Our cats make our lives better! And we're not making this up, since it has been scientifically proven that they have a positive effect on our physical and mental health.

Do our cats love us sincerely, or do they dream of killing us in our sleep? A little bit of both, surely. For the length of this article, we've put ourselves in the mindset of our kitties, the kings of tough love. #1 "You're a terrible hunter" He tries to make you understand this by bringing you gifts (sometimes still alive). #2 "You're already back?" If your little love doesn't rush to your legs when you return, it's because he's too lazy, and if he does, it's probably because he's hungry. #3 "My litterbox won't clean itself" He's wondering why you insist on stealing his poop. #4 "You're a weird cat" When you answer his meows by trying to mimic him, he's wondering what got into you. #5 "Don't forget to buy  my Ziggy cat food" Or I'll make you pay for it in your sleep. #6 "I missed you" After a day alone at home, he's still happy to see his favorite servant. #7 "It's not me, it's the dog" If he could, your kitty wouldn't hesitate to throw the dog under the bus! #8 "I'll leave you your cat tree, I prefer the TV box" We all know this passion our mustachioed friends have for  cardboard boxes... #9 "You're going to the bathroom? Great, I’ll follow you!" It's stronger than them, they want to be involved in everything. #10 "I love you human" And he lets you know by rubbing against your legs or purring on your chest. We love them too, our little ungrateful kitties.

What can our mustached friend be doing when we leave for work for the day? Don't worry, these little ungrateful beings we love so much are busy in a thousand ways! We're revealing the (real) secret life of our cats. #1 He Sleeps While you struggle to sleep 6 hours a night, your cat can sleep up to 18 hours a day, which is about 70% of his time! Life's not too hard, huh? #2 He Does His Business Thinking about the face you'll make when changing his litter. #3 He Eats Your Plants Then he vomits them on your rug. Be careful,  some plants are toxic to our kitties! #4 He Takes It Easy While you're killing yourself at work to give him the best life possible. #5 He Thinks About His Next Meal And especially his favorite canned food... when is it coming home?! #6 He Gets Some Exercise From the couch to the bed, and from the bed to his bowl. #7 He Spies on the Neighbors To tell you all the neighborhood gossip once he's home, a true Desperate HouseCat. #8 He Goes Hunting To bring you dinner, since he thinks you can't fend for yourself. #9 He Celebrates the Couch Instead of his scratching post! #10 He Plans World Domination Get ready, soon, cats will rule the world (well, after their nap, of course).

According to a recent survey, 1 in 4 French people prefer spending Valentine's Day evening with their cat rather than going out on a date, and 49% believe their cat is more affectionate than their partner or potential partner. We've found the best reasons to celebrate Valentine's Day with your very own little sweetheart. #1 Because they're the one and only in your heart! With them, every day feels like Valentine’s Day. #2 Because they love you even on your worst days Your little cat will never let you down. In fact, they always manage to make you smile again. #3 At least they don’t snore Unlike your last date! #4 If the wine is bad, they won’t hold it against you Since they won’t drink a drop anyway. #5 Same if you burn the dinner In any case, they prefer their Ziggy pâté—but they won’t tell you that. #6 Because they couldn’t care less if you don’t get them a gift Unless it’s a cardboard box (empty, of course), which will make them extremely happy. #7 You’ll save money A dinner for two with your cat is cheaper than eating out, and anyway, the restaurants are closed (*sob*). #8 To your cat, you’ll always be the most beautiful At least, they can’t say otherwise. #9 They won’t expect you to wear something uncomfortable or high heels With them, it’s time for your best pajamas and cozy slippers—comfy night guaranteed. #10 Because your cat makes you laugh like no one else They have a subtle sense of humor that probably only you understand.

