If you’ve ever visited a Chinese or Japanese restaurant, Asian supermarket, or any Chinatown shop for that matter, you’ve probably noticed a little cat figurine perched quietly by the cash register. This Fortune Cat, or Maneki Neko, is a lucky cat charm that’s very popular in Japanese and Chinese cultures. The Maneki Neko is a talisman that is believed to attract good luck and fortune for its owners. Thus, it’s very common to find a Maneki Neko on display in stores, restaurants and other businesses.

Aside from finding it really cute, I never knew the meaning behind the “Fortune Cat” other than it was supposed to be lucky. Being a curious cat, I decided to delve further and uncovered five interesting facts about the cheeky little Maneki Neko.

The 5 Facts About Maneki Neko

1. What Maneki Neko Means

Fortune Cat is known as Maneki Neko in Japanese, which means “beckoning cat.” The cat has its paw raised as if it’s waving in good fortune for its owners. Other common monikers include Lucky Cat, Money Cat, Waving Cat and Welcoming Cat.

2. The Legends Behind the Maneki Neko

No one can quite agree as to how the first Maneki Neko came to be. However, most will agree that Lucky Cats first appeared during the Edo period in Japan (17th century to mid-19th century).

There are a couple of popular legends about the origins of the Maneki Neko. The first tells of a wealthy man who took shelter from a rainstorm under a tree next to a temple. He noticed a cat that seemed to be beckoning to him, so he followed it inside the temple. Shortly thereafter, lightning struck the tree he had been standing under. Because the cat had saved his life, the man was so grateful, he became a benefactor of the temple and brought it much prosperity. When he passed away, a statue of the cat was made in his honor.

Another common legend surrounding the Maneki Neko is a really peculiar one. A geisha had a pet cat that she adored. One day, it was tugging at her kimono and the owner of the brothel thought the cat was possessed, so he sliced off its head with a sword. (Yeah, gruesome! No cats were harmed in the writing of this article.) The flying cat head landed on a snake about to strike and the fangs killed the snake and saved the woman. The geisha was so distraught by the loss of her cat that one of her customers made a statue of the cat to cheer her up.

3. The Significance of the Raised Maneki Neko Paw

There’s actually a meaning behind which paw the Maneki Neko cat is holding up. If it’s the left paw, this is supposed to attract customers. If the right paw is raised, this invites good fortune and money.

They both sound pretty good to me, which is why sometimes you can find a Fortune Cat with both of its paws in the air. Two paws up can also represent protection.

4. The Symbolism Behind the Maneki Neko Colors

While you’ll most commonly see a white Maneki Neko with orange and black spots, there are quite a few color variations of the Maneki Neko and they each have a special meaning.

1. Calico: Traditional color combination, considered to be the luckiest
2. White: Happiness, purity and positive things to come
3. Gold: Wealth and prosperity
4. Black: Wards off evil spirits
5. Red: Success in love and relationships
6. Green: Good health

5. The Meaning Behind What the Maneki Neko Is Wearing and Holding

Maneki Neko is a finely dressed cat usually adorned with a bib, collar and bell. In the Edo period, it was common for wealthy people to dress their pet cats this way; a bell was tied to the collar so that owners could keep track of their cats’ whereabouts.

Fortune Cat figurines often hold other things in their paws. These include:

1. A koban worth one ryo: This is a Japanese coin from the Edo period; a ryo was considered to be quite the fortune back then.
2. The magic money mallet: If you see a small hammer, this represents wealth. When shaken, the mallet is supposed to attract wealth.
3. A fish, most likely a carp: The fish is symbolic of abundance and good fortune.
4. A marble or gem: This is another money magnet. Some people believe it’s a crystal ball and represents wisdom.

Lucky Cats can also be found holding gourds, prayer tablets, daikon radishes and ingots. These items also represent wealth and good luck.

Regardless of the name, legend, raised paw, color or item in its paw, you basically can’t go wrong with a Maneki Neko perched by your side.

