Auteur/autrice : melanie

A few years ago, a therapist, who I assumed had heard it all, looked at me in horror and judgment when I told her I felt helping animals was the most important work one could do.

“You can’t be serious. What about teachers?” she asked, incredulously. “What about doctors?” And then with outright disapproval: “What about firemen? What about ambulance drivers?” I thought she was done. “What about social workers? And nurses?” On the verge of tears: “What about therapists?”

In my own defense, I was simply trying to articulate what was true for me — that volunteering enables me to contribute to the world with tangible, if not always quantifiable, results. It is my purpose.

Helping Animals Grounds Me

In no way was — or am — I suggesting that firefighters lay down their hoses and take up those wand-like thingies cats get all excited about and head over to the kitten room at the SPCA. Unless they want to.

The more I tried to make my point, however, the more unsettled the therapist became. Not surprisingly, our professional relationship ended shortly thereafter.

That’s okay. Instead of forking over good money to walk away feeling less understood, I came to rely on my shelter visits to keep me sane and grounded. Or at least nearer to sanity and grounded-ness than I tend to hover.

You Get Back More Than You Give?

They say that with volunteering, you get back so much more than you give. I sort of cringe every time I hear that. Not because it isn’t true, but because it’s too simple; it doesn’t convey the depth of the experience. And it’s packaged too much like a lesson from an after-school special.

On some days, yes — time spent at the shelter is infinitely rewarding. A connection or discovery is made with a dog no one can quite figure out (Aha! Sparky loves fetch!). Or a puppy I’ve been tracking for weeks beats parvo and heads for Adoptions.

Even when the work is hard — it’s cold and icy on the walking trail or the big dogs are particularly pully on leash — by the end of the afternoon, I feel filled up. There’s something reassuring about contact with an individual whose every display of emotion you can trust to be genuine.

It’s Not Always Kittens, Puppies, & Rainbows

And then some days, I leave the shelter feeling totally drained. Heartbroken and angry and unable to give an iota more. I’m so tired and the distance I’ve moved the needle, in comparison to how far we have to go, is so infinitesimal, I can’t even bear to talk to my husband about it or try to make it make sense by writing it all down.

That’s when I realize something about the whole You Get More Than You Give theory. It isn’t necessarily a warm fuzzy feeling or that satisfying I’ve-done-something-nice-for-someone sensation.

It’s an accessible, real perspective that only truly comes into focus in the darkest moments.

We few, lucky humans have been granted the gift of choice, the luxury of control over our destinies. It should be easy to appreciate that, but I find I frequently need a reminder.

So if an abandoned old mutt can show gratitude for a few minutes of attention — find the strength to lick my cheek or the courage to wag his tail on a lonely afternoon — that’s a treasure that can’t be bought. A lesson in hope no therapist can as compellingly reveal.

Try It. Volunteer.

Well, this post was intended to be about how helping animals through volunteering impacts adoption. I’ve totally failed to make that connection thus far, so now here comes the cheap tie-in: Volunteer.

The more exercise, care, and enrichment shelter animals get during their time there, the happier they are, and the more adoptable they become.

Can you imagine a more distinctly everybody-win cycle? With so many humans giving of their time to rescues, companion animals will begin getting adopted in record numbers. The shelters will need fewer volunteers, and we people can go back to finding other ways to keep grounded and sane.

And therapists will once again feel needed, cherished, and loved.

Do you ever volunteer at animal shelters? Do you find that it helps you stay grounded or gives you purpose? Let us know in the comments below!

Tracheal collapse in cats is a medical condition where a cat’s trachea, also known as the windpipe, becomes narrower and makes breathing harder.

This is a rare but very serious condition. It doesn’t seem to affect one breed of cat more than another, but it does seem more likely to develop in cats who are over the age of six years old. The condition is also often inherited.

If you see signs that your cat is suffering from concerning symptoms, then you must consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and advice. Here’s what you should know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of tracheal collapse in cats.

Symptoms Of Tracheal Collapse In Cats

Tracheal collapse in cats can produce a range of symptoms, and many of them can come about due to conditions including heat exposure, exercise, and feline obesity.

Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Dry cough
• Breathing issues (including breathing too quickly)
• Membranes turning blue in color
• Wheezing
• Losing consciousness

Causes Of Tracheal Collapse In Cats

Tracheal collapse in cats is often an inherited condition. Some of the other causes include:

• Diseases affecting the airways
• Feline obesity
• Nutritional issues
• Infections of the respiratory system

Veterinary Treatments

If you suspect that your kitty is suffering from tracheal collapse, your veterinarian will want to ask about your cat’s medical history and carry out a full physical examination.

A comprehensive series of blood tests can help to confirm a diagnosis, especially if a cat’s white blood cell count is higher than usual.

Vets can also use X-rays and imaging techniques to diagnose a case, including a fluoroscopy and possibly a bronchoscopy, which involves using a small internal camera to examine the trachea.

When it comes to treatment, the course of action will depend on the severity of the condition. In extreme cases, a cat will need hospitalization and oxygen therapy to help them breathe.

Certain medications can help, including drugs to address any coughing and inflammation. As ever, if your vet prescribes your cat medication, it’s vital that you stick to the exact dosage and frequency instructions and complete the full course of medicine.

While your cat recovers at home, it is important to let them relax in a calm and quiet environment. If your cat is overweight, your vet can also help you to make necessary dietary changes that will aid the recovery process.

Has your cat suffered from tracheal collapse? How are you treating the issue and keeping your cat comfortable? Tell us all about it in the comments below.

This article aims to explain what to do if your cat develops lumps of any kind on their skin.

​​What Are Skin Lumps?

The term “skin lumps” means any type of unusual swelling or other lesion on a cat’s skin. Normally, the skin should be smooth, flat, and free of irregularities. When a lump develops, it’s usually obvious to owners that there is something abnormal going on: the skin just does not look normal.

There are many different possible causes of skin lumps, and the action that needs to be taken depends on the precise type of lump.

​How Common Are Skin Lumps?

Skin lumps are common, especially in older cats, and in some breeds of cat (e.g. Siamese)

What Causes Skin Lumps In Cats?

There is a long list of possible causes of swellings on cats’ skin. The following are the most common causes:

• Benign tumors, including basal cell tumors, cysts, lipomas (fatty tumors), hair follicle tumors, warts (papillomas) and others.
• Malignant tumors (or “cancerous tumors”) including mast cell tumor, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, hemangiosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, injection site sarcoma, mammary cancer, apocrine gland adenocarcinoma and lymphoma. There are many different types of cancer that can affect the skin.
• Abscesses, which often start from cat bites after fighting.
• Other causes including parasites (e.g. ticks or fleas), hematomas (blood blisters), and skin inflammation due to allergies.

​​Symptoms Of Skin Lumps In Cats

The clinical signs of feline skin lumps are variable, but they include:

• A protruding mass or nodule, projecting outwards from the skin
• A soft or a hard swelling on the skin
• There may be multiple masses
• The surface of the mass may be haired or hairless. It’s common to have hair loss on the surface of skin lumps.
• There may or may not be itchiness
• The surface of the mass may look like normal skin, or may appear abnormal
• The may be pink, or may be pigmented
• There may or may not be ulceration, scabs, or an open discharging hole
• Different parts of the body may be affected: anywhere, from tip of the nose to the tip of the tail

​Diagnosis Of Skin Lumps

If you take your cat to your DVM veterinarian because they have a skin lump, the following steps may be taken. These steps are unlikely to be carried out all at once, at the time of the first visit.

They are generally carried out in a sequential way, using information gathered during each step to work out what may or may not need to be done next.

​​1. Detailed History Taking

Your vet will discuss every aspect of your cat’s condition and overall pet health care. This history will help to differentiate the various possible causes.

How old is your cat? Have there been lumps before? When did the lump appear? How rapidly has it been growing? Is it itchy? Has your cat been licking it? Has your cat been fighting? What is your cat’s vaccination status?

​​2. Physical Examination

A physical exam involves your veterinarian checking your cat over carefully, all over. This will include palpating your cat’s body, feeling for any unusual lumps or bumps, both internal and external.

