When you first arrive in China, you quickly notice something fascinating - cats are everywhere, yet they live very differently from those in most European countries. In one city, you might see pampered cats living in luxurious homes, while elsewhere you’ll find them calmly wandering through residential neighborhoods, university campuses, or around local restaurants. Attitudes toward cats in China are remarkably diverse and often depend on the city, the region, and even the generation of the people you meet.

Cats have lived in China for thousands of years. It is believed that the first domesticated cats were kept to protect grain stores from mice and rats. For a long time, cats were valued not simply as pets but as useful helpers. Today, however, the situation is very different. In China's major cities, cats have become cherished members of the family.

Over the past few decades, pet ownership in China has grown tremendously, especially among younger generations. Many people live alone, work long hours, and choose cats because they don't need daily walks, adapt well to apartment living, bring comfort and companionship, and are relatively independent.

As a result, China's major cities are now home to countless cat cafés, pet stores, cat hotels, and even home interior solutions designed specifically for cats.

One of the most interesting aspects of life in China is the presence of so-called community cats. Around residential buildings, universities, and office complexes, it is common to see cats cared for not by a single owner but by the wider community.

People leave food and water for them, provide boxes or simple shelters during the winter, and collect money for spaying and neutering. As a result, a cat may appear to have no owner, when in reality an entire neighborhood is looking after it.

Almost every cat owner has wondered at least once: should you train your cat, or simply accept that you're sharing your home with a cat? Some people don't want their cats jumping on kitchen tables. Others worry about scratched furniture or damaged curtains. And many owners become frustrated by midnight zoomies or constant attempts to jump onto places that are considered "off-limits."

However, the more scientists and animal behavior specialists study cats, the clearer one thing becomes: cats can absolutely learn, but they learn in a very different way from dogs - or people.

Perhaps the most important thing is not figuring out how to make a cat obey, but understanding how to create an environment where your cat can thrive and everyone in the home can live together peacefully.

Many of us grew up hearing that cats need to be shown who's in charge. If they jump on the table, scratch something, or do something they're not supposed to do, they should be scolded, picked up, or even punished.

But cats simply don't see the world the same way we do. A cat rarely does something out of spite or to annoy its owner. It doesn't think, "I know I'm not supposed to do this, but I'll do it anyway."

Most of the time, a cat behaves this way because the place is interesting, safe, warm, higher up, offers a better view of the surroundings, or simply because that's where its favorite person is.

Cats also don't connect punishment with their actions in the way many people imagine. If you come home, discover that your curtains have been scratched, and become angry, your cat is unlikely to understand why. Instead, it may simply think that its human has suddenly started behaving strangely.

That is why modern approaches to cat training focus less on punishment and much more on understanding your cat's natural behavior.

The short answer is yes.

But probably not in the way most people imagine. Cats are excellent learners. They can adapt to household rules, develop daily routines, recognize words, understand boundaries, and even learn a variety of commands.

The key difference is that cats respond much better to encouragement than to punishment.

For example, if you don't want your cat jumping onto the kitchen table, it is often far more effective to provide an even more attractive alternative nearby than to keep lifting your cat off the table every time. Cats naturally choose what works best for them. If the kitchen table offers the best view of the entire room and there is no better option, your cat will almost certainly keep coming back.

But if you install a tall cat shelf or a perch by the window, you'll often find that after a few weeks, the table simply isn't as interesting anymore.

There is no single right answer. Some families allow it, while others have a strict "no cats on the table" rule. Interestingly, the idea that it is somehow "bad" for a cat to be on a table is usually not about the cat's well-being.

More often, it comes down to our own preferences-hygiene, household routines, and the way we want our homes to be. If you've decided that the kitchen table is off-limits, that's perfectly reasonable.

But it's also worth asking yourself another question: where is your cat allowed to climb?

Cats naturally love to observe their surroundings from above. In the wild, height means safety, a better view, and a place to relax without being disturbed. That is why many cats aren't actually interested in the table itself-they're simply looking for the highest and most comfortable spot in the room. If you provide a tall cat tree, a sturdy shelf, or a window perch, your cat may happily choose that instead.

In Japan, cats appear in the most unexpected places. On shop shelves, beside the doors of old houses, on train station signs, in temples, in souvenir stores, or simply sleeping peacefully in the sun.

