Dog and Cat Bill of Rights

A California lawmaker introduced a new bill this month, “Assembly Bill 1881, dubbed the “Dog and Cat Bill of Rights,” which gives the pets multiple rights, including freedom from neglect and abuse, the right to health care, nutritious food, and appropriate exercise, among others.”  If this bill becomes a law, it would require rescue groups and other animal associations to post the bill of rights in a place where it will be seen or face a fine of $250.  Calfornia already has a law that makes it a crime if a pet owner abuses to neglect their pet.

Maine Cat Missing for 7 Years Reunited in Florida

Ashes the cat went missing from her family home in Maine in 2015.  Seven years later, Ashes was found a long, long way from home.  1,500 miles to be exact, in Longwood, Florida in an animal shelter.  The family had reached out to an animal rescuer, Janet Williams who had an office in Maine and in Florida.  Since retired, Janet still wanted to help in this case.  In the end, it was Ashe’s microchip that helped the family welcome back Ashes to their home.

National Cat Day in Italy

February 17th marks National Cat Day in Italy.  There are 7.5 million cats in Italy and they all got some extra love on National Cat Day.  IN Italy, cats are protected by laws that make it illegal to harm or kill a street cat since 1991.  Outdoor cat colonies are protected and taken care of by local governments while being allowed to roam freely.

Cats make the news headlines all the time, here are some news stories about cats for January. A crockpot cat, toad cat, and new cat app can help you determine if your cat is in pain.

Crockpot Cat

Cat goes viral for cuddling up in a crock pot.  An orange tabby cat named Magnus, has been viewed over 2.8 million times.

On Tik Tok.  The original post made on January 2^nd, Magnus gets cozy in the crock pot and the person behind the video can be heard saying, “I honestly have no idea why he does this.”

Already quite the celebrity, Magnus Tik Tok Account @magnus_the_orange has 256.5K followers and 8.1 Million likes.

New Cat App Developed

A new cat app has just been developed in Montreal that will help people see if their cat is in pain.  The app assesses acute pain in cats based on facial expressions.  The app is called Feline Grimace Scale and one of the developer’s of the app said this: “Pain is indeed quite difficult to recognize in cats because of their particular behaviour, even by animal health professionals,” said Steagall, who is a professor of anesthesia and pain management at the University de Montreal’s (UdeM) Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. “It’s a big challenge on a daily basis.”

Toad Cat

A rescue cat named Bobbie the Persian lives in Wales, U.K. with her owners and has recently gone viral because of her unique meow.  Fans have dubbed her “toad cat” after the seven-second clip on Tik Tok and Instagram was posted.  The video has already had 2 million likes.

Read all about it – the top cat news making headlines include a rescue effort following the devastating tornado outbreak in the mid-South, a “talking cat”, a Christmas tree rescue, and more.

Massachusetts takes in displaced Kentucky kitties

When a series of devastating tornadoes swept through several states in the first week of December, humans weren’t the only ones impacted. Showing solidarity, organizations throughout the country have moved to take in hundreds of at-risk cats and other pets. Here’s the story of one of them.

Kentucky animal-rescue services still need more help

After a major disaster, clean-up isn’t easy. Even before the power gets turned back on or people get back into homes, sometimes it’s difficult to get basics like food and water to people in need. Behind that, a whole separate brigade of humans get to work to make sure that our furry friends aren’t left to suffer in the background. Here’s one other effort underway.

Tik-Tok couple gets creative so keep cats out of tree

Well, this is one way to keep your cat from knocking your Christmas tree over. If you don’t mind a little noise and clutter around the tree.

Florida cat learns to speak…

Billi the cat might be extraordinary, or she might just be one of the first cats to have the chance to express their needs in a way humans can understand.

From the article:

Baker’s concerns quickly washed away once it became clear that Billi was able to press the button “food” — which she appeared to enjoy doing perhaps a little too much.

“She was definitely heavy enough for it,” Baker said. “And then I later regretted starting with food because it kind of backfired on me, but it definitely got the ball rolling.”

Disabled South Carolina cat travels in a see-through backpack

Sarge has a severe disability that limits her mobility. That didn’t stop her human from finding a way to let her enjoy the world. Check out the adorable, heart-warming story here.

Cats save family from deadly snake hiding in Christmas tree

Of all the reasons your cat might be staring intently at your holiday tree, this is probably the least likely. 

Read all about it – the top cat news-making headlines include a canal-boat-dwelling cat who reappeared after a decade missing, what the experts say your cat is saying when she does that weird thing and more.

Big Ginge Came Home After Ten Years

Big Ginge was one of several cats sharing a boat with his humans, sailing the canals of the UK. When he went missing a decade ago, honeymooners Colin Clayton and Eva Bellamy were afraid they’d never see him again. But he’s home again, now…

Albert the Rescue Cat Goes Viral

Albert and his human have gone viral on TikTok for a heart-melting hug that purportedly shows the moment he’s settling into his “forever home.” Read about and click through to the video here.

New Study Confirms Cats Have High-Level Social Abilities

You probably already know or at least suspect this, but your cat is way better at communication than detractors would claim, and now there’s new science to make the case.

Cats “Mentally Map” Their Human’s Location Using Sound

Another new study shows that cats also have the ability to keep track of where their human is, even when they can’t see them. And they care enough about you to track your “invisible presence.” 

What Are Cats Thinking?

Experts explain several communication signals common to felines and outline the real reasons behind some of your kitty’s oddest behaviors, here.