to warning signs like dilated eyes or hissing. Next, they’re taught how to interact without touching the cat, by waving a feather wand or offering wet food on a spoon. As the cat gradually settles, the foster encourages desired actions by ignoring hostile behaviours and praising sociability.

“Our goal is to be able to have this cat trust people,” says Bark.

But it isn’t just the cats who are absorbing the lessons.

As the men witness the animals shifting from savage to civilized, they begin to spot the parallels with their own life choices, says Gebhardt. When they see the animals blossoming, this can ignite the men’s belief in their own potential for transformation. “And that helps them change their thinking about their attitudes,” says Gebhardt.

Gary too has gained guidance from his charges. The man who feels alienated amongst his own kind carries on long conversations with them in “Meow.” The “cat whisperer,” as he’s affectionately known among inmates and prison staff, tries to graft this facility onto human relations. “Communication…is one more aspect that I carry with me when with others not of the feline family,” he says.

Gary isn’t the only one whose fellowship with felines is improving his relationships with humans. Many men confined to prison feel rejected by their own kind, says Gebhardt.

It’s easier for them to bond with the under-socialized animals also relegated to the fringes. Caring for the cats, however, is “their way of being able to give back,” says Gebhardt. As they begin to feel better about themselves, they’re more willing to engage with members of their own species.

The urgent needs of the cats also promotes cooperation amongst the men. The fosters take turns cat-sitting the most colicky felines, and experienced participants like Gary share training tips with overwhelmed newbies. Upon a cat’s graduation, the foster writes a biography for its adopter, detailing everything from the cat’s food preferences to its affinity for other felines. Sometimes the new owners reciprocate with updates on the pet’s transition. These exercises in responsibility, selflessness, and community help model healthy relationships, so “they can be functioning members of society,” says Gebhardt.

For Gary, every cat he salvages is a step towards his own redemption. “For me, to rehabilitate a cat is to help myself,” he says. The animals have given him a taste of mutual trust and caring, and have helped to release him from the shackles of shame. Gary is dedicated to continue his journey of growth, counting on the cats to keep him on the straight and narrow. “They give me the strength to carry on,” he says. 

They give me the strength to carry on.

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P H OTO S H E I L A M C D O N N A L

his jacket. It’s surreal for Smith to see the “big and tough” inmate turn into a “pussy cat” in the cat’s company. “It’s endearing,” says Smith.

CAT SHELTER MAKEOVER The brief, the inspiration, the transformation

After

For those of us that love cats and harbour interior design aspirations, this project will stoke the creative fires!

By Rose Frosek

M

ario Arbore of cat furniture design company Square Paws landed a dream job when he took on a major renovation project for the Patricia H. Ladew Foundation’s cat sanctuary in historic Oyster Bay, NY. Dr. Susan Whittred, the Executive Director at Ladew, had seen Arbore’s work in the Billy Joel rooms at North Shore Animal League America in Port Washington, NY, and tapped him to lead the project. Acting as the interior design architect as well as millworker, Arbore was tasked with creating a dream interior for cats inside a historic house.

The results could not be groovier.

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PROBLEM:

Cat rooms in desperate need of a design update; trashed, carpeted cat furniture in need of replacement/rethinking.

BRIEF:

Refresh four freeroaming cat rooms, plus provide more washable and sustainable cat furniture via freestanding and built-in items.

Before

DESIGN INTENT:

Create a neutral colour environment on the walls (help the adoptable cats stand out!) and use the client’s signature blue and green colours in combination with natural wood finishes and newly added warm orange and red colors as accents in the spaces.

“I asked Susan for some background on Patricia Ladew,” says Arbore. “I learned that Pat was an heiress to the Standard Oil fortune. Although Pat had broken away from her family’s pedigree and blazed a path as an artist, she unexpectedly found herself with new-found money in the 1970’s and decided to use her inheritance to buy this old house, pay two caretakers to live upstairs, and have the downstairs reserved for homeless and special needs cats that she and her friends had been saving in the New York/Long Island area. The NYC tabloids labeled Pat an ‘eccentric’ heiress, which was an unfair exaggeration. For Pat to allow these cats to roam the house freely was a forward idea in the 70’s—she was way ahead of her time!”

