8 Best Cat Advent Calendars In 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

There are plenty of advent calendars out there for kids and adults. However, there are surprisingly few for cats. Given how inexpensive so many cat toys are, it is surprising that more companies do not make cat advent calendars.

That said, there are still a few options for you to look at this festive season. Some only cover 12 days, while others cover more. Some are exclusively toys, while others may also have treats involved. Hopefully, these reviews will help you determine which cat advent calendar is best for your feline.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Image Product Details

Best Overall

Winner

Dr. Seuss for Pets How the Grinch Stole Christmas Cat Advent Box
Dr. Seuss for Pets How the Grinch Stole Christmas Cat Advent Box

  • Many toys included

  • Covers 12 days

  • High-quality materials used

  • Best Value

    Second place

    Larchio Cat Advent Calendar
    Larchio Cat Advent Calendar

  • Quality toys, like cat wands

  • Many different types of toys are included

  • Inexpensive

  • Premium Choice

    Third place

    Midlee Cat Advent Calendar
    Midlee Cat Advent Calendar

  • Several plush toys with catnip included

  • Reusable calendar

  • Several crinkly balls included, too

  • Best for Kittens


    MOVINPE Cat Toys Advent Calendar for Kittens
    MOVINPE Cat Toys Advent Calendar for Kittens

  • Several kinds of toys included

  • Made specially for kittens

  • Great value

  • Larchio Cat 12-Day Advent Calendar
    Larchio Cat 12-Day Advent Calendar

  • Inexpensive

  • Cat wand included

  • Variety of toys
  • The 8 Best Cat Advent Calendars

    1. Dr. Seuss for Pets How the Grinch Stole Christmas Cat Advent Box – Best Overall

    Dr. Seuss for Pets How the Grinch Stole Christmas Cat Advent Box

    Number of Days: 12

    Out of all the calendars we looked at, the Dr. Seuss for Pets How the Grinch Stole Christmas Advent Calendar for Cats is our favorite overall. It includes only toys and covers 12 days, which is super nice if your cat cannot have treats for whatever reason. It also includes many different types of toys, like plush toys, teaser wands, and feather balls. Therefore, even if your cat is picky, there should be something they like in this package.

    Of course, every toy is Grinch-themed, which we love. The toys are also made with pretty high-quality materials, which is a rare thing with these advent calendars. Of course, if you’re looking for a calendar with treats included, this is not a suitable option.

    Pros
    • Many toys included

    • Covers 12 days

    • High-quality materials used

    Cons
    • No treats


    2. Larchio Cat Advent Calendar – Best Value

    Larchio Cat Advent Calendar

    Number of Days: 24

    The Larchio Cat Advent Calendar covers 24 days, allowing you to start on the very first of December. There are only toys included, and they range from mice to balls to strings. You should find something for just about any feline in this kit. There are even some cat bow ties!

    These toys are made from surprisingly high-quality materials, which is amazing given how inexpensive this advent calendar is. We think it’s the best cat toy advent calendar for the money.

    We love that this calendar includes a real cat wand with several attachments. It’s not just the cheap crinkle balls you often get from these calendars.

    Pros
    • Quality toys, like cat wands

    • Many different types of toys are included

    • Inexpensive

    Cons
    • Calendar itself is a bit low-quality


    3. Midlee Cat Advent Calendar — Premium Choice

    Midlee Cat Advent Calendar

    Number of Days: 12

    The Midlee Cat Advent Calendar covers the 12 days leading up to Christmas with festive toys. The box that holds the toys is very nice, with nifty little boxes instead of the usual pop-out cardboard windows. Plus, this also means that you can theoretically re-use the box each year with different toys. While it is more expensive than other options, this reusability is a very nice touch.

    Most of the toys included are plush and have catnip inside them. There are also a few balls for some added variety. The only potential problem with this is that your feline may smell the catnip before you open the calendar, leading to some of the toys being ripped out too soon!

    That said, if you keep it out of reach of your cat, this advent calendar is a great option.

