A Cat’s Social Life

When I first adopted my cat, I was of the opinion like many that cats would be les social and more independent than dogs. While this may be true in some cases, this is a misconception, and I first noticed it when getting to know my own cat. In cat psychology (Yes, it is a real brand of psychology) one can see that when compared to dogs and infants, cats are not all that different. One aspect that has been studied to explain why a cat’s behavior is commonly seen as aloof/cold, while a dog is happier/caring is their sociability. 

“One of these studies was basically looking at the sociability of cats, and we ran basically the exact same experiment that had already been done with dogs and we look at how a cat reacts to a person, how long they’re going to spend near to them, and we saw that cats spent basically equivalent amounts of times with people as we saw with the dogs.” (Vitale, 2024, 2:35) 

The results between cats and dogs didn’t show any large discrepancies. There were cats that spent a lot of time near/with a person, while some fell in the middle and others spent no time at all with a person. These results were consistent in dogs, considering that all dogs are not hyper-social, contrary to popular belief.  

Through this study, people can see that the attachment a dog/cat portrays for their owner is the same type of attachment styles that infants portray for their caregiver. Another aspect that is important for those thinking of adopting a kitten is that there is a certain age period where socialization is important. If you want to help ease future social anxiety for your cat when being introduced to other animals or new people, you should try to introduce them to different social interactions (dogs, other cats, people) in-between two-to-eight weeks of age.  

Another fun fact about a cats sociability is their ability to be sensitive to social cues which in turn can cause them to mark socially important areas with their scent. This can be a reason why your cat, if like mine, continually scratches at your couch day after day.  

“cats like to scent mark around socially important areas. So, the couch is a perfect example. Everyone’s hanging out on the couch. There’s a lot of smells on the couch. So, the cat’s just trying to add their smell to this socially important area by scratching” (Vitale, 2024, 19:35) 

In case you’re wondering how to stop your cat from scratching at your couch, Vitale says to place a scratching post/cat tree in a socially important area, so your cat doesn’t feel left out. 

For more information on the psychology of cats please check out our databases and check out the particular podcast episode, Speaking of Psychology: “What’s going on inside your cat’s head? With Kristyn Vitale, PhD” 

Extra information from our own catalogue- Changes in sociability of shelter cats, Decoding Your Cat, and more!

Resources 

Mills, Kim, Host. Vitale, Kristyn, Researcher “What’s going on inside your cat’s head?”.” Speaking of Psychology, 275, American Psychological Association, February 2024, https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/cat-human-bond.   

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2024 Total Solar Eclipse – April 8, 2024

by Dennis Schatz & Andrew Fraknoi, Astronomers/Educators

“On April 8, 2024, there will be a spectacular total eclipse of the Sun, visible on a narrow path that stretches from western Mexico through Texas, and then northeastward toward New York, New England and eastern Canada. In such a total eclipse, the Moon exactly covers the Sun, and our star’s faint atmosphere (the corona) becomes visible. Everyone else in North and Central America will see a partial eclipse of the Sun, with a bigger “bite” taken out of the Sun the closer you are to the path of the total eclipse. If you are on the path, when only a sliver of sunlight remains visible, your surroundings will begin to darken, as if the Sun were setting in the middle of the day. Temperatures will drop and birds will go to roost, thinking that night is coming. Finally, the Sun will be totally covered and the beautiful solar atmosphere (the corona) will become visible. Totality will last four minutes or less and then the Sun will slowly be uncovered.”

Eclipse Links:

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The Short Brief Life of our Beloved DoodleBob Pumpkin

DoodleBob Pumpkin
Created by: Brooke Lauer

Another year, and another chapter closes in the story of Moraine Valley Library Pumpkin Contest. There were a number of amazing pumpkins that ranged in themes from environmental, to pop culture. While all of them successfully fundraised for Moraine Valley student scholarships, one pumpkin caused laughter from nearly every student who passed it, and regret from those who did not purchase it. We will miss you, DoodleBob Pumpkin. Enjoy your new home. ME HOY MINOY!

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Friday The 13th Must Watch Movies

Friday the 13th is quickly approaching at the best possible time. It’s the scary season, and maybe you need some different movies to itch that slasher scratch. Through the Moraine Valley Library, you can access a wide array of horror movies completely free of charge!  

Celebrate your Friday the 13th right from the campy to the mind bending with these titles.  

With any media, especially horror, please exercise caution. There are websites to see if movies have any content specifically upsetting to you. 

