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Cat Articles

Although I've written about a number of other animals in Animals and Plants, felines have received the lion's share of my attention because I'm the Feature Writer for Cats at Suite 101. Click the links below for answers to common questions regarding cat care, nutrition, behaviour, and more.

Care Nutrition Training Behaviour

Health Breeds Adopting History

Benefits of Cat Ownership Facts, Issues, & Statistics

Wild Cats/Big Cats Cat News & Fun Stuff

Cat Blog Cat Charities

Cat Care

Natural Flea Control: Safe, Non-Toxic Methods for Ridding Homes and Pets of Fleas

The Dangers of Declawing Cats: Why a Feline's Claws Should Not Be Removed

What to Do if Your Cat Has Been Poisoned: Taking Care of a Pet That Has Ingested a Toxic Substance

Travelling with a Cat: What You Need to Do to Ensure a Smooth Journey with Your Pet

Catnip is Safe and Non-Addictive for Cats: Catnip Won’t Harm Felines, but Presents Some Health Risks for Humans

Dealing with Cat Allergies: How to Reduce Allergy Symptoms so That You Can Keep Your Kitty

Plants That Are Poisonous to Cats: Houseplants, Trees, and Shrubs That Are Toxic for Felines

Onions Are Toxic for Cats and Dogs: Eating Onions Causes Anemia in Felines and Canines

How to Administer Cat Medication: Guides for Giving Cats Pills, Lotions, and Subcutaneous Fluids

Natural Anxiety Remedies for Cats and Dogs: Effectiveness of Bach Flower Essences, Herbs, and Pheremones for Pets

Keeping Cats Indoors: Reasons to Keep Your Kitty Inside

Preventing Pet Theft: Protect Your Cats and Dogs from Thieves

Holistic Pet Care: Homeopathic Remedies and Other Natural Treatments for Cats and Dogs

How to Give Sub-Q Fluids to Cats

Cat Fences and Enclosures: Structures for Keeping Cats Safe Outdoors

How to Care for a Pregnant Cat: Food, Veterinary Care, and Activity Restrictions for Pregnant Cats

How to Prepare for the Birth of Kittens: Knowing When a Cat Will Soon Give Birth and Providing What She Needs

Feline Labour and Delivery: How to Care for a Cat That Is Giving Birth to Kittens

Cat Health and Safety Myths and Facts: Common Misconceptions Regarding Feline Care and Wellbeing

How to Raise Money to Pay Large Vet Bills: Fundraising Ideas and Charities That Help with Pets' Medical Expenses

Organizations and Charities That Help Pay Vet Bills (link list)

Christmas Safety Tips for Cats: How to Keep Your Pets Safe During the Holiday Season

How to Keep Pets Safe During Winter: Dangers Faced by Pets in Cold Weather

Retirement Homes for Cats and Dogs: Cage-Free Living for Pets in the Event of an Owner's Death

How to Choose a Cat Boarding Kennel: What to Look for in a Cattery, and Questions to Ask the Staff

How to Groom a Cat: Taking Care of a Feline's Hair and Nails

How to Give a Cat a Bath: When a Feline Should Be Bathed, and How to Do It

Can I Give My Cat Aspirin or Tylenol?

Cat Retirement Homes (link list)

Pet Retirement Homes That Also Take Dogs and Other Animals (link list)

What to Do if Your Cat Is Lost: How to Increase the Chances of Getting Missing Pets Back

Disaster Preparedness for Cats and Other Pets: Have a Disaster Kit and a Plan to Keep Your Furry Friends Safe

The Benefits of Play Therapy for Cats: Solve Feline Behaviour Problems with Interactive Playtime

Best Toys for Cats: Ideal Playthings for Solo and Interactive Play

How to Play with a Cat: Dos and Don'ts for Playing with Felines

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Cat Nutrition

Cat Nutrition and Home-Made Food: Natural Diet Information, Cat Food Recipe, and Health Risks of Tuna

Reasons Why Cats Refuse Food: How to Tell Finicky Habits from Medical and Dental Problems

Dry Food, Wet Food, and Raw Diets for Cats: How to Choose the Best Food for Your Kitty

Hypoallergenic Diets for Pets: Alternative Food Sources for Cats and Dogs with Allergies

Fatty Acids Are Beneficial for Cats and Dogs: Omega-3 and Omega-6 Supplements Provide Health Benefits for Pets

What to Feed a Kitten: How to Choose and Prepare Foods for Cats Under One Year Old

What Should I Feed My Cat? (article series)

High Protein Diets for Cats: Best Sources of Protein to Keep Felines Healthy

High-Carb Diets Cause Health Problems in Cats: Cheap Cat Foods Cause IBD, Urinary Tract Disease, and Diabetes

Can You Feed a Cat Dog Food?

