Behaviour & Training

Big cat breeds just means that there's more kitty for you to love! Find out more about the largest domestic cat breeds with PURINA. Many of us often dream of having our very own tiger or leopard to snuggle up with, as their large toe beans and big stature just means there's more cat to love! Though it's not be possible to have these big cats as pets, there are actually quite a few big domestic cats which will quite happily share your residence. You may be wondering what cats are bigger than the average moggy, which is why we've done all the hard work for you and picked out our top 8 large cat breeds. 1. Maine Coon If you're looking for a big cat breed, you'll find everything you want with a Maine Coon. Weighing up to 20 pounds and with big, fluffy coats, they're a lot of cat to love. The Guinness World Record holder for the longest cat was actually a Maine Coon called Barivel, and measured an impressive 3ft 11.2in from head to tail tip.

Boasting super soft coats and a teddy bear-like appearance, fluffy cats are guaranteed to melt your heart and make perfect snuggle companions. Find out more about our top 8 fluffy cat breeds in this article. With their cuddly appearance and super soft fur, fluffy cats are almost like real-life teddy bears. There's nothing more comforting than when they're lying on your lap and you get to run your fingers through their silky coats. But, with great coat comes great responsibility, and it's important to know that there's a price to pay for a long, luxurious coat - and that's regular grooming! If you have enough time in your schedule for a fluffy cat breed, we promise they'll make the perfect cuddle companion. How does a cat's coat work? Cats can have up to three layers of coat which can be made up of the following: • Topcoat - these are the guard hairs on the surface, they're the thickest type and will protect your cat against the elements. • Undercoat - the undercoat is also referred to as 'down' and these are the incredibly soft and fluffy hairs which act as insulation. • Awn hairs - the awn hairs will depend on your cat's breed, but usually they make up your cat's normal coat. Not all cats will have all the layers and some will only have the one. 8 Fluffy cat breeds If you like your kitties with a little more fur, then you'll probably be wondering about the fluffy cat breeds you can get. This list of our top 8 has everything from Persians to Ragamuffins - keep reading to find the perfect fluffy cat for you. 1. Persian Most commonly seen as white fluff balls in television and film (think Mr. Tinkles in Cats & Dogs), the Persian is one of the best loved fluffy cat breeds. Their coat is long and thick all over, with an impressive ruff around their neck and a dramatic tail which would put your feather duster to shame. Due to their amount of fur, it should come as no surprise that they'll require daily grooming to ensure their coat's kept in tip top condition. 2. Maine Coon You'll probably know the Maine Coon as one of the largest cat breeds, and believe us when we say that they have the coat to match! Boasting long bushy tails and a thick, silky coat which was adapted for Maine's climate, this fluffy cat even has paws with thick fur, bred to help protect them against snow during the winter months.

Tiny cats are completely adorable, probably because they remind us so much of kittens! Find out which cats always stay small and keep their kitten like personalities well into adulthood. No one can resist the big eyes and playful personality of an adorable kitten. They melt the hearts of anyone they come into contact with and are always guaranteed to put a smile on our faces. Sadly, the kitten period never lasts for long and while our adult cats are just as wonderful and cute, we often find ourselves missing the good old kitten days. If you want a teacup cat that stays small and playful forever, there are certain small cat breeds that keep their kitten-like appearance and attitude far into their adult years, so you can treasure the precious playful moments for longer. Small cat breeds It's quite hard to define specific small cat breeds, as even the larger breeds will sometimes have the odd small kitty, but there are some which are naturally smaller in stature. Here are our top 6 teacup cats that will always stay petite. 1. Singapura Known as one of the smallest cat breeds in the world, the Singapura is half the size of the average cat. Possessing a kitten size throughout their lives, their bodies are petite and delicate and they usually don't weigh more than 5 pounds (yep, you heard that right!). But don't let their tiny stature fool you, Singapura cats are incredibly agile and make fantastic climbers! Plus, they're the perfect companion if you want a cuddly kitty, as they love nothing more than snuggling on your lap and having a good pet. 2. Munchkin Named after the magical folk in The Wizard of Oz, the Munchkin is possibly one of the most famous small cat breeds. Their tiny size is due to a gene mutation that means that they have little dumpy legs that are much shorter than normal. While their bodies are only slightly smaller than average, their shoulders are very low to the ground, which is why they have such an adorable pottering gait. These small cat breeds may not be able to jump as high or far as the average cat, but they're very fast and active, so be prepared for plenty of kitten-like good fun in your home. Fun fact: The shortest ever munchkin was only 5.25 inches from paw to shoulder! 3. American Curl The American Curl comes in a wide range of sizes due to its diverse gene pool, however most tend to be quite petite. Their most famous characteristic is their ears which curl backwards toward the base of their skull, hence the name. Because of the curl to their ears, they require a little extra cleaning than other cats, but other than that they're a pretty low maintenance breed. This teacup cat breed is perfect if you want an affectionate cat as they have people loving personalities and incredibly playful attitudes, making them ideal for families. Fun fact: American Curls are not actually born with their unique ear shape. At birth, their ears are straight and begin to curl back within 2 to 10 days. 4. Cornish Rex The Cornish Rex is a small cat most commonly identified by its unusually curly coat. Possessing only down hair which is super soft to the touch, they're also a hypoallergenic cat breed as they don't shed very much. Where their bodies may look lithe, they tend to only weigh around 8 pounds and keep their adorable kitten like appearance and attitude forever. Fun fact: You'll have to be sure to keep the snacks locked up with this small cat breed as they have long, agile toes which are excellent at opening cabinets and doors. 5. Devon Rex

