Articles & Stories – Whiskerito

Thailand’s Treasured Cats: Five Ancient Breeds Earn National Symbol Status

Cat lovers around the world have long admired the elegant felines that originated in Thailand, but 2025 marked a historic milestone for these remarkable breeds. In late 2025, Thailand officially recognized five native cat breeds as national symbols: the Suphalak, Korat, Wichien Maat (Siamese), Konja, and Khao Manee. This momentous decision celebrates centuries of cultural heritage and acknowledges the special place these cats hold in Thai history and hearts.

For a country with such deep connections to feline companions, this recognition feels like coming full circle. These aren’t just cats. They’re living links to ancient manuscripts, royal courts, and traditional beliefs that have shaped Thai culture for generations.

Flat-Headed Cat Stuns Scientists: Thought Extinct in Thailand, It Returns from the Shadows

A camera trap deep in southern Thailand has captured something remarkable. A small, nocturnal wildcat with distinctive flattened features stares into the lens, proof that a species written off as locally extinct still prowls the region’s vanishing wetlands. The flat-headed cat, unseen in Thailand since 1995, has reappeared in the Princess Sirindhorn Wildlife Sanctuary, offering both jubilation and urgent concern for conservationists.

Behind Closed Doors: The Hidden Reality of Cats in Research Laboratories

Curled up on sofas across the English-speaking world, millions of cats purr contentedly in homes where they are cherished family members. Yet in laboratories across the United States, Europe, and beyond, thousands of cats live dramatically different lives. These animals endure invasive procedures, painful experiments, and often premature death, all in the name of scientific research that increasingly appears both ethically indefensible and scientifically questionable.

In 2023 alone, more than 13,000 cats were used in experiments across the United States, with disturbingly, 51% more cats subjected to painful procedures without pain relief compared to the previous year. In Germany, 538 cats endured laboratory experiments in 2022. These numbers, while significant, represent only reported cases from countries with tracking systems. The true global figure remains unknown, hidden behind laboratory doors and incomplete regulatory frameworks.

Spieglein, the Kitten

Spieglein is not your average kitten; he is a feline philosopher whose adventures lead straight into the heart of an old Swiss town full of magic, mischief, and very human folly. This newly translated classic tale is perfect for anyone who loves cats with personality, wit, and just a hint of danger.

Do Cats Know Their Names? The Science Behind Your Feline’s Selective Hearing

You call your cat’s name from across the room. She flicks an ear in your direction, maybe glances up for half a second, then returns to the infinitely more interesting task of staring at a wall. Meanwhile, your friend’s golden retriever practically somersaults when hearing his name. Does your cat actually know what you’re saying, or is she just incredibly committed to ignoring you?

The short answer is yes, cats do recognize their names. But as with most things feline, the full story is delightfully more complicated than a simple yes or no.

Understanding Your Cat’s Social World: From Kitten Cuddles to Adult Boundaries

Every cat parent has experienced that moment when their purring companion suddenly transforms from a contented cuddle buddy into a bundle of claws and teeth. Or perhaps you’ve watched your kitten grow from a fearless explorer into an adult cat who hides whenever the doorbell rings. These behaviors aren’t random quirks or signs of a difficult personality. They’re deeply rooted in your cat’s early experiences and natural instincts, shaped by critical developmental windows that occur long before most of us bring our feline friends home.

Understanding the forces that shape feline behavior can transform your relationship with your cat. It helps explain why some cats melt into your arms while others prefer admiring you from across the room, why a gentle stroke can sometimes end in a nip, and how to recognize when your cat is truly enjoying your attention versus merely tolerating it. This knowledge isn’t just academically interesting. It’s practical wisdom that can prevent misunderstandings, reduce stress for both you and your cat, and deepen the bond you share with your whiskered companion.

Why Neutering Your Cat Is One of the Best Decisions You’ll Ever Make

Every cat owner remembers that moment of bringing their kitten home for the first time. Those tiny paws, that curious face, the way they immediately claimed your favorite chair as their kingdom. As your feline friend grows, you want nothing but the best for them. That’s exactly why neutering deserves serious consideration, not just as a responsible choice, but as a gift of health and happiness for your beloved companion.

Why Cats Don’t Like Water

f you’ve ever tried to give your cat a bath, you already know the drill. The wide eyes. The desperate scramble. The claws gripping anything within reach. It’s a scene that plays out in countless households, leaving cat owners drenched and bewildered while their furry friend sulks in the corner, shooting betrayed glances across the room.

But why do cats hate water so much? It turns out there are some fascinating reasons behind this infamous feline quirk, and understanding them might just help you see bath time from your cat’s perspective.

Why Cats Suddenly Bite: Understanding Your Feline Friend’s Secret Signals

You’re curled up on the couch, your beloved cat purring contentedly on your lap. Your hand glides gently along their soft fur, and everything seems perfect. Then, without warning, sharp teeth sink into your hand. The sudden bite stings both physically and emotionally, leaving you confused and maybe a little hurt. If this scenario sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Thousands of cat lovers experience these puzzling moments, wondering what went wrong in what seemed like a peaceful bonding session. The good news is that these bites are rarely acts of malice or meanness. Instead, they’re your cat’s way of communicating something important, and once you learn to read their signals, you can build an even stronger, more trusting relationship.

Whiskers Through the Ages: The Enchanting History of Cats in Art

For thousands of years, cats have prowled, lounged, and enchanted their way across canvases, sculptures, and manuscripts. From the sacred temples of Ancient Egypt to the avant-garde studios of modern Paris, our feline companions have captivated artists with their elegance, mystery, and independence. Whether portrayed as divine protectors, symbols of sensuality, or simply beloved pets curled up by the fire, cats hold a unique and enduring place in art history. Join us on a journey through time to discover how these captivating creatures have inspired some of the world’s greatest masterpieces.