Tag: catster-homepage-3-posts

Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga.

Brushing your cat’s coat keeps it healthy, reduces shedding, redistributes the natural oil, and sometimes allows you to practice first-aid skills. Veterinarians and behavioral specialists recommend introducing grooming to cats when they’re kittens, and while I agree with their advice, Olga’s early experiences were more violent than beneficial.

Youthful Aggression

As a kitten, her oversized head and potbelly gave her a comical appearance, but underneath the cute exterior lay the soul of a psychopath. I let her examine the brush and left it on the couch for a few hours before attempting a grooming session, but my efforts were in vain. After sniffing it and hitting it a few times, she ignored it, which seemed promising since she didn’t consider it a threat.

However, when I tried to brush her, she curled into a ball and attacked my hand with her sharp teeth and claws. I made several attempts, but grooming a cat is challenging when she doesn’t allow you to touch her back, side, or belly.  She only allowed petting on her neck and head, so I gave up trying to brush her until she became an adult and calmed down.

Early Days of Grooming

She kept her coat clean as a kitten and never developed mats or tangles. After she was around a year old, I bought a softer brush that was gentler on her light coat. She didn’t attack me but kept trying to eat the brush. Then, I tried bribing her, a positive reinforcement classic, when she behaved after a grooming session.

I gave her a treat when she sat still for more than a few seconds, and it seemed to work. Subsequent sessions were more productive; eventually, I could brush 2/3rds of her coat without getting injured or frustrated.

Present-Day Grooming

Sometimes, I think rewarding for good behavior worked too well. When I brush her fur or trim her nails, she purrs, moves around, and tries to rub her head on my neck. I know purring sounds more appealing than scratching and biting, but at least when she attacked me, she generally stayed in one place.

She’s not as food-motivated as she was when she was younger, but she gets excited and more affectionate before her feeding times.  I don’t give her treats after grooming or nail-trimming sessions, but she still expects them and continues to use manipulative love to convince me she’s malnourished.

Luckily, Olga’s thin coat doesn’t require frequent brushing, and her sound-barrier-breaking tongue handles most of the daily maintenance. She only resorts to violence after I trim her front claws and move on to the rear ones. I usually trim one and two before she screams and tries to hit me in the face. I considered buying a hockey mask and Kevlar sleeves to protect myself, but hydrogen peroxide and bandages are more affordable. Besides, she’s too relaxed sometimes, and I like seeing my miniature panther in attack mode. It takes me back to the days of her violent youth.

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and meet my five hilarious cats: Clutch, Cyril, Alex, Zelda, and Zazzles.

Yesterday, my neighbor sent me a photo of Clutch peering over the fence from his custom-built catio (my cats aren’t spoiled at all!). The reason he’d spotted the furry little face in the dark was that Clutch had been singing, something he does on a daily basis.

His vocal gymnastics often follow a meal, as he stretches his legs on the kitchen countertops, walking off a delicious feast, but he can often be heard yodeling in the morning, evening, or in the middle of the day as he patrols his outdoor enclosure. To this day, I haven’t been able to work out the purpose or intended audience of these performances, and I’m starting to believe that Clutch sings for himself.

Clutch’s Catalog of Sounds (Pun Intended!)

Like most cats, Clutch uses a wide variety of sounds, along with the classic ‘meow’ used to communicate with us. Apart from the occasional friendly chip or grumble of irritation, he doesn’t seem to engage in a lot of inter-feline conversation, generally preferring the company of dogs or humans. He uses one meow for a general declaration of hunger, but there is a more urgent, insistent bleating reserved for when he knows there is chicken in the fridge. The singing is something that evolved over time; he hasn’t always been a performer.

While no one would describe Clutch’s overtures as being classically musical, I have started to suspect that my use of the word ‘singing’ might not be too far off. There is one other time that Clutch belts out a banger, and that’s when I am, too.

Duet or Dissent?

I enjoy a good private performance, whether it be in the shower cubicle or kitchen, and I fancy myself to be moderately proficient at karaoke. For a long time, however, I thought that Clutch strongly disagreed. No sooner had I completed the first few bars of a song than Clutch would rush to my side, meowing plaintively. At first, I thought he was complaining, or worried that I was injured, but I’m starting to wonder if he wasn’t attempting to join in, Kenny to my Dolly, Elton to my Kiki Dee, Bradley to my Lady Gaga…

But perhaps I’m getting ahead of myself.

Is Clutch Actually Singing?

I try not to anthropomorphize too much. Although it’s great to try to empathize with our pets and try to understand the whys and wherefores of their habits and behavior, the reality is that they are motivated by different things than us. However, by applying what we know about feline communication, I don’t think that it’s too farfetched to categorize Clutch’s vocal stylings as singing, and here’s why.

From what we understand, the classic feline meow, a vocalization used only by domestic cats, evolved alongside their domestication. The sounds typically exchanged between cats are usually a combination of yowls, purrs, chirps, growls, and hisses; they don’t tend to ‘meow’ at one another. From here, we believe that the meow is designed to communicate with us, their human servants, and while we are desperately trying to decipher the meaning behind their ‘words,’ it is far more likely that they are merely echoing back to us what our words sound like to them.

So if meowing is simply a form of mimicry, could Clutch actually have learned to sing from me? Part of me likes to believe that this is the case, while another part of me hopes that I can carry a tune better than he does! In any event, singing seems to make him happy, so I am happy, too.

We hope to have his debut album out by Christmas.

Welcome to the Wednesday Cats of Catster! Every week, we share a story from one of our cat-loving Catsters. This week is about Wes and his fiercely cuddly Russian Blue, Raphael.

When we last left off, I told you all about only two elements of Raphael’s personality: one, an obsession for all things consumable, and two, a drive to snuggle that would make an Antarctic Emperor Penguin proud (if you haven’t seen them, you’re missing out). As I mentioned, though, that’s just the very surface of our story, and there’s so much more to my little four-legged companion. Today, I thought a question-and-answer session would be the perfect way to get you properly up to speed with all things Raphy. Now bear in mind, if you hate any questions, he insisted on them. Also, he was very insistent on the answers, too. Basically, any and all criticism should be directed his way.

The 8 Questions to Introduce Raphael:

1. What breed is Raphael?

Raphael is a Russian Blue. As he is our first cat as adults, my partner (Steph) and I wanted to ensure we had the right breed for us. We’d been told that Russian Blues combined close companionship with a lot of intelligence – and boy were they right!

2. Is Raphael a male or female cat?

Raphael is a male cat. At least, that’s what the vet told us. If he isn’t, then castrating him was a huge mistake!

3. Who on Earth calls a cat ‘Raphael’?

This is the question we get asked the most. Steph and I both love art and exhibitions. In fact, our second date (when I was living in Hong Kong) took place at a Chinese calligraphy exhibition. In the summer of 2022, the National Gallery in London held an exhibition of Raphael’s works (which, incidentally, was excellent). A few weeks later, when a small but regal gray bundle of fur came into our lives, we knew what an honor it would be for the Italian Renaissance painter if he were to share a name with this beautiful boy before us.

