The Purrfect 10: Fascinating Facts About Hairballs (With Help From Scruffy Paws!)

We love reading and researching anything and everything about cats, and wanted to find a fun and unique way to share the interesting facts we learn with you! Since top 10 lists are very popular in the blogosphere, we created The Purrfect 10 as a way to present 10 educational or fascinating tidbits about a wide variety of cat-related topics, everything from health issues to cat breeds to famous felines.

One of my most vivid childhood memories is coming home from grocery shopping with my parents, sitting down on the couch while wearing shorts, and landing on a freshly deposited hairball. To say I jumped up in record time would be an understatement, yet what cat mom or dad hasn't had a similar experience? 

In honor of National Hairball Awareness Day, which is observed annually on the last Friday in April, this month's Purrfect 10 features some fascinating facts about the bane of every cat's (and cat owner's) existence...

1) The scientific name for hairballs is trichobezoar. "Trich" is Greek for hair and a bezoar is any mass found in the stomach or intestines.

2) Cats are prone to hairballs because they're such fastidious groomers. Hairballs form when loose hair is swallowed and builds up in the stomach. Ideally it passes through the digestive tract and gets deposited in the litter box but sometimes it forms a mass that needs to be regurgitated. They don't end up looking like balls at all but instead become tube shaped when they travel through the narrow esophagus on the way out.

3) While cats are viewed as the most common culprits to suffer from hairballs, they are not alone. Rabbits groom themselves the same way cats do, but hairballs are especially dangerous because they cannot regurgitate them, making swift medical intervention important. Cattle are also known to accumulate hairballs but don't frequently vomit, so they are usually found after death and can be quite large.

4) Hairballs are most prevalent during the spring when cats shed their winter coats but removing as much excess fur as possible through regular brushing will help prevent them from forming year round. You can also assist your cat with hairball-fighting cat treats, increased fiber in their diet, a small addition of olive oil, pumpkin, or butter to cat food, and proper hydration.

5) Kittens aren't as likely as adult cats to have hairball issues because they have less fur and don't groom themselves as thoroughly. As cats age they become more adept groomers and therefore more proficient at removing fur from their coats with their tongues.

6) Some cats are more prone to hairballs than others. Long-haired breeds such as Persians and Maine Coons tend to form them more frequently.

7) Cats have developed a digestive tract that can handle normal amounts of fur without a problem, so don't assume that all coughing and vomiting is caused by hairballs. If your cat is frequently displaying symptoms, and especially if a hairball doesn't present, other medical issues such as asthma, allergies, cardiac disease and intestinal disorders should be investigated.

8) Innocent as they seem, hairballs can cause serious health problems. If you notice the following hairball symptoms, be sure to contact your veterinarian, as they could indicate that a hairball has caused a potentially life-threatening blockage: 

• Ongoing vomiting, gagging, retching, or hacking without producing a hairball
• Lack of appetite
• Lethargy
• Constipation
• Diarrhea

9) The word bezoar traces back to the Persian pahnzehr, which means "antidote." Introduced to Europe from the Middle East in the 11th century, ground-up hairballs were reputed to cure poisoning, epilepsy, and the plague. They were even set in gold during the Middle Ages!

10) In 2012 a long-haired British cat named Gemma underwent surgery for a suspected tumor that was the size of two cricket balls. It ended up being a 5″ wide hairball weighing 7.5 ounces that looked like a newborn puppy!

Long-time readers of our blog might remember that when Mudpie was diagnosed with asthma shortly after I adopted her, I initially placed the blame on hairballs even though none ever materialized. Thankfully her asthma is extremely mild and I can't even remember the last time she coughed, but I try to stay on top of any hairball issues that may develop so if her asthma symptoms flare up again I'll know the difference.

We recently received a bag of Hairball Be Gone treats from Scruffy Paws. These treats, just like all Scruffy Paws products, are carefully made of only the best natural ingredients, right here in the USA. Not only are they formulated to help with hairballs, but they're also packed with fur & skin supporting nutrients such as Lecithin for hydration, Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids which help keep the GI tract healthy, Biotin for healthy skin & hair, plus Zinc, Cranberry Powder and Psyllium, all of which further support your cats skin, hair and urinary tract health. How pawsome are treats that not only assist with a specific issue, but also contain vitamins & minerals to aid in overall health too?

It's also important to note what these treats do NOT contain: NO mineral oil which blocks nutrient absorption and disrupts normal digestion, NO diuretic herbs which can dehydrate your cat and reduce skin moisture leading to an increase in hairball formation, and NO laxatives or lubricants that disrupt digestion.

Mudpie would like to add that they're super tasty too! I give her a couple treats each day broken up into smaller pieces, and I always get an "is that all???" look

We'll be writing more about Scruffy Paws and some of their other supplements in an upcoming post, and in the meantime we encourage you to visit their website. While you're there be sure to check out their blog The Knowledge Base. They've been posting some really informative articles about cats and COVID-19.

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Scruffy Paws. I am being compensated for featuring this content but we only share information we feel is relevant to our readers.

The Purrfect 10: Fun Facts About Cats the Musical

We love reading and researching anything and everything about cats, and wanted to find a fun and unique way to share the interesting facts we learn with you! Since top 10 lists are very popular in the blogosphere, we created The Purrfect 10 as a way to present 10 educational or fascinating tidbits about a wide variety of cat-related topics, everything from health issues to cat breeds to famous felines.

I've been fortunate to see the musical Cats twice so far in my lifetime, in Montreal back in 1993 and right here in my hometown a few years later. Both times I was completely captivated by the entire spectacle, particularly the costumes and the music. In honor of the new theatrical release of Cats (which I look forward to seeing in spite of critical reviews), our first Purrfect 10 of 2020 features some fun facts about the beloved musical masterpiece...

1) Cats is a musical composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber based on the 1939 poetry collection Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T. S. Eliot. The story is set in a larger-than-life junkyard playground as a tribe of cats called the Jellicles come together at the annual Jellicle Ball to decide which one of them will ascend to the Heaviside Layer (their version of Heaven) and be reborn into a new life. The bulk of the musical consists of the different contenders introducing themselves to the audience by explaining how they got their unusual names (Grizabella, Old Deuteronomy, Rum Tum Tugger, Macavity, Mr. Mistoffelees). The story is told completely through music with no dialogue in between the songs.