    Pros
    • Several plush toys with catnip included

    • Reusable calendar

    • Several crinkly balls included, too

    Cons
    • Expensive


    4. MOVINPE Cat Toys Advent Calendar for Kittens – Best for Kittens

    MOVINPE Cat Toys Advent Calendar for Kittens

    Number of Days: 24

    The MOVINPE Cat Toys Advent Calendar for Kittens is made especially for the new kitten in your life. It includes a surprise behind every door, including toys, teaser wands, and even a fluffy mouse. You and your kitten will love the surprises inside! The springs and crinkle ball will keep your kitten entertained for hours.

    Of course, this is made specially for kittens, so the included toys are not ideal for large, adult cats.

    Pros
    • Several kinds of toys included

    • Made specially for kittens

    • Great value

    Cons
    • Not ideal for large, adult cats


    5. Larchio Cat 12-Day Advent Calendar

    Larchio Cat 12-Day Advent Calendar

    Number of Days: 12

    If you’re impressed with our budget pick but want something even cheaper, consider the Larchio Cat 12-Day Advent Calendar. This is the same brand with the same toys. However, it only covers 12 days, making it a bit more affordable. You get the same variety of toys but fewer of each. For instance, instead of four attachments for the cat wand, you only get three.

    Of course, the toys are pretty high-quality and come in enough variety that there should be something for just about any feline. The toys are designed to be completely safe for cats, which also means avoiding any potentially harmful materials.

    That said, it only covers 12 days. While that is the average number of days for these calendars, the alternative one by the same company covers 24.

    Pros
    • Inexpensive

    • Cat wand included

    • Variety of toys

    Cons
    • Only covers 12 days


    6. Trader Joe’s Advent Calendar for Cats

    Trader Joe’s Advent Calendar for Cats

    Number of Days: 25

    Spend the days leading up to Christmas with this Trader Joe’s Advent Calendar for Cats. It includes a daily treat for your feline, all of which are flavored as salmon & dried seaweed recipes. The salmon used to make the treats is completely free of antibiotics and caught wild from the waters of the Atlantic. All the treats are individually packed so that they stay fresh until you open them.

    That said, these treats are reported to be rather hard. Picky cats may not particularly like them, especially the seaweed-flavored options.

    Pros
    • Includes a treat for every day

    • Free from antibiotics

    • Real, wild-caught salmon

    Cons
    • Not ideal for picky felines


    7. Fancy Feast Festivities Advent Calendar

    Fancy Feast Festivities Advent Calendar

    Number of Days: 24

    Unlike many other advent calendars, the Fancy Feast Festivities Advent Calendar offers your cat treats and food exclusively. This calendar is meant to provide your cat with a range of treats and wet food for them (and you) to try. Therefore, you will need to replace your cat’s regular food on some days and adjust their calories as necessary. Of course, this is a bit more work than the other boxes, though it also makes it a bit more exciting.

    This kit includes several different flavors of wet food and many different treats. The wet food recipes include real meat and are complete and balanced for adult cats. This also means that you cannot use this for kittens, and perhaps even seniors.

    Pros
    • Includes whole servings of wet food

    • Several types of treats

    • Pretty durable box

    Cons
    • Only suitable for adult cats

    • Requires changes to your cat’s regular diet


    8. Lily’s Kitchen Advent Calendar for Cats

    Lily’s Kitchen Advent Calendar for Cats

    Number of Days: 24

    Like many of the previous advent calendars, Lily’s Kitchen Advent Calendar for Cats offers several different kinds of treats for your cat to try. There are three different flavors, but several surprise windows to open. Therefore, your cat will get many of the same treats, but there will be something surprising for them to eat every day.

    There are mixed reviews on the treat’s appeal, though. They are also a bit expensive for what they are. You only get a few treats in each door, and the price is much higher than most other advent calendars out there.

    Pros

    Cons
    • May not appeal to pickt cats

    • Expensive

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    Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Cat Advent Calendars

    Choosing a cat advent calendar can seem a bit overwhelming. There are just so many toys involved, and many companies do not make it very obvious what the calendar includes. Luckily, we’ve put together a complete guide to help you choose the best advent calendar for your feline.

