cat
Aloof? Think Again. Cats Have 276 Facial Expressions—Here’s Why. p26
The lifestyle magazine for modern cats and their companions
SPRING · SUMMER 2024
The Love Language of
COOL CAT
TECH
CATS
The Best Smart Gadgets for Cats & Cat Lovers
Yes, Your Cat Really Does Love You! p52
America’s Favorite Pet Competition Winner, Ysera!
E: INSID YS WA GIVEA E! GALOR Publications Agreement Number 42496543 Return Mail Dept, Suite 101 - 2930 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6J 3Y9
P 20
Signs Your Cat Thinks You’re Their Mom Or Dad 10 Ways to Get Your
p26 Decode Your Cat’s Expressions
p32
moderncat.com DISPLAY UNTIL AUG 31 ‘24
$7.95
Cat to Eat: Expert Tips
for Combatting Picky Eating
Cat Dementia: Signs and How to Help Your Cat
p46 People Foods Cats LOVE
Meet the Most Adorably Fluffy Cat Breeds + How to Take Your Cat Everywhere
SPRING/SUMMER 2024
VOL 13 NO 1
52 FEATURES 22
The 8 Best Smart Gadgets for Cats and Cat Lovers
Innovative pet tech that makes life with cats easier and more fun!
26
“Aloof” Cats Have 276 Facial Expressions
Frequently thought to be aloof, felines are far more expressive than previously thought. A new study shows that cats have complex expressions and social lives. BY ZAZIE TODD
32
Signs Your Cat Thinks You’re Their Mom or Dad
26
BY MIESHELLE NAGELSCHNEIDER
38
Undiscriminating Dogs and Feline Foodies: Why Cats Are Pickier Than Dogs
THE GOODS 30
BY SHERI RADFORD
52
36
BY SHERI RADFORD
Meet the Most Adorably Fluffy Cat Breeds & Find Out If They’re Right for You!
Cool Cat Furniture
Modern, minimal design makes these cat pieces welcome in any room.
The Love Language of Cats
Yes, your cat really does love you—science has proof. 60
Catify Your Life
Cat-tastic designs to thrill both you and your cat!
Dogs will devour pretty much anything while cats turn up their noses. Experts explain why.
58
Cat Gear Look Book
Your at-a-glance guide to the best stuff for you & your cat.
BY TERESA KEIGER
68
Healthy Paws
Solutions for everything from fleas to UTIs!
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36
LEFT PHOTO O_ZINCHENKO/SHUTTERSTOCK; RIGHT PHOTO & COVER INSET SIDNEY MCINTYRE; INSET PHOTO BY TEDDYBOB
Does your cat see you as a caretaker, mate, or affiliate? Find out which one you are on page 32!
44 Microbiome Magic
42
Why your cat’s gut health matters.
10 Ways to Get Your Cat to Eat
44
CAT LIFE
Expert tips for combatting picky eating. 46
10 Meal Toppers Picky Cats Go Crazy For
48
Cat Dementia: Signs and How to Help Your Cat
20
We’re Giving it Away!
We’ve got months of cool cat stuff—from cat trees to litter prize packs—up for grabs! Turn to page 20 to see what you can win. 64
How to Take Your Cat Everywhere
Learn how to take your cat on adventures—from someone who does it! BY ALBERT COLOMINAS
REGULAR FEATURES 6 8 10 12 18 79
Editor’s Letter Contributors Stuff We Love The Scoop Photo Contest Marketplace
74
18 COVER CAT Say hello to Ysera, winner of the 2024 America’s Favourite Pet Contest, photographed by Sydney Cisco. Read all about Ysera’s inspiring story on page 70!
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Connie’s Book Club Editor-in-Chief Connie Wilson’s selection of new, 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
64
6 Interesting Cat Facts
Fascinating cat trivia and little-known feline facts.
In USA: MODERNCAT (ISSN 1929-3933) Volume 13, 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 Cat, PO Box 4767 Blaine, WA 98231-9901.
