Auteur/autrice : melanie

Hi, I’m Dr. Lauren! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two adventurous cats, Pancake and Tiller.

A rose, by any other name, would smell as sweet, goes the famous quote. Stay with me, here, as it’s not all about Shakespeare today. But rather, about nomenclature. Specifically, the names we use to refer to our pets.

The poet TS Elliot wrote about the Naming of Cats, in what subsequently inspired a musical phenomenon. From him, we learned that cats have various names, and that each name takes much deliberation. As a poor example, Pancake is often P-Cake, Panda Cake, or just Cakes; if she’s whacked Tiller on the head she might simply be P!!!. But moreso, and in a vein of thought that doesn’t exactly exemplify what TS Elliot was referring to, what about the names we use when referring to our relationships with our cats? What am I to Pancake? Her owner? Her pet parent? Her mom? If you’ll forgive one final Shakespearean reference, therein lies the rub.

It’s a complicated question, which deserves some thought.

Pet Terminology Through the Ages

Pets: domesticated around 15,000 years ago; unimaginable not to have our houses graced with them—muddy feet, stolen food, hair—always hair, and the occasional 3:00 am hairball found on the way to the bathroom. The word pet itself is believed to originate in the 1500s from a Scottish or Gaelic word peata, referring to loved, small ones, or pets.

Recent decades have seen huge changes, both in the medicine with which we provide our pets care, and the legality and welfare issues by which we round out their lives. For instance, we didn’t even know what hyperthyroidism was in cats until more recent decades, and it was only in the last few years that a viable treatment for the deadly feline disease of “feline infectious peritonitis” became available, thanks in large part to COVID-19.

Consumerism, too, likely factors in, as playing on the emotions of pet-owner consumers potentially influences their behaviors. In this way capitalism well, capitalizes, on the relationship between pet and owner, to make the relationship with our pets a tangible commodity. As one UK pet insurance company put it, some of the terminology is driven by the “pet pound”—where people are more likely to spend money on pets they humanize. In the US, maybe similarly applicable terminology might be the cat coin, or the dog dollar?

Simultaneously, people like Temple Grandin have opened our eyes in new ways, in recent years, to approach animal welfare; with this, and other advocates, come a plethora of new concerns about the ethics and legalities of pets. Rethinking the moral dilemmas and debates also means rethinking terms that imply the nature of the relationship between pet and human. This also helps to better define the law that is therefore applicable.

The Shifting Paradigm of Pet-Human Relationships

One study, unsurprisingly, found that the more owners of pets anthropomorphize their animals (view them as having human qualities), the more they received social support from their pet, and additionally, the more they in turn treated their pet as a cohort. With such anthropomorphic tendencies of pet ownership on the rise (consider the frequency with which you now see a dog outside in the rain without a jacket?), it’s no wonder that most younger pet owners view pets as family and not simply pets—often citing they love their cat or dog more than their own mother. With such strong bonds at play, it is no surprise that terminology such as “pet parent” rather than owner, has arisen to reflect the evolution of the pet-human relationship.

I’ll be honest that I’ve never really grown to love the term pet parent, or cat mom, even though, essentially, that’s exactly what I am. Both Tiller and Pancake rely on me for everything: food, water, shelter, healthcare. But equally, I no more own these cats than they own me. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship, with certainly a lot of emotion behind it. Pancake gets annoyed when she’s not fed precisely at 5:00 am, and again by 7:00 am, and she really dislikes being brushed, and having flea treatments applied, but loves cheese and a chin scratch. I know these things because I care greatly about her, but trying to pin that down into conventional words is a difficult one.

Perhaps the better way to look at the topic is to again borrow from TS Elliot: the naming of cats is a difficult matter…or as another famous poet once said: Let it be.

And if you’ll excuse me, on that note, I’m going to go cuddle Rum Tum Tigger.

