Meowza!
Wednesday came so quick this week! We’re working the pads off our peets, putting the finishing touches on our special “#RememberMeThursday winning adoption stories in time to do a Thanksgiving theme (I mean, what is there better to be thankful for than a furever home?)

We also have a product review to finish that we think your humans will like. Having said all that, the report from our neck of the woods will feature Lily as she finally realized that we have an interloper and she decided to do something about it. Sheesh, Oliver and I have been telling her about the squirrel for ages and she only took notice this week!

Lily has not been allowed to “extend the paw of friendship” to the squirrel and it’s adaily source of frustration for her. Oh well, on to the news.

New Study Finds That Cats Track the Movements of Their Owners

A recent study posted on  ScienceAlert.com illustrates the bond we felines have with you humans. When you humans walk away from us, we track you down mentally map your position in space. We even use the sound of the your voice for the tracking process.

This behavior of ours is part of our social- spatial cognition.

Researchers from the Kyoto University ran tested many cats. They put them in rooms that the felines were familiar with. They placed a speaker in the room and another outside the room.  A recording of the owner’s voice was played on each speaker.  Hearing the human’s voice in different locations seemed to confuse the cats. A researcher noted in the research paper on ScienceAlert.com:  Results showed that cats were surprised when their owner appeared to be ‘teleported’ to a new, unexpected location. They also added that the results suggest that cats hold a mental representation of the unseen owner and map their owner’s location from the owner’s voice, showing evidence of socio-spatial cognition.

Well, of course we do!

Well wishers from across the globe pay for world famous cat’s hospital bill

Faith in humanity restored! Robert, a feline that has been the spokespurrson for a campaign to save Walsall Road allotments in 2019 needed his own campaign when the vet found two ulcers in his eyes.

He had an operation – a corneal graft – and is now recovering in Kate Millington’s spare room – one of the plot holders at the allotments where he usually lives. His close human friend Betty Farruggia who takes most of the pictures for his Twitter feed said the support Robert has received has been ‘incredible’.

“He has had messages from all over the world including Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Japan and the EU. I really hate to ask for money but people started to send it by Paypal before I even set up the appeal.

“I never imagined a cat, even a special cat like Robert, would have this effect on people who have never met him.”

Robert touched many hearts and will stay at Kate’s until he has finished all his medication and is fully recovered.

The target of £10,000 for his treatment has now been met but supporters continue to send him get well wishes and financial help. Any extra money will go to the vet fund for the other felines who live at the allotments.

One donor from Baltimore, USA said, “Very much enjoy following the activities of all of you at the allotments. I hope you are back home and feeling yourself again soon. Best wishes from my two here in Baltimore, MD…we’ve taken a bit from the treat jar to help.”

We wish Robert a full and speedy recovery.

Basepaws Adds Over 80 Genetic Markers To Its Cat DNA Test

The Human is a great fan of Basepaws and she’s all of our DNA done. She was thrilled to hear that Basepaws has just updated the product with over 80 new genetic health and trait markers. In total, the Basepaws test will now screen for over 120 markers!

Our reports have so much information and now, with the new markers DNA reports will include:

• Over 70 known feline genetic health markers, including new markers for feline ophthalmological conditions and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), the most common form of heart disease in cats;
• Genetic markers for blood type. Knowledge of a cat’s blood type can be helpful to the cat breeding process as well as support life-saving medical decisions, such as when a cat needs an emergency blood transfusion;
• Over 50 fun and exciting genetic trait markers. With this update, pet parents will learn about some of the genes and mutations that are responsible for their cat’s unique physical appearance;
• An analysis of a cat’s DNA sample against the 21 different pedigreed breeds in the Basepaws reference panel, which is part of the world’s largest cat DNA database, to help cat parents better understand their cat’s breed composition;
• Results from the first ever Basepaws Cat Dental Health Test that identify a cat’s risk for periodontal disease, tooth resorption, and bad breath. Results include specific at-home dental health care recommendations for pet parents and tips for improving their cat’s nutrition and overall health.

If your humans have already paid for your DNA test kit like ours did, you don’t have to start over again, Existing customers can purchase an upgraded report version for a small fee (the upgrade is free for existing Basepaws Whole Genome Test customers). In time, the company will also release upgrades for additional markers that are discovered through its internal research program.

Now that’s something to meow about!.

Cat Teaches His Little Brothers To Be Obsessed With The Window Washers | The Dodo Cat Crazy

Anyone who says we felines are selfish never met this cat who loves to share the fun.

Hank the cat’s 5-day ordeal in tree is over — thanks to a group effort

When it became clear that Hank was definitely stuck in a very tall tree, Smaantha Miller,a spokesperson for the Humane Rescue Alliance in D.C. said, “Having found no other option, we had to get creative.”

The HRA decided after a few days that they would be  unable to get Hank down safely. And so Hank remained 50 feet above ground for five days and four nights. Meowza!  

Hank was stuck up there in the sun with no water and no food. Poor guy! “

The major cause of the problem with the  rescue was the stability of the tree and it’s location. As a last desperate attempt to get Hank out  of the tree, the rescuers offered him what they called, “Hank’s Party Pack” which was a collection of treats and clothing with his human’s scent.  The items were taken up in a basket and, when Hank climbed in the basket, they brought him down.

HRA field services staff; neighbors who offered ladders and changed dog-walking patterns; and staff members from Casey Trees, a nonprofit environmental group that’s focused on caring for trees in the D.C. area, all assisted in getting the cat down. HRA acknowledged that Hank’s successful rescue was made possible by all who helped.

Now let’s hope Hank stays away from the trees in his neighborhood!