What’s the point of the “catnip response”?
New research suggests it helps protect cats from mosquitos! Cats who respond to olfactory stimulation via plants (e.g., catnip, silver vine) often show a classic response that usually consists of…
Cat facial expressions are affected by breed: Why there are implications for cat welfare
People often describe cats as a bit inscrutable and hard to read; in part, this is because cats have fewer facial muscles and fewer facial expressions. The expressions they do…
Should you “slow blink” at your cat?
Science says probably! In the time that we have lived together with cats (for the last four to ten thousand years), it’s not surprising that we have developed specialized ways…
Does being orphaned increase stress in kittens?
Our new study says yes. For the past few years, I’ve been working at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, where I’m a postdoctoral researcher. One area of focus…
How do you feel about fat cats?
Owner attitudes are related to their own cat’s weight Recent surveys of veterinary professionals indicate that around 60% of cats who come to a veterinary practice are either overweight or…
Cats eating humans redux: a clowder will devour
It was almost a year ago that I reported on a study revealing scavenging patterns of feral cats outside of a forensic investigation station. These stations often research the changes…