Cat Fancy and Catster: Bridging Eras in Cat Media
Cat Fancy magazine, launched in 1965, was for decades the preeminent publication for cat owners, breeders, and enthusiasts across North America. In early 2015, a new chapter began when Cat Fancy merged with Catster, an online hub for cat lovers, to form a media platform that honors feline traditions while embracing the digital age.
The Origins and Rise of Cat Fancy
Founded by Leslie Slawson Smith and his wife Elizabeth, Cat Fancy quickly became the most widely-read cat magazine in the world. Its monthly issues featured a blend of expert advice, entertaining stories, and beautiful breed showcases, setting standards for pet publications for decades.
- First issue: 1965
- Focus: Every issue highlighted a specific breed, gracing the cover and often including an informative poster
- Main sections: Health tips, breed profiles, editor’s notes, owner stories, product reviews, cat-themed fashion, photo galleries, and polls
- Accolades: 14 Certificates of Excellence from the Cat Writers’ Association in 2007
- Role: The go-to resource for cat care, breeding, showing, and general feline lifestyle
Over its five-decade run, Cat Fancy gave a voice to both pedigreed and rescue cats, bringing expert veterinary advice and fascinating breed information to homes and breeders alike.
Editorial Highlights and Cultural Impact
- Expert Advice: Early features included groundbreaking articles on nutrition, grooming, and behavioral science.
- Community Engagement: Reader stories, editorials, and polls fostered a sense of inclusivity among cat fans.
- Media Appearances: The magazine’s cultural footprint reached television, making cameos on late-night shows such as Saturday Night Live.
Why Cat Fancy Merged with Catster
The rise of internet culture and shifting reader behaviors challenged long-running print publications. The pet-lovers’ media landscape was changing rapidly:
- Changing Habits: Cat owners, especially younger generations, were moving away from print toward online communities and interactive content.
- Declining Print Revenue: Magazine sales and subscriptions fell industry-wide, making sustainability difficult.
- Digital Opportunities: The internet allowed deeper engagement and outreach—anytime, anywhere access and direct community-building.
In response, Cat Fancy’s parent company announced in late 2014 that the print run would end, and the February 2015 issue would be its last. The decision was guided by a desire to preserve the magazine’s editorial strengths while modernizing for online audiences.
Catster: Building on Cat Fancy’s Legacy
Catster was launched in 2004 as a companion site to the popular Dogster community. Initially an online forum, Catster grew into a comprehensive source of cat care articles, personal stories, and interactive tools.
With the 2015 rebranding, the best of Cat Fancy’s print magazine was merged into Catster’s digital and print offerings. Today, Catster delivers:
- Bimonthly print issues: Combining in-depth feature articles with colorful, engaging visuals
- Online exclusives: Videos, blog posts, Q&A columns, and interactive features
- Expert contributors: Content written and reviewed by veterinarians, behaviorists, and experienced cat trainers
- Community focus: Reader polls, photo contests, advice columns, and community forums
Cats of all ages, breeds, and backgrounds are celebrated, with particular attention given to safety, nutrition, wellness, and the joys of living with cats in the modern world.
Editorial Expansion: From Breeding to Lifestyle
Where Cat Fancy once predominantly covered breeding and show cats, Catster’s editorial strategy reflects a broader mission:
- Profiles of rescue stories and shelter programs
- Pet lifestyle topics (traveling with cats, feline enrichment, modern cat furniture)
- Diverse health content, including chronic illness and senior cat care
- Daily feline news, viral stories, and product roundups
Key Events and Ownership Timeline
| Year | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1965 | First Cat Fancy Issue | Pioneering the monthly cat magazine format |
| 2013 | Sale to Lumina Media (formerly BowTie/I-5 Publishing) | Updated editorial direction |
| 2014 | Digital Pivot Announced | Online community growth prompts change |
| Feb 2015 | Merged with Catster | Last Cat Fancy print issue; Catster magazine debuts |
| 2017 | Acquired by Belvoir Media Group | Expansion in pet-focused digital & print (Whole Dog Journal, Catnip, etc.) |
| 2023 | Acquisition by Pangolia | New digital media and e-commerce integration |
Catster Today: Serving Modern Cat Owners
Under the stewardship of Pangolia as of 2023, Catster capitalizes on global trends in pet ownership, digital engagement, and e-commerce. Key features include:
- Veterinarian-reviewed content: Ensuring accuracy and reliability
- Interactive features: Reader questions, felines’ product recommendations, and polls
- Community outreach: Social media interaction, contests, and photo galleries
- Bi-monthly print: Beautiful, accessible magazine for tactile readers and collectors
The editorial team is a unique blend of veterinarians, trainers, writers, and passionate cat owners. Catster’s mission extends beyond care tips—it aims to celebrate every aspect of cat life and serve as a meeting place for all who love and advocate for cats.
Joining the Catster Community
- Members can interact via forums, submit cat photos, and participate in monthly challenges
- Readers can access exclusive webinars, live Q&As, and interviews with cat experts
- Catster’s social media presence allows instant updates and viral cat stories
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What was Cat Fancy magazine?
A: Cat Fancy, from 1965 to 2015, was North America’s premier feline publication, offering breed profiles, care tips, and expert content for cat owners and breeders.
Q: How did Cat Fancy evolve before merging with Catster?
A: The magazine broadened its focus from show cats and breeders to include pet care, shelter stories, feline lifestyle, and community participation to reflect changing audience interests.
Q: Why did Cat Fancy become part of Catster?
A: The move responded to declining print readership and a shift in media trends; Catster’s digital platform allowed the brand to expand its reach and interactivity for contemporary audiences.
Q: What is different about Catster magazine today?
A: Catster blends Cat Fancy’s authoritative tradition with new digital content, community features, and broader lifestyle topics while maintaining a print version for collectors and loyal readers.
Q: Who owns Catster magazine now?
A: As of 2023, Catster is part of Pangolia, continuing its mission to inform, entertain, and unite cat lovers across print and digital platforms.
The Future: Feline Media in the Digital Age
Catster’s journey is emblematic of broader changes in pet media. As technology continues to transform how we gather information and foster communities, Catster stands out for combining trusted editorial roots with digital innovation.
- Responsiveness: Adapts content to emerging trends, health topics, and reader interests
- Inclusion: Welcomes cats of all backgrounds, ages, and health statuses
- Authority: Editorial oversight by practicing veterinary professionals
Looking ahead, Catster’s print and digital offerings ensure that cat lovers—whether lifelong fans of Cat Fancy or newcomers to feline culture—have access to vibrant, evidence-based content and an inclusive online community.
Join the Catster Movement
Catster invites cat owners around the world to become part of its community online and in print. Whether you seek care advice, entertainment, or a sharing platform for your feline friend’s story, Catster continues the Cat Fancy tradition of celebrating every cat’s uniqueness and the deep bonds we share with them.
