Happy Thursday:

• 🩷 A foster kitten becomes a surprise Mom to an orphan kitten

• 🐈 A great mother’s day gift idea

• 🐱 A cat of the day, mom and son duo

• 🦁 What house cats still share with lions

Why does my cat…

Why does my cat tap me with their paw but not use their claws?

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

After a newborn litter lost their mother, a foster caretaker did everything she could to save them. But the real surprise came from Poppy, a half-grown kitten already in her care. Though Poppy wasn’t old enough to be a mom, she immediately began helping in the one way she could—by grooming and cuddling the fragile newborns.

Without a mother, young kittens struggle to survive. They can’t regulate their body temperature or even go to the bathroom without help. Bottle feeding and round-the-clock care are essential, but the emotional comfort of another cat makes a huge difference.

Sadly, only one of the five kittens survived. The tiny orange kitten, named Red, made it through with the help of both his human foster mom and Poppy. He’s now past the most fragile stage, exploring the world with open eyes and an unsteady gait.

The bond between Red and Poppy continues to grow, with Poppy still by his side as he learns to play and move on his own. It’s a reminder of how even a small act of care can help another life keep going.

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A Daily Purr reader shares the story of Lady Marmalade (the tuxedo cat) and her son Spike (the gray cat), now living the cozy life in North Carolina. Before Hurricane Helene hit, Lady Marmalade showed up under the porch with five tiny kittens in tow. Luckily, the whole crew was brought inside just in time.

The kittens spent their early days tumbling through a maze of Amazon boxes while Lady Marmalade rested and nursed them. Over time, each of Spike’s siblings found a loving home, but Spike stayed, and the bond between him and his mom only grew stronger.

Now, with windows to watch and blankets to curl up on, Lady Marmalade and Spike are thriving. Thank you to our Daily Purr reader for giving them such a safe and loving place to land, and for sharing their story with us. Want to see your cat featured as the Daily Purr Cat of the Day? Send in a photo and some fun facts about your kitty—they might be next!

Ever caught your cat making a strange face after sniffing something? That’s called the flehmen response, and lions do it too. This wild-looking behavior helps cats process scents through a special organ humans don’t have—just one of many links between your house cat and their larger cousins.

From ambush-style hunting to kneading with their paws, domestic cats carry traces of their wild ancestors in everyday life. Though your cat may curl up on the couch, they share the same dietary needs, body structure, and nighttime instincts as species like tigers and leopards. Even their play mimics hunting—pawing, pouncing, and stalking fuzzy toys like prey.

But what sets your cat apart is their ability to bond with humans. While most wild cats live solitary lives, domestic cats have adapted to form close social ties with us and with each other.

They may look cozy and cute, but every swipe at a string or curious sniff of the air is a nod to their wild heritage. Think of your cat as a miniature, purring predator—one that just happens to like head scratches.

From bedtime glam to closed-door drama, here’s what’s trending:

• 🐶 Cat mom adorably introduces her kittens to the family dog. Watch here!

• 🌙 This cat’s nighttime routine gives off total celebrity vibes. Watch here!

• 🚪 Tired of the meowing at closed doors? Here’s how to stop it. Find out now!

• 💐 Searching for the perfect Mother’s Day gift to show your mom love? Shop here!

• 📸 These digital picture frames are the perfect Mother’s Day gift for all the moms in your life! Check them out.

🐱 Bite-Sized Treats

🧐 Why Does My Cat: That’s a polite cat tap—it means “hello,” “pay attention to me,” or “move, please.”

😸 COTD: Give your kitty the spotlight by submitting them for Cat of the Day. Reply to this email with your best photos of your cat, their name, and a short description for the chance to be featured in an upcoming newsletter!

💌 Reply for a surprise: If you are reading this reply with how your cat gets your attention for a surprise in your inbox!