Tiger cats, also known as tabby cats, are one of the most recognizable kitties in the feline world. However, they’re also very misunderstood. Contrary to popular belief, tabbies aren’t a cat breed at all but rather a pattern variation. Read on to learn more about cats with this amazing coat pattern.

Breed Overview

Tiger cats come in many different colors and patterns. Though most people know them by the distinct M-shaped marking on their foreheads, there are actually several other pattern styles commonly seen in cats with tabby coats.

Tiger Cat Breed Characteristics

The Earliest Records of Tiger Cats in History

The tiger cat pattern dates back to domestic cats in the Middle Ages.

The genetic mutation responsible for producing the blotched tabby pattern emerged during the Ottoman Empire. This empire, also known as the Turkish Empire, spanned most of Southeast Europe, West Asia, and North Africa between the 14th and early 20th centuries. The tiger cat pattern, which is seen in nearly 80% of modern-day cats, slowly became more common throughout Southwest Asia, Africa, and Europe. However, the tabby pattern didn’t become commonplace until around the 18th century.

How Tiger Cats Gained Popularity

In ancient Egypt, cats were held in very high esteem. These early tiger cats are likely ancestors of the modern tabbies we adore today and were loved and celebrated for their excellent hunting skills. They kept granaries, ships, and households free from disease-carrying vermin.

As mentioned, the tabby cat pattern didn’t become commonplace worldwide until the 18th century. Towards the end of the 19th century, more North Americans began to keep cats not only for their utility (rat hunting) but also for their company. By the end of World War I, cats had rightfully earned their place as household pets in the U.S. and Canada.

Formal Recognition of Tiger Cats

Since tiger cats are not a separate breed but instead a pattern seen in many different cat breeds, there’s no formal recognition available for it. However, many cat breed standards set by The International Cat Association (TICA) and Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) do contain “tabby” as a pattern.

For example, the TICA standard for Bengals includes brown tabby, silver tabby, seal sepia tabby, and seal mink tabby. The CFA breed standard for Maine Coons includes many tabby colors and patterns, including (but not limited to) classic, mackerel, and ticked tabby patterns and brown, silver, red, and blue-silver colors.

Top 3 Unique Facts About Tiger Cats

1. There are many distinct tiger cat patterns.

When most people think about tabby cats, they think of the distinct “M” marking on the forehead. While this is absolutely one of the tabby patterns, there are actually several others.

2. The word “tabby” has a fascinating history.

The “tabby” pattern title is believed to have originated in the “Attabiy” district of Baghdad, where fine silk and striped cloths were produced. Over time, the Middle French term “tabis,” became “tabis,” before giving rise to our modern English word, “tabby.”

3. People believed the distinct “M” marking had a meaning.

There are many stories as to how and why tiger cats developed their trademark “M” on their foreheads.

Some believe the “M” stands for “Mau”, the Egyptian word for “cat.”

According to Christian folklore, after Jesus’s birth, a tabby cat showed up to comfort and keep him warm. Mary, ever-grateful for the cat’s presence, stroked the cat’s head, leaving the “M” mark on the forehead.

An Islamic legend suggests that a tabby named Muezza saved his master, Prophet Mohammed, from a snake. To express his gratitude toward the cat, Mohammed gifted them the ability to land on their feet. When Mohammed petted the kitty to thank him for saving his life, the “M” marking appeared and remained.

Do Tiger Cats Make a Good Pet?

Tabbies absolutely can make fantastic pets simply because they’re cats, and we believe all cats can be good pets. It’s important to remember that tiger cats aren’t a specific breed, but instead, a pattern that naturally occurs in many different cat breeds, so we can’t say for sure what you should expect personality-wise as we don’t know your kitty’s DNA. For example, a Siamese tabby can have an entirely different personality than a Maine Coon with tabby patterning.

To get a better idea of what your cat’s personality will be like, try searching their breed (not their patterning) using the search function on our site. We have hundreds of blogs about countless different cat breeds, which should shed some light on what to expect personality-wise and the care requirements necessary for your pet’s specific breed.

Conclusion

Tiger cats aren’t a separate breed but a coat pattern commonly seen in several cat breeds. While the tabby pattern is available in many different colors and five distinct styles, there’s certainly no denying how beautiful this patterning can be.

Featured Image Credit: Esin Deniz, Shutterstock

The post Tiger Cat: Facts, History & Origin (With Pictures) by Chantelle Fowler appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

You’ve maybe seen influencers on Instagram or videos of yogis on TikTok holding yoga postures while goats or dogs climb all over them. But did you know that there’s a version of animal yoga involving cats?

Cat yoga is much less commonplace than dog or goat varieties, but it still exists. The concept is undoubtedly tempting. Who wouldn’t want to participate in a yoga practice while cats roam around you and maybe even snuggle in during savasana? But is it all it’s cracked up to be, and, more importantly, is it even ethical? Read on to learn more about the pros, cons, and ethics of participating in a cat yoga class.

Where Did Cat Yoga Come From?

The concept of pairing animals with a yoga practice didn’t actually begin with cats, as far as we can tell.

Doga—a portmanteau of “dog yoga”—emerged in the United States in the early 2000s and, by the early 2010s, had spread across the Western world. This hybrid exercise program combines the practice of yoga with pet dogs. But it’s not just dogs that yogis are working out alongside. Classes with goats, llamas, mini pigs, rabbits, and even butterflies have been popping up all over the United States and Canada in the last few years.

Are There Any Benefits of Cat Yoga?

There may be several benefits of participating in a cat yoga class.

Animals Are Key in Yoga

While most people who do cat yoga aren’t looking for a vigorous workout or to begin a yoga practice, it is interesting to know the role that animals play in yogic philosophies.

Proponents of animal yoga claim that practicing with pets emphasizes several core yoga focuses, including the union between beings. Yoga philosophy is heavily influenced by Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, all religions that hold animals in very high regard. Yoga recognizes the interdependence of all living creatures, and animals have deep roots in its history. Look at all the poses named after animals: cobra, camel, eagle, frog, cow, and, yes, even cat.

Spending Time With Cats Is Good for Us

Countless studies have shown that just being around pets has a therapeutic effect on humans. For people who may not have access to their own pets for whatever reason, cat yoga affords them the chance to reap the benefits of spending time in the presence of cats.