Read more about lucky cats on Catster.com:

• 7 Ways Black Cats Bring Good Luck Around the World
• The Myths and Folklore Behind Cat Whiskers
• Ancient Egyptians Weren’t the Only Ones Who Worshipped Cat Gods & Goddesses

Featured Image Credit: Olaf Speier, Shutterstock.

The post 5 Interesting Facts About Maneki Neko Cats AKA Lucky Cats by Holly Tse appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

You recycle your cans and bottles, you’ve replaced plastic bags with reusable totes, and you’ve switched to fluorescent light bulbs. While you do your part to become an eco-friendly household, there’s one family member who isn’t pulling her weight — and that’s your cat.

Luckily, it’s easy for kitty to go green without radically altering her lifestyle. Here are some simple tips to reduce your cat’s carbon pawprint.

How to Go Green With Cat Food

Green: When it comes to cat food, it’s easy to go green without even switching brands. You can help Kitty be more eco-friendly by favoring certain cat food flavors over others. According to John Robbins, author of The Food Revolution, it takes significantly more resources in terms of land and water to produce one pound of beef as compared to a pound of chicken.

So, when you’re at the store staring at the shelf and trying to decide which of the 15 flavors to pick, consider the ones that are lower down in the food chain. Choose chicken over beef. Look for seafood that is sustainably harvested, such as sardines or mackerel instead of tuna.

Greener: If you and your cat are ready to make an earth-friendly choice that can significantly improve the health of the planet, switch to a cat food made from organic ingredients. Certified organic foods are produced without synthetic pesticides or genetically modified ingredients, and the organic farming process helps to preserve the integrity of the land and water.

To truly be green, the majority of ingredients in the cat food should be locally sourced and processed. To find out if they are, contact the manufacturer by calling the toll-free number on the package.

How to Go Green With Litter

Green: To cut down on waste, don’t use disposable liners or litter boxes, even if they’re biodegradable. You can keep your cat’s box fresh with daily scooping and washing it regularly with mild soap and some water. When you do need to replace the litter box, look for one made from recycled plastic.

Greener: Transition Kitty to an eco-friendly litter composed of renewable or recycled materials. These include litters made from corn, wheat, old newspapers and pine. If you want to eliminate the use of cat litter entirely, you can buy a kit to toilet train your cat, but only do this if it is safe to flush cat waste in your municipality.

How to Go Green With Cat Toys

Green: Buy toys that are made from natural materials and filled with organic catnip. To reduce waste, choose quality over quantity and choose toys that you’re sure Kitty will enjoy. Cats are notoriously finicky, so if you buy something that you’re not sure your cat will like, chances are she’ll turn her nose up to it.

Greener: With a little creativity, you can make your own cat toys by visiting your recycling box. Toilet paper rolls can be cut into rings or short tubes for playing catch. Junk mail can be crumpled into paw-sized balls that are fun to bat across the floor.

How to Go Green With Your Cat’s Scratching Post

Green: Extend the life of your cat’s scratching post by vacuuming it regularly and routinely trimming loose threads. You can also try using cat scratchers made from recycled corrugated cardboard, which have the added benefit of being recyclable once they’re worn out.

Greener: For a fun afternoon project, recarpet your cat’s scratching post when it’s worn out. You’ll help save the environment and save yourself some money too. Carpet remnants can be purchased for a few dollars from a carpet store and you’ll only need some basic tools to remove and replace the old carpet. If you’re not feeling handy, a simpler alternative would be to wrap the post with sisal rope. Instructions for recarpeting a cat post are easily found online.

How to … Share the Green

Once your cat has settled into her new earth-friendly routine, share your newfound knowledge and experience with fellow cat lovers. Greening the entire planet can start with just one cat, so take the first step today toward reducing your cat’s carbon pawprint.

Tell us: How are you and your cat going green this Earth Month?

Thumbnail: Photography by Dreidos / Shutterstock. 