Postscript Tips

Regardless of terminology, things I recommend as a vet that you as a guardian/owner/pet parent/keeper can do to keep your cat healthy and happy:

• Ensure your cat has an annual vet visit. For cats that don’t like travel, consider a housecall vet. Regardless, this is such an important relationship to have when your cat does get sick, and vets can help you detect early signs of disease before they begin.
• Invest in pet insurance. As a vet, I wish all my patients had insurance.
• Get your cat spayed or neutered. It is hugely beneficial for their health, in the long term.
• Don’t feed trendy foods. Find tried and true brands, speak with your vet, and find what works out of those options for your cat. It’s easy to make bad food, and hard to make a good one. That’s why few companies can do so.
• Enjoy the time with your pets. This may be the most important tip here. It may be hard to remember when you step on a hairball on the way to the bathroom, but pets are here for far less time than we are. It’s easy to forget just how much joy they bring, as they share all the intimate, everyday moments with us, from good to bad. Make the time to play, chill out, and cuddle them. You both deserve it!

A UPS driver heard a meow from a cat. He realized an unexpected passenger had snuck into his truck, making his morning route interesting.

Buddy the catBarry

Barry, a UPS driver, had an interesting morning route last Friday when his work was interrupted by an unexpected passenger.

There were several inches of snow that day as Barry began his route in northern IL. « I pulled up to a customer’s house and entered the rear of my truck and started hearing a meow from a cat, » Barry shared with Love Meow.

He didn’t think much of it at the time until he heard the same meow again at the next stop.

The cat had somehow snuck into a UPS truckBarry

Seeing animals or being greeted by pets is a daily occurrence in Barry’s work, many of whom he knows by name. « (I see) tons of animals on my route, lots of dogs and cats all day long. Usually, they run away once the truck starts up. »

When Barry heard the meow again, he paused to listen and realized a cat was in the truck. He looked around the cargo area and into every nook and cranny but couldn’t locate the cat while the meowing continued.

Barry

« I got down on my hands and knees on the ground and heard it louder from the rear wheels. » When he realized the cat was stuck inside the truck’s structure, thoughts began racing through his head as he tried to figure out how to free the cat.

He looked around for an entry point and found a removable service panel. « I borrowed a screwdriver from the customer’s house I was at and opened the service panel, and he popped out. »

The cat jumped into the cargo area when Barry removed the service panelBarry

A friendly white and brown cat with curious eyes emerged from the abyss of the truck and strutted up to Barry with his tail held high. The cat had somehow wedged himself between the floor and the fuel tank and got himself in a pickle.

« I have no idea how long he was there, but he was soaked from road grime. He was a very nice cat, rubbing up on my legs and very happy to be out of the spot he was stuck in. »

He was happy to be out of the place he was trapped inBarry

Wet, cold, and dirty, the cat had no intention of getting off the truck and stayed on board as if he were waiting to be assisted.

Even though Barry is allergic to cats, he wanted to help the little fella, nicknamed Buddy, and get him to a vet’s office. After exploring the inside of the truck and inspecting a few packages, the little feline passenger nestled atop a large box.

The cat was wet and dirty from road grimeBarry

« He kept me company. Once we started down the road and started delivering again, he stayed right there on the box until we reached the vet’s office. »

As it turned out, Buddy required medical attention, and Barry got him the help he needed.

Buddy kept Barry company while sitting on a big boxBarry

« He was having a hard time breathing. He was later picked up by Friends Forever Humane Society in Freeport IL, and they have been caring for him, » Barry told Love Meow.

Barry went home that day feeling relieved, knowing Buddy was in good hands and on his road to recovery.

He is now being cared for by Friends Forever Humane SocietyBarry

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Related story: Kitten Who Has Been Wandering Outside, Runs Toward Woman Who Changes Her Life Completely

A kind person provided safety to a cat from wind and rain. She woke up to a tiny miracle kitten in the room one morning.

Clementine the cat and Persimmon the kittenAngela

A cat named Clementine had lived outside her entire life, being cared for by a Good Samaritan. When they realized she was pregnant, they brought the friendly stray to their local rescue, Orphan Kitten Project, leaving her in the capable hands of a carer.