2) Cats premiered in the West End at the New London Theatre on May 11, 1981, playing a total of 8,949 performances before closing on its 21st anniversary, May 11, 2002. The final performance was broadcast live on a large outdoor screen in Covent Garden for fans who couldn't get a ticket. It debuted on Broadway on October 7, 1982 at the Winter Garden Theatre with a record-breaking $6.2 million in ticket pre-sales, closing on September 10, 2000 after a total of 15 previews and 7,485 performances, making it the fourth longest running musical both on Broadway and the West End. It has been revived in the West End twice and Broadway once, translated into over 15 languages and produced professionally in more than 30 countries.

Photo: Cats the Musical on Facebook

3) Cats has received numerous international awards and nominations. The original London production was nominated for six Laurence Olivier Awards in 1981, winning two awards including Best New Musical. In 1983 the original Broadway production won seven Tony Awards out of 11 nominations, including Best Musical and a posthumous award to T. S. Eliot for Best Book of a Musical. The Broadway cast recording won a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album in the same year.

4) Cats' most famous song "Memory" is regarded by many as the most successful song ever from a musical. It has been recorded by more than 150 artists including Barbra Streisand, Barry Manilow, Liberace and Johnny Mathis.

5) Cats became the first musical to capitalize on mass merchandising, with stalls set up in theater lobbies selling a wide variety of souvenirs emblazoned with the famous cat's-eyes logo. The official Cats t-shirt became the second-best-selling shirt in the world in the 1980s, second only to the Hard Rock Cafe t-shirt.

6) The wigs used onstage for Cats are made from yak hair, take 40 hours to make and cost around $2,300. They are not recycled after a recast; each actor's head is measured so the wig fits perfectly and can accommodate the amount of skipping and jumping they do as cats. Over its 18-year run, the first Broadway production used 3,247 pounds of yak hair. By comparison, wild yaks can reach weights of up to 2,200 pounds.

7) A Cats postage stamp was issued by the United States Postal Service in 2000 as part of its Celebrate the Century series. The musical was chosen as one of fifteen "outstanding artifacts, events and activities" from the 1980s to be commemorated with its own stamp design.

8) Madame Tussauds New York features wax figures of several characters from the musical, including one of Grizabella that sings "Memory" through the use of projection mapping technology. A wax figure of Rumpleteazer is displayed at the Panoptikum wax museum in Hamburg, Germany.

9) Beginning in March 2019, the Rinkai Line in Tokyo, Japan, uses two songs from the musical, "Memory" and "Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat," for its train departure melodies at the Ōimachi Station.

Photo: Cats the Musical on Facebook

10) On September 30, 2016 the late Grumpy Cat jumped into the Jellicle Ball, joining the Broadway cast for one night only at the Neil Simon Theatre. Not surprisingly, she hated becoming an Honorary Jellicle Cat.

Have you ever seen Cats the Musical? 

Tell us about your experience!

The Purrfect 10: Signs Your Cat Is In Pain

We love reading and researching anything and everything about cats, and wanted to find a fun and unique way to share the interesting facts we learn with you! Since top 10 lists are very popular in the blogosphere, we created The Purrfect 10 as a way to present 10 educational or fascinating tidbits about a wide variety of cat-related topics, everything from health issues to cat breeds to famous felines.

None of us can stand the thought of our beloved pets being in any sort of pain or discomfort, and since cats are notorious for masking signs of illness, it's up to us as pet parents to pick up on any subtle clues they may be giving us that all is not well. In honor of Animal Pain Awareness Month, here's a list of 10 things to be on the lookout for...

1) Biting and scratching: When you're in pain and not feeling well, you're not at your best. The least little thing grates on your nerves and you're prone to lashing out, even at those your love. Our pets are no different than we are, and in their case they may react by biting or scratching, especially if you touch the area that hurts.

2) Excessive purring: Cats purr when they're content, but they also purr when they get hurt or are in pain. It may simply be a way to soothe themselves, but research suggests the low frequency of purrs causes a series of vibrations within their body that can act as a healing mechanism. It requires energy to purr, so why would a cat do it if it wasn't beneficial in some way?

3) Breathing pattern changes: A cat in pain may breathe faster or more shallow than usual. Be on the lookout for abdominal breathing (movement of the stomach and chest muscles) and panting, neither of which are normal in cats.

4) Changes in eating and drinking: Pain can make cats lose their appetite. Refusal to eat or drink can indicate problems with their teeth or gums. A cat with a painful mouth may drop their food and water when trying to eat or drink.

5) Changes in grooming habits: A cat who doesn't feel well is likely to neglect regular grooming duties. On the other hand, they may over-groom a wounded area or if they're experiencing a skin irritation.

6) Hiding & acting withdrawn: Cats in pain tend to want to hide and withdraw from everyday activities. If you notice kitty hiding out in closets or under couches and beds, it's a very telling sign that something is wrong. Cats instinctively know that in the wild, a sick animal is a target, so they are likely trying to protect themselves by “hiding” from any threat that might take advantage of them in their compromised state.

7) Lack of energy and mobility changes: If a cat is in pain they may be less active and sleep more. Depending on where the pain is they might walk with a limp, go up and down the stairs more slowly, and be less likely to run around the house, jump and play the way they normally would.

8) It's all in the eyes: You can learn a tremendous amount about how your cat is feeling by looking in their eyes. Painful eyes can cause smaller (constricted) pupils, squinting and a bloodshot appearance. Pain in other parts of the body will result in larger (dilated) pupils.

9) Changes in litter box habits: Older cats who are arthritic may find it painful to defecate in the box regularly, thus holding their stool longer, drying it out, and causing constipation. They may also have a hard time getting in and out of their litter box and start going outside the box.

10) Lumps and bumps: Always keep an eye out for signs of swelling on your cat's body that may indicate a painful abscess, inflammation, or even cancer.

Anytime you believe your feline friend may be in pain it's important to have them checked out by a veterinarian. The sooner you realize something may be amiss, the sooner you can get them the help they need to start feeling better!

The Purrfect 10: Vacation Destinations for Cat Lovers

We love reading and researching anything and everything about cats, and wanted to find a fun and unique way to share the interesting facts we learn with you! Since top 10 lists are very popular in the blogosphere, we created The Purrfect 10 as a way to present 10 educational or fascinating tidbits about a wide variety of cat-related topics, everything from health issues to cat breeds to famous felines.

The height of summer travel season is upon us, as millions take to the roads, skies and rails for fun family vacations. For those of us whose lives revolve around our cats, the only down side to these trips is leaving our fur babies at home, so we seek out cat-related destinations. This month's Purrfect 10 features a variety of locations to add to your bucket list of places to visit...