COVER INSET & TOP LEFT PHOTO AESTHETICA/SHUTTERSTOCK; TOP RIGHT PHOTO KATSIARYNA PAKHOMAVA/SHUTTERSTOCK; LEFT INSET GUS S U B M I T T E D B Y P A T R I C I A T ; R I G H T I N S E T B Y OUTDOOR BENGAL
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his just might be my favourite issue to date. There is so much to learn and discover about our feline friends, from fascinating cat trivia to the latest behaviour science. And, of course, the pages are packed with tips, tricks, and ideas for bettering your cat’s life and improving your relationship. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Mink loves to read his Modern Cat magazine.—Submitted by Laura Bolsen
For starters, we’ve rounded up the best smart gadgets for cats and cat lovers. Think things like a tiny collar camera delivering fascinating (and enlightening!) footage of your cat’s day. From smart cat doors to a camera that dishes treats and lets you talk to your cat, these innovative pet tech finds (p 22) make life with cats easier and more fun! Next up, a new study shows that cats, often thought to be aloof, are actually far more expressive than previously thought. Find out what these facial expressions mean on page 26. Do you consider yourself a cat mom or cat dad? You’re in good company! Check out page 32 for signs your cat thinks of you as a parent. Does your cat see you as a caretaker, mate, or affiliate? You’re about to find out! We explore the love language of cats—Spoiler alert: Yes, your cat really does love you—and look at why cats are often “picky” eaters. (There’s a very good biological reason!) Find proven strategies for improving your cat’s appetite and tempting them to eat on page 44.
Modern Cat Back Issues Are the Best! Found some magazines from 2017 so idk how modern they will be, but I’m reading them all.—@haroldtheinsidecat
And as usual, you’ll find the coolest cat-approved toys, trees, and more, from modern, minimal cat furniture to cat-tastic designs to thrill both you and your cat! You’ll also get to know the fluffiest cat breeds, discover solutions to feline health problems, and find months of incredible giveaways. It’s all here. We hope you enjoy the issue as much as we loved putting it together for you. Thank you for being a part of this amazing community of cat lovers! With love,
Best Gift for Cats!
Connie Wilson, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
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Magazines Canada spokescat Evan got a gift subscription to @modern_cat_mag that he found quite comfy!–@magscanada
CON TRIBUT O R S SPRING · SUMMER 2024 VOL 13 NO 1
Sydney McIntyre, the
owner of Willow Studios is a pet photographer based in London, ON. Her passion for pets has been a lifelong affair, and she specializes in capturing their beauty via photography. One of her notable subjects is her own photogenic Goldendoodle, Willow, who is always ready to strike a pose for the camera! Find her at willowstudiosphotography.com, and turn to page 26 to see her lovely captures of cat expressions.
Publisher
Modern Cat Inc. Editor-in-Chief
Connie Wilson Editor & Creative Director
Jennifer Nosek Design & Production
Megan Carpick Comptroller
Cecilia de Roca Chan, CPA, CGA Marketing & Sales Coordinator
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Aly Stamper Administrative Assistant
Angelie Hizon INTERESTED IN SUBSCRIBING? Give us a call at 1-800-417-6289 or subscribe online at moderncat.com/subscribe
Sheri Radford has been a
writer and editor for many years, covering lifestyle and sustainability topics for a variety of publications. She is also the author of five extremely silly books for children. Her household in downtown Vancouver is ruled by the whims of a large and opinionated Norwegian forest cat.
Advertising inquiries call (866) 734-3131 In Canada: MODERNCAT (ISSN 1929-3933) Volume 13, 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 13, 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 Cat, PO Box 4767 Blaine, WA 98231-9901. PHONE
(604) 734-3131 OR TOLL FREE (866) 734-3131
FAX (604) 734-3031 OR TOLL FREE (866) 734-3031
Zazie Todd is the award-
winning author of Purr: The Science of Making Your Cat Happy. She has a PhD in Psychology, is an honours graduate of the prestigious Academy for Dog Trainers, and has an Advanced Certificate of Feline Behaviour (with Distinction) from International Cat Care. Originally from the UK, she lives in Maple Ridge, BC, with her husband, dog, and cat. In this issue, she unpacks how cats, often thought to be aloof, actually make an incredible 276 distinct facial expressions and have rich social lives (p 26).