At first, it seems like Japanese people simply love cats. But after spending more time there, you begin to realize that the relationship is slightly different. In Japan, a cat is not just an animal living in a home. It has become a symbol of calmness, harmony, cozy living, and even the ability to slow down.

Cats have lived in Japan for more than a thousand years. It is believed that the first cats arrived from China through trade routes together with Buddhist manuscripts. At first, their role was quite practical - simply protecting food supplies from rodents. But over time, people’s attitudes began to change.

Japanese culture has long valued modesty, quiet companionship, and respect for personal space. Perhaps that is why cats naturally became not only pets but also a symbol of a certain way of living.

Unlike dogs, which are often associated with energy and social interaction, cats in Japan are often seen as animals that remind people that life does not always require action - sometimes simply being is enough.

Even people who have never visited Japan have probably seen the small cat figurine with one raised paw.Maneki-neko is considered a s ymbol that invites good luck. Interestingly, Japanese people often do not think of luck as a sudden success.

Instead, luck is more closely connected with: good relationships, harmony, stability, peaceful homes.

That is why cats became a gentle reminder that not everything in life has to happen quickly. For this reason, cat imagery is everywhere in Japan. These symbols do not simply decorate spaces - they create an atmosphere.

Japan is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. In large cities, people often live in small apartments, work long hours, and spend much of their day surrounded by others. That is how a very Japanese phenomenon appeared - cat cafés. But their purpose is not exactly what tourists often imagine. People do not come there to play. They come to simply be. To drink tea. To rest. To sit quietly and do nothing for a while.

And perhaps that is why people in Japan so often say that cats teach humans how to live more slowly.

When you first arrive in Australia, one detail feels very unusual to many cat lovers. The cities are full of birds, parks, and small animals, yet you hardly see any stray cats. Even in residential neighborhoods, cats rarely roam outdoors the way we are used to seeing in Lithuania or across Europe.

At first, many travelers do not even think about why this is. But Australia’s history with cats is very unusual - and also quite complicated.

Cats are not native to Australia. They arrived on the continent with Europeans in the late 18th century. Cats were kept on ships to catch mice and rats, and later they also became household pets.

However, Australia developed in isolation from the rest of the world for thousands of years. Because of this, it became home to a very unique and fragile ecosystem unlike almost anywhere else on Earth. Many small birds, reptiles, and mammals evolved with very few natural predators.

When cats appeared on the continent, the situation changed very quickly.

Today, feral cats in Australia are considered one of the country’s most dangerous invasive animals. They do not hunt because they are starving, but because hunting is part of their natural instinct. Even a well-fed cat can catch several birds or lizards in a single day.

Scientists estimate that cats kill millions of native animals in Australia every day. Because of this, some species have already disappeared completely, while others are now close to extinction.

That is why the Australian attitude toward free-roaming cats is very different from what people are used to in Europe.

In many parts of Australia, cats must be registered, microchipped, sterilized, and kept indoors or inside specially enclosed outdoor areas.

In some cities, there are rules stating that:

• cats are not allowed to roam outside at night,
• cats may not be allowed to roam freely at all,
• people can receive fines for feeding stray cats,
• certain natural areas are protected from cats with special fencing.

There are even special “cat curfew” hours - almost like a curfew for cats.

To many Europeans, these rules may seem very strict. However, for Australians, protecting native wildlife found nowhere else in the world is the top priority.

Many new cat owners ask: “Will this pass on its own? Will my cat grow up and stop climbing the curtains?”
The answer isn’t that simple. Some cats settle down with age, while others remain curious, jumpy, and... always eager to test their claws on fabric.

Cats aren’t “bad” — they’re simply following their instincts.

The urge to climb. In the wild, cats hunt, observe prey from above, and escape danger by climbing trees. Even domestic kittens inherit this need. A curtain is like a “soft tree” — easy to grip and even swing on.

Movement attracts them. A hanging, gently swaying curtain looks like prey in a cat’s eyes — especially when sunlight casts shadows or a breeze makes it flutter. Cats love to stalk and “hunt” moving objects.

Boredom and excess energy. Without enough stimulation — toys, attention, climbing spots — curtains become the cat’s version of “going outside.” Climbing, jumping, and hunting are how they burn off energy.

