That dreaded sound. It’s four o’clock in the morning, and you are peacefully asleep when it starts. It sounds like a cough, almost rhythmic. Then it grows in intensity with the strained augh at the end. Your sleepy brain starts to register. Oh! The cat! You jolt out of bed, stumbling over the blankets, looking for Fluffy. Yep, you were right. Poor Fluffy is on the rug, retching violently. “The rug, yuck, please onto the hardwood floor,” you cry and scurry behind her, trying to get her to move. But the vomiting episodes continue. There is no hope for your bedroom floor, and Fluffy is miserabl ..read more

The stereotype that cats are solitary and fine on their own is false. Cats struggle with change, can experience separation anxiety, and require regular care. Most vets agree that cats should be left alone for no more than 24 hours. If you leave your cat alone for longer than 24 hours, there are significant safety issues. Cats left alone could: ⇢ Become shut or locked in a room without access to their food and water ⇢ Get hurt or sick from falls, ingesting something they shouldn’t, etc. ⇢ Become trapped in small spaces ⇢ Spill their water and have nothing to drink You’ll need to have someone ..read more

It’s here! The annual event all pet retailers and distributors look forward to is live and in-person on March 20-22 in Orlando, Florida! Connecting pet product manufacturers, importers, retailers, thought leaders, and creative minds, it’s the place to be to find the coolest new products that pet lovers are sure to be raving about. Some of our favourite companies will be exhibiting at the show, so make sure to check them out and add them to your list to visit: Booth #4450: Toys for playful pets! PetShop by Fringe Studio introduces new plush toys for dogs and cats, plus rubber, latex, and floati ..read more

Is there anything more fascinating and funnier than cats experiencing catnip-induced euphoria? Cat photographer Andrew Marttila’s delightful book Cats on Catnip is devoted to the hilarious poses of cats in the thrall of a catnip high, and it is as fun as one would imagine. Undeniably, many cats go crazy for the stuff. But just what is at play here? And is it good for cats? Researchers suspect that the herb targets feline “happy” receptors in the brain, says the Humane Society of the United States. Cats rolling in catnip tend to have a euphoric response, whereas if eaten, it tends to mellow c ..read more

“If man could be crossed with the cat,” Mark Twain once wrote, “it would improve man, but it would deteriorate the cat.” The writer and humourist was a bit of an expert on the subject of feline personalities, having lived with up to 19 cats at a time and even seeking out feline companions while on vacation. Anyone lucky enough to share a home with a cat has undoubtedly discovered the idiosyncrasies that make up each one’s unique personality. It turns out that analyzing a few specific factors can impart useful insights about the cat’s personality—and offer important clues for how their human co ..read more

Cats will love this elevated lounge spot! Sleekly designed, the Castillo cat tower from Mau Pets features two circular resting areas, raised sides, and a machine-washable faux fur cushion. Suitable for cats up to 20 pounds! ($199, maupets.com) With its bright accent colour, Armarkat’s Premium Cat Tree X2101 is high on style. Made from pressed wood and ultra-thick faux fur, it features a lookout platform, ramp, scratching post, and toy.  ($65, armarkat.com) Vetreska’s Fruit Frenzy Cat Climber brings the fun! With four teddy-fleece-lined platforms and jute-wrapped posts, your cats wil ..read more

Looking for a cat who is friendly, mellow, and easy to care for? Look no further than an American Shorthair! Happy-go-lucky and confident, these are true family cats, generally comfortable with children and dogs, and as American as apple pie. A Breed Born and Bred in America While there are no records of when cats first came to North America, it is believed that shorthaired cats were brought to North American by European ships, aboard where they controlled rodents and protected food supplies. As settlers journeyed west, cats went with them, earning their keep by protecting houses and barns f ..read more

Understanding Feline Depression + Strategies To Promote Emotional Well-Being In Cats Cats, known for their playful and mysterious nature, are not immune to experiencing emotions such as sadness and depression. In fact, as in humans, depression can stem from anxiety. While it may be challenging to identify these emotions in cats, the signs and symptoms of feline depression do exist. Recognizing these markers and implementing strategies to help alleviate your cat’s unhappiness is crucial for ensuring the emotional well-being of your feline friend. Signs of Feline Depression Depression in cats ..read more

In the morning, it’s a drawn-out howl for kibble. When it’s time for me to leave, it’s perky little chirps as my cats wind around my legs, entreating me to stay. Sitting on my lap while I watch TV, it’s a deep rumbling purr. I’ve gotten used to my cats’ vocalizations, even coming to expect the indignant meows Basil makes when I try to cuddle him while he’s eating. With all this meowing, testing out MeowTalk, a new cat translation app created by a former Amazon engineer, proved irresistible. Illustration by Michelle Simpson My cats didn’t know what to make of the phone held up to their snou ..read more

SCRATCHERS pidan Valley Cat Scratcher Bed$40; teddybob.ca or teddybob.us   Emory Cat Scratcher$49; maupets.com   Arty Cat Scratcher$55; petplay.com   The Ultimate Scratching Post$80; pioneerpet.com   TOYS Rainbow Cat Charmer$7; catdancer.com   Kitty Cravings Cat Toys$12; petshop.fringestudio.com   Jumbo Crinkle Ball$3; crinkleball.com   Nip Nibblers$5; pioneerpet.com   FOR CAT PEOPLE Nose Print Pendantfrom $277; robinslovingtouch.com   2024 Cats on Catnip Wall Calendar $16; pageaday.com   Unisex “Terot Card” Black Tee$25; skinnypetescatnip.com ..read more