“Allegorically, we were taking a cue from the media flack that Pat Ladew received in the 70s when she bought the property as a sanctuary for stray and homeless cats” Cool detail: They were able to get in

touch with an old friend of Pat Ladew’s, designer Anders Wenngren, who compiled a really cool graphic of all the articles as a tribute to Pat in one of the rooms.

Arbore proposed to Dr. Whittred and the Board that they do a kind of “retrovation”—to renovate, but in a way that was very retro in style, and to make it seem like the cats were just an average suburban family that owned this house.

“We wanted it to appear somewhat ‘locked’ in time, somewhere in the 1970s with various fixtures and furniture that were eclectic of the 50s, 60s and 70s, mostly in a mid-century modern style,” says Arbore. “And the fable we created was that the husband of this

cat-family was an Oyster Bay fisherman, a somewhat bygone occupation in that area these days.”

The board loved the idea and the project was greenlit—the reno was underway!

The reaction:

During an early tour of the almost-complete renovation, one of the folks walking through—apparently more of a “dog person” than a “cat person”—ended up feeling a connection with one of the kitties and subsequently adopted her, says Arbore.

“That’s always our ultimate goal with renovations like this,” he says. “If we can create spaces that entice people to come and explore and linger a little, then the chances of cat adoptions are multiplied. If we can make that kind of difference, then we’ve done our job.”

xxxx

Verdict:

“It is better than I could have imagined. Everything is super easy to clean and looks amazing,” says Dr. Whittred. “The cats are having a great time exploring and they have plenty of cubbies and spaces for alone time if they choose. We couldn’t be happier!”

xxx

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Healthy PAWS P H OTO L I F E O N W H I T E / B I G STO CK . CO M

Solutions for everything from itchy ears to litter box germs

1. THE FIX FOR ITCHY EARS Itchy, irritated ears bothering your feline? Oxyfresh Pet Ear Cleaner is a gentle way to soothe and clean your cat’s ears, removing wax, dirt, mites, and odour. ($12, oxyfresh.com)

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2. FELINE FACIAL Relieve facial irritation and prevent infection with the Feline Antimicrobial Facial Therapy solution from Vetericyn Plus.

Antibiotic and steroid-free, this miracle formula soothes, cleans, and promotes healing. ($13, vetericyn.com)

3. UPGRADE YOUR CAT’S DINNER Snappy Tom Ultimates is a high protein, limited ingredient food cats love! This clean formula is made with high-quality, sustainably sourced chicken and tuna, vitamins and minerals, and nothing you don’t want! ($2.20 per can, snappytom.com)

8. SUSTAINABLE LITTER THAT PERFORMS Sustainable and lightweight, the Catalyst Pet Soft Wood cat litters clump well and offer superior odour control. Find a litter that meets your needs with their Multi-Cat, Healthy Cat, and Unscented formulas! (from $23, catalystpet.com)

4. GOODBYE CONE OF SHAME!

9. PEAK NUTRITION

Suitical’s vet-recommended feline Recovery Suit is a welcome alternative to the medical cone, comfortably protecting cats recovering from veterinary procedures, skin conditions, and more! ($40, suitical.com)

Formulated to combine the best of raw and fresh diets, the handcrafted ZIWI Peak free-range, preservative-free chicken recipe for cats is made with gently airdried chicken and New Zealand green mussels. (from $28, shop.ziwipets.com)

5. MEAL TOPPER

10. STOP WHISKER STRESS

Add a delicious boost to your cat’s meal with the Omega Mussels Fresh Topper from Primal Pet Foods! Mussel meat, turmeric, apple cider vinegar, and pork bone broth provide joint support. (from $12, primalpetfoods.com)

6. PROBIOTIC POWERED LITTER

Bust boredom and allow your cat to eat in a natural crouched position!