Read more tips on Catster.com:

• 10 Ways to Deal and Get Real With Cat Hair
• How to Trim Cat Nails, and Why You Should
• 5 Tips for Controlling Cat Litter Tracking and Scattering

The post Eco-Friendly Kitty: How to Reduce Your Cat’s Carbon Pawprint by Holly Tse appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

I’m a full-time mom, so I really don’t have a ton of free time. However, when a friend of mine shared the Catleidoscope with me, I couldn’t resist taking a little peek. That five-second peek turned into a few minutes, and before I knew it, I had wasted almost an hour surfing cat-related online amusements.

I felt a little guilty until I had the brilliant idea to write a Catster article about the amusing websites that I found. That way, I could justify that it wasn’t a total waste of my time, or so I told myself. Was it a poor use of my time? I invite you to check out a few of these sites and decide for yourself.

WARNING: Time wasting is guaranteed, so make sure you’ve got a few minutes to spare!

The 7 Best Cat-Centric Time-Wasters on the Internet

1. Catleidoscope

The Catleidoscope is just like one of those handheld kaleidoscopes you had when you were a kid. Maybe that’s why it’s so much fun. However, instead of watching little pieces of colored plastic swirl around to form different patterns, you get use your mouse to create a psychedelic cat mosaic. The patterns change as you drag your cursor across the screen.

The Catleidoscope also lets you choose your favorite cat mugshot to twirl around on your computer screen. Simply pick a cat photo and watch the Catleidoscope change instantly.

2. LOLCats

The LOLCats website is a surefire time-waster, as there are thousands of lolcat photos on the site. Most of the pics are LOL funny and some are even ROFL funny. This site is definitely addictive — you can’t stop at just one.

You can also vote on the lolcat pics by giving them a thumbs up or a thumbs down. Plus, you’re also invited to submit your own funny lolcat photo for possible publication.

3. Cat Bounce

Cat Bounce is a mesmerizingly hypnotic website. You get to watch black-and-white tabby cats shake and bounce up and down, while the background color morphs into various shades of pastels. Cat Bounce even delivers a surprise when you click the “make it rain” link (it appears and disappears in the top right corner).

To get a cat to bounce, all you need to do is click and drag one of these furry guys to the top of your screen. Then, let it go and watch the fur fly.

4. Cat Flakes

Here’s a twist on the phrase, “It’s raining cats and dogs,” except instead of rain, it’s snowing cats. Cat flakes are six-legged cat heads that look like creepy snowflakes. They randomly blow across your screen like an old school Windows screensaver.

Cat Flakes also lets you take control of the weather. Simply drag a slider to choose the number of cat flakes or to change the direction of the wind. Click a button to change the color of the cat flakes. You can also experience the unexpected when you answer, “Is that the worst day of your life?” on the control panel.

5. Bat Cat

Sometimes the best time wasters are the simple things in life, and that holds true for the Bat Cat. A cartoon kitty dressed in a bat costume runs back and forth across your screen while meowing the theme song to Batman.

Of course, every superhero has a sidekick, and Bat Cat is no exception. Bat Mouse adds his squeak to the mix for a truly annoying yet strangely compelling musical ditty.

6. Circle the Cat

Circle the Cat is a strategy game that at first glance appears deceptively simple. The goal of the game is to encircle the cat by clicking on the light colored dots. Once you click, the dot changes to a dark green color. You’re supposed to draw a circle of dark dots around the cat, but each time you click, the cat moves a space on the board.

If the cat makes it to the edge of the board before you draw a circle around it, the game is over. It’s a bit like playing chess, but you’re facing off against a four-legged foe.

7. The A to Z list of cat memes

Remember the Bonsai kitten hoax? And who could forget about our favorite furry pals, Shiroi the Longcat, or Nyan the Pop Tart Cat? At KnowYourMeme.com, they’ve compiled an A to Z list of cat memes. It’s like the mother load of cat history on the Internet. Test your knowledge of online cat sensations by visiting the site and seeing how many cat memes you recognize.

Have we missed any of these crazy kitty time-wasters? Let us know in the comments!