Cat Yoga Can Raise Adoption Rates

One really great benefit of cat yoga is that it’s typically held at adoption centers or cat cafes. Holding classes in these kinds of spaces promotes adoption. When you expose cat lovers to kitties looking for their forever home, adoption rates will inevitably rise.

The 4 Possible Issues With Cat Yoga

Animal yoga has been long criticized as a fad. Those who oppose it say that it trivializes the practice of yoga and

1. Potential for Disease Transmission

Cats can quickly become overwhelmed by crowds of unfamiliar people. This can lead to unusual behavior, like aggression. A fearful cat can lash out and scratch the people practicing yoga and expose them to a number of diseases and infections.

2. Potential for Causing Harm

Any time humans interact with unfamiliar animals, they put them in harm’s way. Even though yoga is generally harmless under normal circumstances, anything can happen in a room full of bumbling humans and curious cats. For example, if someone were to move into child’s pose or savasana onto a cat lounging on their yoga mat, they could seriously injure them.

Additionally, participants of cat yoga may not be given guidance on how to safely handle the animals they’ll be interacting with during their class. Someone who’s never held a cat before may not understand how quick and agile they can be and may drop them while handling them.

3. Potential for Contributing to Distressing Conditions

If you’re a cat owner, you already know that you cannot force cats to do anything they don’t want to do. However, during cat yoga classes, these kitties are forced into conditions they probably find distressing.

Though most class attendees likely have pure intentions and want to spend an hour in the company of some sweet kitties, some may only be there for the purpose of creating content for their social media.   Snuggling a cat against their will for an Instagram photo is not cute, and it can be pretty damaging, especially to a kitten who’s still learning about humans and deciding if they’re trustworthy or not.

4. Potential for Animal Cruelty

A disturbing investigation in 2023 found that puppies as young as six weeks were not given water or allowed to sleep so they could be used for dog yoga classes. While this studio is hopefully an outlier, it’s hard for us to know what goes on inside the studios that host animal yoga classes. It may be less of an issue in the case of cat yoga since most of these classes are held at adoption centers or cat cafes, but animal cruelty can happen anywhere.

Should I Attend a Cat Yoga Class?

Deciding whether you should or shouldn’t attend cat yoga is entirely up to you. However, you may want to think about why you’re interested in such a class in the first place.

Is it because you want to start practicing yoga? Animal yoga classes focus less on the yoga and more on the animals. There are probably many better-suited classes for beginners than those you’ll take when signing up for a cat yoga class.

Do you want to offer your support to your local cat adoption center or cat café? You can do this without attending potentially unethical yoga classes simply by supporting these centers financially. Offer your patronage to the cat cafes in your area or make donations to the adoption centers.

Do you want to spend time with cats because you’re unable to own one yourself? You can interact with cats (and other animals) by volunteering your time at your local shelter or humane societies. These organizations are always looking for mature individuals to help look after the animals in their care.

Do you just like the idea of doing yoga while surrounded by cats? If you already have kitties at home, why not follow along with a YouTube yoga class in the comfort of your own home? You’ll be surrounded by the cats you’re already familiar with, so there will be no chance of disease transmission or animal cruelty.

Final Thoughts

Cat yoga sounds fun and adorable on paper, but there’s a lot more to think about before attending these classes. Unfortunately, whenever animals are forced to do something for the sake of human enjoyment, there’s always the risk of some degree of poor ethicality.

While I consider myself to be an enthusiastic supporter of anything that raises adoption rates for cats waiting for their forever homes, I don’t think I’ll be attending a cat yoga class anytime soon. However, if you plan to take a local class, do your research to find the most responsible instructor and organizer. The last thing you want to do is contribute to the cruelty of the animals you’re trying to help.

Featured Image Credit: Yuri A, Shutterstock

The post Is Cat Yoga Ethical? Pros, Cons & Ethics by Chantelle Fowler appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

When people think about Sphynx cats, they often picture a completely hairless and tan-colored kitty. However, you may be surprised to learn that Sphynxes come in a wide array of colors. Sure, they don’t have the luxurious coats of other cat breeds, but the skin and tiny hairs that cover the Sphynx absolutely does display colors.

The calico coloration is one of the most beloved and highly sought-after in any cat breed, but especially the Sphynx. Read on to learn more about this cat’s history, formal recognition, and suitability as a pet.

Breed Overview

The calico Sphynx is not a separate cat breed, as “calico” refers to a coloration pattern. A calico is any domestic cat breed that sports a tri-color coat. This coloration is rare in Sphynx, but it’s not entirely unheard of, though calico patterns are more commonly seen in breeds like the American or British Shorthair, Cornish Rex, and Maine Coons.

Calico Sphynx Characteristics

The Earliest Records of Calico Sphynx in History

Despite the breed name being a call back to ancient Egypt, the Sphynx cat is a relatively new cat breed. The first Sphynx kitties were born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in the 1960s and were actually a complete accident.

In 1966, a Domestic Shorthair spontaneously gave birth to a hairless kitten named Prune. The owner knew immediately that Prune was unique thanks to the genetic mutation that saw to it he was born without fur. A mother-son cat breeding team adopted Prune and began collaborating with other breeders to develop what would eventually become the Sphynx breed.

Five Sphynx cats (two from Minnesota and three from Toronto) are the foundation stock for what was shaped into the modern Sphynx. All American and European Sphynx cats are descended from these five kitties.

How Calico Sphynx Gained Popularity

The first few Sphynx breeders didn’t fully understand genetics and faced many problems as they tried to grow the breed. Unfortunately, the genetic pool was limited, and many kittens sadly died as a result of these breeding efforts.

It didn’t take long for the general public to fall in love with the Sphynx once they learned all about the breed. Just ten or so years after the first Sphynx cat was born, their popularity took off. It’s not just the unique appearance that draws people to the breed; these kitties have fantastic personalities. They’re highly affectionate and people-oriented and are often considered to be the canines of the feline world.

Formal Recognition of Calico Sphynx

The Sphynx breed was recognized in the early 2000s by the three primary feline registries.

The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) and the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe) recognized the Sphynx in 2002. The International Cat Association (TICA) didn’t officially recognize Sphynx in 2005.

The CFA recognizes the breed in any and all colors and patterns in any combination, including four different calico colorings. Conversely, neither the TICA nor the FIFe breed standard mentions the “calico” coloration explicitly.

