The Foster Files

The Shy Cat Breakthrough: Helping Traumatized or Antisocial Rescue Cats Gain Confidence

Your new rescue cat has been living under your bed for three weeks. They only eat when you're not home. When you get too close, they hiss. When you try... Read more...

Senior Cats and End-of-Life Care: Making Compassionate Decisions for Aging Rescues

Your senior rescue cat is sleeping more. They're eating less. They're slowing down. And you're starting to ask the questions you've been avoiding: How much longer? How do I know... Read more...

Feline Behavior Problems: Understanding Why Your Cat Isn't Being 'Bad,' They're Being a Cat

Your cat just knocked your favorite mug off the counter while making direct eye contact with you. You're standing there thinking, "This is personal. My cat hates me." Read more...

The Great Litter Box Debate: How Many You Need and Where to Put Them

Your cat just peed on your clean laundry. Again. And you're standing there thinking, "I provide food, shelter, love—why are you betraying me like this?" Read more...

Introducing a New Cat to Your Multi-Cat Household

You're standing in your living room with a carrier containing a new cat, and your current feline residents are giving you looks that could melt steel. This is the moment... Read more...

Why Letting Your Indoor Cat Outside Is a Dangerous Gamble

There's a moment every indoor cat owner experiences: your cat sits at the window, chirping at birds, looking longingly at the world beyond the glass. Read more...

The Complete Guide to Cat Dental Care: Products and Tips for Healthy Teeth

If you've ever gotten up close and personal with your cat only to be greeted by breath that could knock you over, you're not alone. Cat dental health is one... Read more...

DIY Cat Shelter: How to Build a Warm Winter Home for Stray Cats Using Storage Bins

When temperatures drop, stray and feral cats in your neighborhood face life-threatening conditions. While these resourceful survivors are tougher than house cats, they still need protection from freezing temperatures, wind,... Read more...

The Cat Breed Guide: Colors, Coats, and Personalities

If you've ever wondered why your friend's Siamese won't stop talking while your Persian barely makes a sound, or why that Maine Coon down the street acts more like a... Read more...

What You Need to Know About Foster Failing

A "foster fail" is what happens when someone fosters an animal and ends up keeping them instead of adopting them out. And despite the name, it's actually one of the most... Read more...

How to Socialize a Shy or Semi-Feral Cat

Some of the most rewarding relationships I've had with cats started with a terrified little soul hiding under furniture, hissing at any movement, convinced that humans were the enemy. Read more...

Best Enrichment Toys for Indoor Cats

Living with four cats has taught me a lot about keeping indoor kitties mentally and physically satisfied. When you're responsible for entertaining multiple personalities with different play styles, energy levels,... Read more...