    Cat with a christmas tree in the background
    Image Credit: Nadtochiy, Shuttterstock

    What Does It Include?

    The very first thing you should consider is what the calendar actually comes with. Some companies only include the cheap crinkle balls that you could likely purchase inexpensively. Obviously, your cat probably isn’t going to be amused with getting another vaguely Christmas-colored crinkle ball every day—and there is no reason to overspend.

    Therefore, it’s important to scroll through any available pictures of what’s in the advent calendar or check out reviews for information on what is included. Preferably, high-quality toys of a large variety should be in the advent calendar. You don’t want only balls or only plush toys, for instance.

    That said, there are bound to be a few doubles. A calendar might include two or three toy mice, for instance. Use your judgment when figuring out if the toys work for your cat or not.

    You should also ensure the toys are high-quality. You don’t want to give your cat cheap toys that will fall apart in a few hours. While this is frustrating due to the wasted money, it is also a safety hazard.

    How Many Days?

    Advent calendars range in the number of days covered. The most common numbers are 12 (for the 12 days of Christmas) and 24 (so that you can start on the first of December). The option you pick largely depends on your budget and preferences.

    As you’d expect, the more days covered, the more expensive these kits tend to be. However, this isn’t always the case. The most expensive option in our reviews only covers 12 days, but it comes with a reusable box (hence the more expensive price).

    Sometimes, it may also be that your cat simply doesn’t need 24 new toys. If you have several cats with different preferences, this may be a good number. However, it takes a very playful cat to make good use of 24 toys.

    Christmas Advent Calendar
    Images Credit: Mahony, Shutterstock

    How About the Box?

    While it may not be around for long, the box everything comes in is also important. You’ll be using the box for days as you count down with your feline, so it should be relatively durable. Some toys have catnip, and you preferably don’t want your cat breaking into the box to get the toys out early.

    The toys should also be easy to remove. Most boxes have small windows you’re supposed to punch out each day, but this may be done with a varying degree of ease. Some are pretty easy to open, while others may inadvertently cause tearing on the part of the box you aren’t supposed to be opening.

    Sometimes, you may also get a calendar with a reusable box. This makes it cheaper next year to do an advent calendar for your cat (and allows you to pick toys you know your feline will like).

    Pricing

    Advent calendars come at a range of price points. You have to consider whether or not the specific calendar is worth the price.

    We included a range of advent calendars in our reviews, so you should be able to find one in your price range. We do recommend staying away from very cheap advent calendars, as these are often cheaper for a reason. You don’t want to put your cat in harm’s way by giving them dangerous toys.

    cat lying on the sofa playing with green ball
    Image Credit: Natalya On, Shutterstock

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    Conclusion

    While there aren’t many cat toy advent calendars available, we do hope that you found one you like in our reviews. Our favorite is the Dr. Seuss for Pets How the Grinch Stole Christmas Advent Calendar for Cats, as it provides an optimal mix of toy quality, toy variety, and price.

    However, there are cheaper options available, as well. The Larchio Cat Advent Calendar is less expensive than most others, but it also covers 24 days—more than most of the competition.


    Featured Image Credit: NataKor, Shutterstock

    The post 8 Best Cat Advent Calendars In 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks appeared first on Pet Keen.

    Do Cats Have a Clitoris? Vet-Reviewed Facts About Cat Genitals (With Infographics)

    Determining the sex of a cat isn’t as easy as it is with dogs. How many stories have you heard in which a cat named “Jack” turns out to be a “Jill?” This is an incredibly common situation, and it shows how foreign the feline genitalia is to most humans. However, when it comes to the basics, cats have the same basic anatomy as humans; male cats are born with testes and a penis, and female cats are born with a clitoris and vagina.

    So, why is it such a challenge to determine a cat’s sex? In this article, we will discuss how you can figure out your cat’s sex, as well as why the information is important, beyond choosing the perfect name for your pet.