Top 4 Unique Facts About the Calico Sphynx

1. Calico Sphynx are almost always females.

Cats with the classic calico coloring are almost always females because the gene responsible for the orange coloring is on the X chromosome. Males may occur, but they’re considered genetic anomalies.

2. The calico Sphynx is hairless due to a gene mutation.

The reason all Sphynx cats are born without hair is due to a mutation in the KRT71 gene. This mutation also affects other breeds, like the Selkirk Rex and Devon Rex, though in different ways. The KRT71 gene is responsible for keratinizing the hair follicle. In the case of the Sphynx, the mutation damages the hair structure.

3. The calico Sphynx can face skin problems.

While the hairlessness of the calico Sphynx is what draws people to them, it’s this lack of hair that makes them prone to skin issues. A cat’s fur typically acts as a protective barrier, and cats without this barrier may be prone to sunburn and even skin cancer. Additionally, Sphynx kittens may be prone to respiratory infections during their first few weeks of life.

4. There are different kinds of calico Sphynx cats.

According to the breed standards of the CFA, the calico Sphynx must be white with unbrindled patches of red and black. Their underparts must be predominantly white. Van calicos have the same white color with unbridled patches, though they’re confined to the cat’s extremities. Dilute calicos are primarily white with unbrindled patches of cream and blue, while Dilute van calicos have the same cream and blue coloring, only they’re confined to the extremities.

Do Calico Sphynx Make Good Pets?

The calico Sphynx can make a fantastic pet. They are highly affectionate and friendly, making them a great addition to homes with children and other pets. They’re brilliant, so training them can be a fun and bond-forging endeavor for both the kitty and their caretakers.

They form close bonds with their humans akin to those fashioned in human-canine relationships. Many owners report that their Sphynx runs to the door to greet them when they get home from work and is stuck to their side like glue when they’re at home. While most people love the social and outgoing nature of the Sphynx, not everyone can keep up with their social demands.

Conclusion

The calico Sphynx is a gorgeous cat with unique coloring that sets them apart from other Sphynx colorations. This beautiful coat is coupled with the fantastic traits the Sphynx cat is known for and loved for, such as their highly affectionate and friendly temperament.

However, folks looking to adopt a calico Sphynx should know that this patterning is relatively rare. This can make them highly sought after and, therefore, very expensive.

Featured Image Credit: Tina_photo, Shutterstock

The post Calico Sphynx Cat: Pictures, Care, Traits & Info by Chantelle Fowler appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Cats are curious and mischievous little creatures. Has yours ever stared at the wall with such voracity that you’re confident they’re seeing something you can’t? Or how about when they activate their turbo boosters and peel out of the litter box at top speed, scattering litter particles throughout your home? While we can’t know for sure the driving forces behind such behaviors, experts can make a guess, which is what they often do when it comes to feline behaviors and emotions.

If you’re like most cat owners, you’ve probably wondered what your kitty thinks about you. Do they love you as strongly as you love them? Do they think of you as their servant? While experts cannot say for sure what your cat thinks of you, they can make educated guesses, and the consensus is that cats look to their human caregivers as family members. Read on to learn more about what science has to say about the inner workings of a cat’s mind.

What Does My Cat Think of Me?

Experts in feline behavior have differing opinions about what our cats think of humans.

Cats Don’t Treat Us Differently

John Bradshaw, the author of Cat Sense, recently shared with National Geographic that no research currently shows that cats have a separate box they put us in when they communicate with us ¹. Dogs, on the other hand, have been thoroughly examined, with research showing they view humans differently than they do themselves. When dogs see a human, their behavior changes right away. The way they play with their owners is very different from the way they play with other dogs.

Bradshaw says that cats know we’re bigger than them, but they don’t change their behaviors much when they socialize with us compared to communicating with other cats. For example, the behaviors they engage in with us—walking with an upright tail, rubbing at our legs, and grooming us—are the same things cats do to one another.

Conclusions can then be drawn that cats look at us like they do other cats. This may mean they consider us an extension of their furry feline family members.

Cats Develop Mother/Baby Attachments With Their Caregivers

A 2019 study found that cats can form attachments to their humans the same way that human babies do to their mothers. Researchers found that cats show a similar capacity for creating secure and insecure attachments toward their humans, which was previously demonstrated in children and dogs.

Cats Love Their Caregivers

Cats naturally feel affection toward their human caregivers, who feed, look after, and play with them. They let us know this in their own subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways. They have their own way of communicating, and if you know what to look for, you’ll be able to tell when they’re trying to tell you they love and appreciate you.

What Do Cats Think About?

While cats may not be as intelligent as their canine counterparts, their intelligence is nothing to scoff at.

The World Around Them

Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of feline intelligence is their capacity for object permanence. This refers to a cat’s ability to understand that when something (or someone) isn’t in their direct view, it still exists. This was an essential skill for your cat’s wild ancestors, who relied on their hunting skills for survival. Giving up on the hunt because the prey disappeared would certainly not have been very beneficial.

Their Humans

While your spoiled kitty likely doesn’t have to hunt for their next meal, their capacity for object permanence will come into play when you’re away from home. They’re, therefore, likely to think about you and even miss you when you’re not physically with them.

The Past

Studies show that cats have a pretty impressive memory. Their short-term memories aren’t particularly useful for long (10 to 30 seconds), though their capacity for long-term memories appears to have repeat value for the future. For example, this study found that a cat’s short-term memory fades within 10 to 30 seconds, and their ability to find hidden objects disappears entirely after one minute.

However, cats can recall their long-term memories to help them navigate certain situations. For example, they may remember a scary encounter with a dog to help them with similar situations in the future.

The Very Near Future

While it’s generally believed that cats live in the present and not in the future, they can still predict what may happen…to an extent.

Cats are creatures of habit, so they sometimes know when certain events will occur based on specific cues. For example, if you have your pet’s food in a particular drawer, they’ll know it’s almost food time when they hear you open the drawer. This is why cats often come running as soon as they hear a can opening; they associate the noise of the lid being peeled back with their meal.

Your cat likely also knows when you leave for work and may also have a rough idea of when you’ll be home.

Why Do We Know So Little About Cat’s Brains?