« Clementine came to me on a very windy and rainy day. I’m so glad she didn’t have to give birth outside in those conditions, » Angela, a foster volunteer of the rescue, shared with Love Meow.

They expected she would give birth in the next few days, but little did they know the rollercoaster ride ahead.

Angela

« She realized she was safe as soon as she got here. She was so tired that she slept almost the whole first day. »

Clementine woke up in high spirits with extra clinginess. She followed her foster mom on her heels and leaned into her for snuggles. She became a velcro kitty, seeking constant affection and using her voice to demand more petting.

Angela

« She loves to be with people, and her favorite thing in the world is cuddles. »

The following Monday, Clementine went into labor. She had two kittens who sadly didn’t survive despite their best efforts to save them. Heartbroken, Angela went the extra mile to give Clementine the love and company she needed to feel better.

Angela

Four days after the initial birth, Angela, who was still grieving over the loss, walked into the room to quite a surprise. She saw a tiny bundle of fur with four limbs latching onto Clementine’s belly.

To her astonishment, Clementine gave birth to a third kitten in the middle of the night.

Persimmon was born unexpectedly four days after the first birthAngela

The little miracle baby came into the world with a strong appetite and a zest for life.

« Clementine’s maternal instincts seemed to have kicked in (which hadn’t previously), and she was actively taking care of the baby boy, » Angela added.

Angela

« Although I knew about interrupted labor in cats where kittens can be born 24-36 hours apart, I did not know that it could be four days apart. »

The kitten wrapped his paws around his mom while Clementine cradled him in her belly, filling the room with her soothing purrs.

Clementine showers her only kitten with unconditional loveAngela

Angela lovingly named the miracle baby Persimmon after the Persimmon tree, which takes many years to bear fruit. At one week old, Persimmon doubled his birth weight, tipping the scale at 216 grams.

Clementine showers him with unconditional love, keeping him well-fed and immaculately clean around the clock.

She watches over him every step of the wayAngela

« She is very sweet to Persimmon. She stays by his side all day and responds to him whenever he cries out for her. »

She treasures her precious baby with all her heart and proudly shows him off when her foster mom enters the room. Soon, Persimmon’s eyes will open, and his ears will unfold.

Persimmon is a little miracle babyAngela

Once the kitten feels pep under his feet, he will venture out of the nest, explore the vastness of the world around him, and keep his mom on her toes.

Angela

With the help of a loving foster family, Clementine can sleep soundly at night, knowing she and her baby are safe and loved.

Angela

Share this story with your friends. More on Clementine and Persimmon and Angela’s fosters on Instagram and Orphan Kitten Project on Instagram.

Related story: Kind Person Go Back to Find the Mother of a Kitten, Turns Out the Cat Has More Kittens to Feed

Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga.

Some musicians produce songs and videos for cats, but do the cats appreciate them or secretly wish their owners would stop subjecting them to the noise? Pet owners probably hope their cats have similar tastes in music, but unless they can manipulate the stereo or phone controls, their cats don’t have a choice. Our music is also our cat’s; a polka fan’s pet listens to polka music, and a DJ’s feline is subjected to dance music and probably hard of hearing.

Your tastes change as you mature, and I’m glad my cat wasn’t around when I was an eighth grader who blasted Bad Brains or the Dead Kennedys at full volume in my room. If you examine studies or articles about which genres of music annoy cats, you’ll notice that heavy metal is more despised by cats than the others.

It’s disappointing for heavy metal fans, but it’s likely due to the music’s volume rather than composition. Most metal songs aren’t played at a low volume, and my mom never said, “Will you turn that up, son? You’re not playing Iron Maiden loud enough!

Music She’s Unlikely to Hear

I don’t think Olga has a favorite song or genre of music, and like most cats, I don’t think she cares about the music as long as it isn’t too loud. However, she hasn’t heard EDM, modern country music, or today’s pop music unless it came from the television. Since I don’t allow guests to play songs I despise, Olga’s exposure to some genres is limited.

