Kitten Kaboodle UK

Spoil Your Feline Friend and Protect Them During Festivities Today, October 30th, marks National Treat Your Pet Day, a perfect opportunity to show extra love to our beloved pets! This day, created in 2021 by Dr. Marty Pets, encourages us to go beyond the usual affection and give our cats and other pets something special—whether it’s a delicious treat, a new toy, or just more quality time with them. It’s also a timely reminder that treating our pets isn’t just about goodies but also about caring for their safety and well-being, especially with Halloween and Bonfire Night just around the corner [1] . Pic: freestocks.org Celebrate with Special Treats Treating your cat today is easy! You can go for their favourite store-bought snacks, or better yet, why not try making some homemade cat treats? There are plenty of recipes that use healthy ingredients like tuna or chicken, which will keep them satisfied and in good health. Remember to keep any treats as healthy as possible and avoid overf...

Black Cats - Charm & Mystery October 27 marks National Black Cat Day, a special day dedicated to changing the perception of black cats. For centuries, black cats have been associated with superstition, and unfortunately, this has led to them being overlooked in shelters. But today, black cats are celebrated for their unique beauty and loving personalities, showing that they deserve the same love and care as any other cat. Pic: Helena Lopes The Origins of National Black Cat Day National Black Cat Day was created to shine a spotlight on black cats and dispel the myths that surround them. Although many cultures have associated black cats with bad luck—particularly in the Middle Ages, where they were linked to witches—other cultures saw black cats as symbols of good fortune. This day seeks to highlight the positive aspects of black cats and encourage their adoption from shelters, where they often spend longer waiting for homes compared to cats of other colors. Black cats have als...

Are Cats the Original "Vocal Fry" Masters? Cats have always been rockstars. Sure, they might doze off on your lap, purring contentedly. But those soothing rumbles have a surprising connection to the growling vocals of heavy metal legends! A recent study revealed that cats purr using a unique structure in their vocal cords, similar to the vocal fry technique used by singers like Corey Taylor of Slipknot. Could it be that our feline companions were the true pioneers of vocal fry? Let's explore the science of purring and its unexpected link to metal music! Pic: Nuno Magalhães The Science of the Purr vs. Metal Growls Researchers at the University of Vienna discovered a unique "purring pad" in cats' vocal cords. This special structure allows them to produce low-frequency purrs, often as low as 25-30 Hz —far below the range of typical human voices! What’s fascinating is that cats don’t need constant muscle contractions or brain signals to maintain this sou...

Cats Provide Comfort in Times of Isolation Throughout history, countless figures have found solace in the companionship of animals, particularly during times of hardship and isolation. Today, October 15th , marks the day in 1815 when Napoleon Bonaparte began his exile on the remote island of Saint Helena. Isolated from society, Napoleon relied on the presence of animals, especially his beloved dogs, to ease the loneliness of his final years. Photo by Dmitriy Ganin While Napoleon was known for his love of dogs, others have found companionship with cats, who have provided a unique source of comfort and companionship in some of life’s most solitary moments. Let's explore how cats, known for their independent yet affectionate nature, have served as ideal companions for people in isolation and discover some historical figures who turned to cats for comfort. Cats as Companions in Isolation Cats have an uncanny ability to offer companionship while respecting personal space, making t...

Shock on Vinted After spotting a tortoiseshell cat listed for sale on the second-hand clothing app, Vinted, English reality television personality Zara Nicole McDermott took to social media to share her distress. The listing, which was quickly removed, has sparked a wave of conversation around pet welfare and the challenges of regulating animal sales on online platforms. Albus and Cedric:  Zara's gorgeous flame lynx & blue point ragdolls 😻 View this post on Instagram A post shared by Albus & Cedric (@albusandcedric) The Listing: A Cat Among the Collars Screenshots of the listing began circulating on TikTok, showing a one-year-old tortoiseshell cat advertised in the “collar category” of Vinted. The seller requested £130 for the cat, mentioning that the animal was neither spayed nor microchipped. The advert described the cat as being in "very good" condition and stated it would be available for collection only. It's unclear whet...

Historical records suggest that Christopher Columbus likely had cats aboard his ships when he made his historic voyage to the New World on October 12 ,  1492. Cats were commonly kept on ships to control rodents, which made them an integral part of exploration and trade expeditions. Pic: Paul, Kitten Kaboodle When we think about Christopher Columbus’s 1492 voyage to the New World, images of majestic ships, brave sailors, and endless ocean stretches come to mind. But, in addition to his human crew, Columbus had some furry companions aboard—the ever-resourceful and essential ship cats. These feline sailors played a surprisingly important role in maritime life, helping to keep the ship’s supplies safe and serving as beloved companions to the crew. Origins and History of Ship Cats Cats have been valued on ships for centuries, even before Columbus’s time. Sailors across cultures recognized cats' natural hunting abilities and keen instincts, which made them ideal for controlling rodent...

In the heart of London, amidst the bustling city life, there's a quiet hero making a world of difference for some of its most vulnerable residents. Meet Marley, a remarkable cat who has been awarded the prestigious title of "National Cat of the Year" in the 2024 Cats Protection awards. Marley's story is one of compassion, resilience, and the extraordinary bond between humans and animals. A Sanctuary of Solace Marley resides in a London safe house, a haven for women who have endured the unimaginable trauma of human trafficking. These women, often isolated and fearful, find solace in Marley's unwavering presence. His gentle purrs and comforting cuddles provide a sense of peace and normalcy in a world that has been anything but. A Beacon of Hope Marley's impact on the women at the safe house is profound. He offers non-judgmental companionship, allowing the women to open up and share their experiences without fear of reprisal. As one re...

Happy Cat Month: A September Celebration Pic: Ty Swartz ,  Pixabay It's time to break out the catnip and toy mice because September is here and it's officially Happy Cat Month! As fellow feline lovers, we know that every month is a celebration when it comes to our beloved cats. But this month holds a special place in our hearts, and we want to make it the most purr-fect one yet for our furry companions. So grab a cozy drink and join us as we dive into all things Happy Cat Month at Kitten Kaboodle. What is Happy Cat Month? Happy Cat Month is an annual celebration dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of responsible cat ownership and promoting the well-being of domestic cats. It's a time to shower our furry companions with extra love, attention, and perhaps a few extra treats! As the CATalyst Council, the creators of Happy Cat Month, puts it, "It's a whole month dedicated to the health and happiness of cats" (CATalyst Council). Why Do We Ce...

Black Cat Appreciation Day Today is a special day for all cat lovers—it’s Black Cat Appreciation Day ! While all cats hold a special place in our hearts, today is a time to shine a light on the often misunderstood and sometimes overlooked black cat. These beautiful felines have been the subject of superstition and myth for centuries, but those of us who have had the pleasure of sharing our lives with a black cat know that they are just as loving, playful, and full of personality as any other cat. The Myths and Realities of Black Cats Black cats have unfortunately been associated with various myths and superstitions throughout history. In some cultures, they were considered omens of bad luck, while in others, they were believed to bring good fortune. However, these myths have no basis in reality. The truth is that black cats are just as wonderful as any other cat, with their own unique personalities and charms. Despite their beauty and charm, black cats are often overlooked in shelt...