Can Cats Be Fed a Vegetarian Diet?

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Cat Training

Cats and Furniture Scratching: Tips on Training Felines to Use a Scratch Post

Leash Training Cats: Teaching Your Kitty to Walk Outside in a Harness

Keep Cats off Counters and Furniture: Prevent Kitty Counter Surfing and Furniture Scratching

Teaching a Kitten to Use the Litter Box: How to Litter Train a New Cat

Kittens and Cats Are Trainable: What Cats Can Be Trained to Do Using Classical Conditioning

How to Stop Cats Eating or Digging in Plants

How to Train a Cat or Kitten: Tips for Teaching Felines Good Behaviour and Tricks

Solving Cat Behaviour Problems: Stop Furniture Scratching, Counter Surfing, and Litter Box Problems

Solving Litter Box Problems: How to Encourage Your Cat to Use the Box

How to Stop Cats Attacking People: What to Do When Your Cat Attacks You

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Cat Behaviour

Psychological Litter Box Problems: Reasons Why Cats Develop an Aversion to the Box

Why Cats Pull Out Their Fur: Causes of and Treatments for Psychogenic Alopecia

Treating Aggression in Cats: What to Do with a Cat That Hisses, Scratches, and Bites

What Your Cat Is Trying to Tell You: Interpreting Feline Vocalizations and Body Language

Why Cats Hiss: Hissing Mimics the Sound of a Venomous Snake

Fabric Sucking in Cats: Why Felines Chew or Suck on Wool and Fabrics

Types of Cat Aggression: How to Tell What's Causing Aggressive Feline Behaviour

Cat Behaviour Myths and Facts: Correcting Popular Misconceptions About Felines

Anxieties and Phobias in Cats: Symptoms of and Treatments for Feline Fears and Phobic Behaviours

Cats and Music: Feline Reactions to Musical Styles and Instruments

Why Cats Play with Their Prey: Felines Release and Recapture Animals to Avoid Injury

Why Cats Rub Against Things: Felines Use Body Contact to Leave Pheremone Scent Messages

Why Does My Cat Do That? (article series to answer common questions about cat behaviour)

Why Some Cats Are Nervous and Fearful: Causes of Timidity and Neuroses in Felines

How to Stop a Cat Attacking a Dog: Preventing Feline-to-Canine Aggression

How to Stop a Dog Attacking a Cat: Preventing Canine-to-Feline Aggression

Do Cats Have Psychic Abilities? The Feline Sixth Sense - Fact or Fiction?

Evidence for a Feline Sixth Sense: Scientists Tackle the Mysteries of Cat Intuition and Psi Trailing

Do Cats Have Emotions? Evidence for Human "Feelings" in Pets

Do Cats Feel Love? Evidence that Felines Care for Their Owners and Other Animals

What a Cat's Tail Is Saying: How to Interpret Feline Body Language by Tail Position

Why Do Cats Knead or Paddle with Their Paws?

Social Structure of Feral Cat Colonies

Why Cats Appear to Sulk: Feline Desire to Avoid Conflict Is Often Mistaken for Haughtiness

Tom Cats and Kittens: Behaviour of Male Felines Toward Their Offspring

Why Cats Attack When Being Petted

Why Do Cats Make Sudden Mad Dashes Around the House?

Why Does My Cat Prefer Dirty Water That's Been Sitting Around to Fresh Tap Water?

The Flehmen Response in Cats

Why Do Cats Make Chattering Sounds When They See Birds Through a Window?

Why Does My Cat Roll in His Back When He Greets Me?

Why Do Cats Eat Grass?

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Cat Health

Dental Care for Cats How to Maintain Healthy Teeth and Gums

Sub-Q Fluid Therapy for Cats with CRI or CRF: Subcutaneous Fluids to Treat Chronic Renal Insufficiency in Cats

Cat Vaccinations: Vaccines Cats Should Have and When to Get Them

Treating Cats with Chronic Renal Insufficiency: Diet, Home Care, Hemodialysis, and Transplants for Felines with CRI

Hyperthyroidism in Cats: Causes and Treatment of Endocrine Diseases in Felines

Heartworm Infection in Cats and Dogs: Treatment and Prevention of Dirofilaria Immitis Parasites in Pets

Purring Helps with Healing: Cat Purr Frequency Increases Bone Density and Speeds Injury Recovery

