Very few cat owners around the planet would dare utter the possibility that their cat can’t feel love. After all, what are all of the head bunts and purrs all about if your cats can’t feel that you love them and that they don’t love you back?

If you’re wondering from a scientific standpoint if cats can feel love, we’re going to go over everything that we know about cats and affection—but we’re pretty confident that if you’ve encountered an awesome cat, you already know that cats can indeed feel love.

Cats Can Feel Love

Unfortunately, very little is known scientifically about the way that cats operate on the inside. It’s interesting that despite the closeness between us and our kitty companions, there’s still so much that’s unknown.

However, we as observers can see that our cats do feel love to some capacity, even if it’s not the same way that we typically experience it. Here is what we know for sure and how we can use this information to determine if cats can feel love:

Cat Personality: The Five Types

According to behavior professionals, cats have five different personality types. These personality types can greatly impact the way that our cats interact with us and the way that they display affection.

Each of these personality types shows that cats will respond differently to stimuli in their environment depending on their overall character.

Signs of Affection in Cats

Every cat responds to humans a little differently. They all seem to have their own special love language. Here are some of the ways that cats show pleasure and affection amongst each other and towards humans.

Purring

Purring is usually a direct sign that a cat is happy. They often purr when they are comfortable and content with their surroundings, so you must be doing something right! Kitties use purring when they are feeling the highest forms of pleasure, so that has to count for something!

Did you know that a cat’s purr is not only a sign of affection but also that of healing? The cat’s purr resonates between 25 and 50 Hertz. This frequency range has been shown to aid in the healing of broken bones and wounds and repair tendons and joints.

Sleeping

Cats need to be extremely relaxed when it’s time for them to go to sleep. They need to make sure that their surroundings are free of any danger. If your cat is sleeping beside or on you, you can assure yourself that they know they are completely safe with their human counterpart.

Safety is a surefire way to know that they are experiencing some form of affection or love towards you as a consequence. Keeping a cozy cat bed nearby ensures they have a warm and comforting place to hunker in while still being close to you.

Is there anything better than a happy cat? We don’t think so—that’s where the Hepper Nest Bed comes in.

Hepper Cat Nest - Washable Cat Bed with Removable...

• HAPPY COZY CATS - Your kitty will bask in luxurious sherpa-lined comfort while feeling warm, safe,...
• MODERN DESIGN - Contemporary styling with upholstered fabric construction; just like your human...
• WARM FLEECE LINER - Self warming, thick sherpa fleece with microfiber trim.

Check Price on Amazon

This product was designed with both your and your kitty's happiness in mind. While the comfortable bowl shape and wide lip to rest their heads on are ideal for sleepy kitties, you’ll appreciate the removable and machine-washable fleece liner for easy cleaning. It doesn’t get any better than this! Click here to try it out.

At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

Following You Around

A lovable cat absolutely thrives on being under the foot of the people they adore. If a cat is following you around and demanding attention or being nosy, this is a sign that they probably love you.

They might not be feeling active love at that moment, but they know they are safe and comfortable with you, and love being around you! Cats are also curious little critters who want to know exactly what is going on with their family at all times.

Bunting

Bunting is an adorable little bump that says, “You’re mine.” While they are rubbing themselves on you for pleasure, they’re also using the scent glands on their chin, head, and paws to imprint their personal perfume onto you.

That way, every other cat around knows that you belong to them! After all, we all know that we are really the ones that are owned by our cats and not the other way around.

Demanding

Our lovable little cats can be quite bossy from time to time. They always strut their stuff, claiming to know everything that’s going on without caring much about anyone else’s opinion. We are exaggerating, but they really can be furry creatures with only-child syndrome.

The way that they scream and squeal for your attention is a surefire way that they trust that their needs will be met with you. This kind of bond secures a sense of safety and love!

Exposure of Their Belly

Cats are predatory creatures who also know all too well the position of prey. They certainly don’t want to be on that side of it! Most vital organs lie in the abdomen, so for a cat to show anyone their belly is a sign of vulnerability and trust.

So, if your cat rolls over and exposes their belly to you, just know that this is a very vulnerable state for them and a solid indication that they must care about you and trust you a lot. Granted, some cats are a little more free with their body than others.

You might have a cat that just loves winning over the neighbors by flopping down in front of them and rolling around like a real show-off! But cats are generally extremely selective about who they engage with in that way.

Gifts

Just like people, some cats give gifts as a form of affection. They might see that you haven’t had your fair share of field mice lately so they leave you one on your stoop. After all, you’re just a dumb human that can’t even feed yourself.

What better way for your cat to show you affection than to give you something to stuff in your gullet? This might not be your idea of a good time, but your cat certainly seems to think you could benefit from it.

No matter how disgusting you might think it is, you have to admit it’s sweet, so acknowledge the gesture, and move on about your day.

What Can Influence Cat Behavior?

Lots of different factors can influence cats’ behavior and the way that they bond with you. Some of them will be a little more aloof or standoffish than others and some will not leave you alone, no matter what you do.

Personality plays the biggest role in all of this, as some cats are naturally prone to being more outward than others. Personality is formed by both genetics and a cat’s environment, including past and present experiences. So, if a cat is a little more standoffish, it could be that they’ve had not-so-positive previous experiences or it could be ingrained in their DNA.

Conclusion

Now you understand that cats are very capable of feeling love. It’s likely that they feel the same love and affection for you that you do for them, although they may have different ways of showing it. Cats can also show affection for other animals, including their young ones.

Remember, cats are not less loving than dogs, they are just more independent so they seem to show it less! Learning how all our pets are unique and different is so interesting.

Featured Image Credit: Oleg Ivanov, Unsplash

The post Can Cats Feel Love? Vet Reviewed Facts & Considerations by Catster Editorial Team appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Searching for gifts for someone can be challenging and stressful and often wastes time and money, with the other person getting little use out of your gift. Fortunately, it’s much easier if they have a cat because they will probably appreciate anything that brings their pet to mind. Here’s a list of several perfect gifts for the cat guy in your life, to help make your holiday shopping a bit easier.

Top 16 Great Cat Gifts for Him

1. Hepper Creative T-Shirt

We love the overall versatility of this shirt. It comes in almost any size, from Small to 5XL. It is considered a unisex T-shirt made of heavy cotton. It has a classic fit, so it looks great on virtually anybody.

Our favorite thing is that the graphic reads “creative” featuring a cat clawing a couch. If your cat guy can relate, they might get a kick out of this shirt. Plus, who doesn’t love a good T-shirt to add to the collection?

We think this shirt is well made and a great way to support a fantastic business that puts the well-being of pets first.

At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

2. Retro Cat T-Shirt

This funny T-shirt is perfect for the man who doesn’t like to follow a tight schedule and prefers a similar trait in their cat. The retro look is also quite popular right now, so this is the perfect gift for any occasion.

3. Alien Cat Selfie T-Shirt

The Alien Cat Selfie T-Shirt is perfect for any cat lover who also loves UFOs. It has an image of an adorable cat taking a selfie of themselves as aliens abduct them and a bunch of other cats. It’s a high-quality shirt that will get plenty of attention.

4. Hepper Lazy Tote Bag

The Hepper Lazy Tote Bag is a perfect bag which you can store all of your essentials in. It’s perfect for overnight stays, books, shopping, and all sorts of other activities. We think that the design is simple, well-made, and adorable.

Anything made by Hepper is going to be very high quality. This particular tote bag is made of 100% cotton canvas. You can easily pop it in the washing machine to get it clean and it should sustain just fine with regular use.

We think it’s a perfect travel bag, and who can’t use an extra tote? If you are a cat guy who’s frequently carrying objects and needs a little help, it’s certainly a better alternative to a purse.

At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

5. Are You Pooping? Funny Tin Sign

It doesn’t get much funnier than the Are You Pooping Funny Tin Sign. It’s sure to get laughs, and any cat-loving man will understand the deeper meaning behind this wonderful gift: Cats always have to stare at you when you do your business.

6. Couple Gift Keychain Cute Valentine’s Day Gift

Any couple will be glad to get this adorable keychain featuring two cats that fit together perfectly, each holding a set of keys. It makes a great Valentine’s Day gift and is the perfect way to let him know that you are about to spend more time together.

7. Funny Cat Welcome Sign

The Funny Cat Welcome Sign is the perfect gift for the cat-loving recluse. This durable and attractive sign hangs on your front door and makes it clear that the resident prefers cats to humans.

