Happy Thursday:

• 🐱 A cat’s journey through motherhood

• 🐈 Do cats think we are their moms?

• 🌷 Our favorite Mother’s Day finds

• 😺 Cat of the day, Sammie

True or False?

Mother cats can recognize their kittens by scent.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

Kathi arrived in foster care just in time. Found outside in the late stages of pregnancy, she was already dealing with an upper respiratory infection. Despite everything, she settled in quietly, adjusting to a safe space where her needs were finally being met.

A few weeks later, she gave birth to four kittens. She stayed calm through it all, cleaning and nursing them as they began to grow. The kittens were healthy and active, slowly starting to explore their surroundings as they got stronger.

Not long after, Kathi began showing signs of distress. She struggled with breathing and appetite, making recovery more complicated while she was still nursing.

Even with those challenges, she continued caring for her kittens. They are now beginning to wean and gain independence, while she receives support to help her recover. The goal is to keep the family together as long as possible, giving both Kathi and her kittens a better path forward.

Ever feel like your cat treats you like more than just the person who fills their food bowl? You’re not imagining it. A study out of Oregon State University found that cats show the same attachment styles to their humans as babies do to their moms. That means trust, closeness, and even comfort-seeking are all part of the relationship.

But let’s clear something up: your cat doesn’t literally think you’re their mom. “Cats are smarter than that,” says feline behaviorist Kristiina Wilson. While they might not mistake us for their biological mothers, the bond is still deep. Think best friend, not birth parent.

Still, there’s something special about how they interact with us. When they knead your lap, curl up nearby, or follow you from room to room, it’s their version of showing love and attachment.

So no, they’re not confusing you with their mother. But they do see you as someone safe, familiar, and meaningful. Which, when you think about it, might be even better.

Mother’s Day doesn’t have to mean overthinking the perfect gift. The best ones are often the things she’ll actually use and appreciate every day. This year’s picks focus on comfort, care, and small upgrades that make daily life feel a little easier:

• 💚 Paleovalley: A simple way to support everyday wellness. Their 100% Grass Fed Bone Broth Protein is collagen-rich, easy to mix into coffee or smoothies, and designed to support energy, digestion, and more. Get 15% off automatically.

• 🖼️ Canvas Discount: Turn a favorite photo into a custom canvas print she’ll see every day. A personal, easy way to create something meaningful. Use code BESTMOM for up to 20% off.

• 🐶 Maxbone: An easy way to upgrade mealtime for dogs. Their freeze-dried food delivers the nutrition of fresh food with the ease of kibble. Get 40% off your first subscription plus free shipping.

• 🌿 Aera: A smarter way to keep a home smelling fresh. Odor-fighting diffusers designed to transform, not mask, everyday smells. Free shipping through the end of the month. Through 5/4 only, get 25% off selected bundles and sets.

• 🍳 HexClad: Hybrid cookware built to last. Dishwasher safe, PFAS-free, and designed to handle everyday cooking without wear and tear. Get up to 49% off through May 11.

Looking for more ideas? Shop the full Mother’s Day Gift Guide here.

Thank you to our Mother’s Day Gift Guide for sponsoring Daily Purr.

Meet Sammie, an 8-year-old Siamese rescue with a personality all her own.

She’s fiercely independent and runs affection strictly on her terms, but when she decides it’s cuddle time, she’s all in. Her favorite spot is stretched across her owner’s chest, making sure she has full attention. And the second she hears her son coming, Sammie is up and sprinting to greet him.

From dive-bombing into her cat cave to turning playtime into a full hunting mission, Sammie keeps things lively. Equal parts sass and sweetness, she brings plenty of love and laughter to her home.

From milestone moments to thoughtful gestures and early bonds, here’s what’s trending this week:

• 🎉 Orange cat celebrates a major 20th birthday in style

• 🌷 Our favorite Mother’s Day finds

• 🍝 Ragdoll cat proudly brings home pasta like a prized gift

• 🐾 What shapes the bond between kittens and their mothers

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: True. Scent is the primary way they identify and bond with their litter.

😸 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 “meow” for a surprise in your inbox!