Dogs are relatively simple to study as they can be toted to a laboratory and remain content being the subject of research. Cats, however, are highly territorial creatures. Their behavior can be modified extensively by the environment they’re in. For example, your kitty may have an entirely different personality at home than they do at the veterinary clinic. The same applies if you move a test subject to a lab—the behavior you’ll see isn’t typically reflective of their normal behaviors.

Additionally, cats are under-researched due to the stigma surrounding them. Cats have been unfairly vilified throughout human history. For example, they were feared and thought to indicate the presence of evil during the 16^th century.

Final Thoughts

So, what do cats think about humans? They greet and treat us the same way they do other cats, so it appears as if they consider us to be a bigger, less furry part of their feline family. Not only do they look at us as family members, but some look at us as if we’re their mothers. They form attachments with their caregivers as strongly as babies do with their mothers.

Featured Image Credit: evrymmnt, Shutterstock

The post What Do Cats Think of Humans? Inside the Mind of Cats by Chantelle Fowler appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

If you’re hosting a cat-themed cocktail party soon, you’ll need some tasty beverage recipes to serve at your gathering. Why not stick with the feline motif and serve your adult party guests some cat-themed drinks? Read on to find nine delicious and memorable cocktails you should absolutely be whipping up for your cat-loving guests.

The 9 Cat-Themed Cocktail Recipes

1. Catster Recipe – Strawberry Moscow Mew

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Catster Recipe – Strawberry Moscow Mew

The Moscow Mule is a classic cocktail featuring vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. Despite its name, it actually originated in America in the 1940s and not Russia. It’s traditionally served in a copper mug as copper conducts temperature, taking on the beverage’s temperature as it’s poured into the glass. The mug keeps it cold and frosty while also simultaneously enhancing the flavor of the vodka. Our Moscow Mew recipe takes the traditional cocktail and adds some fresh strawberries for a delicious, fruity twist purr-fect for summertime.

Course Drinks

Servings 1

Equipment

• Copper mug
• Muddler

Ingredients

• 2 ounces vodka
• 4 ounces ginger beer
• 5 fresh strawberries
• ½ pc lime juiced
• Ice

Instructions

• Cut off the stems of your strawberries, and then wash and dry them.
• Add the berries and the juice from half of a lime to your copper mug.
• Using your muddler, firmly press and twist the fruit and the juice together.
• Pour in the vodka.
• Top with ice and ginger beer.

Notes

Image Credit: VDB Photos, Shutterstock

2. Tom Cat Old Fashioned

This Tom Cat Old Fashioned recipe is the most complicated (and time-consuming) one on our list, but the end result is a fantastic vintage cocktail. Originally developed in the 1800s, the Old Fashioned is a classic drink all bartenders need to know how to craft.

This particular recipe requires you to make house bitters, which is a two-week process, so give yourself plenty of time before your cat-themed party to prepare it.

Instructions:

To make the house bitters:

To make the cocktail:

3. Meowgarita

Margaritas—oh, sorry, meowgaritas—are a versatile drink with a history shrouded in mystery. No one knows for sure where the cocktail originated, though it’s most likely to be a product of the United States-Mexico border region.

Classic margs are made with tequila, triple sec, and lime juice, so that’s exactly what you’re going to find in this recipe. However, you can jazz up your cocktail by adding some frozen berries to the blender.

Instructions:

4. The Tipsy Cat

The Tipsy Cat cocktail may not have the cult-like following of the old-fashioned or the margarita, but this refreshing martini beverage shouldn’t be passed by so quickly. Cathead Honeysuckle vodka adds a sweet and delicate flavor, while the elderflower liqueur adds a fresh, fruity taste with notes of pear, peach, and grapefruit.

Instructions:

5. Cheshire Cat Cocktail

The Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland is one of the most instantly recognizable feline-inspired characters. Mischievous and unpredictable, the Cheshire Cat acts as a guide for young Alice as she adventures through Wonderland. This cocktail takes the fun, stripy color scheme of the Cheshire Cat and adds some adult flair with cherry and strawberry vodka, as well as blue Curaçao.

Instructions:

6. Black Cat Cocktail

This Black Cat Cocktail offers a sweet and fizzy combination of vodka, lemon-lime soda, blackcurrant juice, and blue Curaçao. It’s super simple to whip up, and its unique and tasty flavor profile is something you have to try yourself to believe.

Instructions:

7. Tom & Jerry

The Tom & Jerry is a classic holiday cocktail with origins dating back to the early 1800s. It may not be named after the cartoon cat-and-mouse duo, as it appears as if it is the drink that inspired the name of the cartoon.

This cocktail certainly involves some preparation, but the result is a rich, decadent, and comforting beverage, perfect for sipping around the fire on Christmas.

Instructions:

To make the Tom & Jerry batter:

To make the beverage:

8. The Cat’s Meow

This cocktail is similar to White Russians in ingredients, though the proportions and consistency differ a bit. Not to mention the adorable drawn-on chocolate syrup and cherry cat face, which is what sets The Cat’s Meow apart from a White Russian.

Instructions:

9. Calico Cat

This delicious, creamy, cold brew-containing concoction from Cointreau was apparently inspired by the 2019 film Cats. It comes together quickly, and the bitter and sweet orangey mixture of the Cointreau offers a bright, crisp, and citrusy taste that pairs nicely with the cold brew.

Instructions:

Final Thoughts

A cat cocktail party is a fun and memorable theme your party guests will be talking about for a long time. Any (or all) of the nine cat-themed cocktail recipes above will certainly make your soiree an event worth remembering.

• Also see: Essential Cat Party Supplies for a Kitty-Themed Event

Featured Image Credit: Vershinin89, Shutterstock

The post 9 Cat-Themed Cocktail Recipes For Feline Loving Party Guests by Chantelle Fowler appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Picture this. Walking in your front door after a long, grueling day at work. The house is quiet, but then you hear it in the distance: a sweet chirrup that announces your cat’s presence. They come around the corner, stretching toward you and meowing their approval of your return. It’s a truly heartwarming sight, but why does your cat stretch whenever they see you?
Read on to find five common reasons behind your cat’s stretching behaviors.

The 5 Common Reasons Cats Stretch When They See You

1. They’re Trying to Communicate With You

Perhaps the most likely reason your cat is stretching when they see you is because they’re trying to communicate with you. This subtle form of communication allows your cat to announce their presence while also greeting you when you come home. It tells you that they’re ready to interact with you and receive your attention.

