Happy Monday:

• 🐱 The cat that trains dogs

• 🐈 Why does my cat chase lasers?

• 😸 Live more comfortably with your furry friend

• 🐈‍⬛ COTD, Barry and Patches

Did You Know?

Cats have over __ muscles that control their ears.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

Frank the Siamese isn’t just lounging in sunbeams. He’s working alongside Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, making sure trainee pups know how to live with cats.

Every new dog meets Frank through a glass door first. If they stay calm, the next step is a closer introduction while Frank relaxes on his owner’s lap. His body language, relaxed muscles or a flick of the tail, tells trainers if a dog is ready to share a home with a cat.

Frank didn’t apply for the job. His career started when he bonded with a foster puppy years ago, impressing trainers so much that he was promoted to “chief cat tester.” Since then, dozens of pups have passed through his feline screening process.

It’s not all work, of course. Frank gets paid in roast chicken, his favorite snack. And while he looks like he’s just hanging out, he’s shaping which dogs go on to become life-changing partners for deaf owners.

Cats and lasers are a match made in chaos. That tiny red dot zipping across the floor? To your cat, it looks just like fast-moving prey that needs to be caught. Their hunting instincts kick in, even if their dinner is already waiting in a bowl.

Part of the appeal is how cats see the world. Their eyes are packed with rods—cells that detect movement—so that flicker of red instantly grabs attention. Once they spot it, the chase is on.

Still, not every expert loves laser toys. Because cats can’t ever “catch” the dot, some may get frustrated. The fix? End play with a toy they can actually pounce on or a treat for a satisfying “catch.”

Used thoughtfully, lasers can be great exercise and mental stimulation. Just never shine it in their eyes, and mix in other toys too.

If you're retired and finding it tough to make ends meet on Social Security or a pension, a reverse mortgage could help take some of the pressure off. With the "tenure" payment plan, you can receive reliable monthly payments for as long as you live in your home and keep up with basic responsibilities like property taxes and insurance. It’s a way to turn your home’s value into extra income without giving up the place you love, so you can enjoy a more comfortable and secure retirement.

To qualify for a reverse mortgage, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be at least 62 years old.

• You must own your home outright or have a low remaining mortgage balance that can be paid off at closing with reverse mortgage proceeds.

• The home must be your primary residence (not a second home or rental property).

• Eligible properties include single-family homes, FHA-approved condos, townhomes, and certain multi-unit properties (up to 4 units, as long as you live in one).

• You must demonstrate the ability to pay property taxes, homeowners insurance, and maintenance costs.

• You must complete a HUD-approved reverse mortgage counseling session to ensure you understand the loan terms and implications.

View Money’s list of the best reverse mortgage providers to compare some top-rated options.

Thank you to Money.com for sponsoring Daily Purr.

Meet Barry, a handsome tuxedo cat rescued by Daily Purr reader Barb. After spotting him hanging around and noticing he was extremely matted, Barb began feeding him and, with the help of a wonderful woman who works with local shelters doing TNVR, was able to trap him on August 11, 2025.

Barry had surgery the next day, where he was shaved and given the care he needed. Almost immediately, he showed his sweet nature. By the very next day, he was out of the carrier, looking for pets. Barb believes Barry came into her life at just the right time, after the recent loss of her dog, to keep her busy and to help heal her heart.

As it turns out, Barry wasn’t alone. Another tuxedo, now named Patches, was also trapped on August 19. Patches is still a bit shy, but Barb is hopeful he’ll warm up soon. She thinks they may even be siblings, making this rescue story twice as special.

From fresh cuts to famous cat fans, here’s what’s trending this week:

• ✂️ Munchkin cat’s new haircut has everyone saying “boots with the fur”

• 🎤 Taylor Swift shows off her surprising knowledge of cat breeds

• 📹 Woman greets her cat through a pet camera for the very first time

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

🧐 Did You Know: Cats have over 30 muscles that control their ears.

😸 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 your cat’s favorite food for a surprise in your inbox!