Your cat’s superficial lymph nodes will be checked for any enlargement. Any abnormalities at all will be noted, and may be helpful towards making a diagnosis around the skin lump.

Sometimes this physical examination is sufficient to make an accurate diagnosis of the type of skin lump (e.g. a tick, an abscess, inflammatory skin disease, etc).

In other cases, some type of further investigation is needed to find out more about the details of the composition of the skin lump.

​3. Fine Needle Aspirate And Other Biopsies

If an abnormal mass is found on the skin , a biopsy (sample of living tissue) is the only way that a definitive diagnosis can be made. This usually involve a Fine Needle Aspirate (FNA), which is the quickest, simplest, least invasive way of collecting a sample. This is a procedure that can often be carried out in a conscious cat, in the consulting room.

This involves pushing a fine needle into the lump, squirting the contents of the needle onto a glass microscope slide, and sending it to the laboratory for analysis.

Cytology will be carried out these fine needle aspiration samples, with a pathologist examining the samples, identifying the type of cell present on the slide, which will often lead to a diagnosis of the type of lump.

Sometimes, a second, larger, biopsy sample (e.g. a core biopsy, or an excisional biopsy, by excision of the entire lump) may be needed for a more accurate diagnosis by carrying out full histopathology, to discover more detailed information about the nature of the skin lump. This will usually require that the cat is admitted to the veterinary hospital, and general anesthesia is usually needed, as this is a type of surgical procedure.

​4. Routine Blood And Urine Tests

As part of a general minimum database to assess cat health when working up a pet that has any type of ailment at all, vets often carry out routine blood work, including the usual panel of diagnostic tests, such as hematology (complete blood count) and biochemistry profiles.

Full urinalysis may also usually be undertaken.

These basic tests are a useful way of checking for any other underlying illnesses, and the results act as a useful baseline to monitor the future health of the cat, even if no immediate abnormality is found.

This background work up may or may not be done for your cat, depending on the details of the situation.

​5. Specialized Blood Tests

Your veterinarian may recommend specific blood tests for some viral infections such as FeLV and FIV, since there are significant implications if your cat is positive for either of these.

​6. Diagnostic Imaging

Radiography (x-rays) and abdominal ultrasound may be carried out, to examine your cat’s internal organs for possible spread of skin lumps, and to screen your cat for other internal diseases.

These investigations are not just important for making the initial diagnosis: they are also part of the staging process, searching for any evidence of metastases (spread of skin tumors to elsewhere in the body) which would help with decision making around treatment plans.

​​Treatment Of Skin Lumps

Treatment options for skin lumps depend entirely on the diagnosis of the precise type of skin lump.

• Benign tumors may need no treatment at all: watchful monitoring may be all that’s needed, with surgical removal only necessary if the lump is growing bigger so that it is interfering with the cat or causing irritation in some way.
• Malignant tumors, including mast cell tumors, squamous cell carcinomas, melanomas, haemangiosarcomas generally need surgical removal, with margins of healthy tissue around the lump. Sometimes follow up treatment including chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be needed.
• Abscesses usually need to be opened, drained and flushed out, with antibiotic cover to ensure that any infection is fully resolved.
• Ticks need to be removed carefully so that no remnant of the tick’s head is left in place
• Hematomas (blood blisters) can be treated in the same way as benign skin tumors
• Skin inflammation may need anti-inflammatory medication as well as attempting to find, and remove, the primary cause of the inflammation.

​Monitoring And Prognosis

Monitoring and prognosis depend on the type of skin lump, the location, and the overall underlying health of the patient. Cat owners should discuss this in detail with their DVM veterinarian.

​​​​Conclusion

Skin lumps can have a number of different origins, and if any cat owner is worried about any lump on their cat’s skin, they should talk to their local veterinarian about having a diagnosis made of the precise nature of the lump so that appropriate action can be taken.

February 22, 2022

This post contains affiliate links*

I came across this line of cat furniture during a recent stop at Chewy.com, and I love the unique look. Doesn’t this cat tree look like clouds drifting by over a tree?

