A TOOTHPASTE FOR CATS Oxyfresh’s five-star-rated Premium Pet Dental Gel Toothpaste is formulated to deliver cleaner teeth, remove plaque, condition gums, and freshen breath. Plus, it’s tasteless and odourless! ($12, oxyfresh.com) PLAQUE-REDUCING SPRINKLE The ProDen PlaqueOff Powder for cats is a 100% natural pet food supplement containing the natural kelp ingredient A.N ProDen shown in clinical trials to help reduce plaque and tartar and improve bad breath. Results are usually seen between three to eight weeks with continued use. Just sprinkle the tasty powder over your cat’s food once a day. ($17, swedencare.com) WATER ADDITIVE TEEF for Life Protektin 30 Dental Kit is a powder water additive for cats. It uses clinically validated molecular nutrition to selectively favour the growth of beneficial microbes in the mouth, and to stop the growth of destructive bacteria that cause dental disease. All you need to do is a add a scoop of the powder to your cat’s drinking water! ($30, teefhealth.com) A BETTER BRUSH Made strictly for cats, Ryercat’s dual-sided cat toothbrush makes a dreaded task easier. The curve of this toothbrush allows you to clear the front teeth, so you don’t hit the sensitive Jacobson's Organ. Use the soft, round head for everyday brushing and the pick side to get food out from the back molar groove. Bristles infused with charcoal help neutralize bacteria. ($20, ryercat.com) OUR PICKS moderncat.com 49
Experts explain the magic behind this universal cat-attractant sound, plus other sounds cats like and dislike By Tracey Tong PHOTO DIXENIX/SHUTTERSTOCK W atch and you’ll likely see your cat’s ear twitch in response to the subtlest sound from the other room. Pay attention and you may see your cat freeze in advance of the knock at the front door that heralds someone’s arrival, reminding you that feline hearing is much better than yours. But how much better, you may not be aware. “As a whole, a cat’s sense of hearing is phenomenal, with one of the widest ranges of hearing across all mammals in the animal kingdom,” says Ingrid Johnson, Certified Cat Behavior Consultant at FundamentallyFeline.com. Cats can hear over a range of 10.5 octaves, among the broadest for any mammal, including dogs. By contrast, humans hear about 9.3 octaves. Cats can hear both higher and lower frequencies than humans can. “Their sense of hearing is so sensitive, primarily because it helps them find prey,” says Dr. Mikel Delgado, animal behaviourist with Feline Minds Cat Behavior Consulting. “Cats can also move the pinnae—or external part—of their ears to better localize sound.” Animals in the wild—cats included—“are simply more heightened and constantly aware, utilizing all of their senses to what seems like a much fuller extent than their domesticated counterparts,” Johnson says. But our pets’ senses still are more sensitive than ours. “They are only challenged at hearing low octaves. On the other end of the spectrum, they hear high-pitched sounds exceptionally well.” Cats can hear sounds as high as 64,000Hz, says Johnson, whereas humans can only hear 20,000Hz. “It is suggested that cats can hear these frequencies better than some breeds of dogs as well,” she says. Sounds Cats Make With the ability to make over 100 different vocalizations, cats communicate with their humans and other cats through sound. If your cat is meowing, she’s talking to you. “The ‘meow’ has been developed since domestication and is a sound cats use almost exclusively for interacting with humans,” Johnson says. Vocalizations used for inter-cat communication include chirps, trills, and murmurs. Sounds Cats Like With few studies about cats’ responses to sounds, it is difficult to definitively say what they prefer, says Delgado, an expert in pet-human relationships who authored Play with Your Cat! and co-authored Total Cat Mojo. Delgado notes that a cat’s response may be because it is biologically relevant; for example, it sounds like prey or This Is Why Your Cat Goes Wild When You Say “Pspspsps” 50 moderncat FALL · WINTER 2023/24
DID YOU KNOW? • Cats can hear middle frequencies particularly well. If your cat is staring at the wall, they are probably hearing something moving inside it. • Cats can hear sounds up to 64,000 Hz, about three times higher than humans. PHOTO MAKSIM SHEBEKO/ADOBE STOCK something threatening. She notes their response does not automatically mean the cat actually likes the sound. Shush Generally speaking, a quiet home is typically best, especially if a cat is timid, fearful, or senior. “Opportunities to minimize noise, loud voices, loud music, barking dogs, etc. should all be taken into consideration,” says Johnson. Having music, the radio or television playing softly in the background is acceptable. “[One] study of cats who were under anesthesia for spay/neuter surgery had lower respiratory rates and less pupil dilation when Classical music was played than when pop or heavy metal were played,” says Delgado. Research also shows that cats favour music with frequencies and tempos similar to that of the purr, which can also be found in Classical music. Other options include jazz—Johnson prefers to leave “smooth jazz playing for my cats” if she needs background noise. Anita Kelsey, a UK-based feline behaviourist and author of 2020’s Let's Talk About Cats: Conversations on Feline Behaviour, suggests David Teie’s Music For Cats, which she says “has specific tones that some cats respond well to.” Why Your Cat Goes WildWhen YouSay “Pspspsps” While music and white noise work to soothe cats, other sounds, specifically those from the natural environment, can get their attention. A high-pitch “pspsps” sound—which Johnson says mimics that of prey rustling in dried leaves or a cricket chirping—is attractive to cats. So much so that Johnson uses this sound as a “come” command. Kelsey agrees. Cats like certain sounds because of the associations connected with them, she says, giving the example of a tin can opener, which signals the cat will soon receive food. How CatsShow They LikeaSound Because cats can’t tell you what they like, cat guardians need to learn to read their cat’s body language. “If a cat is relaxed (eyes closed, body stretched out), engaging in healthy, typical behaviours such as resting, playing, cuddling, or sleeping, then they probably aren’t bothered by a sound,” says Delgado. “This doesn’t mean that they like a sound, but they don’t find it stressful.” A cat’s seeming indifference can also show that it likes a sound, says moderncat.com 51
