Hi there, cat lovers!

Happy New Year! We at CatChannel hope that 2009 is getting off to a great start for you and your cats.

January is a month for resolutions. If you have a kitty at home who could stand to lose a few pounds, read about some ways to help her take off the weight through a sensible, veterinarian-approved eating plan and exercise. And if your cat has successfully shed some pounds, we would love for you to share the results with us through photos in CAT FANCY's Biggest Losers Contest.

No matter what time of year it is, we can all use a good laugh. What is more fun than watching a cat do something hilarious, silly or just plain adorable on video! Check out some of our featured videos. And be sure to see one particularly adorable kitty who loves broccoli!

Reach out to your family and friends with an e-card. Remember, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner; send a friend one of our sweet cat-themed cards. We have cards for every occasion imaginable: birthdays, President’s Day – even a new sympathy card for someone who has lost a pet.

As always, CatChannel thanks you for your loyal readership. We wish you and your cats all great things in the new year. Keep coming back to CatChannel in 2009 for the latest breaking cat news and features!

Meows until next month,
Nikki Batalis
CatChannel.com Managing Editor

Catch Up With Author John E. Becker
Learn more about the inspiration behind his book "Wild Cats: Past and Present."

Ingredients Cats Need to Survive
Take the CatChannel quiz and see how much you know about feline nutrition.

What's Your Home's Allergen Level?
Our exclusive quiz could help you determine if it's your cat or something else in your house that's making you sneeze.

Five Simple Tips to Fight Cat Odors
Do you want your home to be clean naturally? Here are some green methods to keep your home smelling fresh and clean.

Thank Your Vet Contest Regional Winners
CAT FANCY and DOG FANCY are pleased to announce the regional finalists in the 2008 Thank Your Vet for a Healthy Pet contest.

Click here to see all our March CatChannel Exclusives.

Play the Match Game
Think you know your cat breeds? Play our cat-loving twist on the classic memory game by flipping over the cards to reveal a kitty, then try to find the match!

Club Cat Update
We have a new addition to the CatChannel team – our first Cat Club moderator. She’ll keep her finger on the pulse of the club to let you know the latest happenings, topics of interest and answer your club-related questions. Meet her here.

Outrageous Videos
We love the videos that you are sending in to CatChannel! Check them out by clicking here and upload your own by clicking here.

Featured Club Cat Avatar: Oreo

See Oreo's profile.

The February issue of CAT FANCY offers a complete guide to your cat’s dental health, with great information on everything from prevention to behavioral cues that could signal dental disease. Read an inspiring story about the Cats of Pollsmoor Prison, the South African prison that once held Nelson Mandela, which has now become a home to some lucky feral cats. CAT FANCY has a great story about online dating services that are tailored to the needs of cat owners, as well as a story about the plight of Greece’s stray cats. Learn about the beautiful, energetic Ocicat, as well as the sweet Snowshoe breed, whose striking appearance is highlighted by its bright blue eyes and snow-white paws.

Check out CAT FANCY’s Table of Contents online.

For these articles and more, grab the February issue of CAT FANCY today. Click here to subscribe now.

What Your Cat Is Trying to Tell You
By Peter Gerstenzang
At least once a day, I get the feeling my cat, Gracie, is trying to tell me something. It can be as innocent as "I need you to scratch me." Or as cheeky as "Ugh, that outfit! Who dressed you this morning?" So, I decided to see if my cat’s various sounds really meant something. And if I really did need to take more pains with my appearance. Here’s a breakdown of your kitty’s noises from the always-dependable Wikipedia. Even if they do insist that Jimmy Hoffa is still alive and running the Teamsters.

MEOW: According to Wikipedia, the meow is a standard greeting. Meaning “Hi,” “Yo,” or “How’s my peeps?” if your cat is really hip. Lately, though, I’ve been showing up with presents for Gracie and still getting the standard meow. So, now I have to check Wikipedia for the chapter, “Have Your Cat’s Priorities Changed?”

Click here to read Peter Gerstenzang’s full article.

Star Chaser Cat Toy
Stimulate your cat with lights, catnip, a ball and scratching – all in one toy. Your cat's pawing action sets the lighted ball in motion around the plastic track. A corrugated center delivers long-lasting scratching fun, especially when sprinkled with catnip, which is included. This is a fun, interactive toy that will give your cat hours and hours of great playtime and exercise.
Buy Now!