8. Funny Tuxedo Cat-Themed Sign

While the previous entry was perfect for outside the house, this funny cat sign is perfect for when you immediately enter. It features an adorable tuxedo cat informing everyone of all the household rules, which include that the cat is more important than you are.

9. Tribe Socks Personalized Holiday Pet Face Socks

These personalized socks enable you to have your giftee’s cat’s face printed on them, making for a fun and heartwarming gift. These have a winter theme, making them a great choice for the holidays.

10. Primitives by Kathy Cats & Wine T-Shirt

The Primitives by Kathy Cats & Wine T-Shirt is a great choice for those who enjoy the finer things in life: cats and wine. It’s a medium-sized, comfortable shirt perfect for casual outings or relaxing at home, and it makes a great gift any time of the year.

11. Pet Friends Pave Paw Cutout Pendant Necklace

The Pet Friends Pave Paw Cutout Pendant Necklace features a paw cutout design for men who like to express their love for their cats. It’s a versatile accessory that they can wear with casual and formal attire, and it’s one of the few pieces of jewelry on this list.

12. Fringe Studio Stitched “Cat Lover” Canvas Pouch

The Fringe Studio Stitched “Cat Lover” Canvas Pouch is a practical and stylish pouch for the cat lover who likes to stay organized. This canvas pouch is perfect for storing small items like coins and shows off the person’s status as a proud cat dad. It’s durable and has attractive stitching.

13. Natural Blue Cat Print Face Mask

A face mask is a necessity when you’re sick, and the Natural Blue Cat Print Face Mask, with its cat face print, is both functional and fashionable. It’s a great way for cat lovers to stay safe while showcasing their love for their pets, and it’s the perfect gift any time of the year.

14. Primitives by Kathy Cat Baseball Cap

The Primitives By Kathy Cat Baseball Cap is ideal for casual outings or sunny days and makes a perfect gift for a cat dad. It’s a practical and stylish way to show off your love for your pet, and it’s suitable for any time of the year.

15. How to Tell If Your Cat Is Plotting to Kill You (The Oatmeal)

“How to Tell If Your Cat Is Plotting to Kill You” is a wonderful book in funny comic book style, and it’s perfect for the man whose cat is known for their strange behaviors.

16. The CatFather Whiskey Glasses

The CatFather Whiskey Glasses are a perfect gift for the cat-loving man who also loves “The Godfather” films. The 11-ounce capacity is sure to help them relax after a long day so they can focus on their pets.

17. MAINEVENT Best Cat Dad Ever Mug

The MAINEVENT Best Cat Dad Ever Mug is a great gift for any cat dad, and it shows that you notice how much effort they put into caring for their pet. It’s also fairly inexpensive and works for any occasion.

18. Cat Parents Gifts Keychain

The Cat Parents Gifts Keychain is the perfect gift for any stylish cat dad. It looks fantastic, and reviewers report that it’s quite durable. It even comes with a paw pendant for extra flair.

Summary

There’s no shortage of great cat-themed gifts that you can give to your favorite cat dad. Gifts that rank high on our list include the Hepper Creative T-Shirt, the Are You Pooping Tin Sign, and the “How to Tell If Your Cat Is Trying to Kill You” book, but any of the items on this list are sure to make any cat-loving man happy!

• See also: Unifury Personalized Pet Photo T-Shirt Review: Our Expert’s Opinion

Featured Image Credit: LightField Studios, Shutterstock

The post 16 Great Cat Gifts for Him in 2025 – Fun Options for the Cat Guy in Your Life by Catster Editorial Team appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

It seems like Valentine’s Day sneaks up on us every year, which can make finding the perfect gifts for your loved ones difficult. If you’re looking for a present shortly before the holiday, try to place any orders at least a week in advance, just to ensure that the gift arrives on time. If you’re planning a present months in advance, you’ll walk into the holiday well-prepared.

If you’re in the market for a gift for a friend whose Valentine is their cat, you’re in luck. We compiled a list of the best Valentine’s Day gifts that you can get for your cat-loving friend, regardless of your budget. There’s a gift here for everyone!

Top 11 Valentine’s Day Gifts

Cat Supplies

1. Cat Beds

We all know that cats love to snuggle into bowls, baskets, and boxes, and the Hepper Nest Bed is perfectly designed to appease cats. This bowl-shaped cat bed has a Sherpa fleece lining that can be removed and washed. The material of the bed itself is a soft-touch molded foam that is covered with fabric on both sides, so it’s sturdy but also cozy. The wide lip of the bed provides the perfect spot for a cat to rest their head and still keep an eye on things in the room. This Valentine’s Day, this bed will be the perfect gift for your cat or for a cat-loving friend’s cat.

2. Cat Trees

Consider giving your friend a gift that will please their cat while improving the look of their home. The Mau Lifestyle Cento 46-in Modern Wooden Cat Tree & Condo is the perfect Valentine’s gift for this purpose. This attractive cat tree is made with a modern, minimalistic design and unique accents, like real tree branches, woven baskets, and a cat condo covered in faux fur. The cushions inside the baskets are cozy but also washable. It also includes two dangling pom-poms and both tree branch posts have a section covered in jute for scratching.

3. Scratching Pad

The Hepper Hi-Lo Scratcher is the perfect Valentine’s gift for anyone with a kitty that likes to scratch up the furniture. This extremely durable cat scratcher will help prevent damage to carpets, curtains, and other items in your giftee’s home, and it will give their pet a way to stretch and maintain their claws without making a huge mess, which everyone will appreciate. It has an attractive minimalist design that will look great anywhere, and it has an incredibly durable plywood frame with a non-toxic gloss finish.

The extra-thick cardboard scratching surface will stand up to even the most aggressive cats, and the scratcher can be put into multiple positions for vertical and horizontal scratching to help make it more enticing. Changing positions can also help extend the lifespan of the surface, and replacement cardboard can be bought if it ever wears out.

At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

Home Items

4. Hand Towels

For a friend with a cat and a dog, they’ll love the Mud Pie Funny Beware Embroidered Tea Towel for Valentine’s Day. This colorful and cute tea towel features an embroidered cat and dog, as well as beautiful flowers and tassels. It also has a funny quote that your friend will love: “Beware of the Dog. The Cat is Shady Too.”

This 14” x 21” tea towel is made from cream-colored natural cotton, giving it an organic look and feel. If you’re looking for a silly but pretty gift that makes a statement, this is the perfect option to liven up your Valentine’s home.

5. Candles

There are few things that pet owners love more than a house that smells good, especially cat owners who are constantly having to deal with litter boxes. If your Valentine loves a fresh-smelling home, the Pet House Fresh Citrus Candle will brighten their day.

This bright-smelling candle radiates the scents of oranges and lemons, as well as a hint of vanilla sugar. These candles are hand-poured in the U.S.A., and they’re made with plant-based wax and a cotton wick, giving them a clean burn. They’re free of dyes, paraffin, phthalates, parabens, and formaldehyde. Your friend can expect to get up to 60 hours of burn time from their new gift.

6. Signs and Pictures

One of the home décor items that has become very popular in the last few years has been signs of all kinds. For your Valentine who loves cats, the New View Had Me at Meow Box Sign is a lovely home décor gift. This sign has a white, wooden backing with the words, “You had me at meow,” on it. The word “meow” is brought into full focus through large, all-capital lettering in matte gold. It’s made to be freestanding, so it can be placed on any surface instead of requiring wall space and holes.

7. Coasters

While being a cat lady was an insult for many years, many people have begun to playfully embrace the phrase, happily claiming it to show their love for their cats. The Pet Shop by Fringe Studio Cat Lady Ceramic Coaster is a great Valentine’s Day gift for your friend who proudly considers themselves a cat lady. This ceramic coaster has an off-white background with red trim around the edges of the circle. On the inside are the word “cat” in bright, big lettering and the word “lady” in vibrant gold.

8. Books

Life with cats can be less than glamorous sometimes, and the book, “Sorry I Barfed on Your Bed (and Other Heartwarming Letters from Kitty)” is a fun way to celebrate the ups and downs of cat ownership. This book includes fun letters written “by” cats to their owners, as well as tons of full-color photographs, all to give you a “cat’s eye view” of the world. This may not sound like a very romantic Valentine’s Day gift—probably because it’s not—but this is a fantastic gift to give to a friend with a great sense of humor.