4. When is Raphael’s birthday?

20th May 2022. He’s really hoping that this means you’ll be sending gifts his way. He gently reminds you to read the other answers thoroughly so that you don’t mess it up and get him something he has to return.

5. What does Raphael love?

The vet (and Catster’s experts) told us a little while ago that to keep Raphy healthy into old age, it would be optimal if we could get him used to having his teeth brushed. Well, I have to say, far beyond being used to it – he now adores it! At the end of the day, when we brush our teeth, he comes running, too!

6. What does Raphael hate?

Raphael is the bravest scaredy cat you’ve ever met, especially when an unknown visitor is at the door. Before they enter, he’s all bravado and bluster – running to the door and getting as close to the action as he can. After all, he’s training to take on guard-cat duty. Then, as soon as the stranger(s) step foot inside, he’s hustling his furs away. He especially hates unknown men, for some reason. Looks like guard-cat duty is a while away yet!

7. Who’s the spare human?

You know the answer. I’ll get in trouble if I say anything out of line here. It’s an undeniable, incontrovertible truth that I am the spare human, and Steph is number one. (That is the official party line and I’m sticking to it, no matter what).

8. What’s his favorite toy?

His Hepper Hi Lo of course! Although I’m biased, we have a number of them dotted throughout the apartment, much to his approval, and it’s always exciting to see him using it – whether it’s the first scratch or the hundredth. I love the sense that he’s working out any frustrations (you got it, he got told it wasn’t lunchtime yet) and getting a good muscle stretch in, too.

And there’s so much more to know…

Hopefully that canter through a couple of questions was illuminating and interesting, but when it comes to our journey with Raphy, there are endless things to share! If you have any suggestions for what topics you want to discuss in this space, please leave a comment and let me know. Also, I’d love to hear your answers to the questions above, too! Let me and Raphy know what tickles the whiskers of your lovely little four-legged friends. Who knows, your answers might give us some inspiration for those between-meal times!

Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga.

Cats fill our lives with joy, but they also tear up furniture, knock priceless items off shelves, bully other pets, and wake us up in the middle of the night. Miniature predators must entertain themselves, and most homes don’t simulate their natural environment. Handling an unruly feline is challenging, but disciplining them like you would a child is usually ineffective.

Disciplining Felines

I agree with veterinarians and behavioral experts that hitting or screaming at cats when they misbehave is cruel. However, shouting at the top of your lungs is much different than raising your voice, and it’s hard to utter gentle advice when your cat is being a jerk. I understand that cats have sensitive hearing, but I’ve raised my voice more than a few times when Olga misbehaves.

She enjoys diving into the blinds when she gets a sudden burst of energy, and I’m surprised she has never damaged them or broken a window. She also likes playing hockey with toiletries when she jumps on the bathroom vanity. Saying “No” or “Stop it” works temporarily, but unless I approach her, she’ll continue her mischief.

She runs away when I approach her, and it usually prompts her to engage in a game of hide and seek, which is preferable to the previous antics. I can also divert her attention with a ball of paper or a silver vine stick. That’s the extent of my disciplinary measures; anything else I do is futile. Even though I’ve lost a few pints of blood from Olga’s attacks and replaced a few items she destroyed, I don’t consider her a bad cat.

Ineffective Methods

I’ve observed other disciplinary techniques used by friends and acquaintances that aren’t cruel but are ineffective and slightly ridiculous. For example, I had a friend who used to put her cat in time-out when he misbehaved. She would grab him, carry him to her bedroom, and close the door. Then, she would lecture him with baby talk like he was a toddler.

I doubt he understood her unless he was more intelligent than I imagined. Cats don’t respond to paragraphs, and some don’t even come when you call their names. Treating them like little kids is cute, in a way, but also absurd. Distracting Olga and limiting her access to her favorite objects to destroy usually works, but sometimes, she finds a new way to irritate me.

Olga’s Thick Skin

She isn’t a needy cat or as affectionate as my Siamese cat, but she’s more forgiving. She doesn’t hold a grudge if I fuss at her or chase her away. After ending her destruction, she’ll still jump in my lap or nap by my feet. In contrast, My Siamese would turn away, try not to look at me, and scream as loud as he could after I criticized his bad behavior.

Olga doesn’t sulk or get stressed when I end her fun, probably because she knows I’m not a disciplinarian and that she can always attack the blinds another day.

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and meet my five hilarious cats: Clutch, Cyril, Alex, Zelda, and Zazzles.

Have you met Cyril? If you haven’t, you are missing out! He’s the squishiest, most chilled-out, laid-back cat I’ve ever known, and he often gives me lifestyle envy. He’s also living the plus-sized life, which is something we’re going to be tackling in a future post. For now, I’d like to tell you about another of his unique characteristics – his reaction to certain sounds.

Back in 2021, I picked up a little virus; you may have heard of it. Covid something? Anyway, I had a wee bit of a cough, which apparently did not please He who shall not miss breakfast. Every time I had the audacity to clear my throat or attempt to bring up a lung whilst in Cyril’s general vicinity, I would get an angry little chatter in return.

How do I know it was angry? Well, the truth is, I don’t; it was just the vibe he was giving. There was no hissing or snarling, no swishing of tail or gnashing of teeth, just that chattering sound cats unleash when they’ve spotted a bird, rodent, or in my ginger cat Alex’s case, a hot dog. And there was an attitude. If you live with cats, you’ll know what I’m talking about. That air of superiority that lets you know, without a shadow of a doubt, that you are, and always will be, inferior to the feline species. And that’s fine, I know my place in the household hierarchy, but Cyril is not usually one to be so haughty. I’m perfectly comfortable being judged by a cat, but being judged by Cyril is like being judged by a sweet, kindly old man, like Morgan Freeman or Tim Walz. The look in his eyes seemed to say “I’m not angry, I’m just disappointed.”

Coughing Paranoia

It was difficult enough dealing with wary looks and suspicious glares when allergies or an inhaled drink set off a coughing fit during Covid, but now I was also dealing with cough-barrassment at home. Was nowhere safe?!

What’s even more worrying is that Cyril only cackles when I cough, never when my husband or anyone else does. It’s pretty hard not to take it personally. I almost had myself convinced that it was all down to Cyril’s love and concern for my health when he started to chatter at other noises as well.

First, it was the sneeze, but now the crinkling of an empty soda can has joined the clandestine cough on the list of sounds to be made only once I have established that I am in a Cyril-free zone. I cannot bear the idea of disrupting his snooze time; the poor cat is only managing 18, maybe 20 hours of sleep a day.

Why The Strange Reaction to Sounds?

Being an indoor kitty, one might theorize that Cyril’s chatter is nothing more than misplaced hunting sounds, but he will also make these vocalizations to birds spied on nearby rooftops.

I needed more information.

When researching the topic of cat chatter, I have found a number of different explanations for the sound, none of which were particularly surprising:

• mimicking prey
• excitement
• anticipation of biting prey

and one that confirmed my worst fears:

• expressing frustration with their humans.