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    The Purpose and Function of a Cat’s Clitoris

    All mammalian embryos essentially start out life as female (which is why males have nipples!). Shortly into development, their genetics determine whether their gonads will become ovaries or testes, and if they will have a penis or clitoris. That’s right, the clitoris is the female equivalent of the penis.

    In female humans, ovulation occurs on a regular cycle. As for female cats, they only ovulate when they mate with a male. This is known as induced ovulation, in which the physical act of copulation causes the ovaries to release eggs. Since female cats reproduce through induced ovulation, there must be a biological “tripwire” of sorts to tell the ovaries when to release eggs, and this “tripwire” is widely believed to be the clitoris. The feline penis is covered in tiny barbs that result in even more friction and stimulation during copulation.

    In humans, the clitoris is located a distance away from the vagina. For female cats, the clitoris is located inside the vestibule, making it ideally positioned for stimulation during mating.

    As clitoral stimulation is a natural occurrence during feline breeding, it is believed that the clitoris acts as a trigger, prompting the release of hormones that will set off ovulation. Therefore, the clitoris plays a key role in feline reproduction and breeding.

    Internal Reproductive Parts of the Female Cat Infographic
    Image Credit: You are welcome to use our infographic but we do require you to link back to Catster.com

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    How to Determine the Sex of Your Cat

    While determining your cat’s sex can be difficult, it’s not impossible. The easiest way to discover the sex of your cat is to take them to the vet for an official examination. Otherwise, there are different methods you can use depending on your cat’s age.

    Unlike with dogs, the feline penis is not located on the abdomen. Instead, it is hidden from view, tucked underneath the anus. Apart from when they are having a thorough clean, you will generally not catch sight of your cat’s penis.

    Under 8 Weeks of Age

    If your kitten is less than 8 weeks old, determining their sex will be a bit more of a challenge. Like the rest of your kitten’s body, their external genitalia is tiny and difficult to see.

    To make sexing your kitten easier, it is ideal if you can compare them to their littermates. This will allow you to see examples of male and female kittens so that you can more easily differentiate between the two.

    If your kitten is no longer with their littermates, you can attempt to determine their sex the same way you would for a kitten over eight weeks of age.

    Over 8 Weeks of Age

    For cats over 8 weeks old, determining their sex is much more straightforward. Simply lift their tail and check the shape of the genital opening as well as the distance between the opening and the anus.

    In males, the genital opening will be circular and farther away from the anus. In females, the genital opening will be linear and closer to the anus.

    As most cat owners know, randomly grabbing your cat’s tail and lifting it is unlikely to yield good results. Instead, approach the situation carefully so that your cat feels comfortable. First, find a time when your cat is calm and gently hold them in your lap.

    Once they are relaxed, you can gently lift their tail to inspect them. It is important to note that you will likely not be able to see your cat’s penis, so determining your cat’s sex based on that structure alone is not advised.

    The same goes for the testes, which may have already been removed if your cat has been sterilized. Therefore, a lack of visible male sex structures does not necessarily mean your cat is female.

    Image Credit: You are welcome to use our infographic but we do require you to link back to Catster.com

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    Are There Other Ways to Determine the Sex of Your Cat?

    The only way to guarantee the sex of your cat is to examine their genitals. If you are struggling to do so, your vet can determine your cat’s sex for you. In the meantime, there may be some other ways to get an idea of the sex of your cat.

    Unique to felines, the gene for the orange coat color is sex-linked, found only on the X-chromosome. Males with this gene will be either black or orange (ginger), with or without some white. Females, however, can be black, ginger, or a blend (calico or tortoiseshell). This means that virtually all calico or tortoiseshell cats are female, and around 80% of ginger cats are male.

    However, this method is not a guarantee. While incredibly rare, male calico cats exist. Due to genetic mutations that cause cats to have more than two sex chromosomes, male cats can develop calico colors. These cats are known as Klinefelter cats.

    Predicting Phenotypes for orange cats
    Image Credit: You are welcome to use our infographic but we do require you to link back to Catster.com

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    Why Is It Important to Know the Sex of Your Cat?

