2012 was a huge year for cats. They popped up everywhere from viral videos, multi-platform advertising campaigns and in homes across the globe. These the most recent stats from the Humane Society.
- There are approximately 86.4 million owned cats in the United States
- Thirty-three percent of U.S. households own at least one cat
- Fifty-two percent of owners own more than one cat
- On average, owners have two cats (2.2)
- More female cats are owned than male cats (80 percent vs. 65 percent respectively)
- Twenty-one percent of owned cats were adopted from an animal shelter
- Cat owners spent an average of $219 on routine veterinary visits
- Eighty-eight percent of owned cats are spayed or neutered
Cats are loved in greater numbers but misconceptions about them continue to abound. More than ever cats are being viewed as members of the family but do they really rule? Despite the progress in awareness and education in cat care and feline behavior, I see a continued need for different levels of education. If you’re a regular reader here, you’re likely ahead of the curve knowing basic cat care and behavior.
What I’ve experienced doing cat consults this year and writing this blog seven day a week blew my mind wide open. I thought I knew cats inside out but what I learned this year boggles my mind! This is some what I’ve learned this year:
- No matter how much information is out there online, in books, on TV or radio, there is more work to be done and gaps to be filled.
- Don’t believe everything you read or hear. Online experts or those on TV or radio often give general advice which may or may not apply to you.
- Cats communicate with us 24/7. Trust your gut. When it doubt, see consult a vet.
- Every relationship between every cat and their guardian is unique.
- Every feline behavioral issue is different even if two cats appear to share the same issue or live in the same household.
- There are exceptions to every rule.
- There is value in reviewing the basics in cat care or behavior.
Our mandate at Cat Wisdom 101 has always been to enlighten and entertain cat lovers everywhere and we will continue to do so. In 2013, we will be moving into new directions to better inform our fast growing audience which doubled in the past year. Thank-you for your continued suggestions and feedback on how we can improve your experience here.
A short update on our Cat Wisdom 101 family. Domino has bounced back from an upper respiratory infection and is happily out of quarantine to the delight of his pals. Merlin is back on Novifit which seems to help with cognitive issues. Gris Gris loves his fishy flakes and bedtime brushings. Odin has grown opposable thumbs. Oops, that’s next year.
Thank-you loving cats!
Peace,’love & purrs,
Layla
Odin, dood! We were all over the news … rats! We eagerly anticipate how you pull the opposable thumb thing off in ’13!
Maxwell, Faraday & Allie recently posted…We’re RICH – in Awards
Cat Wisdom 101 is one of the main sites I rely on for the straight skinny on cats and what is happening in the world involving cats. Many thanks for enlightening me and our blog readers through me. LAPCATS has had a great year with shelter cat adoptions and plan to do many more in 2013. Wishing you and yours a very Happy New Year!
Debbie, thanks for that awesome endorsement. And thank-you for the good work you do on behalf of cats.
Glad to know that Domino is doing better!
And yes, cats rule
Purrs
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Glad to hear everyone is getting better, especially Domino.
Thank-you so much Cynthia. We were so worried about him.
I sure am glad everybody is doing some better! I can’t wait to see what you have in store for next year!
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Pee-Ess, glad DOMINO is back in action! I think I called him Merlin the other day, must be channeling geriatric cats.
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Way back when I started painting portraits of others’ pets, mostly of cats, I was shocked–shocked, I tell you–that anyone could love their cats as much as I did. Then I realized that we all do, in our on way, and we are all in different places on a path to learning about our feline companions. the best is to be patient and know that cats are resilient.
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We have so loved getting to know you all this year… we can’t wait to see what the new year brings. Happy to hear the boys are doing better as well.
Purrs and Love…
pee ess: Odin, have you met Bertrum Thumbcat yet? If not, let us introduce you… heh,heh,heh…
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So glad to hear that Domino is recovering. Does wise Odin really need opposable thumbs? That’s what Layla is for…
Looking forward to another year of being educated and entertained at Cat Wisdom 101!
Thank you.
Maggie
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Maggie, glad you’re on board! The more I think about it… the thought of Odin with opposable thumbs is truly scary
Glad Domino is back in action
PeeEss Austin has proved he is the exception to the rule!!
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Great info! But you know us cats…we always like to keep the humans guessing!! Cats rule!! oxoxox
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I learn something from everything I read about cats…but not nearly as much as they teach me themselves! Just recently May Ling has been instructing me on the Art of Squishing, with her as the chest squisher and me as the squishee. It’s rather fun.
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Nothing beats first hand or paw experience :-0.
boomermuse recently posted…Last Caturday of 2012 – Cats Rule or Do They?
Oh Layla, We was so happy to has met yous and Domino (so glad he is feeling better and can join his pals), Merlin (who is a wonderful senior man cat), Gris Gris and Odin!
We has learned so much from yous guys this year, and we hopes yous has a wonderous new year!
Kisses
Nellie, Kozmo, the hairy Slobbery sisters and Mommy
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That was such a good post. It is so true, we learn things every day just by being around the cats. They are all totally different personalities even if they are brothers and sisters. I think we have all learned a lot this year. Happy New Year to all of you and we are so glad to hear that Domino is better. He is our favorite as you know. And he has come such a long ways.
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The Woman believes I have grown opposable thumbs too. Largely because I don’t eat much but I am getting fatter. She thinks I sneak into the pantry at night (and everything is locked down, so I must have them, right?)
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Can’t wait to read about those opposable thumbs…I think my cat has ‘em too! Happy New Year!
Loy Cerf recently posted…Kitty Fleas and Some New Year’s Nostalgia
Great info and so glad to hear Domino is getting better and better!
Oink oink,
Katie and Coccolino the mini pig
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I too have learned more than I ever thought possible about cats this year and my knowledge continues to grow each and every day. Thank you for enlightening us and I look forward to what 2013 will bring. Peace and love to you and your feline gang! Happy New Year!
Thanks Deb! It was an awesome year wasn’t it? Purrs to your fur gang!
boomermuse recently posted…Last Caturday of 2012 – Cats Rule or Do They?
we always love the exceptions to every rule. thanks for bringing us such great info, 24-7. we are endebted!
Interesting facts… was surprised to see that only 21% of cats came from a shelter. I think I’m going through cat withdrawals since I no longer have one or work with them at the moment. Ah!
Ann Paws recently posted…The End ~ The Year 2012 In Review
Ann, hopefully another cat will be in your future
boomermuse recently posted…Last Caturday of 2012 – Cats Rule or Do They?
Great stats. Yes, cats are truly . . . everything. I think they were put here on earth from someplace like Venus for a higher purpose. To take care of us, so that we do not self-destruct. To show us the path. . . in all things.
In this, I guess they succeed, one biped at a time.
Love love love!
Happy New Purrs!
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