🫂 CAT CULTURE
Cat makes surprise return home four days after being ‘cremated’

The legend of a cat’s nine lives took a surreal turn for Nicci Knight when her supposedly cremated cat, Ted, sauntered back home through the cat flap. While vacationing in Turkey, Knight received the heartbreaking news from her neighbors in Newby, North Yorkshire, that Ted had tragically drowned in their pond. Devastated, she arranged for Ted's cremation back in Thornaby, believing her furry family member was gone forever. But just four days after the ceremony, in a twist straight out of a movie, Ted was back, very much alive and well, astonishing everyone, including the bewildered cat sitter who frantically called Knight to break the unbelievable news.

Knight, who had been trying to move past the grief with her family, initially couldn't believe the turn of events and demanded a live FaceTime to see Ted for herself. The joy of seeing Ted alive was mixed with the bizarre realization that they had cremated another cat, having spent £130 on the service for a stranger's pet. The crematorium, caught in the mix-up, even humorously labeled the urn "Not Dead Ted," acknowledging the error in a light-hearted way. Vicki Crallan, director of Heavenly Pets Crematorium, reflected on the incident as "bittersweet," concerned that somewhere, another family was missing their beloved cat, caught up in this extraordinary tale of mistaken identity.

💡 INNOVATIVE INSIGHTS
Overweight 38lb Cat Rescued from Basement, Put on Diet Plan

In the dim basement of a hospital in Perm, Russia, rescuers discovered a notably hefty cat, Crumbs, who weighed in at an astounding 38 pounds, rendering him too overweight to walk. Crumbs had been unwittingly fattened by hospital staff who indulged him with biscuits and rich soup, contributing to his inability to even move on his own. His size, reminiscent of the cartoon character Garfield, was so severe that the local shelter's vets struggled to perform basic health checks, unable to conduct an ultrasound through his thick fat layers.

Now, Crumbs faces a daunting journey to health, with a goal to dramatically reduce his weight to around 10 pounds. The Matroskin Shelter, his new home, has devised a strict diet and plans to introduce treadmill workouts as soon as he regains enough mobility. This significant lifestyle overhaul is in stark contrast to the excessive love he received previously, which ironically endangered his health. The shelter is prepared to bear the high cost of his recovery, emphasizing the importance of proper care over mere affection. As Crumbs gradually sheds the weight, his caretakers remain committed to transforming this dire tale of overfeeding into a success story of recovery and responsible pet love.

💡 INNOVATIVE INSIGHTS
Over 40% of pet cats play fetch — but scientists aren't quite sure why

Playing fetch isn't just for dogs anymore; it turns out cats are getting in on the action as well. Recent research has shed light on this unexpected feline behavior, revealing that many cats also enjoy retrieving toys. This surprising twist adds a new layer to our understanding of domestic cats and their interactions with humans.

• Study Findings: Published in PLOS One, the research shows that about 40% of cats will fetch a thrown toy at least some of the time.

• Cat Behaviors: Besides fetching, 58% of cats carry toys around, and 39% bring toys to their owners to initiate play.

• Breed Preferences: Siamese, Burmese, and Tonkinese cats are most likely to engage in fetching.

• Factors Influencing Fetch: Male cats, those living exclusively indoors, and those in good health are more likely to fetch. Cats living with dogs are less likely to fetch, possibly due to competition or predatory behavior from the dogs.

• Comparative Analysis with Dogs: A parallel survey of over 73,000 dog owners found that nearly 78% of dogs fetch, highlighting a stark contrast with feline behavior.

This study not only highlights fetching as a common behavior in cats but also underscores the energetic and playful nature of these animals, challenging the stereotype of cats as aloof or independent. The researchers hope that these insights will encourage more recognition of the social and interactive capabilities of cats. Ultimately, understanding behaviors like fetching in cats can enhance the way we interact and care for these beloved pets, ensuring they lead happy, stimulating lives.