Symptoms of CRI in Cats: Chronic Renal Insufficiency or Chronic Renal Failure in Felines

Resources for CRI/CRF

Bobcat Fever in Domestic Cats: Cytauxzoonosis Presents a Risk to Outdoor Felines in North America

Feline Leukemia Virus: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment of the FeLV Retrovirus in Cats

How Long Do Cats Live?: Feline Longevity Varies Based on Breed, Diet, and Lifestyle

Why Cats Vomit: Causes of Vomiting in Felines

Holistic Pet Care: Homeopathic Remedies and Other Natural Treatments for Cats and Dogs

Cat-Friendly Cleaning Products and Solutions: Natural, Non-Toxic Cleaning Solutions That Won't Harm Pets or People

Preventing Hairballs in Cats: How to Stop the Formation of Trichobezoars

Arthritis in Cats: How to Tell if Your Pet Has Arthritis, and How to Treat It

Glucosamine-Chondroitin for Arthritis in Animals: Treating Arthritic Cats and Dogs with Anti-Inflammatory Supplements

Aspirin and Tylenol Are Toxic to Cats

Reasons to Spay or Neuter Cats: Refuting Myths That Prevent Owners from Having Their Pets Fixed

Symptoms of Illness in Cats and Kittens: How to Tell if a Feline Is Sick and Requires Veterinary Care

Foods That Are Toxic to Cats and Dogs

Common Allergies in Cats: Treatment for Feline Environmental, Food, and Flea Allergies

Ringworm in Cats: Symptoms of and Treatments for Feline Ringworm

Toxoplasmosis and Pregnancy: Pregnant Women, Cats, and the Toxoplasma Gondii Parasite

How to Help a Cat Lose Weight Through Exercise

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Cat Breeds

Unusual Cat Breeds: Scottish Fold, Maine Coon, Ukrainian Levkoy, Cornish Rex, and Oriental

More Unusual Cat Breeds: Unique Cats - American Curl, Sphynx, Korat, Abyssinian, and Ocicat

Siamese Cat Breed: Highly Intelligent, Long-Lived Felines from Thailand

The Egyptian Mau: Breed Profile for the First Domesticated Cat

The Birman Cat Breed: Profile of the Sacred Companion to the Ancient Kittah Priests

Hypoallergenic Kittens: California Biotech Company Offering Genetically Modified Cats

Ragdoll Cat Breed: Easy-Going Ragdolls Make Excellent Pets

Manx Cat Breed Profile: Tailless Cats from the Isle of Man

The Persian Cat: Profile of the Most Popular Pet Breed

The Maine Coon Cat Breed: Profile of the Nordic Viking Cats

Absynnian Cat Breed Profile: Clever, Energetic Cats with Doglike Traits

Sphynx Cat Breed Profile: Friendly, Affectionate, "Hairless" Cats

Cornish Rex Cat Breed Profile: Felines with Short Curly Hair Originating from Cornwall, UK

Scottish Fold Cat Breed Profile: Cats with Folded Ears

Exotic Shorthair Cat Breed Profile: Characteristics of the Lazy Man's Persian

Bengal Cat Breed Profile: Spotted or Marbled Felines - a Cross-Breed of Domestic and Wild Cats

The American Shorthair Cat Breed: The Domestic Shorthair - from Working Cat to Purebred Show Champion

Cat Breed Personality Traits: Choosing a Purebred Kitten or Cat Based on Typical Qualities

The Most Popular Cat Breeds

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Adopting Cats and Kittens

Introducing a New Dog to Your Cat: How to Increase the Likelihood that Your Pets Will Get Along

Introducing a New Cat: How to Encourage an Adopted Kitty and the Resident Cat to Get Along

Supplies and Equipment for a New Kitty: What You Need to Buy Before Bringing Home a Cat or Kitten

Cat-Proofing a House: Make Your Home Safe for a New Cat or Kitten

Starting an Animal Shelter: How to Develop and Run a Sanctuary for Homeless Pets

Getting Ready to Adopt a Cat: What to Consider When Preparing to Bring Home a New Pet

How to Choose a Cat: Selecting a Feline Friend Based on Personality, Health, and Age

How to Help Homeless Pets

Ideal Age to Adopt a Kitten

How to Find Purebred Kittens: Finding Reputable Cat Breeders

Adopting a Cat or Kitten: Choose Ethical Breeders and Feline Rescue Organizations

Choosing Purebred Kittens: Questions to Ask the Breeder

Reasons to Adopt an Adult Cat: Benefits of Adopting an Older Kitty from an Animal Shelter

