American Feline Society

10/08/2026

Watch Big Cats 24/7 on PBS!

The series follows the cats over extended periods rather than simply showing disconnected wildlife footage. Viewers see:

🦁 Lions raising cubs, hunting, defending territory, and competing with rival males
🐆 Leopards hunting and raising young
🐯 Cheetahs teaching their cubs how to survive and hunt
☀️ Dramatic changes caused by wildfires, floods, drought, and seasonal conditions
🌗 Nighttime behavior captured with specialized low-light and thermal technology
🐅 Individual cats and their families developing over the course of the series

https://www.pbs.org/show/big-cats-247
S1 E5 tonight @ 7pm

Follow lions, leopards and cheetahs day and night In Botswana’s wild Okavango Delta.

10/07/2026

What the 2026 Clean Label Project study, published on October 2, 2026, found.

Clean Label Project tested 100 cat-food products from 62 brands, covering:

31 dry foods
40 wet/canned/pouch foods
29 air-dried or freeze-dried foods
More than 122 environmental contaminants and toxins
Testing performed by an independent laboratory accredited to ISO 17025 standards.

The headline findings were:

Lead detected 99% of products
Cadmium detected 96%
Arsenic detected 94%
Glyphosate detected 37%
DEHP plasticizer detected 48%
Fish/seafood foods vs. other foods — mercury ~18× higher
Dry food vs. wet/air-dried — lead ~3× higher

Importantly, “detected” does not mean “unsafe.” CLP itself acknowledges that the presence of a contaminant isn't automatically an indication that the product presents a health risk.

The fish-food finding is particularly interesting

One of the strongest associations in the study was with fish and seafood ingredients.

CLP found that fish/seafood-based foods had approximately 18 times the mercury of other foods, even after accounting for whether the food was wet or dry. Fish-based products also had substantially higher cadmium levels.

CLP found that:

84.8% of poultry-based foods met its purity standard.
Only 25.7% of fish/seafood foods met that standard.
Products containing herring meal, tuna and fish broth were among those most strongly associated with higher contamination in CLP's combined dataset.

𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔𝒏'𝒕 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏 𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅𝒏'𝒕 𝒆𝒂𝒕 𝒇𝒊𝒔𝒉. 𝑰𝒕 𝒔𝒖𝒈𝒈𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂 𝒄𝒂𝒕 𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒇𝒊𝒔𝒉-𝒃𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒅𝒊𝒆𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒚 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒔𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒚 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕.

Another interesting finding: the first ingredient isn't always the whole story

CLP examined the first 10 ingredients rather than simply looking at the first ingredient.

In 35 of the 100 products, the first-listed meat or fish ingredient was outnumbered by other categories of ingredients within the first 10 ingredients—often plant ingredients. CLP calls attention to the practice of ingredient splitting, where different components of a plant may appear separately on the ingredient list.

This is potentially useful information for cat owners because simply seeing “chicken,” “turkey,” or “salmon” as ingredient #1 doesn't necessarily tell you the complete composition of the food.

But there is an important counterpoint

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐞𝐭 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐞 (𝐏𝐅𝐈) 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐋𝐏 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐝.
https://www.petfoodinstitute.org/

PFI says the study compares products against CLP's proprietary “purity standard” rather than established regulatory or risk-based safety standards. It also points out that CLP tested a single batch of each product, which limits what can be concluded about the product over time.

That's an important distinction:

Finding a contaminant ≠ demonstrating that the food is dangerous.

The actual risk depends on factors such as concentration, exposure over time, the cat's size and health, and established toxicological thresholds. PFI also notes that some metals naturally occur in soil, water and the environment.

What we would take away from the study

For cat owners, I wouldn't interpret the study as “commercial cat food is unsafe.” A more reasonable interpretation is:

1. Contaminants are widespread enough to warrant attention.
CLP's results demonstrate that environmental contaminants can be present in cat food.

2. Protein source appears important.
Fish/seafood foods deserve particular attention because of the
𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐲 association.

3. Variety may be worth considering.
CLP specifically suggests that cats eating exclusively fish-based food could benefit from rotating in another protein source.

4. Don't judge a food solely by the first ingredient.

5. Don't automatically equate “natural,” “premium,” or expensive with cleaner.
That was one of the reasons CLP undertook the study in the first place.

6. Look for manufacturers that actually test finished products.
CLP recommends asking manufacturers about their heavy-metal testing and quality-control programs.

CLP's “Clean Sixteen”

The study also produced “Clean Sixteen” lists identifying the 16 products with the lowest contaminant levels in the tested dry/freeze-dried and wet categories. CLP emphasizes that not being on the list does not mean a food violates federal or state regulations or is unsafe.

CLP currently identifies Bixbi, Freshpet and Smalls as having cat foods that are Clean Label Project Certified.

Read the full 2026 Clean Label Project Cat Food Study
https://cleanlabelproject.org/cat-food-study/

Independent testing of 100 cat food products from 62 brands found heavy metals in up to 99% of samples, plus mercury spikes in fish-based formulas. See the full findings.

08/05/2026

What is New World screwworm (NWS)?

🪱New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on living tissue of warm-blooded animals.
It affects livestock, pets, wildlife, and humans.
Unlike many other maggots, NWS larvae invade healthy tissue, causing rapidly worsening wounds, severe pain, and potentially death if untreated.

𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
♦️NWS was eradicated from the U.S. by 1966 using the Sterile Insect Technique and other control measures.
♦️The biological barrier in Panama was breached in 2023, allowing the parasite to move northward.
♦️On June 3, 2026, USDA confirmed the first U.S. case in decades in a calf in southern Texas.
♦️USDA states that the food supply remains safe because NWS does not infest meat or produce.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬
NWS can spread through:

♦️Natural movement of adult flies.
♦️Movement of infested livestock, horses, or pets.
♦️Movement of infected wildlife.
♦️Rarely, infected people traveling from endemic areas.

♦️Animals at highest risk
Animals with:

♦️Recent births (especially newborns' umbilical areas).
♦️Open wounds.
♦️Surgical incisions.
♦️Branding, dehorning, castration, or other management wounds.
♦️Signs to watch for
♦️Visible larvae in wounds or body openings.
♦️Egg masses around wounds.
♦️Foul-smelling, enlarging wounds with bloody discharge.
♦️Pain, depression, reduced appetite.
♦️Excessive rubbing, head shaking, or irritation.
♦️Larvae are typically white when young and may become pinkish-red as they mature.

Adult flies typically have:

♦️Orange eyes.
♦️Metallic blue-green bodies.
♦️Three dark stripes on the thorax.

What to do if you suspect NWS
♦️Immediately notify your State Animal Health Official and USDA-APHIS.
♦️The USDA after-hours reporting number is (866) 536-7593.
♦️Isolate affected animals.
♦️Collect larvae (if instructed) in 70% alcohol for laboratory identification.
♦️Animals remain under official movement restrictions until cleared by regulatory veterinarians.

Treatment
Treatment generally includes:

♦️Removing all eggs and larvae.
♦️Cleaning and treating the wound.
♦️Pain management.
♦️Preventing secondary bacterial infections.
♦️Using FDA-approved or authorized antiparasitic medications.
♦️Rechecking within 24 hours to ensure all larvae have been eliminated.

Environmental control
♦️Destroy removed larvae so they cannot pupate.
♦️Treat contaminated areas with approved larvicides.
♦️Clean treated surfaces.
♦️Monitor premises for at least one month after affected animals are released.

Prevention
Veterinarians and producers should:

♦️Inspect animals frequently, especially those with wounds.
♦️Treat wounds promptly.
♦️Report suspicious cases immediately.
♦️Follow state movement restrictions and inspection requirements.
♦️States with restrictions

Many states—including Texas, Florida, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Washington, Wisconsin, and many others—have implemented restrictions or enhanced requirements for animals arriving from NWS-affected areas.

Overall, the guidance emphasizes that rapid detection, reporting, isolation, and treatment are essential to preventing the parasite from becoming reestablished in the United States.

Reference: https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/new-world-screwworm

07/04/2026

Firework safety for cats is crucial during events like the Fourth of July, as the loud and unpredictable noises can trigger fear and anxiety in our feline friends. Since cats have highly sensitive hearing compared to humans, it's essential to take precautions to ensure their well-being. To keep your cat safe this holiday, consider creating a quiet and secure space in your home where they can retreat. Providing comforting items like familiar blankets or toys can also help alleviate their stress. Additionally, ensuring all doors and windows are securely closed can prevent escape attempts if your cat becomes frightened. By implementing these practical tips, you can help minimize the impact of fireworks on your cat's well-being.

06/21/2026

Shades of Purrs
✨ Custom cat portrait artist 🐾 | 🎨 Painting workshops (DM to book) | ☕ Boba & coffee shop reviews (DM for collab) | 🌸 Art vendor – follow for market updates | 💖 Supporting rescue cats with every creation.

Come see them next at the Houston Cat Expo on June 28, 2026!
https://houstoncatexpo.com/

https://linktr.ee/shades_of_purrs

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1bXkEt6Ckp/

05/10/2026

Happy Mother's Day to all the incredible mothers out there! Sending warm greetings and love to each and every one of you on this special day. Your endless love, strength, and dedication do not go unnoticed. Today is all about celebrating you and everything you do. Let this day be filled with joy, relaxation, and appreciation for all the amazing mothers across the world. Cheers to you, super moms!

05/09/2026

Hello All!

Due to a venue scheduling conflict for 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟖, our annual Cat Show in 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐠, 𝐓𝐗, won't be able to take place on the first weekend of June. We've rescheduled the event for a cozy winter weekend on 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟏𝟖-𝟐𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟖.

So, how about hosting a Cat Show on the first weekend of June 2027 in the South Central region? The weather will be just right before it gets too hot, making it a perfect time to kick off the season. If any other club is looking for a great weekend to showcase their feline friends, this one's up for grabs!

𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫, 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟔-𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔.

TOES Registration: https://shows.tica.org/en/component/toes/shows

05/07/2026

Bengal cats are well-known for their curious and loving nature, as well as their stunning appearance. They are a favorite breed within TICA due to their unique origins from a mix of domestic cats and the leopard cat. Bengals were specifically bred to have a wild look combined with a friendly domestic temperament. Their soft coat is reminiscent of a pelt and often features beautiful rosettes or marbling patterns that mimic those seen on wild cats.

Come see Bengals in person at the Whiskers in the Wild cat show in Rosenberg, TX, on June 6-7, 2026.

Website: www.americanfelinesociety.org

05/05/2026

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Please join us at our next show, Whiskers in the Wild cat show in Rosenberg, TX, on June 6-7, 2026!

Show Registration: https://shows.tica.org/en/component/toes/shows

FB Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GzGT7W58c/