Your cat may also stretch when they see you as a way of inviting you to play with them, so grab their favorite feather wand and get to it!

2. They Need More Mobility

It’s certainly no secret that cats enjoy their naps; they spend up to 16 hours of their day asleep, after all. When you get home from work or running errands, you’re probably interrupting one of your cat’s many daily naps. When they come to welcome you home in their still sleepy stupor, they’ll need to recover some muscle flexibility from their extended snoozefest. Stretching allows them to get their blood circulating again and regain control of their bodies.

3. They’re Preparing to Play

You already know that cats sometimes stretch to prepare their bodies for mobility, but they may be doing so as a way to prepare themselves for play. Your cat may interpret your presence as an opportunity for play, so when they’re stretching when they see you, it’s their way of priming their body and getting their muscles ready for the play that’s about to take place.

4. They Feel Secure Around You

When your cat does a really big stretch, they let their guard down, making them unprepared for incoming attacks and unable to flee on a dime if a predator were to show up. So when your kitty stretches out in front of you to show, they’re showing you just how secure and comfortable they are in your presence.

5. They’re Marking Their Territory

Don’t let the domestic cat’s small size fool you; they’re very territorial beings. Your cat has many ways of marking their territory. You’re probably familiar with some of the most common territorial behaviors, such as head bunting, kneading, and face rubbing, but stretching is another technique cats employ to mark objects (and people) as their property. They have scent glands in their paws, so when they stretch, they’re leaving their scent behind and establishing their territory.

Why Are Cats So Flexible?

If you’ve ever watched your cat stretch, you’ve probably seen them contort themselves in bizarre, seemingly impossible ways. Cats sometimes twist their bodies in directions that shouldn’t be possible, given the fact that they have spines. How can their backs twist into pretzel-esque shapes? It is actually the design of their spines (well, their vertebrae, more precisely) that gives them this flexibility.

A cat’s vertebrae are connected flexibly with elastic cushioning disks between each. This limber spine is what allows them to perform the graceful acrobatic feats they’re so well-known for.

Additionally, their shoulder blades attach to the rest of their body by muscles and not bone, allowing for unparalleled freedom to move.

Final Thoughts

Cats engage in many enigmatic behaviors, including stretching. Stretching toward you is most often a sign of openness to play, security in your presence, and a way to greet you when you arrive home after work. However, some cats may simply be stretching in your direction as they wake up from a nap and try to get their blood flowing again, or it could be your pet’s way of marking their territory.

Featured Image Credit: svetkor, Shutterstock

The post Why Do Cats Stretch When They See You? 5 Common Reasons by Chantelle Fowler appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Have you ever heard of the Pittsburgh refrigerator cat? If not, you’re certainly not alone. We hadn’t heard about it either. Don’t feel as if you’ve been missing out on learning about an incredible cat breed, though. Despite the fact that the refrigerator cat has been repeated as a fact in many cat books throughout the decades, it isn’t a breed that ever existed at all. The story of the Pittsburgh refrigerator cat is an interesting one that dives deep into the phenomenon of urban legends and humanity’s fascination with animals.
Read on to learn more about the myth and how it spread so rampantly in the late 1800s and early 1900s

What Is the Pittsburgh Refrigerator Cat?

The Pittsburgh refrigerator cat is a mythical cat breed that was said to open fridge doors and slink inside to steal food or have a cozy nap in the cold comfort of a kitchen appliance. They were said to have whiskers of five to six inches in length due to their need to live in semi-darkness and dependence on their sense of touch.

It was believed that these cats would suffer from seizures or heat exhaustion if they were removed from their homes in the cold warehouses.

The Origin of the Myth

In July 1984, the New York Times wrote a news story about a breed of thick-furred and short-tailed cats that had naturally arisen in the chilly storage warehouses of Pittsburgh. The report said that these cats were developed as a way of controlling the thick-furred rat populations that were commonly found in storage warehouses throughout Pittsburgh. The writers claimed the cats were “of great economic importance” as, without them, the cold storage rats would take over and destroy the perishable produce throughout all of Pittsburgh.

The tale of the refrigerator cat took on a life of its own when it started to get reprinted in other papers across the country. Some papers reported that the cats originated in Svalbard, an archipelago in the Arctic Ocean, which explained why they were able to adapt to the cold climate in the warehouses and why they were better equipped to handle the freezing temperatures than the rats running rampant in these storage units.

It wasn’t just the newspaper that perpetuated the myth of the refrigerator cat. Even respected English naturalist Richard Lydekker took the Pittsburgh refrigerator cat story at face value. It was, in fact, his monograph in one of the volumes of Allen’s Naturalist’s Library that coined the term “refrigerator cat.” In his later book, A Handbook to the Carnivora: Part 1, Lydekker went on to describe the conditions in which these cats lived, their appearance, and how they’d develop seizures if they roamed too close to a stove.

The First Time the Myth Is Debunked

The authenticity of the tale of the Pittsburgh refrigerator cat first came into question in the summer of 1895 by The American Naturalist, a monthly peer-reviewed scientific journal. In the article, the writer spoke about how Alice Bodington, a British-Canadian science writer, wrote a letter to the secretary of a cold storage company to make out the facts about the so-called refrigerator cat breed. She received a response that claimed there may be some “foundation” for the articles about the cats living in the warehouses, but they’re exaggerated.

The cold storage warehouse staff did indeed have a cat they took from the “ordinary atmosphere” of the building and moved her to the cold rooms to deal with the rats. While she was living there, she birthed a litter of kittens. Once they were old enough to care for themselves, the mother was taken out of cold storage to live back in her original quarters. However, she soon fell so sick that the staff became concerned for her well-being. They thought that the change in temperature may have negatively impacted her, so they returned her to the cold room, where she recovered. They found that it was impossible to keep her in good health in the warmer rooms of the warehouse, so they took this to mean that she had evolved in the refrigerated rooms to be a “cold storage cat.”

The secretary wrote that the whiskers were not five to six inches long but were instead regular whisker length. However, they did comment that the fur was thicker than an average cat’s fur.

The American Naturalist concluded that the cats living in the cold rooms grew thicker coats as a response to being in a colder climate. This isn’t anything new, as many animals’ coats will change naturally due to the changing of the seasons. They also concluded that the reason the mother cat fell ill when moved from the cold storage to rooms with warmer temperatures was because she was finding the sudden shifts in temperature uncomfortable.