The LickiMat Casper can be used as a slow feeder, stops whisker stress, and lets your cat lick their food, encouraging calmness while enhancing taste! (from $8, lickimat.com)

11. HEALTH BOOST

Don’t let your cat track unseen waste! BoxiePro Deep Clean Probiotic Cat Litter harnesses the power of probiotics to help deep clean your cat’s litter at a microscopic level, keeping their box and your house hygienic. (from $22, boxiecat.com)

With glucosamine, amino acids, and a full spectrum vitamin and mineral complex, PureForm Pet Health’s Feline Essentials supplement helps cats of all ages! Aids with mobility, weight management, digestive and urinary health, and more. ($90, pureformpethealth.com)

7. A BETTER KITTEN FORMULA

12. HEALTHY CAT TREAT

Formulated for newborn to eightweek-old kittens, Tailspring’s Kitten Milk Replacer is made with whole goat milk and human-grade ingredients. Ideal for kittens with sensitive stomachs, it’s made to closely match their mother’s milk. (from $33, tailspring.com)

The Modern Cat feline testers LOVE the Churu lickable cat treats from Inaba! Made with premium proteins and no by-products, preservatives or artificial colours, this excellent, low-calorie treat can also be used as a delicious topper on wet or dry food. ($4, inabafoods.com) moderncat.com

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A cat is blessed at Unity Presbyterian Church in Green Tree, Pittsburg, PA during their annual Blessing of the Animals event.

Pastor Stephen Bauman blesses a cat at a Blessing of the Animals event at Christ Church on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.

Pet Ministry : Blessing of the Animals !

C

hurch events blessing animals are drawing crowds eager to have their pets blessed. Open to the community, the services allow anyone to bring their animal companions to church to be blessed by priests and ministers. By recognizing the importance of the pet-person bond, these institutions are reaching new community members.

Unity Presbyterian Church in Green Tree, Pittsburgh, PA, is one such church, offering an annual Blessing of the Animals to connect with the community. “People have heart attachments and soul attachments to their pets,” says Senior Pastor Dennis Molnar of Unity Presbyterian Church. “Pets give us unconditional love, and that’s how God is.”

Free to the public, Unity’s blessing service is held in their outdoor Reflection Garden. Each pet is anointed with oil by the pastor and their caregiver is handed a blessing certificate as a keepsake. The ceremony has proven especially meaningful to those with senior or ailing pets.

The blessing isn’t the only draw, though. The event is typically combined with other engaging activities on site, including local non-profit animal rescue booths, animal balloon making, complimentary pet photos, pizza and ice cream treats, and a raffle

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to win a basket filled with pet goodies. During the pandemic, Unity pivoted to a “drive through” blessing, allowing people to have their pets blessed from their vehicles or outside in the church’s parking lot.

The blessings have proven so popular that Unity launched a new pet ministry last year—The Creatures of the Creator (COTC)—with a mission to share the sacred nature of all living creatures and advocate for their care and wellbeing. Petey, a rescued Beagle mix who is affectionately known as Associate Pastor Petey, is the pet ministry’s mascot. Adorned with his very own personalized clerical collar, Petey’s job is to greet Unity members at Sunday worship services and to participate in events. Petey, along with his feline counterpart, Sergio, provide musings from a pet’s perspective in Unity’s weekly bulletin. Also on offer are community classes on topics such as fostering pets, and the group collects donations for shelters in a doghouse-shaped donation box handcrafted by a team member. A Pet Remembrance Service is in the works.