Much like the quintessential meow, cats are rarely seen to chatter with other cats, meaning it is a sound reserved for specific occasions: hunting and telling people to shut up.

The Cat’s Meow

Feline-to-feline communication generally consists of chirps, hisses, growls, or yowls. The meow appears to have been developed as a way of trying to mimic the nonsensical sounds they hear coming from our mouths. Given that during my extensive history of meowing at cats, I don’t seem to have caused any offense, my assumption is that a cat’s meow is as decipherable a language to them as it is to us, in that, it isn’t. We think we’re being cute when we return their meow, when in fact, it is the cats that are humoring us by parroting our sounds.

So is Cyril annoyed at my coughing, or just confused by it? Is it a sign of his love and devotion to me that he persists in trying to communicate, even when my language has changed from coherent patterns to the strangled cry of a crushed Coke can? Are we doomed to stay locked in a cycle of indecipherable vocalizations until one of us gets bored and walks away (or in Cyril’s case, falls asleep)?

I think the answer is yes. Unless I manage to teach Cyril (and myself) morse code…

Welcome to the Wednesday Cats of Catster! Every week, we share a story from one of our cat-loving Catsters. This week is about Isabel and her sassy rescue, Milly.

Hi, Catsters! My name is Isabel Ludick and I’m the Marketing Director here at Catster. You may also recognize me from the Catster YouTube channel. I’m a certified cat lover and I’m so excited to share my experience as a lifelong cat owner with you all.

I’ve been a cat lover since I can remember. My family has always had cats, dogs, bunnies, and fish, and although I love all animals deeply, cats have always been my absolute favorite animal and pet. When I was a kid and adults asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I used to say, “A cat, of course!”

Now, please allow me to introduce my sassy rescue cat, Milly.

Milly is my beautiful, six-year-old white/tabby cat. She’s a domestic shorthair and her cuteness is unmatched. Let me tell you the story of how we met and instantly became best friends.

The year was 2018. I studied Psychology and English at the North West University in Potchefstroom, South Africa.¹ Even though I’ve always had cats growing up, I’ve never had a cat of my own. As a student, living on my own for the first time, I thought this was the perfect opportunity to rescue a cat.

I asked my boyfriend (now fiance), “Can we please go to the shelter this weekend to play with the cats and maybe we can bring one home?” He, never having cats (or pets) growing up, said, “Sure, why not!” Such a keeper. We planned our shelter visit and we were both so excited! A couple of days before we were supposed to go, a friend of his called him and said that he rescued a litter of kittens that was born in the back of the bar where he worked. The bar was called Die Mystic Boer (the mystic farmer) and it just so happened to be my favorite bar in town!

The friend said that he had already found good homes for almost all of the kittens, but he had one left, and no one seemed interested in her because she wasn’t as pretty as the other kittens. What are the chances? In the same week I decided that I wanted a cat, a friend called us and said he had one. It was fate. I had to go meet this little unwanted kitten born in the back of my favorite bar.

We went to his house that day and walked into his enclosed room to find the smallest little kitten with the dirtiest little mouth hiding between his shoes in the closet. My heart instantly melted and I dropped to my knees. She was very scared and a little feral so I knew I had to take my time. Luckily, being well acquainted with cats, I knew how to introduce myself. It took about an hour until she finally sniffed my hand. From that moment we both knew we’d be best friends forever.

I stood up, we drove to the nearest pet store and bought a cat carrier, a soft blanket, food and water bowls, a litterbox, and cat litter. We went back to the friend’s house, gently picked her up, and placed her in the carrier. She was coming home with me.

I couldn’t understand why no one would want her, she was the cutest, dirtiest little street cat I had ever laid eyes on. I named her Milly. I took her to the vet that next morning for a general checkup and to get her first vaccinations. The vet said she was about 4 weeks old and very malnourished. She probably only had bar scraps to eat in her first few weeks of life. We’re not sure if Milly was perhaps the runt of the litter and didn’t get any milk. The vet gave me everything I needed to nurse her back to health and that is exactly what I did.

Fast forward to today, six years later, she’s the happiest, healthiest, sassiest little cat in Cape Town and I love her more than life itself. All those people who turned her down can eat their hearts out because look at her! She’s so beautiful I can cry (and I do sometimes). Just kidding. I did cry many times in our journey together at the thought of us never meeting. Where would she have been today if I didn’t find her? I don’t even want to know.

All that matters is that we did find each other.

I really do believe that fate brought us together and it brings me so much joy to share our story with my fellow Catsters! We have many more stories to share, of our journey getting to know each other in Potchefstroom, moving back home to Johannesburg after I graduated, meeting all our other cats, becoming a mom cat (by accident), moving cross country to Cape Town in an airplane, living on a golf course, becoming a YouTube star and so much more.

Stay tuned!

Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga.

Cats keep us entertained, and most cat owners are happy to share their homes with miniature, slightly psychotic predators. They’re friendlier and more intelligent than some give them credit for, but their behavior can get them into trouble and lead to rehoming or euthanization.

Aggression and inappropriate elimination are the most common reasons for booting a cat out of the house and sending them to a shelter, and while stalking may not be a justifiable reason, it affects how some people perceive felines.

Feline Stalking

Stalking isn’t an admirable quality in humans, but it’s part of a cat’s DNA and unlikely to be diminished by selective breeding. A sneak attack by a cat hiding in the dark may cause your heart to skip a beat or make you scream, and I’m sure some unethical owners have reacted violently. Unlike most cat parents, I’m proud of my cat when she takes me by surprise and impressed by her stealth.

I get irritated when she forgets to retract her claws before attacking my legs, but most of the time, she only uses her pads after a sneak attack. I’m her favorite target since she can’t go outside and only hunts insects in the summer.

Olga’s Creepy Joy

The family of mockingbirds in my yard raiding my blueberry bushes are lucky Olga has to watch them from a windowsill and cannot engage in predatory stalking. It’s not only instinctual for cats to stalk and attack their owners but also entertaining. Olga is happiest when she jumps in front of me, hunches up her back, and attacks my calves with both paws.

She likes to be chased around the house and waits until my head is turned and I’m walking in the opposite direction to attack. Unlike the felines that surprise people in movies, Olga looks more energized than frightened.

Hollywood’s Feline Stalkers

Frightened cats often leap out and shriek when they scare people in horror films. It usually occurs when a character looks for a killer or creature in a creepy setting, like an abandoned warehouse, and jumps back when they find a cat instead.

In Alien, Jonesy (the cat) surprises Brett when he walks around the creepiest area of the ship and hisses to warn him that he’s about to be devoured by the extraterrestrial behind him. Since she’s not very vocal or protective, Olga would run before warning me of danger and wouldn’t use her stalking skills if frightened.

Young Olga’s Techniques

If she’s scared, she hides under a couch and doesn’t move, but stalking is a game to her. She has to be in a good mood, but when she was a kitten, she was more aggressive and craftier.