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Cat History

Cats and the Black Plague: Persecution of Felines Increased the Death Toll for Humans

Cats in Warfare: Felines as Weapons of War

Halloween and the Black Cat: History of All Hallow's Eve and Superstitions About Witches' Familiars

Cat History: How Felines Came to Be Domestic Pets

Famous cat Lovers: Quotations about Cats from Renowned Ailurophiles

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Benefits of Cat Ownership

The Health Benefits of Owning a Cat: Pets Reduce Risk of Heart Attack, Stroke, and Other Health Problems

Cat Heroes: Saving Lives, Helping the Disabled, and Providing Therapy

Cats Reduce Risk of Asthma in Kids

Prison Therapy Cats and Dogs: Working with Animals Brings Rehabilitative Benefits

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Cat Facts, Issues, and Statistics

Fear of Cats: Ailurophobiia Causes and Cures

Cat Behaviour Myths and Facts: Correcting Popular Misconceptions About Felines

Cat Health and Safety Myths and Facts: Common Misconceptions Regarding Feline Care and Wellbeing

How to Keep Cats Out of Gardens: Safe, Non-Toxic Cat Repellents

Pets Hurt by Economic Downturn: Cats and Dogs Surrendered to Shelters as Owners Lose Homes

Kitten Stages of Development: Physical and Social Milestones for Young Cats

Cat Intelligence: Smart Cats Think, Learn, Solve Problems, and Communicate

Companies That Test on Animals (links to lists)

How Many Cats Are There? (statistics)

Stupid Reasons Given for Abandoning Animals

Are Cats and Dogs Colour-Blind?

Do Cats Dream?

How Many People Share Their Beds with Their Pets?

Cat Survey Conducted by the JazzPurr Society for Animal Protection

Survey Results: Women and Pets

Animal Hoarding: People Who Collect Large Numbers of Pets

Why Cats Have Whiskers

Cats Don't Always Land on Their Feet

Are White Cats with Blue Eyes Deaf?

Why Do Cats' Eyes Glow in the Dark?

Tortoiseshell Cats Are Nearly Always Female

Why Are Female Cats Called Queens?

Why Are Male Cats Called Toms?

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Wild Cats/Big Cats

Wild Cats of Canada: the Bobcat, the Lynx, and the Cougar

Helping Endangered Wild Cats: Conservation Requires Habitat Preservation and Captive Breeding

The Endangered Scottish Wildcat: Efforts to Save the Tiger of the Highlands

The African Black-Footed Cat: Felis Nigripes, One of the Smallest Wild Felines in the World

India’s Endangered Tigers: Poaching and Habitat Destruction Could Render Big Cats Extinct

Big Cats and Small Cats in the Wild: Most Wild Feline Species Are Endangered or Vulnerable

Rare White Lion Cubs Born: Serbia's Belgrade Zoo Now Home to Five Blond Lions

How to Reduce the Risk of Cougar Attacks: Safety Tips for Coexisting with Mountain Lions

Chinese Public Supports Tiger Trade Ban: 2008 Poll Shows Majority in China Against Legalizing Tiger Products

Cougar Facts and Conservation Efforts

Big Cat Videos

Why Lions Have Manes

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Cat News and Fun Stuff

Cat Years and People Years: Estimate Your Cat’s Age in Human Years

How to Make Cat Trees, Beds, and Scratch Posts: Instructions, Patterns, and Supplies to Make Cat Furniture

How to Make Cat Toys: Free Patterns and Craft Ideas

Cat Superstitions: Myths, Legends, and Beliefs About Felines

Cat Names: Funny, Cute, Quirky, and Unusual Names for Pets

Christmas Gifts for Cats and Cat Lovers: Inexpensive Presents and Crafts for Cats and Their Owners

Hilarious Gifts for Cat Lovers: Funny Feline-Related Christmas and Birthday Presents

Popular and Unusual Pet Names: Petfinder’s Top Cat and Dog Names for 2007

Dancing with Cats: Resources for Those Who Want to Dance with Their Pets

Piano Playing Cats: Talented Felines Enter the Home Music Scene

Cats Adopting Puppies: Cats and Dogs Often Care for One Another’s Offspring

Painted Pets: The Cat Decorating Controversy

Cat Agility Contests: Felines Compete in Obstacle Course Tournaments

Funny Cat Videos: Hilarious Home Movies of Cats Getting into Mischief

Hero Cat Dials 911: Helpful Tabby Summons Emergency Help for Owner

Cat- and Pet-Related Holidays: Special Days, Weeks, and Months for Cats and Other Pets