PHOTO SUSHKOVA2/SHUTTERSTOCK Johnson. (Ah, cats.) But if your cat is simply not reacting to any noise—that is, there is no ear movement—you should have a vet test for deafness. As hearing deteriorates with age, cats may become far less reactive to sounds that previously used to perturb or even scare them, Johnson says. “This can be a plus for shy, timid cats,” she adds. “I had a cat that went deaf around the age of 17. [It] gave her a whole new lease on life. She was a much more outgoing cat after losing her hearing. I could vacuum around her, and she wouldn’t even move.” Cat-cophony: Sounds that Cats Dislike Most cats hate the look and sound of a vacuum and aerosol spray, which sounds like hissing, Kelsey says. “They also dislike loud, harsh tones as this would startle them, frighten them, or appear to be some form of aggression.” For that reason, cat guardians should be careful when watching TV shows that depict animals in distress or fighting, Johnson says. “A cat can hear a mouse squeaking in tall grass in a space the size of football field, pinpoint it and kill it, so how loud is that baby crying from their perspective?” asks Johnson. “If we think about how loud our televisions are, the music in the car on the way to the vet, the children’s toys that makes a constant annoying beeping sound… most people do not take into consideration how incredibly ear-piercing these everyday sounds are to our cats. We all need to vacuum, but we do not need to walk around with our cell on speaker.” The ideal environment, says Delgado, is relatively quiet, predictable, and provides safe spaces where a cat can get away from any unpleasant or disruptive sounds. How Cats Show They Dislike a Sound Some cats may adapt to predictable noises. For others, it leads to chronic stress, says Delgado. Less predictable, loud noises such as fireworks or construction could cause a cat to be fearful and hide in response. When a cat perceives that another animal is being aggressive, it may respond by hissing back, running away, or by freezing, the latter of which happens when it is unsure of what is happening, says Kelsey. If your cat runs and hides when it hears a sound, or seems otherwise stressed—lots of ear movement, hissing, etc.—then it finds that sound upsetting. It may be the sound itself or an experience associated with the sound, says Delgado, “a learned fear, such as the doorbell predicting scary visitors.” The Sound of Your Voice Most cat owners talk to their pets, and in fact, reading or speaking to a pet is a recommended technique for helping a new or shy cat acclimate to its new people while still confined to their safe room, Johnson says. Cats typically prefer a high-pitched voice, but Delgado doubts that the voice alone would be enough to determine whether a cat likes or dislikes someone. “In general, cats like people who are gentle, predictable, and respectful of how they approach cats,” she says, [but the voice] could possibly stack the deck.” Even if your voice isn’t especially soothing, worry not. “Your cat has built a relationship with you and so recognizes your usual calm tone when being spoken to,” says Kelsey. As for what to say, she busts the myth that cats don’t like to be “spoken down” to. “There’s no harm in the typical baby talk we give cats,” she says, “and cats do respond in kind, with the meow, to us talking to them.” A cat can hear a mouse squeaking in tall grass in a space the size of football field, pinpoint it and kill it, so how loud is that baby crying from their perspective? 52 moderncat FALL · WINTER 2023/24
PHOTOSCLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT WRANGEL/BIGSTOCK; JIRIK V/SHUTTERSTOCK; NILANTHA/SHUTTERSTOCK The Rusty Spotted Cat: Discovering the World’s Smallest Wild Feline Meet the smallest cat breed in the world! By Eva Erhardt W hen thinking of wild cats, most people conjure visions of tigers and lions—big cats about 30 times larger than your typical tabby. Yet, amidst the wilderness of Sri Lanka and India, there’s a much smaller wild cat on the prowl—one that can fit in the palms of a human hand. Introducing the Rusty Spotted Cat, the World’s smallest breed of feline, affectionately known as the hummingbird of the cat family. Be prepared be enchanted by this incredible creature! MEASURING UP As adorable as they are tiny, the Rusty Spotted Cat weighs in at a miniscule two to four pounds, with a body length of just 12 to 20 inches. With these measurements, this breed is about half the size of a typical house cat but shares the fur pattern of one of its bigger relatives—the spotted leopard. The Rusty Spotted Cat has a grey-brown coat with red spots, appearing as a “washed out” version of its big cat relative. The leopard and the Rusty Spotted Cat also share a white under belly, dark streaks across their face and large, typically orange eyes. TINY BUT MIGHTY Although these cats are a fraction of the size of their relatives, they still pack a punch when it comes to hunting. Living off a diet of frogs, rodents, and domestic poultry, the Rusty Spotted Cat is known for being a fierce predator, often taking down animals that are triple their size. In fact, 19th Century zoologist and naturalist T.C. Jerdon kept a Rusty Spotted Cat as a pet, and observed its hunting bevahiours first hand. In his studies, he recorded the wild cat seizing squirrels, along with animals much bigger than you’d expect. “When introduced to a young gazelle, the cat immediately seized it by the nape of the neck and had to be pulled off before it would let go,” Jerdon wrote in one of his reports. WILD BEHAVIOUR The shy nature of this rare feline means there is little in-depth knowledge of these elusive cats’ behaviour. However, limited studies from wildlife biologists have revealed the basic routine of the Rusty Spotted Cat. As a primarily nocturnal animal, the “Hummingbird Cat” is known to begin hunting after the sun goes down. Under the cover of darkness, they hunt their prey, utilizing their agility and keen eyesight, which is six times more powerful than the human eye. They’re also very skilled tree climbers, although most of their hunting is done close to the ground. ON LOCATION If you’re looking to spot one of these elusive creatures, you’ll only have luck in two locations—India and Sri Lanka. They can be found in caves, rain forests, rocky hill slopes, scrubland, and more. As of late, Rusty Spotted Cats have also 54 moderncat FALL · WINTER 2023/24
PHOTO MICHAL SLOVIAK/SHUTTERSTOCK been spotted in abandoned houses, miles away from their native habitats. It’s been inferred that they have been forced to relocate due to habitat destruction, and in doing so, found a food source—rats—in the houses. CONSERVATION OF CATS Back in 1834, the Rusty Spotted Cat was a rare find, but recent discoveries have shown they are more widespread than once believed. Despite this, their population is rapidly declining. Though they are not officially endangered, they have earned a “Near Threatened” classification by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Habitat destruction, along with hunting from locals, has caused a decline in population that is inching towards a dangerous point. Rusty Spotted Cats are a protected animal across their population range, with trading and hunting banned in India and Sri Lanka. Unfortunately, they are still targeted by poachers, usually when mistaken for a baby leopard. They are also huge targets in the illegal pet trade, often trapped from wild populations, further endangering the world’s smallest cat breed. PET “LEOPARD” With their petite size and those adorable, huge eyes, you could be forgiven for wondering if the Rusty Spotted Cat would make a good pet. Though they may be wildly cute, these are wild animals and should remain so. If you’re smitten by the Rusty Spotted Cat, consider the Bengal, the only spotted domestic cat breed with markings (called “rosettes”) similar to those found on leopards. moderncat.com 55