Read related stories on Catster:

• Put Your Cat in a Retro Video Game with the Belowrez App
• It’s All Downhill From Here: The Snapcat App Lets Your Kitty Take Selfies
• 7 Free Cat-Based Video Games You Can Play Online
• iPad Games for Cats: It’s a Thing
• “IR Cats” Blog Mixes Cat Memes and International Relations
• Memes | Catster

Feature Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock

The post Top 7 Funny Cat Websites on the Internet by Holly Tse appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

I’ve had my cat, Furball, for more than a decade. In that time, I’ve noticed certain things that dog people do that really irk my cat — and me, too. Don’t get me wrong. I like dogs and I love my dog-loving friends, but I do have one pet peeve: Please don’t treat my cat like he’s a dog.

This is a shout-out to all the dog lovers out there. Your good intentions occasionally annoy the heck out of your friends with cats.

To help you stop ruffling fur, here’s a list of six things that dog people do that annoy cat people.

The 6 Things Dog People Do That Annoy Cat People

1. Expect the cat to come when you call for her

Unlike your dog, who misses you when you step away for two minutes to go to the bathroom, cats just aren’t that attached to people. They only get excited to see people if they’re bringing food, usually.

Thus, my cat will not come when you call. He hardly ever comes when I call, so please don’t act all huffy when you call out his name and he ignores you. It’s his nature. Also, just so you know, “Here, kitty kitty” doesn’t work either.

2. Think a wagging tail is a sign that the cat likes you

When dogs wag their tails, it means they’re happy to see you. It’s like a hand waving “hello.” When you see my cat “wagging” his tail, it’s not a gesture of friendship. A better analogy would be to think of it as a snake swaying from side to side, ready to strike.

When my cat wags his tail, he’s telling you that he’s scared or agitated and you should back away — right now!

3. Pat the cat like a big shaggy dog

Your dog might enjoy the hands-on ruffling of his haunches, but my cat sure as heck doesn’t enjoy being pawed like a grizzly bear. When you pet my cat, please don’t manhandle him with a force suitable for a Saint Bernard.

My cat also doesn’t like it when you reach down and pat his head repeatedly. He’s not a basketball. When you’re using doggy force, it’s too much. When you pet a cat, imagine petting a delicate flower.

4. Throw like a dog person

I appreciate when you attempt to play with my cat, but I need to remind you again that he is not a dog. While a dog will take off like a flash after a tossed Frisbee, stick, or ball, cats need you to engage them first.

When you throw a cat toy straight across the room, don’t be surprised if the cat continues lying in exactly the same position. He’s not dumb, he’s not a bad hunter, and believe it or not, he’s not ignoring you.

When you throw a toy, you need to catch the cat’s attention and make the toy seem intriguing. Otherwise, it’s just another inanimate object, and he’s not going to run after it. Think of it as selective hunting.

5. Ask whether the cat “does anything”

This is one question that has always baffled me. What exactly do you mean by this? I assume it’s in reference to whether the cat can do tricks. Here’s my answer: Of course the cat can do tricks — he is fully capable of learning how — but we cat people generally don’t subject our cats to obeying commands.

I’ve noticed dog lovers often say they like dogs because they’re loyal, friendly, and they do what you say. Cat lovers like cats because they don’t do what you say. I’ll have to admit, though, that I did teach my cat how to sit, but it was only because I got tired of hearing how smart dogs are, and I wanted to prove that cats were just as smart.

6. Stomp up to, stand over, and shout at the cat

Here’s what’s going on in your mind: You see the cat and you want to be friendly, so you walk up, reach out, and start talking to him.

Here’s what’s going on in the cat’s mind. “Oh my God! Who is that big person stomping toward me with loud shoes and gigantic feet passing way too close to my tail? Why is that person standing over me as if preparing to grab me? And that booming voice! Should I run or should I attack?”

Unlike an excited dog who loves attention and stimulation, my cat finds it threatening when you stand over him and look him straight in the eye. You exacerbate the situation when you yell (yes, to a cat, you’re yelling), “Oh, so this is your cat!”