Stress or change. Sometimes scratching is linked to stress — a new family member, a different litter box, or noisy neighbors. Climbing curtains can be a way for the cat to feel safer and regain control.

Yes - often, but not always.

Kittens are like children: curious, impatient, and full of energy. Most of them naturally calm down over time, especially if they’re played with regularly and have enough physical activity and attention.

But there are exceptions:

Some cats remain highly active their entire lives. This is especially common in breeds with strong hunting instincts (such as Bengals, Abyssinians, or Savannah cats). Others, like British Shorthairs, tend to have a more relaxed lifestyle.

If a cat doesn’t get enough playtime, she may see the curtains as her personal playground.

Cats that learned to climb early on - and were never discouraged - are more likely to continue doing it even as adults.

While it may seem like kittens and curtains are sworn enemies, it’s often just a temporary phase — or a problem with a solution.
You don’t have to choose between a beautiful interior and a beloved pet.
What matters is understanding your cat’s behavior, offering the right alternatives, and applying smart solutions that help create a harmonious home for both humans and animals.

Every cat owner has wondered at least once whether they should trim their pet’s nails. At first glance, it seems like a logical way to protect the home environment (furniture, floors, or curtains) from scratching. However, it’s important to consider not only the practical aspect but also the cat’s health and behavior.

Natural instinct. For cats, scratching is a way to care for their nails by removing the top, loose layer of the nail.
Marking. Cats have scent glands in their paws, and by scratching surfaces, they leave their scent behind. This is how they mark their territory.
Movement training. Scratching also helps cats stretch their muscles and relieve tension.

Nails are too long. If you notice the nails have grown excessively (for example, they start catching on the carpet when the cat walks), then it’s time to trim them.
Health problems. Sometimes, if nails are growing incorrectly (for example, tending to grow into the paw pad), a veterinarian may recommend trimming them regularly.
Excessive indoor activity. If the cat frequently scratches furniture or other household items, you can try combining nail trimming with alternatives (e.g., scratching posts or special protective covers).

Proper clippers. Use special clippers or trimmers designed for animal nails.
Caution. Only trim the clear part of the nail. Avoid the pink area, as it contains blood vessels which, if cut, can bleed and cause the cat pain.
Preparation. If the cat isn’t used to this procedure, it’s better to wait until they’re calm, tired, or sleeping.
Positive associations. After trimming each nail, offer a treat or pet the cat so they associate the procedure with pleasant experiences.

Not always. Cats with enough scratching surfaces (e.g., scratching posts, mats) may need nail trimming very rarely or not at all. Cats living outdoors or those who go outside often naturally wear down their nails by scratching tree bark or other outdoor surfaces. However, if a cat only lives indoors, its nails may grow too long, especially if there aren’t sufficient scratching surfaces.

In such cases, occasional trimming is a reasonable solution to prevent damage to the home and injury to the paws.

Even if you regularly trim your cat’s nails, it may still decide to showcase its “scratching art” on the curtains. If you want to protect your interior but don’t want to constantly worry about potential damage, it’s worth considering special daytime curtains that are more resistant to pets’ nails and teeth.

Durable fabric. These curtains are made from a denser, more damage-resistant material, so they’re not easily torn.
Longer service life. By investing in high-quality curtains, you can avoid frequent replacements.
Additional protection. Curtains not only protect against direct sunlight and curious passersby, but also remain attractive even when your cat engages in its “nail exercises.”

To trim or not to trim?
If your cat lives strictly indoors and doesn’t have many opportunities to wear down its nails naturally, trimming them responsibly can be a great solution. However, remember that you must do it properly and carefully to protect your cat’s health and well-being.

Don’t forget the alternatives.
Provide your cat with various scratching posts, giving it a place to satisfy its need to scratch.

Scratch-resistant curtains.
Even with supervision, regular nail trimming, and several scratching posts available, your cat might still take an interest in your curtains. By choosing special daytime curtains made from durable, scratch-resistant fabric, you can protect your home from unnecessary damage.

Finally, it’s important to remember that scratching is a natural behavior for cats, helping them maintain good health and psychological comfort. So, look for the best compromise: ensure suitable conditions for your cat and, if needed, opt for practical and sturdy interior details that not only enliven your home but also withstand your little predator’s claws.