Happy Wednesday:

• 👃 Does your scent actually soothe your cat?

• ⚖️ The cat too big for the scale finds a home

• 😸 A spring reset for your brain

• 🐈‍⬛ Breed spotlight: York Chocolate

True or False?

Napoleon Bonaparte was famously fond of cats.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

You might think your cat finds comfort in your favorite old hoodie, but science says otherwise. A recent study suggests that your scent alone isn’t enough to soothe your cat’s stress when you’re away.

Researchers tested 42 cats in an unfamiliar setting, measuring their anxiety levels when their person was present, absent, or replaced by a scent object like a worn T-shirt. Cats were noticeably calmer with their human nearby, but the scent object didn’t reduce stress. And in some cases, it even seemed to increase it.

The results may not be the whole story. Behaviorists say the short study period and unfamiliar setting may have skewed the findings. But one thing is clear: a steady routine, a quiet space, and the scent of themselves might be more comforting than your dirty laundry.

When Bertha waddled into the shelter this spring, staff had to use the dog scale. She was just too big for the regular one. At 21 pounds and barely mobile, she was quiet, uncomfortable, and clearly in need of a fresh start.

Turns out, she had dental pain that made her favor soft food and eat more than her little body could handle. With gentle walks, a custom diet, and surgery to fix her teeth, she slowly began to feel better. And as the weight came off, her personality came out.

Now 5 pounds lighter and full of sass, Bertha “talks” nonstop and asks for pets like a pro. Best of all? She just went home with a loving adopter who’s helping her stay healthy, and happy, for good.

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The York Chocolate may sound like dessert, but it’s actually one of the rarest and sweetest cat breeds around. These silky, long-haired cats first popped up on a New York farm in the 1980s and have been charming families ever since.

Despite their fancy coats, they’re energetic and curious like their farm cat ancestors. They love interactive play and have a reputation for following their people from room to room. Some even act a little dog-like: vocal, loyal, and always in the mood for company. They’re also gentle with kids and often get along with other pets.

Their gorgeous brown or lavender coats need regular brushing, but they’re generally healthy and can live up to 15 years. York Chocolates aren’t easy to find, but if one joins your family, expect a lot of climbing, lap time, and affection.

This week’s stories are full of warmth, compassion, and unlikely connections:

• ☕ Sphynx cat turns a Keurig into his personal heater

• 💗 Tiny kitten offers quiet comfort to a woman near the end of life

• 🐾 Florida inmates help foster kittens, and find purpose in the process

Daily Purr is brought to you with love from our cats. We hope they can brighten your day, just like they do ours. ❤️

Love,

Olive, Milo, and Yasmine.

🐱 Bite-Sized Treats

🧐 True or False: False. He was actually said to be afraid of them!

😸 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 a unique characteristic of your cat for a surprise in your inbox!