Cat Clowder

Cat Clowder Cat Clowder is a celebration of the glorious feline. Meow! My name is, The Professor. I am a feline literary scholar and Kitty Clowder Cat Ambassador.
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When I am not busy conducing lectures on cat-centric poetry & prose, I can be found studying the feline condition & advising humans on cat behavior, history, & facts. In these efforts, I hope to give them the tools to understand and revere us properly, as any respectable human should. Always remember, a happy cat equals a happy & harmonious home. Cat art & more, created by my human mom, can be found by clicking the link to our online store: https://www.cafepress.com/hildaishere

06/21/2026

Indiana House Bill 1220, introduced earlier this year and sent for review by the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, would prohibit the declawing of cats in Indiana, except in certain medically necessary circumstances.
The bill defines declawing as surgical removal or alteration of a cat's claws and would also prohibit tendonectomy procedures intended to impair normal claw function.

We want to hear from Indiana veterinary professionals:

👍 = Support HB 1220
👎 = Oppose HB 1220
😮 = Unsure / Need More Information

Your input is important!

Meow, Clowder!Have mew ever wondered why our eyes glow in the dark like tiny lanterns of mystery? It’s not just for dram...
06/20/2026

Meow, Clowder!

Have mew ever wondered why our eyes glow in the dark like tiny lanterns of mystery? It’s not just for dramatic effect (though we do love theatrics). The secret lies in a built-in feline superpower called the tapetum lucidum—a reflective layer behind our retinas that bounces light back through the eye, giving us enhanced night vision.

We see up to eight times better in low light than humans, which is why twilight and moonlight are our preferred hunting hours. This special glow also inspired those little lights on the road—yup, cat’s eye reflectors were invented after a human noticed our eyes shining in his headlights. You’re welcome, infrastructure.

🐾 Other curious cat eye facts:

• Our pupils narrow to slits in sunlight but go full moon in the dark—for sharper focus and emotional flair.

• A slow blink means we trust mew. A sudden wide-eyed stare? Proceed with caution.

• We see mostly blues and yellows, while reds appear dull. Don’t take it personally if we bat the red toy last.

So next time mew catch our gaze glowing from across the room, know that we’re not just watching—we’re calculating, contemplating, and perhaps plotting your next surprise snuggle.

Paws & Purrs 🐾,

The Professor, Kitty Clowder Cat Ambassador

Meow, Clowder!Just me, enjoying the lovely weather.Paws & Purrs 🐾,The Professor, Kitty Clowder Cat Ambassador
06/19/2026

Meow, Clowder!

Just me, enjoying the lovely weather.

Paws & Purrs 🐾,

The Professor, Kitty Clowder Cat Ambassador

Meow, Clowder!Did mew know that we felines possess a remarkable anatomical gift called locking tendons?This adaptation a...
06/19/2026

Meow, Clowder!

Did mew know that we felines possess a remarkable anatomical gift called locking tendons?

This adaptation allows our feline friends to rest while appearing completely alert, with muscles relaxed but claws still partially engaged — ready for action at the flick of a whisker. It’s how cats can nap so gracefully on a tree limb, perch atop a bookshelf, or doze in the sun without tumbling off their throne.

Unlike humans, who must engage muscles to maintain posture, cats’ locking tendons hold their limbs in place without effort, making them natural-born yogis, poised even in their sleep.

—
Paws & Purrs 🐾,

The Professor, Kitty Clowder Cat Ambassador

Meow, Clowder!We did this last year and mew all added some hilarious images to the thread. My mom thinks she’s funny & a...
06/19/2026

Meow, Clowder!

We did this last year and mew all added some hilarious images to the thread. My mom thinks she’s funny & added names to cat stock photos!

Let’s see how creative this group can get. Add your own in the comments below!

Paws & Purrs 🐾,

The Professor, Kitty Clowder Cat Ambassador

Meow, Clowder!He needs no introduction. Mew are all likely familiar with Andy Warhol. What many of mew might now know, i...
06/18/2026

Meow, Clowder!

He needs no introduction. Mew are all likely familiar with Andy Warhol. What many of mew might now know, is that he adored cats.

When he was working as a commercial artist in NYC during the 50’s, he had a bunch of Siamese cats. He allowed them to walk anywhere they pleased, including all over his art. In fact, in 1959, he released his cookbook parody, ‘Wild Raspberries,’ and let it go to print with his cats paw prints all over it.

Nobody knows just when his love of cats started, or why he was partial to Siamese. The earliest known reference made to cats can be found in a letter he had written to Truman Capote, which he signed, “from me and my cat.”

At his cat guardianship peak, Warhol had 26. All but one were named, “Sam.” That one was named, “Blue Pussy.”

Warhol’s love of cats extended into his art. In 1954 he released, ‘25 Cats Name (sic) Sam and One Blue Pussy.’ While it was named for 25 cats, there were not 25 lithographs of cats for the books, 😹. The images attached (other than the photo of him) are from that book.

