EDITOR'S LETTER

We’re crazy about our cats. Of course we are—they’re our family, trouble makers one second and adorable couch mates the next, cheering us up at the end of a long day. It’s love, plain and simple—perhaps the plainest and the simplest—unblemished by the jealousies and misunderstandings that so often plague other relationships. In fact, it’s proven that the company of cats even provides actual health benefits, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, something you’ve perhaps seen yourself—simply petting your cat or even watching her play can lower your heart rate and blood pressure and generally have an overall calming effect on your being. Personally, I can’t think of a better way to unwind after a hectic day at the office than with some kitty downtime, watching focused leaps for a dangled wand toy or crazy, laugh-inducing catnip-fueled antics. Spiritual guru Eckhart Tolle says a purring cat on your chest will help thought subside, focusing your attention on the “now.” He posits that animals are more deeply connected with the source of life than most humans, and that their rootedness in just “Being” transmits itself to us when we’re in their presence. So here’s to our cats, those Zen master role models and love bugs who bring daily joy to our lives. Our goal here at Modern Cat is to help you live your best life with your cat, helping you to understand their needs and provide them with the best of care giving them the greatest chance at living long and healthy lives. We’ve packed this issue with everything from the best toys to engage and entertain your cat (p 22), how to solve problem behaviour like nighttime vocalization (p 24—you can thank us later), how to enrich your home environment and make your cat happy (p 46) and so much more! We hope you enjoy the issue as much as we loved putting it together. Thank you for being a part of our amazing cat-loving community!