    Many people may think that knowing your cat’s sex is only important for naming purposes, but that’s not the case. There are several reasons that pet owners should know their pet’s sex. Some health issues or behavioral problems are more prevalent in one sex over another.

    For instance, males are at higher risk of fatal urinary tract blockages than females. Knowing which conditions your cat may be susceptible to based on their sex can allow you to catch the signs of a condition earlier and potentially save your cat a lot of discomfort and pain.

    If you have a brother and sister, or just a male and female kitten, you will want to know this so you can make plans for neutering before ending up with unwanted kittens, especially  from siblings!

    In addition, sexual development disorders can be an issue, such as gonadal disorders. Gonadal disorders impact your cat’s reproductive organs, but the signs may appear different based on your cat’s sex. For example, in females, common signs of a sexual development disorder include an abnormally large clitoris.

    Therefore, knowing your cat’s sex tells you not just if they are a “Jack” or a “Jill,” but it also helps you to remain informed on their health status.

    vet checking up a maine coon cat
    Image Credit: Ermolaev Alexander, Shutterstock

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    Final Thoughts

    The female cat does indeed have a clitoris, and it likely plays a vital role in feline reproduction. As induced ovulators, it is important for copulation to stimulate a hormonal response in order for eggs to be released from the ovaries. The location of the clitoris, along with the anatomy of the penis, ensures this stimulation occurs.

    While female cats have clitorises, this won’t help you to determine a cat’s sex. Instead, focus on the shape of the genital opening as well as its distance from the anus. If you are confused, consulting your vet is the best way to go.


    Featured Image Credit: Hanna Taniukevich, Shutterstock

    The post Do Cats Have a Clitoris? Vet-Reviewed Facts About Cat Genitals (With Infographics) appeared first on Pet Keen.

    7 Reasons Why Cat Obesity Is Dangerous (Vet Answer)

    A large percentage of households in North America share their homes with a feline companion. A recent 2022 survey by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention suggests that 61% of owned cats are overweight, with 38% of those being classified as obese. 1 Obesity is defined as being more than 20% over the ideal body weight. This is a growing concern and needs to be addressed due to the undeniable health risk it poses. Below are seven ways cat obesity can be dangerous to your companion.

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    The 7 Reasons Why Cat Obesity Is Dangerous

    1. Increased risk of Diabetes Mellitus

    Diabetes mellitus is a condition defined as high levels of glucose found in the blood and urine. Type II diabetes typically occurs in cats due to inadequate insulin production, the hormone responsible for glucose regulation. Signs of diabetes mellitus include drastic weight loss, an increase in urination/water intake, and changes in appetite.

    Cats that have developed diabetes need help in controlling their blood glucose levels through a strict diet, weight loss, and glucose regulation, which is typically achieved through insulin therapy. Treatment of diabetes requires time and dedication from the pet owner, as most cats will receive twice-daily injections of insulin.

    Inadequate control of diabetes mellitus can lead to complications including secondary urinary tract infections, diabetic ketoacidosis, and poor quality of life. Cats can experience remission from diabetes with appropriate treatment and weight loss.

    a fat cat lying on the ground outdoor
    Image Credit: Almi, Pixabay

    2. Arthritis

    Obesity significantly increases the chances of arthritis and limits mobility. Cats that are considered obese carry, at minimum, 20% over their ideal body weight, putting added strain on their small frame, leading to boney changes. Additionally, fat releases different substances that cause inflammation, which further causes discomfort.

    As a patient becomes arthritic, weight loss becomes harder to achieve as patient discomfort increases. Supportive therapies like joint supplements and pain relief are suggested. It is recommended that you speak with your veterinarian to learn more information regarding possible interventions.