Character, genetic traits, lucky cat... We explain everything about this coat. And feel free to share pictures of your little tortoiseshell cats at the end of this article! #1 The term "Tortoiseshell" refers to a coat, not a breed When we talk about "tortoiseshell," we’re referring to a coat pattern, not a specific cat breed, as some might think. The tortoiseshell pattern consists of a mix of red and its variants (chocolate, cinnamon), and black or another dark color. #2 Several variations The tortoiseshell coat comes in multiple variations and patterns. At first glance, it might even appear nearly uniform. The colors can be distinct or more diluted, and they appear in different patterns: patches, swirls, speckles, etc. #3 It’s different from the Calico coat The Calico cat has a tortoiseshell coat with the addition of white. A unique feature of Calico cats is that no two kittens in the same litter will look alike. #4 "Tortie", "Tabby", "Torbie", what are these? Some tortoiseshell cats have striped areas, making them a torbie: a mix of tortie (the English nickname for tortoiseshell) and tabby, which refers to a striped coat pattern. #5 A chromosome story The tortoiseshell color comes from the fact that one of the two X chromosomes is inactive in a specific region in females. #6 Over 99.9% are female Tortoiseshell cats are typically female! There’s about one male tortoiseshell cat for every 3,000 female tortoiseshell cats. This particular coat is linked to a very rare gene in male cats. The gene for the tortoiseshell coat appears in males only if they have three chromosomes in the combination XXY. #7 Male tortoiseshell cats are sterile Due to the genetic anomaly described above, male tortoiseshell cats are sterile. #8 This makes it a rare coat! Since males are sterile and cannot reproduce with female tortoiseshell cats, this coat pattern is considered rare and somewhat of a genetic coincidence. #9 In Japan, they bring good luck In Japan, tortoiseshell cats are considered to bring good luck. They are even believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits! This coat is locally known as "mi-ke," which means "triple fur." #10 Common misconceptions about their character Unfortunately, tortoiseshell cats have gained a reputation for being temperamental and not getting along with humans or other cats. This misconception likely arises from the fact that tortoiseshell cats are almost exclusively female, and females tend to be more independent than males. At Ziggy, we believe a cat's character depends more on their personality and socialization than on their coat color. In fact, tortoiseshell cat owners describe them as playful, shy, affectionate, and sweet. They are lovable cats that deserve just as much attention as any other feline. We love our tortoiseshell cats as full-fledged family members, so we make sure to provide them with healthy, high-protein cat food. Our meals are made in France and are free from grains, tubers, and legumes, ensuring your cat stays satisfied and healthy.

We've put together a list of 10 films we’re likely to binge-watch with our furry friend on Valentine's Day evening. #1 "The Aristocats" (1970) Duchess and her kittens are kidnapped by a foolish butler hoping to inherit their owner's fortune. But he didn't count on Thomas O'Malley, a streetwise alley cat who comes to their rescue. A timeless classic we never get tired of! #2 "Oliver & Company" (1988) Oliver, a little stray kitten, meets friendly dogs and their master, Fagin, who is heavily in debt and owes money to the sinister Sykes. Oliver is adopted by Jenny, a rich little girl. But Sykes kidnaps Jenny and demands a ransom. Oliver and his friends embark on a daring rescue mission. A must-see if you haven’t already—we love it! #3 "Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey" (1993) The adventures of Chance, Shadow, and Sassy, who believe they’ve been abandoned and embark on a journey through the Rockies to reunite with their family. A heartwarming film that brings on the nostalgia. #4 "The Voices" (2015) Ryan Reynolds plays Jerry, a loner whose only friends are Mr. Whiskers the cat and Bosco the dog. He meets the charming Fiona, but things take a turn when Jerry stops taking his meds... A wild and chilling dark comedy! #5 "Garfield" (2003) Follow the lazy and food-loving Garfield, who also proves to be a hero when the time comes. Light-hearted and fun! #6 "The Cat from Outer Space" (1978) Though he looks like a cat, Jake is actually an alien with extraordinary powers. He has only 48 hours to fix his spaceship and return to space. The film may be dated, but it’s still a lot of fun! #7 "A Cat in Paris" (2010) Dino the cat lives a double life: by day he’s Zoé’s pet, daughter of police commissioner Jeanne. By night, he roams the rooftops with Nico, a burglar. When Zoé is kidnapped by a gangster, adventure ensues! A visually stunning film you’ll fall in love with. #8 "Nine Lives" (2016) A fantasy comedy where a man in a coma finds his spirit trapped in the body of a cat. He must confront his past mistakes and try to make amends. A touching and funny story! #9 "The Secret Life of Pets" (2016) Our furry companions lead a secret life once we leave home! A delightful animated film that’s sure to bring smiles. #10 "Shrek 2" (2004) Back from their honeymoon, Shrek and Fiona are invited to meet her parents in the kingdom of Far Far Away. They are in for quite a surprise... A hilarious sequel full of zany humor!

