Happy Thursday:

• 😌 When a stray cat gives needed comfort

• 🐈 What is single kitten syndrome?

• 😸 The ultimate comfort and support

• 🇳🇱 The Netherlands bans certain cat breeds

• 😺 Save money on vision insurance

True or False?

Cats can see in complete darkness.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

Visiting a pet’s grave can be an emotional experience, especially during the first holidays after a loss. For one Los Angeles family, that visit took an unexpected turn when a friendly orange-and-white cat appeared and refused to leave their side.

The cat rubbed against their legs, sat close while they decorated the grave, and even played gently with their toddler. Her calm presence offered a brief but meaningful pause from grief, replacing sadness with warmth and distraction.

After returning home, the family couldn’t stop thinking about the cat. With help from a rescuer connected to Long Beach Spay & Neuter Foundation, they learned the cat had been abandoned and needed medical care for fleas, ear mites, and dehydration.

Once treated, the cat officially joined their home in early November. While the family continues to remember their late cat, they’ve also made space for something new.

Sometimes healing doesn’t arrive loudly. Sometimes it simply walks up, asks for a little attention, and stays.

“Single kitten syndrome” is often used to describe behavior problems in cats adopted alone, but there’s little science behind the label. While some shelters and behaviorists caution against solo adoptions, research suggests there’s no single outcome tied to growing up without a littermate.

What matters most is early socialization. Kittens learn important skills between two and seven weeks of age, including bite inhibition, confidence, and how to interact safely through play. Littermates can help teach those lessons, but attentive humans, enrichment, and proper play can fill many of the same gaps.

Issues are more likely when kittens are hand-reared alone without exposure to other cats. In those cases, they may struggle with boundaries or play too roughly. Still, many single kittens grow into well-adjusted, social adults.

Adopting two kittens can make transitions easier, especially for busy households, but it’s not a requirement for a happy cat. Personality, environment, and engagement matter far more than the number of kittens in the home.

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As of January 1, 2026, the Netherlands made it illegal to breed, sell, or newly acquire Sphynx and Scottish Fold cats. The move builds on earlier laws aimed at preventing animals from being bred for traits that cause long-term suffering.

Officials say the decision is rooted in animal welfare, not aesthetics. Scottish Folds’ signature folded ears come from a cartilage mutation linked to painful joint and mobility issues, while Sphynx cats lack the protective functions of fur and whiskers, leaving them vulnerable to skin damage and temperature extremes.

Cats born before the ban are exempt and will not be confiscated, though owners may face fines if the law is violated. The goal is to stop future breeding, not punish existing pets.

The Netherlands has spent years examining how consumer demand for “cute” traits can normalize health problems. By removing those options entirely, the government hopes to reduce suffering at its source.

The decision may be controversial, but it signals a broader shift toward putting animal wellbeing ahead of appearance.

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From chaotic mealtimes to surprisingly human habits, here’s what’s trending this week:

• 🐟 Feeding time with a “land piranha” kitten goes hilariously off the rails

• 🌽 Cat eats corn on the cob like a person

• 🛏️ Tiny cat becomes obsessed with a custom-made bed

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

🧐 Did You Know: False. They need at least some light.

😸 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 Valentine’s Day-themed picture for a surprise in your inbox!