Training your cat is an important job and giving them treats will encourage positive behavior and reinforce what you are trying to teach them. In addition, training helps to stimulate your cat’s mind and body, as well as strengthening your bond.
What are Cat Café’s, Lounges, and Cat Bookstores?
You may have noticed that your local news or magazine is featuring a cat café, cat lounge, or cat bookstore. Usually, the goal of these spaces is to help cats find forever homes by allowing them to freely roam around safely, socialize with people, get daily affection while awaiting adoption (the human guests benefit from this as well), and create awareness of homeless cats that need to be adopted.
Cat cafés began in Taiwan, the first opened in 1998 in Taipei. It quickly became quite popular with Japanese tourists and by 2004 the first Japanese cat cafe opened in Osaka. Japan currently has over 150 cat cafes today! Soon the world took note and Korea, Austria, Hungary, Spain, France, Germany, the UK, and North America joined the movement. The first U.S. cat café was in New York and open in 2015.
A few popular cat café’s in America include:
The Cat Café in San Diego California – features a cat playpen to meet the adoptable kitties from a local cat rescue organization, cat yoga class, and is the 4th oldest car café in the U.S.
Koneko Cat Café in New York City – America’s first Japanese cat café, includes a sake bar and kitties roam free in different areas including a sunny outdoor Catio.
Denver Cat Company Colorado – this cozy café features mellow music, books, and a cat wheel window seat that adorable kitties waiting for adoption can lounge in with guests.
Cat lounges and bookstores are very similar to cat cafés. This one is being planned in Petaluma, California with a GoFundMe that will allow for cage-free adoption and used books.
New Kitty Coming Home with You? (Supplies You Will Need)
Adopting a new kitten? How exciting! Before you bring the cutie home, you will need to stock a few supplies beforehand. If you already have cats at home, you may have some of these items, but it is a good idea to have a checklist to make sure you have everything your newest family member needs. [Read more…]
The Newest Grumpy Cat, Meet Loki
Everyone knows the Grumpy Cat – making his rounds around the internet for years. Now there is a new Grumpy Cat in the world and his name is Loki. Loki is a Sphynx cat that looks like an old man having a bad day. Adopted in Brooklyn by Sara Brent in 2014, Loki has become an important part of the family.
While Loki is extremely cuddly and chatty and loves naps, his “grumpy” disposition has gained him fame on Instagram under the handle @loki_the_sphynx currently with 107k followers. Now eight years old, Loki may look unpleasant and cranky, but he is really a delightful cat that helps his pet parents when they feel unmotivated or depressed.
To see more of Loki and to follow this cat’s next appearance go to his official Instagram page and follow this celebrity cat’s life.
Add Vertical Space for Your Cat to Your Home
Ever wonder why your cat loves to climb the shelves? Ever discover your cat in high places (like the top of the fridge) completely calm and content? That I because felines prefer heights as this gives them a great place to sit and view the world, spot prey, or feel secure. Spot prey? Yes, even if you feed your cat lots of treats and food – there are still evolutionary needs that are still part of the cat experience.
Cats need vertical space in the wild – ever notice all the images of cats lounging in a jungle tree? Since cats are solitary hunters, they also prefer to have the best spot to see the juiciest morsel first or be able to easily escape danger.
Reasons why vertical cat space is important
- Cats find comfort and security in higher spaces
- Helps establish dominance without conflict
- Keeps them physically active
- Climbing is a natural behavior
- Helps give them space from dogs and toddlers when they need a break
- Safer than jumping on your bookcases and other places that may not be safe
Creating vertical space for your cat in your home can encourage them to enjoy their own space – especially in a multi-cate home. While you can purchase various cat trees, they can be pricey. Click here to see a few vertical space hacks and DIY tips.
Ways to add vertical space to your home for your cat
Window perches
A great space to nap in the sun and watch the neighborhood
Cat tree
You can build or buy them and they can be as small or high as you wish
Wall-mounted shelves
This allows you the freedom to add multiple vertical spaces throughout your home with little cost or effort
Door mounted shelves
Another great option – especially if you live in a smaller space
However you decide to add vertical space for your cat – they will thank you – even if they don’t always show it.