A new study suggests that the extra time humans spent with their cats has made many cats appear more affectionate. We’ve all experienced how much our cats have helped us during the long months of lockdown and isolation. The study also looked at how the human’s mental health before and after the pandemic may have impacted the changes in the cats. What I really love about this study is that it highlights the fact that spending more time with cats benefits both cats and humans. For more about the study, visit Science Alert.

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Okay, not those kinds of biscuits! But seriously, having a cat knead you with their paws, also known as “making biscuits,” is one of the sweetest feelings in the world, isn’t it? The Conversation explored this topic in depth, presenting several theories as to why cats do this. Click here to read Why do cats knead with their paws.

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Last week, Netflix gave us a first look at the new documentary series Cat People, which will premiere on July 7. According to the description, “Cat People explores our fascinating relationship with cats through the lens of some the most remarkable, and surprising cat people in the world, defying the negative stereotypes of what it means to be a cat person while revealing the fundamental truths of what it means to have deep bonds with these fiercely independent, mysterious creatures.” We were delighted to recognize our friend Samantha Martin and her Amazing Acro-Cats in the trailer!Continue Reading

Every cat has a unique personality, and some cats are more independent than others. And while most of us want our cats to cuddle with us and let us hold them, it’s not in every cat’s nature to show affection by snuggling up on a lap. But even if you cat is not a cuddler, she still has many ways to show you that she loves you. The Redlands Daily Facts recently published a list of 10 signs of feline affection – and some of them may surprise you!

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A couple of weeks ago, we told you about a study that showed that “if it fits I sits” applies not just to real boxes, but to to imaginary boxes, too. Recently, The Atlantic featured an in depth look at the topic of cats and boxes, with several fascinating theories of just why cats and boxes are a match made in heaven. Click here to read the article.

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An army sergeant rescued a pregnant stray cat who had been hanging around the base where she was deployed and she and several others helped nurse the pregnant cat back to health. The mom regained her strength in time to give birth to four kittens. Unfortunately, one of the kittens did not survive, but Sgt. Hetty continued to care for the mom and the remaining three kittens, Now Sgt. Hetty is working with Paws of War, a nonprofit that assists active and retired military members with animal causes, to try and bring the family home with her. For more about this story and to find out how you can help Sgt. Hetty, visit People.com.

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We all know how much cats love boxes, but apparently, even the two-dimensional outline of a square box on the floor is attractive to them. A new study has found that cats will spontaneously sit inside an optical illusion that merely looks like a square. Believed to be the first of its kind, the study enlisted volunteers to observe cats in their homes. While hundreds of people signed up for the experiment, in the end the researchers got complete data on only 30 cats. Their results? That the cats chose to sit in the illusory square as often as they did the actual outline of a square — and more than the non-square arrangement. For more about this fascinating study, visit NPR.org.

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Maneki Neko, the famous “beckoning cat,” is a familiar sight for most cat lovers. Also known as “lucky cat” or “money cat,” it is said to bring luck and prosperity. It has been a popular feature in Asian businesses for centuries. National Geographic recently featured a fascinating article about the history behind this cat. While there are various origin stories, they all begin  in Japan. Visit National Geographic to read the article.

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Chef Amanda Hassner cooks for the people who develop Fancy Feast. After graduating from culinary school, she started working with Nestle helping to design Lean Cuisine, Stouffer’s and Hot Pockets. A dog and cat lover, she jumped at the chance to work for Purina (Fancy Feast’s parent company.) She developed a collection of recipes inspired by Fancy Feast’s Petites collection. For more about Hassner, and the digital cookbook, read the Washington Post interview with Hassner, or view the digital cookbook.

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In one of the  more unusual rescue stories I’ve come across, a cat who was lost for four days on a Swiss mountain followed hikers who were heading for the summit. The hikers kept an eye on the kitty and carried her part of the way until they were able to hand her over to another group of hikers who were on the way down to the valley and reunited the cat with her owners. Visit People.com for the full story and some amazing photos.

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