Paws & Purrs 🐾,

The Professor, Kitty Clowder Cat Ambassador

Meow, Clowder!As the spring season is ending, there are a lot of stray kittens around. Spring and early summer always br...
06/17/2026

Meow, Clowder!

As the spring season is ending, there are a lot of stray kittens around. Spring and early summer always brings an influx of kittens to shelters. What can the humans of the Clowder do to help, mew ask? Here are some tips:

1. If you find stray kittens, try to determine their age, and keep an eye out for their mama. If the mama is present, observe them for a while to see if mama is taking care of her babies. If she is, leave them with mama.

If she isn’t, or if she has been gone more than two hours, take them to a shelter, provided they don’t seem to be neonatal (under 4 weeks old).

If they do seem neonatal (or, mew’re unsure of their age), bring them to a veterinarian. Shelters are not always equipped to deal with neonatal kittens, so they risk being put down.

2. Consider becoming a foster parent. These babies need homes, and many shelters become overwhelmed in the spring. Contact your local shelters if mew’d like to help in this way.

3. Support TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release) programs. Spaying and neutering community cats can drastically decrease the homeless cat population by preventing more homeless kittens being born. Contact your local shelter and vets to find the nearest TNR programs in your area.

Paws & Purrs 🐾,

The Professor, Kitty Clowder Cat Ambassador

Meow, Clowder!Let’s Meow about our noses. - Our noses have bumps and ridges that are unique to each cat. They are the hu...
06/16/2026

Meow, Clowder!

Let’s Meow about our noses.

- Our noses have bumps and ridges that are unique to each cat. They are the human equivalent of the fingerprint.

- We have more than 200 million scent receptors, and are extremely sensitive to smells. In fact, we have more scent receptors than most dog breeds.

- Because of our strong scent receptors, and the fact that we have an extra organ (vomeronasal organ) which allows us to taste smells, we choose our food based on the smell. If mew notice we have a clogged nose and are eating less, try microwaving some stinky fish smelling wet food for no more than 10 seconds. This will increase the smell and make us more likely to eat.

- When mew see us sitting with our mouths open and a yuck face, we are actually tasting a smell. This is called a flehmen response. We are drawing air past the vomeronasal organ, which is connected to the nasal cavity, to do this.

Paws & Purrs 🐾,

The Professor, Kitty Clowder Cat Ambassador

Meow, Clowder!Does your kitty door dash? Are they always sitting by open windows? Maybe it’s time you taught them how to...
06/14/2026

Meow, Clowder!

Does your kitty door dash? Are they always sitting by open windows? Maybe it’s time you taught them how to walk on a leash. That’s right, we felines can also be leash trained, and most of us love it. Before mew start, make sure your cat has had a flea and tick treatment. Mew and them don’t want any icky bugs in their fur or in your home. Now, on to the leash training:

1. Get a cat-specific harness and leash. Avoid getting small dog harnesses, or chain leashes.

2. Put the harness on your kitty inside, without attaching the leash. On day one, keep it on them for 10-15 minutes. Every day for the next week, increase this time by 10 minutes.

3. It’s time to attach the leash! Whatever mew do, DON’T pull on it. Follow your kitty around while loosely holding the leash. Make sure it has slack. Do this for a few days. Once your cat is used to it, let them walk around with the leash and harness on, while allowing the leash to drag on the floor. This will help get your kitty used to the weight of the leash.

4. Start taking your cat on walks inside your home. Follow the timeframe of step 2.

5. It’s time to go outside! Make sure it isn’t a cold or rainy day. If your cat seems afraid of stepping out, try coaxing them with a treat. Whatever mew do, don’t force them. We do not respond to that. We are all about positive reinforcement, hence using treats. Again, follow the timeframe of step 2.

If your kitty isn’t one who’s down with walks, perhaps consider a cat backpack. Mew can still take them on a walk and let them get all the sniffs that way. Purrrsonally, I enjoy my harness and my backpack. I’ve attached pictures of my leash training and my backpack for those who are curious.

Paws & Purrs 🐾,

The Professor, Kitty Clowder Cat Ambassador

Meow, Clowder!I am leash trained, but walking the neighborhood is too scary for me. If I'm on my leash, I can't hide whe...
06/13/2026

Meow, Clowder!

I am leash trained, but walking the neighborhood is too scary for me. If I'm on my leash, I can't hide when those terrifying cars go by.

Last week my mom got out my harness and I thought she was going to try to walk me again, but something different happened. She brought me to our deck. The one I birdwatch through the sliding doors!

There's this stuff that looks like grass out there. It's really soft, and I have a view of the whole neighborhood! My leash gets attached to a chair, but who cares?! It's long enough I can roam the entire deck.

Finally, my mom has found a solution to allowing me outside that keeps me safe and protects me from those loud cars. It's a win win for both of us.

Clowder family, what do mew do to allow outside time in a safe way? Do mew have a catio? Does your kitty walk on a leash, or maybe have a stroller? Show us pictures of what mew do in the comments!!

Paws & Purrs 🐾,

The Professor, Kitty Clowder Cat Ambassador

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