Indie Wren
Cats — behavior, indoor life, care, the cat-human relationship
Brooklyn, NY
Indie Wren writes the cat content for PawsGuides — behavior, indoor enrichment, daily care, and the slightly absurd reality of living with cats. They live with three cats of very different personalities and have spent years reading cat behavior research, watching their own cats invalidate it, and writing about both. Their work is affectionate without being sappy and respectful of cats as the small wild predators they sort of still are. Based in Brooklyn.
What Indie covers
- Cat behavior explainers (territory, vocalizations, body language)
- Indoor enrichment (toys, climbing, environmental design)
- Cat-specific food, litter, and supply reviews
- Multi-cat household guidance
- Senior cat care
Articles by Indie
-
Why Is My Bird Plucking Feathers?
Why is my bird plucking feathers? Feather plucking signals medical issues or chronic stress. Learn the diagnostic pathway, causes, and recovery timeline from avian vets.
-
How to Socialize a Puppy Safely
Learn how to socialize a puppy during the critical 8-12 week window while balancing vaccination schedules and preventing fear conditioning.
-
Dry vs Wet Cat Food: Which Is Better for Your Cat's Health?
Veterinary-backed comparison of dry vs wet cat food. Learn the pros and cons, hydration facts, cost trade-offs, and whether mixing both is the best choice.
-
How to Choose the Right Size Dog Crate
Learn how to measure your dog and choose the right crate size for training and comfort. Includes breed size charts, puppy growth tips, and medium vs. large crate
-
Why Cats Slow Blink (And How to Blink Back)
Cats slow blink to signal trust and safety. Learn what this body language means, how to reciprocate, and why it's one of the clearest ways your cat communicates.
-
How to Reduce Algae in Fish Tank: Prevention & Removal Guide
Learn how to reduce algae in your fish tank by addressing root causes like excess nutrients and light. Prevention-first methods that work long-term.
-
Cat Urinary Tract Infections: Symptoms and What They Mean
Cat urinary tract infection symptoms include frequent urination, straining, and bloody urine. Learn the signs, causes, and when to seek emergency care.
-
Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers: Durable & Safe Options
The best dog toys for aggressive chewers prioritize safety over marketing claims. Veterinary guidance on materials, durability testing, and when to replace.
-
Best Harnesses for Dogs That Pull (2026)
Front-clip harnesses redirect pulling without pain. Here's how different harness types work, which ones actually stop pulling, and how to choose the right fit.
-
Cockatiel Lifespan & Essential Care Needs
Cockatiel lifespan and care needs explained: 15–20 year commitment, cage size standards, diet essentials, and what new owners need to know before committing.
-
How to Tell if Your Rabbit is Sick: 8 Warning Signs
Learn the rabbit health signs that matter most. From eating changes to breathing issues, here's when to see a vet for rabbits and what common illnesses look like.
-
How to Set Up a Ferret Cage in 7 Steps
Complete ferret cage setup guide covering enclosure size, proofing, enrichment, and safety. Learn how to create housing that keeps ferrets safe and engaged.
-
Best Water Bowl for Cats: Material, Size & Safety (2026)
Stainless steel, ceramic, or plastic? We compare cat water bowls by material safety, hydration effectiveness, and real household use.
-
Best Cat Tree for Large Cats in 2026
Large cats need heavy duty cat trees rated for their weight. We compared stability, materials, and real failures to find sturdy cat towers that won't collapse.
-
Best Cat Water Fountain: Stainless Steel vs. Ceramic vs. Plastic
Compare the best cat water fountains for hydration and health. Stainless steel, ceramic, and plastic options reviewed for noise, maintenance, and safety.
-
Cat Body Language Explained: Reading Your Cat's Mood
Cat body language explained: learn to read tail positions, ear signals, and whole-body cues to understand what your cat is actually communicating.
-
How to Introduce a Cat to a Dog (5-Phase Protocol)
Introduce a dog to a cat safely with this 3-6 week protocol: scent swaps, visual desensitization, and how to adjust the timeline when your cat needs more time.
-
How to Stop a Cat Scratching Furniture
Stop your cat scratching the couch with proper scratching posts, strategic deterrents, and training. Evidence-based redirection strategies that work.
-
How to Stop Your Cat from Waking You Up at Night
Your cat's dawn wake-up calls aren't spite—they're biology. Learn why cats wake you at night and how to redirect that energy so both of you can sleep.
-
Why Does My Cat Bite Me? Understanding Feline Biting Behavior
Cat biting is usually communication, not aggression. Learn why cats bite during play, petting, and affection—and how to recognize the difference.
-
Why Does My Cat Lick My Face? Behavior Explained
Why does my cat lick my face? It's usually social grooming and bonding, but cats also lick for scent-marking, comfort, and taste. Here's what it means.
-
Why Does My Cat Sleep on Me? The Real Behavioral Answer
Why does my cat sleep on me? It's about trust, thermoregulation, and security—not just love. Learn what different sleeping positions actually mean.
-
Can You Bathe a Cat? When It's Needed and How to Do It Safely
Can you bathe a cat? Yes — but most cats don't need it. Here's when bathing actually helps, when it doesn't, and how to do it without panic on either end.
-
Why Is My Cat Throwing Up? Causes and When to Worry
Learn the difference between occasional vomiting and chronic issues in cats. Understand causes from hairballs to kidney disease, and when to call your vet.
-
Can Cats Eat Tuna? What Vets Say About This Popular Treat
Cats can eat tuna safely in small amounts, but moderation matters. Learn the real risks, safe serving sizes, and when to consult your vet.
-
Best Automatic Cat Feeders: When They Help (and When They Don't)
Automatic cat feeders solve real problems for multi-cat homes and weight management—but they're not for every cat. Here's what works, what breaks, and what vets.
-
Best Cat Litter for Odor Control — Clumping, Plant-Based & Budget Options
How cat litter actually controls odor — and which types work for multi-cat homes, small apartments, and budget households. Honest comparison with trade-offs.
-
How to Introduce Two Cats: A Step-by-Step Timeline
Introducing two cats takes 3–8 weeks of careful phases. This guide walks through separation, scent swapping, visual contact, and cohabitation with realistic timelines.
-
Why Does My Cat Knead Me? The Real Reasons Behind the Behavior
Cat kneading isn't just about comfort or mothering — it's scent-marking, nesting, and territory claiming. Here's how to decode what your cat is actually doing.
-
How to Litter Train a Kitten: Supporting Natural Instincts
Kittens instinctively want to use litter boxes. Learn how to set up for success, troubleshoot accidents, and recognize when to call the vet.