I haven’t experimented on her and don’t plan to since I would have to endure songs I dislike. Olga has listened to classic rock, jazz, blues, classical, heavy metal, punk (or new wave?), and accordion tunes from Hungary, and it all sounds the same to her.

Although she looked surprised the first time the MGM lion roared before a film, she isn’t very interested in wildlife programs, even the ones on birds.

Keeping the Volume Low

Cats have sensitive hearing, but I didn’t consider that when I was younger and held parties with loud music. My Siamese cat usually hid in my room to escape the music, and Olga would probably do the same if I turned the volume to the max on my stereo.

I’ll always play music at home, but I don’t play it loud enough to rattle the walls or damage the cat’s hearing. I know cat owners my age who haven’t lost their love for blasting their music, and some think it’s amusing when their cats run to escape the noise. If they hide in another room away from the speakers, their hearing is probably safe, depending on the decibel level.

Olga only runs and hides when she hears fireworks and doesn’t react much to sounds from the television or stereo. She may like my music more than the silence, but until she objects to it, I’ll continue to entertain her with good tunes.

A cat was found cold and wet in a planter by the street. Two months later, his life completely turned around.

HeroPuppyKittyNYCITY

Early this year, rescuers from PuppyKittyNYCITY received a text about a cat abandoned in a flower pot by a busy street, desperately needing help. Cold, wet, and terrified, the cat was too weary to escape when rescuers approached him.

After carefully securing the cat in a crate, they noticed a much bigger issue. Over 30 cats had been forcefully removed from a hoarding situation in the adjacent building. They raced to bring them all to safety.

The gray and white cat that led the people to save all these precious lives was named Hero.

PuppyKittyNYCITY

Hero was safe and warm at the rescue and sought comfort in a cubby bed. He was scared but didn’t have a mean bone in his body. Volunteers took turns to keep him company and showered him with gentle pets and loving words.

The vet discovered he was born with bilateral luxating patellas, which caused the cat’s kneecaps to slip out of place. He would need surgery to help him walk without pain.

PuppyKittyNYCITY

A few days after surgery, Hero propped himself up on all fours and took a few steps forward like a champ. The resilient little guy went to his foster home to continue his recovery.

Warm, comfy, and pain-free, Hero had never felt so good, and his walls began to crumble. The comfortable foster home quickly put him at ease, and he emerged from his cubby bed to explore.

PuppyKittyNYCITY

Reassured by his foster mom, he no longer needed to hide in his cave, and he lay on a fluffy bed to bask in all the attention and pets.

Hero greeted his foster mom when she came in the next day. He rubbed against her legs over and over before curling up beside her, kneading, and purring away.

Hero is a lap catPuppyKittyNYCITY

Soon, his voice was unlocked, and he began to chirp and meow, begging sweetly for attention.

« He has been through so much, and he’s still willing to trust humans and give them another chance, » the rescue shared. « His life has changed so much in such a short time. He knows he is safe now. »

PuppyKittyNYCITY

As Hero healed and regained his strength, he felt confident enough to play for the first time. He batted at stuffed mice with vigor and was fascinated by whirling wand toys.

One day, Hero crawled onto his foster mom’s lap and claimed it as his favorite perch.

He came out of his shell and started to playPuppyKittyNYCITY

« Hero is a lap cat. To see him safe, warm, and on a lap is all we could ever ask for. »

He turned into a purring cuddle bug and wanted to be with his people at all times. He nuzzled into their open arms until he was smothered in love.

He enjoyed cuddle time with his foster momPuppyKittyNYCITY

After nearly two months in foster care, Hero was ready to look for a forever home where he could live a life of luxury. A few days ago, his dream finally became a reality.

A woman who had been following Hero’s journey fell head over heels for the sweet boy. She held Hero lovingly on her lap, speaking softly to him when they met.

