If you’ve ever noticed a group of cats sunbathing together in a park or alley, you’ve seen a colony — and chances are, they might be part of a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program. The idea is as kind as it is effective: cats are humanely trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and then returned to their outdoor homes. Friendly or socialized cats may be adopted into loving families, but feral cats — the ones who’ve grown up outside and prefer it that way — are released right back where they live, ending the breeding cycle.

Studies show TNR doesn’t just stop new kittens from being born — it stabilizes and even reduces colony sizes over time. At the University of Florida, one 11-year TNR study saw cat populations drop by more than 60%, with no new litters after the first few years. As the constant stress of mating disappears, cats become calmer, fight less, and stay healthier overall.

For communities, that means quieter nights, fewer kittens in shelters, and happier neighbors. For the cats, it means safety, stability, and a life that’s finally peaceful. In the simplest terms, TNR gives outdoor cats what they deserve — a chance to live and belong, without the endless cycle of survival.

Meet Boo Boo — a once-timid kitty who’s truly come out of her shell. After moving to a new home and becoming the only cat in the house, she’s blossomed into a confident, affectionate companion.

These days, Boo Boo enjoys cozying up on soft blankets at the foot of the bed, watching TV with her sister pup, and chasing laser beams with precision. She’s got beds in all her favorite observation spots — from baskets to a closet shelf — where she can keep a watchful eye on everything.

When it’s time for a snack or play, Boo Boo has no problem communicating. She’ll lead her human to her food bowl or meow for her favorite treat-dispensing toy. A truly good girl, inside and out.

After a couple of weeks of testing the Litter-Robot 5 with my cats, I finally understand why it’s earned its reputation as the gold standard for automated litter boxes. This is my first time using a self-cleaning litter box, and the difference was immediate — my home no longer smells like cat litter, and I’ve completely retired the daily scoop.

My one-year-old cat, Olive, is endlessly curious and full of energy. She’s turned the Litter-Robot’s cleaning cycle into her favorite new game, running over to “check on it” whenever it starts. Thankfully, the built-in safety sensors automatically pause the cycle when she gets too close — something I’ve come to really appreciate, since she shows no signs of losing interest.

What impressed me most, though, is how smart this version is. Through the app, I created individual profiles for each cat, complete with their weight and any health notes. The robot then tracks litter box usage per cat, which is especially valuable for monitoring my older cat, Chance, who’s had bladder issues in the past. Now, I can see how often he’s using the box and spot changes early — a real peace of mind feature.

The Litter-Robot 5 doesn’t just make life easier — it makes it cleaner, safer, and smarter for both cats and humans. For multi-cat households or anyone tired of scooping, it’s a serious upgrade that’s worth every penny. Thank you for sending us one, Litter-Robot!

Thank you to Litter-Robot for sending us, at Daily Purr, their new litter box. It has made my kitties’ and my life so much better!

For generations, cats and milk have gone hand in hand — or paw in saucer. But according to veterinarians, that classic image is more fantasy than fact. Most adult cats are lactose intolerant, meaning they can’t properly digest the sugar found in milk. Without enough of the enzyme lactase, drinking milk can lead to stomach upset, vomiting, gas, and diarrhea.

Even if your cat doesn’t react immediately, milk isn’t a healthy treat. Cow’s milk is high in fat and sugar, which can lead to weight gain and nutritional imbalance. If your cat really loves the taste, a small teaspoon once or twice a week is fine — but regular servings can cause trouble over time.

Kittens are the only exception. They can safely drink their mother’s milk, or a specialized kitten formula if orphaned — but never cow, goat, or plant-based milks. For adult cats, water is always the best choice. Try a pet water fountain or add ice cubes to their bowl for enrichment. Turns out, the healthiest drink for your cat has been right under their whiskers all along.