9. Coffee Mugs

Most people love a nice cup of coffee in the morning, and the Fringe Studio Stoneware Mug is a gift that is the perfect combination of functional and fun to give to your Valentine. This mug features a glossy color glaze across most of the mug, while the lower portion of the mug is exposed stoneware. The design on the mug features a cat sitting in a box with the phrase, “Because, cats” underneath it. This one is pretty self-explanatory to people with cats since sometimes cats do odd things simply because, well, they’re cats.

Apparel

10. Jewelry

Gaudy earrings aren’t the best Valentine’s Day gift for everyone, but the Pet Friends Cutout Cat Drop Earrings will make a great gift for your friend who loves statement jewelry. These gold earrings are shaped to look like cat faces, with small, green stones as the cats’ eyes. They have a drop design, and they’re a great way to finish off an outfit, whether your friend is going to the park or to work. The lever back makes these earrings easy to get on and off, making them a convenient staple for your Valentine.

11. Clothing

The Tribe Personalized Socks are available in pink and blue, and they’re made to fit up to a man’s size 11 foot. They can be customized with a photo of a pet, so you can get your Valentine a pair of socks that will show off their favorite feline. Tribe will crop the photo you send in to only feature a face, so make sure to send in a clear picture of your friend’s cat’s face. Pictures will be edited for best lighting and are printed in high resolution, ensuring the picture on the socks is high quality. These socks are extremely soft and comfy, and they’re made from recycled plastic bottles, so they’re sustainable as well.

Conclusion

While there may not be very many romantic gifts on this list to win over your crush, if you’ve got a friend or family member who loves their cat above all else,  there’s definitely something fun for them here. Many of these gifts are functional on top of being fun, so you don’t have to worry about adding to your friend’s clutter. Just remember to place your order at least a few days in advance of the holiday to ensure your friend’s gift arrives on time!

See also:

• Best Christmas Gift Ideas for Cats
• Best Subscription Cat Boxes

The post 11 Valentine’s Day Gifts for Cat Lovers: 2025 Guide by Catster Editorial Team appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Veterinarians, vet technicians, practice managers, rescuers, behaviorists, nutritionists, trainers, volunteers, and other animal professionals are the backbone of pet ownership. Helping pets and their families live in harmony and health together.

Catster wants to highlight some of these underrated champions of the animal world. Who we like to refer to as Heroes of The Pet World.

We plan to interview some of the most inspiring vet clinics, animal hospitals, animal shelters, and rehabilitation organizations worldwide to share their wonderful and often harsh experiences while working to help, heal, guide, revitalize, and protect our furry family members.

These are the stories of unsung animal superheroes!

Let’s get to know Sploot Veterinary Care!

Mission

In your own words, what is Sploot Veterinary Care’s mission and purpose?

“Sploot Veterinary Care’s goal is to provide uncompromised veterinary care for the pets in our community and to elevate the veterinary visit experience for pet owners – all under one roof for seamless care.”
Dr. Chris Lenahen, DVM, Medical Director, Sploot Veterinary Care

“Sploot Veterinary Care’s mission and purpose is to provide personalized and compassionate care to all of our patients and pet parents—while maintaining the highest quality of medicine and contributing positively to our community. Our next-level care blends expertise with compassion to keep pets thriving.”
Dr. Sylvia Berns, DVM, Associate Veterinarian, Sploot Veterinary Care

“To provide pets and their parents with the best veterinary experience by fostering a supportive and positive work environment for caregivers. With same or next-day appointments every day, we make care easy and accessible when you need it. ”
Dr. Pam Nicholls, DVM, Associate Veterinarian, Sploot Veterinary Care

What is your individual mission or goal, as a vet professional and as a person?

“If I can go home at night knowing that I helped even just one person feel that because of the care they received from me, they feel more at ease with their pet, then I know that I have done my job.”
Dr. Chris Lenahen, DVM, Medical Director, Sploot Veterinary Care

“My individual mission or goal as a pet care professional is to make sure that pets are healthy and taken care of throughout their life. This allows them to carry on their strong bond with their pet parent for as long as possible.”
Dr. Sylvia Berns, DVM, Associate Veterinarian, Sploot Veterinary Care

“My goal is to provide each pet and their parent(s) with a veterinary visit tailored to their needs, goals, and budget while maintaining the highest quality of care.”
Dr. Pam Nicholls, DVM, Associate Veterinarian, Sploot Veterinary Care

Day-to-Day Experience

What is it like being a vet professional in Denver/ Chicago, and at Sploot?

“I come to work with the sole purpose of being able to lead my team and provide an exemplary standard of care for pets and their owners in our community. Being able to work for a company that reciprocates and takes care of me makes this a mutually rewarding job.”
Dr. Chris Lenahen, DVM, Medical Director, Sploot Veterinary Care

“I am given autonomy on how to practice medicine, while maintaining the gold standard of care. I am supported by a company that puts importance on work-life balance, maintaining a healthy and safe work environment in addition to allowing me to mentor the next generation of amazing veterinarians.”
Dr. Sylvia Berns, DVM, Associate Veterinarian, Sploot Veterinary Care

“Every day is a different day! I feel very supported at Sploot and have had the opportunity to expand my skills to include laparoscopic surgery and further mentorship of new and recent graduates. Although veterinary medicine is not without challenges, it is a very rewarding profession and I am lucky to be a part of it.”
Dr. Pam Nicholls, DVM, Associate Veterinarian, Sploot Veterinary Care

How big is your team?

“I am the Clinic Medical Director of the first Sploot clinic in the Highlands neighborhood in Denver with a team of 6 doctors and 10 nurses. I am also the Clinic Medical Director of one of our newest clinics in the Belmar neighborhood in Lakewood with 3 doctors and a budding team of 4-6 veterinary nurses.”
Dr. Chris Lenahen, DVM, Medical Director, Sploot Veterinary Care

“I work in multiple areas including as a veterinarian associate on the clinic floor – where we have about 4-5 doctors on staff, with about 2-3 on a given day, and about 15-20 support staff team members per clinic. When I am working as CAMP (Coaching and Mentorship Program) Director, I am in the headquarters office where we have at least 20-30 team members working in HQ. ”
Dr. Sylvia Berns, DVM, Associate Veterinarian, Sploot Veterinary Care

“On any given day, I typically work with two to three skilled veterinary assistants or technicians. Each clinic is staffed with one to three doctors, so our clinic team can range from four people all the way up to 12-15.”
Dr. Pam Nicholls, DVM, Associate Veterinarian, Sploot Veterinary Care

Do you have staffing shortages and how do you deal with them?

“Our clinics in each city operate as a tightly connected ‘hive’ allowing us to seamlessly support one another when staffing shortages arise. Doctors and nurses alike need time for themselves or if they get sick, and being able to be supported through an ops team to fill those shifts is quite helpful.”
Dr. Chris Lenahen, DVM, Medical Director, Sploot Veterinary Care

“Our clinics work as a unified team, with a core staff at each location and centralized staffing to ensure seamless support across sister clinics and uninterrupted care. Attracting top talent is key to this approach – we focus on building a strong, engaged team by fostering a great work environment and ensuring Sploot is one of the best places in the veterinary field to work.”
Dr. Sylvia Berns, DVM, Associate Veterinarian, Sploot Veterinary Care

How many animals on average do you help on a weekly basis?

“I personally see approximately 30-45 patients per week.”
Dr. Chris Lenahen, DVM, Medical Director, Sploot Veterinary Care

“If my week is primarily surgery days, I will see 12 to 20 patients. If my week is primarily appointments, I will see 40-55 patients. “
Dr. Pam Nicholls, DVM, Associate Veterinarian, Sploot Veterinary Care

Challenges and Rewards

What is the hardest part of your job?

“The hardest part of my job is being able to pour out 100% of my mental and emotional capacity into my job but still be able to come home and provide that same level of dedication and support to my family and even myself. Many people outside of this field in particular are not aware of the challenges that many of us face despite seeming well and fine at work.”
Dr. Chris Lenahen, DVM, Medical Director, Sploot Veterinary Care

“The most challenging part of being a veterinarian, for me, is striking a balance between my job being my passion but still needing to recharge outside of work. I think that, for many veterinarians, we dream of becoming a veterinarian from a young age, but then when we’ve met that goal, we don’t know how to separate our profession from our personal life. So in short, work-life balance is a huge challenge for me.”
Dr. Pam Nicholls, DVM, Associate Veterinarian, Sploot Veterinary Care

What are some of the biggest challenges that your organization faces?