T hat dreaded sound. It’s four o’clock in the morning, and you are peacefully asleep when it starts. It sounds like a cough, almost rhythmic. Then it grows in intensity with the strained augh at the end. Your sleepy brain starts to register. Oh! The cat! You jolt out of bed, stumbling over the blankets, looking for Fluffy. Yep, you were right. Poor Fluffy is on the rug, retching violently. “The rug, yuck, please onto the hardwood floor,” you cry and scurry behind her, trying to get her to move. But the vomiting episodes continue. There is no hope for your bedroom floor, and Fluffy is miserable. You try to be patient, but she is in distress. Your primary care vet isn’t open for hours. You take Fluffy to the nearest animal emergency room. Thankfully, the ER has free coffee in the waiting room. “What a morning so far! I’m beat,” you mumble to yourself while stirring your coffee. The doctor comes out to speak with you. Fluffy is stable, but she has ingested a foreign body. They think it is a nut, an almond, perhaps? You keep listening, hoping the coffee helps. Then you hear it: It will be $3,000 to $5,000 for the surgery to remove… Now, you are awake. Emergencies happen, and the medical care needed in these situations is expensive. For most cats, these events are rare. If you’re fortunate enough to have some extra funds or credit to cover the sudden expense, you should be fine, and your cat will receive the care they need. But this is a lot of money for most people. I have seen families cancel vacations to care for their cat! I know how devoted we are to our felines. Perhaps it’s time to take a moment to consider what pet insurance is and if it would be helpful for your family. Pet insurance is becoming more common. There are approximately five million insured pets in the U.S. as of the 2022 census, and around a million of these pets are felines. By Dr. Rachel L. Stadler Is Pet Insurance Right for Your Cat? PHOTO AC MANLEY/SHUTTERSTOCK 56 moderncat FALL · WINTER 2023/24
Interestingly, the number of insured pets is increasing by about 20 percent each year, so more families are considering and purchasing insurance. Let’s take a look at some basics! First, you will need to take the time to get quotes from a few companies for your specific cat. I’d encourage you to understand accident and illness and wellness, oh my! So many options, I know. You’ll need to decide if you want pet insurance for the rare emergency (accident) or for illness too (gastrointestinal issues, skin issues, cancer, etc.). Some companies offer wellness plans as part of their coverage. Wellness plans cover some portion of the cat’s yearly preventative care, such as physical exams, vaccinations, laboratory testing, and flea/tick/heartworm prevention. The yearly premiums change dramatically between these options. According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association, in 2022, accident-only coverage averaged $122 annually, while accident and illness cost an average of $387. With wellness included, that premium increased to $613. For comparison, yearly veterinary wellness care is between $200 to $600, depending on where you live and the age of your cat. Currently, most cat owners don’t have pet insurance. I think there are some situations that make it worth your money and that hopefully reduces some anxiety, too! Things For Cat Owners to Consider: # 1 Indoor versus Outdoor Lifestyle If you have an adventurous outdoor feline, the chances of your cat having an accident (cat bite wound or being hit by a car) is much higher compared to the indoor feline. Outdoor cats also need to have additional vaccinations—the feline leukemia virus vaccine is the big one—and they will need to have monthly flea, tick, and heartworm preventative medication. Likely, they’ll be out hunting in the garden too. Your veterinarian will recommend yearly or even more frequent fecal exam testing to keep your cat and your family safe. Who wants roundworms!? Outdoor cats definitely require additional care that comes with associated costs due to a higher risk lifestyle.The good news is they have great environmental enrichment, which improves mental health, and they get more exercise. Pet insurance premiums are calculated based on several factors, including the species, breed, age of the pet, and the cost of care where you live. PHOTO STOCKPHOTOPRO/ADOBE STOCK moderncat.com 57
# 2 Dental Care I am a huge advocate for dental care. It improves cats’ health and well-being dramatically. Please make sure to check out the dental health coverage options in your insurance research. Most cats need dental exams and cleanings multiple times in their lives. Dental care in felines involves blood work, general anesthesia, dental radiographs, dental scaling and polishing, pain medications, and, more often than not, oral surgery. It’s a necessary investment, and I would expect your cat to need it. Oral care kibble does help, but please try to brush, too! # 3 Multiple Cat Households Those three adorable kittens will all turn ten years old together and enjoy the tuna surprise cake treat and new cat toys, and oh yes, your veterinarian will recommend blood work and blood pressure checks for all of them. They will still need their vaccines and probably some joint support supplements too. Whoa, what a handful! “As cats reach their senior life stage, we see an increased frequency in chronic conditions like cancer, heart disease, hyperthyroid disease, and chronic kidney disease,” says Dr. Among cats insured by Nationwide, chronic kidney disease reclaimed the top spot as the most common medical condition, with more than 18,400 individual claims received in 2022. The highest cost from any of the top 10 conditions came in at more than $19,821 for a Georgia cat who suffered a severe diabetic episode. PHOTO TOP PHOTOSUNNYDAYS/SHUTTERSTOCK; RIGHT INSET GRISHA BRUEV/BIGSTOCK Emily Tincher, Senior Director of Pet Health for Nationwide Pet Insurance (petinsurance.com). Remember that across the pet insurance industry, pre-existing conditions are typically excluded from coverage. Things Your Cat Might Be Considering: #1. Should I eat the feather toy? #2. How much kibble can I inhale in thirty seconds? #3. How well can I hide my dental pain from my owner? #4. Where to go prowling tonight? #5. This plant is delicious. Oh, my belly... #6. Yes, there are bugs to hunt in the basement! #7. What pretty flowers the humans brought in for me… Pet insurance is a great idea, but it should be personalized to your family, your finances, and your feline. After all considerations, pet insurance might help your family out, but only if you check it out! 58 moderncat FALL · WINTER 2023/24
PROBLEM: NO EMERGENCY CONTACT PLAN FOR YOUR PETS SOLUTION: Save My Pet ID Tag products are worn by the pet parent to alert emergency personnel that you have pets that need care. Your emergency contact information is engraved on the pendant, bracelet, or keychain. savemypetidtag.com PROBLEM: FELINE ACNE, ITCHY SKIN, AND FACIAL WOUNDS SOLUTION: Vetericyn Plus Feline Antimicrobial Facial Therapy aids healing and helps prevent infection in cat acne, cuts, and mouth sores, while also sooting itch and irritation associated with allergies. Safe if licked or ingested, won’t sting, and is antibiotic and steroid-free! vetericyn.com PROBLEM: GROOMING WOES SOLUTION: If you have difficulty comfortably grooming your cat, check out HandsOn Gloves. They allow you to easily brush and bathe your cat, creating a happy and less stressful experience for both of you. handsongloves.com PROBLEM: FELINE STRESS SOLUTION: Chill, Kitty Kitty soft chews are enriched with broad-spectrum hemp, valerian root, and more to dial down stress-related behaviours. These all-natural, veterinarian-formulated chews promote gentle relaxation without sedation. Made in the USA with locally sourced ingredients! okoapet.com SPECIAL PROMOTION Ingenious solutions to common cat-life problems PROBLEM SOLVERS PROBLEM: CLAY LITTER IS HARMFUL FOR THE ENVIRONMENT SOLUTION: Every year, five BILLION pounds of clay are strip-mined in the US for litter. Made from upcycled soft wood, Catalyst has the clumping power of clay without the environmental damage. catalystpet.com SOLUTION: Upgrade to the Leo's Loo Too and enjoy a smart litter box that automatically sifts waste, controls odour, and includes remote monitoring with the connected app. A huge step forward for cat families! casaleopet.com PROBLEM: DAILY LITTER BOX SCOOPING AND ODOUR moderncat.com 59
