Happy Wednesday:

• 🧦 Why your cat has “socks” on

• 😸 The cat food that says “I love you”

• 🏃‍♀️ A runner gives a kitten a second chance at life

• 🐈 The origins of our lap cats

Why does my cat…

Why does my cat only like one person?

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

Those little white paws padding across your floor? They’re not just cute—they’re part of your cat’s evolutionary story. Domestic cats are far more likely to have white “socks” than their wild ancestors, and it turns out human preference played a major role.

As early farming communities welcomed cats for their rodent-catching skills, they also began favoring friendly cats with distinctive markings. White feet were eye-catching, and people likely helped kittens with those traits survive and thrive.

According to feline genetics expert Leslie Lyons, markings like white paws often came bundled with gentler temperaments. We see this pattern in other domesticated animals, too—like pigs and horses.

So if your cat’s got snowy little mittens, it’s not just fashion. It’s 10,000 years of feline-human history showing through.

In celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month, Nulo is giving thanks to the four-legged companions who lift us when we’re low, ground us when we soar too high, and offer unwavering support. They’re more than pets - they’re essential to our well-being and mental health, fueling our hearts every day.

A national survey of cat and dog parents, courtesy of Nulo, revealed that 90% of pet parents say their pet can turn a bad day into a good one and 95% agree that having a pet improves their mental health every day.

Nulo understands that pets are such an important part of our emotional support system. In fact, they fuel the incredible in us. And we can show our thanks by making sure we love, spoil, and fuel them with the best nutrition possible. Choose Nulo for premium nutrition featuring high-meat, low-carb, irresistible recipes for your four-legged family members!

Visit Nulo today to learn more!

Thank you to Nulo for sponsoring Daily Purr.

Sarah Bohan was on pace for a personal best in the Chicago Marathon when she spotted something unexpected near the sidewalk: a small, scared kitten, alone by the tunnel wall. Without hesitation, she stopped and scooped him up.

Carrying the kitten in her arms, she walked nearly a mile, cradling him until a group of spectators offered to help. They were cat people, too, and promised to take the little guy home and give him the care he needed.

Bohan trusted her gut and passed the kitten to them before finishing the race. It wasn’t the run she’d planned, but it was one she won’t forget.

According to PAWS Chicago, the kitten has officially been adopted and is settling in just fine.

Today’s house cats may spend their days napping on windowsills and knocking pens off desks, but their story starts in the wild—10 to 12 million years ago. All cats, from lions to the tabby on your couch, belong to the Felidae family and evolved from a common ancestor in Asia.

The cat we know best, Felis catus, likely descends from the Near Eastern wildcat, which still roams parts of Africa and Asia. These cats began hanging around human settlements in the Fertile Crescent around 10,000 years ago—drawn in by mice nibbling stored grain.

Unlike dogs, cats didn’t undergo dramatic physical or behavioral changes during domestication. Today’s domestic cats are still very close to their wild relatives in looks and instincts. In fact, most cats could survive on their own if they had to.

They may act tame, but part of what makes cats so fascinating is how much of their wild self they’ve kept.

From greenhouse break-ins to clingy kittens, here’s what’s trending:

• 💞 These inseparable kittens weren’t about to follow the rules. See the heartwarming moment!

• 😾 Newborn kitten wakes up furious—and it’s all because of milk. Don’t miss the meows!

• 🐈 Can you tell your cat “thank you” with a meal? See more here!

• 🌿 Curious cat sneaks into a greenhouse for a very specific reason. Find out why!

In celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month, Nulo is giving thanks to the four-legged companions who lift us when we’re low, ground us when we soar too high, and offer unwavering support. Visit Nulo today to learn more!

🐱 Bite-Sized Treats

🧐 Why Does My Cat: Cats can form selective bonds based on trust and comfort. Feel honored if you are your cat’s favorite person!

😸 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 how your cat helps your mental health for a surprise in your inbox!