“This is a challenging profession with support staff that are relentless workers. Despite the love for animals, it is a profession that faces a lot of burnout and staff turnover.”
Dr. Chris Lenahen, DVM, Medical Director, Sploot Veterinary Care

“I would say right now it’s the amount of support staff – the Sploot word has gotten out so our clinics are continuing to be built and stay busy. We just have to keep up with the demand which I think we do a good job of, but this continues to remain a challenge. In such a demanding field, support staff (nurses) can also have high turnover rates with people exploring different career options.”
Dr. Sylvia Berns, DVM, Associate Veterinarian, Sploot Veterinary Care

What is the most rewarding part of doing what you guys do?

“No matter how many sick pets we see day in and day out, I will always remember the cases where, because of our hard work and actions, we helped save a pet’s life. It is an indescribable feeling seeing the joy of the pet owner as well as watching the pet live to see another day with their family.”
Dr. Chris Lenahen, DVM, Medical Director, Sploot Veterinary Care

“Seeing the bond between pet parents and their pets, and being able to support them in times of happiness, sadness, fear, anxiety, and more. Pets bring so much joy to so many of us that being able to play a big role in this is really like no other feeling.”
Dr. Sylvia Berns, DVM, Associate Veterinarian, Sploot Veterinary Care

“I am able to help pets and provide comfort and guidance to their parents on a daily basis, which is very rewarding and humbling. “
Dr. Pam Nicholls, DVM, Associate Veterinarian, Sploot Veterinary Care

What are some of the accomplishments or specific animals that have made a big impact on you as a person or on your team?

“It brings me great joy to help elevate others and provide mentorship and leadership to my team and colleagues. Being a part of CAMP (Coaching and Mentorship Program) as well as being Clinic Medical Director of two busy clinics is rewarding and gives me a sense of pride in what I do.”
Dr. Chris Lenahen, DVM, Medical Director, Sploot Veterinary Care

“Becoming the CAMP (Coaching and Mentorship Program) Director has been a huge accomplishment of mine as quality mentorship is often lacking and difficult to find in the veterinarian field once you graduate from veterinary school. Being able to coach New Grads on not only the medicine but also on how to be compassionate to pet parents, how to make self-care a priority to maintain a healthy work-life balance, and so much more has been my greatest accomplishment.”
Dr. Sylvia Berns, DVM, Associate Veterinarian, Sploot Veterinary Care

“What I saw my career looking like and what it looks like now are a stark contrast, and I’m so happy to be able to say that. I started as one of two clinicians in a very rural, mixed animal practice, and my quality of life and quality of medicine have improved so much since that time. I am now able to provide doctors with the support and mentorship that I lacked in the early years of my career. In summary, my previous experiences and past jobs have impacted me heavily both personally and professionally, and I’m happy to be able to promote positivity, support, and encouragement and foster healthier environments for doctors and staff members.”
Dr. Pam Nicholls, DVM, Associate Veterinarian, Sploot Veterinary Care

Future

What are Sploot Veterinary Care’s main goals for the future?

“To continue to elevate the profession while providing the highest standard of care for the communities it serves.”
Dr. Chris Lenahen, DVM, Medical Director, Sploot Veterinary Care

“To continue to provide personalized high-quality care to our patients and continue to support the community. “
Dr. Sylvia Berns, DVM, Associate Veterinarian, Sploot Veterinary Care

“To provide greater access to high-quality veterinary care through promotion and expansion while supporting healthy teams.”
Dr. Pam Nicholls, DVM, Associate Veterinarian, Sploot Veterinary Care

How can the general public help make your lives easier?

“Recognizing that by following up with their veterinarian on an annual basis for wellness health checks, they can ensure that if issues arise, we are able to intervene earlier and quicker than if the problem is already advanced and their pet is sick.”
Dr. Chris Lenahen, DVM, Medical Director, Sploot Veterinary Care

“They can purchase insurance for their pets – a lot of the time there are financial concerns, which is completely understandable as I know veterinary care is not cheap, however, this limits how well the veterinarian can diagnose and treat your pet. If pet parents have pet insurance, then they don’t need to think twice about giving their pet the best care possible. Also, increased empathy and respect for the veterinarian field and those who work in it – we have a tough job and it is often not full of rainbows, puppies, and kittens like many think it is.”
Dr. Sylvia Berns, DVM, Associate Veterinarian, Sploot Veterinary Care

“Communicating respectfully and being assertive in expressing their goals and needs for their pets is always incredibly helpful in establishing a plan that is beneficial to pets, their parents, and veterinary staff. And calling in refill requests before they’re out of medications!”
Dr. Pam Nicholls, DVM, Associate Veterinarian, Sploot Veterinary Care

Stories

What are some of the funniest or most outrageous pet names you’ve encountered?

“Bill Pickle Murray, Captain Spaghetti, Ike Chocolate Daddy, Catrick Swayze → (one of my favorites!)”
Dr. Sylvia Berns, DVM, Associate Veterinarian, Sploot Veterinary Care

“A pair of French Bulldogs named Eddie Murphy and Kevin Bacon are the most memorable ones I can think of right now.”
Dr. Pam Nicholls, DVM, Associate Veterinarian, Sploot Veterinary Care

How to Help

If someone wants to visit, join, support, or volunteer at your organization, where can they find more information and get in touch?

“I would encourage them to reach out to our People Operations department or our Talent Acquisition team for those interested in an externship or employment at Sploot. If you are a prospective veterinarian or veterinary technician in high school or college, consider volunteering at your local animal shelter or consider supporting a local animal rescue in your community as well.”
Dr. Chris Lenahen, DVM, Medical Director, Sploot Veterinary Care

Anything else you’d like to tell the cat community?

“Cats may hide their feelings and not tell us a lot at home, but many times they are telling us more than we could ever think when they are less social, are hiding, or stop eating. If you see changes in your cat’s day-to-day behavior, reach out to our veterinary team and we can help determine if there is anything to be concerned with.”
Dr. Chris Lenahen, DVM, Medical Director, Sploot Veterinary Care

“Cats are in need of veterinary care just as much as dogs are. Annual exams are extremely important, in addition to routine screening of bloodwork and urine as the sooner we can detect a disease or abnormality, the faster we can treat/attend to it resulting in better outcomes. Also, dental disease is real, and at-home dental care along with regular COHATs (Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment) are very important in keeping your cat’s teeth as beautiful and healthy as possible.””
Dr. Sylvia Berns, DVM, Associate Veterinarian, Sploot Veterinary Care

“Common problems for cats include dental disease, heart disease, and kidney disease, all of which can be detected early with annual to semi-annual examinations. We recommend comprehensive bloodwork and urinalysis annually, at minimum. Additionally, we have many options for stress management to make feline visits less traumatic for both cats and their owners, so feel free to call ahead to discuss these options!”
Dr. Pam Nicholls, DVM, Associate Veterinarian, Sploot Veterinary Care

The post Sploot Veterinary Care | Heroes of The Pet World by Catster Editorial Team appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Let’s face it: As much as we adore our cats, dealing with cat litter is not anyone’s idea of a good time! Not only do we need our cats to be happy with the litter, but it also needs to be relatively hassle free for us to clean.

If you’ve decided that you want to start using an eco-friendly cat litter, but you’re not sure what kind is best or even how to go about switching over to a new litter, we’ve got you covered.

In this article, we discuss the different kinds of eco-friendly cat litter available and how to switch to a new one successfully.

What Exactly Is Eco-friendly Cat Litter?

If you’re concerned about the environment and want to keep your carbon footprint as small as possible, eco-friendly cat litter can help. This type of litter is generally made using biodegradable materials that are recycled and renewable. It can also be byproducts from other industries, which means it has gone through minimal processing and is sustainably sourced.

Disposing of eco-friendly cat litter can also be nearly guilt free, given that it’s biodegradable and compostable.

How to Switch to Eco-Friendly Cat Litter

Much of this depends on your cat and what you’re looking for in a litter. Still, here’s a general guide:

1. Do It Gradually

Cats are not fans of change, particularly when it comes to their food and litter. The best way to introduce new litter is to do it slowly and gradually.

Mix a small amount of the new litter with their regular litter. In the first week, aim for about 20% new litter to 80% old. In the second week, do 40% new litter to 60% old, and so on until your cat is only using the new litter.

While making this transition, place the new litter on the bottom with the old litter on top.

2. Avoid Too Much Change at Once

Don’t introduce your cat to new litter if there are other things already going on in the household. For example, if you’re switching litter because you’re getting a second cat, it’s not a good idea to switch your old cat’s litter. They will be dealing with the stress of the new cat already.

