The World Cup Oracle: Belgium’s "First Cat" Misses the Mark

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has brought intense matches, but an unexpected feline celebrity is stealing the spotlight in Belgium. Maximus Textoris Pulcher, a grumpy grey Scottish Fold rescue cat belonging to Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, has gone viral as a self-proclaimed "psychic oracle" for the tournament. Dubbed "Octopussy" in honor of the famous predicting octopus from 2010, Maximus casts his predictions on Instagram by choosing between food bowls decorated as football pitches. With over 228,000 followers, this furry political influencer currently boasts a larger social media following than his prime minister owner.

Despite his massive online fame, Maximus’s career as a football prophet is off to a rocky start. While he correctly predicted Mexico’s victory over South Africa, his future-telling skills fell flat when it came to his home country. In a highly anticipated match, Maximus confidently chose his native Belgium to beat Egypt, only for the "Red Devils" to end the game in a disappointing draw. He also suffered a major predictive blunder by choosing Spain to beat Cape Verde, completely missing the underdogs' incredible tie against the European champions.

You can read the full story about this hilarious sports oracle on The Telegraph.

Cat cafes, what an idea!

When I first heard about cat cafes I admit that I've laughed and though it was I really crazy idea. Originated in Taiwan in 1998, the concept rapidly spread in Japan and from there slowly but steadily to the rest of the world. Nowadays sure you'll find one in your nearest city!

Cat cafes offering purr-fect coffee breaks

Do cats have healing powers?

There are many stories of cats as healers. Research shows that simply petting a cat can lower your blood pressure. Therapy cats who visit nursing homes and bring peace and joy to patients.

Research has even shown that the frequency of a cat’s purr can aid with healing of bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles as well as provide pain relief.

There’s certainly some mystery as to exactly how cats manage to be good for our health, but the facts is that cat's do help lower stress symptoms and their purring vibrations really heal!

Small wild big cats around the world

 These are the wild cousins of our beloved kitties from around the world! Aren't they just as cute and adorable? Have you ever spotted one of those outdoors?

South America: Andean cat, Geoffroy’s cat, Güiña, Jaguarundi, Margay, Ocelot, Oncilla (two species), and Pampas Cat.

 

Africa: African golden cat, African wildcat, Black-footed cat, Serval, Caracal, and Sand cat.

 

Asia: Asiatic golden cat, Asiatic wildcat, Bornean bay cat, Chinese mountain cat, Fishing cat, Flat-headed cat, Jungle cat, Javan Leopard cat, Leopard cat, Manul, Marbled cat, Clouded Leopord (two species), and Rusty-spotted cat.

Europe: European wildcat, Eurasian lynx, and Iberian lynx

💓 LOVE THEM ALL! 💗