Happy Thursday:

• 🐱 See a shelter cat get “ears”

• 🐰 Why do cats bunny kick?

• 😸 Handling unexpected vet bills

• ☕ Inside Vancouver’s Catoro Cat Café

When Sweet Pea was rescued from a parking lot in central Arkansas by Best Friends Animal Society, it was clear she had endured a difficult past. Missing her ears and in need of care, her condition was heartbreaking.

Yet, when Sweet Pea arrived at foster mom Erin Parker’s home her sweet and affectionate nature quickly shone through. “She wasn’t shy at all,” Parker said. “She wanted lots of attention.”

Wanting to make Sweet Pea feel extra special, Parker asked her girlfriend, Chloe, to crochet a pair of soft ears for her. The result? An adorable set of purple ears that Sweet Pea immediately embraced. “She made biscuits and strutted around,” Parker said.

The crocheted ears helped Sweet Pea catch the attention of a family ready to give her a forever home. Today, Sweet Pea spends her days playing with toys, basking in windowsills, and enjoying a safe, loving environment. Her new family shared that her ears have healed, and she’s settled in beautifully.

Despite Sweet Pea’s real ears being fully healed, she still has her crocheted ears close by at all times. “She still has the ears,” Parker said. “They’re hers.”

Sweet Pea’s story shows the resilience of animals and the importance of giving pets with differences a chance—they often have the most love to give.

If you’ve ever watched your cat grab onto a toy or your arm and kick furiously with their back legs, you’ve witnessed the infamous “bunny kick.” It’s an adorable yet puzzling behavior, but there’s actually a lot of purpose behind those powerful kicks:

• Hunting Instincts - In the wild, cats use bunny kicks to subdue prey. By gripping with their front paws and kicking with their back legs, they can deliver quick and effective blows—perfect for hunting or defending themselves.

• Playtime Practice - During play, bunny kicks allow cats to practice their natural hunting skills. That toy mouse or dangling string becomes their "prey," and the kicks are part of their instinctive response.

• Self-Defense - If a cat feels threatened, bunny kicks can act as a defensive move. By kicking rapidly, they protect themselves from predators or anything they perceive as a threat.

• Overstimulation - Sometimes, a bunny kick can signal that your cat is overstimulated. If they go from cuddly to kicking during petting, it might mean they’re feeling overwhelmed and want some space.

• Expressing Boundaries - Cats might use bunny kicks as a way to set boundaries, especially if they feel their personal space is being invaded or if play gets too rough.

So, whether it’s for play, practice, or setting boundaries, the bunny kick is just another way our cats express their personalities and instincts. Does your cat display this behavior?

Thank you to Money.com for sponsoring Daily Purr.

For cat enthusiasts, few experiences compare to sipping tea surrounded by friendly felines. Vancouver’s Catoro Cat Café offers exactly that—a welcoming space where rescued cats and people connect, and second chances are given to cats in need of homes.

Since its founding in 2019 by Daniel Wilson and Annah van Eeghen, Catoro has become a haven for both cats and cat lovers. Over the years, nearly 1,300 cats have found forever homes through their adoption program. Visitors pay $18 for an hour-long visit, with every dollar directly supporting the café’s rescue efforts and operations.

Regular patrons, like Daniel Li, find the café as therapeutic as it is rewarding. “Everything about it makes me happy,” he says, praising the caring staff and the chance to help cats who’ve had rough beginnings.

For Wilson, the most fulfilling part of running Catoro is seeing the transformation in the cats. “They often come in scared and anxious, but they blossom into friendly, snuggly, relaxed cats who move on to loving forever homes,” he shares.

Catoro is more than a café—it’s a place of joy, connection, and second chances. Whether you’re looking to adopt, relax, or simply enjoy some feline companionship, it’s an unforgettable experience for cat lovers everywhere.

🐱 Bite-Sized Treats

🧐 Did You Know: Cats can detect changes in barometric pressure, which may explain heightened curiosity or anxiety during storms.

😸 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!