Happy Thursday:

• 🧬 The science behind why kittens are so adorable

• 🐱 How to train your kitten

• 😸 Toilet paper with a mission

• 📸 The ultimate cat holiday photoshoot guide

Have you ever looked at a kitten and thought, “How can anything be this adorable?” Well, science has an explanation as to why. It all comes down to something called the “baby schema,” a set of physical traits that trigger our brain’s caregiving instincts.

With their big eyes, tiny noses, rounded heads, and fluffy bodies, kittens are designed to capture our attention and affection. These features are similar to those found in human babies and tap into the part of our brain that responds to cuteness by releasing feel-good chemicals like dopamine.

This overwhelming cuteness isn’t just for show—it’s also a survival mechanism. In the wild, these adorable traits encourage adults, whether humans or mother cats, to nurture and protect kittens as they grow.

Science aside, one thing is certain: kittens don’t need an explanation to win our hearts—we’d find them adorable no matter what!

Training a kitten might sound ambitious, but it’s entirely possible—and beneficial—for both of you. With a little patience and the right approach, you can teach your kitten good habits. Here’s how to get started:

• Start Early: Kittens are naturally curious and eager to learn, making their early months the perfect time to introduce training. Start with basic behaviors like using the litter box and scratching posts.

• Positive Reinforcement: Cats respond best to rewards like treats, praise, or playtime. Reward good behavior consistently to reinforce it—think treats for using the scratching post instead of the couch!

• Litter Box Training: Place your kitten in the litter box after meals or naps. If they use it, reward them immediately. Keep the box clean and easily accessible to make it a stress-free experience.

• Discourage Unwanted Behavior: Redirect negative behavior, like biting or scratching, with toys or a gentle “no.” Avoid punishment, as it can create fear or confusion.

• Socialization is Key: Expose your kitten to different people, environments, and gentle handling to help them grow into a confident, well-adjusted adult cat.

Training your kitten isn’t just about teaching manners—it’s also a great way to build trust and strengthen your bond. With patience, consistency, and a lot of love, your little furball can grow into a well-behaved companion.

Every 24 hours, 27,000 trees are cut down to make toilet paper. To us, that feels like way too many — and Honeycomb agrees. That’s why this small, female-founded brand created luxury, 3-ply toilet tissue made from bamboo. It feels just like regular high-end toilet paper but doesn’t harm trees.

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Thank you to Honeycomb for sponsoring Daily Purr.

Holiday photoshoots aren’t just for humans—your cat can easily steal the spotlight with a little planning! Here’s how to make the experience fun, festive, and stress-free:

• Set the Scene: Create a cozy, festive backdrop using blankets, lights, or seasonal props. Keep it simple to avoid overwhelming your cat.

• Timing is Everything: Snap photos when your cat is relaxed or playful—after a nap or a play session is usually ideal.

• Incorporate Familiar Props: Include your cat’s favorite blanket, toy, or perch alongside holiday decorations like ornaments or gift boxes for natural and adorable moments.

• Keep It Comfortable: If you’re adding festive attire, like a bowtie or collar, make sure it’s comfortable and doesn’t irritate your cat.

• Use Treats and Toys: Hold up a treat or wand toy near the camera to grab your cat’s attention. Reward them throughout the shoot to keep things positive.

• Be Patient and Quick: Cats have short attention spans, so snap plenty of photos quickly. Candid, spontaneous moments often make the best pictures!

• Don’t Force It: If your cat isn’t feeling cooperative, try again later. A happy, comfortable cat always results in better photos—and a more enjoyable experience for you both.

Let your cat’s personality shine, and have fun capturing their festive side. After all, those little quirks are what make the photos truly special.

Have an adorable holiday photo of your cat? We’d love to see it—send it in and share the cuteness!

From a heartwarming holiday truce between a cat and dog, plus a must-watch cat TikTok—don’t miss these highlights:

• 🐶 Cat and Dog Holiday Truce - See how a cat and dog put aside their differences to enjoy some festive peace and joy together. Read more.

• 📹 Viral Odd Cat Trend - Show your cat this video and witness their funny reaction—don’t miss it! Watch now.

In the time it takes to read today’s edition, an estimated 93 trees will be cut down to meet toilet paper demand. Honeycomb is helping to change that with luxury, three-ply tissue made from sustainable bamboo. It’s biodegradable, plastic-free, and will be delivered straight to you.

New customers can use code PURR30 for 30% off their first shipment. Expires tonight.

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🐱 Bite-Sized Treats

🧐 True or False: True, kittens can dream. They experience REM sleep, a stage associated with dreaming, even when they’re only a few weeks old.

😸 COTD: Give your kitty the spotlight by submitting them for Cat of the Day! This month’s theme is all about festive felines in the holiday spirit. Reply to this email with your best photos of your cat looking cozy, festive, or spreading holiday cheer. Be sure to include their name and a short description to be featured in an upcoming newsletter!