2 3 1 With its bright accent colour, Armarkat’s Premium Cat Tree X2101 is high on style. Made from pressed wood and ultra-thick faux fur, it features a lookout platform, ramp, scratching post, and toy. ($65, armarkat.com) Vetreska’s Fruit Frenzy Cat Climber brings the fun! With four teddy-fleecelined platforms and jute-wrapped posts, your cats will love to perch, play, and scratch on this durable and multi-functional cat tree. ($140, vetreskanyc.com) Cats will love this elevated lounge spot! Sleekly designed, the Castillo cat tower from Mau Pets features two circular resting areas, raised sides, and a machine-washable faux fur cushion. Suitable for cats up to 20 pounds! ($199, maupets.com) VERTICAL SPACE SOLUTIONS Providing vertical space is an essential component of environmental enrichment for cats. It provides comfort, security, and a secure vantage point. These Modern Cat approved picks fit the bill! 60 moderncat FALL · WINTER 2023/24
4 7 8 5 The gorgeously minimal Horizontal Cat Scratcher from Catastrophic Creations is wallmounted to free up your floor space. Hidden brackets give the furniture a modern, floating look. Weight tested to hold up to 85 pounds, it can accommodate multiple cats. (from $92, catastrophicreations.com) Elevate your home’s decor with the unique geometric leaf shelf from IfCatsCanFly. Stylish and functional, these shelves are made from durable plywood and feature a spot for a soft cushion for added feline comfort. (from $204, etsy.com/shop/IfCatsCanFly) The Milo Cat Tree from Tuft and Paw is the ultimate feline jungle gym! Perfect for multi-cat homes, this tree includes two covered treehouses, two perches, and two slide-like scratching posts that are upholstered in durable carpet fiber. ($999, tuftandpaw.com) 6 The gentle curve of the floating Lotus Leaf Cat Shelf provides a perfect perch for lounging and observation. Made from solid wood and bent ply lined with Berber carpet, these sturdy, comfortable shelves are beloved by cats. ($90, mythreecats.com) The Vesper High Base cat tree has it all: height, good looks, a tall observation platform, a cozy cubed den with two entrances, memory foam cushions, and an extra-long paper rope scratching post. Made from highquality MDF with a walnut-look laminate finish, it checks all the boxes. ($200, catit.ca) moderncat.com 61
Inthe morning, it’s a drawnout howl for kibble. When it’s time for me to leave, it’s perky little chirps as my cats wind around my legs, entreating me to stay. Sitting on my lap while I watch TV, it’s a deep rumbling purr. I’ve gotten used to my cats’ vocalizations, even coming to expect the indignant meows Basil makes when I try to cuddle him while he’s eating. With all this meowing, testing out MeowTalk, a new cat translation app created by a former Amazon engineer, proved irresistible. My cats didn’t know what to make of the phone held up to their snouts. Basil ignored the microphone altogether, rubbing his cheeks on the corner of my phone and gnawing at the rubbery case. Little Orange wanted nothing to do with it, swatting at my outstretched hand and hightailing it in a huff. I tried following them around the apartment, hunched over, hand with phone outstretched. Being cats, neither cooperated. The first successful translation happened when I sat back on the couch and patted my lap, signaling Basil to come over and cuddle. He stood up and stretched in his spot on the coffee table and lazily made his way over to me before jumping into my arms and tucking into my chest. I turned on the microphone as he meowed a clear, bright meow, and the translator did its thing. An advertisement for a psychic played, and then the translation was revealed: “I love you!” (The ads disappear if you upgrade to a premium account.) It was a surprisingly validating confirmation of what I already believed this meow to mean. The idea is of decoding our cats’ utterances is not as implausible as it may seem. Machine-learning systems, which can extract patterns from large data sets, can distinguish between the squeaks that rodents make when they are happy and those that they emit when they are in distress, notes the New York Times. MeowTalk uses machine-learning software combined with 13 preset vocalizations to distinguish between different vocalizations and identify cats’ meows. The app detects and analyzes cat utterances in real-time, assigning each one an intention, such as happy, resting, hunting, or mating call. My subsequent translations included many more “I love you’s,” “I’m happy,” and the always useful “Hey, you.” The translations did seem to accurately convey my cats’ moods. “We’re trying to understand what cats are saying and give them a voice,” says Javier Sanchez, a founder of MeowTalk. “We want to use this to help people build better and stronger relationships with their cats.” With a rotating cast of feline characters in my apartment—my own cats, plus whatever cats or kittens I happen to be fostering at the moment—there were endless opportunities for translation. The app had a hard time figuring out the squeaks of the six-week-old kittens I was fostering, but MeowTalk allows users to report their feedback if they think the app is getting things wrong. It also uses the sounds it records to refine its algorithm and improve its performance. In 2021, MeowTalk researchers reported that the software could distinguish among nine intents with 90 percent accuracy overall. In the scientific paper published by the founders, the authors noted that “Cats vocalize in order to convey different emotions and/or intents and although their repertoire/vocabulary may not be universal, it exhibits consistent characteristics on an individual basis.” The app is better identifying some sounds over others. It was quickest to detect purring, labeling it as “I need to relax,” but I didn’t really need an app to know that. Other sounds, like those indicating happiness or in pain, it confused not infrequently, according to the study. Though the translations may not always be 100 percent accurate, what’s indisputable is the interest in decoding what our cats are saying. Cohabitating with pets calls for some mutual understanding, and pet translator apps may be a good place to start. Since November 2020, MeowTalk has seen over 17 million downloads worldwide, over 250 million meows recorded, and more than eight million cat profiles created. But while developers work out the kinks, the best way to get to the bottom of your cat's commentary is by spending time with them. When you form a familial bond with your pet, it doesn’t take an app to know when they are saying “I love you.” Translating “Meow” An A.I.-powered pet translation app aims to decipher your cat’s utterances By Annika Harley Illustration by Michelle Simpson moderncat.com 63