With its rustic charm and dog-like personality, the Maine Coon completely wins us over. In this article, we take a closer look at the characteristics of this adorable velvet-eyed giant. Origins and History of the Maine Coon A Breed from America The Maine Coon cat originates from the state of Maine in the United States, which gave the breed its name. According to the Official Book of Feline Origins (Loof), “its origin traces back to the first European settlers' ships landing on American shores, carrying long-haired traveling cats in their holds. Some of these cats escaped and adapted to the cold Maine winters. They developed a water-resistant coat, strong muscles, and a powerful hunter’s jaw.” Legends Surrounding the Maine Coon Some legends tell a different tale. One suggests the Maine Coon is the offspring of a raccoon and a domestic cat — “coon” being short for “raccoon” in English — which would explain its dense fur and large size. Biologically, of course, this is impossible… Other legends claim this big whiskered cat descends from Queen Marie-Antoinette’s Angora cats or from Norwegian cats brought by Vikings. If you’re a Maine Coon lover, choose whichever story you find most magical! Physical Characteristics of the Maine Coon A Large-Sized Cat As you might guess, this is one of the largest cat breeds in the world. The average Maine Coon weighs between 6 and 10 kg, with some reaching up to 12 kg — impressive, right? The Maine Coon has a powerful build, muscular body, and broad chest — it’s like the Schwarzenegger of cats! The Maine Coon is a remarkable breed that holds multiple world records. Stewie, a Maine Coon who passed away in 2013, still holds the record for the world’s longest domestic cat. From nose to tail, he measured 121.92 centimeters! Another distinguishing trait: its muzzle is wide and square, with prominent cheekbones. It also has small tufts of hair coming out of its ears, known as "lynx tips." The Maine Coon is an eternal teenager, as its growth lasts longer than that of most other cats. It only reaches full maturity at around 5 years old. Impressive Paws The Maine Coon has large, fluffy paws — just like its tail. If you adopt a kitten or adult Maine Coon, there’s a high chance it will be polydactyl. A polydactyl or hyperdactyl cat simply has extra toes. Some breeds are more affected by this genetic mutation, such as the Maine Coon and the Pixie-Bob. A Unique, Dense Coat Maine Coon cats have one of the most beautiful coats. Shorter on the shoulders, it gradually gets longer down the sides. Their long fur requires regular brushing to avoid matting. They also have ear tufts called "lynx tips." These big felines can have many coat colors: black, white, red, tabby, gray, cream, bicolor, tricolor… Temperament and Personality of the Maine Coon An Affectionate and Social Cat Despite its imposing and rustic appearance, the Maine Coon is a gentle giant. Very playful, it’s often called a "dog-cat." If you throw a ball, chances are it will bring it back! This kitty is very sweet and affectionate and enjoys human contact — both adults and children. It loves the outdoors but can adapt to apartment living as long as it has enough space to play and stay active. A Chatty Cat The Maine Coon is known for "talking" to its humans — it’s quite the chatterbox! This cat has a unique way of meowing and expressing itself, as if trying to talk to you. Fun fact: it has a repertoire of 63 sounds, and it’s said to coo more than it meows. Grooming and Care of the Maine Coon Coat Maintenance As mentioned above, its coat needs a bit of upkeep. Regular brushing helps prevent mats and supports the cat’s own grooming efforts. Cats can remove most dead hair with their tongue, but not all. Brushing helps eliminate these hairs, which can otherwise disturb the cat’s skin balance. Regular brushing also reduces hairball formation. When grooming, cats ingest a lot of hair, which can collect in the stomach and form hairballs (trichobezoars). If they become too large, the cat will vomit