QT Kittens

02/02/2025

The United States and Canada celebrate Groundhog Day on 2 February. On this day, the custom is to try to predict the end of winter by observing a groundhog burrow. If the weather is cloudy and the emerging rodent does not see its shadow, spring will soon arrive. However, if it is sunny and the mammal sees its shadow, it will be frightened and retreat to its den to continue hibernating. It is then said that winter will last another six weeks.

HISTORY: The Groundhog Day celebration is rooted in Germanic tradition that says that if a hibernating animal casts a shadow on February 2, the Christian celebration of Candlemas, winter and cold weather will last another six weeks. If no shadow is seen, legend says, spring will come early. In Germany, the tradition evolved into a myth that if the sun came out on Candlemas, a hedgehog would cast its shadow, predicting snow all the way into May. When German immigrants settled in Pennsylvania, they transferred the tradition onto local fauna, replacing hedgehogs with groundhogs.

Did Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow today in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania?!? Yes, he did. Based on the lore, this signifies six more weeks of winter (2025).

Across the world, Candlemas is celebrated on February 2nd. See our other post for more information about the Christian Festival of Lights! >^..^< QTKittens.org

02/02/2025

CANDLEMAS, a Festival of Lights, is celebrated on the 2nd day of February each year. The day is celebrated as one of renewal, hope, and purification.

The word Candlemas derives from candela meaning candle, hence Candlemas is also known as the festival of light. It is celebrated on 2 February to honor light warding off evil and death and assuring prosperity.

This Christian festival commemorates the presentation of Jesus at the Temple of Jerusalem and his role as a light to enlighten pagan nations.

In the year 494, Pope Gelasius I decided to ban this festival, replacing it with Candlemas processions and the blessing of candles in churches.

Candlemas honors the end of winter and the return of light, so various proverbs link it to the weather, to the cold or the return of the sun.

Here are two examples:
“If Candlemas Day be fair and bright, winter will have another fight.”
“If Candlemas Day brings cloud and rain, winter won’t come again.”

Sound familiar?!? In the US & Canada, Feb 2nd is celebrated as Groundhog Day! See our other post for Groundhog Day! >^..^< QTKittens.org

02/02/2025

It's never too early to gently and lovingly teach your kitten the proper way to play and interact.

01/31/2025

January 31 is ! Did you see our tips earlier this week about leaving your cat at home? Well, maybe your cat likes to travel! Here are some tips for those traveling cats.

01/29/2025

Are you planning a weekend getaway? Cats can be left alone for short periods of time, but it takes some planning and preparation. Follow these tips!

01/22/2025

Do you have a covered litter box?!? They often cause more problems than they solve. “Think Like a Cat”…

If you “think like a cat” you’ll start to look at the covered litter box in an entirely different light.

A covered box can make a larger cat feel cramped while in there.

Covered boxes don’t allow as much air circulation so it takes longer for litter to dry.

Odor is contained in the box, so it can be more offensive to the cat who is inside.

A covered box limits a cat’s visual field to see if another companion animal is approaching.

A covered box limits a cat’s escape potential and can create opportunities for being ambushed.

A covered box may not get scooped often enough.

There are obviously cats who don't mind using a covered box, but in general, behavior experts advise against the use of them, especially in a multicat household or if your cat is experiencing a litter box issue. Consider an open, spacious litter box for better airflow and accessibility. Your cat's comfort and safety come first.

01/22/2025

Let’s see those adorable senior kitties 💙

01/22/2025

01/21/2025

Thank MEW Keys Animal ER & White Sands Animal Clinic! We aPURReciate you!!! 🐾💜🐾

📰 This Week’s Dr. Doug Column: The Dark Side of Veterinary Medicine 🐾

Dr. Doug shares a heartfelt and eye-opening look into the emotional toll of being a veterinarian. From the compassion fatigue that comes with helping families say goodbye to their beloved pets, to the financial and mental health struggles many in the profession face, this column sheds light on the challenges veterinarians face every day.

Let’s remember to show kindness and appreciation to these dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to care for our furry family members. ❤️

📖 Read the full column below and take a moment to thank your local veterinarians for all they do.

01/21/2025

Cats NEED Vertical Space!!! 🐾

Cats live in a vertical world. Look around your house and I’ll bet you can point to various elevated locations where your cat likes to hang out. It might be the top of the refrigerator or maybe on top of a bookcase or tall dresser. There are several reasons why a cat chooses those locations. The higher up a cat is, the more visual advantage and warning time. The cat can easily see anyone approaching. If you live in a multicat environment, this can play a big part in easing tension because a more timid cat has adequate warning of a potential opponent entering the room. Another benefit to vertical space is that a more assertive cat can “claim” the highest spot as a show of status. This can often reduce any actual physical confrontation two cats might have.

01/19/2025

Purring doesn't always mean happiness. Did you know these other reasons for purring?

01/18/2025

LIVE from Bean to Cup Coffee lounge with MK Bay Crafts & Pet Sitting & Padmé the Therapy Cat! We’re here until 12noon today! Come get your kitty & coffee fix!!!

01/14/2025

Throwback to a teeny tiny LeFou. Adopt Foo Foo at QTKittens.org/adopt!

01/14/2025

Thank Mew to Arts & Hot Yoga, Naples arts_and_hotyoga for some awesome HOT Yoga tonight & Yin Yoga (not hot) this morning AND for always supporting QT Kittens!