Available in a few different configurations, these pieces are made with real, treated tree branches partially wrapped with sisal for your cat’s scratching pleasure. The platforms are covered with fluffy, white material reminiscent of clouds. Since all pieces are made with a real tree branch, each piece is one of a kind, with variable sizes, colors and appearances that make it unique.

We currently don’t have room for another piece of cat furniture, but I’m definitely  keeping this one in mind for the future.

Frisco Natural Food Cat Furniture is available from Chewy.com.

*FTC Disclosure: The Conscious Cat is an affiliate partner of Chewy.com. This means that if you decide to purchase through any of our links, we get a small commission. We only spread the word about products and services we’ve either used or would use ourselves.

American Bobtails are loving and highly intelligent cats known for their distinct « wild » look. They are interactive pets that have great devotion to their human families. 

This breed gives endless amusements with their antics and provides a cozy shoulder to cry on when their owners feed sad or distressed. This breed is known for being playful and will initiate playtime with owners. Some say that American Bobtails especially like to play hide-and-seek and fetch. 

Although a generally quiet cat, the American Bobtail can trill, chirp, and click when happy. They show their hunting prowess by capturing flying insects that make the deadly mistake of being within their territory in mid-air. They also enjoy « catching » their toys and carrying them in their mouths as if they were freshly captured rodents. They are easily leashed trained and love to go on walks with their human. An easy-going breed of cat, they get along well with other pets and welcome newcomers, whether they are two-legged or four-legged.

Appearance and Development

The American Bobtail evolved through natural selection to make it through feral environments. This breed is usually medium to large and has substantial rectangular bodies. The tail is short but expressive. No tail is the same, but the typical size is 1 to 4 inches. The natural Bobtail can be seen above the back when it is alert. The mix of this distinctive tail with other physical qualities makes the cat resemble the bobtailed wildcat. 

The head is a wide modified wedge with an evident whisker break over a broad and well-defined muzzle. Their whisker pads are fleshy, and the chin is firm. The eye shape gives that cat a natural hunting look and an expression of intelligence and alertness. The American Bobtail is a substantial cat with a rectangular stance; the upper body is broad with prominent shoulder blades. They have legs of significant boning, which gives a muscular and athletic appearance.

This is a slow-growing breed, taking two to three years to reach its full adult size. Females are usually smaller than males. The American Bobtail comes in an array of colors and patterns, but there is a preference for colors and patterns that emphasize the natural wild appearance of the breed. They come in two coat lengths: dense short hair and a medium-length double coat. The occasional bath and brushing are needed to keep the luster of an American Bobtail’s coat.

History of the American Bobtail

Until fairly recently, the American Bobtail got very little attention. I bet that you will be surprised to know that this breed has been in the United States and Canada since the 1960s. But because of their rather haphazard debut, the American Bobtail is just now starting to make a name for themselves.

The American Bobtail developed naturally at first. The foundational Bobtail was a short-tailed brown tabby man named Yodie, found at an Arizona motel, allegedly dropped over by a kid from a nearby reservation. A couple discovered Yodie while they were vacationing at the motel. The heritage of Yodie’s parents was unknown, but rumor had it that he was a bobcat and domestic cat crossbreed due to its feral look and bobcat-like tail. However, it’s more likely that Yodie’s short tail resulted from a spontaneous genetic mutation or anomaly within the domestic cat population. While it’s certainly possible for domestic cats to mate with bobcats, such crossbreeds, specifically the first-generation males, would likely be sterile. 

Charmed by Yodie’s friendliness and its stubby of a tail, the couple took him home. Yodie was then mated with the family’s seal point Siamese (proving himself fertile and not fifty percent bobcat). This initial litter had some normal-tailed and some bobtailed kittens, suggesting that the gene that made Yodie’s bobbed tail was dominant. We can say this because the Siamese had no history of short-tailed ancestors. A cat needed just one duplicate of a dominant gene for the trait to show up in its children.

The original lines from Yodie were inbred and unhealthy. The goal then became to make the breed more healthy look like Yodie: a big, feral-looking tabby with lengthy hair and a bobbed tail. The healthier felines had a rounded eyebrow from forehead to eye ridge, giving them the « hunting gaze » that improves their feral appearance. 