PuppyKittyNYCITY

He climbed onto her lap and burrowed his face into her arm. « This boy deserves everything and so much more. »

Hero has come a long way from a dirty, rejected cat thrown into a flower pot to a happy, clean, handsome boy cherished by his forever family.

Hero cuddling with his forever momPuppyKittyNYCITY

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Related story: Kitten was So Small When He was Found, Now He Fetches ‘Gifts’ for his Humans Each Day

A big-cheeked cat who had to compete with other animals outside for food is now the boss of the house.

ClydeSt Francis Society Animal Rescue

A big-cheeked cat had spent many years outdoors, surviving on the food left by people, but no one offered him a home. He had to compete with raccoons over meals and often went hungry for days.

Sandra saw the cat looking rougher by the day when she was pet-sitting for a family. The haggard tom cat sat in a corner while the raccoons wolfed down his food. He seemed so weary, as if he had given up.

Determined to help the cat, Sandra brought him inside, upgraded his living condition to a quiet, comfortable room, and named the deserving boy Clyde.

Clyde had to compete with raccoons for foodSandra

Clyde was in poor shape with a host of issues, including a deep wound on his neck and entropion, a condition in which the eyelids curl inwards, causing the lashes and fur to rub against the eyes constantly.

His room was a palace compared to the gritty streets outside. He was quiet but happy to be indoors at last.

He was finally safe after being outside for yearsSandra

With the support of St Francis Society Animal Rescue, his wound was cleaned and closed, and his eyelids were corrected. Clyde slept in a king-sized bed for the first time in his life, and he was on cloud nine.

« He tried the soft fluffy blanket, then my pillow, but decided the best place to be was snuggled up against me. I woke up a few times during the night, and every time, I found him comfortably curled up, » Sandra shared.

His fur is cleaner, brighter, and softerSandra

Clyde rested abundantly over the next two weeks, making a speedy recovery. « He’s discovered scratchers and catnip, and he loves both. His fur is cleaner, brighter, and softer. He’s a talker and loves to snuggle at night. »

With his newfound strength and appetite, he made good gains and became increasingly intrigued by everything in the house.

He’s become a supervisor in the houseColleen

He is fascinated by the sink and running water. He watches his foster mom brush her teeth and feels the urge to « rescue » her from the shower. He follows her like a shadow and greets her at the door.

Being FIV+ doesn’t bother him, and he enjoys inspecting every nook and cranny of the house like a true detective.

He likes to inspect every nook and cranny even atop the fridgeColleen

He gets along with other cats but prefers being someone’s one and only.

Clyde has been indoors for about nine months and has blossomed into a happy, confident boy. He’s ready to seek a forever home where he can rule with cuddles and purrs.

Colleen

« Less than a year ago, this big-cheeked, adorable former Tom Cat would go days without eating. But now, Sweet Clyde believes he is the boss of the house, » Colleen, foster volunteer of St Francis Society Animal Rescue, shared.

Sandra

« He will supervise everything you do. If you accidentally leave groceries on the counter, Clyde has your back. He will be sure it is no longer there when you go back into the kitchen. »

Aside from his mischievous streak, Clyde has a tender, loving side.

Clyde offers his « help » in the kitchenSandra

He trails his people around the house, curls up in bed beside them at night, and showers them with purrs and snuggles in the morning.

« This handsome former Tom has traded in his big cheeks for a simpler life of lying on counters and sleeping all day. »

Happy and lovedColleen

Share this story with your friends. More on Clyde and St Francis Society Animal Rescue (in FL) on Instagram and Facebook. Thanks to Sandra and Colleen.

Related story: Kitten Comes Running to Traveling Couple and Hops into Their Arms, She Won’t Let Them Leave Her

A cat dad and his only son were found on the street. They looked out for each other until kind people came to help them.

Marcos the dad and Morgan the sonMorgan

Last month, Little Wanderers NYC received a rescue request for a father cat and his kitten living in the trash area of a neighborhood.