The Myth, Resuscitated

It would seem as if that would be the end of the Pittsburgh refrigerator cat myth, but the story received a new lease on life in 1901 when it was, once again, widely spread through newspapers. This resurrected story added new fictitious details and completely disregarded the previously debunked myth.

The Chicago Tribune published an article in February 1901 describing the refrigerator cat as a result of a deliberate breeding program. The offspring of the original pair were apparently able to withstand even the lowest temperature settings in the storage rooms. The paper also reported that these cats were born with whiskers like walrus bristles and that they had to be sent in ice-lined boxes when shipped to other cities; otherwise, they’d suffer in the heat.

The story then went quiet for several years until 1912, when the New York Mail published a report on cats that were employed by the government. Again, the story spread across the country, as it would periodically throughout the 20th century.

Finally, Debunked Once and for All

In 1949, a cat expert named Ida Mellen took it upon herself to investigate the refrigerator cat myth. According to her research, there had never been any cats in Pittsburgh cold storage warehouses, as there weren’t any rats there to begin with as the extreme cold temperatures kept them away.

Mellen found that there was, indeed, a cat that gave birth to and raised a litter of kittens in one of the cold storage warehouses. However, these kittens were far from the super-felines reported in newspapers around the country. They weren’t capable of withstanding frigid temperatures, nor were they distributed to other warehouses throughout the city. Quite the opposite, in fact, as these kittens did not thrive in the cold at all.

Mellen did uncover one interesting tidbit about these kittens living in the warehouse, however. The mother was a pink-eyed albino, as were all of her kittens. While the father’s eye color was unknown, it was assumed he was either a carrier of the albinism gene or also a pink-eyed albino. It’s entirely possible that the parents were also closely related. While the kittens and mother cat all had fantastic hearing, none of them were able to tolerate bright lights due to the nature of their unpigmented eyes.

Final Thoughts

As cute as a cat with thick, winter-hardy fur and six-inch-long walrus-like whiskers would be, there sadly was never a refrigerator cat breed. This myth, which evolved over decades, highlights the sensationalism of an urban legend as well as the fascination we, as a human race, have with animals.

Featured Image Credit: DimaBerlin, Shutterstock

The post Pittsburgh Refrigerator Cat: The Myth Explained by Chantelle Fowler appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

The Russian Blue Siamese mix is a rare hybrid breed resulting from pairing a Russian Blue with a Siamese. These gorgeous cats are intelligent, affectionate, and loyal to their family members, but their appearance and remaining personality traits will depend entirely on which parent breed they favor. Read on to learn more about this interesting mixed breed to see if it’s right for you, your lifestyle, and your family.

Breed Overview

The Russian Blue Siamese mix is an interesting hybrid resulting from two very different breeds. While they do have some similarities, the parent breeds are very different in many ways. One thing is for sure: you’re going to receive a gorgeous cat, as both Russian Blues and Siamese cats are downright stunning.

However, their temperament will be a mixed bag. One kitten from the litter may be outgoing, extroverted, and vocal like their Siamese parent, while the next will be reserved, quiet, and shy like their Russian Blue parent.

Russian Blue Siamese Mix Characteristics

Russian Blue Siamese Mix Kittens

While finding a breeder specializing in Siamese cats is relatively simple, the same cannot be said about Russian Blues. This is a relatively rare breed in North America, and folks with their hearts set on adopting one may need to wait quite some time before a kitten becomes available. That said, locating a breeder that specializes in mixing the two breeds will be even more challenging.

It is crucial, however, to do your due diligence if you do find a breeder focusing on the Russian Blue Siamese mix. We wouldn’t recommend adopting a kitten resulting from an accident litter, as proper genetic testing will not be done beforehand to ensure the health of the kittens.

Russian Blue Siamese Mix Origin & History

There is no origin story for the Russian Blue Siamese mix, though the history of the parent breeds is a lot easier to trace.

Russian Blues originated in the port of Arkhangelsk in Northern Russia, which is why they’re sometimes known as Archangel Blues. Sailors may have taken them from the Archangel Isles in Russia to Great Britain during the 1860s.

Siamese cats originated in Siam (modern-day Thailand). Legend says they were used to guard Buddhist temples and were therefore considered very sacred. Like the Russian Blue, the Siamese was transported to Great Britain in the late 1800s.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Russian Blue Siamese Mix

The Russian Blue Siamese mix may be a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to their personality, as it can depend on which parent breed they take after. The parents are precisely opposite in personality in many ways, so it’s impossible to know what to expect temperament-wise.

Russian Blues are known to be pretty reserved, especially around new people. They’re not particularly clingy or needy but are very sweet and gentle with their family members.

Siamese cats, however, are incredibly playful, social, and curious. They’re known for getting into mischief if they’re not given the enrichment they need to stay physically and mentally stimulated. They bond very closely with their humans and always want to be a part of the goings-on in the home.

Whereas a Russian Blue is content being on their own all day, a Siamese will be somewhat shadow-like toward their owner. Russian Blues are definitely introverts in the feline world, while the Siamese are, without a doubt, extroverts.

Are These Cats Good for Families?

These cats can make fantastic family pets, especially if they take after their Siamese parent. Siamese cats are very gentle, playful, and friendly, making them terrific companions in homes with children. That’s not to say that Russian Blues wouldn’t make a good family pet, though. This breed is charming and can get along well with kids, though they’re not lap cats by default.

Both parent breeds tend to form a deep connection with one particular human family member.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

The amiable and outgoing temperament of the Siamese DNA in this mixed breed’s blood makes them very compatible with other feline companions. But don’t be put off if your kitty takes after the other parent more. Russian Blues can also get along well with other cats, though they may need more time to learn to become familiar and friendly with a new face.

This mixed breed can also get along with well-socialized and trained dogs, provided they’re introduced properly.

Things to Know When Owning a Russian Blue Siamese Mix:

Food & Diet Requirements

The best thing to feed a Russian Blue Siamese mix is a high-quality commercial diet approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for their life stage (kitten, adult, or senior). Most vets also recommend feeding your pet a combination of wet and dry food to ensure your pet reaps the benefits of both types.

Free-feeding this breed is not recommended, as Russian Blues are prone to obesity. Try using a food puzzle or lick mat to banish boredom at mealtime and to slow down their eating speed.

