The Journal of Applied Whiskers publishes the research of Gnarp University faculty. Each paper examines a familiar feline behaviour, from knocking things off tables to sitting in boxes, and combines the faculty's field observations with the published literature where it exists.
Self-Maintenance and Personal Presentation in the Domestic Feline
Why do cats groom themselves so much? A look at cleaning, cooling, scent and self-soothing, and when over-grooming is worth a vet visit.
The Threshold of Tolerance: Notes on Petting-Induced Biting
Why does my cat bite me when I pet it? A look at overstimulation, the warning signs cats give, and how to stop before the bite.
The Nictitating Membrane: A Study of the Third Eyelid
Why do cats have a third eyelid? A look at what the nictitating membrane does, when it shows, and when a visible third eyelid is worth a vet visit.
The Belly Paradox: Exposure Without Invitation
Why do cats show their belly? A look at what rolling over means, why it is not always an invitation to rub, and how to read the signs.
Chattering: Notes on Frustrated Predation
Why do cats chatter at birds? A look at the clicking sound cats make at windows, and how to give a window-watching cat something to do.
Bunting: A Study of Head-to-Head Diplomacy
Why do cats headbutt and rub against you? A look at head bunting, scent glands and what it says about how much your cat trusts you.
Vertical Surface Maintenance: A Study of Scratching
Why do cats scratch furniture? A look at claw care, stretching, scent marking and how to choose and place a scratching post.
Low-Light Vision and the Glowing Eye
How well can cats see in the dark, and why do their eyes glow? A look at the tapetum lucidum, night vision and cat colour vision.
Chromosomal Patchwork: The Calico Problem
Why are calico cats almost always female? A look at the X chromosome, the orange gene and how the patchwork coat is made.
Manual Dough Preparation: A Study of Rhythmic Pawing
Why do cats knead and make biscuits? A look at nursing kittens, contentment and scent marking, with tips for staff who get clawed.
The Nepetalactone Question
Why do cats love catnip? A look at nepetalactone, why some cats do not respond, how long it lasts, and alternatives such as silvervine.
Vocal Repertoire of the Domestic Feline: The Meow
Why do cats meow? A look at why adult cats meow mostly at people, what different meows may mean, and when a lot of meowing is worth a vet visit.
Verticality and Vantage: A Study of Elevated Occupancy
Why do cats love high places? A look at vantage points, safety and warmth, plus tips on cat trees, shelves and helping older cats climb.
The Low Frequency Problem: Notes on Purring
Why do cats purr? A look at how purring works, what it can mean, and why a purr is not always a sign of a happy cat.
Observation of the Middle Distance
Why do cats stare at walls or empty space? A look at cat hearing, motion detection and when staring is a reason to see a vet.
Olfactory Aversion: The Citrus Question
Why do cats dislike citrus smells? A look at cat noses, why citrus and essential oils are not safe deterrents, and what to try instead.
The Slow Blink: Diplomatic Protocol Among Felines and Their Staff
What is a cat slow blink? A look at the research showing that slow blinking can be a form of positive communication between cats and people.
Circular Pursuit: A Study of Self-Directed Play
Why do cats chase their tails? A look at kitten play, boredom and energy, and when frequent tail chasing is worth a vet visit.
Retreat Behaviour in the Presence of Guests
Why do cats hide when visitors come? A look at stress, territory and safe spaces, with tips for helping a shy cat cope with guests.
Solitude and Sociability in the Domestic Feline
Do cats get lonely? A look at how social cats really are, signs of stress when alone, and ways to help a cat who spends long hours by itself.
Occupancy of Input Devices: A Study of Laptops and Keyboards
Why do cats sit on laptops and keyboards? A look at warmth, attention and scent, with tips for working with a cat on your desk.
The String Problem: Play and Peril
Is string safe for cats? A look at why cats love string, why swallowing it is dangerous, warning signs, and how to play safely.
On the Repeated Displacement of Small Objects from Elevated Surfaces
Why do cats knock things off tables? A university-style look at the leading explanations, from hunting instinct to curiosity to attention, with tips for staff.
Herbivory in an Obligate Carnivore
Why do cats eat grass? A look at the theories, why the reason is still uncertain, and how to offer safe cat grass at home.
Nomenclature and Response: Do Cats Know Their Names?
Do cats know their own names? A look at a 2019 study showing that cats can tell their name from other words, even when they do not respond.
Trophy Delivery: The Gifting Hypothesis Reconsidered
Why do cats bring dead animals home? A look at hunting instinct, the gift theory, and how to reduce it safely.
Vibrissae and the Question of Fit
What are a cat's whiskers for? A look at how whiskers sense the world, whether they measure gaps, and why they should never be trimmed.
If It Fits: A Longitudinal Study of Container Occupancy
Why do cats love boxes? A review of the science, from stress relief and warmth to a study of cats sitting in illusory squares.
Aqueous Aversion in the Domestic Feline
Why do cats hate water? A look at wet fur, unfamiliarity and the desert ancestor theory, plus tips for bath time and drinking.
The 03:00 Problem: Nocturnal Sprinting in Domestic Felines
Why do cats get the zoomies at night? A look at crepuscular activity, pent-up energy and how to help everyone sleep.
The Red Dot Problem: Pursuit Without Capture
Why do cats chase laser dots, and is it a good idea? A look at the hunting sequence, why the red dot never gets caught, and safer ways to play.
Sleep as a Full-Time Occupation
How much do cats sleep? A look at why adult cats sleep 12 to 16 hours a day, when to worry, and where they like to nap.
Occupancy of the Threshold: A Preliminary Theory of Doorway Standing
Why do cats stand in doorways and ask to be let in and out? A set of hypotheses, plus door safety tips for cat owners.
Warm Rectangles: Solar Patch Occupancy and Thermoregulation
Why do cats lie in sunbeams? A look at cat warmth preferences, a common vitamin D myth, and how to keep sun-loving cats safe.
Have a research question about your own cat? Write to staff@gnarp.eu.cc. Questions about doors are especially welcome.