United States Destinations

Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum: The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West is just as famous for its feline residents as it is for its former owner. Hemingway’s passion for 6-toed cats began in the 1930s when Snow White was given to him as a gift from a sea captain. Sailors favored polydactyl cats, believing they brought good luck and safe passage. To this day, many of Snow White’s descendants roam the grounds of Hemingway Home, with more than 50 currently residing on the property. About half of the cats have six toes, but all carry the polydactyl gene.

Cat World at Utah's Best Friends Animal Sanctuary: More than 700 cats live at Cat World, a village of 11 buildings that provide cats with indoor luxuries, enclosed catios, and hidey-holes for privacy. Specialized accommodations for cats with various needs (incontinent, FIV, neurological disorders, leukemia) allow them to live a life of dignity with all their medical needs met, not to mention loads of love and attention thanks to a staff of 40 caretakers. Many will be adopted, but those that aren't have a home for life at Cat World.

Cat'N Around Catskill: A summer-long outdoor art exhibit featuring painted fiberglass cats lining Historic Main Street in Catskill, New York. The cats stay in place through Labor Day, and later in September they are auctioned off. Currently in its 13th year, the event started as a way to bring attention to local businesses and raise money for charity, but has become a huge tourist attraction and unique platform for artists to display their creativity.

New York City’s Algonquin Hotel: The tradition of the Algonquin Cat dates back to the early 1920’s. The hotel’s first cat, Billy, lived in the hotel during the famed Round Table of the 1920’s. In 1933, two days after Billy passed away a stray cat wandered into the hotel looking for shelter. He was immediately welcomed to stay and named Rusty. Frequent guest John Barrymore felt this name was too common for a cat residing in such a prestigious hotel. Rusty was renamed Hamlet in honor of Barrymore’s greatest stage role. Over the years, the hotel has had eight Hamlets and three cats named Matilda. The current Hamlet has a full-time job as hotel ambassador, and each summer he stars in the Algonquin’s annual Cat Fashion Show, which raises money for the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals.

American Museum of the House Cat: Located in Sylva, North Carolina, this museum is the private collection of Dr. Harold Sims – aka CatMan2 – and it’s likely America’s largest collection of house cat memorabilia. Items displayed in the museum include cat-centric toys, clocks, banks, dolls, advertising illustrations, animation cells, fine art, folk art, thrift store art, beer steins, music boxes, carnival games, carousel animals, jewelry, pottery, puppets, automatons, and Halloween knick-knacks. Proceeds fund Dr. Sims Catman2 Shelter, Western North Carolina’s largest no kill, cage free, open concept cats-only shelter, which has taken in and adopted over 4,000 cats through the years.

International Destinations

De Poezenboot: The Catboat: A world-famous tourist attraction in Amsterdam, the Catboat is the only animal sanctuary that literally floats. Founded in 1966 by Henriette van Weelde as a refuge for stray and abandoned cats, De Poezenboot is now an official charity housing up to 50 cats at once. Cats are available for adoption, but tourists are also welcome to come on board for a “kitty fix.” There’s no entrance fee, but donations are welcome and go towards the care of the cats.

Festival of the Cats Parade: Held triennially on the second Sunday of May since 1955, the Kattenstoet (“Festival of the Cats”) is a parade in Ypres, Belgium, devoted to cats. Its origins come from the horrific Middle Ages tradition of throwing cats from the highest tower to the town square below in order to kill “evil spirits.” Thankfully, today it’s plush cats that are thrown down to the crowd, and whoever catches one gets to make a wish. Thousands of cat lovers from around the globe attend the festival dressed as felines, witches, mice, or townspeople from ages past to enjoy floats, giant cats, music, theater and dance groups.

Tashirojima (Cat Island): An island where the cat population is now larger than the human population? Sign me up for a one-way ticket! Cat Island exists due to the large stray cat population that thrives as a result of the belief that felines represent luck and good fortune, and doubly so if you feed and care for them. Locals even give credit to the cats for the island's survival during the 2011 earthquake and tsunami! Because of this they are treated like kings by the island’s fewer than 100 remaining residents even though most are considered feral. There’s even a small shrine on the island to honor a cat that was accidentally killed by fishermen centuries ago. Not surprisingly, for the cats’ protection no dogs are allowed.

Taiwan’s Houtong Cat Village: Once a thriving mining town, the area began to decline as the coal mining industry began to die out. In 2008 a local cat lover started posting pictures of the village's stray cats online, creating an overwhelming response from other cat lovers around the nation. Houtong became a center for cat lovers as word spread, and the number of cats living there increased, reviving a declining village and transforming it into a tourist destination. Drivers entering the town are greeted with a sign that reads " A lot of stray cats here. Drive slowly," and a special bridge has been constructed above the busy railway, to allow safe passage for the cats. Cat-related shops, cafes and restaurants cater to the village's estimated one million visitors per year.

Sanrio Puroland : Hello Kitty Theme Park in Tokyo: An indoor theme park run by the Sanrio company, creators of Hello Kitty, hosting various musicals, restaurants, attractions, parades, fireworks and theme rides. The park is now one of Japan's most popular attractions, where tourists can visit the homes of beloved Sanrio characters and shop at an extensive gift shop selling Sanrio merchandise.

Have you ever gone on a cat-themed vacation?

The Purrfect 10: Fascinating Facts About Tabbies

We love reading and researching anything and everything about cats, and wanted to find a fun and unique way to share the interesting facts we learn with you! Since top 10 lists are very popular in the blogosphere, we created The Purrfect 10 as a way to present 10 educational or fascinating tidbits about a wide variety of cat-related topics, everything from health issues to cat breeds to famous felines.

My best friend and childhood companion for the first 15 years of my life was an orange tabby named Patch. I guess you could say he was the one who kick started my passion for all things feline from my days in the crib, and to this day I have such fond memories of the little guy.

In honor of National Tabby Day, here are some fascinating facts about these beloved cats...

1) Just like with tortoiseshell cats, tabbies are not a breed but a coat pattern. It's the most common of all feline coat patterns. In fact, regardless of a cat's colors or markings, they all have the tabby cat gene (agouti) even if the patterns are hidden. Solid color kittens sometimes show their underlying tabby pattern before shedding their kitten coat and growing their adult one, and in solid color adult cats you can sometimes faintly see the tabby pattern in bright sunlight.

2) There are four tabby coat patterns: classic, mackerel, spotted, and ticked. A fifth includes tabby as part of another basic color pattern. The "patched" tabby is a calico or tortoiseshell cat with tabby patches (the latter is called a "torbie").

3) One thing you will never encounter is a solid red, orange or cream cat without tabby markings. That's because the gene that makes a cat those particular colors also makes the tabby markings visible.

