One popular myth about cats is they’re happiest having the freedom to go outside. This is far from the truth. There are many cats who are born and raised indoors who have no interest in going outside and would panic if they found themselves on the wrong side of the door.

If you feel your kitty should roam the great outdoors, you’re not alone. Many cat lovers feel their cat is happiest lounging in the fresh air or stalking unsuspecting prey.

However, there are many reasons why it’s safer for your kitty to stay inside - traffic being one - and many cat owners are realizing the dangers of life outdoors.

Does your kitty panic at the sight of the cat carrier? A lot of cats do. You bring it out and suddenly your cat is squeezing himself into the world’s smallest hiding place or becoming a raging lion hissing and swatting - claws out - at anyone who tries to come near him.

Yeah, we’ve experienced that too.

Have you ever encountered a “chatty” kitty? One who meowed at every opportunity (and then some)? Or maybe you’ve had the experience of a kitty who was mostly quiet, but then something happened and he became extremely “meowy.”

If you laugh at the idea of getting your couch potato kitty into an exercise routine, consider this: an overweight kitty is at risk for serious health issues. In fact, excess weight increases your kitty’s propensity toward diabetes, joint disease, and even urinary tract problems.

According to The American Pet Products Association, 62 percent of American households have either a dog, a cat, or both. Chances are, if you already have pets and kids, they’ve learned how to get along.

If you have a senior cat, you may wonder what sort of special care they could need. Do they have different dietary requirements? What about their overall health and mobility? And perhaps, most of all, what defines a “senior cat”?

Did you know that most cats are lactose intolerant? It’s true. While they’ll happily lap up the white stuff if you present it to them, for many cats this “treat” will result in stomach cramps, and that’s no fun.