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The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, images, photographs or other materials. By accepting and publishing advertising the publisher in no way recommends, guarantees or endorses the quality of services or products within those advertisements. Copyright 2024 by Modern Cat Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means, electronic or mechanical, including the Internet or photocopying without the written permission of the Publisher. Modern Cat and its logotype are the trademarks of Modern Cat Inc. Modern Cat is published two times a year. Two-year subscription prices: Canada $18CAD, U.S.A. $18USD, foreign $45USD. Subscription orders and customer service inquiries should be sent to Modern Cat Subscription Services, Suite 101 - 2930 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6J 3Y9
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Upload your cat's photo at moderncat. com/photo-contest. 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 May through October. Go to moderncat.com/giveaways to enter! Lucky readers will win every two weeks.
June
May
1st -14th
Win 1 of 2 feline wellness prize packs from Vetericyn! Includes two bottles each of the Vetericyn Plus Feline Antimicrobial Facial Therapy, Hydrogel, Wound & Skin Care, and Ear Rinse solutions.
July
15
-31st
th
1st -14th
15th -30th
Win 1 of 3 litter care prize packs from Catalyst Pet! Includes a 20 lb bag of Catalyst litter, a premium scoop, and a litter tracking mat.
Win a Large Multiple Tiered CatHaven Cat Tree from MyThreeCats.com! This eye-catching cat tree is handcrafted with soft, silky realistic looking leaves, a sturdy turf base, and three carpeted perches.
Win 1 of 3 plant-powered prize packs for cats from Wondercide! Includes Flea & Tick Spot Ons (year’s supply!), Shampoo, Pet Sprays in four scents, Yard Spray, and soothing Skin Tonic.
15th -31st
1st -14th
15th -31st
August
70” Tall
1st -14th
Win a Steel 70-inch Extra Tall Cat Safety Gate from Richell USA! This durable gate keeps cats safe and the unique design prevents them from climbing, jumping over, or squeezing through.
Win a cat gear prize pack from Buddy Belts! Includes a matching Buddy Belts Harness, Leash, ID Collar, and Poopurse set.
Win 1 of 3 Classic Cat Trees (Model A4301) from Armarkat! A purrfect vertical space solution for your pampered feline, this durable cat tree is Cat Daddy approved by Jackson Galaxy.
Win a one-year supply of ökocat litter! Winners will receive 12 coupons to redeem at their favourite ökocat retailer.
October
September
1st -14th
Win 1 of 4 prize duos from Bluegrass Animal Products! Includes a bottle of Feliotic probiotic for cats and a $25 Visa gift card.
15th -30th
Win 1 of 10 Bistro Bowl pouches from Whole Life Pet! This hydrating snack for cats is made with human-grade ingredients. Winners will get to choose their cat’s preferred recipe!
1st -14th
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!
15th -31st
Win 1 of 3 litter prize packs from UltraPet! Includes six 5 pound bags of Ultra Micro Probiotic Crystal litter.
No purchase necessary to enter or win. Beginning May 1, 2024 at 12:01 AM (PST) through October 31, 2024 at 11:59 PM (PST), enter each day at moderncat.com/giveaways. Each biweekly giveaway ends at 11:59 PM (PST). Every two weeks, the specified number of winners for that giveaway will win the prize featured in the giveaway calendar (ARV: $200). Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. Contest is open to legal Canadian and/or US residents 18 and older as of date of entry. Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited by law. Giveaway subject to complete official rules available at moderncat.com/giveaways.
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INSET PHOTO: BUGSEY MALONE SUBMITTED BY DYLAN SHIMEL
s y a w a e v i G t a Gre
what benefit the food has for them.” Dogs rely mainly on smell, but not cats: “It’s not all olfactory. Their tongues do a lot of the work.” They’re also very good at determining “what has that specific amino acid profile they like.” The umami of Noochies nutritional yeast is such a hit with cats and dogs alike that the company is making freeze-dried yeast treats for both.
