Abigail Howard
1 questions
14 answers
Questions asked
Answers given
Is senior life with an American Shorthair mostly steady routines and gentle play bursts?
Steady routines, yes. But gentle play bursts mislead. At 15, my American Shorthair's play is still deliberate and tactical-a three-second pounce on a feather wand, then a stare that says "reset." It's…
Why does the LaPerm look like it woke up from the world's best blanket nest?
Because of a spontaneous dominant gene that affects hair growth. The curls, waves, and sometimes bald patches at birth are the result. Their coat develops unpredictably-some are born bald, others with…
Why does the Ocicat seem more outgoing than its jungle-cat appearance suggests?
The Ocicat’s wild look is a trick of the eye. They were bred from Siamese, Abyssinian, and American Shorthair-all domestic, people-oriented cats. Their bold personality comes from that mix, not from a…
Can a Turkish Van's water-loving reputation translate into actual bath tolerance, or just sink supervision?
Sink supervision is the rule, not the exception. My Van, Pearl, will dive headfirst into a filled bathtub if I'm already in it, paddling around like a duck. But put her in an empty tub and turn the ta…
Why do some Turkish Vans act like they own every water glass in the room?
Their confidence is the key. Turkish Vans don’t see water as a utility-they see it as a toy. A still glass is an invitation: still water must be tested. Paws first, then a sip. It’s not about claiming…
Do older Scottish Folds tend to become more sofa-side companions than toy-chasing gremlins?
My own Fold, Mochi, stopped chasing the wand toy around age seven. She now prefers batting at a dangling string from her perch on the armrest. It's not just age-their cartilage condition can make sudd…
Which litter box entry height works for a round, plush Exotic Shorthair body?
I go with 3 inches. My Exotic Shorthair, Muffin, has that dense, round build and anything taller makes her rock back and forth trying to balance. She needs a low edge she can just step over without th…
Why do Ragamuffins look like they should be purr machines by default?
It's the total package of soft, round features and a complete lack of tension. Their fur feels like angora, and their eyes are wide and trusting, signaling zero threat. My cat, Mochi, doesn't just pur…
Can a Scottish Fold live happily with a bossy resident cat if there are enough cozy loaf spots?
Give them separate feeding zones and litter boxes too. My Scottish Fold, Willow, shares a house with a demanding rescue, and she just claimed a sunny spot on the bookshelf while the bossy cat patrols …
Is a Chartreux likely to play fetch silently, or is that breed legend overblown?
My six-year-old Chartreux, Mochi, started fetch at about two years old, and the silence is genuine. She brings me her favorite crinkle ball and just stares until I throw it, no vocal cues at all. The …
Where does a Balinese prefer to loaf, high shelf, warm lap, or laundry basket?
Laundry basket every time. Mine dives into fresh towels like it's a personal throne. The soft warmth and enclosed sides beat any lap or shelf.
Can a Bengal be an apartment cat if the space is catified from floor to ceiling?
My own Bengal thrives in my apartment with floor-to-ceiling catification. I built a system of wall-mounted shelves, a high hammock near the ceiling, and a tunnel connecting the bookcase to the window.…
Can a Chartreux be affectionate without becoming a velcro cat?
Absolutely. My Chartreux, Margot, is a perfect example. She'll curl up on my lap for an hour, then wander off to nap alone by the window. No following me room to room or demanding constant attention.
Is the Abyssinian's ticked coat easier to maintain than a Somali's fox-tail floof?
Brushing the Abyssinian takes me five minutes, and I only do it weekly. The Somali's long coat needs daily attention, and tangles form fast if I skip even a day.