Asked if cats and other pets realize the significance of being blessed, Unity’s Pastor Dennis answered, “I think they sense the importance [of the blessing ceremony] to their people. There is a mystery in all of this. God is a mystery.”—Carolyn Kozlowski

P H OTO TO P R I G H T A K AT Z / SH U TT E R STO CK . CO M

Church events recognizing the deep bond between people and their pets are drawing crowds

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Editor-in-Chief Connie Wilson’s selection of must-read books for cat lovers The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle

By Matt Cain

Cats in the City of Plague

By A. L. Marlow This timely look at surviving a pandemic, told through the point of view of cats, will have readers riveted.

During the 14th century, cats were widely and erroneously blamed for the spread of the Black Plague. This historical fiction novel follows a group of intrepid cats as they grapple with their current predicament and try to find safety after being forced to flee the comfort of their homes.

Weaving historic detail with cat behaviour, this engrossing read shows how much—and how little—has changed.

Funny Farm

By Laurie Zaleski When Laurie Zaleski was just a child, she vowed to make her mother’s dream of starting an animal rescue come true. Thirty years later, she did just that. But when her mother passed away two weeks before moving to their 15-acre farm, dubbed the Funny Farm Animal Rescue, the dream became about carrying on her mother’s legacy.

This inspiring, moving memoir details how Zaleski, with grit and determination, overcame her grief and turbulent past to help over 600 animals in need.

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Albert Entwistle’s quiet life with his cat Gracie is turned upside down after he is forced to retire from his job with the Royal Mail service just months shy of his 65th birthday. Feeling cast adrift, Albert bravely makes a plan for embracing his true self, setting out to find the love of his life, and finding friends and allies along the way. This heartwarming, hopeful novel of resilience and lost love shows it’s never too late to live life to the fullest.

Pet That Cat! A Handbook for Making Feline Friends

By Nigel Kidd & Rachel Braunigan Written by 12-year-old Nigel Kidd and his mom Rachel Braunigan, Pet That Cat! is a wonderful interactive guide for the young cat lovers in your life!

Filled with fun cat facts, informative illustrations, and helpful guidelines for caring for and interacting with cats, it’s a great resource for young readers wanting to learn all about cats.

Purr: The Science of Making Your Cat Happy

By Zazie Todd Zazie Todd has created a must-have guide to improving your cat’s life.

The aptly named Purr is packed with enrichment and exercise ideas, advice on how to help your senior live their best life, kitten training do’s and don’ts, tips for reducing feline fear and anxiety, a happy cat check list, and much more.

I L LU S T R AT I O N KS U S H A D U S M I K E E VA / S H U TT E R S T O C K

CONNIE’S BOOK CLUB

LOVE LETTERS

A Good Samaritan saw a kitten while driving down a busy road at rush hour.

He stopped to try and help but the kitten disappeared. After driving a total of 90 minutes, including a four-hour stop at work, the kitten popped out of the wheel well like nothing happened. Through a Facebook post, I found and agreed to foster this kitten. I’ve fostered many cats and truly believe cats have the ability to find the people who need them the most. She traveled all that way to find me.—Alissa Huff

Dr. Caesar, Psy-cat-ogist

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

Dotted Her name is Dot, a black cat with a single spot of white on her chest, centered like a mismatched button.

She got her name because she just showed up, not in our driveway but in our friends, just before we had arrived.

Saying with her eyes, “It’s about time.” Our friend did not like cats, imagine that! She came with us instead of to a shelter. She is very reserved but has over the years become a large presence in our family. Dot was also my late mother’s nickname. I think she would be flattered.—Joseph A. Dewan

My Garden Bunny Whoever said handicapped cats are just so sad never met the bunny. She suffered from the affliction known as manx syndrome. Although the bunny was handicapped in her body, her love for me knew no bounds. The bunny was by far the smartest cat I ever owned. She learned to sit, laydown, shake hands, and play dead on command easily. I like to think that the bunny is waiting for me in heaven in our special garden and that we will one day be together again. Be careful bunny and don’t you fall off that pearly gate!—Barbara Warner