Don’t consider making a change if anything else is going on, like you’re moving, having a new baby, or doing renovations.

3. Set Up More Than One Litter Box

If your cat seems reluctant to use the new litter, consider setting up a second litter box with yet another new litter. You can do this with more than two if desired.

For example, you can put down one litter box with walnut, another with pine, and a third with bamboo litter. This gives your cat several new litters to choose from and can help you pinpoint the litter that they like the most.

4. Make It Familiar

Cats will have preferences on the type of litter box as well, for example they may not be used to a covered or self cleaning box. Keep the type of litter box consistent, and the location similar, when switching to new cat litter. In general cats prefer to use litter boxes that are clean, easy to access and feel ‘safe’. Avoid placing boxes in noisy areas and put them away from their food and water bowls.

5. Reward Your Cat

If your cat is still reluctant, give them a treat or praise whenever they use the new litter. Like nearly all animals, cats are food motivated, so giving them a high-value treat when they use the litter might motivate them to keep using it.

6. Keep Trying

So many things about cat litter can put off your cat, the texture and the smell being the biggest factors. If you’re trying out a litter and your cat would rather pee on the floor than go in the litter box, you should get a new one.

Trying out multiple litter boxes can come in handy, but it does mean spending quite a bit of money for all the different litters. Opt for the smallest or cheapest boxes/bags possible. If your cat is regularly going toileting outside of their litter box, or there are any other changes in their behavior, get them checked out by your vet to make sure there are no underlying medical issues that need addressing.

What Are Eco-Friendly Cat Litters Made From?

There are plenty of eco-friendly cat litter available, from quite a variety of materials! When choosing, be sure to take into consideration any allergies you or your cat may have. The following are all available as cat litter, and each has its advantages and disadvantages:

Even the best cat litter can quickly start smelling bad. To avoid the expense and inconvenience of constantly replacing your litter, you can try a great litter additive like Hepper's Advanced Bio-Enzyme Cat Litter Deodorizer, a natural product that uses bio-enzymes to neutralize odors.

Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Cat Litter Deodorizer Powder

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This deodorizer works on all types of litter and won't disrupt your cat's litter box habits.

At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

What to Look For in an Eco-friendly Cat Litter

Domestic cats are descended from wildcats that live in a desert environment, so they tend to prefer a sand-like texture in their litter.

When shopping for an eco-friendly litter, you need to consider the texture and scent of it for your cat. But you’ll also need something that you can work with, as some are more complicated to deal with than others. Many of these kinds of cat litter will not clump as well as clay or silica, so you’ll need to weigh what’s more important to you.

Read reviews (three-star reviews make a nice balance between negative and positive), and look for the key aspects that can make or break a litter: dust, tracking, clumping, and odor control.

What’s Wrong With Traditional Cat Litter?

Traditional Clay

Clay is the most popular cat litter and has been around the longest. It’s known for its ability to absorb and hold liquid and provides good odor control.

But traditional clay doesn’t clump, so it needs frequent changing; typically, the entire litter box should be dumped, cleaned, and replenished once a week.

Bentonite Clay

Sodium bentonite is what causes traditional litter to clump. In fact, it can increase to 15 times its size. Clumping litter is quite popular, particularly because it’s easy to clean. However, there have been concerns about the dust from the sodium bentonite being inhaled and causing respiratory issues. If ingested the clay can cause serious gastrointestinal issues when it swells up. Also, the clay commonly used is obtained from strip mining which is destructive to the environment.

It’s up to each cat owner to weigh what’s best for their cat and talk to their veterinarian regarding their concerns.

Silica

Silica gel makes up the crystallized cat litter that is also quite popular. It’s absorbent and provides good odor control, and is long-lasting. There haven’t been any major studies on the potential risks, but so far it is considered safe unless ingested.

It’s made with silicone dioxide, which is a natural material that forms into tiny pearls. While it’s generally considered safe, some silica litter is rough in texture, and many cats dislike how it feels on their paws. It’s also not biodegradable, and since silica is derived from quartz, mining operations are necessary to obtain it.

Conclusion

Changing your cat’s litter might go incredibly well, or it might end up taking a great deal of your time and patience before your cat adjusts.

Since litter is such an integral part of cat ownership, your cat must be okay with their litter. Once you settle on a new litter, be sure to read the instructions on the best way to use it.

There’s no question that you’ll need to go through a bit of trial and error when switching to an eco-friendly cat litter, but if done right, you’ll have a slightly smaller carbon footprint and hopefully, a happier cat.

Featured Image Credit: Lightspruch, Shutterstock

The post How to Switch to Eco-friendly Cat Litter: 6 Steps to Make the Change by Catster Editorial Team appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

If you have an anxious kitty, sound therapy can help. This relaxation method has been scientifically proven to be effective in cats, humans, and many other animals that live with us. When considering a sound therapy system for your cat, why not look at one of the leading sleep and sound therapy companies in the world?

Sound Oasis has dozens of products to help people relax and find their way to better sleep. But their solutions don’t stop at two-leggers. The Sound Oasis Pet Sound Therapy System is a quality sound machine with some impressive features and is made just for pets.

I had a chance to try out this sound therapy system for my hyperactive and trouble-making one-year-old Domestic Shorthair, Makoa, and have seen some impressive results. Find out how it has helped and why I recommend it in my full Sound Oasis Pet Sound Therapy System review below.

Overview

Our Experience

My first experience using noise therapy with animals was when I was in college and working at a boarding kennel. For the first few years I was there, we would leave the radio on overnight for the dogs. Then, one day, someone sent us a CD of songs composed specifically to help dogs relax.

From that point on, we would play the CD on repeat every night. It had a clear effect on the dogs. The second we turned it on, the barkers would settle down and, in the morning, the building was always quiet when we talked in.

So, when I heard the same noise therapy benefits were available in a compact, portable Bluetooth speaker, I jumped at the opportunity to get it for my cat, Makoa.

Makoa is an adolescent Domestic Shorthair. He isn’t an anxious cat, exactly, but he is hyperactive and will eat non-edible objects, which can be a sign of anxiety. I wanted to try Sound Oasis’ Sound Oasis Pet Sound Therapy System on him to see if it could help calm him down a bit.

When I got it out of the package and turned it on, he about jumped out of the skin at the sound. It wasn’t so much that the speaker was loud, but more that it manages a deep bass tone that travels straight to the chest.

Once Makoa realized that this sound was nothing to fear, he was excited to investigate. I scrolled to one of the classical music songs and let it play. After about ten minutes, Makoa was curled up on the couch snoozing beside my two dogs.

Since then, I’ve used it overnight in his sleeping room, trying out a different tune each time. So far, the Heartbeat with Purring and Woodlands tracks seem to be his favorites, though all have a noticeable effect. He settles down quicker in the evening after I shut him in his room and is less likely to wake up in the middle of the night when I use the Sound Oasis Pet Sound Therapy System.

Features-wise, there is a lot to love about this thing. My favorite is the rechargeable battery.

As with most cats, Makoa loves to knock things off of things. With limited plugs in his sleeping room, there is no safe place to put it while it’s plugged in. So instead, I charge it all day and then set it high out of his reach at night, which works well.

The manual says the battery lasts for 4 to 5 hours, but mine routinely lasts through the night. In fact, I’ve let it run for over 14 hours without it dying.

I’m also a big fan of the app. I like how the tracks on it all have the heartbeat and purring sounds integrated into them since Makoa seems to react most to those noises. I do wish I could control the unit through the app, but using it as a simple speaker works well enough.

Overall, I am very impressed with the quality of this unit, both in terms of the sound and the build. It is easy to operate, has plenty of tracks to choose from, and the portability is amazing.

Pros & Cons

Key Features

Proven Effectiveness

Research into sound therapy in cats has shown that both cat-specific sounds (purring, cats eating, etc.) and classical music have relaxing effects on felines in stressful situations. Instrumental music that produces sound within the same frequencies as common cat communication seems to have the most profound effect on cats’ stress levels (1, 2).

The Sound Oasis Pet Sound Therapy System was created with these findings in mind. The track list, which includes 20 tracks, each 8 hours long, features multiple classical music-inspired instrumentals. Some of these are tailored to dogs and include low-frequency music, while others have tones and rhythms to mimic cat communication.

The tracklist also includes a heartbeat sound and a heartbeat-plus-purring sound. Both of these have been proven to appeal to cats and lower their stress levels.

Pet-Friendly Features

The ST-80-20P Pet Sound Therapy System includes many useful features that make it a great option for cats.