Tricks For Cats How trick training can strengthen the bond between you and your cat By Steve Duno T ricks? A cat? That’s a dog thing, right? Wrong! Though not known for performing on cue, cats are just as capable of learning new behaviours as dogs. The difference is in motivation and drive. Dogs are more sociable and, as such, can learn new behaviours within a group construct. They’ll learn a trick to please you, for a treat, or both. Cats, though, have a more egotistical approach. Basically, it’s “what’s in it for me?” That almost always means food. If you want to teach tricks to your cat, the right bribe at the right time is the magic ticket. WHY TRAIN A CAT? Good question. Most cat lovers enjoy their cats for who they are and what they do on their own. Their independent nature is one of the reasons we love them, right? “Training a cat offers great rewards for both you and your cat,” says Anne Gordon, veteran Hollywood animal trainer. “It creates a more powerful bond that will help you understand each other on a higher level.” Gordon adds that it is also an effective way to communicate beyond what you might have thought possible. “And,” she adds, “it’s just fun.” Truth is, you have probably trained your cat without even knowing it. Example: At feeding time, you pull out a can of cat food and tap on it with a spoon. Out of nowhere, your feline comes running. Why? Because they have been conditioned to know that the tapping sound is always followed by food. Other reasons to train? Simple: as Gordon says, training your cat will strengthen the bond between you. And it will actually make your cat smarter. By expanding your cat’s vocabulary and repertoire of behaviours, you literally create more neural connections in her brain. As in humans, a bigger vocabulary makes for a stronger brain. Who doesn’t want a smarter cat? GETTING STARTED A key factor in teaching tricks to a cat is—you guessed it—the cat. Yours needs to be fairly outgoing with a good appetite. Timid cats or feral rescues won’t respond as well as a young, frisky, friendly one. Shorthaired cats such PHOTO KISIALIOU YURY/SHUTTERSTOCK 64 moderncat FALL · WINTER 2023/24
“Training your cat will strengthen the bond between you and actually make your cat smarter.” as the Siamese, American Shorthair, or Burmese tend to be more outgoing than longhaired breeds like the Persian or the Angora, though any breed or mixed breed can learn if trained properly from a young age. Older cats learn more slowly, as will those with a weak food drive. FEED ME ON A SCHEDULE! Food is the primary motivator in shaping a cat’s behaviour. If your cat loves dinnertime, you won’t have much problem motivating them. To optimize training though, you’ll want to establish precise feeding times instead of free feeding. If food is always available, it will mean less than if it is anticipated at a specific time. Exact feeding times of short duration will program your cat to be hungry when you need her to be. The best treats to use? Instead of using a typical cat treat, try a lickable cat treat! This allows you to better control the delivery of the treat and keeps your cat there, licking. Other treats can take too long to eat or cause the cat to walk off to a corner to eat it. In addition to a lickable treat, you can use meat-flavoured baby food on a spoon, tiny bits of meat, tuna, or cheese. Use whatever works, provided it can be eaten quickly. A cat that will not respond to treats will be challenging to teach. But if there is something your cat does respond favourably to—a particular toy, a catnip ball, or even a teaser wand—try using it instead of food. EQUIPMENT A clicker is a key training device for cat training. The “click” sound acts as a bridge between the desired behaviour and the reward. The instant your cat performs a desired behaviour, you “click” then reward. The click is the signal to the cat that it has done the right thing and that a treat is coming. It will heighten your cat’s expectations and attention. Another prop you might want to obtain is a light leash in combination with a light cat harness. If you have a kitten or very young, outgoing cat, walking on a leash can be a good way of safely getting your pet outside. SET THE STAGE Schedule training sessions right before feeding time. That way, your cat will be properly motivated. Make the sessions brief—no longer than a few minutes. Choose a quiet room with no distractions, including people or other pets. Consider using a tabletop, desk, or coffee table for the training sessions. Cats like to be up high, and it will be easier on your back! FAMILIARIZE TO TOUCH Training frequently involves touching your cat, so preface training with touch desensitization. Hopefully you have done this since kittenhood! Brushing, massaging, and even trimming nails will help immensely. While you lightly brush, offer a nice treat. Same goes for massage. Pick your cat up from an early age. Pick up, treat, repeat. Eventually, carry your cat about the house, then put her down and treat. If your cat simply does not like it, it’s okay, but it means that trick training will take a bit longer. 4 Tricks to Teach Your Cat #1. SIT First, be sure your cat is hungry! Place her atop a table in a standing position in front of you. Hold a treat an inch or two in front of her nose. A lickable treat like Churu or a spoon with baby food works well because you PHOTO CHRISBRIGNELL/SHUTTERSTOCK can control access to the treat. When THE BEST TREAT FOR TRAINING CATS Have them eating out of your hand! Churu, the signature wet treat from Inaba, is a perfect choice for trick training. These lickable purée meat tubes for cats were designed to be fed by hand for an interactive way to spend time with your cat. Made with wholesome ingredients and no bad stuff (you won’t find grains, preservatives, artificial colors, or carrageenan), these hydrating, creamy treats come in 19 savory flavours and are only six calories a tube! (from $4, inabafoods.com) {EDITOR'S PICK} moderncat.com 65
your cat shows interest, slowly move the treat up and back while saying her name and “sit.” Keep the treat close enough so that your cat doesn’t try to rise up to get it. You should get her to naturally sit within ten tries. If not, end the session and try later. The moment she does sit, click your clicker, give her the treat, and say, “good sit!” Repeat once more, then quit. Right before the next mealtime, repeat the process. Within a few weeks, she should understand the behaviour and sit for you on command. #2. SPIN Start the trick with your hungry cat standing on the floor (not a table), with you kneeling in front of her. With a treat in one hand and a clicker in the other, hold the treat near your cat’s nose, then slowly lure her in a small circle while saying “spin.” How you offer and move the treat (or spoon) will be a trial-and-error affair, so work it until you perfect it for your particular cat. If she follows the treat around even partially, click and reward. Success will be when you get her to go full circle. Do not overwork it, as the cat will get bored. Each day, slowly increase the speed of the spin and the distance your treat hand is from her nose. Take your time and reward any positive