The foremost characteristic distinguishing the Scottish Fold cat is its small ears which fold forward and downward, giving it an impish look. Scottish Fold kittens are not born with folded ears. The ears of the kittens that carry the gene start folding usually about the 21st day, starting with the outer edge of the ear near the base.

Sweet-tempered and attentive, devoted, but not demanding, the "Fold" makes a perfect pet. As the fold is outcrossed with both American and British Shorthair cats, think of it as as having a "British sense of decorum along with an American sense of self-confidence," according to The International Scottish Fold Association.

This delightfully-posed Fold is "Scotty."
_{Photo Credit: © Ev Russell, Kinross Cattery}

In 2006, Sega Toys release the Yume Neko Smile, a sweet-faced white robot cat with tons of interactive charm for both grown-ups, kids, and even for real cats.

I'm sure the model has gone through several iterations since then, but the robo-cat of all robo-cats, "Yume-Neko Venus, aka Dream Cat Venus" is coming out on July 30th, but only in Japan. The toy will retail for around $108 USD. "Venus" is long-haired with big round eyes and is white with a sort of Van pattern in tan. She purrs, meows, follows motion with her eyes, and generally acts like a real cat. Although the price may seem steep, the Dream Cat Venus might be a purrfect gift for a child who is allergic to cats. For me, I'll settle for the real thing. (You can draw your claws back now, Jennifur.)

Sometime last Monday night, Edward Igor McIrvin, 44, broke into the Rockingham County Animal Shelter in North Carolina and stole 37 cats. McIrvin, who was a shelter volunteer, confessed to the burglary and theft, because the cats were all scheduled for euthanasia, and he couldn't stand to see that happen.

McIrvin literally "put his money where his mouth is," by returning the cats, then immediately forking over $5,800 to the Reidsville Veterinary Hospital to pay for adoption fees and spaying/neutering the cats, which included at least one cute kitten.

The man was to be charged with felony breaking and entering and felony larceny, according to FOX8 News. Since he has legally adopted the cats, it looks like a moot point to me. Personally, I think he deserves an award - perhaps a "Feline Robin Hood of the Year?"

The kitten is available for adoption, and it seems likely that the other cats will also be adopted. If not, the burning question is "can Edward McIrvin personally care for 37 cats?"

Ringo came to Tabby's Place from a veterinarian, who took him in when his owner could not afford to pay for his diabetes care. He suffered from severe diabetic neuropathy, and could no longer jump to high places, although otherwise he got around fairly well. He was later diagnosed with IBD and heart disease. Ringo was a stunning cat, a large gray, black, and brown longhair tabby, with lustrous green eyes and obvious Maine Coon lineage.

From the very first, Ringo was a "people pleaser," and he soon became one of the most popular cats in the special needs section of Tabby's Place. Ringo loved people, and would invite petting with a Read more...