When you’re considering buying or adopting a cat, it’s important to think about the cat’s lifespan. Becoming a cat guardian isn’t like buying a hamster — it’s a long-term commitment. In the bad old days when most cats lived outdoors, they tended to average only two or three years; a ten-year-old cat would have been …
Just like humans, cats are mammals. Like other mammals, they have mammary glands. In the females, these glands secrete milk to feed their young until the babies are old enough to eat solid food. This is known as lactation. Lactation is triggered by hormones released during pregnancy and childbirth, although it can sometimes be induced …
Cats have so many winsome and appealing traits: their affectionate natures, their playful antics, their soft, fluffy fur; the way they rub against your legs or curl up on your lap to purr. They also have a few somewhat less savoury qualities, one of which is their tendency to chase and often kill any small …
Cats are insatiably curious — and often seem insatiable in other ways. We all know that one cat (or even several) who persist in eating things they really shouldn’t. If they’re not stealing “people food” from your plate or swallowing pieces of carpet fluff, they’re chewing on plastic bags or destroying your houseplants and cut …
From garden plants to houseplants, decorative flora is a huge part of life for many people. Whether it’s a vase of cut flowers or a potted fern, plants can bring joy and beauty to your home. Unfortunately, many of the decorative species we love prevent a serious hazard to our pets. Some are toxic to …
With their engaging antics and fascinating personalities, it can be hard to stop with one cat. Many people who intended to be single cat owners end up with three, four or even more. This isn’t such a bad thing in my opinion — owning multiple cats can be hugely rewarding. The cats can give each …
To hear conventional wisdom tell it, cats are largely indifferent to humans. If they deign to recognize their owners, the story goes, it’s only because they know they can go to those people when they want something: food, comfort or protection. The truth is far more nuanced. Cats do indeed form lasting and meaningful attachments, …
Cats are capable of some breathtaking feats of athletics. There’s the “I’ve caught a nice fat vole and my owner’s coming after me” dash, the “Just heard the fridge opening” sprint, the 3 am hallway marathon and, of course, the “I was on top of this cat tree first” wrestling match. As well as these …
Despite the bad press they get as being solitary and unloving, cats can be very sweet and affectionate creatures who are capable of deep emotional connections. They show their fondness for their favourite humans in a variety of ways: waiting by the door for you to come home, rubbing around your legs or climbing into …
Cats show their affection in lots of different ways. Some are more demonstrative than others but they all have ways of expressing their attachment to you. One cat may jump onto your lap as soon as you sit down and insist on being petted. Another might prefer to perch nearby and watch you attentively. Some …