movement. The circular motion you make with your treat hand will eventually become the hand sign for the trick. The goal is to get your cat to spin without luring her all the way around. When perfected, just a small circular hand motion from three or four feet away coupled with the spoken command will trigger the spin. Be sure to click and treat each time! #3. SHAKE Though not necessarily a hard trick to teach, some cats are not crazy about having their feet touched, so don’t overdo it. Start with her sitting on the edge of a table. Have a treat in your hand. Gently tap on the back of your cat’s wrist while saying “shake” until she lifts the foot. Even a slight lift should be clicked and rewarded! Work this briefly, five times each day. Each time, use less and less physical manipulation on the foot until all you need to do is reach your hand out and say “shake” to initiate the lift. Once she really gets it, you can try getting her to raise the other paw, using the same process of tapping on the back of her wrist. #4. KISS Hope you don’t mind getting a friend’s face messy! Teaching your cat to kiss your cheek will require you to dab a bit of tasty food on a friend’s cheek. You can’t use yourself for this until your cat has been taught this trick. Use a treat that will stay on your friend’s face. Meat-flavored baby food or cream cheese will work. To begin, place your hungry cat on a table with your friend in a chair in front of her. Be sure your friend already has the treat smeared on a cheek and that it is clearly evident to the cat. Get your friend close enough so that the cat can’t help but notice the smeared food. If she takes even a sniff of it, say “kiss,” then click and reward the cat with a different treat—a tiny bit of cheese or tuna will do. Practice this several times each day. Slowly reduce the amount of goo on your friend’s cheek until the cat will simply kiss the cheek on command for the reward. Also, gradually increase the distance between your cat and your friend until the cat will cross the table to give the kiss. Eventually you should be able to say “kiss” to your cat and have her kiss your own cheek for a tasty reward. Remember, unlike dogs, cats need a food reward every time they perform a trick. KEEP PRACTICING! If practiced regularly while being upbeat and positive, your cat will enjoy the sessions and might eventually begin performing on her own for attention and food. When that happens, you’ll know you have engaged her brain, increased her confidence, and expanded your relationship. So, let’s start training! PHOTOS LEFT TO RIGHT DIMABERLIN/BIGSTOCK; ANCIENS HUANG/SHUTTERSTOCK 66 moderncat FALL · WINTER 2023/24
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1. CAT FOOD FOR PICKY CATS Made with real fish and all-natural ingredients, Snappy Tom Naturals’ Ocean Fish with Salmon is everyday premium food cats love, in an easy-to-open pouch. The pure fish protein tempts even picky eaters! ($2, snappytom.com) 3. A BETTER GROOMING EXPERIENCE Keep the cat hair under control with a pair of HandsOn Grooming Gloves. Simply pet your cat with these gloves on (use wet or dry) to remove loose hair, massage muscles, stimulate circulation, and maintain your cat’s skin and coat health. Your cat will love these gloves! ($25, handsongloves.com) PHOTO NEW AFRICA/ADOBE STOCK 2. FELINE ACNE SOLVED If your cat has feline acne or facial irritation, you need Vetericyn Plus Feline Antimicrobial Facial Therapy. This antibiotic and steroid-free liquid formula cleans, soothes, and prevents potential infection. It’s safe if licked or ingested and won’t sting! ($14, vetericyn.com) Solutions for everything from picky eating to bad breath! Healthy PAWS 68 moderncat FALL · WINTER 2023/24
9. SPRITZ AWAY BAD BREATH AND PLAQUE Oxyfresh’s flavour-free, pickycat-approved dental spray helps prevent plaque buildup, reduce periodontal issues, and maintain healthy gum tissue with no hassle. Their proprietary bad breath-fighting ingredient, Oxygene, works on contact to safely eliminate odors caused by bacteria in your cat's mouth. ($17, oxyfresh.com) 10. GOODBYE TANGLES You need this brush. Designed to gently glide through your cat’s coat to remove small knots and tangles, the CONAIRPROPET Cat Comb has durable stainless-steel pins and a memory gel-grip handle for comfort and control while grooming. ($12, babylissPRO.com) 7. A PEAK PREY DIET FROM NEW ZEALAND ZIWI Peak wet cat food features up to 92 percent meat, organs, seafood, and bone, all ethically and sustainably sourced from New Zealand. An added superfoods blend of poultry heart, New Zealand green mussels, and organic kelp make this a nutritional powerhouse. As their tagline says, this is what your cat would choose in the wild. ($60 for 24 cans, ziwipets.com) 6. OUTSMART ODOURS Bid litter smells adieu! The Purrr Litter TWIST’R outsmarts odours in multiple ways: patented twist technology seals in odours, activated charcoal absorbs smells, and a seven-layer bag traps odour molecules. Each bag holds up to 17 pounds of litter and lasts up to 14 days for a fresh home and a happy cat! ($50, redrocketpets.com) 5. NO MORE PEEING OUTSIDE OF THE BOX! Is your cat routinely having “accidents” or rejecting their litter box? Dr. Elsey's Cat Attract Clumping Clay Cat Litter boasts a unique blend of natural clay and cat-safe herbs that attract cats to their litter box! Great for both single and multi-cat homes. (from $20, drelseys.com) 8. LIGHTWEIGHT LITTER, SUPERIOR ODOUR CONTROL Catalyst Pet’s sustainable, lightweight Soft Wood cat litters clump well and offer excellent odour control. With Multi-Cat, Healthy Cat, and Unscented formulas, there’s a litter to meet every need! ($20, catalystpet.com) 11. SUSTAINABLE, HEALTHY LITTER Reduce your cat’s environmental pawprint with the ökocat Original Premium Clumping Wood Cat Litter! This sustainably sourced litter is soft on paws, controls odour, has a fresh natural scent, and is long-lasting. Bonus: it is also free from powdery dust! (from $13, healthy-pet.com) 4. FOOD FOR A HEALTHY WEIGHT Maintaining a healthy weight and mobility is key to preventing health issues. Go! Solutions Weight Management + Joint Care’s grain-free chicken recipe can help your cat stay fit, active, and full of life! Its blend of lean protein, healthy fats, and functional ingredients—like L-carnitine to help burn fat and chondroitin to help maintain healthy, mobile joints—is loved by cats. (from $23, go-solutions.com) 12. A PROBIOTIC JUST FOR CATS Improve your cat’s gut health and support a healthy immune system with FeliOtic, the only daily liquid probiotic developed from cats and for cats! The lactobacillus reuteri in FeliOtic is feline-sourced and helps to replenish your cat’s natural gut flora with good bacteria. ($24, bluegrassanimalproducts.com) moderncat.com 69