Exercise

The Russian Blue Siamese cat can be a highly spirited and energetic kitty. They’ll need to be engaged in physical and mental stimulation regularly to stay happy, healthy, and out of trouble. Owners must provide opportunities for their agile cat to climb and perch. Offer plenty of cat trees, scratchers, toys, and window perches to encourage natural behaviors.

Training

This is a sensitive and gentle breed that responds best to positive reinforcement. They’re brilliant, so engaging them in activities and training is a great way to keep them stimulated and out of trouble. Some may be perfect candidates for harness and leash training, as well as other types of training, including tricks. However, please note that your cat may have a mind of their own, so it’s important to temper your expectations. The Russian Blue DNA in this breed’s blood can make them highly independent and even stubborn at times.

Grooming

This is a relatively easy breed in terms of grooming. They don’t have any requirements for routine washing, brushing, or combing, especially if they take after their Russian Blue parent in appearance. In fact, much fussing over their fur can actually ruin their double cat.

If they have the short, color-pointed coat of their Siamese parent, you should brush them once a week.

This breed has no specific eye, ear, or skin care requirements, either. However, if you notice them overgrooming or itching themselves, it’s best to check with a veterinarian to rule out any potential health conditions.

Health and Conditions

Both Russian Blues and Siamese cats have relatively long average lifespans of around 15 years. However, some Siamese cats have lived well into their 20s. While the mixed kitten resulting from these breeds may be healthier than their purebred parents, they still can be prone to the conditions often seen in their lineage.

Siamese cats are prone to pica (eating non-food items), asthma, amyloidosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, mammary tumors, and hip dysplasia.

Russian Blues can be prone to obesity, diabetes mellitus, urinary tract diseases, and polycystic kidney disease.

As with all breeds, this mixed breed kitty can also develop dental issues and eye problems.

Male vs Female

The only significant difference between male and female Russian Blue Siamese mixes is their sizes. Males are typically a little heavier and larger than their female counterparts.

Personality is not dependent upon sex, though it may play a small role in some cases. Unneutered male cats can develop aggressive behaviors, typically toward other intact males. They may also be more likely to spray inside the home than males who have been neutered.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Russian Blue Siamese Mix

1. This mixed breed may be suitable for some folks with allergies.

While there is no 100% hypoallergenic cat breed, folks with allergies may find living alongside a Russian Blue Siamese mix a little more tolerable than other breeds. The best part is that it doesn’t matter which parent your kitty takes after more, as Siamese cats have short coats that aren’t prone to heavy shedding, and Russian Blues are also relatively light shedders.

2. Siamese cats and Russian Blues are considered natural breeds.

A natural breed occurs through natural rather than artificial selection. Siamese cats are natural as their coat pattern was the result of a genetic mutation. Russian Blues are a natural breed as they came to be without any help or selective breeding from humans.

3. Every Russian Blue Siamese mix will look different.

There are many visual differences between a Russian Blue and a Siamese cat, so it’s impossible to know for sure what the kittens will look like. They may have a coat that’s a dark slate gray or shimmery silver like their Russian Blue parent or a pointed pattern (pale body with darker extremities) as seen in their Siamese parent.

Final Thoughts

The Russian Blue Siamese mix is a rather unpredictable hybrid cat breed, both in appearance and temperament. Kittens resulting from such pairings can be extroverted, playful, affectionate, and social like their Siamese parent, or they could be sensitive, intuitive, and reserved like their Russian Blue side. Regardless of which side they take after more, this kitty is certain to bond tightly with their family members, though they may prefer one human over the others in the household.

These kitties will need a fair amount of enrichment, both mentally and physically, to stay happy and healthy. They’re quite active and limber, so the more opportunities you have for climbing and perching, the better.

The Russian Blue Siamese mix will be an affectionate and intelligent companion with a lot of love to offer their human, feline, and even canine housemates.

Featured Image Credit: Left: Russian Blue Cat (Review News, Shutterstock) , Right: Siamese Cat (Andreas Lischka, Pixabay)

The post Russian Blue Siamese Mix: Pictures, Care, Traits & Info by Chantelle Fowler appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

If you own a cat, your smartphone is likely filled with photos of your cat sleeping. They always find interesting positions and places to crawl into for a nap, but perhaps their coziest-looking sleep posture is curled up into a ball. Why do cats like sleeping in a circle formation? This sleeping position is also known as the ‘crescent’, and we will teach you all about it today. Read on to learn more.

Why Do Cats Sleep in a Circle?

There are two main reasons why cats choose to sleep in a circle: comfort and security.

The simplest likely answer is that it is the warmest and coziest position. When they curl up into a ball, they can conserve their body heat to stay warmer for longer.

The second reason cats prefer this sleeping position is that it protects their most vulnerable areas (the chest and tummy) from predator attacks. The crescent allows your cat to protect their vital abdominal organs by surrounding them with the less essential muscle and bone. While your kitty is unlikely to be attacked by any predators in your home, this survival instinct has been passed down from their ancestors. This position is still important for wild cats and is how many choose to sleep.

Is It a Problem When Cats Sleep in a Circle?

Maybe. There are some reasons why cats may sleep in a circle that indicates a problem.

They are feeling ill or unwell. It can be hard to tell if a cat is ill just based on this sleeping position because it is quite common. To give you a better understanding if your cat is sleeping in a circle due to an illness, look for the following signs:

What Other Sleeping Positions Do Cats Like?

While the crescent position is probably the most common sleeping position for cats, they do have other poses they enjoy sleeping in.

1.  Loaf

The loaf is another common position where your cat sleeps with their body upright, tail, and feet tucked in. This gives them a square shape, not unlike a loaf of freshly baked bread. The reason for this position is similar to the crescent as it allows your kitty to conserve their body heat while also protecting their vital organs. It also allows them to spring into action if they find themselves in danger.

2. Side Sleeping

Cats will sometimes sleep on their sides with their legs stretched out. This position allows your kitty to jump up and run away if necessary, though it exposes their essential organs. Seeing your pet sleeping like this means they’re extremely comfortable around you and trust you wholeheartedly.

3. On Their Backs

Cats sleeping on their backs with their bellies fully exposed feel safe and confident in their home. As you probably have noticed by now, cats mostly prefer sleeping in positions that they can either spring into action from or ones that allow them to keep their organs protected.