them or may suffer intestinal blockages. The Ziggy Cat Brush At Ziggy, we created the cat brush of our dreams — for long-haired cats like Maine Coons, short-haired ones, and even those who love a good head massage (just to the right, rrrrr). The double-headed brush is made of ash wood from sustainably managed forests, vegan, and crafted in France (Oise) to care for and enhance your furry friend’s coat. High-Quality Nutrition Due to its large size and longer growth period, the Maine Coon requires kitten food for a longer time than other breeds. Be cautious about weight gain if you decide to neuter your cat — Maine Coons are known for their big appetites. As mentioned in our dedicated article on Maine Coon nutrition, this large feline needs a cat food high in animal protein to maintain lean body mass (muscle, tone, immunity, and digestion). As a long-haired cat, this protein intake is also crucial for a healthy coat. A cat’s hair is about 90% protein (keratin). Their food should be rich in protein and essential fatty acids (Omega 6 and 3) to keep their fur in great condition. It should also be low in phosphorus (to support kidney health) and low in carbohydrates (to reduce obesity-related risks like diabetes or renal failure). Ziggy's Maine Coon Cat Kibble At Ziggy, we developed Maine Coon cat kibble that meets all these nutritional needs, to keep your cat healthy and happy. The bonus? They're adapted to the cat’s large, strong jaw. Bigger than our sterilized cat kibble, they’re easier to chew instead of just swallowing whole. Better chewing means better digestion! You can also add our wet food for cats. High in moisture and fully meeting your cat’s nutritional needs, it promotes proper hydration. Specific Health Issues in Maine Coons Maine Coon cats live about 12 years on average. Sadly, they are more prone to certain diseases, mainly due to the high level of inbreeding involved in the breed’s development. Heart Diseases (HCM) They may suffer from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which is hard to detect until heart failure appears. It is characterized by an abnormal thickening of the heart walls. Hip Dysplasia They may also develop hip dysplasia, a disorder of joint development. Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Like many purebred cats such as the Sacred Birman, Ragdoll, or Persian, Maine Coons are predisposed to polycystic kidney disease — a condition where kidney cysts form and destroy renal tissue. How to Prevent These Diseases? These common diseases in Maine Coons are mostly genetic, and few preventive actions exist. To support kidney health, however, we strongly recommend feeding a low-phosphorus diet — which is the case for all our Ziggy kibbles and wet food. Why Choose a Maine Coon? An Ideal Companion The Maine Coon is full of wonderful qualities: gentle and affectionate, it loves cuddles and human contact from both adults and children. It's a big ball of love! And if you need company, the Maine Coon will brighten your days by playing with you and meowing sweet nothings. Adopting a Maine Coon Where to Adopt? You can reach out to shelters and rescue organizations that house many cats looking for loving families. This breed has become very popular in recent years, so it's also easy to find Maine Coon breeders in France. Any serious breeder should provide a clear pedigree and Loof registration to avoid inbreeding-related illnesses. But be aware, this adoption can be costly — some cats may cost thousands of euros… How to Welcome Your Maine Coon Don’t forget to prepare for your new furry friend by providing maximum comfort: a cat tree, suitable bowls, bedding, litter box… These are essential for the well-being of your giant cat. It’s important to devote time to your furball — whether for play sessions, grooming, or moments of cuddles and purring. Though it requires specific care, the Maine Coon is affectionate, playful, social — even a little clingy. It’s an excellent companion that will bring endless joy to your family.