As your cat ages, their sleep patterns might change. Older cats may sleep more, with their energy levels simply decreasing with age. Other times, senior cats might sleep more during the day, saving their energy for evenings and nighttime explorations. While you might find this a little disruptive, it's a natural shift in their sleep cycle. Learn how to understand these sleeping patterns and create a cozy sleep haven to ensure they get the rest they need. Common Changes in Older Cats' Sleep Patterns How Many Hours Do Cats Sleep Ever wondered how long cats sleep for? It's a question many cat owners ponder, especially as their feline companions seem to spend a lot of time napping. Cats do manage to fit in a lot of quality catnaps, but this can be especially noticeable as cats age. Older cats can sleep anywhere from 16 to 20 hours a day, compared to the 12-15 hours of adult cats. This increased need for sleep is attributed to decreased energy levels and a more relaxed lifestyle. Some maintain their nighttime activity levels but sleep most of the day to conserve that nocturnal energy. So, if your senior cat seems to be sleeping more than usual, or their sleep patterns change, it's likely nothing to worry about. However, if you're ever concerned about a sudden change in your cat's sleep patterns, especially if you see other symptoms, it's always best to consult your vet. Senior Cat Sleep-Wake Cycles Another common change is a shift in sleep-wake cycles. While cats are crepuscular, in other words more active at dawn and dusk, older cats may become more active at night and sleep more during the day. This can sometimes be disruptive for owners, especially in the case of indoor cats, but it's important to remember it's a natural shift and rarely a cause for concern. If you have a cat who has constant access to the great outdoors, you might not notice that they are more active at night, just noticing that they are sleeping more during the day. If you think this is the case, you could monitor the cat flap with a webcam to get an idea of their nighttime wanderings. Factors Affecting Sleep in Older Cats Several factors can influence your older cat's sleep quality: Environmental Factors and Comfort No matter what the age of your cat, environmental factors like loud noises, constant disruption, uncomfortable bedding, or a lack of appropriate sleeping areas can affect sleep quality. Senior cat care: Health Issues Impacting Sleep Underlying health conditions, such as arthritis, hyperthyroidism, or cognitive dysfunction, can disrupt sleep patterns. Pain from arthritis can make it difficult for your cat to get comfortable, and hyperthyroidism can cause restlessness. Health Concerns Related to Sleep Disturbances While increased sleep is normal for older cats, significant and/or sudden changes in sleep patterns can sometimes indicate underlying health issues. Signs to watch for include excessive vocalisation at night, restlessness, pacing, difficulty settling, or changes in litter box habits or loss of toilet training. If you notice any concerning changes in your cat's sleep patterns, consult your veterinarian to rule out any medical conditions. Tips for Promoting Healthy Sleep in Older Cats Ideal Sleeping Areas and Bedding for Older Cats Provide multiple, easily accessible sleeping areas throughout the house in places where your cat won’t be disturbed. These should be at a variety of heights and places your cat enjoys hanging out (such as a sunny window ledge) but you need to ensure easy access (so consider using ramps etc). Sometimes if a cat is feeling stiff or a bit sore, they will sleep in a less-favoured spot that they can access easily and without pain, but this might be somewhere uncomfortable or somewhere they can’t relax and get good quality sleep. Choose soft, supportive bedding that allows for easy stretching and accommodates any stiffness. Sometimes if a cat is feeling stiff or a bit sore, they will sleep in a less-favoured spot that they can access easily and without pain, but this might be somewhere uncomfortable or somewhere they can’t relax and get good quality sleep. Choose soft, supportive bedding that allows for easy stretching and accommodates any stiffness. Managing Noise and Disturbances Minimise disruptions by keeping loud activities to a minimum. Make sure you give your cat quiet places to sleep so they can access peace and quiet. Establishing a Routine While understanding that it is natural for cats to be active in the evenings and the early part of the night, you can help encourage a nighttime sleep schedule with regular feeding times and playtime before bed. Creating a consistent routine can be helpful for promoting healthy sleep in older cats. Here are things you can think about to help with routine: Set regular feeding times Feed your cat at consistent times throughout the day, using the most suitable senior cat food for your companion, with the last meal being close to bedtime. This helps regulate their digestive system and toileting needs, and helps prepare them for a night of sleep. Schedule playtime Engage your cat in gentle playtime before bedtime. This helps burn off some energy and promotes relaxation. Keep play sessions short and focused on low-impact activities they can manage, like feather wand toys or puzzle feeders. Maintain a consistent sleep environment If you have an indoor cat, keep their sleeping areas quiet and undisturbed throughout the night. Minimise disruptions Consistency is key, so try to maintain a predictable nighttime routine that allows your cat to settle comfortably for sleep. If you know you are likely to need to get up in the middle of the night, try to not disturb your cat. By implementing these tips and establishing a consistent routine, you can help encourage your older cat to keep to their regular routine as they age, and promote restful sleep for a happier and healthier cat. Conclusion By understanding the changes in your ageing cat's sleep habits and creating a comfortable sleep environment, you can ensure your senior cat gets the rest they need to live a happy and healthy life. Remember, any significant changes in sleep patterns warrant a visit to the veterinarian to ensure your cat's wellbeing.