Experienced breeders then used domestic bobtails from throughout the United States and worked together to produce the stunning American Bobtails as we know them today. Another astonishing fact about this breed is that no known breed of pedigreed cat was used to develop the American Bobtail.

Four North American associations have accepted the American Bobtail. The new and enhanced American Bobtail is available in all colors classifications and has a pleasant deposition, with the feral look of the bobcat. 

Personality

While the American Bobtail has a wild look, they do not have a wild temperament. This breed is dedicated, caring, and intelligent. These pleasant cats bond emotionally with their households and adapt quickly to home life.

Bobtails are also spirited and energetic. They also apparently possess an astonishing intelligence for Houdini-type cleverness to escape from spaces with shut doors and secured cages. Although not as vocal as the Siamese, Bobtails will let you know how they feel. They are a people-oriented lot and may get attention from family by meowing or jumping into people’s laps.

Though energetic and enthusiastic, American Bobtails are not overactive. They generally do well with other cats and other pets, like well-introduced. When visitors come to the house, they’re not the type to hide under the bed but will come to greet them. American Bobtails also love taking trips. Thanks to their highly versatile nature, they quickly adjust to new environments and thus are great friends for tourists. If they are trained, especially from an early age, they tend to be excellent travel companions.

Colors

The American Bobtail breed come in many coat colors and coat patterns: black, brown, chocolate, cinnamon, blue, lavender, fawn, red, and cream, with or without white.

Shedding

The American Bobtail is a moderately shedding feline breed. Whether you have a medium or longhaired cat, the coat requires cleaning several times a week to remove loose hair, prevent mats, and keep the coat shiny.

Health

American Bobtails are a very healthy breed. They have no known genetic predisposition to specific health issues. Nonetheless, they may develop hip dysplasia, and tailless American Bobtails can develop spinal issues that affect their capability to regulate defecation.

While an uncommon breed, you can still find American Bobtails in some shelters and rescue centers. But if you want a kitten, find a reputable breeder to get this pedigree breed from.

A cat gives her kittens the best hugs and care after she had them back by her side.

Mocha the cat mom and Cocoa the kittenAngela @fosteringlove.pdx

A pregnant stray cat was rescued from the streets in the nick of time, and brought to Oregon Friends of Shelter Animal. She was in rough shape and diagnosed with feline calicivirus.

Her condition quickly deteriorated and she was admitted to the emergency vet for a few days. Shortly after she arrived, she gave birth to a litter of kittens.

« Even though she was very sick herself, she was so caring to her kittens, » Angela Su, a foster volunteer of the shelter, told Love Meow.

She was found outside as a stray and gave birth to a litter of four kittensAngela @fosteringlove.pdx

The cat mom named Mocha was incredibly attentive and gave the babies her undivided attention from the start.

« When I brought Mocha and her 4-day-old kittens home to foster, she had mostly recovered but unfortunately, her kittens also had the same illness—calicivirus causes upper respiratory issues (sneezing, congestion, and discharge) and sometimes tongue ulcers. »

She was very caring and loving from the startAngela @fosteringlove.pdx

The odds were stacked up against the kittens as they were vulnerable at their age. Angela along with two other foster volunteers, Christy and Mads, worked as a team to provide critical care, trying everything they could to save the litter.

« The kittens were given supportive care around the clock—nebulizer treatment, tube-feeding, supplemental feedings, eyedrops, and so on, » Angela shared with Love Meow.

Cocoa and Peppermint had a strong will to live and pulled through against all oddsAngela @fosteringlove.pdx

Despite their very best efforts to save them all, two of the four kittens sadly didn’t make it, but the remaining two, Peppermint and Cocoa, bounced back as they put up an incredible fight.

Once they were healthy enough, they were brought back to be with their mom. « These two miraculously pulled through against all odds. They are both such strong little fighters. »

Cocoa is a mini version of her mom MochaAngela @fosteringlove.pdx

Mocha was so thrilled to have her kittens back by her side. She washed their faces and toe beans, and spent her day and night nursing and caring for them as if to make up for lost time.

Watch Mocha and her kittens in this sweet video:

Mocha the cat mom and her kittenswww.youtube.com

She showers them with love and makes sure they are fed and clean.