About a week earlier, a cat tree was reportedly discarded in the location, and then a friendly orange and white cat appeared with a kitten in tow. No one came to claim them, so a concerned member of the community sought help for them.

Residents from the neighborhood who volunteer for Little Wanderers NYC leaped into action.

They were found outside in a neighborhood, and no one came to claim themLittleWanderersNYC

They located the father and son duo and secured them with ease. The cat dad was instantly affectionate with his rescuers, asking for attention and pets. After feeding on food scraps from the trash, they were thrilled to have real food and clean water.

The father and son left the street that day and embraced a hopeful new beginning.

LittleWanderersNYC

While the cat was treated for stomach troubles, the kitten received help to remove all the pesky fleas. With proper medical care and a cushy home, they were finally on the mend.

« Marcos (the dad) was the absolute sweetest thing. He was so calm and trusting immediately, which is rare, » Morgan, foster carer, shared with Love Meow.

LittleWanderersNYC

His baby son, also named Morgan, was confused and apprehensive about his new surroundings, but Marcos’s confidence quickly reassured him. Watching his dad interact with people encouraged him to be brave.

Soon, Morgan came out of his shell and got his bearings in the new space. « He has a sweet yet spicy kitten personality. »

LittleWanderersNYC

They were drawn to the warmth and quickly staked out their favorite nook in the room. « When we turned on the heater and put a big cozy bed in front, they immediately snuggled one another and just looked so content. »

The two enjoy nestling in bed together, allowing the heat to cover them like a blanket.

They love cuddling with each other in bedMorgan

The father and son adore each other’s company, but they also like to do their own things. They have chosen their own perching spots, and each claims different parts of the cat tree.

Marcos, the adult cat, craves attention from people and likes to be cradled and babied.

Marcos is very friendly and trustingMorgan

« Marcos is the chillest, most loving cat I have ever encountered. »

« Morgan is a little nervous with new people but will cuddle right into your arms and loves a good chin scratch. He had a rough start, and he is going to take a little time to trust people. Once he knows who you are, he feels safe. »

Morgan learns to be brave by watching his dadMorgan

Marcos is as playful and rambunctious as his son, zooming through the tunnel, batting at toys, and creating a cacophony of playful sounds with his boy.

The kitten is getting more confident with his dad by his side, teaching him the ways of the world and instilling bravery.

They enjoy their naps in the soft bed by the heaterMorgan

With the help of volunteers, the father and son are thriving in foster care, snoozing away in their cozy, warm bed without a worry in the world.

Morgan

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Related story: Cat Found with Kittens that Don’t Belong to Him, Months Later He Finally Has What He’s Been Waiting for

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and meet my five hilarious cats: Clutch, Cyril, Alex, Zelda, and Zazzles.

Cats have been sharing our lives for thousands of years, and in that time, they have evolved from being skillful, silent hunters that stalk and kill their prey with startling efficiency, to, well…this:

Don’t get me wrong, the athletically challenged Cyril is not necessarily an accurate representation of all pet cats, but you get the idea! However, when you compare the behavioral and morphological changes that domestication has had on our canine companions, as demonstrated by my Chihuahua, Ned and his German Malinois, Kodah, our feline friends have retained much of their ancestors’ instincts and attributes.

And it is this fact that often makes it hard for us, their human caretakers, to decide how much of their natural ancestral behaviors we should be encouraging.

I previously talked about using toys and laser pointers to reach out to my cats’ hunting instincts and get them engaging in some cardio, which I believe is an important part of providing them with enrichment, exercise, and mental stimulation, but is it enough? Should we be encouraging our cats to be cats, and allow them to hunt prey with impunity? I’m not so sure, but I also think that this is a question that is open to a variety of interpretations.

Is it Cruel to Stop Cats From Hunting?