ILLUSTRATION RUMKA_VODKI/BIGSTOCK Does your cat know its name? HOW TO TEST WHAT IT MEANS THE LESSON FOR OWNERS When your cat is calm, say four words of about the same length and accent as their name, waiting 15 seconds between words. Then, say their name. If your cat gradually reacts less to each random word, but responds to their name by turning their head toward you, rotating their ears, or moving their tail, they probably “know” their name. It may be easier to train cats that know their name, for example, when using verbal commands like, “Sit!” Does your cat prefer you—or food? HOW TO TEST WHAT IT MEANS THE LESSON FOR OWNERS Pick a few items you think your cat may enjoy, such as treats and toys. Set them on the ground, sit nearby, and see where your cat lingers. Your cat prefers whatever they spend the most time with. But they may just be hungry. Repeat the experiment in varied situations to be sure of their preferences. If your cat prefers you to toys or treats, the best incentive when training or rewarding them may be your presence. Is your cat tuned in to your emotions? HOW TO TEST WHAT IT MEANS THE LESSON FOR OWNERS Take your cat into a room with a potentially frightening object they have never seen before, like a robot vacuum. Sit calmly on the floor with your cat, then make friends with the object, saying “what a nice vacuum” in a calm, friendly voice. Approach the object and touch it. If your cat is initially freaked out but calms down—and even approaches the object—after you make friends with it, your cat likely can pick up on your emotional cues and alter their behaviour in kind. Your mood can influence your cat’s mood. So, if you’re calm and chipper at the vet’s office, they may stay calm as well. How independent is your cat? HOW TO TEST WHAT IT MEANS THE LESSON FOR OWNERS Sit in a room with your cat. Ignore them, sitting quietly or paying attention to a book or phone for 2 minutes. Then, try to interact with your cat—call them to you. If they come, pet and talk to them. Highly social cats immediately come to you when you begin to pay attention to them, whereas more independent cats keep their distance. If your cat tends to be antisocial, try spending more time with them. Like humans, cats can become more friendly if we make an extra effort. How Socially Smart is Your Cat? TO FIND OUT whether your cat can pass some common tests of social intelligence, try these simplified experiments from Science at home. Make sure your cat is calm and relaxed before you start. 70 moderncat FALL · WINTER 2023/24
What’s Up with That Open-Mouth Sniffing? That slightly openmouthed sniffing face your cat makes? Completely normal. It’s called the “flehmen reaction.” Cats have an organ at the roof of their mouths called the vomeronasal organ, or Jacobson’s organ. This small sensory organ is composed of two fluid-filled sacs connected to the nasal cavity. When your cat sniffs, leaving their mouth open for a few seconds, they’re actually drawing air past the Jacobson’s organ. This helps the organ to process the scent more deeply than your cat’s nose can and sends signals to your cat’s brain. This incredible organ makes your cat’s sense of smell 14 times better than a human’s! PHOTOS CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT NYNKEVANHOLTEN/BIGSTOCK; KATYA SLAVASHEVICH/BIGSTOCK; LIFE ON WHITE/BIGSTOCK; BARRIRRET/BIGSTOCK; MACROVECTOR/BIGSTOCK; TRISHAMCMILLAN/BIGSTOCK; MACROVECTOR/BIGSTOCK; IMAGE CAT PROTECTION Social gathering? Try these cat facts to get the conversation flowing! By Camille Lemos INTERESTING CAT FACTS Cats Ruled Ancient Egypt Egyptians believed cats were magical and brought good luck to the people who housed them. In 440BC, Herodotus wrote that cat owners shaved off their eyebrows as a sign of mourning following the passing of a feline. They continued to mourn until their eyebrows grew back. Deceased cats were mummified. Oldest Known Pet Cat? 9,500-year-old Burial Site Found in Cyprus It was originally thought that Egyptians domesticated cats, but French archaeologists have found evidence that our close relationship with cats may have begun much earlier than originally thought. A 9,500-year-old cat grave discovered in Cyprus predates Egyptian art about cats by over 4,000 years, making this the oldest known pet cat. Newest Cat Breed The most recently recognized breed of domestic cat is the Selkirk Rex, known for its thick, curly fur. The Selkirk Rex arose from a spontaneous genetic mutation in a cat born in Montana in 1987, from which the breed was developed. In 2013, the Selkirk was officially recognized as a genetically distinct line by the University of Veterinary Medicine in the USA, and it has been recognized as a valid separate breed by the International Cat Association, the American Cat Fanciers Association, and the Cat Fanciers' Association. World’s Richest Cat When UK millionaire antiques dealer Ben Rea passed away in 1988, he left his beloved pet cat Blackie a £7 million inheritance. The reclusive cat owner refused to recognize his family in his will, instead leaving his fortune to three cat charities, along with the instruction that they were to look after Blackie for the duration of the cat’s life. Vocal Cats Much like birds, cats make many different sounds. In fact, cats can make up to 100 sounds—from purrs and growls to trills— whereas dogs only make 10. Of these sounds, adult cats meow exclusively to communicate with people, not other cats. Kittens meow to let their mother know they're cold or hungry, but once they’re older, cats no longer meow to other cats. Who Says Cats Can’t Do Tricks? A cat named Didga and her owner, Robert Dollwet of Tweed Heads, New South Wales, hold the Guinness World Book record for most tricks performed by a cat in one minute. In 2016, they managed an incredible 24 tricks in just 60 seconds, and still hold the record today. 8 World’s Oldest Living Cat The Guinness World Record-verified oldest living cat, Flossie, is a tortoiseshell kitty from Orpington, UK. In human years, she’s over 120 years old! In cat years, she’s 27 and will turn 28 on December 29, 2023. 72 moderncat FALL · WINTER 2023/24
Snowball Unwrapped By Kristen McKanagh “I’m adorable. Everyone says so… I matchmake all the couples around here.”—Snowball This irresistible holiday heart-warmer has charm in spades. Sweet Snowball returns in this whimsical romance that has it all: subterfuge, secrets, on-air romance, twins, snooping staff—and cats, of course. This may be Snowball’s easiest matchmaking job yet! You’ll fall for this Christmas treat. Oh, It’s You: Love Poems by Cats By Francesco Marciuliano Cats have quirky ways of showing their love and affection for their humans, something the author of the beloved I Could Pee on This series knows well. His new book, Oh, It’s You, is packed with hilarious love poems from cats. A purrfect combination of feline snark and sweetness, you’ll surely see their own cats in these poems. Kaia’s Big Felines Written and Illustrated by Aura Lewis Kaia’s Big Felines is a wonderful storybook that helps kids navigate big emotions. In it, Kaia explores her feelings by relating them to types of wild and domestic cats. A great resource for families and teachers working on emotional intelligence with kids! Indoor Cat: How to Enrich Their Lives and Expand Their World By Laura J. Moss and Lynn Bahr, DVM Should every cat live exclusively indoors? If your cat is an indooronly cat, you likely worry about whether they can truly live an active, stimulating, and fulfilling life. Journalist Laura Moss and feline-only vet Lynn Bahr have put together an engaging and informative guide that explores the lives of indoor cats via expert opinions, interviews, and scientific studies. A must-read for every cat parent! Squash, the Cat Written and Illustrated by Sasha Mayer Squash the orange tabby and his young human Maggie are perfect-for-each-other-bestfriends and do everything together—until Squash makes a terrible mistake. An adorable storybook that explores the bond between cats and kids and the importance of friendship. From Squash, the Cat by Sasha Mayer Editor-in-Chief Connie Wilson’s selection of must-read books for cat lovers CONNIE’S BOOK CLUB 74 moderncat FALL · WINTER 2023/24