Hellraiser

[Alt text: The word “Hellraiser” is on the top of a blue background. A human figure sits under the title with pins in its face and a complex black outfit with an expression of contempt. The figure is also holding a box.]  

We are starting off STRONG. This 80’s titan of a classic is the perfect watch if you want bone chilling terror. Beloved in the horror community, we follow a mother with a dark past and a daughter trying to make sense of the horror residing in her new home. This is a film where if you can look past the bright red blood, there are a million different interpretations in the puzzle unraveling before you. If you are a fan of the supernatural and gross, this will be the movie for you.  

Willy’s Wonderland

[Alt text: A figure with a cautious expression stands in the center of a warm background. The words “Willy’s Wonderland” in the center. The bottom of the image features various worn-down animatronics.] 

This is a movie you watch because you hear “FNAF” and “Nick Cage” in the same sentence. Heavily inspired by the iconic horror game Five Nights at Freddy’s, this will tide you over with laughs as you wait for the official film. Nick Cage acts in a stoic silent roll, letting the editing and body language carry the comedy. The side plot is hit or miss, but at worst it adds great fuel to the head scratching happenings in this unassuming children’s restaurant. It’s a campy movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously.  

Black Christmas

[Alt text: Text saying, “If this movie doesn’t make your skin crawl… it’s on too tight!” written across the top of the poster. A wreath frames a woman sitting in a chair being suffocated by plastic. The words “Black Christmas” written on the bow.] 

This may be contradictory to the Halloween season at first, however this is a movie perfect for any vague cold weather. This is the movie where all your favorite slasher tropes are born, even being a strong influence for the original Halloween! Set during winter break in a sorority, sisters staying behind survive the intruder residing in the attic. The visuals are truly 70’s and the acting is too. This oldie really is a goodie.  

Suspiria

[Alt text: The text “Suspiria” is sprawled across the top of a poster. A woman with a terrified expression holds a long poker. A colorful peacock statue right behind her.] 

 If there is any movie you should without a doubt watch, let it be this. Suspiria is a beautiful film about Suzy Bannion’s surreal experience going to a dance academy away from all that is familiar. Tragedy struck the day before her arrival and the school is not all that it seems, with impossible hallways and oddities alike. This colorful and experimental film will take your breath away with bright colors, mind bending architecture, and terror that will leave you inspired and mortified. 

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Decorate A Pumpkin

It’s time to get creative! It’s almost time for the Library’s annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest. Individuals or groups of students, faculty, and staff are invited to decorate a pumpkin and help the Library’s pumpkin patch grow.

Pumpkins can be real or artificial, but no carving is allowed.

Donate your decorated pumpkin to the contest by dropping it off at the Library starting Oct. 20th.

You can also participate in the contest by voting for your favorite decorated pumpkin in the Library from Oct 20th to Oct. 26th.

Votes are 25 cents or 5 for $1. (Cash only please)

Donated pumpkins will be available for purchase for $20. (Cash only please)

Check the Pumpkin Contest webpage daily during the contest to view all the entries and see which pumpkins are leading the vote.

The pumpkins with the most votes will be awarded trophies. Winners will be announced on the Pumpkin Contest webpage on Oct. 27th.

All proceeds go to the Moraine Valley Library Student Scholarship fund.

Questions: Contact Sue Yach at yach@morainevalley.edu or 708-974-5297, or Kelly Hand at handk3@morainevalley.edu

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“Let Freedom Read:” Banned Books Week 2023

Let Freedom Read title on abstract figure of open books.

The American Library Association website has information about the increase in book challenges in the last couple years. In 2022, ALA tracked 1,296 book challenges, nearly double the number of challenges in 2021. Every year, Banned Books Week is held to publicize these challenges and the books that are challenged. But also, Banned Books Week celebrates the freedom to read. Want to read a book that has been under attack? See the list here.

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****RESOLVED **** ProQuest Service Interruption

Access to ProQuest databases have been restored. The issues have been resolved.

If you have any questions, please ask a librarian.

—————–

One of of the Library’s vendors, ProQuest, is currently experiencing a system issue effecting database access both on-campus and off-campus. The following databases are effected:


• Alexander Street Press Streaming Databases
• Chicago Tribune
• Chicago Tribune Historical
• Coronovirus Research Database
• New York Times
• New York Times Historical
• Nursing and Allied Health Premium
• SIRS Researcher
• U.S. Major Dailies
• Wall Street Journal

If you have any questions, please ask a librarian. This post will be updated when new information is received.

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