Back in the late 1970s, the Farm Animal Welfare Council of Great Britain formulated a set of rules that would become the cornerstone of virtually every law regarding keeping captive animals, not just livestock. Those rules were better known as The Five Freedoms, and they are:

1. Freedom from hunger and thirst, by ready access to water and a diet to maintain health and vigor.
2. Freedom from discomfort, by providing an appropriate environment.
3. Freedom from pain, injury and disease, by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.
4. Freedom to express normal behavior, by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and appropriate company of the animal’s own kind.
5. Freedom from fear and distress, by ensuring conditions and treatment, which avoid mental suffering.

More recently, these were re-examined with a view to expand on these basic provisions to not only prevent negative experiences, but to provide animals with A Life Worth Living. Now, I think that it’s fair to say that my cats have a life worth living; one that I myself would be quite content with, and the same can likely be said for the majority of cats that live with human families. I can also confidently say that most pet cats enjoy lives that are in keeping with at least four of the five freedoms. Where things get a bit less clear, however, is when we look at the 4th rule: Freedom to express normal behavior. Does this mean we should allow our cats to roam freely and hunt? Although some would argue yes, I don’t think it’s quite that simple.

I live in the UK, where keeping cats indoors is largely frowned upon, though this is starting to change. When I lived in Australia, the rules regarding cat ownership were becoming more strict, with the introduction of mandatory microchipping and registration of pet cats, as well as the imposition of curfews. See, unlike the UK, where cats have been part of the landscape for over a millennia, Australia was devoid of feline predators until they were introduced by European colonists in the early 19th century. Since their introduction, a population of 3-4 million feral cats has emerged, which is responsible for killing six million native animals per day, and threatening over 100 million species with extinction. In this scenario, limiting the outdoor access and hunting of cats is undoubtedly necessary. But what about in parts of the world like the UK or US, where cats, in one form or another, are better tolerated within the ecosystem?

In my humble opinion, keeping cats indoors is part of being a responsible owner. In the majority of cases, we live with our cats in areas where there are lots of people, dogs, and cars. There are potentially deadly hazards like predators, toxins, parasites, and viruses, and the feline population density is far greater than would occur naturally, so making welfare judgments for our pets based on their wild origins starts to seem irrelevant.

If we were to look at it more objectively, taking into account the five freedoms, I would argue that the life of an entirely indoor cat is one that is:

• Free from hunger and thirst
• Free from discomfort
• Free from pain, injury and disease
• Free from fear and distress

And when we are able to provide our indoor felines with an environment that

• is enriched with games and interactive toys,
• allows them to explore the vertical world through cat trees and shelves,
• challenges them by providing their food in interesting ways,
• is filled with attention, love, and affection,

I believe that we not only allow them the freedom to express normal behaviors, we are also making sure that we give them a life worth living.

Is it Cruel to Allow or Encourage Cats to Hunt?

Cruelty is largely a human invention. In the animal kingdom, there are rarely instances where one animal causes pain or suffering to another purely for sport or enjoyment; hunting is a matter of survival. But is this still the case with our domestic pets?

Our pets still have a prey drive – that wild instinct that can turn even the most delicate fluffball into a killing machine – which is why some people believe that we should allow them to do what comes naturally – hunt. The way I look at it is that we can’t treat our cats as pets one minute, wild animals the next. Either we commit to their domestication, or we set them all free to whatever fate nature has in store for them (and I’m sure you know which one I’m in favor of!).

Cats may retain their hunting instincts, but most of them don’t need to hunt, and some of them seem to be unsure of what to do with their prey once they’ve caught it. The first time I ever heard Alex engage his ‘hunting chatter’ was when he spotted my husband eating a hotdog! Why would they go through the work of chewing through skin and fur when there’s a bowl of tender chunks back at home? So we either end up with a cat that is hunting and eating food it doesn’t need, with the risk of picking up various diseases in the process, or one that is catching prey to either kill or play with. I’m not suggesting that these cats are cruel, they are just following an instinct they no longer have a need for.

But I do wonder if knowingly allowing our cats to chase and kill wild animals when they don’t need to, is irresponsible, if not cruel.

