Articles

A long-haired tabby with a white underbelly lying down.

How Did Cats Become Domesticated?

Caitlin Dempsey

The domestic cat (Felis catus) can be traced back to a species of African wildcat known as Felis silvestris lybica.

A black cat looking in the sunlight with slitted eyes.

Why Do Cat’s Eyes Change From Slits to Wide-Eyed Pupils?

Caitlin Dempsey

A cat's pupils can change from wide-eyed to slitted.

A gray tabby lying near the white headboard of a bed.

Do Cats Have Belly Buttons?

Caitlin Dempsey

Learn where the navel is located on a cat.

An orange cat sleeping in a cat tree.

Why Do Cats Love Cat Trees?

Caitlin Dempsey

Why are cats so fond of cat trees? What advantages do cat trees provide?

Our Cat’s Experience With Feline Idiopathic Vestibular Disease

Caitlin Dempsey

One of the most notable symptoms of a cat with feline idiopathic vestibular disease is a head tilt.

A lykoi cat staring at the camera against a white background.

Lykoi: the Werewolf Cat

Caitlin Dempsey

Lykoi cats look like tiny werewolves.

A cropped photo of a black cat's right ear and green right eye.

Cats Use Sounds to Track Where You are in the House

Caitlin Dempsey

Cats can form mental maps of where their owners are in the house based on sounds.

An orange tabby sleeping on his side.

When Did Cats Become Indoor Pets?

Caitlin Dempsey

Nowadays, cats are indoor pets for most pet owners in the United States.

Drawing recreating what the American Lion looked like. NPS illustration by Benji Paysnoe.

The American Lion

Caitlin Dempsey

The American Lion was the largest cat to roam North America during the Pleistocene.

A gray tabby and a black kitten cuddling.

How Cats Communicate Through Purring

Caitlin Dempsey

Purring is one way that cats communicate.

Stray cats at the São Jorge Castle in Lisbon, Portugal. Photo: Caitlin Dempsey.

Facts About Feral and Stray Cats

Caitlin Dempsey

Stray and feral cats are free-roaming domestic cats that have no owners.