4) Orange tabbies, also fondly referred to as "gingers" and "marmalades" in England, have a predominance of a pigment known as pheomelanin—the same pigment that produces red hair in humans.

5) Orange tabby cats are about 80/20 percent male to female because of the X chromosome that is responsible for the orange coloring. Females possess two Xs and males possess XY, so male cats only need the orange gene from their mother whereas females need it from both parents.

6) Unique to all tabbies is the distinctive “M” on their forehead. One legend states that Baby Jesus wouldn’t stop crying until a cat climbed into the manger and started to purr, sending him off to sleep. In gratitude, the Virgin Mary marked the cat’s face with the first letter of her name. Islam legend has it that the Prophet Muhammad loved cats. One day Muhammad was sitting with his favorite cat Muezza on his lap. He heard the call to prayer but didn't want to wake his sleeping cat so he took out his knife and cut off the part of the robe kitty was sleeping on. Others believe the "M" is for Mau, the word for cat in ancient Egypt.

7) The origin of the word “tabby” is believed to have come from attabi, which is a type of silk taffeta with an irregular wavy finish that was manufactured in the Attabiya district of Baghdad. English speakers modified the word to tabby in the early 1600s. Within a few decades of the adoption of the word tabby, the word was also being used to describe the markings on the coats of some cats. By the late 1700s, the word was being used to describe the cats themselves as well.

8) Tabbies have long been pop culture favorites. Two of the most famous cats in the world are tabbies: Morris and Garfield! Many major pet brands use both grey and orange tabbies in their brand advertising: Friskies has an orange tabby and so does Meow Mix, Arm and Hammer cat litter and Fresh Step. Tabby stars of the small and silver screen include Crookshanks (from Harry Potter), Milo (from Milo and Otis), Jones (from Alien), Orangey (from Breakfast at Tiffany’s), Puss in Boots (from Shrek 2), Spot (from Star Trek: The Next Generation), and Orion (from Men in Black). And let's not forget real-life superstars such as Lil Bub and Bob the Cat (from A Street Cat Named Bob.)

9) One of the first mass-produced stuffed toys, the Ithaca Kitty, was inspired by a tabby cat. The toy was based on a gray tabby named Caesar Grimalkin, whose owners had his likeness painted onto a pattern. The design was sold for one cent a yard to Arnold Print Works, which then sold the printed pattern as "The Tabby Cat" on half a yard of muslin for ten cents each in late 1892. Nearly 200,000 were sold that first holiday season! The toy made appearances at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and in the windows of Wanamaker's Department Store in Philadelphia. The Ithaca Kitty was reportedly so lifelike that it was used by farmers to scare away birds and the Central Park police to frighten mice!

10) A tabby was once even the mayor of a town! Stubbs was the honorary mayor of Talkeetna, Alaska from 1997 until his death in 2017.

Tell us about the special tabbies in your life!

The Purrfect 10: Fun Facts About the Sensational Siberian

We love reading and researching anything and everything about cats, and wanted to find a fun and unique way to share the interesting facts we learn with you! Since top 10 lists are very popular in the blogosphere, we created The Purrfect 10 as a way to present 10 educational or fascinating tidbits about a wide variety of cat-related topics, everything from health issues to cat breeds to famous felines.

Last month I attended our local cat show and the breed that made the biggest impression on me this time around was the Siberian. Coincidentally, I also just started reading the Inca Cat Detective series of books for children which stars a Siberian as the lead feline character, so that's how they became the subject of this month's edition of The Purrfect 10...

1) Siberians (also known as Siberian Forest cats and Moscow Semi-Longhairs) have been in existence for over 1,000 years and serve as the national cat of Russia. They were first mentioned in Harrison Wier's book Our Cats and all About Them, which included information about one of the earliest cat shows held in England in 1871.

2) Siberians play an important role in the Russian folklore. They were used to perform rodent control on farms and in shops in the past, but are kept mostly as house pets today. In Russian fairy tales, magical cats protect children and open gateways to unseen realms.

3) The breed first arrived in the United States in 1990 following the end of the Cold War. They are still fairly rare in the US and most breeders have waiting lists for their kittens.

4) As a result of the harsh Siberian climate they originate from, these cats have a luxurious triple coat to protect against the cold which grows thicker during the winter months even in indoor cats. Their densely muscled body is also suited to their environment. As with most other cat breeds, Siberians come in just about all colors and patterns although brown tabbies are most common. Their coat tends to resist matting, but they do go through a "molting" period in both the spring and fall. Interestingly, this molting is not triggered by a change in temperature but rather by the change in daylight hours.

5) Considered one of the largest cat breeds, the Siberian matures slowly, sometimes not reaching their full stature until the age of 5!

6) The Siberian has water-repellent fur and is more likely to play with water more than other cat breeds.

7) Known for their agile jumping skills, Siberians are athletic and energetic, highly intelligent and devoted to their humans. Their easygoing nature make them the purrfect addition to any household, including busy families with young children and other pets. They are also very serious when it comes to parenting - many mother cats will have only one mate for life, and Siberian fathers are very nurturing and play a huge part in caring for their kittens.

8) There are claims that the Siberian is hypoallergenic and produces less Fel d1 (the primary allergen present on cats and kittens) than other cat breeds, making them safe for allergy sufferers. This has not been scientifically proven though so plan to spend extra time with any cat you plan to bring home to gauge your reaction to them.

9) The International Cat Association (TICA) accepted Siberians into the New Breed program in 1992 and in 1996 granted them championship status. The were accepted for registration by the Cat Fanciers Association in February 2000 and advanced to championship status in February 2006.

10) Famous Siberian cat owners include Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and former Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev. They've even made their way into pop culture thanks to the 2016 movie Nine Lives!

Have you ever had the pleasure of meeting or being owned by a Siberian cat?

The Purrfect 10: Things To Know About Feral Cats

We love reading and researching anything and everything about cats, and wanted to find a fun and unique way to share the interesting facts we learn with you! Since top 10 lists are very popular in the blogosphere, we created The Purrfect 10 as a way to present 10 educational or fascinating tidbits about a wide variety of cat-related topics, everything from health issues to cat breeds to famous felines.

Today is Global Cat Day, taking the place of National Feral Cat Day, which was started by Alley Cat Allies in 2001. It's a day for people around the world to stand up for policies that protect all cats in their communities. Since feral cats are among our most misunderstood creatures, we wanted to take this opportunity to present some important things to know about these kitties that quietly live their solitary lives in the shadows...

1) Feral cats have lived alongside people for more than 10,000 years. They are also commonly known as outdoor cats or community cats and live outside in groups known as "colonies".

