Cats
Long has our Facebook feed been with cat memes and cute kittens exhibiting adorable behaviour, but our favourite felines are actually far more fascinating than just actors in the best #CatFail YouTube videos. There is evidence that we domesticated cats as many as 9,500 years ago and they were considered sacred in Ancient Egypt. The house cats we know today might seem far removed from the larger felid family such as lions and tigers, but their common ancestor is a relatively young 10-15 million years and cat intelligence is still baffling scientists to this day.
Study reveals why some cats play fetch – and how to get yours to
Go on Felix, fetch! Go on, fetch! No? Okay, never mind then.
What is the mirror test?
This self-recognition test has been conducted on humans as well as animals.
The (very cute) science of why cats knead
Spoiler: it's all your fault.
Why do cats sleep so much?
The science behind the colossal time your cat spends kipping.
Why you're stroking your cat completely wrong (and how to do it right)
Fun fact: your cat probably hates the way you're currently petting them.
What's the longest a cat can live for? Here are the world's oldest felines
What is the average lifespan for a cat – and who were the world's oldest cats?
How cats use purring to manipulate humans
To get your attention, your moggy's purrs can mimic a human baby's.
Why your brain thinks this puppy is undoubtedly cuter than a baby
Here's what happens in the mind when you encounter cuteness – and why puppies and kittens are scientifically cuter than babies.
Do cats know when it’s about to rain?
They act desperate to go out, the once they're out - they want to come in. Can cats sense the weather changing? Or are they just indecisive?
Best cat gadgets to help them live a life of luxury
Spoil your furry friend with our selection of the best cat gadgets, from smart toys to water fountains and self-heating blankets.
Why do so many cats have white paws?
This distinctive feature can be seen on moggies everywhere.
7 of the best cat books to help you understand your feline friend
Animal behaviour expert Dr Zazie Todd recommends seven of the best books on cats.
Why are Sphynx cats hairless?
The Sphynx cat has been around since 1966, and hails from Toronto in Canada.
Reality Check | How big is my pet’s carbon pawprint and what can I do to minimise it?
Looking after a pet can have a surprisingly large impact on the environment.
The “If I fits, I sits” instinct: Cats will sit in a box even it’s an illusion (cat pics inside)
Citizen science project shows that cats treat the Kanizsa square illusion as they do real squares.
Why do cats love catnip?
How catnip works its magic – and the unexpected reactions of some cats, including tigers.
Do lions purr?
Asked by: Kamila Magomedova (aged 13)
Flat-faced 'grumpy cats' may struggle to communicate how they feel
Their big eyes and 'grumpy' faces might make it difficult for us to tell when they are actually in pain and need our help, researchers warn.
Eight mind-blowing facts about cats, according to science
Curiosity won't kill these cats.
First sabre-toothed cat genome reveals a lethal long-distance hunter
Its body was adapted for endurance running.
Want to make friends with a cat? Blink slowly, say scientists
Cats are more likely to approach an outstretched hand after a slow blink, a study has found.
Pheromone products help dogs and cats be friends
Researchers say that using pheromone products reduced the number of 'undesirable interactions' between dogs and cats at home.
One in 10 pet cats has separation anxiety
Behavioural issues that came from temporary separation were made worse by the absence of other pets in the home and having no toys to play with.
Pet cats have up to ‘10-times larger impact on wildlife than wild predators'
Hunting by pets can have a big effect on the local wildlife population, a new study has found.