Pets
fromPsychology Today
1 day agoWhat I Learned From My Cat, a Meow Is Not Always a Meow
Cats may vocalize excessively due to health issues like hyperthyroidism, which can lead to misunderstandings between pets and their owners.
For a long time, scientists believed that it would be impossible for a cat in free fall to turn over. That's why French physiologist Etienne-Jules Marey's 1894 high-speed photographs of a falling cat landing on its feet proved so shocking to Marey's peers. But Gbur has emphasized that cats are living creatures, not idealized rigid bodies, so the motion is more complicated than one might think.
BEIRUT There are several things that make the American University of Beirut unique. Among them are its 160-year-old liberal arts education in the center of the Middle East. There is its seaside location in a cosmopolitan capital. But hands down, the college's most unusual feature is its campus cats as many as 1,600 of them. The cat rescue started during the Lebanese civil war in the 1980s when animals sought shelter from street fighting in the 1980s on its campus in the downtown Hamra area.
It comes in over a dozen colors with adorable kitty designs, but this feeding mat is as practical as it is stylish. Made from soft diatomaceous earth, it quickly absorbs water spills, which evaporate in record time to keep your floor dry, clean, and safe. It also wipes free of food and has a thick rubber backing to prevent slipping and scratches.
Your cat's been grooming themselves for hours again. They've taken to hiding under the bed more often. Maybe they've even stopped using the litter box properly. If you're like most cat owners, you probably chalk these behaviors up to typical feline quirkiness. "That's just cats being cats," we tell ourselves. But what if these seemingly normal behaviors are actually your cat crying out for help?
Their easygoing nature makes them less likely to be territorial, and they are often seen following their owners or other pets around the house. Maine Coons are known for their playful demeanor, which can make them great companions for dogs and other cats. Despite their size, they are gentle and patient, making them ideal for families with children and other pets.
Remember that moment at the dog park when you see two golden retrievers, with one bouncing around with bright eyes and a glossy coat, and the other just going through the motions with a dull expression despite being perfectly groomed? Both dogs are clearly loved and cared for, but something deeper separates them: It's the difference between a dog that's genuinely flourishing and one that's simply being maintained.
Dog ownership has increased dramatically in many western countries. For example, in the UK there has been an increase from around 8.3 million in 2011 to 13.5 million in 2025. That means that approximately 29% of UK adults own a dog! At least partially this increasing trend of owning a dog is linked to millennials being more likely to have children later in life.
Picture this: your friend's golden retriever rolls over during a backyard barbecue, exposing that soft, pink belly. Everyone reaches down to give those irresistible tummy rubs. The dog's tail wags, everyone laughs, and it becomes the highlight of the afternoon. We've all been there, right? That exposed belly seems like the universal dog invitation for affection. But what if I told you that sometimes, that belly display means the exact opposite of what we think?
The dogs come to be judged. The owners and handlers come to uphold breed standards. And, almost as reliably as the movie references and the best-in-show ribbon, Peta arrives ready to dominate the conversation. If there is one certainty about the Super Bowl of canines, it's that the protest will share the stage with the pageantry. Westminster is an annual collision of tradition, spectacle and dissent, and Peta has become exceptionally good at owning that moment.
Like most pet owners, I'd do just about anything for my cat. Especially in the last two years or so, as my beloved calico Phoebe has entered into what the vet calls the "geriatric" stage. She's still sassy as ever, but also 16 years old now, underweight, and VERY picky - so her appetite and nutrition is something I monitor closely.