She surprised and attacked me when I took a shower, turned off the light to go to bed, and whenever I was half asleep in the recliner. When the recliner was in the upright position, she would claw her way up the back and hit me in the head. Olga’s not as creative with her stalking moves today, but she still attacks me when she’s hiding in the dark.

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and meet my five hilarious cats: Clutch, Cyril, Alex, Zelda, and Zazzles.

This is Zazzles. Zazzles is our most timid, quiet, and shy cat, and it is not unusual for us to go days without seeing her, apart from when she skulks out to grab a bite to eat. She is most often found hiding in my wardrobe.

This is also Zazzles. She rolls around on our bed and sofa, meowing until she gets a fuss, loving a tummy tickle and back scratch. She will often be found sprawled out on my bed or soaking up the sunshine on a window sill.

A Checkered Past

Zazzles was brought into the veterinary hospital where my (now) husband and I worked, and she was in quite a sorry state. Extremely thin and covered in fleas, she was desperately in need of flea and worming treatment and plenty of TLC. She limped on one of her back legs but didn’t show any signs of pain when it was manipulated. X-rays showed an old fracture that had healed incorrectly, resulting in a shortened limb. Repairing the old fracture would be difficult and painful, and amputation was a bit extreme. So although she walks with a limp, it doesn’t slow her down and she runs and jumps as well as any of our other cats.

For the first 2-3 years that she lived with us, we barely saw Zazzles. She would emerge for meals, then disappear back into one of her favorite hiding spots, and she certainly wouldn’t emerge if there were visitors in the house.

After we moved to Cornwall, things started to change…

Traffic

Not long after we moved across the country, we started seeing more of our little Torti kitty. It was infrequent at first, but we started seeing her sunbathing on windowsills, spending time with our dogs, and even sitting on our laps demanding a fuss. She was like a completely different cat!

One explanation for her personality reboot is that our home in Cornwall is at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, so the only traffic noise we hear is from cars slowly pulling into their driveways. Back in Essex, we lived on a fairly busy road, with the sound of cars zooming past a constant soundtrack to our lives.

This made us wonder if her previous injury was from being hit by a car. It would certainly explain the fractured femur and her timid nature in busy traffic areas.

Two Personalities

Although Zazzles was suddenly coming out and being social – even enjoying the laps of our houseguests – she retained her frightened, timid character as well. It’s as though she has two distinct personalities.

When she is confident and friendly, she is really confident and friendly! We sometimes have to force her off our laps when we need to get up, and we have even coined a term for her affectionate rubbing and rolling behavior: trolloping. She will roll and meow until you pay attention, and she’ll even meow to get our Shepherd, Kodah, to come and play with her.

A few hours later, scared Zazzles is back, skulking away like she expects to be beaten, hiding in my wardrobe, and running if I try to pick her up. She even treats mealtimes with suspicion when she’s in this mode.

We haven’t been able to identify any specific triggers to her regression, or if there is anything in particular that elevates her confidence. Instead of there being a gradual change to her whole character, It’s as though both personalities exist within this tiny cat, taking turns.

While I hope that eventually her confidence will win out, I am more than happy to love both Zazzles and Zazzles.

Hi Catsters!

I’m Crystal. I work in the marketing department for Catster. You may have seen some of my posts on our social media and listened to some of my tales on our YouTube channel.

Growing up, we always had dogs. I considered myself to be a dog person! That was until I moved in with my fiance, had a place of my own, and met my soul cat, Ivy.

My fiance would have to leave town often for work, leaving me alone in a quiet house. One thing to know about me: I HATE being alone.

As we lived in a complex, it’d be unfair to have a dog in such a small space. The yard was teeny tiny, and with so many residents already complaining about other dogs in the complex, I had to look for other options to find companionship.

This was when I set my heart on adopting a cat. With so many beautiful kitties waiting for their forever homes in shelters, the most difficult part was convincing my fiance. I begged, I pleaded (I perhaps even cried) for weeks on end.

Eventually, he gave in. I already had so many adoption posters saved on social media, and I found it impossible to choose one. Why couldn’t I have all of them?

One day, I opened Facebook and saw this post:

I can’t explain it, but I knew this was meant to be my cat. I immediately called the number. The lady said that because this kitty has such a unique coat and is long-haired, there was a lot of interest already, but she would keep me updated.

Later that day, she gave me a call and let me know what I’d have to do in order for her to decide whether I was the best potential cat mom – I had to send through a video of our apartment, a pet approval document from our complex, and be prepared to pay an adoption fee of around $150. This would include her first vaccinations and spaying procedure.

Long story short, two days and a lot of preparation later, I was on the way to pick up my kitty after she had been spayed!

I knew I’d love her, of course, but I was so nervous. Would she love me? Would I be a good cat mom? Would she only be around when it was feeding time?

All of those worries were put to bed pretty much immediately. She was friendly and affectionate and seemed truly grateful to have found a safe, loving home with us. Over time, with a lot of patience and reassurance (and treats), we built an amazing relationship.

The bond I have with my cat is unlike any other bond I’ve had with previous animals we’ve owned.

And yes, my fiance adores her – she stole his heart the moment he laid eyes on her and now accompanies him while he gets ready for work early in the mornings.

Of course, cat ownership doesn’t come without its own set of unique hurdles and challenges…

I’ll be sharing some more of my life with Ivy – the good, the bad, and the ugly – on Catster.com in the weeks to come!

Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga.

Before a friend gave me a Siamese cat several years ago, I knew little about them and had no idea how vocal they were. I met several people who thought they were meaner and more devious than other breeds, which isn’t accurate, but I don’t think they formed their opinions from their personal experiences.

Cartoon Animals

When they were kids, they probably watched Lady and the Tramp and didn’t appreciate how Am and Si treated the dogs. Movies and television programs influence us more than we would like to admit, and Disney, in particular, has had a profound impact on our understanding of animals.

The writers and producers have good intentions, and it’s not their fault that we make assumptions based on the actions of animated cats and dogs. Some blame 101 Dalmatians for an increase in overbreeding and deafness in Dalmatians, but the film didn’t contain subliminal messages encouraging everyone to adopt and mistreat a high-energy breed.

Making Siamese look like manipulative fiends or portraying Dalmatians as pets any family can own doesn’t bother me. Cartoonists and writers have an artistic license to exaggerate; they’re not bound by breed standards or veterinary evidence. However, I don’t like seeing live-action movies with cats drinking milk.

Milk and Hollywood Cats

Most cats are lactose intolerant, but characters who find or rescue cats usually give them milk even in today’s shows and films. I understand that it is a staple in most homes, and unprepared, new owners are unlikely to have cat food. Because of the fat and protein, cats generally like drinking milk until they get stomach aches or diarrhea.

Since most cats don’t get seriously ill from milk, it’s better for them to drink it in films than eat a loaf of garlic bread or a bowl of raisins. Olga isn’t interested in dairy products and would ignore a bowl of milk if she escaped and was rescued by a thoughtful neighbor. She can be affectionate and playful but also displays the stereotypical behavior of “evil cats” in the movies.