Cats are the masters of the internet, and it probably very often happens that you come across different photos of them displaying very human-like facial expressions. Grumpy cats, happy cats, sad cats – they’re just like us, you might think. But are their facial expressions really the same as ours - can cats smile, or laugh, or look sad? If you’re the proud owner of a feline, you know that there’s more to the way they show their feelings and communicate with you but even though they might have facial expressions that seem to resemble smiling or laughing, these expressions are not necessarily connected with the way they feel.

Choosing the best name for a new feline friend is not always easy. You’d want something that’s unique and suits your cat very well. If you recently became the owner of a big cat, like a Bengal, or a Maine Coon, we have some big cat names for you to consider. There’s no right or wrong when picking a cat name and with the plethora of name options out there, you’re sure to find the one that’s best. Short or long, funny or not, Disney- or movie-inspired, we’ve got you covered. Check out some of the best big cat names and pick the one that’s most suited to your furry friend.

Some cats enjoy being taken care of in a domestic environment, others require constant attention on top of that, and then there are farm cats. They are one of the most independent and self-reliant types of domestic animals. Give them a loving home and free reign over a back yard, a barn, or, of course, a farm, and they will be in their element. If you’re thinking about adopting a barn cat, we’ve put together a short guide on what to expect. Read on to learn more about the process of adding an outdoor, independence-loving feline to your household.

Whether you’re looking for help with training or to entertain your feline friend, cat apps are the perfect solution for this. But it can be hard to know which cat apps are suited for your dear feline, which is why we have a list for you. Check it out below!

Need a bit of name inspiration for your ginger kitten? Choosing a cat name for your furry friend can be difficult. After all, you want something that perfectly fits their looks and their personality! Don’t worry, we have a list of orange/ginger cat names to help you make this important decision. Take a look!

The Chimera cat has become ever more popular through the power of social media. But this mysterious and fascinating feline has a long history. There is plenty about this cat to make any animal lover fall in love with them. So, carry on reading to find out all you need to know about Chimera cats.

Are you about to introduce a new black and white cat to your family? If you’re at a loss as to what to name your new feline friend, we’re here to help with a few suggestions of some very popular black and white cat names that could suit your cat perfectly. Check out our lists of popular, famous and interesting names to call your black and white cat.

You’ve probably seen your feline friend resting peacefully in lots of different positions, but did you know that cat sleeping positions have meaning behind them? From being stretched out with their bellies exposed, to curled up in a cat loaf, it’s easy to wonder why they’re sleeping like that, and we have the answers for you! Whether they’re fans of their cat bed, or prefer the luxury of a sofa, we’ve listed all the cat sleeping positions for you here so you know what to expect at each stage of their sleep.