2) Stray and feral cats are not the same. A stray cat is a pet cat that is lost or abandoned. Stray cats are accustomed to contact with people and are tame. Feral cats have not been socialized to people, and therefore are unadoptable. Feral kittens can often be adopted into homes, but there is a crucial window of time during which they must be socialized or they will remain feral.

3) Even though it's natural to feel sorry for them, feral and free-roaming cats are generally not suffering. They find shelter and food, avoid people, fight off predators and are more likely to die from natural causes than by euthanasia at a veterinary clinic. How is that any different from the raccoons or squirrels in your own background? Feral cats are living a natural lifestyle just as their ancestors have done for thousands of years. Why kill an animal living a natural lifestyle simply because it isn’t living with people? Of course their life isn’t as comfortable and problem-free as the pampered house cat sleeping beside you, but it can still be a good life, especially when caring people step in to help look out for them.

4) Feral cats are not the primary cause of wildlife depletion. Humans are, thanks to habitat loss, urbanization, pollution, and environmental degradation.

5) Feral cats do not attack people. Because of their lack of socialization, a feral cat’s first instinct is to run away and hide from humans out of fear, certainly not to harm them. Just like any other animal, they will only attack when they are trapped or feel threatened.

6) Feral cats should not be taken to the shelter. More than 70% of all cats who enter shelters die there, including virtually 100% of feral cats.

7) Ferals are not unhealthy cats with shorter life spans. They live full, healthy lives outdoors—there is no reason for them to be killed in shelters. The nation’s animal shelter system is the #1 cause of death for cats. With gentle and patient human intervention, a feral can reach a life expectancy similar to that of an indoor cat.

8) Trapping and removing feral cats will not solve the problem. Cats reside in a certain location for 2 reasons: there is a food source and shelter. Once cats are removed, new ones will move into the area and begin breeding. The only trapping that works is a local community’s Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) program where neutered and vaccinated cats are returned to their outdoor home. The colony’s population stabilizies…no more kittens!

9) Feral cats are not a disease risk to humans and pets. Most diseases that infect cats can only be spread from cat to cat, not from cat to human. Infectious diseases are spread through direct contact, and since ferals avoid humans whenever possible, they pose no risk. You are much more likely to get sick from the person standing in line next to you at the grocery store than from a feral cat. As far as posing a risk to our pets, TNR programs minimize this risk by vaccinating and neutering them, making them less likely to fight, which is the most common way disease is spread.

10) How can the average person help ferals? To start, we can be their voice. Educate yourself about feral cats and advocate for them to your friends, neighbors, and on social media. Donate money to the rescuers that work “in the field” practicing TNR and caring for feral colonies. If there’s no TNR program in your community, work to establish one. If there already is, more volunteers are always needed. Do you have room to take in a foster? Kittens that are young enough can still be socialized, and foster parents are always needed to help care for them until they can be neutered and put up for adoption. One small room in your home may not seem like much, but it can change the world for a cat in need.

Have you ever cared for a feral cat?

The Purrfect 10: Ways To Honor Your Rainbow Bridge Cat

We love reading and researching anything and everything about cats, and wanted to find a fun and unique way to share the interesting facts we learn with you! Since top 10 lists are very popular in the blogosphere, we created The Purrfect 10 as a way to present 10 educational or fascinating tidbits about a wide variety of cat-related topics, everything from health issues to cat breeds to famous felines.

Today is Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day, a special day created by Deborah Barnes – author, award winning blogger, and cat advocate in tribute to her cat, Mr. Jazz, who she had to say goodbye to on August 28, 2013. She shared the journey of letting him go in her most recent book, “Purr Prints of the Heart: A Cat’s Tale of Life, Death, and Beyond,” a warm and heartfelt book that is written in the wise and comforting voice of Mr. Jazz himself as he shares his life and death journey to offer guidance and understanding through a cat’s perspective as to why sometimes letting a pet go can be the greatest gift you give them.

Since every single one of us who loves cats either has or will experience their devastating loss one day, we decided to do a Purrfect 10 post with ideas on how to honor their memory and keep them alive in our hearts for all time...

1) Create a memorial in your home. Truffles is the first cat I had cremated because I wanted to keep her close to me always. Her portrait, paw print, various angel statues, and ashes rest on their own special table in the living room. You can also display a few of their favorite toys, their collar, favorite photos and a lock of their fur. A shadow box is a lovely way to preserve and display the items you can't bear to part with after your pet is gone.

2) Start new holiday traditions. During the holiday season when Truffles' table needs to be moved to make room for the tree I create a Christmas memorial area in another part of the room with her very own small tree and other various decorations. I also have ornaments on my tree that honor all the cats I've shared my life with. If you've saved any of your pet's fur (or if you haven't this is a good tradition to start with your current pet), it can be put inside a clear plastic or glass ornament so they're always watching over you.

3) Create a memorial in your garden. If your cat is buried in your yard, or even if she's not, consider adding an engraved marker or memorial stone with her name on it. A statue of St. Francis (the patron saint of animals), an angel, or even a peaceful water fountain can contribute to a special memory spot outdoors.

4) Donate leftover food and supplies. Every cat in your life is going to have their own personal likes and dislikes just like people do. Thanks to long expiration dates on pet food, when Tara passed away I bagged up and set aside her leftover cans of food with the intention of keeping it for the next kitty. Then Truffles came along and her tastes were very different. So the bag of food sat there. For 14 months. As silly as it seems, I could not let go of that food. It was Tara's. Finally a light bulb went off in my head and I realized that Tara would want that food to be in the tummies of kitties in need. It felt so good to donate that leftover food in Tara's honor, just as it did with the food Truffles left behind after Mudpie came into my life.

5) Commission artwork. Shortly before Truffles ran off for the Bridge I received an unexpected package in the mail from our friends at Chewy.com - a commissioned painting of her as thanks for our work for them as a Chewy Influencer. It meant the world to me then, but even more so after she was gone. There are many artists that specialize in creating memorial paintings for grieving pet parents.

6) Get creative. Whether you draw or paint, write stories or poetry, journal or scrapbook, get your creative juices flowing to honor their memory. Writing about Truffles, both a detailed account of her last day and a short story including all my cats who now reside at the Bridge, was very therapeutic for me.

7) Wear your heart on your sleeve, around your neck, & throughout your home. I have Tara and Truffles' images on countless pieces around my home - t-shirts, bracelets, necklaces, blankets, pillows, even a tote bag. Surrounding myself with these one of a kind items that I can see and enjoy on a daily basis brings me such comfort. Today you can even purchase special jewelry made to carry a portion of your pet's ashes, the ultimate way to keep them with you at all times.

