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Where Did the Phrase “It’s Raining Cats and Dogs” Come From? 3 Possible Origins

man with cat and dog in the rain

Most English idioms don’t make much sense from a logical point of view. It almost seems like old-age English folks strung random words together and coined idioms that gained traction with the local community and eventually got accepted as part of the language. Of all English idioms, few are as particular as the expression “raining […]

When Were Cats First Brought to America? Historical Facts & FAQ

tabby cat lying on the boat

Cats are believed to have entered the U.S. by ship in the early 1600s. At the time, they were known as ship cats and had gained fame for being deadly killers of pesky rats and rodents. Colonists used them to protect their limited food supplies and the ship crew from vermin and diseases. When Christopher […]

How to Treat Mange in Feral Cats: Our Vet Gives 8 Tips & Tricks

feral cat has a severe sarcoptic mange infection

If you’ve got a problem with some itchy feral felines, all of you—yes, yourself included—will be desperate to get it under control. Mange is one of several causes of really itchy skin, and it is particularly prevalent in populations of feral cats, as they are more likely to be in close contact with wild animals […]

How to Feed Feral Cats While on Vacation: Risks & Tips

feral cats

Cats are independent creatures, and that’s never truer than when it comes to a feral cat. Feral cats were born outside, made their own way, and have never had much—if any—contact with humans. These cats usually live in colonies, hunt for food, and are difficult to adopt because of their wildness. While we don’t think […]

How to Tell If a Cat Is Feral: 7 Questions to Ask Yourself

Stray cats eating on the street

Have you ever seen a cat wandering around your trash or a dumpster looking for food? Or have you noticed a strange cat taking a nap on your porch, and you’re unsure how to approach it? If it’s a feral cat, is it safe to approach it? Many people have been in this situation before, […]

Are There Cats Without Whiskers? Vet Reviewed Facts & FAQ

close up of cat whiskers

If you’re a cat lover or even a casual observer, you’ve probably noticed that cats have long, delicate whiskers protruding from their faces. But have you ever wondered if all cats have whiskers? The Sphynx cat and other breeds with the “hairless”  gene mutation are the only ones that may not naturally have whiskers. Other […]

What Was the First Breed of Cat on Earth? Domestication Facts & History

Wild cat

Cats have roamed the earth for millions of years. All breeds of cats that we call “pets” were descended from one species, Felis sylvestris lybica, or the African Wildcat. However, the first “breed” of cat on earth was the forefather of all cat species and families, belonging to Felidae proailurus. The Grandfathers of All Cats […]

How Many Cats Lived on the Titanic? Facts & History

Historic passenger ship RMS Titanic on the high seas Computer generated 3D illustration

The RMS Titanic is one of the most famous (and infamous) ships in history. One thousand five hundred people lost their lives aboard the ship’s maiden voyage on April 15th, 1912, when the Titanic hit an iceberg and tragically sank. But what about the animals on board? We know that at least one cat named […]

Why Do Cats Like Crinkly Things? 5 Possible Reasons & Risks

Cute cat on outdoor chair playing with empty plastic water bottle

Cats are intrigued by objects that make a crisp, crackling sound. Something about their curious personalities makes the compelling sound of a crinkly toy irresistible, much like how they’ll clamor to the chime of a bell. But why, out of all the things your cat could possibly be enamored with, do they come to the […]

Will Barn Cats Kill Chickens? The Interesting Answer (Vet-Approved)

chicken looking at the camera in the yard

A barn cat isn’t a specific cat breed but a term used to describe a cat that usually lives outdoors, either as a pet or a feral animal, on agricultural properties, usually sheltering in buildings. They’re also known as farm cats. If you’ve got a barn cat and also house chicken, you might be wondering, […]

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