Benjamin Franklin, Madame Helvétius, and Her 20 Spoiled Cats in Paris
Cat Wisdom 101 :: 06/01/2026 1:51:13 AM
Settle down, perhaps with a cat on your lap for a delicious slice of cat lover history. As a cat lover, I confess I have an enormous soft spot for Madame Helvétius and her famously spoiled feline court. Living in 18th-century France, Madame Helvétius surrounded herself not only with philosophers, intellectuals, and political thinkers, like Benjamin Franklin… but also with chickens, pigeons, canaries, lapdogs, and no fewer than twenty Angora cats. Yes. Twenty. And apparently these were not ordinary cats. From September through…
Cat Wisdom 101 :: 06/01/2026 1:51:13 AM
Settle down, perhaps with a cat on your lap for a delicious slice of cat lover history. As a cat lover, I confess I have an enormous soft spot for Madame Helvétius and her famously spoiled feline court. Living in 18th-century France, Madame Helvétius surrounded herself not only with philosophers, intellectuals, and political thinkers, like Benjamin Franklin… but also with chickens, pigeons, canaries, lapdogs, and no fewer than twenty Angora cats. Yes. Twenty. And apparently these were not ordinary cats. From September through…
Tuxedo Cats: Why No Two Look Alike
Cat Wisdom 101 :: 05/22/2026 4:39:14 PM
Why No Two Tuxedo Cats Look Alike (And the Science Behind It). My very different Tuxies, Otto and Lumi, serve as purrfect examples. I’ve been writing about cats at this blog for sixteen years. I’ve shared countless photos of my cats, celebrated their personalities, and documented their many opinions about everything. But somehow I never stopped to write about something I look at every single day: the fact that my two tuxedo cats look almost nothing alike. No two Tuxedo cats are identical. They are as unique as a fingerprint. Otto…
Cat Wisdom 101 :: 05/22/2026 4:39:14 PM
Why No Two Tuxedo Cats Look Alike (And the Science Behind It). My very different Tuxies, Otto and Lumi, serve as purrfect examples. I’ve been writing about cats at this blog for sixteen years. I’ve shared countless photos of my cats, celebrated their personalities, and documented their many opinions about everything. But somehow I never stopped to write about something I look at every single day: the fact that my two tuxedo cats look almost nothing alike. No two Tuxedo cats are identical. They are as unique as a fingerprint. Otto…
The Modern Cat Mom Is Not What You Think
Cat Wisdom 101 :: 05/10/2026 1:04:27 AM
The Modern Cat Mom Is Not What You Think Once upon a time, the phrase cat lady conjured up a very specific image: an eccentric older woman in a bathrobe, surrounded by dozens of cats, muttering to herself while opening another can of tuna. Thankfully, we’ve evolved. These days, cat moms come in every age, aesthetic, and lifestyle imaginable. Some are glamorous city girls with designer handbags and a spoiled Bengal named after a Greek god. Some are tattooed artists, cottage gardeners, busy professionals, introverts, healers, or…
Cat Wisdom 101 :: 05/10/2026 1:04:27 AM
The Modern Cat Mom Is Not What You Think Once upon a time, the phrase cat lady conjured up a very specific image: an eccentric older woman in a bathrobe, surrounded by dozens of cats, muttering to herself while opening another can of tuna. Thankfully, we’ve evolved. These days, cat moms come in every age, aesthetic, and lifestyle imaginable. Some are glamorous city girls with designer handbags and a spoiled Bengal named after a Greek god. Some are tattooed artists, cottage gardeners, busy professionals, introverts, healers, or…
Cat-Friendly Flooring: How to Protect Hardwood From Claws and Accidents
Life With Cats :: 05/01/2026 8:55:42 AM
If you live with cats and love hardwood floors, you have probably had that moment where you spot a fresh puddle near the rug, or catch the cat stretching claws into the edge of a plank, and wonder if the two can really coexist. The honest answer is yes, but it takes a slightly different ... Read more
Life With Cats :: 05/01/2026 8:55:42 AM
If you live with cats and love hardwood floors, you have probably had that moment where you spot a fresh puddle near the rug, or catch the cat stretching claws into the edge of a plank, and wonder if the two can really coexist. The honest answer is yes, but it takes a slightly different ... Read more
Cuteness Alert: Black Cat Love and Luck
Cat Wisdom 101 :: 04/28/2026 3:52:53 PM
Black Cat Love and Luck There is something quietly subversive about the black cat’s reputation arc. Once cast as an omen, a shadow slipping across thresholds, it gradually wandered into a very different role. By the early 20th century, black cats were not merely redeemed. They were adored and considered lucky especially in the U.K. and France where these postcards are from. I’ve translated them into English. From the 1890s through the 1920s, they appeared everywhere...