« Mocha is very loving and affectionate with Cocoa and Peppermint. She is always close-by and watching whenever I’m weighing or supplemental feeding her kittens, » Angela told Love Meow.

Mocha gives her kittens her undivided attentionAngela @fosteringlove.pdx

She often wraps her arms around her babies when they nap or gives them the sweetest bear hug for an extra dose of affection. « Mocha immediately checks in on her kittens whenever they cry out for her. She is seriously such a special mama cat. »

Peppermint and Cocoa are three weeks old now and are starting to find their feet and waddle.

Mocha and her mini-meAngela @fosteringlove.pdx

« Their favorite things to do is rolling around on their backs or batting their paws at each other, » Angela shared with Love Meow.

« They have improved so much over the past few weeks. It was a rough start for this little family, but things are finally looking better. »

Angela @fosteringlove.pdx

Mama Mocha is always on the sideline watching over her kittens as they reach one milestone (taking their first steps) after another (learning to play).

Angela @fosteringlove.pdx

Share this story with your friends. Follow updates on Mocha and her kittens and Angela’s fosters on Instagram @fosteringlove.pdx.

Related story: Man Crawls Under Sidewalk to Rescue 6 Kittens So They Can Have Better Lives

Quick Facts

The Look of a British Shorthair

This breed puts the “r” in round: round face, round eyes, round ears, round torso and round paws.

The British Shorthair is noted for its signature blue-colored coat that is dense and plush – designed to weather cold climates. However, cat registries now accept the British Shorthair in nearly 40 colors and patterns.

The body comes in medium to large frames. The necks are thick and the chests are broad.

Its velvety coat is reported to sport more fur per square inch than any other cat breed.

Females weigh between 6 and 8 pounds and males average between 10 and 12 pounds.

Traits

• • • Round looks
    • Shy demeanor
    • Lap seekers
    • Hardy breed
    • Welcomes other pets
    • Wary around young children

Ideal Human Companion

• • • Quiet households
    • Singles
    • Adapts well to apartment living
    • Households with other pets
    • First-time cat owners

What They Are Like to Live With

British Shorthairs rarely have met a lap that they didn’t like. Be aware that their thick coats make them like feline furnaces and your lap may become toasty warm.

This breed is noted for its intelligence, loyalty and extending affection in a dignified manner. They won’t wow you by their speed, but they will win you over with their comical nature.

Its coat needs minimal care – just run a comb through once or twice a week to maintain its mat-free condition.

Enjoys the company of other household pets, but may opt to keep out of reach from overly energetic children.

Things You Should Know

Be patient. This breed takes up to five years to attain full physical maturity.

Due to its trusting, sweet nature, this is a breed that is best suited for indoor living. Always supervise your British Shorthair when outdoors.

British Shorthair History

This British-born breed’s origins remain a bit ambiguous. It is believed that they were commonly viewed in the British countryside since the mid-1800s.

The Cheshire Cat with its teasing grin made famous in Lewis Carroll’s classic, Alice in Wonderland, was said to have captured its look from this breed.

A 14-year-old British Shorthair won Best in Show at the first formal cat show in 1871 at the Crystal Palace in London.

This breed earned acceptance by both the Cat Fanciers Association and the International Cat Association. Ranked 14th in popularity among the CFA-recognized breeds, the British Shorthair gained championship status in 1980.

Quick Facts

The Look of a British Shorthair

This breed puts the “r” in round: round face, round eyes, round ears, round torso and round paws.

The British Shorthair is noted for its signature blue-colored coat that is dense and plush – designed to weather cold climates. However, cat registries now accept the British Shorthair in nearly 40 colors and patterns.

The body comes in medium to large frames. The necks are thick and the chests are broad.

Its velvety coat is reported to sport more fur per square inch than any other cat breed.

Females weigh between 6 and 8 pounds and males average between 10 and 12 pounds.

