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.
Cats v dogs: Here’s who’s smarter, according to science
In the ultimate pet showdown, we size up the cerebral powers of our favourite furry friends.
Can owning a pet really slow cognitive decline?
Furry friends 'til the end.
Why do cats pile up imaginary litter outside their litter box?
It's another quirk of our furry friends.
Why do cats love knocking stuff off tables?
Their cuteness excuses the broken vases.
World’s pluckiest lion survives record-breaking swim across crocodile-infested waters
Some would call it stupidity, others resilience. Whatever the case, this lion is a survivor like no other.
Here's how cats use purring to manipulate humans
To get your attention, your moggy's purrs can mimic a human baby's.
The real reason cats scratch furniture – and how to make them stop
They're cute, so they get away with it.
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.
8 (very very cute) facts about cats, according to science
Curiosity won't kill these cats.
A new colour of cat has been discovered
After years of research, a Finnish team of researchers have finally worked out what’s behind the colouring of ‘salty liquorice’ cats.
Here’s which cats will live the longest, according to science
Cats’ lifespans haven’t received much attention – but we now know a lot more about how long our furry friends might live.
Why do cats wiggle before pouncing?
Cats often shake their moneymakers pre-pounce. But why?
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.