For one, this sound machine is rechargeable, which makes it highly portable and easy to use in many situations. Once fully charged, it will run for over four hours on battery. This makes it easy to bring sound therapy to your cat, whether they’re in their favorite bed or hiding in the crawlspace.

This machine is also Bluetooth-compatible. This means that you can stream your cat’s favorite Spotify playlist for them or connect to the Sound Oasis app for added features.

Through this app, you can play 15 pet-specific tracks and mix each of these tracks by adjusting sound levels for different frequencies. Each of these pet tracks includes a purring and heartbeat overlay that can be adjusted or silenced as desired. It’s worth noting, though, that the speaker does not connect directly to the app, but can be used to play the noise from the app.

The 20 tracks included on the Sound Oasis Pet Sound Therapy System are:

Each purchase of a Sound Oasis Pet Sound Therapy System comes with a free informational booklet with educational info on pet sound therapy, pet noise phobia, and more.

Well-Built for Lasting Quality

The quality of this little sound machine is apparent from the moment you pick it up. It is heavier than similar sound machines I have purchased for myself and is made predominantly of powder-coated aluminum, not plastic, making it more durable.

It also features a simplified control panel with just three buttons to control the mode, volume, and track being played. This means fewer components that can break.

The battery is also very impressive. It takes about 2 to 3 hours to charge and will run over 4 hours on a single charge. My unit has always lasted through the night and well into the morning.

Alternatively, you can use the machine while plugged in for uninterrupted sound.

The speaker itself is also very impressive. It produces clear sounds and has a notable ability to project bass frequencies.

Even at a lower volume, you can “feel” many of the noises it puts out. I imagine the ability to feel the heartbeat and other low-frequency noises probably has much to do with this product’s effectiveness in calming people and animals.

Like most Sound Oasis products, this one comes with a 1-year limited warranty for peace of mind.

About Sound Oasis

Sound Oasis has been manufacturing quality, effective sleep and relaxation products since 1993.

Is the Sound Oasis Pet Sound Therapy System a Good Value?

Pet sound therapy machines range from around $30 to well over $100. The Sound Oasis Pet Sound Therapy System from Sound Oasis sits surprisingly close to that lower end.

I say “surprisingly” because this is a well-made machine with many useful functions. Considering it can double as a sound machine for people and a wireless Bluetooth speaker, I say it is more than worth the money.

How We Tested

To test this sound machine, I enlisted the help of my cat Makoa.

I used it both around the house during the day and in Makoa’s sleeping room overnight.

During the day, I took notes on how Makoa responded to the sound machine and the different tracks on it. Overnight, I relied on my catbox camera and sounds registering through the shared wall to track his sleeping patterns and restlessness to determine changes in his behavior and routine when the sound machine was in use.

I also tracked Makoa’s stress levels and restfulness during the week I tested this machine and compared those to his baselines when not using this product.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How loud does this speaker get?

With the adjustable volume, the speaker puts out up to 80dB of sound.

Can I play my own sounds through this pet speaker?

Yes! You can play your own sounds and music for your cat using the Bluetooth function or by purchasing a Sound Oasis Custom Sound Card.

Can the speaker be controlled by the Sound Oasis Pet App?

No, the speaker does not connect directly to the Sound Oasis Pet App. Rather, the customizable tracks from the app can be played through the speaker using the Bluetooth function.

Does the speaker have a timer function?

No, but if you use the app, you can set the tracks to go off after a specified amount of time.

Conclusion

If you’re considering getting a sound therapy system for your pet, why not get one of the best available?

The Sound Oasis Pet Sound Therapy System from Sound Oasis is a well-built, compact, portable speaker with a multitude of features for pets. It comes with 20 preloaded pet sound tracks including Heartbeat with Purring, which has been proven to soothe anxious kittens and cats. It also has a long battery life and a powerful speaker and can connect via Bluetooth to your phone and to the Sound Oasis Pet app.

The best part? This useful little speaker won’t cost you nearly as much as the competition while offering better quality and more versatility.

The post Sound Oasis Pet Sound Therapy System Review 2025: Effective Pet Calming Solution by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the stories that captured the most attention and sparked meaningful conversations in 2024. From expert insights to general advice, our top 5 most-read articles of the past year not only informed our readers but entertained them, too. Some of these articles provided lighthearted commentary to bring smiles, while others offered valuable insights focused on enhancing the health and well-being of your beloved cats.

Let’s revisit the highlights that defined the year and see why they resonated so strongly with our readers. Whether you missed them or are eager for a recap, these articles offer valuable takeaways to carry into the new year.

The 5 Most Read Articles on Catster in 2024

1. 9 Types of Tabby Cat Colors & Patterns (With Pictures)

Coming in first place, this article about Tabby cat colors and patterns likely became popular because it combines educational content with visually appealing descriptions, which resonates with a wide audience of cat lovers. It explains the unique features that define Tabby cats, such as their “M” forehead markings and agouti hairs, offering a detailed overview of what makes these cats so special.

By categorizing and describing the 9 different Tabby patterns and colors—from the iconic Classic Tabby to the more exotic Spotted Tabby—it appeals to both cat enthusiasts looking to identify different types of Tabbies and those curious about how these variations occur.

Additionally, the article provides insight into the breeds most likely to display these patterns, bridging the gap between genetics, breed identification, and cat care. Whether readers were drawn in by their love for cats or by curiosity about these distinctive patterns, this article answered many questions and provided visual clarity, making it a favorite for many.

2. What Breed Is My Cat? Vet Approved Identification Guide (With Pictures)

Figuring out your cat’s breed can be both a fun challenge and a rewarding experience, especially for pet owners who adopt mixed breeds or rescues. While there are over 70 recognized cat breeds, many cats don’t come with a specific breed label, but there are several traits you can look for—like size, face shape, coat texture, and temperament—that can give you clues about their lineage.

This post has proven popular because it taps into the curiosity of cat lovers, providing useful tips to help identify common and distinct cat breeds. From the size of a Maine Coon to the unique hairless look of a Sphynx, the post delves into recognizable features like ear shape and coat patterns, offering a playful and informative approach to uncovering your feline’s origins.

Its popularity likely stems from the fact that many cat owners enjoy connecting with their pets more deeply, and knowing their breed can enhance that bond. It also addresses the mystery behind those ‘unique-looking’ cats that don’t seem to fit into a recognizable mold, giving readers a sense of satisfaction in identifying their furry friend’s breed without the need for genetic testing.

3. Maine Coon Cat Size: Info, Pictures, & Height Comparison Chart (Vet-Verified)

The popularity of the Maine Coon has been increasing over the past few years and they are one of the most commonly found pure-bred house cats. They are well-known for their impressive size, making them one of the largest domestic cat breeds. Their rugged origin in Maine, USA, where they had to endure harsh winters, contributed to their physical prowess. This fascinating mix of size and survival instinct, along with record-breaking cats like Ludo—who held the title of longest cat in 2015—has sparked curiosity in cat lovers.

This post likely became popular due to its combination of intriguing facts and visual comparisons. People who were seeking the Maine Coon for their family could get an insight into the breed in this post, and those who were just interested in learning more were also in the right place. The article not only informs but also taps into the fascination with extraordinary cats.

4. 24 Types of Ragdoll Cat Colors & Patterns (With Pictures)

Another article about cat colors and patterns in our top five suggests that our readers love to look at adorable and educational photos of cats while learning more about their different appearances to better understand the breed. Ragdolls are known for their striking, soft coats and affectionate, docile personalities, which make them beloved by cat enthusiasts. The variety of color patterns, including colorpoint, mitted, and bicolor, adds to their charm and creates interest for potential pet owners and breeders alike.

This article appeals to a wide audience, from those who are considering adopting a Ragdoll to breeders looking to understand genetics and pattern variations. The combination of visual appeal and educational value is engaging for readers. With Ragdolls being one of the most popular breeds in the world, an in-depth look at their different colors and patterns provides both informative and captivating content for cat lovers.

5. Where Do Outdoor Cats Sleep? 7 Places They Like to Curl Up (Vet-Reviewed)

This article seems to have attracted a lot of attention due to its insightful look into the behavior and needs of outdoor felines. Outdoor cats often choose sleep spots that offer safety, comfort, and shelter from the elements, making this information relevant to cat owners who allow their pets outdoor access. Additionally, readers are likely curious about how outdoor cats find and select these spaces, from open garages and abandoned buildings to more natural hideaways like hollow logs. The inclusion of safety concerns—such as the risks associated with outdoor living—also draws in readers concerned about their cats’ well-being, while raising awareness of the environmental impacts of outdoor cats on wildlife.