4. Superman

Cats assuming the Superman position will lay on their bellies with their front and back legs stretched out, just like Superman in flight. Cats are relaxed in this position, but all four of their limbs are extended and ready to spring into action if they feel a threat is nearby.

5. Contortionist

The contortionist is an interesting position. When cats assume this pose, their limbs appear to go in every way. Part of their body may hang off the bed or sofa, and their backs may look twisted in a physically impossible way. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably wondered how such a position could be comfortable enough to sleep in. This pretzel-like pose is often chosen as it makes it difficult for potential predators to predict the cat’s next move, and as impossible as it may sound, cats find it comfortable.

6. On Your Chest

Is there anything sweeter than your kitty crawling on top of you to catch a cat nap on your chest? Well, if this is one of your pet’s favored sleeping positions, you should know they’ve likely chosen this spot for a nap because they want to be close to you to hear your voice or hear your heartbeat. Not to mention, your chest will provide them with a cozy source of body heat.

7. Tucked In

Cats can tuck themselves in for a nap by snuggling under blankets or pillows. If your cat prefers this sleeping position, they probably love the warmth and comfort it brings them. If they’re choosing your bed, chances are they find your scent comforting, too.

Final Thoughts

Cats certainly have a lot of strange sleeping positions, but the crescent pose is typically one of their favorites. Hopefully, our blog has helped shed some light on why your kitty chooses to sleep that way. Being in tune with your pet’s preferences will help you better understand what behaviors are ordinary and unusual.

Featured Image Credit: Lanova Daria, Shutterstock

The post Why Do Cats Sleep in a Circle? Vet Reviewed Reasons by Chantelle Fowler appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Cats have many physical characteristics that make them so adorable. Whether it’s their expressive eyes, the wisps of fur on their ear tips, or tufts of toe fur, there’s no shortage of features your cat can sport that’ll make them unique.

Today, we’re going to delve deep into toe tufts to educate you on what they are, why your cat has them, which cats have them, and whether you need to keep them trimmed.

Read on to learn more!

What Are Toe Tufts?

Toe tufts (sometimes called toe floofs) are bits of fur that grow between the cat’s toes. This growth is commonly found on cats with medium to long-length coats. To be considered true toe tufts, the fur should extend beyond the paw pads.

What Is the Purpose of Toe Tufts?

Toe tufts serve two important purposes (we think): to help with traction and protection. Before we move on, let’s just quickly note that there isn’t a lot of scientific research out there regarding toe floofs in cats. While they may have served the protective services in wild cats, our domestic, indoor felines don’t really need them, so we’ll just have to extrapolate purposes from wild counterparts. With in in mind, here you go:

Just like the hair on the rest of their body, long hairs between a cat’s toes help to protect their feet. This can be protection from either cold or harsh surfaces that may cause abrasions to the paw pads. Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats have these wisps of fur to help them stay warm and traverse the snowy terrain the regions they originated from are known for. Think of the tufts as built-in snowshoes!

Toe tufts can also act like a pair of sneakers on some slippery surfaces. Again, think of cold environments where ice and snow may reign. Having a little extra traction on slippery surfaces could definitely be of benefit. As you may notice, this doesn’t always equate to slippery flooring, and toe tufts can actually make your cat slip and slide a bit more on hardwood.

What Cat Breeds Are More Likely to Have Toe Tufts?

While all cats (except for hairless varieties) have fur on their paws, not all breeds will have tufts between their toes.  The following is a list of breeds that are more likely to sport this adorable wisp of fur. It just so happens that these breeds also tend to have medium to long hair:

Should Toe Tufts Get Trimmed?

There isn’t a clear “yes” or “no” answer to this question, as it depends entirely on your kitty and vet’s recommendations. In most cases, you do not need to trim your pet’s toe tufts. The exception to this rule is if the wisps of fur are causing issues like those below:

Irritation

You can give the tufts a bit of a trim if it’s gotten too long and is causing your cat discomfort. Sometimes, the fur can tickle, irritating your kitty and forcing them to lick or pull at the hair to find relief. This can become a compulsion and may cause other issues, so if your kitty is licking at their paws a lot because of overgrown toe tuft fur, it’s best to give it a trim.

Debris Collecting

The long tufts can also become a magnet for kitty litter and dirt. A trim may be necessary if your cat is tracking litter and other debris throughout your home via their toe tufts.

Slipping and Sliding

Snow and icy conditions don’t exactly translate to hardwood flooring. If you have hardwood flooring throughout your home, you may notice your cat slipping and sliding on it excessively if their toe tuft fur gets out of control. As cute as it is to watch your cat Tokyo drift around all the corners in your home, not getting traction on the flooring can be a huge safety hazard.

Matting

Finally, you can give your toe-tufted kitty a trim if the fur becomes matted. Mats are very painful and can cause skin infections if not addressed.

Tips for Keeping Your Cat Safe

Toe tufts, especially those getting a smidge too long, can be problematic for some cats. If your kitty is dealing with the issues mentioned above, you can give them a trim. Using a pair of scissors, you can carefully snip the longer hairs until they no longer cover the paw pads. You typically won’t need to go any shorter unless your kitty is getting irritation between their toes. In that case, consult your vet on the best way to treat.

There are other things you can do aside from trimming the tufts to keep your kitty safe:

Consider Carpeting

Carpets aren’t for everyone and can be especially problematic if you have allergies. But carpeting and throw rugs are great anti-slip flooring options for cats with toe tufts that may slide around a bit more than other cats.

Add Grippy Furnishings

If you have tall cat trees or wall-mounted shelves for your cat, jumping onto and off these high places can be problematic for kitties with slippery toe tufts. You might consider adding grippy furnishings, such as a strategically placed chair, to the areas you know they like to launch themselves off or onto to prevent slips and falls.

Final Thoughts

Toe floofs are more than just an adorable physical characteristic. They serve a very important purpose of protecting their paws from difficult, snowy terrain. While your cat may not be traversing icy ground, they may still sport toe tufts if they’re a medium or long-haired breed.

You don’t need to step in to do any grooming on your kitty’s toe tufts unless they are clearly causing your cat discomfort in some way.

Featured Image Credit: Anzhelika Mar, Shutterstock

The post Cat Toe Tufts: A Comprehensive Guide  by Chantelle Fowler appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.