Traits

• • • Round looks
    • Shy demeanor
    • Lap seekers
    • Hardy breed
    • Welcomes other pets
    • Wary around young children

Ideal Human Companion

• • • Quiet households
    • Singles
    • Adapts well to apartment living
    • Households with other pets
    • First-time cat owners

What They Are Like to Live With

British Shorthairs rarely have met a lap that they didn’t like. Be aware that their thick coats make them like feline furnaces and your lap may become toasty warm.

This breed is noted for its intelligence, loyalty and extending affection in a dignified manner. They won’t wow you by their speed, but they will win you over with their comical nature.

Its coat needs minimal care – just run a comb through once or twice a week to maintain its mat-free condition.

Enjoys the company of other household pets, but may opt to keep out of reach from overly energetic children.

Things You Should Know

Be patient. This breed takes up to five years to attain full physical maturity.

Due to its trusting, sweet nature, this is a breed that is best suited for indoor living. Always supervise your British Shorthair when outdoors.

British Shorthair History

This British-born breed’s origins remain a bit ambiguous. It is believed that they were commonly viewed in the British countryside since the mid-1800s.

The Cheshire Cat with its teasing grin made famous in Lewis Carroll’s classic, Alice in Wonderland, was said to have captured its look from this breed.

A 14-year-old British Shorthair won Best in Show at the first formal cat show in 1871 at the Crystal Palace in London.

This breed earned acceptance by both the Cat Fanciers Association and the International Cat Association. Ranked 14th in popularity among the CFA-recognized breeds, the British Shorthair gained championship status in 1980.

Presidents Day falls on February 21st in 2022. With politics taking over every second of our lives these days, I got to wondering — what if your cat could run for President?

Elections would be a whole lot cuter; that’s for sure! It would also mean campaign promises that include a lot more sleeping and catnip.

Does your cat have the brains to run for President? Do they have the skills to tackle a Presidential debate? In our fictional world, these ten cats would definitely make the cut to be the next President of the United States!

1. This Compassionate Cat

An essential quality of a President is taking care of the people around you. How can you be a leader if you don’t have the compassion to help your fellow citizens? This cat is the perfect example of how to be a great leader.

Pumpkin the cat is the most kindhearted kitty you’ll meet. He lives as a member of the staff at a shelter and helps comfort new animals when they are brought in.

Whether it’s a wild goose, a rat, a dog, or a fellow cat, Pumpkin is always there to make sure they are welcome at a time when they’re most scared. He greets everyone, letting them know they are in good hands and will be safe and fed well.

Pumpkin doesn’t want any of his fellow animals to feel scared and is always there for them, no matter what.

2. These Felines With Debate Skills

If you’re going to make it as President, then you’re going to have to know how to debate. Debating is the key to any Presidential election because it lets the people know if you have what it takes.

These two cats have mastered the art of debate. There are no interruptions or speaking out of turn. They casually have a conversation back and forth, letting each other meow for a respectable amount of time.

However, these cats might actually be debating whether the bird outside the window is within their reach, rather than about serious economic policies.

Then again, that’s what happens when cats run for President; birds become a key issue of the race.

3. This Patriotic Cat

The President of the United States must be patriotic about their country. To be President, you must love your country, and you must know the Star Spangled Banner. This cat definitely has the patriotism to be President.

As her human sings the National Anthem, the cat meows along perfectly in sync. She doesn’t miss a beat, meowing along to the entire song.

It is very obvious that this cat is a patriot who loves her country.

4. This Kitty Helping The Disabled

The President cares for everyone in the country, including those with disabilities. The President must promise they will do everything in their power to give those with disabilities the care and access they need. That’s why this cat has what it takes.

This cat wants to help everyone, even those who may have a slight disadvantage. He helps his doggy friend, who is blind, by guiding him along the road.

The cat stays by his side to make sure the dog knows where he is at all times so he is safe. This feline is the perfect example of someone willing to take action to help those whose lives are different.

If he were running for President, this video would be the perfect campaign ad.

5. This Cat Who Protects & Defends

The President is the Commander in Chief, which means they must do everything in their power to keep the country safe. You want a leader who knows how to protect and defend the country. This cat is the ultimate protector.

In one of the most famous and talked about cat videos, this feline saves his human from a dog attack. The minute the dog bites the little boy, the cat rushes in, pushing the dog off his little human and coming to the rescue.