8) Organize a supply drive in your cat's name. Shelters are always in need of food, treats, toys, bedding, cleaning supplies, and a multitude of other things. Reach out to those close to you, or even your entire community, for donations so you have a large amount to bring to the shelter in your pet's name.

9) Volunteer at your local shelter. It's so easy to get lost in your sorrow after losing a pet, choosing to stay at home and dwell on your grief. Instead, why not volunteer some time at your local shelter to help other animals in need? They crave one-on-one interaction with caring humans, and you can soak up the love that only a four-legged friend can provide. Who knows, you might just fall in love...

10) Open your heart to another homeless cat. After suffering the loss of a cherished pet it's the easiest thing in the world to say you never want to go through such pain again and decide not to adopt another cat. That's not the way to honor their memory though. Millions of animals are euthanized in this country every year because there aren't enough homes for them. Adopting another cat when the time is right for you will not only save a life but will also help to heal your broken heart. You're not "replacing" the friend you've lost - you're giving another deserving animal the gift of a beautiful life with you.

What have you done to honor the memory of your cats waiting for you at the 

Rainbow Bridge?

The Purrfect 10: Ways to Help Your Cat Beat the Heat

We love reading and researching anything and everything about cats, and wanted to find a fun and unique way to share the interesting facts we learn with you! Since top 10 lists are very popular in the blogosphere, we created The Purrfect 10 as a way to present 10 educational or fascinating tidbits about a wide variety of cat-related topics, everything from health issues to cat breeds to famous felines.

How is everyone surviving the heat this summer? Last week we suffered through 6 straight days of 90 plus degree weather with the heat index making it feel over 100 degrees. This is extremely unusual weather for Vermont and Mudpie and I were both dragging in spite of having the air conditioner on practically non-stop.

Our cats suffer in the heat just as much as we do and they depend on us to find ways to keep them cool when the temperatures rise. This month's edition of The Purrfect 10 features our tips on how to do just that...

1) Hydration is key: Always have a supply of fresh water available, and change it several times a day to keep it fresh in the heat. Place several bowls around the house so your cat doesn't have to look for one when she is feeling the heat. If you are out for the day, add some ice to the water before leaving. (More tips and tricks to keep your cat properly hydrated can be found here.)

2) Give a cooling wipe down: Many cats enjoy being wiped down with a damp paper towel or washcloth. The moisture on their fur cools them off, just as their own saliva does when they groom themselves. Do this in front of a box fan or open window for added comfort.

3) Put a cold water bottle in their bed:  Partially fill a small drink bottle with water and freeze it overnight. Wrap it in a towel and place it in your cat's favorite nap spot.

4) Turn on a small fan at floor level: Place one of the above-mentioned frozen water bottles in front of the air source if you do not have air conditioning. Avoid frozen gel packs which could be toxic for your pet.

5) Raise the pet bed: If you elevate your cat's bed, air will circulate and cause a cooling effect to keep body temperature down. Placing it in a drafty room or near a fan will double the effect.

6) Provide shade: Make sure there are lots of shady areas for your cat to stretch out. Many cats will seek out cool places like basements and rooms with tile floors. Closing shades and blinds will also create a dark, cool environment, as will keeping windows shut during the hottest times of the day.

7) Splish splash, I was taking a bath... Mudpie *loves* playing in the bathtub! It's cool surface also provides a great place to hang out during the summer.

8) Brush your cat often: Removing excess fur and preventing tangles will help to keep them cool.

9) Keep exercise to a minimum: Playtime is important, but don't encourage your cat to play during the hottest time of the day. Wait until later in the evening to burn off a little excess energy.

10) Avoid car trips: Cats are just as vulnerable as dogs to the heat trapped inside a car. NEVER leave your pet in a vehicle on a hot day, even with the windows cracked.

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If you suspect your cat has become overheated, check for the following symptoms of heatstroke:

• panting/rapid breathing
• restlessness
• excessive grooming
• sweaty paws
• lethargy 
• stumbling
• drooling 
• redness of the tongue and mouth
• fever 
• vomiting 
• unresponsiveness

If your cat displays any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian right away.

How do you keep kitty cool during the dog days of summer?

The Purrfect 10: Fascinating Facts About Cat Noses

We love reading and researching anything and everything about cats, and wanted to find a fun and unique way to share the interesting facts we learn with you! Since top 10 lists are very popular in the blogosphere, we created The Purrfect 10 as a way to present 10 educational or fascinating tidbits about a wide variety of cat-related topics, everything from health issues to cat breeds to famous felines.

A human’s sense of smell is arguably the one we take most for granted, but try to imagine how dull life would be without the pleasure of smelling that first cup of coffee in the morning, the flowers blooming in spring or your favorite cake or cookie baking in the oven. Our nose even has the power to save our lives, warning us of the dangers of smoke, toxic gases and spoiled food.

While we find our feline friends’ little noses irresistible to “boop” with affection, their nose could actually be considered their most important organ. Here’s why!

1) A cat’s sense of smell is nearly 14 times greater than a human's, checking in with 200 million scent receptors in their nasal cavity versus our measly 5 million. That’s even more than many breeds of dogs! A cat’s entire olfactory system extends through nearly their entire head.

2) Although cats are largely olfactory hunters, a cat uses their nose for much more than sniffing out food. Since outdoor cats establish territorial lines with their urine and pheromones from glands in their face and feet, other cats passing through can either decide to respect another’s territory and move on or stage a coup and deposit their own scent markings. The pheromones they leave behind are like their calling card! During mating season, female cats in heat release powerful chemical signals that a male’s nose can detect from miles away. A cat’s nose is also able to alert her to dangerous situations such as nearby predators.

3) As powerful as a cat’s sense of smell is, their taste receptors are lacking. (We have approximately 9,000 taste buds, they have less than 500.) How something smells triggers their hunger reflex more than how it tastes. This is why older cats or those with respiratory infections end up not eating. They can’t smell their food so they lose interest in eating. Warming food up to simulate the temperature of freshly killed prey can help to release the food's natural aromas.

4) When introducing a new cat to the resident feline, it’s best to do so gradually by smell. Rub a towel or washcloth over the new cat, and vice versa, allowing each to get used to the scent of the other before meeting face to face. And when you’re meeting a new cat yourself, extend your hand and let her smell you first. You’ll be fast friends in no time!

5) A kitten’s sense of smell is present at birth and fully developed by four weeks of age. Many kittens claim a certain nipple for their very own and can find it with ease, most likely because they smell their own pheromones deposited while nursing.