If you want to get to know my cat, get down to his level. Unlike dogs, you’re not telling him that you’re lower down in the pack when you do this. Instead, your body language communicates that you’re not a threat.

In case you haven’t gleaned it yet, I’ll spell it out: Cats hold silent grudges, and so do cat people. Often, they’ll express their dissatisfaction in a passive-aggressive way, such as peeing in your shoe or writing an article on Catster.

Would you add anything to our list? What do people do around your cat that annoys you? Let us know in the comments!

Featured Image Credit: Left – Artem Beliaikin_Pexels; Right – StockSnap, Pixabay

The post 6 Things Dog People Do That Annoy Cat People by Holly Tse appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Cat litter is probably one of your biggest expenses when it comes to looking after your kitty. Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce your litter costs. Here are six awesome ones.

The 6 Ways to Save Money on Cat Litter

1. Shop at the feed store for low-cost litter options

A visit to your local farm and feed supply store will yield an abundant variety of low-cost alternatives for cat litter. In addition to saving as much as 50 percent on litter, you also get the benefit of being more eco-friendly. Many of the litter options at a feed store are made from natural fibers and/or renewable resources.

For a corn-based alternative to cat litter, you might want to try nonmedicated chicken feed, also known as chicken starter. A 25-pound of nonmedicated poultry feed goes for about $10 a bag, or 40 cents per pound. If you’re looking for a pellet-based litter, visit the rabbit or horse section of the store. A 50-pound bag of grass or alfalfa pellets can often be found for less than $20.

For an alternative to pine cat litters, it’s worthwhile to investigate wood-stove pellets. They usually sell for about $5 for a 40-pound bag, but this awesome price comes with a caveat: You’ll need to look for pellets that are cat safe.

Make sure the pellets are composed only of natural wood, without any additives like accelerants. As well, the pellet must be safe for animals. If you’re not sure, contact the manufacturer. Ask if the pellets are safe to use for animal bedding and whether they are free from pine and cedar oils. These oils are extremely toxic for cats, but the kiln-drying process to make the pellets usually reduces these compounds to safer levels. If in doubt, ask your vet.

2. Scoop often and use less litter

One of the easiest ways to save money on cat litter is to simply use less of it. This is ideal if you have one cat and you’re the type of person who scoops regularly. You can actually reduce the amount to just a thin layer, about three quarters of an inch in height.

By using less cat litter, it’s easier to get to the waste, so you’ll be able to scoop more frequently with less effort. If you decide to try this, be sure to gradually reduce the amount of litter over a period of weeks so that your cat doesn’t get spooked by a sudden change to her litter box.

3. Shop around

The price of cat litter can vary greatly among stores, especially if you’re using a specialty litter. Comparison shop online and call a few local pet stores. A bit of research can easily yield large price differences, depending on the brand of litter you use and where you live.

4. Look for cat-litter coupons

Kitty litter manufacturers are well aware that litter is an essential necessity, which is why they really value you as a lifelong customer. Manufacturers often give out rebates or coupons to entice people to switch brands. Search your brand online with the word “coupon” to check for any special offers or discounts.

5. Buy big or buy in bulk

If you really want to save money, clean out your storage closet or garage to find space for a 40-pound bag of cat litter. You can often save 25 to 30 percent on litter simply by purchasing the largest size over a smaller size. With the money you save on your first big bag, you’ll be able to buy a plastic bin to keep a smaller quantity handy in the house.

6. Toilet train your cat

If you want to reduce your litter cost to zero, try toilet training your cat. Cats can learn how to do their business using the toilet instead of a cat box. There are even kits and systems that will help you with the toilet training process. We interviewed musician Thomas Dolby about how he trained his cat. Here’s the video:

The most important thing to keep in mind if you want to save money on cat litter is to choose a solution that works for both you and your cat. With our awesome tips, you’ll be able to pamper your precious kitty with all the money you save!

