Boo the Cat

10/07/2025

31/05/2025

Discover the history of our feline friends, and learn about the debate over whether cats are really "domesticated" at all.

24/05/2025

17/05/2025

Researchers have discovered how orange cats got their coats — and why so many of them are male. The coat color comes from a genetic mutation on the X chromosome of orange, calico and tortoiseshell cats.

08/05/2025

This is in Germany, made to honor all homeless cats.
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One Cat Loved by a City, Another Forgotten by All – 10 Times We Immortalized Them in Art: https://streetartutopia.com/2025/05/08/cat-loved-by-city/

04/05/2025

Lake Van in eastern Turkey is home to a rare breed of cats (The Van Cat) which, unlike most felines, loves water and regularly swims. These cats have a unique genetic mutation that often gives them eyes of different colors (heterochromia).

In the heart of eastern Turkey, where mountainous landscapes blend with the blue stretches of water, lies Lake Van—a salty lake of wild and mysterious beauty, surrounded by legends and ancient traditions. In this unique corner of the world, nature has chosen to shelter a rare treasure: the Van Cat—a remarkable breed, unique both in appearance and in its unusual behavior for a feline.

Unlike most cats, which avoid water and prefer dry places, the Van Cat is known for its unusual passion for swimming. These cats not only approach water without fear, but they gracefully plunge into the lake, regularly swimming through the calm waves of Lake Van like true mermaids of the feline realm. Their unique behavior has intrigued researchers and animal lovers around the world, and their playful and friendly nature has turned them into symbols of the region.

Beyond their surprising behavior, these cats also impress with their stunning appearance. Most have immaculate white fur, soft and silky, often adorned with a reddish patch on the head or back, which locals reverently call the "mark of Allah." This distinctive and rare feature is considered by some to be a divine sign—a symbol of purity and heavenly protection. Another fascinating characteristic of these cats is heterochromia—the presence of two differently colored eyes. It is not uncommon for a Van Cat to have one eye as blue as the sky and the other a deep amber, their hypnotic gaze being one of the most beautiful and unusual sights in the animal world.

This ancient breed is carefully protected in Turkey, where it has become part of the cultural identity of the Van region. Local authorities and nearby universities have initiated special programs for the conservation and breeding of these rare cats, and a dedicated research center provides them with a safe habitat where they can live, reproduce, and be studied under excellent conditions. In fact, the Van Cat has become a true source of national pride, with its image frequently used in souvenirs, postcards, and tourist materials.

Today, the Van Cat is not just a biological curiosity, but a living symbol of the harmony between nature, tradition, and mystery. It reminds us that authentic beauty often hides in rare and unexpected things, and that diversity—whether in eye color or in behavior—is a precious gift of the world we live in... 🐈💦🐈💙

06/04/2025

In ancient Egypt, cats held a sacred status, closely associated with the goddess Bastet, who symbolized home, fertility, and protection. 🐱✨ Harming a cat, even unintentionally, was considered a grave offense, sometimes punishable by death. Cats were believed to bring good fortune and divine protection.

When a beloved feline passed away, Egyptians mourned profoundly—shaving their eyebrows as a sign of grief. They even mummified their cats, complete with food and toys, to ensure their companions were well-provided for in the afterlife. Such reverence for cats was so profound that during a Persian invasion, enemy forces used cats as shields, aware that Egyptians would rather surrender than risk harm to these cherished animals. 😻

21/10/2024

Helping cats in Japan

About us JCN was founded in 2000 by American expats. After success helping the cats in their own Japanese community through Trap-Neuter-Return, they realized there was potential to help pets across Japan if there were more avenues for support. They created JCN with the goal to help others start loca...