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 cat ..read more

Providing vertical space is an essential component of environmental enrichment for cats. It provides comfort, security, and a secure vantage point. Check out these Modern Cat approved picks for beautiful, modern cat trees + shelves to suit any decor! 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 presse ..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

How independent is your cat? HOW TO TESTSit in a room with your cat. Ignore them, sitting quietly or paying attention to a book or phone for 2 minutes. Then, try to interact with your cat—call them to you. If they come, pet and talk to them. WHAT IT MEANSHighly social cats immediately come to you when you begin to pay attention to them, whereas more independent cats keep their distance. THE LESSON FOR OWNERSIf your cat tends to be antisocial, try spending more time with them. Like humans, cats can become more friendly if we make an extra effort. Is your cat tuned into your emotions? HOW TO TES ..read more

Tricks? A cat? That’s a dog thing, right? Wrong! Though not known for performing on cue, cats are just as capable of learning new behaviours as dogs. The difference is in motivation and drive. Dogs are more sociable and, as such, can learn new behaviours within a group construct. They’ll learn a trick to please you, for a treat, or both.  Cats, though, have a more egotistical approach. Basically, it’s “what’s in it for me?” That almost always means food. If you want to teach tricks to your cat, the right bribe at the right time is the magic ticket. Why Train a Cat? Good question. Most c ..read more

Dr. Sarah Brown, a renowned cat behaviour scientist of over 30 years, has been at the forefront of research in the field, discovering how cats use tail signals to interact with each other and their owners. Her newly released book, The Hidden Language of Cats: How They Have Us at Meow, reveals previously unexplored secrets of cat communication. Here, she shares some of the intriguing cat facts from this must-read that will help even experienced cat-people better understand their favourite pet.   Martin Carlsson/Adobe Stock Ever wonder why cats scratch furniture? Although annoying ..read more

Watch and you’ll likely see your cat’s ear twitch in response to the subtlest sound from the other room. Pay attention and you may see your cat freeze in advance of the knock at the front door that heralds someone’s arrival, reminding you that feline hearing is much better than yours. But how much better, you may not be aware. “As a whole, a cat’s sense of hearing is phenomenal, with one of the widest ranges of hearing across all mammals in the animal kingdom,” says Ingrid Johnson, Certified Cat Behavior Consultant at FundamentallyFeline.com. Cats can hear over a range of 10.5 octaves, among ..read more

There’s lots to love about orange cats, from their chatty disposition to their unique markings. Read on for what makes orange cats unique! 1. If Your Cat is Orange, It’s a Tabby. All orange cats are tabbies (though not all tabbies are orange). Many people mistakenly believe that “tabby” is a specific breed when in fact, it is a reference to the unique coat markings all tabby cats have. The word “tabby” originates from a striped silk made in Iraq. 2. Look for the “M.” All orange cats sport an “M” on their forehead. Though various legends attribute the “M” to everyone from the Virgin Mary to Moh ..read more

#1 Let them puzzle it out with Catit’s Play Treat Puzzle! This smart toy is, in essence, a slow feeder that offers six fun activities that stimulate your cat to work for their food. Made of BPA-free materials, the treat tubs, pyramid forest, treat cave, bubbles, tunnels, and food spiral will keep your cat busy! $33, catit.ca #2 Bring the outdoors in by providing your cat with fresh greens to nibble! Oat grass is proven to help freshen cat’s breath and alleviate digestive problems associated with hairballs. Plus, most cats love to nibble on greens, as evidenced by their attraction to house pl ..read more

1. Why Does My Cat Lick Me? Photo: bigstock.com/caterinatri   Cats have a huge social repertoire, which includes grooming (a.k.a. licking) other cats. But this behaviour doesn’t always apply solely to other felines. Cats can groom other animals, like the family dog. It is also not unusual to see grooming behaviour directed towards humans in the home. Cats living together establish a natural social organization, forming different relationships with one another and taking on different roles amongst themselves. This can also be true with the humans they live with. Your cat may see herself ..read more