Olga’s Similarity to Church

If she were resurrected like Church in Pet Sematary, Olga would probably toss a dead mouse into my bathtub. Even though Church, played by seven cats, was a British Shorthair, he’s one of the few movie cats that slightly resembles Olga. When he hisses in the film, he reminds me of her. Olga only hisses at me when I return from a trip, and I feel honored that I’m the only one who has seen her scary side.

She likes hiding in the dark, surprising me with quick attacks, and hovering over me when I sleep late, just like the fictional felines in films. She makes the stereotypes seem more plausible but is more manipulative and violent than my Siamese cat. Although Olga would be an excellent horror film cat, she wouldn’t enjoy being around strange people or shooting a movie away from home.

Films and television shows have portrayed cats as evil, insane, playful, indifferent, and ignorant, which isn’t a problem, but I’m surprised by how many people believe what they see on a screen.

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and meet my five hilarious cats: Clutch, Cyril, Alex, Zelda, and Zazzles.

When looking at my ginger cat, Alex, it’s hard not to notice that he has remarkably long whiskers, particularly for a short-haired cat, and it made me wonder about some of the so-called ‘rules’ about whiskers. These are some of the claims made about whiskers, or as they are technically called, vibrissae:

• Cats use whiskers to gauge the width of a gap to see if they can fit through it
• Fatter cats have longer whiskers
• A cat’s whiskers are proportionate to the width of their body

But when I look at the various sizes of my cats compared with their whisker length, these theories don’t quite seem to add up.

Whiskers As A Measuring Tool

Have you ever watched a cat squeeze, jump, or run through a narrow gap? How often do they stop to test the width with their whiskers? And, judging by the contortions they’re capable of to navigate such narrow openings, how much attention are they paying to this ‘whisker feedback’ anyway?

Fatter Cats Have Longer Whiskers

One look at Cyril will tell you that this is simply not the case. As my squishy, huggable, resident fatty, Cyril is almost twice the size of our smallest feline, Zazzles. Even at a lean body weight, he is a large cat, but his whiskers are of quite a modest length.

Although whiskers fall out and are replaced like normal hair, they don’t grow longer if a cat puts on weight, so perhaps it’s a good thing that they’re not relying on them to suss out the accessibility of small spaces, or we’d be seeing a lot more tubby tabbies trapped in tiny openings!

Whiskers Are Proportionate to Body Width

I took it upon myself to measure the width of each of my cats at the shoulders, which, with the exception of Cyril (who is going on a diet), is the widest part of a cat’s body. I then measured the overall width of their whiskers at the longest whisker to see how they compared.

To look at, Clutch’s whiskers appeared to be most proportionate to his body, while Zazzles’ seemed quite short, even when accounting for her petite frame. When I looked at the ratios of whisker length to body width, I noticed something particularly interesting – the ratio of Clutch’s whiskers to body is 1.6 : 1.

And that, my friends, is known as The Golden Ratio.

Whisker width	23	19	18	16	22
Shoulder width	14	11.5	16	12	15
Ratio	1.7 : 1	1.6 : 1	1.1 : 1	1.3 : 1	1.4 : 1

The Golden Ratio

Also known as ‘Phi’ and ‘The Divine Proportion’, this is a ratio that is seen in nature time and time again. Although physics scholars are quick to dismiss the significance of this ratio when seen in biological organisms, the idea that features displaying these proportions are considered to be examples of ‘perfect beauty’ is one that visionaries like Leonardo DaVinci subscribed to, as shown in his famous Vitruvian Man. Although it can easily be dismissed as coincidence or chance, there are many instances in nature and architecture where this divine ratio can be observed, from the spirals of a nautilus shell, the design of the pyramids, to the proportions of the human face. And now, in Clutch’s whiskers.

As I mentioned, when looking at the various features of my five cats, it was Clutch’s whiskers that seemed to be most in proportion with his face and body, so it’s interesting that his whisker-to-body width ratio is arguably divine!

The long-whiskered Alex’s ratio is an impressive 1.7 to 1, while Cyril’s is a somewhat embarrassing 1.1 to 1.

What Is The Purpose of Whiskers?

Many people will still claim that because they are far-sighted, cats use their whiskers to help navigate their surroundings. However, this seems neither logical nor practical. Waiting for those delicate hairs to come into contact with something before making their move does not exactly fit with smooth and stealthy feline motion.

Given the level of sensitivity of feline vibrissae, it is far more likely that they have evolved to detect changes in airflow created by the slightest movements of animals, allowing them to locate prey in the low light conditions of dusk and dawn, the most popular time for feline hunting. It would also explain why our cats tend to get quite agitated when windy weather wreaks havoc with their navigational instruments!

Does Whisker Length Matter?

Is Clutch better equipped for hunting because his whiskers follow the golden ratio? Or does Alex’s far-reaching vibrissae give him a strategic advantage?

Being that my cats live indoors and are not required to catch their dinner, I can’t really judge them on their relative hunting skills, but my instincts tell me ‘no’. I think Cyril’s preference for lazing on his back over elevating his heart rate would impact his prey count far more than his short whiskers.

Has domestication and selective breeding altered the divine whisker proportions beyond what is ‘optimal’? Judging by the stubbly vibrissae of the Sphynx, or the Rapunzelesque whiskers of some long-haired breeds, I would have to say: yes. Extremely long whiskers are going to be more hindrance than help, while non-existent whiskers will be no help at all!

The attractive length of Alex’s whiskers may give him a slight edge over the likes of Zazzles or Cyril, but once that ratio gets much higher than 1.7, you’re dealing with hairs that are more likely to get tangled than offer tactical advantage.

It would certainly be interesting, albeit challenging, to study the whisker:body width figures of feral cats and their larger relatives to find out if the golden ratio does dominate in nature – I’m looking at you, prospective PhD candidates!

Hey there, Catsters! Today, we’re introducing the new Wednesday Cats of Catster, a rotating series featuring three amazing cat-and-owner pairs. Scroll down to read more about Crystal & Ivy, Isabel & Milly, and Wes & Raphael. And stay tuned next Wednesday for more of their fun adventures!

Crystal & Ivy

Hi Catsters, I’m Crystal. I work in the marketing department for Catster. You may have seen some of my posts on our social media and listened to some of my tales on our YouTube channel.

I’ve always considered myself to be a dog person. However, there is no longer any doubt that I am, in fact, a cat person!

Adopting my first cat opened my eyes in so many ways and taught me the true meaning of having a soul connection with an animal.

I can‘t imagine my life without my kitty, Ivy, and her daily antics. It’s been a rough ride, but a beautiful one, and she has enriched my life in so many ways.

As every cat parent knows, cat ownership doesn’t come without its own set of unique hurdles and challenges…

I’ll be sharing some more of my life with Ivy – the good, the bad, and the ugly – on Catster.com in the weeks to come!