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Cat love in short form: miniature, reader-submitted cat stories of no more than 100 words. Tiny Cat Stories Waffles For Breakfast In 2019, I trapped a six-month-old kitten. The kitten, while terrified, seemed sweet, so my spouse and I decided that we could probably tame her. We named her Waffles and quickly discovered that she was NOT interested in us. She’s able to hide in the craziest places. This year, however, she’s decided to join our other cats for breakfast. She meows and allows me to pet her while she eats. We’ve instituted daily “Waffles Updates,” in which we discuss our interactions with her. She’ll always be our most nervous baby, but we’re so proud of how far she’s come! —Kelsey A. Kemp Precious Little One Our little cat was turned in to the pound down south, as she has no back feet. A rescuer met her and brought her north and asked us to foster. Well, we fell so utterly in love with this angel, there was no way she was going back into the world! She runs, jumps, plays, has no idea she is “challenged.” She is so good natured, and she puts a smile on my face every time I see her. We named her Myfanwy (mih-fon-wee) which means “precious little one” in Welsh! She lives up to the name! —Laurelei Baker Surprise In August 2012, I encountered a skinny, dirty, but friendly female street cat. No indication she belonged to anyone, I took her in. A month later, suddenly, she became very big—too big to be overweight. My suspicions were confirmed when she laid on my stomach one night and I felt small “bumps” against my hands. Pregnant! The birth went smoothly, and all three kittens were healthy. Though not expecting to have to take care of not one, but four cats, I couldn’t help but fall in love. Please meet Sphynx and the minions, Emery, Hobo, and Phineas. —Danielle Yardeni Ninja On a very warm night, I slid the small window over my bed open. My cat, Ninja, decided to stand on my head to look out. I startled him. He leapt out the window. I panicked. Dressing, turning on every light, and calling his name, I anticipated a long search for my lost indoor cat. Imagining all kinds of horrors as I opened the door, Ninja dashed by me with the attitude, “Why did you throw me out the window?” —Roberta Kerr Henry the Lost Cat Finder When an indoor-only cat slips out, the local rescues know who to call. Henry the tuxedo cat has a special talent: he tracks the scent of lost cats to find their hiding place and reunite them with their owner. Henry follows the trail of the escapee and unlike a dog, he can walk right up to the hiding kitty and sniff noses. Families are reunited and Henry gets love and treats for a job well done. Many lost and frightened kitties are home thanks to Henry the Lost Cat Finder. Henry is truly a Modern Cat ahead of his time. —Kim Freeman Support Cat According to law, cats cannot be Service Animals, only Emotional Support Animals. Seiji was far more. He would greet me at my car if I came home after dark so he could walk between me and the ditch. I fell in it twice before he chose that job. He’d come when I walked the dog—no leash, just walking beside me as if he was teaching the dog how to do it. He guarded my chicken coop. If the girls made a noise after dark, he was out the door to save them! He was definitely one of a kind. —Donna M. Capdevielle Get published in Modern Cat! Submit your cat story of no more than 100 words (word count strictly enforced) to [email protected]. By submitting you are consenting to publication of your story. LOVE LETTERS ILLUSTRATION EDGECREATIVE01/BIGSTOCK PHOTO KEITH BAIRD 76 moderncat FALL · WINTER 2023/24
PHOTOS LARRY JOHNSON American Shorthair Meet the Get to know the oldest shorthaired American breed, a friendly, mellow cat with classic, easy-care good looks! By Carol W. Johnson Photos by Larry Johnson L ooking for a cat who is friendly, mellow, and easy to care for? Look no further than an American Shorthair! Happy-go-lucky and confident, these are true family cats, generally comfortable with children and dogs, and as American as apple pie. A Breed Born and Bred in America While there are no records of when cats first came to North America, it is believed that shorthaired cats were brought to North American by European ships, aboard where they controlled rodents and protected food supplies. As settlers journeyed west, cats went with them, earning their keep by protecting houses and barns from vermin. Shorthairs were featured in the first U.S. Cat Show in 1895 and were one of the first five recognized breeds when the Cat Fanciers’ Association, the world’s oldest and largest registry of pedigreed and companion cats, was formed in 1906. They were shown initially as “Shorthairs,” then as “Domestic Shorthairs” before the name “American Shorthair” was chosen in 1965. The American Shorthair is this oldest shorthaired American breed. So, what makes them so special? The American Shorthair is a muscular, medium-to-large cat with a strong, powerful presence. This cat’s distinctive head sets it apart from today’s random-bred cats. The head is large and oblong (slightly longer than wide), with a square muzzle and jaws that are designed for catching mice. The eyes are characteristically large, set wide apart, and have a shape found in no other breed: the top lid is almondshaped and the bottom lid rounded. The cat’s short, dense coat has a high degree of weather resistance and is easily maintained with weekly brushing. A Rainbow of Colour Choices While silver and brown classic tabby Americans are the most popular, the breed is recognized in more than 100 different colour combinations. The basic colours are white, black/brown, blue, red, and cream. These can be modified with a silver gene and/or a gene that produces patches of white. American Shorthairs are found in patterns that include solid, parti-color (tortoiseshell), smoke, shaded, and three tabby patterns (classic, mackerel, and ticked). A Playful Spirit Americans love to play, especially chasing feathers on a wand or on a string. If you play with your cat at about the same time each day, don’t be surprised to find your American fairly dancing in anticipation! This breed is most comfortable with all four feet on the floor and may feel off-balance when picked up, so be sure to strongly support your American Shorthair from underneath when handling. An Easy-Care Kitty That’s Also Easy to Find American Shorthairs are a healthy breed, with most living 10 to 15 years, some even longer. Care simply involves daily brushing and regular claw clipping. A wire-toothed slicker brush or a grooming mitt is perfect to help manage shedding. Finding an American Shorthair shouldn’t be a problem. They have consistently been in the top 20 breeds registered by CFA. To find a reputable breeder, consider attending a cat show. 78 moderncat FALL · WINTER 2023/24 WINTER 2023/24
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A kitten is the delight of a household. All day long a comedy is played out by an incomparable actor. —Champfleury PHOTO ANURAK PONGPATIMETSHUTTERSTOCK 80 moderncat FALL · WINTER 2023/24