6) A cat’s nose has a powerful accessory called the Jacobsen organ (also called the vomeronasal organ). It’s a second scenting mechanism of sorts and is located behind the front teeth, connecting to the nasal cavity. According to cathealth.com, “Odors are inhaled to the tongue, the lip is slightly curled, and the tongue is rubbed on the roof of the mouth. Then the mouth, nose, and Jacobson’s organ in some way allow the animal to sense the essence of the flavor and scent in a way that we do not have the capacity to experience.” Have you ever seen a cat sneer? That funny little lip curl is triggered by their “flehmen response”. All cats use this process to analyze pheromones, but males grimace more often than females, always in tune with the opposite sex…even if they’ve been neutered!

7) There are certain scents cats can’t stand: many perfumes and air fresheners, citrus, bananas, plant smells, spicy scents such as cayenne pepper and cloves, eucalyptus oil, and oil of wintergreen can be overwhelming to a cat’s sensitive nose. Even fragrances that have been added to kitty litter have been put there for our benefit, not theirs. Do you let your nose tell you when it’s time to clean the litter box? Your cat will be offended by the odor long before you will. Many problems with inappropriate elimination occur simply because they’re trying to tell you the smells coming from their litter pan are simply intolerable!

8) When a cat head butts or cheek rubs their favorite human, they’re claiming that person as their own. It’s a sign of affection. They will also mark fellow felines in this way, engaging in a scent exchange so their colony has one familiar scent. Even when a cat is scratching your favorite piece of furniture or “making biscuits” on your lap they’re marking their territory through the scent glands in their paw pads too!

9) There is a direct correlation between the color of a cat's coat and the color of their nose. A black cat will have a black nose, white cats have pink noses, orange cats have orange noses, etc. Multi-colored cats will most likely have a multi-colored nose (Mudpie does!) Some cats have cute little nose freckles too.

10) A cat's "nose print" is as unique as a human's fingerprint, containing its own pattern of bumps and ridges. The print could be used as a form of kitty ID if they would allow you to ink their nose and stamp it on paper!

So the next time you’re admiring that adorable little nugget of a nose sitting in the middle of your cat’s face, take a moment to marvel at all that organ actually does. And then give it a boop...all cat lovers know it’s impossible to resist!

The Purrfect 10: Fun Facts About Morris the 9Lives Cat

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MorrisKnowsBest #CollectiveBias

As a cat-obsessed little girl growing up in the 1980's, Morris the cat was one of my heroes. These were the days before celebrity cats took over the internet, and since Morris looked very much like Patch (my own cat at the time), who loved 9Lives® cat food, he was very special to me. I still have my Morris plush toy, his Christmas ornaments are on my tree every single year, and while combing through the basement recently I found a pair of old 9Lives treat canisters with Morris's handsome face on them that my parents had stuck on a shelf to hold nails! (Every now and then I'm thankful that I come from a long line of pack rats!) I dumped the nails, cleaned out the canisters, and they now sit in my kitchen. It's something most people would have just thrown away, but I cherish them and love looking at them every single day.

While brainstorming topics for our Purrfect 10 series, Morris was always at the top of my list, and today we're incredibly excited to present 10 fun facts about one of advertising's greatest icons...

1) The very first Morris (originally known as Lucky) was adopted in 1968 for only $5, a mere 20 minutes from being put to sleep, by professional animal handler Bob Martwick from the Hinsdale Humane Society, a Chicago-area animal shelter. That Morris died in July of 1978 at age 17 and was laid to rest near Mr. Martwick's home. His obituary appeared in newspapers worldwide. Since then, three different cats have gone on to play Morris, and in honor of the original all were rescued from shelters. Morris II, also discovered by Martwick somewhere in New England, retired after 15 years on the job and died in 1997. Morris III sadly only lived for a few years and was replaced by Morris IV, who currently lives with his trainer, Rose Ordile, in Los Angeles.

2) After making his debut in a mattress commercial, Martwick took the rescue cat to an audition for a 9Lives commercial in 1969. Morris was so charming that the art director exclaimed, "He's the Clark Gable of cats." "He jumped on the table ... and he walked right up to the art director, the big cheese, and bumped him in the head. And then Morris just sat back," Martwick said according to his 2001 obituary in the Los Angeles Times. The ad campaign was an overnight success and Morris became the face of 9Lives, starring in 58 commercials.

The very first Morris commercial, circa 1969!

3) Dubbed "the world's most finicky cat", Morris eats only 9Lives, and makes this preference clear with humorous voice-over comments by John Erwin when offered other brands. His fame became so great that he required a personal secretary to answer his fan mail and around-the-clock guards to protect him from kidnappers. His handsome face graced t-shirts, tote bags, coffee mugs and glass tumblers, plush toys, watches, buttons, calendars and Christmas ornaments.

4) A cat with Morris's talent and charisma couldn't be limited to the small screen. In 1973 he landed roles in the Robert Altman film "The Long Goodbye" with Elliott Gould, and in the movie "Shamus" with Burt Reynolds and Dyan Cannon.

5) The next medium for Morris to conquer was print, and he went on to author 3 books on cat care: The Morris Approach, The Morris Method and The Morris Prescription, and was the subject of another, Morris: An Intimate Biography published in 1974. He also appeared on the cover of Cat Fancy's 30th Anniversary issue in 1995 and on the cover of the 1996 book Good Mousekeeping by Ilene Hochberg.

6) Through the years Morris has become a media darling. In 1983, Time Magazine declared him "The Feline Burt Reynolds." US Magazine named him the "Animal Star of the Year" for 3 years in a row, from 1982-84. Morris has also been the recipient of a number of awards including a PATSY from the American Humane Society (the animal equivalent of the Oscar award) in 1973 and The Cats' Meow Award from the New York Animal Medical Center in 1992. One year earlier, he hosted "Morris' Salute to America's Pets," a primetime TV special sponsored by Heinz Pet Products that spotlighted amazing and heroic pets. He appeared on “Good Morning America,” “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous,” and “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”

7) Morris ran in the 1988 and 1992 presidential elections on the Finicky Party platform, but lost both bids. He announced his candidacy once again in 2012, extending an offer to the well-known Mayor of Talkeenta, Alaska, Stubbs the Cat, to be his running mate. Morris pledged to give back to cats in need for the duration of their campaign, contributing one bowl of 9Lives cat food to Pets Are Wonderful Support, San Francisco (PAWS San Francisco) for every share of his campaign poster on Facebook.