Isabel & Milly the Tabby Cat

Hey Catsters, Isabel here, you might recognize me from the Catster YouTube channel! I’m the marketing director here at Catster.com and I look forward to writing some fun and interesting cat-human interest stories every month!

I will be sharing some of my experiences as a lifelong cat lover and owner and what it’s like to be the cat mom of a sassy little tabby cat called Milly, who you also may have seen on the YouTube channel. Milly is the apple of my eye, the source of my happiness, and even though she can make me very mad sometimes, I love her with all my heart.

She’s a 6-year-old white/tabby cat that I rescued as a 4-week-old, unwanted kitten in a very small town where I studied. She was born in a bar of all places! We became best friends the moment we met, even though it took a while for her to trust me because she was feral, she knew I was there to save her.

Since then, we’ve had some wild adventures together. We moved from Johannesburg to Cape Town, she flew in a plane, lived on a golf course, became a YouTube star, and even got her own designer jacket (which she refuses to wear). I look forward to sharing our beautiful little life with all you Catsters!

You can read more about how I met and rescued Milly in my full introduction post coming soon!

Wes & Raphael the Russian Blue

What do you call a cat-obsessive who spends all day working on solutions for cats of the world, and all evening cuddling with a cat of his own? Well, a Catster of course!

Howdy reader, my name’s Wes. By day, I’m Director of Hepper (Catster’s sister ecommerce brand). By night (and sometimes by lunch), I am the loving protector of a fierce monster called Raphael the Russian Blue. Ok, fair enough…he’s really MY protector, and truly, the only monster he’d count as is one of the ‘cuddle’ variety.

At this early stage, there are two things you need to know about Raphael. First, he is without a doubt, the hungriest cat you’ve ever encountered. There are rumours (as yet unconfirmed) that he entered an eating contest in the summer of ‘23, and bankrupted the company that put it on. When asked for comment on the scandal, he was reported to have responded “meow”.

The second thing to know about Raphael is that the only thing he loves as much as a hearty meal is a fulsome cuddle. Raphael will get on board the snuggle train when we’re on the sofa, in bed, working at the desk. In fact, dear reader, I hope it won’t concern you too much to know that toilet time is often intercepted with a cuddle break if the door is left open. All cats have different personalities, of course, but it doesn’t stop me from telling myself during every cuddle that it means I can’t be doing THAT badly at looking after him.

I always think the most interesting part of pet ownership is that it is both intensely communal and utterly individual. We all have exactly the same experiences and totally different ones. If you’d like to share your journey with Raphael and me, to laugh at his shenanigans, and smile at how he reminds you of your own loved ones, read and comment along. We’ll be waiting for you!

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and meet my five hilarious cats: Clutch, Cyril, Alex, Zelda, and Zazzles.

It’s not always easy to tell when your cat is happy, and other times, it’s so obvious that they may as well be holding a neon sign that says “This is what joy looks like!”

Purring, cuddling, headbutting, and ‘making biscuits’ are all signs that your cat trusts you and is happy. My little ginger ninja, Alex, has one additional way of signalling his pleasure: the somersault of happiness.

I’m not talking about just a roll. No, this is a somersault. The head down, body rolling forwards over the top manoeuvre one might expect from the likes of Simone Biles. Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating a little, but it’s still quite an unusual move, and he always sticks the dismount.

Alex Is A Bit Of A Weirdo

Like all cats, Alex is flexible, coordinated, and elegant. He also has some strange little quirks that set him apart from the other cats in our house, and most other cats I have known. For starters, he enjoys extending his front legs in front of him when perched on high surfaces. Not simply dangling his paws over the edge, but with the whole limb sticking out in front.

His second positional quirk is his preference for sitting cross-legged. The first couple of times I noticed it, I assumed it was just a fluke. Perhaps he’d been in the middle of a turn, or got distracted as he was sitting down. However, you are far more likely to see Alex with his dainty little front feet crossed than to be so boring as to have them sit side by side like some sort of commoner.

The Mystery of Movement

Why does he do this? Well, I suspect that if I could answer that question, I would be in possession of some pretty major feline secrets. What I do know is that he is a very sweet little cat with some unusual ways of expressing himself. Which brings me back to his happy little somersault.

You’ve no doubt seen a happy cat. Hopefully, you’ve experienced the joy of watching a blissful cat as they rub themselves on walls, furniture, even you. When Alex gets into one of these displays of happiness, his rubbing takes a turn. A turn over the top of his head. He seems so wrapped up in showing us how happy he is, as well as enjoying the sensation of the walls and floor as he rubs up against them. Somewhere in the midst of all this bliss, he tucks his head between his front legs, and over he goes. It is completely adorable.

Initially, my husband and I were the only ones to ever witness this strange little ritual, but over the years, a few close friends and relatives have been granted access to this elite group. Alex is quite wary of new people, so when he decides to demonstrate his joyful tumble for someone new, you can imagine how thrilled we, and the privileged recipient, are.

Happiness Is Just a Somersault Away

Happiness isn’t always easy to come by in this world, and I can’t remember the last time I wanted to jump for joy, let alone somersault. But I have to admit, watching Alex expressing himself through gymnastics, is one way to put a smile on anyone’s face.

Stay weird, Alex.

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and meet my five hilarious cats: Clutch, Cyril, Alex, Zelda, and Zazzles.

I saw something recently that made my blood boil. It was the emergence of a new ‘designer’ cat breed called the ‘Bully’ or ‘Dwelf’ Cat. Named for their elf-like features and genetic dwarfism, these pitiful creatures have the hairless mutation of the Sphynx, the limb deformity of the Munchkin Cat, and the turned up ears of the American Curl. I can’t fathom any reason why someone would deliberately set out to create such an unhealthy mix, apart from ignorance, cruelty, or greed.

Cruelty can take many different forms, and it’s not always as obvious as directly inflicting pain and suffering on an individual animal. Knowingly creating a cat that comes from two breeds with the most extreme feline appearances is irresponsible. And continuing to do so after being made aware of the health problems these cats will endure is cruel.

Most cat lovers out there will wholeheartedly agree with me on this, but there are obviously those who aren’t aware of the health problems and suffering these cats have in store. Many people trust breeders, sometimes more than they trust vets, and do not believe they would knowingly breed an unhealthy animal, and in some cases, that is true. However, much like the mentality behind animal poachers, if someone will buy them, someone will sell them.

Breeding and Mutation

Picture a cat. A simple (yet awesome) tabby cat like Cyril. If allowed to breed without any human intervention, most feline populations would eventually look a lot like him. His features represent the dominant genes, so it is a statistical certainty that over time, these genes will dominate.

Any variation from standard genetics is caused by a mutation, whether it be a lack of fur, extra toes, or an unusual coat color. When we don’t intervene, those mutations tend to get diluted back into the population, rarely, if ever, to be seen again.

What happens with selective breeding is that we see those variations, and mate those individuals with others that have the same or similar mutations, producing a population of cats with a high incidence of that trait. Unfortunately, when humans first started doing this, they didn’t necessarily realize that those physical features may be linked to other genetic abnormalities or defects, like heart disease, kidney problems, or bone deformities.

