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Cats on Columbus’s Voyages (OTD: 12 October, 1492)

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...

Les Chats de Nice: La Ronronnerie

Purrfect Pitstop: A Meow-vellous Morning at La Ronronnerie Bonjour, mes chatons! Today, we're whisking you away to the heart of Nice, to a feline paradise known as La Ronronnerie, which translates to "The Purring." This charming cat cafe nestled in Nice is the purrfect spot for a delightful dose of cuddles and coffee (or should we say, catnip and catpuccinos?). Now, you know us at Kitten Kaboodle – we can't resist a good cat cafe, and La Ronronnerie had us at "meow." From the moment we stepped into this cozy haven, we were greeted by the most delightful symphony of purrs and gentle meows. The staff, who were pawsitively friendly and knowledgeable, showed us to our seats and explained the cafe's concept. La Ronronnerie isn't just about grabbing a cup of coffee (although their coffee was delicious, by the way!). This special place is dedicated to providing a loving and comfortable environment for rescued cats. The cafe works closely with local sh...

Paris: A City of Artists, Writers, and Cats

Paris, with its cobbled streets, vibrant culture, and centuries-old artistic legacy, has long been a haven for writers, painters, and... cats. From cozy literary cafés to the famed Beat Hotel, cats have quietly made their mark on the city's creative landscape. As any true cat lover knows, these enigmatic creatures hold a special place in the hearts of bohemians, poets, and writers alike. In this article, we’ll take a journey through some of Paris’s most iconic spots, revealing how cats—whether lounging in bookshops, strolling through Montmartre’s cemeteries, or simply keeping literary company—have become integral to the soul of this city. --- The Cats of Parisian Literary Cafés Paris’s literary cafés were more than just places for coffee; they were cultural hubs where the great minds of the 20th century gathered. Cats, naturally, made themselves at home in these vibrant spaces, as much a part of the furniture as the red banquettes and steaming cups of espresso. Pic: Pexels One of t...

Cat Breeds: Asian (group)

Asian Cat From the sleek and sophisticated Bombay to the playful and energetic Asian Tabby, the Asian Cat breed group offers a diverse array of feline companions to suit every taste. Whether you're drawn to the striking elegance of the Burmilla or the gentle demeanor of the Tiffanie, there's an Asian Cat waiting to capture your heart. Let’s explore the captivating world of Asian Cats and discover the unique charm of each variety. Origins and Shared History The Asian Cat breed's development began in the UK during the 1960s. It stemmed from experimental crosses between Burmese cats and other breeds, including Chinchilla Persians, Siamese, and British Shorthairs. The resulting kittens displayed a captivating blend of traits, prompting breeders to further develop this unique combination into a new breed. Asian Tabby, Pic: Matt Buck Essentially, the Asian maintains the Burmese’s sleek, muscular body type but showcases a wider range of coat colors, patterns, and lengths. By ...

Cat Breeds: Arabian Mau

Arabian Mau Imagine a cat sculpted by the winds of the desert, possessing both elegance and resilience – that's the Arabian Mau. Hailing from the vast and arid landscapes of the Arabian Peninsula, this naturally evolved breed is a testament to the tenacity and adaptability of felines in harsh environments. Origins and History The Arabian Mau is a true testament to nature's ingenuity. This breed has thrived for centuries in the challenging conditions of the Arabian Peninsula, developing unique traits that allow it to survive and flourish in the desert. While their exact origins are shrouded in the mists of time, Arabian Maus are believed to be descendants of wild cats that roamed the region for thousands of years, gradually adapting to the arid climate and scarce resources (Dennis, 2014). Arabian Mau, Pic: Huda Farhat Although they've shared their lives with humans in the Middle East for centuries, the Arabian Mau gained formal recognition as a breed re...

Cat Breeds: Aphrodite Giant

Aphrodite Giant Imagine a cat with the grace of a goddess and the size of a small panther - that's the Aphrodite Giant! Hailing from the sun-drenched island of Cyprus, this ancient breed boasts a rich history and a captivating presence. Let's embark on a journey to explore the origins, physical traits, behaviour, and more of this majestic feline. Origins and History The Aphrodite Giant has a rich history that dates back thousands of years, making it one of the oldest natural cat breeds in the world. These cats are native to Cyprus, where they have lived in the mountainous regions for centuries. Archaeological evidence suggests that cats have been present on the island for more than 9,000 years, and the Aphrodite Giant is believed to be a direct descendant of these ancient felines (Simpson, 2008). Aphrodite Giant, Pic: Paul (Kitten Kaboodle) Named after the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, this breed was only recently recognized by international cat associa...

Do You Speak Cat?

Decoding Your Feline Friend's Secret Language Cats, those enigmatic and captivating creatures, have a language all their own. While they may not engage in witty banter or share their innermost thoughts in eloquent prose, they're masters of non-verbal communication. As renowned feline behaviorist Dr. Sarah Ellis states, "Cats are constantly communicating with us, but it's up to us to learn their language." Understanding their subtle cues and signals can unlock a whole new level of connection and enrich your relationship with your feline friend. So, let's dive into the fascinating world of cat communication and learn how to speak their language! 1. The Melody of Meows Cats may not converse in human tongues, but they certainly have a way with words—or rather, meows! Meows are their primary way of getting your attention. Pay attention to the tone and pitch: a soft, pleading meow might mean they're hungry, while a persistent, demanding one could signal the...