Cat Circuses Make a Comeback: Vaudeville Boxing Cats and Russian Feline Acrobats

Cats with Jobs: Many Cats Earn Their Keep with Official Employment

Weird Science with Animals: Cats and Other Creatures Subject to Improbable Research and Development

Cats That Look Like Hitler: Website Devoted to Pictures of Kitlers

Giant Cat Finds Loving Home: 44-Pound Feline Rescued and Rehomed

Photos of Cats, Dogs, and Other Animals In Costume, Historical Halloween Traditions, and Cat Crafts

Pumpkin Crafts - Make Pumpkins Into Cats and Other Creatures

Halloween Costumes for Cats

Dog Refuses to Leave Kittens During House Fire

Dutch Cat Adopts Baby Pandas

Stupid Laws Involving Animals 1

Stupid Laws Involving Animals 2

Christmas Crafts and Freebies: Free Christmas Graphics, Templates, Activities, and Craft Ideas (including stuff for cat lovers)

Christmas Cat Photos, Wallpapers, Ornaments, Cards, Pictures, and Stories

Gifts for Cats

Free Doghouse Plans, Free Cat Tree Plans, and Free Cat Enclosure Plans

Best Products for Cats and Dogs - Pet Lovers' Choice Awards

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Cats Blog

Visit the Cats Blog for quirky cat news, history, and facts, as well as links to funny pictures and videos.

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Cat Charities

Big Cat Rescue - Helping Large and Small Wild Cats

Cat Charities - Predominantly UK

Cat and Dog Charities in Canada

Cat Action Trust - Helping Feral Cats in the UK

Alley Cat Rescue - USA

SPCA International

Alley Cat Allies - USA

Links to Cat Charities in New Zealand

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Image Credits: Public domain photos were obtained from www.freephotos.se, www.pdphoto.org and www.wikipedia.org. Individual photo credits (in order of appearance) are as follows: Cat - Ambo100, Wikimedia Commons; White Kitten - Rudulph Furtado, Wikimedia Commons; Cat Looking Up - Genevieve, Wikimedia Commons; Birman - H. Morrison, Wikipedia; Black Cat - Jon Sullivan, PDPhoto.org; Maine Coon Cats - Ankord, Wikipedia; Korat - MRT, Wikipedia; Ocicats - Grimmcar, Wikipedia; Scottish Fold - Wogxtc, Wikipedia; Gray Cat - Magnus Rosendahl, FreePhotos.se; Black and White Kitten - Magnus Rosendahl, FreePhotos.se; Black Cat - Jennifer Copley; Cat with Mouth Open, Clavesin, Wikimedia Commons, Black Cat - Jennifer Copley; Back and White Cat, Jennifer Copley; Orange Cat – Karim 44, Wikimedia Commons; Black and White Cat - Lt. Shears, Wikimedia Commons; Black Cat - Jennifer Copley; Sphynx Kitten - Peter Mollard, Wikipedia; Oriental Shorthair, Cats Rule, Wikipedia; Birman - Kristin Kokkersvold, Wikipedia; Cat Looking Out - Magnus Rosendahl, FreePhotos.se; Black and White Cat - Magnus Rosendahl, FreePhotos.se; Black and White Kitten - Magnus Rosendahl, FreePhotos.se; Black Cat - Jon Sullivan, PDPhoto.org; Champion des Dames Vaudoises - Martin Lefrance, Wikipedia; Woman with Cat - Lilla Cabot Perry, Wikimedia Commons; Tortoishell Cat - Dovidena, Wikimedia Commons; Susan Ford with Siamese Cat - U.S. Federal Government, Wikipedia; Cat on Fence - Thivierr, Wikipedia; Cat with Kittens - Jennifer Copley; Mountain Lion Kittens - U.S. National Park Service, Wikipedia; Cougar - U.S. Federal Government, Wikipedia; Margay - U.S. Federal Government, Wikpedia; Kitten - Magnus Rosendahl, FreePhotos.se; Tabby Cat - Magnus Rosendahl, FreePhotos.se; Mother Cat and Kitten - Magnus Rosendahl, FreePhotos.se; Yawning Cat - Jennifer Copley; Serval - Gary Stolzus, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wikipedia; Kitten - Magnus Rosendahl, FreePhotos.se; Siamese Cat - Yannbee, Wikipedia

Navigation Buttons - FreeButtons.com; Gray Top Banner - BannersRUsGraphics.com; Triangular Corner Piece with Gray Extensions -

Web Design Studio - Free Graphics for Web Designers

All other images and text on this site are copyright of Jennifer Copley.