People didn’t know that pairing white fur with blue eyes often resulted in deafness, or that the mutation that gives the Scottish Fold their trademark ears also causes a cartilage defect that can be painful and debilitating. But we do now. Yet, we have worrying breed mixes like the Scottish Fold x Munchkin, and now, the Dwelf. And there is no doubt in my mind that the people who are breeding these cats are hoping like hell that people stay in the dark about their health.

The Trouble With Dwelves

Although generally a fairly robust cat, the genes that give the Sphynx cat their hairless appearance have also given them a predisposition to skin problems, heart disease, hereditary myopathy (a neuromuscular disorder), and poor thermoregulation.

The short stature of the Munchkin Cat is the result of a genetic mutation that stops the bones from growing normally. This mutation is so severe that embryos that inherit two copies of the munchkin gene will die in the womb.

I appreciate that not everyone is going to have a firm grasp of genetics, but how can anyone think that combining two breeds with such obvious genetic mutations could possibly be a good idea?

I have seen the claims from Dwelf and Bully Cat breeders that their kittens are happy and healthy. They might be happy, but they are by definition, not healthy. A cat that is born with three legs or missing its eyes might be ‘happy’, but does that mean we should start deliberately breeding three-legged or no-eyed cats? Of course not. But if people will pay money for something, people will provide it.

Be An Advocate for Cats

This is where I ask for your help, because I am just one voice, desperate to show people the cruelty inherent in creating ‘designer’ breeds like the Dwelf, with no thought or appreciation for the consequences of their actions. Tell your family, tell your friends, tell your followers – these cats are being deliberately bred to have genetic defects, but if no one will buy them, the breeders will stop exploiting them.

My name is Kyle Baker, and I’m a writer and editor at Catster.com. I’ll be sharing the fascinating shenanigans about life on my small farm with my two sibling cats; Jack and Girlie. Now, I call them my cats, but of course, my two daughters claim full rights to both!

Jack and Girlie are both getting on in age, turning 10 this year. In fact, my younger daughter, who is 11, has known them almost her whole life. We got them as sibling kittens who were in need of a home.

It was never my plan to get cats—I’ll admit, I’ve been more of a dog person my whole life. But my wife and I agreed that having our girls grow up with both dogs and cats would be a great experience for them. Well, I’m glad we made that decision, as I’m now a firm cat lover, and so are my kids. In fact, Jack and Girlie’s names came from my eldest daughter.

My cats tend to spend most of their time indoors, but they have free access outside and have a safe environment to explore.

Now that you’re somewhat familiar with my story, let me introduce you to the stars of the show!

Jack

Jack, or “Jackal” as he’s more commonly referred to by my girls, is the fluffier, larger, and more reserved of the two siblings. When I say reserved, I mean he’s not exactly happy to cuddle on my lap, or anywhere near me, really. Jack likes his space, and since he was a kitten, prefers to sleep on his own terms. Don’t get me wrong, he’s happy to receive all the petting he can get and will meow and purr at your legs until he gets it—just don’t expect him to be snuggling anyone.

Jack is a homebody and doesn’t spend very much time outside, certainly not as much as his sister. He likes his comforts and prefers to stick around close to his food bowl! My dogs constantly attempt to make friends with Jack, but he wants none of it. My smallest dog, Charlie, still tries desperately despite many swipes to the nose!

Girlie

Girlie, or “Whirlabee” to my daughters, is the far more affectionate of the two. She’ll grab any chance she can to sit on our lap and snooze and take turns sleeping next to my daughters at night. She’s also far more of an explorer than Jack, and I often see her exploring pretty far away from the house, even sometimes coming on short walks with us and the dogs.

Girlie has always been a hunter and took care of any mice in our home—much to my daughters’ disappointment. This became a real problem at one stage when she started hunting birds too, but we thankfully managed to stop the behavior fairly quickly.

Now that she’s older, she has stopped hunting altogether but still loves to explore the yard and climb trees. Girlie seems to love being outside, but in the evening will come inside and seek out her daily dose of snuggling.

Girlie and Jack’s Breed

Girlie and Jack are both “moggies”, or mixed-breed cats. I unfortunately don’t have any information on their parents, but considering they are siblings, they do look fairly different. Jack is far fluffier and has a silky, deep black and grey coat complete with a gorgeous fluffy tail. Girlie is more orange and brown, with a short smooth coat, and is much smaller and lighter than her brother.

I’m excited to share more about these two quirky felines, and the adventures they get up to week after week!

Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga.

Some companies allow employees to bring their dogs to work, but very few allow cats. Most remote workers, including my colleagues, enjoy having their felines around their home offices. Even though they leap on our keyboards, interrupt our video conferences, and attack inanimate objects, we’re lucky to spend the day with them.

Pros of Office Cats

Except for allergy sufferers, most office workers would benefit from their presence. Since cats can be unpredictable, they’ll make the workday more entertaining. Watching a cat disturb or attack everyone’s least favorite coworker will evoke laughter and improve morale.

It’s hard not to smile when you see a cat dive into the blinds or climb up a cubicle wall; you can’t have a bad day when cats run wild in the office. Sure, it might cause some to lose focus, but a few lost minutes are less detrimental to a business than a workforce of resentful, unhappy employees.

Before they can enter an office, the cats must be vaccinated, groomed, sterilized, and free of parasites, but their temperament shouldn’t disqualify them. Having a couple of aggressive or hyperactive cats can only make the office environment more intriguing.  Keeping the litter boxes clean and deciding who cleans may seem like a problem, but it’s simple to resolve.

The office manager or CEO can decide who cleans the litter boxes after they complete their employee evaluations. The worker with the lowest score can clean them every day and purchase more litter when needed. This will motivate them to work harder and eventually pass the litter scoop to another deserving caretaker.

Lastly, having cats in the office can be therapeutic. Before a big presentation, your nerves are shot, but all you need to do is grab one of the friendly cats and pet them. Their purring will relax you and give you the confidence to carry on.

Cons of Office Cats

I could write a lengthy article about the disadvantages of allowing cats in the office, but I’m biased since Olga keeps me optimistic when I’m working. However, I’ll mention the less common reasons. Some cats enjoy attacking computer mice, and the vast number of mice in any modern office could lead to multiple injuries and worker’s comp claims.

The dress code would also cause problems. Cat owners who insist on dressing their cats up for work would eventually become resentful of the best-dressed felines, which could lead to more conflicts and meetings with the HR director. Employees may also get irritated when video chatting with clients and repeatedly hearing, “What a pretty kitty you have. What kind of cat is that?”

I wouldn’t be employed for long if I brought Olga to the office. She sleeps a lot in the morning, but her hunger pains make her impatient in the afternoon. Her Tasmanian Devil-like behavior would not be amusing to everyone.

After knocking family pictures and coffee cups off the desks, sharpening her claws on employees’ legs, and defiling the break room, she would be exiled, and I would be terminated. Luckily, I work at home and can tolerate Olga’s mischief.