Cat Wisdom 101 :: 04/28/2026 3:52:53 PM
Black Cat Love and Luck There is something quietly subversive about the black cat’s reputation arc. Once cast as an omen, a shadow slipping across thresholds, it gradually wandered into a very different role. By the early 20th century, black cats were not merely redeemed. They were adored and considered lucky especially in the U.K. and France where these postcards are from. I’ve translated them into English. From the 1890s through the 1920s, they appeared everywhere...
The Quiet Revolution in Cat Shelters
Cat Wisdom 101 :: 04/14/2026 9:38:28 PM
Something significant has been unfolding in animal shelters across the country over the past decade, and if you love cats, it’s worth knowing about. For the past 16 years here at Cat Wisdom 101 we have been staunch advocates of pet adoption. with a huge archive of adoption tips of all kinds. It’s anecdotal but I’d to add, I’ve noticed an uptick in adoptions from repeated visits to my local shelters over the past few months. Shelter management has improved and savvy use of social media. According to 2025 data compiled by Best…
Cat Wisdom 101 :: 04/14/2026 9:38:28 PM
Something significant has been unfolding in animal shelters across the country over the past decade, and if you love cats, it’s worth knowing about. For the past 16 years here at Cat Wisdom 101 we have been staunch advocates of pet adoption. with a huge archive of adoption tips of all kinds. It’s anecdotal but I’d to add, I’ve noticed an uptick in adoptions from repeated visits to my local shelters over the past few months. Shelter management has improved and savvy use of social media. According to 2025 data compiled by Best…
The Fishy Truth About April Fools’ Day Cats
Cat Wisdom 101 :: 04/01/2026 2:09:30 AM
The “April Fish” Tradition While much of the world calls today April Fools’, the French have always done it with more style. They call it Poisson d’Avril — April Fish — and the tradition is exactly what it sounds like: children (and mischievous adults) sneak a paper fish onto an unsuspecting victim’s back. When the trick is discovered, the prankster cries “Poisson d’avril!” Cats, of course, would never fall for such a thing. They’d smell the fish immediately. Why a Fish? The origin is delightfully murky or…
Cat Wisdom 101 :: 04/01/2026 2:09:30 AM
The “April Fish” Tradition While much of the world calls today April Fools’, the French have always done it with more style. They call it Poisson d’Avril — April Fish — and the tradition is exactly what it sounds like: children (and mischievous adults) sneak a paper fish onto an unsuspecting victim’s back. When the trick is discovered, the prankster cries “Poisson d’avril!” Cats, of course, would never fall for such a thing. They’d smell the fish immediately. Why a Fish? The origin is delightfully murky or…
St. Patrick’s, St. Gertrude’s & Tea for Two Day: March 17th Triple Holiday
Cat Wisdom 101 :: 03/16/2026 9:52:26 PM
March 17th is pulling triple duty this year, and if you’re a cat lover, this one’s especially for you.Most people know it as St. Patrick’s Day — shamrocks, green everything, and a celebration of Irish heritage going back centuries. The Irish have always had something wise to say about cats, too. As the old Irish proverb goes: “Beware of people who dislike cats.” On that, we couldn’t agree more. St. Gertrude of Nivelles Day honors the 7th-century Belgian abbess who became the patron saint of cats…
Cat Wisdom 101 :: 03/16/2026 9:52:26 PM
March 17th is pulling triple duty this year, and if you’re a cat lover, this one’s especially for you.Most people know it as St. Patrick’s Day — shamrocks, green everything, and a celebration of Irish heritage going back centuries. The Irish have always had something wise to say about cats, too. As the old Irish proverb goes: “Beware of people who dislike cats.” On that, we couldn’t agree more. St. Gertrude of Nivelles Day honors the 7th-century Belgian abbess who became the patron saint of cats…
Neakasa Self-Cleaning Litter Box: My Cat’s Winter Enrichment Toy
Cat Wisdom 101 :: 02/27/2026 10:03:30 PM
After 15 years of writing about cats, I thought I’d seen every form of enrichment. But this winter, the most fascinating object in the house isn’t a toy. It’s our Neakasa Self-Cleaning Litter Box. Who knew it would become a Winter Enrichment “Toy” for my cats. Lumi has developed a ritual. She hops in, places her front paws on the rim like she’s monitoring operations, does her business, scratches madly at the interior walls for the hell of it, and leaps out with joy. There’s a short delay before the pod’s top closes…
Cat Wisdom 101 :: 02/27/2026 10:03:30 PM
After 15 years of writing about cats, I thought I’d seen every form of enrichment. But this winter, the most fascinating object in the house isn’t a toy. It’s our Neakasa Self-Cleaning Litter Box. Who knew it would become a Winter Enrichment “Toy” for my cats. Lumi has developed a ritual. She hops in, places her front paws on the rim like she’s monitoring operations, does her business, scratches madly at the interior walls for the hell of it, and leaps out with joy. There’s a short delay before the pod’s top closes…
The Most Popular Bengal Cat Colors and Patterns You Need to Know
Life With Cats :: 09/14/2025 11:41:11 PM
Explore the stunning diversity of Bengal cat colors and patterns! Discover the most popular and rare variations to help you identify your favorite unique feline.
