If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a beautifully speckled street cat in Bo-Kaap or a cute rescue kitten in Observatory, wondering, “Is that a tortoiseshell or a calico?”—you’re not alone! While these striking felines are often confused for one another, telling them apart is actually surprisingly simple once you know the golden rule....
A fun little fact about felines: cats actually sweat through their paws, keeping their fur as fresh as a sunkissed Namaqualand daisy in spring....
Trace the transformation of cats from wild mousers to cherished Victorian pets, and you’ll discover the rise of a unique street trade: the “cat’s meat men.” Kathryn Hughes dives into the world of these wandering offal sellers—examining their eerie connection to a Jack the Ripper victim and highlighting a grand feast thrown in their...
The behavior of cats fetching objects, often considered a rare anomaly, appears to be a minority but not an extreme one among domestic felines. While the sight of a cat retrieving a tossed item—like when a cat named Calvin surprised his owner, Wu, by bringing back a yarn puff—can be “gobsmacked” worthy, this playful...
In the vast and ever-changing theater of evolution, adaptability is often hailed as the key to success. Animals that diversify, like the varied species of bears—from the bamboo-eating panda to the fish-hunting polar bear—are seen as masters of survival. Yet, one group of animals challenges this notion entirely: the cat family or Felidae. According...
Ever wonder why a cat’s tongue feels like sandpaper? Of course you have! Who hasn’t, right? For anyone who is still in the dark on the matter, listen up and learn....
Teaching a cat commands may seem challenging, but with consistent patience and gentle persistence, it becomes achievable. Although it requires time and dedication, your cat can learn to give a paw, stand, or jump on command, strengthening your bond and enhancing your mutual understanding....
Even long-time feline owners might not realize that their cats fall asleep on their left side, a curious pattern uncovered by scientists studying the sleep behaviors of domestic pets. Through their research, the wise men identified this intriguing tendency and traced its origins to neurological factors rooted in the brain....
Why do cats love boxes so much? Why would they rather sleep surrounded by cardboard instead of on a fluffy new cat cave? It turns out that this is a common preference among felines. ...
Domestic cats form a clowder or clutter, while feral cats gather in colonies; in contrast, African wildcats typically regroup in coalitions, often for purposes like hunting or breeding, despite their generally solitary nature....
