• Last updated 2/8/12 by Anne

Throughout history, cats have been prized, worshiped and treated as part of the family. In Japan, they are also considered good luck.   The Maneki Neko legend has many forms. One of the most popular says that cats lived near a monastery but were not allowed inside. One day, the monks went to gather food, leaving one monk to guard the temple. As he came outside, he saw a small cat sitting across the road. He called to it but the cat would not come. Instead it raised a paw and beckoned to the monk to come to him. The monk hesitated but went. As he reached the cat,... read more

• Last updated 2/8/12 by Anne

Dogs are eager to please, will make fools of themselves for a laugh and want to be with their person all the time. Cats have a reputation for being more aloof, elegant and when called, prefer to get back to you rather than come running. But if you can catch a cat making a funny face, it's priceless. All the elegance and aloof attitude is out the window when you see the sleepy-eyed Huh? or the OMG, a monster! looks. The OMG look is hard to capture in a photo but Stage One is here in Kia's picture. Notice the eyes—astonishment. Then look at the mouth with just a bit... read more

• Last updated 2/8/12 by Anne

Written by Brad Kollus Dr. Dennis Turner has established himself as the world's leading expert on the feline-human bond. He has conducted and published numerous studies on how people interact with their cats and how this relationship benefits both species. Among his numerous credits and titles are co-editor of both The Domestic Cat: The Biology of it’s Behavior, and Companion Animals in Human Health. Dr. Turner is Director of the Institute for Applied Ethology and Animal Psychology, and Senior Research Associate, Zoology Institute, University of Zurich in... read more

• Last updated 2/8/12 by Anne

Written by Brad Kollus "I have studied many philosophers and many cats. The Wisdom of cats is infinitely superior." Hippolyte Taine. (19th Centiry French Critic and Historian) If you're a cat lover you have at one time, or another been ridiculed by someone in your life who doesn't share your love of felines. Whether its "I can't believe the money, you spend on your cat" or "you really give her a birthday present" or "why would you spend so much money on vet bills." They mock us for caring about our cats and accuse us of "worshipping" them. Well next time they... read more

• Last updated 2/8/12 by Anne

Written by Brad Kollus "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated," Ghandi. The above quote may not just be a profound moral statement; it may also have a scientific basis to it. Researchers are discovering that cat and dog owners are not just compassionate toward their pets and other animals, but their cat and dog ownership helps to make them more compassionate to their fellow humans. Cat Owners, Cats and Compassion Dr. Nikola Taylor conducted a study to examine if owning cats and dogs made their owners... read more

• Last updated 2/8/12 by Anne

Written by Brad Kollus Many cat owners believe they have a psychic connection with their cats and that their cats have a psychic connection with them. Most people do not believe in these claims and write them off as simply the hopes and misperceptions of overzealous cat owners. Recently, some scientists have been investigating these claims and their results have been astonishing. Through research, they are finding that in some circumstances cats do have what we would call "Extra Sensory Perception." These results are just another in a long list of the powers we are... read more

• Last updated 2/8/12 by Anne

Written by Brad Kollus It's something cat owners do many times a day, everyday, usually without even thinking about it - pet their cat. It is probably the most personal, and intimate way we regularly interact with our kitty. Why do we do it? Why do we both enjoy it? How does it benefit ourselves and our cats? What is the power of petting? The Popularity of Petting Why do cats like being petted? The traditional answer has been that it reminds them of their mother licking them as a kitten. Newer theories have suggested it may be because when we pet them, we leave... read more

• Last updated 2/8/12 by Anne

Written by Sandra Murphy It's a well known fact, at least among pet lovers, having a cat calms your nerves, lowers your blood pressure and helps you live longer. It's a reason to get up in the morning when you'd rather stay in bed, an exercise excuse you can live with and downright entertaining. As we get older and could use the company, pets are less likely to be in the home. Concerns about tripping over a sleeping cat or getting scratched overrule what we know—we love having our animals around. Therapy dogs are a common sight in nursing homes, hospitals and... read more

• Last updated 3/13/12 by Anne

Written by Sandra Murphy What's the best way to get started as a cat sitter? Sit for your friends or neighbors. No matter how much you love cats, pet sitting may not be right for you so it's best to take the job for a test drive before committing to a new career.   Pet sitters are most often women, working part time to supplement income and indulge their love of cats, dogs and other critters. Some specialize in cats only. Why specialize? Cats come pretty much one size, are indoor pets and use litter boxes. Unless the cat is taking medicine, your visit can be... read more

• Last updated 2/8/12 by Anne

Many people are concerned about various diseases they might catch from their pets. While there are not that many zoonotic diseases - that's the term for the ones that can actually pass from animals to humans - it is always a good idea to be informed. However, did you know that keeping pets actually carries some significant health benefits? In recent years, researchers have been able to show us that pets, and specifically cats, are not just companions. They are also healers. Here is a short review of some of the health benefits your cat provides you with. Cats... read more