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and meet my five hilarious cats: Clutch, Cyril, Alex, Zelda, and Zazzles.

“Every day’s a school day”

This is something that seems to be more true the older I get. When I first graduated from vet school, I was petrified. Yesterday I was a student, today I am expected to be able to diagnose, treat, and operate on any creature that walks (or is carried) through the door. In reality, most newly graduated vets are allowed to paddle in the shallows for the first few months, but I know plenty that were thrown headfirst into the deep end, their bosses delighted to be able to hand over their night duties to their wide-eyed new employee.

After a few years, I was feeling more confident – perhaps too confident – acquiring the swagger of an experienced vet who’s seen it all, which of course, I hadn’t. Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t some pompous, cocky clinician, but I did reach a point in my career where I felt like I could handle pretty much everything that came into the veterinary hospital; specialist cases being the exception.

In more recent years, I have reached a point where I feel comfortable enough in my experience to accept that I can’t possibly ‘know it all’, and there is always more to learn.

Corporate Control

Interestingly, it has only been since I started stepping back from clinical practice and into a role where I am providing information to a wider audience on a huge range of topics, that I have come to realize how much my patient diagnostics, treatment, and management options were guided or influenced from afar by the corporate giants that control a vast majority of the pet care industry. And this influence started back in vet school.

While I don’t feel that this has resulted in poor outcomes or suboptimal patient care, I have become more aware of how large companies have started to subtly steer the direction of certain aspects of veterinary care.

Lectures, training courses, and scientific studies sponsored by the companies that sell pet food, pharmaceuticals, and diagnostic tests, are common features of both veterinary education and practice, and it’s hard to believe that there was a complete lack of bias in the information they provided.

Does this product/drug/food/test/equipment give excellent results? 

Are there other products/drugs/foods/tests/equipment that provide the same or better results? 

• Maybe, but we didn’t test those. We only included products in our study that we knew we could outperform. 

I wasn’t exactly being misled, just…led.

My Changing Views on Food

By far, the aspect of cat care that I have changed my opinion on the most, is food. Although the basics of feline nutrition are relatively unchanged, I have come to realize that I had allowed most of my nutritional decision-making to be steered by pet food companies.

For virtually every life stage, breed, size, weight, coat type, and health condition, there is a veterinary-approved cat food that’s been specifically designed for it. Don’t get me wrong, these are high-quality foods, they’re just not necessarily the best and only option out there.

Though I am loath to use the term ‘brainwashed’, I can’t help feeling like my dietary decisions had been dictated to me from on high, and heaven forbid I should entertain the idea of a *gasp* raw food diet.

For almost a decade, my cats were fed exclusively on a Royal Canin dry food for indoor cats prone to hairballs – a premium food by all accounts. My cats are healthy, their litter boxes smell about as good as a litter box can, and I had no reason to consider any alternatives. But now I am realizing that there are better, more natural ways to more than meet their needs, if I just remove the blinders I have been wearing since our vet school welcome day BBQ sponsored by Hills Pet Food.

Although I am still wary of the potential health risks of raw feeding, I can absolutely appreciate how our cats can benefit from a diet consisting of whole, unadulterated animal ingredients. When stored correctly, and formulated to meet nutritional requirements, there are some major benefits to raw feeding. And if raw isn’t your thing, fresh-frozen diets, that combine the benefits of raw food, the safety of gentle cooking, and the confidence of feeding a balanced diet, are a great, albeit pricey, option. Of course, the cynic in me suspects that it’s only a matter of time before these independent companies are engulfed by super-conglomerates like Mars, who already control a huge portion of the pet food industry.

Alternative Treatments

Holistic therapy and Traditional Chinese Medicine are increasing in popularity in mainstream human medicine, and the veterinary industry isn’t far behind. A few years ago I underwent training in veterinary acupuncture and have been delighted in the results for both my patients and my own pets. I’m not recommending that we abandon modern medicine in favor of alternative therapies, but we are becoming increasingly aware of the very real and measurable benefits that certain therapies can have on our pets’ lives when used alongside proven methods and medications.

The aim of holistic therapy is to achieve greater results by assessing and treating the whole body and lifestyle, rather than just the problem at hand. The benefit is often a reduction in required drug doses and longer lasting results; great for patient health, but not so great for profit margins. Unsurprisingly, large corporations are rarely seen endorsing holistic practices.

Never Stop Learning

If there is one thing that I have learned in the past few years of my veterinary career, it is that when we think we know it all, we deprive ourselves – and our patients – of the opportunities and benefits of exploring different options. There is rarely one single solution to a veterinary problem, so it’s worth being open to new ideas. I don’t want to give the impression that everything we are taught is tainted by corporate sponsorship; that simply isn’t the case. But I do encourage fellow vets and pet owners to check for bias before excluding new ideas and taking anything for granted.

Hi, I’m Dr. Lauren! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two adventurous cats, Pancake and Tiller.

Somedays, I watch cats and wonder, what would it be like to live their life of relative leisure? Sleep, eat, repeat. Seems pretty good to me.

Obviously, not all cats live like this, but in general, they aren’t doing too bad. A dear friend of mine (Dougie’s mom, from a few articles back) and I were discussing this topic the other day: maybe cats have gotten this all figured out- we work for them, clean their litter box, feed them, and even buy them numerous toys and beds to sleep on.

But what about cats that go the other way around, and enter the world of humans? Many of these cats aren’t well known, so I hope to take a few articles and write about some of these fascinating felines from history.

Meet Mayor Stubbs

Enter, Stubbs. Or should I say, Mayor Stubbs? Found in a box with three other kittens, and the only one without a tail, Stubbs was so named.

Mr. Stubbs is a local legend to many Alaskans. Voted Mayor of Talkeetna, Alaska, Mayor Stubbs had the dubious honor of being both a political figure, and a cat.

So why did a cat get elected Mayor of this remote, yet gorgeous beautiful Alaskan town? I can’t really say I ever found out for certain. Certainly, he was a boon to this tourist-driven town, the gateway to visiting Denali, but what was it, specifically, that saw him rise to political power?

Apocryphally, Stubbs became Mayor after a write in ballot campaign was begun when none of the human candidates were deemed appropriate. Whether that was true or not, no longer remains the point. Stubbs remained the town Mayor until his death at almost 20 years of age. And he persisted in spite of dog attacks, being shot (not in the line of political duty) and falling into the deep fryer at his local pub (it was off). I met him once, he was a true charmer. (Basically he didn’t care, and sat on the bar looking completely unexcited, for which, sadly, I can’t say the same- I even bought his t-shirt).

But, regardless, it shows what extent cats can play in our lives, and our history. Especially in Alaska, land of the Midnight Sun and a truly one of the few true wild west spots left on earth. Politically, it’s a bit unpredictable. I mean, who knows what you can see from your kitchen window? Maybe the next cat, planning their political run.

Featured image credit: Mayor Stubbs by Jenni Konrad, Wikimedia, licensed under CC Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic