Heidi Bender

Heidi Bender is a writer and the founder of the Joy of Cats. Heidi has been living with cats since 2003 and loves to talk about cats. Heidi's journey to becoming a cat lady is interesting and she never planned to have many cats.

Along the way she also learned how to do Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) for feral outdoor cats. She has helped TNR more than 50 cats, helping neighbors and friends feeding outdoor cats.

She currently has seven indoor cats and two outdoor cats. Heidi also enjoys creating paintings that feature cats. She also writes about thank-you notes on her site, Tons of Thanks.

Hearing an Outdoor Catfight

September 3, 2021October 30, 2020 by Heidi Bender

That sounded like a catfight! Rocko and I both looked up at the small window when we heard the ruckus. We were in the basement. …

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Outdoor cat feeding station with food bowls visible

Outdoor Cat Feeding Station (our DIY design + tips)

January 4, 2024October 30, 2020 by Heidi Bender

The feeding station we made for the outdoor cats is intended to give the cats a dry place to eat, not for shelter. They have …

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My cat Lina with the Drinkwell 360 fountain in the background.

PetSafe Drinkwell 360 Stainless Steel Fountain Review

December 14, 2025October 23, 2020 by Heidi Bender

The PetsSafe Drinkwell 360 Stainless Steel water fountain is not my favorite fountain for my cats. The fountain is good, but it is not as …

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The Fragile Trust of a Cat

May 6, 2023October 16, 2020 by Heidi Bender

Of course, you want your cat to like you and interact with you. To feel the joy of a head bump from a cat or …

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Redbubble Mug Review and More!

July 22, 2021October 9, 2020 by Heidi Bender

I was compensated for this post. This post also contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on …

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Boxiecat litter and Paws Happy Life cat litter with a littler box in between them

Paws Happy Life vs. Boxiecat cat litter review

December 14, 2025September 30, 2020 by Heidi Bender

A few years ago, we switched to Boxiecat litter after a coworker recommended it. It’s a very low dust clay clumping litter, which I like …

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How I spend $518.53 on my cats each month

December 13, 2025September 18, 2020 by Heidi Bender

Not long ago, my dad asked me how many containers of treats my cats went through each month when I was concerned about the possibility …

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Monthly Cost of Owning a Cat (With Calculator)

December 13, 2025September 4, 2020 by Heidi Bender

The monthly average cost of a cat will depend on your choices of cat food, litter, and any medications. And months where the cat needs …

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Cat egg mold box, cooked eggs, and the mold

Cat Egg Mold (Funny Side UP) Review

December 14, 2025August 7, 2020 by Heidi Bender

The Fred Funny Side UP cat egg mold adds a little fun to sunny side up eggs. This cat face egg model has worked every …

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SleekEZ vs. Furminator vs. Zoom Groom for cats review

December 14, 2025July 24, 2020 by Heidi Bender

There are many grooming tools available for cats. In this review, I will share the three brushes I use for grooming my indoor cats: the …

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