Owner Guides

Feline vocalisations come in a range of forms. They range from the tiny, piping cry of a new kitten to the full-throated meow of a hungry adult. There’s the angry hiss and the three-a.m. yowl, the inquisitive “prrt?” and the rumbling, contented purr. Some cats sound almost human when they meow, while others sound like […]

Cats have all kind of quirks, and one of them is often who they prefer to spend time with. Some cats are fairly promiscuous with their affections, running up for snuggles with every member of the household more or less indiscriminately. Others are friendly with everyone but do play favourites, picking a specific person who

With their wide eyes and oval pupils, the gaze of a cat can be a disconcerting thing. Cats are prone to staring hard at anything which grabs their attention. This may be something that piques their predatory impulses, such as a swinging light cord or a curtain moving in the breeze. They may watch attentively

Fruit and vegetables are not really necessary for feline health. Even high-protein vegetables like beans avocado aren’t terribly useful for felines, since a cat’s digestion can’t process them. If you’re already feeding your cat a good brand of food, you don’t really need to worry too much about her nutrition. My boys and my domestic

Kittens require a lot of care and attention, especially in the first few weeks of life. Sometimes you might see the mother wander off for a little while — maybe just a few minutes, maybe for longer — but she’ll always be back. The length of time that kittens can be separated from their mother

There’s a very wide spectrum of feline sociability. At one end, you have those very aloof and skittish kitties (often rescues or semi-feral cats) who reject all attempts at physical contact with a hiss and a swat. On the other, you have those loving cuddle-bugs who simply cannot be pet enough. Petting, stroking, scratches, tickles

Cats are fascinating companions, with a range of cute, quirky and sometimes downright baffling behaviours. The midnight “zoomies”, the vacant stare that seems to be directed at an empty corner; the headbutts, the nuzzling and the friendly extended paw. Cats have many ways of telling us how they’re feeling and showing affection — it’s just

Almonds are one of my favourite foods. They taste delicious and are packs with minerals, healthy fats and other nutrients, making them a wholesome snack… for humans. For cats, they’re less beneficial. Almonds aren’t poisonous to cats (although bitter almonds do contain small amounts of cyanide), but they’re not something your feline friend should be

Anyone who’s ever lost a beloved pet knows the heartache that parting from their companion can bring. The idea that they might be waiting for us in Heaven is a very comforting thought for many people. The question of whether our cats — not to mention dogs, horses and other animal friends — go to

Cats can be elegant and beautiful creatures, blessing your home with their grace and charm. They can also bless your home with other, less pleasant things. Cats urinate around the home for a number of reasons: they haven’t quite got the hang of the litter-box yet, they have medical or psychological problems that cause them

The Bible is surprisingly light on the subject of cats. Domestic cats aren’t discussed at all, although there are a few mentions of wildcats and several of leopards and lions. This shouldn’t be seen as reflecting negatively on cats, of course; it’s simply that in the times and places that the Bible was set down,

Back when I still allowed my cats into my bedroom, I would often wake up to find myself staring into the wide orange eyes of my British Shorthair tom, who had evidently been gazing down at me as slept. He still does the same thing if I doze off in my armchair. This behaviour is

If there’s one thing cats love to do, it’s to try and steal food that’s meant for humans. This is understandable; after all, if they see you eating something then it must be good, right? Unfortunately, a lot of human food is unhealthy for cats. Some are downright dangerous, producing serious ill-effects. Baked good such