Caesar was our first cat, and he came into our lives when I separated from my then husband. My daughter Stephanie was eight and her whole world had just collapsed. Caesar, only two months at the time, took it upon himself to be her confidant, therapist, and friend. If he heard her crying, he would meow outside her bedroom door until she let him in. And then he would listen, and cuddle, and purr until his work was done, and he would take a nap in her sock drawer. I don’t know what we would have done without him.— Nancy Scala

Little No More Luna was this tiny dilute calico kitten in a large cage at the shelter, surrounded by her hyperactive brothers. All she wanted was to be held. When I noticed her, the staff quickly laid her in my arms. She immediately started to purr and made herself comfortable. We had to leave (we were only supposed to be dropping off supplies!), but I didn’t want to put Luna back in her cage. Her adoption was finalized the next day, along with one of her brothers. This once fragile kitten now runs the house with her loud voice and swift paw.—Krista Carboni

Sassy Sassy, distinguished by her little black nose against her alabaster fur, was my best buddy and support for 15 of her 19.5 years of life. Loyal and loving, she comforted me with her affection after my husband passed away. She was the sentinel at the foot of my bed, never budging, during my initial post-operative recovery from total knee replacement. Her tiny black nose would appear at the door whenever I entered my apartment because she could discern the sound of my garage door from others. She crossed the Rainbow Bridge with me by her side in November 2021.—Linda S. Moellering

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

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I L LU S T R AT I O N B E S P ROZ VA N N Y K H / S H U TT E R S TO C K . CO M

She Found Me

Must-haves for you & your cat

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Call 1-866-734-3131 or email advertising@moderncat.com

World’s Most Amazing Cat!

The Book of Bucky Hilarious and Loving

Amazon.com

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9

CAT FACTS

Social gathering?

Try these cat facts to get the conversation flowing!

By Rose Frosek

Keep Cats Claws on Their Paws

Though cats don’t always land on their feet, nor do they have nine lives, they do have something called a “righting reflex.” Their eyes and the balance organs in the inner ear tell cats where they are in space. This helps them to most often land on their feet and survive falls— in one case more than 30 stories!

Declawing cats is illegal in at least 42 countries, including England, France, Wales, New Zealand, Germany, Switzerland, and Israel—but not the United States. In 2019, New York became the first state in the U.S. to outlaw declawing. In Canada, declawing is outlawed in eight provinces—Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Alberta, Nova Scotia, British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

Cats: Olympic Athletes In Feline Form Cats can jump up to six times their height, a distance in excess of five feet.

Sweet Tooth?

Not So Much Cats, even those that are food motivated, will probably not be tempted by sweet treats. Unlike people and dogs, cats do not have taste receptors for sweet flavours.

Pass on the Dairy I’m Talking To You Adult cats typically don’t communicate with each other via meowing. Rather, this vocalization is produced almost exclusively to communicate with humans.

Cats have classically been depicted lapping from a bowl of milk or cream, but cow’s milk isn’t the best food for most cats as it may cause stomach upset. Try nutrient rich goat’s milk or water instead.

Did You Hear That?

Your Cat Did It’s a Cat’s Life There’s a reason it’s called a cat nap. Domesticated cats spend about 70 percent of the day sleeping. Another 15 percent is devoted to grooming.

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Cats have exceptional hearing. Felines have 32 ear muscles that allow for directional hearing. In contrast, humans only have six ear muscles. Cat ears can rotate independently 180 degrees.

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I Hear You, I Just Don’t Care to Respond Studies show that cats know and recognize their names, but often do not come when called. So, if you think your cat is simply ignoring you, you’re probably right.

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INTERESTING

Nine Lives

P H O T O S F R O M T O P C L O C K W I S E : M A S T E R 1305/ B I G S T O C K . C O M ; Y A N Y A / B I G S T O C K . C O M ; S E R G R E Y / B I G S T O C K . C O M ; N A T A L L I A S / B I G S T O C K . C O M ; G R I S H A B R U E V / B I G S T O C K . C O M ;

LAST LICK