Routines and Adventures
Introducing New Foods
Any pet, whether a cat or a dog, might need some encouragement to try eating something new. “Dogs are generally more easygoing with their meals, and we often see them happily chow down on whatever’s in their bowl,” says Mark Sapir, Chief Marketing Officer of Open Farm. The Colorado company makes ethical, sustainable food for pets. “Cats,
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This all goes a long way toward explaining why an animal carcass washed up on a beach is unappetizing to a cat but may be pure ambrosia to a dog. on the other hand, tend to be a bit more particular. They like sticking to what they know and are less adventurous. When it comes to wet food, they have specific texture and animal protein preferences, making it a bit challenging to introduce new foods. Once you find something they love, they’re usually hooked.” Sapir shares some advice to follow when introducing new foods. “For dogs, it’s all about making the meal special. If your pup isn’t enthusiastic about their regular food, try topping it with something extra, like freeze-dried treats, wet food, or a savory broth. These additions can pique their interest and get those tails wagging,” he says. “Cats are a little trickier. Patience is key here. Take it slow and introduce new foods gradually. Discover the texture and protein they adore and stick with it.” He lists the company’s most popular flavours: chicken and beef for dogs, poultry and fish for cats. “That said, dogs are generally more open to variety and can enjoy rotating flavours.”
Daisy May, the UK veterinary surgeon, points out that some cats are actually quite adventurous eaters, while some dogs can be more hesitant. “We all know cats go crazy for meat, but some are totally down to try other foods too, especially if they’ve been exposed to a variety from a young age. And get this—cats can pick up habits from each other! If they see another feline or even a human family member munching on something, their curiosity might just get the best of them,” she says. “With dogs, a bad experience with a certain food can be a turn-off if it led to an upset stomach. Some pups are naturally more cautious and need time to warm up to new treats and textures.” As always, the key to understanding any specific dog or cat is remembering that each one is an individual. May says, “The main thing is that each animal has their own unique personality and history that shapes their preferences.”
P H OTO L I G H T F I E L D S T U D I OS / SH U TT E R STO CK
Cats are known for disliking change, while dogs are viewed as more adventurous. These tendencies can extend to food preferences. Cats, says Fulton, “take great comfort in familiarity and routine. An abrupt change in their diet can lead to finicky eating or refusal to eat the new food.” Thompson agrees, saying, “Cats are creatures of habit, meaning they may reject unexpected changes if they are used to a particular food. Dogs, however, can be conditioned to eat various types of food due to their historical roles as scavengers.” Cats rely on familiarity and consistency to feel secure. “They develop daily habits around feeding, grooming, and playtime. Any disruption to their routine can cause stress and anxiety.” Plus, Thompson says, “Cats have keen senses, especially their sense of smell and hearing. They can be highly sensitive to new scents, sounds, and environments. Unexpected changes may introduce unfamiliar scents or noises that can make them feel on edge.” As naturally risk-averse creatures, cats may see changes as possible threats. “Their instinct is to be cautious and avoid unfamiliar situations to protect themselves.”
SPECIAL PROMOTION
Cool new cat finds!
Brighten your home and make a statement with these unique 120-Hour Soy Cat Candles! Made from 100% natural, renewable soy, and non-toxic materials. Choose among several designs and 25 different unique scents or unscented. An affordable cat-themed gift! mythreecats.com
Don’t settle for the weak stuff– elevate your cat’s playtime with Cat Crack Catnip! 100% natural, nonGMO, harvested in North America and packed with 78%+ Nepetalactone potency (the stuff that makes your cat go meow)– this catnip is legit! catcrack.com
Introducing The Cuddler (Armarkat Model C71NHS). A luxurious and cozy haven for your feline friend! With its plush silvery-gray shag and generous sizing, this bed offers comfort, support, and style for multiple kitties. armarkat.com
The Canadian-made Jumbo Crinkle Ball creates Jumbo excitement, igniting curiosity and playfulness! Its soft texture entices pawing and chasing, providing hours of entertainment and exercise for your feline friend. crinkleball.com
ZippyClaws Burrow toys promote mental stimulation and encourage interactive play for curious cats. Simply stuff the little critters into the burrow and let your cat work to paw, claw, bite, and tug them out. zippyclaws.com
These berry fun treats are just the thing to shake up kitty’s playtime. Yeowww! Catnip Strawberries are fully stuffed with organically grown catnip and for added interest, the stems feature a fun crinkle texture! yeowww.com
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SPECIAL PROMOTION
Our feline friends deserve the best nutrition! Elevate mealtime by building a custom bowl that’s sure to
delight with new functional recipes from Go! Solutions. Combine Go! Solutions Sensitivities Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Salmon Recipe with a wet food topper using a Go! Solutions Booster recipe for a
delicious, nutritionpacked feast. go-solutions.com
Help your cat live their best life with these wellness products!
Packing all original Flower Fountain features, as well as a premium-quality stainless steel top, the Catit Flower Fountain is more than qualified to keep your cat hydrated 24/7. The shallow, hygienic top is dishwasher safe and doesn’t irritate your cat’s whiskers or skin! Available on catit.ca
Manage cat acne, cuts, mouth sores, and more!
Use Vetericyn’s Feline Facial Therapy to remove irritants, clean discharge in and around eyes and nose, reduce inflammation, and soothe
the itch and irritation
associated with allergies.
vetericyn.com
Privy Kitty provides an outdoor litter box for indoor cats and eliminates all the undesirable elements that come with having a litter box. Mounting securely to the exterior of your house, Privy Kitty lets you
keep the litter box outside, your home clean, and your cat safe. privykitty.com
Essiac Pet Drops support
your pet’s long term vitality and overall wellbeing! This organic,
herbal supplement can be given daily to strengthen
your cat’s immune system, improve digestion, and promote bone, joint, and muscle health and function. Essiac also helps clear the body of free radicals by detoxifying the blood, liver, and lymph nodes. essiac.com
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Portland Pet Food Company’s Salmon N’ Pumpkin and Chicken N’ Pumpkin cat meals are crafted with quality ingredients sourced entirely within the United States. Designed to serve as rotational meals or tantalizing toppers and featuring whole-food, limited
ingredients, they are easily digestible and ideal for cats with digestive sensitivities! portlandpetfoodcompany.com
The Norwegian Forest Cat
3
The Norwegian Forest Cat & The Siberian Two
4
The British Shorthair Shorthaired breeds can
other densely coated fluffy cats are from WAY up north! Both the Norwegian Forest Cat (native to Norway, of course) and the Siberian (from Russia) have incredibly dense coats. In fact, the Siberian has a triple coat to insulate them against the snow and ice. Both are large cats that come in a wide range of colours and patterns, but the similarities end there. The Norwegian Forest Cat has a triangular head consisting of flat planes, and their ears continue along those planes. It is the only breed which can go down a tree headfirst. They are extremely outgoing, playful, and sweet. The Siberian is a slow to mature cat, not reaching full maturity until four to five years old. They have a muscular, barrelchested body and a head which is a modified wedge with a fully rounded muzzle. They are loyal and affectionate cats that love cuddling.
trace of a handprint. Although solid blue is the most popular colour, the British Shorthair comes in a wide variety of other colours and patterns. Their dense coat does require regular combing to remove the dead hair it sheds (just as all cats do). This large-bodied cat has a gentle disposition and an intelligent nature—so intelligent that they’ve often been used in TV and movies.
5
The Selkirk Rex Another fluffy
breed with a dense coat is the Selkirk Rex. They come in both a long and a shorthair version with a body structure very similar to that of the British Shorthair (which was used to help create the breed from its original spontaneous mutation). The Selkirk Rex’s coat forms plush, unstructured curls all over the body. The shorthair coat is often likened to looking like a sheep’s, while the longhair coat has looser curls due to the length. Like their British Shorthair relative, they are laid-back cats who enjoy being with their people.
ALSO be fluffy, and a great example is the British Shorthair. This breed’s coat is the densest of all breeds with about 300 hairs per square inch. You can run your hand through their coat, and it will spring right back, leaving no
So, what makes a fluffy cat breed different from shorthaired (non-fluffy) breeds? A cat breed might be considered fluffy if their hair is more than one inch long. Some fluffy cat breeds have even longer hair. Coats can come in variety of lengths, such as the floor-length Persian and the shaggy-coated Maine Coon Cat or the shorter-coated Exotic and British Shorthair. Some breeds, such as the Norwegian Forest Cat, have double coats which consist of a longer outercoat and a shorter, denser undercoat, while the Siberian has as a semilong to long triple coat.
