T. J. Banks

Contributor

90 articles

T.J. Banks is the author of several books, including Catsong, which received a Merial Human–Animal Bond Award. A contributing editor to laJoie, T.J. also has received writing awards from the Cat Writers’ Association (most recently a Certificate of Excellence in 2019), as well as from ByLine and The Writing Self. Her work has appeared in numerous anthologies, including Chicken Soup for the Single Parent’s Soul and A Cup of Comfort for Women in Love, and T.J. has worked as a stringer for the Associated Press, as an instructor for the Writer’s Digest School and as a columnist.

What Makes White Cats Special: Myths, Meaning and Magic Behind These Rare Felines

Misc.Updated Aug 1, 2026

What Makes White Cats Special: Myths, Meaning & Care

White cats have many fascinating myths and legends associated with them. They symbolize rebirth, happiness, prosperity, healing and more.

5 min read

Behaviors and TrainingUpdated Jul 22, 2026

Cat Personality: Understanding the Differences Between Male and Female Cats

Are male or female cats more affectionate? A working look at what the research supports, the six behaviors that actually signal feline affection, the coat color confound almost nobody mentions, and why neutering matters more than sex.

5 min read

Got a Lonely Cat? Think About Bringing a Kitten Home.

Behaviors and TrainingUpdated Jul 7, 2026

How to Introduce a Kitten to a Cat: 7-Step Guide

Learning how to introduce a kitten to a cat takes patience, scent swaps, safe rooms, supervised meetings, and clear warning signs. This step-by-step refresh helps your adult cat accept a new kitten while keeping both cats safe.

5 min read

Do cats know when another cat is dying? Their reactions can range from erratic to completely indifferent.

Behaviors and TrainingUpdated Jun 29, 2026

Do Cats Know When Another Cat Is Dying? What Science Says

Do cats know when another cat is dying or sick? Yes, and their reactions can surprise you. Learn how cats sense illness and death in other felines through scent and behavior, why some comfort and others withdraw, and how to support a grieving cat.

5 min read

Gray tabby cat looking out window showing signs of separation anxiety

Behaviors and TrainingUpdated Jun 22, 2026

Cat Separation Anxiety: Signs, Causes and Treatment

Cat separation anxiety is a real behavioral condition affecting social cats. Unlike dogs, cats often show signs only during longer absences. Learn the warning signs, causes, and how to help your anxious cat.

5 min read

Caracat, a hybrid of a wild caracal and a domestic cat

Cat BreedsUpdated Jun 17, 2026

Hybrid Cats: Caracat, Chausie and Controversy

A caracat is a hybrid of a wild caracal and a domestic cat that can top 25 pounds. Learn caracat size, price by F-generation, legality, temperament, and whether this exotic cat makes a good pet.

5 min read

Cat BreedsUpdated Jun 17, 2026

Cat Breeds Pros and Cons: 11 Popular Breeds Compared

There is no perfect cat. Compare the pros and cons of 11 popular cat breeds plus mixed-breed cats by temperament, grooming, activity and health to find the right match for your home.

5 min read

Behaviors and TrainingUpdated May 25, 2026

Why Cats Attach to Only One Person: Signs, Reasons & Research

Some cats bond deeply with just one human. Here's the science, the signs, the breed traits, and the behaviors behind one-person cats.

5 min read

Not all jealous cat behaviors are combative

Behaviors and TrainingUpdated May 25, 2026

Jealous Cat? Signs, Causes & How to Restore Peace in a Multi-Cat Home

Does your cat hiss, hide, or act out when you give attention to others? Learn the real signs of a jealous cat, why it happens, and vet-backed tips to fix it fast.

5 min read

Behaviors and TrainingUpdated May 17, 2026

How to Litter Train a Kitten: A Step-by-Step Guide for Success

Most kittens learn the litter box in about a week. Here's the box, litter, and step-by-step plan that works, plus when accidents mean it's time to call the vet.

5 min read

Behaviors and TrainingUpdated Dec 7, 2025

Cats and Horses: The Surprising Similarities Behind Their Unique Bond

Explore the unique bond between cats and horses, their similarities, and how they form strong, unexpected friendships. Discover more about cats and horses.

5 min read