The post 6 Ways to Save Money on Cat Litter in 2024 by Holly Tse appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Cats love to explore their environments. You’ll find them prowling through your living room, slinking along the kitchen counter, having a snooze in the bathroom sink, or even poking a head in the toilet bowl. What you may not know is that your cat’s daily routine could be exposing him to potentially harmful chemicals through common household cleaners.

Many cleaning products contain chemicals and unless surfaces are thoroughly rinsed after cleaning, traces of chemical residue may be left behind. Your cat could potentially ingest chemicals simply by walking across a freshly mopped floor and licking its paws. In 2008, the Environmental Working Group conducted a study that examined the average levels of toxic chemicals in pets and people. The study found that these levels were substantially higher in pets than in people.

So how can you safeguard your pet from potential risks? One way to reduce your cat’s exposure to chemicals is to use earth-friendly products when cleaning your home. These tips will help you keep a sparkling home and eliminate the need for chemical-based cleaners.

Cleaning Your House Tips per Area

Kitchen Counters

Regardless of the house rules, cats simply cannot resist jumping onto counters. They love being up high and close to the cupboards where the yummy cat food is stored. If you use anti-bacterial cleaners to disinfect your counters, you may want to know that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency describes antimicrobial products as pesticides-not exactly the kind of thing you want your cat licking off its paws.

Fortunately, there are green alternatives to chemical pesticides for disinfecting your counters. Look for products that contain thyme or oregano oil, which are both natural antimicrobial agents. One popular eco-friendly cleaning product contains both of these ingredients and claims that it kills 99.99% of germs naturally.

When using disinfecting cleaners (even green ones), be sure to keep your cat out of the way and thoroughly rinse the surface with water to remove any residue. Pure essential oils are toxic for cats to ingest. So, clean while your cat is having a nap in the other room and rinse well as an extra precaution.

Floors

Cats spend an inordinate amount of time on the floor, lounging, playing, napping and exploring. Keep your floors clean using an earth-friendly mix of one cup of vinegar to one gallon of warm water. Vinegar can wear down natural finishes such as hardwood, stone and ceramic. For these types of surfaces, the best green option is to damp mop with water. Wring your mop thoroughly so that it is almost dry and then give the floor a slightly damp once-over. Rinse and repeat.

Carpets

It’s a myth that you can’t get the smell of cat urine out of carpet. In fact, eco-friendly cleaners are some of the best to tackle the task. When cleaning cat urine out of carpet, it’s important to treat the area as soon as possible.

Use an enzyme-based carpet cleaner before using other cleaning products as this can interrupt the cleaning action of the enzymes. Enzymes are biomolecules that digest the proteins found in cat urine to eliminate odors. Thoroughly soak the affected area and let the enzymes do their work for several hours. Heavily soiled areas may require a second application.

Sinks, Bathtubs, Showers and Toilets

A cat’s curiosity naturally draws them to sinks, tubs and toilets. Instead of using harsh scouring products, try baking soda. It easily handles grimy surfaces without leaving scratches and as an added bonus, it also deodorizes at the same time.

Give sinks and tubs a quick rinse with water to moisten the surface and then sprinkle with baking soda. Use a slightly damp sponge to scrub the surface in a circular motion and rinse again for a bright shine.

Baking soda is also great for toilets. Sprinkle it in the bowl and on your toilet brush. Then scrub as you would with a regular cleanser.

To remove tough soap scum, use undiluted vinegar applied to a sponge or rag. Wipe the surface applying a little elbow grease too.

Windows and Mirrors

Most glass cleaners contain ammonia which can irritate the respiratory tract. Vinegar is a great green option for spotless windows and mirrors. Fill a spray bottle with one part vinegar to nine parts water. Use newspaper to wipe your windows for a streak-free finish.

Making a few simple changes to your household cleaning habits can go a long way to protect the planet and also create a safer environment for your cat.

The post Cleaning Your House the Cat and Earth-Friendly Way by Holly Tse appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.