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Find out how to properly care for fluffy cat coats at moderncat.com/articles/fluffycoatcare/
PHOTOS CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: ERIC ISSELÉE/SHUTTERSTOCK; JUST-MILA/SHUTTERSTOCK; KATSIARYNA PAKHOMAVA/SHUTTERSTOCK; YANA MIRTA/ADOBE STOCK
The Siberian
SPECIAL PROMOTION
Ingenious solutions to common cat-life problems PROBLEM:
CLAY LITTER IS HARMFUL FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
SOLUTION: Every
year, five BILLION pounds of clay are strip-mined in the U.S. for litter. Made from upcycled soft wood, Catalyst has the clumping power of clay without the environmental damage. catalystpet.com
PROBLEM: DOGS INVADING THE LITTER BOX SOLUTION: Prevent canine intrusions with the Door Buddy Door Prop. Maintain a narrow door opening to keep dogs out while allowing your cat easy access. Enjoy a cleaner, dog-free litter box area hassle-free! thedoorbuddy.com
PROBLEM: TOO BUSY PROBLEM: THE HIGH PEEING CAT SOLUTION: Kitangle’s Corner Kitty Litter Box boosts high
sided walls with a seamless interior. There are no connecting parts or crevices for urine to leak out and create undue household odour! kitangle.com
TO DEAL WITH THE LITTER BOX
SOLUTION: Stop
wasting time scooping! Leo’s Loo Too scoops automatically, reduces odour, and tracks health. Worried your cat won’t use it? With a 90-day return period you can try it worry-free. casaleopet.com
PROBLEM: PET HAIR EVERYWHERE
SOLUTION: Try Fur-Zoff!
PROBLEM: LOSING YOUR CAT SOLUTION: Tractive is the world’s most trusted GPS
Fur-Zoff removes pet hair quickly and effectively, saving you time and money. It’s not pretty, but it works! amvllcproducts.com
tracker for pets! This small, durable device attaches right to your cat’s collar to bring you real-time location updates for ultimate peace of mind. tractive.com moderncat.com
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marketplace
moderncat.com
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Cats Don’t Get Cavities Due to the pointed shape of their teeth, cats don’t get cavities like people do. But that doesn’t mean they don’t get dental disease. The Cornell University Feline Health Center found that 50 to 90 percent of cats older than four years of age suffer from dental disease. Common dental issues in cats include gingivitis, periodontal disease, and tooth resorption. A yearly check-up is recommended, as most cats do not show obvious symptoms of dental disease, but the consequences are serious.
Social gathering? Try these cat facts to get the conversation flowing!
Cats can see very well in the dark. This is due to the fact that they have more rods, a.k.a. darkspecializing cells, as well as the reflective tapetum at the back of their eye. Together, this allows cats to see in eight times dimmer light than humans can.
Cat Whiskers Are Super Sensitive
A Cat’s Dewclaws Serve a Purpose That tiny claw on the inner wrist of your cat? Your cat needs it. Cats use dewclaws to help them grip. Though not opposable, the dewclaw functions much like the human thumb. Cats use the dewclaw to hold onto prey or grip when climbing. Dewclaws on cats are rarely problematic, but they usually need to be trimmed regularly to prevent growing inward. Like all other cat claws, they serve a purpose your cat would miss, so they should not be removed.
A cat’s whiskers are as sensitive as human fingertips and are an essential part of how cats navigate their world. Cat whiskers are thicker than regular fur and rooted three times deeper. Most cats have 12 whiskers arranged in four rows on each cheek, although the number of whiskers varies by breed. This purposeful placement provides essential sensory feedback that helps your cat in everything they do.
Egyptian Cat Love Ancient Egyptians would shave off their eyebrows when their cats died. Herodotus wrote in 440BC that when a pet cat died in Ancient Egyptian times, the family members would shave off their eyebrows in mourning, reports Ancient History Encyclopedia.
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Cats Are Near-Sighted Cats can’t focus on anything less than one foot in front of them. Cats are nearsighted due to their large eye size and forward eye placement. Luckily, their sensitive whiskers help them compensate. Cats can swing their whiskers forward and use them to feel in front of them.
P H O T O S C L O C K W I S E F R O M T O P : R A D I S T / B I G S T O C K ; C A R O L I N E H E N R I / B I G S T O C K ; I S E R G / B I G S T O C K ; G O O D S T U D I O / B I G S T O C K ; A K 861 A N D R E Y / B I G S T O C K ; D S . S T U D I O / B I G S T O C K
Your Cat Can See 8x Better Than You in the Dark