Arthur and Merlin trying to sleep on Mommy’s bed while she tries to change the bedding.

Here are a few articles I’ve written on feline topics:

Why cats purr and what they are saying when they meow

Cats, like people, love to talk and they will talk to you. You just will not be able to understand them.

What did that cat just say? If you are owned by a cat, you will say that at least once a month.

The cat purr is the most mysterious sound a cat can make. They purr when they are happy. They purr when they are scared. The act of purring seems to make them feel better and it has the same effect on people.

What makes a good cat name?

Your new cat climbs out of its carrier and you are faced with a choice. What should you call your kitty? What makes a good cat name?

As your cat explores its new home, you think about cat names. Some names are based on the cat’s appearance. Shadow or Midnight suit a black cat. Baby boomer traditionalists might think of Puff, the cat in the Dick and Jane series of children’s books. Science fiction fans will remember that Data on Star Trek: The Next Generation named his cat Spot.

Give your cat a great place to sleep

Your cat is an important member of the family. Why not give your cat a great place to sleep with a comfortable cat bed?

Cat beds come in all shapes and sizes, and in all price ranges. You can spend from as little as $8 to $150 and more, and they can be heated, enclosed, covered with all types of fabrics and in just about any color.

Your cat’s age will affect some of your choices. A kitten will not want or need a bed that fits an adult cat. An older cat will appreciate a heated bed more. Some beds may be too tall for your cat to climb in to easily. The right size for a cat bed is one that allows your cat to fit without lots of leftover space.

Dental care tips for cats

Cat dental health is an often overlooked topic. Our feline friends have such tiny teeth when compared to those of dogs that many cat owners assume that cat dental care is unnecessary.

Teeth, whether in a human or a cat, can become covered in plaque and tarter. Cats have an advantage over humans because they will rarely get cavities, since a cat’s diet is usually low in the sugars that help to create cavities in people. Plaque and tarter, though, will result in gum disease in cats just as it does in humans.

The course will consist of two legs. The first will be from daddy’s bedroom door to the photo cabinet in mommy’s room. The second leg of the race will be the reverse of the first.

Cats participating in races will reverse starting field order for the second leg of the race.

While overtaking is encouraged, passing is not allowed. Cats may join the race in progress but must enter at the rear of the field.

Running into mommy or daddy is not allowed. Running into other cats is also disapproved. Spectator cats are warned to stay well clear of the race course. Furniture may be used as part of the course but only if all cats racing are thin enough to make the jumps required.

Pit stops for personal hygiene and grooming are allowed. Other cats participating in the race will remain in position, idling their engines, until the butt licking has concluded. Race participants are allowed one (1) sniff of the stopped cat to ensure overall hygiene.

In the event of a crash, race participants will scatter until rescue crews determine the situation. The race may be canceled at this point or rescheduled.

Cat races are under the aegis of NACR, the National Association of Cat Racing. Rules are subject to change without notice. All decisions by mommy and daddy are final. Appeals by purring and rubbing will be considered.