Life With Cats :: 09/14/2025 11:41:11 PM
Explore the stunning diversity of Bengal cat colors and patterns! Discover the most popular and rare variations to help you identify your favorite unique feline.
A Complete Guide to Choosing Reliable Pet Sitter Services
Life With Cats :: 09/05/2025 5:28:22 AM
Find the perfect care for your pet with confidence. Our complete guide to choosing reliable pet sitter services will help you make a safe and informed decision.
Life With Cats :: 09/05/2025 5:28:22 AM
Find the perfect care for your pet with confidence. Our complete guide to choosing reliable pet sitter services will help you make a safe and informed decision.
5 Reasons Why Your Cat Needs an Outdoor Enclosure
Life With Cats :: 07/22/2025 7:26:19 PM
Keep your feline safe and happy! Discover 5 compelling reasons why a cat enclosure is essential for your indoor cat to safely enjoy the outdoors.
Life With Cats :: 07/22/2025 7:26:19 PM
Keep your feline safe and happy! Discover 5 compelling reasons why a cat enclosure is essential for your indoor cat to safely enjoy the outdoors.
Understanding the Growing Phenomenon of Feral Cats in Cities
Life With Cats :: 03/25/2025 1:48:31 PM
Discover the rise of feral cats in urban areas, their impact on communities, and effective strategies for humane management.
Life With Cats :: 03/25/2025 1:48:31 PM
Discover the rise of feral cats in urban areas, their impact on communities, and effective strategies for humane management.
Top Tips to Increase TikTok Likes as a Cat Owner from Scratch
Life With Cats :: 02/13/2025 5:32:00 AM
Discover the best tips to increase TikTok likes as a cat owner! Learn how to create engaging content, use trends, and grow your audience from scratch.
Life With Cats :: 02/13/2025 5:32:00 AM
Discover the best tips to increase TikTok likes as a cat owner! Learn how to create engaging content, use trends, and grow your audience from scratch.
Keeping Cats Safe at Outdoor Weddings: A Guide for Pet-Loving Couples
Life With Cats :: 12/12/2024 10:35:06 AM
Plan a purr-fect outdoor wedding with our guide to keeping cats safe and comfortable. Tips for pet-loving couples to ensure a stress-free celebration!
Life With Cats :: 12/12/2024 10:35:06 AM
Plan a purr-fect outdoor wedding with our guide to keeping cats safe and comfortable. Tips for pet-loving couples to ensure a stress-free celebration!
Ear Mites in Cats: Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention
Life With Cats :: 11/29/2024 2:04:56 PM
Did you know that ear mites in cats can cause severe complications? Learn about ear mites and how to treat and prevent these parasites from infecting your cat.
Life With Cats :: 11/29/2024 2:04:56 PM
Did you know that ear mites in cats can cause severe complications? Learn about ear mites and how to treat and prevent these parasites from infecting your cat.
Why Do Cats Scent Mark? Understanding the Behaviour
Life With Cats :: 11/29/2024 1:56:09 PM
Discover why cats scent mark and what this behavior means. Learn how to understand your feline's communication and manage marking effectively.
Life With Cats :: 11/29/2024 1:56:09 PM
Discover why cats scent mark and what this behavior means. Learn how to understand your feline's communication and manage marking effectively.
Probiotics: Enhancing Health and Well-Being for Cats and Dogs
Life With Cats :: 10/30/2024 12:42:57 PM
Discover the benefits of probiotics for cats and dogs. Learn how these supplements boost digestive health, improve immunity, and enhance overall well-being in pets.
Life With Cats :: 10/30/2024 12:42:57 PM
Discover the benefits of probiotics for cats and dogs. Learn how these supplements boost digestive health, improve immunity, and enhance overall well-being in pets.