    3. Increased Anesthetic Risk

    Like humans, obesity causes strain on the heart, which can lead to cardiac changes and hypertension. Additionally, obese patients often struggle with respirations due to the inability to fully expand their chest secondary to fat accumulation. These factors are associated with an increased risk of anesthetic complications 1. Obese patients will require respiratory support in the form of preoxygenation and ventilation during anesthesia. Drug dosing and selection must be adjusted in overweight cats and recovery time may be prolonged.

    a fat persian cat lying sideways on wooden surface
    Image Credit: jklugiewicz, Pixabay

    4. Hepatic Lipidosis

    After food intake has decreased suddenly for a few days, whether due to diet restrictions or illness, the overweight cat’s body doesn’t know how to properly respond. Instead of using stored fat properly, the liver fails at trying to process fat, and fat enters the cells of the liver in a condition called hepatic lipidosis.

    Once this occurs, the liver is not able to function appropriately, and systemic ramifications are noted. Signs of hepatic lipidosis can include anorexia, lethargy, jaundice (accumulation of bilirubin causing skin and mucus membranes to turn yellow), sudden weight loss, vomiting, and death.


    5. Lower Urinary Tract Disease

    Overweight cats are more likely to develop Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), a broad term used to describe conditions impacting the bladder and urethra. Examples of FLUTD include idiopathic cystitis, urinary tract infections, and bladder stones.

    Cats experiencing FLUTD may have difficulty urinating, have blood in their urine, or urinate in inappropriate locations. Obese cats are more prone to the development of FLUTD due to their lifestyle.

    Generally, overweight cats are sedentary and confined indoors. Both factors lead to stress and boredom in the cat, significantly increasing the risk of FLUTD development. Fat stimulates the release of inflammatory cells, which also contributes to the development of FLUTD.

    fat shorthaired cat lying on the ground
    Image Credit Eveline de Bruin, Pixabay

    6. Constipation

    Constipation may occur in patients dealing with obesity due to changes in mobility. Unfortunately, obese patients often struggle to gain access to the litter box, and the inability to hold a position makes it harder to defecate. As a result, patients may not defecate regularly or completely, leading to a backup of stool.


    7. Shorter Lifespan

    Obesity leads to a shorter life expectancy due to the above-mentioned health concerns and a perceived decrease in quality of life. Owners do not want to see their beloved companion become sedentary or struggle with day-to-day tasks. As a result, humane euthanasia may be pursued in some severe cases.

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    How to Determine if Your Cat Is Overweight

    Your veterinarian will assign your pet a body condition score during a routine physical exam based on several parameters illustrated in the WSAVA body condition score chart. You can also utilize this chart to try to determine on your own the body condition of your companion. Body condition charts typically use a nine-point scale, with the ideal body condition score falling in the middle, and obesity as being at the higher end of the scale.

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    Ways to Combat Obesity

    The goal for patients suffering from obesity is weight loss. This can be achieved through two main routes: diet and exercise. Your veterinarian is an excellent resource to help guide you on weight loss for your cat. It is recommended to frequently weigh your cat to ensure weight loss is gradual and to use achieved weight loss to adjust treatment plans.

    Exercise

    The idea of exercising a cat sounds impossible; however, it can be done! Simple things like placing your cat’s food bowl far away from their preferred lounging location or 1–2 minutes of laser pointer play promote activity. There are toys designed that release a few kibbles at a time when batted around by your cat that can be a fun way to encourage activity while also providing a reward. Rehabilitation programs may also be available through your veterinarian.

    cat running on exercise wheel
    Image Credit: Dmitri Ma, Shutterstock

    Diet

    Your veterinarian can help guide you on ways to adjust your cat’s diet to achieve weight loss. It is very important that weight loss is gradual. No more than 0.5–2% of body weight should be lost on a weekly basis. As mentioned above, a drastic decrease in caloric intake can result in hepatic lipidosis.

    A diet change from a high carbohydrate diet to a high protein diet will likely be recommended. This may be achieved by switching your feline companion from a dry food to a canned diet, as these tend to be lower in carbohydrates. There are also specific veterinary diets available through your veterinarian designed to promote weight loss.

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    Importance of a Healthy Weight

    Obesity poses several health risks to your feline companion. Improving your obese cat’s body condition will drastically improve your cat’s quality of life and life expectancy. Weight loss should be a gradual process and consultation with a veterinarian can help safely achieve this goal.


    Featured Image Credit: Dennis van de Water, Shutterstock

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