8) In 2006 Morris led the 9Lives sponsored Morris' Million Cat Rescue adoption campaign, traveling the country in a specially outfitted bus with cats from local shelters on board to raise awareness and facilitate cat adoptions with a mission to find loving homes for one million cats. Morris kicked off the campaign by adopting Li'l Mo, a younger version of himself, from a Los Angeles shelter.

9) In 2015 Morris was included as one of the 10 brand mascots honored at “A Salute to Advertising’s Greatest Icons” at the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago, alongside Ronald McDonald, Mr. Clean, Tony the Tiger, Charlie the Tuna, The Keebler Elves, The Jolly Green Giant, The Raid Bugs, The Pillsbury Doughboy, and Snap, Crackle, and Pop.

10) Today Morris is a cat with his paw set firmly in the 21st century, connecting with his legions of fans via social media on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

One of the many things I love about Morris is that in spite of his fame he has never forgotten his humble beginnings as a rescue cat, and he won't rest until every cat finds a forever home. Now that spring is here kitten season is upon us, and animal shelters are full of hungry mouths to feed. My own local shelter recently transitioned to feeding the cats in their care a primarily wet food diet, so they're constantly in need of donations. Since 9Lives is one of the resident cats' favorite meals, I added a bunch of cans (and several packages of treats) to my shopping cart at Dollar General last weekend. Knowing how finicky cats are I selected a variety of formulas to satisfy every feline palate - 9Lives offers both Hearty Cuts with big meaty chunks, cuts, and shreds in a rich, thick gravy, and Meaty Pate with smooth ground meat, fish or poultry.

It's incredibly easy and inexpensive for all of us to help shelter cats in need simply by picking up a few extra cans of cat food each time we go shopping. Shelters depend on their local community for donations, and if each one of us did just a little bit, it would add up to a whole lot. Before heading to the store, make sure you check out DollarGeneral.com to find coupons and save on 9Lives wet and dry cat food! (valid until 5/31)

The cat you're helping to feed may not go on to be a worldwide superstar like Morris, but she will become the center of her adoptive family's world just like Mudpie became mine, and that's pretty incredible too!

The Purrfect 10: Siamese Cats in Pop Culture

We love reading and researching anything and everything about cats, and wanted to find a fun and unique way to share the interesting facts we learn with you! Since top 10 lists are very popular in the blogosphere, we created The Purrfect 10 as a way to present 10 educational or fascinating tidbits about a wide variety of cat-related topics, everything from health issues to cat breeds to famous felines.

Thanks to their distinctive looks and unique personality, Siamese cats have long been a fixture in popular culture. Since today is National Siamese Cat Day, we're shining a light on some of our favorite meezers in movies and books.

1) Si & Am in Lady & the Tramp: Probably the most famous Siamese cats on the silver screen, the devious duo wrecks havoc throughout Lady's home and then manages to lay the blame completely on her, all the while singing The Siamese Cat Song. (We are Siamese if you pl-ee-ee-se...)

2) DC (Darn Cat) in That Darn Cat!: When the irrepressible and always hungry D.C. (Darn Cat) turns up with a wristwatch for a collar, it becomes a tip-off to an unsolved robbery and kidnapping. The fur flies when an FBI agent who is allergic to cats is assigned the task of following D.C. to uncover the robbers' hideout. Syn the Siamese won a PATSY Award (Picture Animal Top Star of the Year) in 1966 for his role in the film!

3) Tao in The Incredible Journey: Syn was also the feline star of this 1963 film based on the novel The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford, following the adventure of three pets, Luath the Labrador Retriever, Bodger the Bull Terrier, and Tao the Siamese cat (Syn), as they journey through the Canadian wilderness to return to their home.

4) Shun Gon in The Aristocats: A member of Scat Cat's Alley Cats jazz band, Shun Gon plays the piano (sometimes with chopsticks) and a set of drums made mostly from pots and pans.

5) Cameo in The Wizard of Oz: This kitty's scene is brief, but pivotal! Dorothy is finally headed back home via hot air balloon when Toto spots the Siamese cat and chases after her. Dorothy goes after her beloved dog and the balloon takes off without her, leaving her stranded in Oz once again.

6) Koko and Yum Yum in The Cat Who... series: One of the most famous long-running cozy mystery series starring cats (and likely the first, beginning in 1966), The Cat Who... is a series of twenty-nine mystery novels and three related collections by Lilian Jackson Braun, featuring a former crime reporter named Jim Qwilleran and his Siamese cats, Kao K'o-Kung (Koko for short) and Yum Yum. Koko has a “sixth sense,” which enables him to assist Qwill in solving mysteries.

7) Pyewacket in Bell, Book & Candle: This Siamese is a central character (and scene stealer) in the movie, as he is the feline familiar of Gillian the witch. The cat's real name is unknown, but he won a PATSY award in 1959, and reportedly stole the heart of actress Kim Novak, going home with her upon completion of the picture.

8) Bucky in Get Fuzzy: It's impossible not to fall in love with the cynical Siamese star of Darby Conley's Get Fuzzy who shares an apartment in Boston with a dog named Satchel and their owner, Rob. Ears flat on his head and missing an upper canine tooth, Bucky lives in a dresser in the hall closet of Rob's apartment because he refuses to share a room with Satchel and rides around town in a strap-on "Bundle-O-Joy" baby carrier. He gets his kicks from insulting Satchel (even though these insults typically go over the poor pup's head), but we also get to see his soft side when it comes to his beloved teddy bear Smacky.

9) Sagwa, the Chinese Siamese Cat: How did Siamese cats get their unique coloring? In this magical fable by Amy Tan a Siamese cat tells her children about their "great ancestor, Sagwa of China," a mischievous, pearl-white kitten who lived with her parents in the house of a greedy, autocratic magistrate. Her penchant for trouble lands her in a pot of ink, which stains her paws, nose, ears, and tail. The accident starts a chain of events that leads to the magistrate's tearful reformation, as well as to generations of cats that look Siamese but are actually Chinese. The book went on to be the basis of an animated television series, 40 episodes about a royal family of cats who have the ability to write with their tails.

10) Skippyjon Jones: Created by author and illustrator Judy Schachner, this beloved character is known as one of the most famous Siamese cats in children's literature. Now the star of a series of books, Skippyjon's story begins when his mother sends him to his room to think about what it means to be a Siamese because he's acting like anything but a cat. While jumping on the bed he looks in the mirror and imagines himself as a chihuahua, then steps into the closet which sends him on a series of adventures.

Do you have a favorite Siamese in pop culture? 

Have we missed any?

Tell us in the comments!

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