We’ve prepared a ranking of the 20 most popular cat names in 2020 (the year of the "R"s). For a bit of history, since 1996, a lettering system has been implemented for pedigree cats to simplify the consultation of the LOOF (Official Book of Feline Origins). This allows you to know a cat’s age based on its name. Although choosing a name for your beloved pet is a personal choice, many of you still follow this tradition today. #1 Ruby Simply because our cats are gems. Ruby is a perfect name for a little female! #2 Rio We can spot the Netflix fans among you. Rio is the name of one of the main characters in the series "Money Heist", whose latest season was a hit this year. It's also the 2nd largest city in Brazil, and let's face it, this year, we all needed a little mental vacation! #3 Simba Since the release of The Lion King, Simba has become a classic that always ranks among the most popular cat names each year. #4 Nala Named after the young lioness, friend and companion of Simba in The Lion King. Many of you are inspired by this name every year! #5 Romeo Who hasn’t heard of "Romeo and Juliet"? With such a name, your cat can only be a great romantic! #6 Plume A light name, soft on the ears. It suits a calm and wise female (at least, on the surface...). #7 Ragnar A name that debuts directly at 7th place in the ranking this year! And for good reason, Ragnar Lodbrok is the hero of the TV series "Vikings". #8 Romy A name that has become very popular, certainly due to the fame of actress Romy Schneider. At Ziggy, we really like it! #9 Raven An original name! It means "crow" in English. "The Raven Phenomenon" is also the name of a popular American TV show that aired from 2003 to 2007. #10 Rocket A name that suits a little male full of energy! #11 Luna For the past few years, the name Luna has been a huge success. It comes from Latin, meaning "she who is related to the moon". And in Hawaiian, it means "happy". A name that can only bring good fortune! #12 Cookie The perfect name for a sweet-toothed cat (or human). #13 Rocky Inspired by the movie series of the same name, "Rocky" is a great fit for a male cat always ready to throw a punch and act tough. #14 Roxy/Roxie Roxie is a diminutive of the name Roxana, which comes from Latin "regina" and means "queen". A modern name for a mischievous furball with an air of royalty! #15 Rosie Rosie comes from the Latin "Rosa", meaning "rose". A name that perfectly suits a female with character and audacity. #16 Licorice Licorice – it reminds us of our sweet childhood. #17 Rose Lilac, Iris, Daisy… Flower names are in vogue, and we really love Rose. #18 Milo For us, Milo is a brave, adventurous, slightly mysterious cat with a bit of clumsiness! #19 Bounty A sweet name that reminds us of a well-known candy treat! #20 Lilou The origin of the name is uncertain, but it is thought to come from the Latin name "Lou" and the Germanic name "Lili". In any case, Lilou remains incredibly popular due to its cute and easy-to-wear vibe.

Our cats love giving our Christmas tree a hard time — they just can’t help themselves! Maybe it's their way of showing off their incredible climbing skills, or perhaps they believe they alone should be the ones shining in the middle of the room. Here are 10 genius-level tricks people came up with to protect their tree from their little gremlin! #1 The half-decorated tree To prevent your cat from playing ping-pong with the glass ornaments under the tree. #2 Use a cage. For your tree. A radical method (no trees were harmed in the making of this photo). Locking up our cats? Never! So it's the tree that gets caged. It’s like taking your kid to the zoo — they'll spend hours watching through the bars. #3 A vacuum at the foot of the tree Vade Retro Catana! For some cats, the vacuum cleaner is pure evil — they won’t come near it. Not the prettiest Christmas decoration, but hey, you can vacuum fallen needles on the spot. Still, whoever gifts us a vacuum for Christmas is getting face-planted into the tree. #4 Out of reach And a pretty clever decor idea, too. #5 The brush-tree Clearly not the tree you’d want in your living room.Cats don’t seem amused... "Go ahead, laugh now — we'll talk again on the morning of the 25th." #6 The upside-down ceiling tree Very clever. Not ideal for putting presents underneath, but your cat will definitely need time to figure this one out. #7 Hanging decorations Book a vet appointment for the 26th — this cat is about to pull a neck muscle. #8 The crowned king This person nailed it. A tree for a Cat-king. Wow, respect! Who’s the boss now? #9 The wall-tree So your cat can go full Spider-Man on your walls… #10 The nap-tree If your cat is going to climb the tree anyway, you might as well make it cozy! At least they’re happy — once again, they’re the center of the universe.