Happy Wednesday:

• 🎂 Meet Flossie, the world’s oldest cat

• 🐾 What textures do cats love and hate?

• 😸 The truth about insurance for your cat

• 🧐 True or false?

• 😺 The human treat that keeps selling out

• 🎀 Your cat’s obsession with hair ties explained

When Vicki Green welcomed Flossie into her life, she never imagined the 27-year-old tortoiseshell would go on to become the world’s oldest living cat.

Now 28, Flossie continues to amaze with her lively spirit and boundless affection. Vicki adopted then-17-year-old Flossie through Cats Protection, hoping to provide a cozy retirement for an older cat. Instead, she found a loyal companion and best friend.

Flossie’s daily routine is simple yet charming: Early morning meows, sunny afternoon naps on the balcony, and curling up on Vicki’s lap each evening. Despite her older age, she’s surprisingly agile, ignoring the stairs Vicki bought to help her onto the sofa. Even though she’s deaf and partially sighted, Flossie’s energy and affection shine through.

Guinness World Records confirmed Flossie’s 1995 birthdate, bringing a wave of touching moments—from a painted portrait by a fan to an emotional speech Vicki delivered at an awards ceremony for senior cats.

While caring for a senior cat may come with challenges, Flossie’s story shows the deep joy and fulfillment that comes from giving older cats the love and comfort they deserve in their golden years.

Cats experience the world through their paws, making textures an important part of their daily lives. Their paw pads are packed with nerve endings, giving them a heightened sensitivity to the surfaces they touch. Whether it’s a soft carpet or a spiky mat, a cat’s reaction to textures can reveal a lot about their comfort and preferences.

In general, cats love plush, soft surfaces like fleece blankets, pillows, and carpets, where they can stretch and relax. But they also enjoy firm yet scratchable materials like rope-covered posts or cardboard scratchers for claw maintenance. Smooth surfaces, while less appealing for lounging, can be favored when they’re cool to the touch.

On the flip side, cats often dislike sticky, spiky, or pointy textures. Plastic, crinkled tin foil, or mats with rounded nubs can feel unpleasant under their sensitive paws. These surfaces might deter cats from certain areas, but using too many off-limits spaces can create stress, making it crucial to balance boundaries with comfort.

Does your cat have a favorite or least favorite texture?

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If your cat has ever batted a hair tie across the floor or carried one around like a prized trophy, you’re not alone. Cats love turning everyday objects into playthings, and hair ties seem to be one of their favorite “toys.” But what makes these simple loops so irresistible?

• They Mimic Prey – Lightweight and easy to bat, hair ties move unpredictably, mimicking the behavior of small prey.

• Textures Are Intriguing – The stretchy, bouncy feel or crinkly sound of some hair ties appeals to cats’ senses.

• Scent of Familiarity – Hair ties often carry their owner’s scent, making them comforting and engaging for cats.

• Perfect for Hoarding – Many cats stash their “prey” for later. Don’t be surprised if you find a collection under the couch or in your cat’s favorite hiding spot.

However, letting your cat play with hair ties unsupervised isn’t a good idea. If swallowed, they can cause health problems. To keep your cat entertained, opt for safer alternatives like fleece toys, scrunched paper balls, or catnip-filled toys.

See more weird reasons cats are obsessed with hair ties here.

🐱 Bite-Sized Treats

🧐 True or False: False! Cats see muted colors, particularly blues and greens, but not as vibrantly as humans.

😸 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 unique obsession for a surprise in your inbox!