We love to educate readers about the habits of their cats and provide practical advice on how to protect them, so it’s great to see that cat parents and enthusiasts found this content helpful and relatable in 2024.

Conclusion

While these are just a snapshot of all of the helpful articles we shared with you last year, they give us insights into what our readers enjoy. To learn more about different breeds, different colors and patterns, and feline behaviors are some of the most popular reasons people read our articles. We always aim to provide the most accurate, up-to-date, helpful information to ensure our readers bond and care for their cats as best as they can.

Featured Image Credit: Konstantin Aksenov, Shutterstock

The post Most Read Articles on Catster in 2024 by Catster Editorial Team appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Self-cleaning litter boxes for indoor cats have been around for a few decades, but the technology has improved over the years. The rake system of the old days became a rotating globe to improve efficiency. Noisy moving parts became quieter. And improved safety features were implemented. But it was only within the last five years that “smart” litter boxes hit the market. These new devices provide a level of intelligent technology that not only simplifies the lives of pet owners, but also provides important insights into the health of our kitty companions.

The Scooper SE by Catlink is one such product that I recently tested with my own cat Luna. It has proven efficient, quiet, and capable of delivering valuable information directly to my phone. Not only does this smart litter box remove the daily hassle of litter scooping from my life, but it also keeps track of my cat’s weight and the frequency and duration of her litter box visits – all important things to know for owners that like to stay on top of their pets’ health.

Overview

Our Experience

Since I got baby Luna in 2020, we have only used one type of litter box – the standard plastic tray. No special technology, just “get in and go.” That has worked for us, but cleaning the litter box has always been unpleasant. That’s why I decided to finally give a “smart” litter box a try.

I have to say, setting this device up was far from easy due to the process of pairing the device to the phone app. Each failed attempt produced an alert on my phone suggesting I might be using a 5g internet bandwidth and informing me the device is only compatible with 2.4g. As an experiment, I took the Scooper SE to a family member’s house and attempted the pairing process again. When the device connected to my phone right away using their internet, I knew my bandwidth was the problem and began Googling. After a couple days of reading tech articles, I finally solved the problem by logging into my router via my laptop (which I have never had to do before) and disabling the 5g bandwidth in two different screens so that the router only produces a 2.4g band output. At long last, when I attempted the pairing process again – success!

Since introducing the Scooper SE to Luna, she has decided that an enclosed litter box is not so bad, but she still sometimes prefers her basic plastic tray. I like that she has the option, but I appreciate it when she uses the Scooper SE because it means less work for me! I also like being able to keep track of her weight. And the new litter box does a great job of odor control by containing the waste in an air-tight compartment as well as continuously deodorizing the globe.

Sometimes waste does slip under the screen at the back of the globe during rotation and does not get deposited in the waste bag. Also, the instruction manual is unclear on the correct disassembly process to clean the globe while offering no guidance on how to change the trash liner. The manual doesn’t offer any insight into how to use the app either. But some of this can be overcome by watching the array of YouTube videos available about this device.

Some things I really like about the Scooper SE is that it reduces airborne litter dust in the room, you can use any trash bag that fits the ring in the waste compartment, and I can opt for the manual mode which allows me to visually keep track of my cat’s stool consistency and urine output. And while it doesn’t alert me when I need to add more litter, the device does alert when the waste bag is full. So, although setup was an annoyance for me personally, everything is working smoothly now, and Luna and I are happy to have this intelligent litter box as an option in our household.

Pros & Cons 

Key Features

Phone App

Catlink provides a free app for Apple or Android users that manages any of their smart products, which includes litter boxes, feeders, and water fountains. The app and their devices are not compatible with 5g internet bandwidth, but rather must be paired using 2.4g, which could be a hurdle to overcome depending on your internet provider and router. The Scooper SE can function in manual mode without pairing to the Catlink phone app, but using it without the app reduces the device’s benefits for both you and your cat.

Once the Scooper SE is paired to the phone app, you can set up a profile for one cat or multiple cats and will be notified every time a cat uses the litter box and the duration of their visit, which can let you know early on if your cat is experiencing a urinary or bowel issue. The app also keeps track of your cat’s weight, another valuable health insight. And because of Scooper SE’s sensitive weighing components, it can differentiate between multiple cats that share the same box. Another plus when using the app is the ability to operate the device remotely from your phone, adjust certain settings, and even order accessories.

Cleaning Modes

The Scooper SE has a manual mode, which can work with or without the app. This mode allows you to clean the litter box at any time and is recommended when you first introduce this device to your cat in order to avoid startling them. There is also an auto mode, which allows the litter box to self-clean after it detects your cat has visited. The delay between when the cat exits the globe and the device begins rotating is set by default to 5 minutes, but can be adjusted through the app to as little as 1 minute or as much as 30 minutes. Finally, there is a scheduled mode if you prefer to have the box self-clean up to four times a day at set times.

Safety Features

Catlink litter boxes are made of non-toxic materials that do not leech or off-gas harmful chemicals into your kitty’s environment. They are also equipped with multiple sensors to prevent injury to your cat. These sensors – which include gravity sensors, anti-pinch sensors, microwave sensors, and infrared sensors – stop the device from rotating the instant a cat is detected inside the globe or even at the entryway. By implementing multiple safety features to prevent trapped or pinched cats, Catlink has ensured that their litter box is one of the safest on the market.

About Catlink

Catlink was founded in 2017 by a group of techies led by Zhang Xiaolin, an entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in the pet industry. Eager to bring intelligent pet products to market, they launched their Shanghai-based brand globally in 2019, and quickly found success.

By 2023, Catlink ranked as the #1 seller on Amazon Prime Day and the company was also featured on the Forbes Chinese Emerging Brand list. What started as a smart litter box line has since expanded to include smart feeders and smart water fountains. Through technology, Catlink has solved many common problems faced by cat guardians, including travel complications, litter box cleanliness, and feeding hassles. But even more importantly, Catlink found a way to capture and communicate important data to pet parents who might not otherwise be aware of impending health concerns in their cats.

Is Catlink Scooper SE a Good Value?

The Scooper SE is priced similarly to comparable intelligent litter boxes on the market. It is not the most expensive, nor the cheapest, but it provides all the data you need about your cat’s litter box habits. This device also implements a range of impressive safety features to ensure no kitties are harmed while using this self-cleaning unit. For an ultra-safe litter box that cleans effectively while providing useful health data, the price of the Scooper SE is on point. But consider the complimentary 12-month warranty and superb customer service, and the value of this brand is easy to see.

How We Tested

After our struggle to set up this product and Luna’s notable initial curiosity, I was worried to discover she didn’t seem interested in actually using it. Sure, she would stick her head in and have a look around, but that was it. So after a few days of keeping the new device and the old litter box side-by-side, I removed the old litter box one evening at bedtime and shut Luna in the bathroom with her new throne – as a former veterinary professional who saw lots of litter box avoidance issues, I was fearful if she had the option to go pee under the stairs, she might take it rather than use the new Scooper SE. Fortunately, when I awoke the next morning, I had an app alert informing me Luna had visited the new litter box. It’s been a couple weeks now and Luna has both her old plastic tray and the new Scooper SE to choose from. She alternates her usage between the two, which I think is healthy behavior, and goes to show that in a multi-cat household, some cats might prefer this device over others.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is there a warranty?

Catlink provides a generous 1-year warranty with all their smart products. The warranty allows for free repairs of eligible devices, or a replacement if repair is not possible. Certain damages are not covered by the warranty, so it is important to take documenting photos and contact Catlink’s customer support as soon as possible if there is an issue.

How often will I have to change the waste bag?

This will vary depending on the cat, but Catlink indicates the waste bag should need changing approximately every 14 days. This length of time will obviously be decreased if multiple cats are using the litter box.

What information will this litter box provide about my cat?

The Catlink Scooper SE records your cat’s weight each time they use the box. This is helpful to know, particularly in aged or ill kitties but also to ensure your cat is not becoming overweight, a common problem with house cats. The device will also notify you through the app each time your cat uses the litter box and how long they spend inside the globe. This data can be an indicator that your cat is constipated, suffering a urinary tract infection, or even experiencing a urinary blockage, which is an emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention.

Are there any size restrictions as to what cats can use this litter box?