Giving Our Cats the Thrill of the Hunt

I think it’s important to remember where our cats have come from, and that they still have many of the urges and instincts of their wild counterparts, but that doesn’t mean we should ignore the fact that they aren’t wild anymore. Part of being responsible for the animals in our lives is keeping them safe, and given that allowing your cat to hunt comes with the additional risks of roads, predators, parasites, infections, and conflict with other cats, it seems to me that providing them with alternative ways to flex their predatory muscles is a much safer way to ensure their needs are being met.

And let’s face it, if my spoiled cats don’t have a life worth living, I don’t know who does!

A community brought a stray cat inside from harsh weather and never stopped looking for his best friend.

VictorExploitsValleySPCA

Last month, two long-haired cats (one orange and white and the other gray) were spotted outside in the snow, battling the harsh weather.

The finder reached out to social media, rallying help to save the pair of weary souls from the bitter cold. The two followed each other everywhere, scrounging for food and warm shelter. Their faces were covered in cuts and scars.

Members of the rescue community sprang into action and set up humane traps in the area, trying to bring both to safety.

They were spotted outside in the snowExploitsValleySPCA

With diligent efforts, they secured the orange and white cat, but his companion, the gray cat, evaded the trap and was nowhere to be found despite hours of waiting and searching.

Rescuers brought the orange and white cat to Exploits Valley SPCA while they continued their mission to find his feline friend. « He was rescued from living outside for the past two years. He arrived very nervous, beat up, and totally matted, » the SPCA shared.

He was very nervous when he arrived at the shelterExploitsValleySPCA

The cat was scared and huddled in a corner, keeping his head low. Given his majestic frame and everything he’d gone through, the shelter wanted to give him a strong name. With the help of the community, they lovingly named him Victor.

A few hard years outdoors had left Victor wary and a bit untrusting. Surrounded by comfort, delicious food, and gentle words, he began to warm up to people.

ExploitsValleySPCA

When he tasted his first treat, his ears perked up, and he lifted his head to reach for more. After downing a tube, he licked his mouth clean, and the fear in his eyes vanished.

« Although he arrived terrified, he was coming out of his shell quickly with love and gentle touch. »

ExploitsValleySPCA

While Victor was recovering and adjusting at the shelter, his best friend was yet to be found, and the search continued.

In about a week, Victor went from being rough around the edges, scared, dirty, and matted to being clean, happy, and confident. He was fully vetted, neutered, and even got a makeover at the vet’s office.

ExploitsValleySPCA

The veterinary staff shaved off the knotted fur on his belly and cleaned and treated his wounds and cuts.

« By the look on his face, he feels like a whole new man. He loves attention and will stand on his back legs to give you a head bump. He loves sleeping, eating, and being fawned over. »

Victor has made quite a transformationExploitsValleySPCA

After 28 days of unyielding determination, their long search finally paid off. « Victor was rescued four weeks ago and has had such a transformation. The only thing missing was his sweet best friend. »

« Today, that changed. »

Rescuers never stopped looking for Victor’s best friendExploitsValleySPCA

Marilyn, an animal rescuer, and many concerned members of the community unified their efforts to save Victor’s friend, the beautiful gray cat now named Hugo.

Hugo is resting in a comfy, warm bed with a full belly after being vetted and treated. He’s still dirty and matted, but soon, he will receive the royal spa treatment as Victor did. « He’s feeling a little nervous, but he’s already easy to handle. Life is about to get good. »

After 28 days, they found the gray cat lovingly named HugoExploitsValleySPCA

Victor and Hugo can both sleep tight with full bellies tonight, and soon, they will be running around together, this time, in comfort and warmth.

« The before and after we’ve all been waiting for. »

ExploitsValleySPCA

Share this story with your friends. More on Victor and Hugo and Exploits Valley SPCA on Facebook and their YouTube Channel.

Related story: Cat Just Skin and Bones Walks Up to People Asking for Help, in a Month She Makes Incredible Transformation