This cat didn’t care that he was going up against a big dog; he wasn’t scared because he was doing his duty.

He definitely has what it takes to defend his country because he’s willing to put his life on the line for his human.

6. This Kitty Who’s Got Golfing Skills

While golf skills aren’t formally listed as an official rule to become President, it seems that every President likes to golf. The sport of golf has continued to be a tradition of the White House for ages. That’s why this cat’s golfing skills would definitely make him eligible to be President.

Every time his human hits the golf ball, the cat immediately attacks it, kicking it with his back legs and whacking it with his paws. While this cat may not be the most professional golf player, you can’t deny that it’s extremely cute.

If this cat became President, he’d probably advise that the rules of golf be changed to fit a cat’s standard of playing.

7. This Commander In Chair

The chair of the President is one of the most famous places to sit in the world. It’s where some of the most important decisions are made and where some of the most important phone calls have taken place.

With that being said, just as the President has a famous chair, cats are infamous for stealing their humans’ chairs and then claiming them as their own.

It’s the perfect combination because cats already know what it’s like to have their own special chair. This cat especially loves to steal his human’s rocking chair. He even looks like a President, sitting on his special pillow as he rocks back and forth looking regal and elegant.

The Presidential chair is just waiting for this cat to claim it.

8. This Cat Who Takes Charge

One of the President’s main duties is taking charge to create change in the country. They must demand change and action so that new policies can be created. This cat has mastered the art of taking charge.

He knows exactly how to get what he wants. While his human does work, the cat continues to bother him for attention and loving. This cat doesn’t give up, taking charge of the situation by climbing on his dad and sitting in his lap.

Kitty is persistent; that’s for sure! He just wants some cuddling; is that too much to ask for?

While it may be annoying, persistence and demanding action are traits that make this cat a perfect contender for President.

9. This Kitty Maintaining Diplomacy

Having friendly relations with other countries is an important task for the President. To keep peaceful relations we must maintain diplomacy. This cat knows exactly how to reach across the aisle.

While it’s assumed that cats and dogs may be mortal enemies, this cat knows how to prove the naysayers wrong. Instead of fighting with each other, this cat and dog are all cuddled up together.

Just because they’re different species doesn’t mean they can’t have a loving relationship. These two cuties cannot stop snuggling together!

Now that is how you maintain diplomacy.

10. These Sleepers In Chief

Presidents are always on the go. Whether it’s flying to a different country or staying awake to make an important phone call, a President has to be able to catch some sleep anywhere, at any time.

Without sleep, how are you going to make smart decisions? That’s why these cats are the perfect candidates for President.

No matter where or when, these cats are able to sleep. Sleeping is their art form. They’re the masters of sleep.

Presidents never know where they are going to be, which is why these cats are experts because it doesn’t matter where they are or what position they’re in, they will always manage to catch some z’s.

Does your cat have what it takes to be President? Are you celebrating their leadership skills on Presidents Day? Let us know and leave a comment below!

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February 21, 2022

Cats are mysterious creatures, and learning more about how and why they do the things they do is one of the joys of loving our beautiful companions. When I recently came across the term “feline direct registering” for the first time, I have to admit, my mind was blown. How was it possible that in all the years I’ve been working with and writing about cats, I had never come across this term?

With our indoor cats, we don’t usually see paw prints, but if we were to see them, we’d  see what looks like a single line of prints, not two lines of prints side by side, as you might expect from a four-legged creature.

Nature’s design

The reason cats walk this way is one of nature’s purrfect designs: it helps to leave less of a trail for predators, and it also assists the cat with hunting. By only placing their paws in half as many locations, they reduce the possibility of making noise while they walk.

According to the Maine Coast Heritage Trust, “this walking style is efficient in snow, grasses, and most habitats, and is used by wild dogs and cats. Some domestic dogs may direct register a bit, but rarely do they maintain this formation for lengths of time without jumping and having fun.” Camels, giraffes, bobcats, foxes, and coyotes also use direct registering.

The video below perfectly shows direct registering.

I’m curious: had you heard this term before?

Image Pixabay stock photo