While the Scooper SE can be used by most cats, it is not ideal for very small kittens or very large cats. Kittens or cats weighing less than 4 lbs may not be detectable by the unit’s safety sensors. If you have an animal this small, you must use the device in manual mode and will need to regularly check inside the globe to see if your pet has used the litter. While Catlink states that cats up to 22 lbs can use this device, cats that are this large might find the globe too cramped to feel comfortable using.

What if my cat won’t use this litter box?

Not all cats will take to this litter box right away, but there are steps the owner can take to increase the chance of success. Catlink recommends introducing the new smart litter box next to the old one, using some of the old litter in the new box, and allowing waste to build up in the old box, which should encourage the cat to use the cleaner litter in their new Scooper SE. It is also important to start out using the device in manual mode – that way your cat will not be startled if they are near the new litter box when it starts the self-cleaning process. But, if all else fails, there is a generous 90-day return policy on all of Catlink’s smart devices.

Conclusion

The Catlink Scooper SE proves a useful tool in caring for indoor cats. It not only improves the litter box experience for cat owners but provides important health insights that signal when critical veterinary care may be warranted. As with all emerging technology, this device does come with a learning curve, but once setup is complete, the Scooper SE simplifies litter box maintenance so you can spend more time enjoying your feline companions.

The post Catlink Scooper SE Review 2025: Improving Pet And Owner Lives Through Technology by Gabrielle McGhee appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Caracals are wild animals that should never be kept as pets for any reason. The only reason they should be in captivity is to preserve their lives, and only under professional care in zoos, wildlife rehabilitation conservation organizations, etc. These wild cats thrive in their natural environment and have no desire to be your pet cat. Even though they might look cute and cuddly, they are anything but.

People touting keeping these beautiful creatures of nature in a domestic setting should not be praised, as it is not in the animal’s best interest at all. There are many reasons why caracals should not be kept as pets, not least of which is the fact that, in most areas, it is against the law. Let’s take a closer look at why these beautiful creatures should be admired from afar, and not forced to live as a pet.

Caracals Are Wild Animals

Caracals (species name Caracal caracal) are felines ready for a fight. These beautiful creatures are fearsome carnivores who thrive in roles of hunting, and they tend to be very solitary in nature. Animals like this do not make good pets whatsoever. Even those that have been raised in zoos or alongside humans are not domesticated felines, but wild animals in captivity, which is an important distinction.

Caracals are a specialized species that have particular dietary and habitat requirements that cannot be met by a pet owner, and forcing them to live in the confines of a home or enclosure is unfair to them, and dangerous to the people who keep them. They might resemble our feline pets, but they are separated from cats by thousands of years of domestication.

Why Do Some People Want to Keep Caracals as Pets?

People are people—we try to domesticate all sorts of things that we really have no business domesticating. From big cats like tigers to intelligent primates—we want to conquer all. Some people are even brave enough to have alligators living in their homes like dogs.

In theory, the ownership of wild animals seems fun, and even cool. But if we stop to think about it—what benefit does that have to the animal? You are taking the creature out of its natural habitat, and forcing it to try to be “tame” which is essentially making them something they are not.

Caracals are meant to be caracals—wild and free. They are meant to explore the great unknown and chase down prey. They are not meant to be bathed in a tub and marked with a collar and tags.

Some caracals might be in captivity due to injury, illness, or other means of rehabilitation. Sometimes, these creatures can be returned to the wild—other times, they cannot. Unless a person has a wildlife license and it is in the best interest of the animal’s health and safety, they really shouldn’t be kept in captivity or domesticated.

Legalities of Keeping a Caracal as a Pet

In most areas, you need a license to own one of these cats. Every state looks at wildlife ownership differently. Some ban the practice, others require hefty fees and licensure, and others have loose laws that don’t so much specify what is and isn’t allowed. It really just depends on where you live whether or not it is legal. However, even if it is technically legal, it still doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.

Some people feel that it is their right to own wild and exotic creatures like the caracal, but that doesn’t give much consideration to the rights of the caracal.

The Exotic Pet Trade Is Horrendous

Many people buy exotic animals without understanding exactly where they came from. The exotic pet trade is by no means an ethical or moral trade, and the animal’s best interest certainly doesn’t come first.

Many of these animals are confiscated from the wild through illegal means and put into a trade where people are only looking to benefit from them financially. The exotic pet trade is a multi-million dollar industry and most of the animals die in transit before they ever even reach their destination. Often, in order to obtain young wild animals, the mother, or even the whole family group, will be killed to access their babies.

When we purchase these animals, we are only aiding in the continuance of this horrible practice. If you love animals, purchasing exotic pets with a sketchy back story certainly is not the way to show your adoration.

About the Caracal

If you need further reasons why a caracal is not a good pet, here’s a little bit about their lives in the wild that you likely wouldn’t be able to accommodate in your home.

A caracal is a stunning, medium-sized cat hailing from Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. They can also be found in areas of Pakistan and India. These cats go by other names, such as the Desert Lynx.

Diet

Caracals are extremely efficient carnivorous felines. They stalk and kill their prey and are known for being extremely efficient hunters. Their diet primarily consists of smaller animals such as rodents, birds, and baby antelope.

Habitat

Caracals are adapted to a variety of different habitats. Typically they live in scrub forests, woodlands, or savannahs, but avoid sandy deserts.

Social Behaviors

Caracals are nocturnal animals that are very solitary and secretive. When cornered or when necessary, they can be highly aggressive animals, with powerful and sharp teeth and claws. In their natural setting, they are hunted because they are problematic to farmers, so they now steer clear of most populated areas.

Caracals can make all sorts of odd vocalizations. If you have ever seen any videos on social media of caracals, you will notice that they hiss a lot! They also make an interesting number of other vocalizations and always appear to be alert and on the lookout. When placed in captive environments like zoos, they often engage in ‘stereotypic’ behaviors like pacing and are even less settled in home environments. Being solitary creatures by nature, they do not do well sharing their space with other creatures.

Conclusion

With their exotic looks, pointy black ears, and russet-colored coats, we can understand why some people may be tempted by the idea of bringing one home. Unfortunately, social media platforms have made it seem like a good idea, but we can assure you that it is not.

Domestic cats have undergone many changes over thousands of years in their behavior, physiology, and temperaments to make them well-adapted to living with humans. Placing a wild feline like the caracal, even one that has been raised in captivity, is nothing like keeping a pet cat. These beautiful creatures are born to live in the wild, and keeping them as pets is dangerous for humans and cruel for the animals.

By buying into the purchase and trade of wild animals, even if done so through legal channels, you are financing the illicit wildlife trade, which relies on the unethical actions of others to bring these wild animals into captive hands. If you’re looking for feline companionship, look no further than the domesticated Felis catus, and admire the wild Caracal from afar.

Also see: 

• Hybrid Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)
• What Kind of Cat Is Hecker? Famous Cat Breeds Revealed

Featured Image Credit: Sfax D.C, Shutterstock

The post Do Caracals Make Good Pets? Vet-Verified Ethics, Legality & Facts by Ashley Bates appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Whether you’re a fan of exceptional cuisine, historic architecture, or quirky landmarks like the World’s Largest Boiled Peanut statue, Columbia has plenty to offer anyone taking in its thriving Southern culture. The South Carolina capital welcomes guests from all walks of life, including those strolling about on four legs. Find the best place to settle in during your visit with these cat-friendly hotels in Columbia, SC.

The 3 Pet-Friendly Hotels in Columbia SC

1. The Graduate Columbia, S.C.

Address:	1619 Pendleton St, Columbia, SC 29201
Star Rating:
Open Times:	Check in at 4:00 PM, check out at 11:00 AM
Cost:	$75

2. Aloft Columbia Downtown

Address:	823 Lady St, Columbia, SC 29201
Star Rating:
Open Times:	Check in at 3:00 PM, check out at 12:00 PM
Cost:	$50

3. Fairfield Inn & Suites Columbia Northeast

Address:	120 Blarney Dr, Columbia, SC 29223
Star Rating:
Open Times:	Check in at 3:00 PM, check out at 11:00 AM
Cost:	$50

Conclusion

There are several reasons to enjoy some time off in Soda City, and with plenty of pet-friendly hotels dotting the landscape, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a convenient landing point to suit your itinerary. Give yourself and your cat a change of pace by booking one of these cat-friendly hotels in Columbia today!

Featured Image Credit: Victor Katikov, Shutterstock

The post 3 Pet Friendly Hotels in Columbia, SC (2025 Update) by Catster Editorial Team appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.