Cat Years to Human Years Conversion: Age Chart and Calculator
Life With Cats :: 09/20/2023 1:54:33 PM
How many cat years to human years are there? Our cat age chart shows how cat years work. How old do cats live? What’s the cat average lifespan? Use our cat years calculator to find out.
Life With Cats :: 09/20/2023 1:54:33 PM
How many cat years to human years are there? Our cat age chart shows how cat years work. How old do cats live? What’s the cat average lifespan? Use our cat years calculator to find out.
Are Cats Afraid of Aluminum Foil?
Life With Cats :: 09/20/2023 9:08:37 AM
Explore the quirks with cats and aluminum foil! From training tips, to safety, let’s dive into the unique feline reactions and alternative training tricks.
Life With Cats :: 09/20/2023 9:08:37 AM
Explore the quirks with cats and aluminum foil! From training tips, to safety, let’s dive into the unique feline reactions and alternative training tricks.
Territorial Cats – Signs, Causes, Management & Prevention
Life With Cats :: 09/18/2023 6:03:39 AM
Are cats territorial? If you have a territorial cat, does the territorial definition mean that a cat is aggressive? How do cats mark their territory?
Life With Cats :: 09/18/2023 6:03:39 AM
Are cats territorial? If you have a territorial cat, does the territorial definition mean that a cat is aggressive? How do cats mark their territory?
How to Teach a Cat to Fetch – A Step-by-Step Guide
Life With Cats :: 09/18/2023 6:00:19 AM
Learn how to teach a cat to fetch, find out if cats play fetch, and discover the best cat fetch toys. Finally, acquire all you need to know about cat fetch training.
Life With Cats :: 09/18/2023 6:00:19 AM
Learn how to teach a cat to fetch, find out if cats play fetch, and discover the best cat fetch toys. Finally, acquire all you need to know about cat fetch training.
Cat Vitamins and Supplements: Difference, Definitions, Guides and More!
Life With Cats :: 09/18/2023 5:47:43 AM
Discover a wide range of cat vitamins and cat supplements to boost your feline’s health and well-being.
Life With Cats :: 09/18/2023 5:47:43 AM
Discover a wide range of cat vitamins and cat supplements to boost your feline’s health and well-being.
How to Get a Cat to Sleep in Its Bed – Tips and Tricks
Life With Cats :: 09/15/2023 9:46:21 AM
Learn how to get a cat to sleep in its bed and the best beds for cats. For cat sleeping, do cats need beds? What’s the best kitten bed, the best bed for cats, and how to make a cat bed?
Life With Cats :: 09/15/2023 9:46:21 AM
Learn how to get a cat to sleep in its bed and the best beds for cats. For cat sleeping, do cats need beds? What’s the best kitten bed, the best bed for cats, and how to make a cat bed?
Are My Cats Playing or Fighting? Signs & Intervention
Life With Cats :: 09/15/2023 6:51:02 AM
Learn how to distinguish between cats playing and fighting through clues like body language, vocalizations, and intensity. Understand turn-taking, context and when intervention is necessary.
Life With Cats :: 09/15/2023 6:51:02 AM
Learn how to distinguish between cats playing and fighting through clues like body language, vocalizations, and intensity. Understand turn-taking, context and when intervention is necessary.
How to Pick Up and Hold a Cat – Expert Guide
Life With Cats :: 09/15/2023 6:47:57 AM
Learn how to pick up a cat, how to hold a cat, and discover how holding a cat can be good for you! Knowing how to carry a cat is essential. And do cats like to be held?
Life With Cats :: 09/15/2023 6:47:57 AM
Learn how to pick up a cat, how to hold a cat, and discover how holding a cat can be good for you! Knowing how to carry a cat is essential. And do cats like to be held?
Top 11 Cat Behaviorists, Therapists & Whisperers
Life With Cats :: 09/15/2023 6:40:53 AM
A top cat behaviorist is a cat expert who specializes in cat behavior therapy and can help you fix your cat’s behavioral problems. Read this guide to learn more!
Life With Cats :: 09/15/2023 6:40:53 AM
A top cat behaviorist is a cat expert who specializes in cat behavior therapy and can help you fix your cat’s behavioral problems. Read this guide to learn more!
Cat Drooling – Causes, Behaviors, and FAQs
Life With Cats :: 09/15/2023 6:21:32 AM
Cat drooling and cat excessive drooling - discover when cat drooling is a problem and learn why do cats drool. Find out if your cat drools when happy or when being petted.
Life With Cats :: 09/15/2023 6:21:32 AM
Cat drooling and cat excessive drooling - discover when cat drooling is a problem and learn why do cats drool. Find out if your cat drools when happy or when being petted.
