Tag: cats

Will Cats Notice It’s Back-to-School Time?

Posted on August 17, 2023 - 1:54 pm by
A black-and-white cat staring out a window.

Dogs are notorious for missing their owners two seconds after their human steps out the front door, sometimes with destructive results. But will your family’s favorite feline have separation anxiety after the kiddos go back to school? Fluffy was the go-to adventure buddy for your kids’ summer shenanigans, after all. So, it’s only natural that your cat will miss their tiny humans when the daily routine is altered later this August. But with cats, sometimes it’s hard to tell how they really feel.

Rest assured, your cat misses you (and the kids!) when you’re gone — especially if the absence is a drastic shift from the norm, like during back-to-school time.

Like dogs, cats are social creatures who crave consistency and have unbreakable bonds with their humans. They just have a different way of expressing themselves than our slobbier companions. Some of those ways might be easy to miss, and they can vary from cat to cat.

Cats Act Differently When They Miss You

As schedules pivot and their daily playmates go back to school, every cat might react a bit differently, but most will note the change if they’re suddenly alone more. They may experience some level of loneliness, depression or anxiety — similar to how a human might feel during changes in their environment. This separation anxiety could show up as:

  • Excessive meowing
  • Behavior changes like eating less or litter box accidents
  • Extreme excitement when the humans return
  • A swipe of the paw when the humans return
  • They may try to go with you the next time you leave

One reaction is not more worrisome than another. It’s simply their way of responding to the situation at hand. If you notice a drastic or lingering change in their eating or bathroom habits, contact your veterinarian.

Your Kids Can Be Part of the Solution

We recommend informing your kiddos of these potential reactions so they can be sympathetic to however Fluffy reacts. Let Fluffy come to the kids at their own pace when everyone returns home in the afternoon. Your pet will likely need grace and patience as they adjust, not to mention lots of attention when everyone is back together.

Prep Your Kitty for Back to School

What other ways can you help your cat adjust? Advance preparation. Making small shifts during the weeks ahead could help ensure the changes are not as jarring to your cat’s nervous system.

Most children spend about six to seven hours per day in school (not including after-school programs). In the time leading up to school starting back up, try leaving the house for short amounts of time. Start running errands or adventuring around town for an hour or so each day — slowly increasing the time you spend away from the house.

When arriving back home, greet Fluffy with love, affection and words of affirmation that all is OK. You’re letting them know they are still loved and that the tiny humans will return home — no matter how long they may be gone throughout the day.

Provide Sources of Entertainment for Your Cat

Add interactive toys around the house so your pet can stay entertained without their human playmates. These could include automatic laser pointers that come on throughout the day, catnip hide-and-seek toys or wall shelves for climbing. Before leaving the house, teach your cat how to use each option. Upon returning home, be sure to still spend one-on-one playtime with Fluffy for added mental stimulation.

Consider setting up a bird feeder outside a safe, secure window where your cat frequently looks out. Place their cat tree or pet bed nearby so they can sit in comfort and watch birds or small animals eat the food. It’s another great way to keep your cat entertained and happy throughout the day!

Warm Up to the School Year Routine

Visit with your kiddos about a new school year routine with Fluffy. Find guaranteed pet playtimes for showering your cat with attention that make sense with your family’s schedules. Whether it’s after breakfast before the bus arrives or after school before they start homework, Fluffy will be ready for a new consistent setup. So will the kids as they ease into their new fall routine.

Bonus tip that can help the whole family: On the days leading up to the new school year, try getting your kiddos and your cat on this new sleep, wake up, play and leave schedule. While the kids aren’t leaving for a full day of school quite yet, it can help your cat adjust to the new agenda before your kids start school. It might just help the kids adjust to it as well!

As Fluffy and the tiny humans adjust to their new routines, remember you could notice an increase in affection from your cat whenever the kids re-enter the house. Or you could notice a slightly standoffish cat who is trying to show the kids they didn’t like having their trusty playmate gone all day. Your cat’s reactions are completely normal. Once Fluffy understands that their playmates are back home for the evening, they’ll let go of any grumpy cat emotions and be ready for an adventure. Fluffy just missed their tiny humans is all.

RELATED POST: Home Alone: Back to School Can Be Stressful for Pets

How to Interpret Your Cat’s Behavior: A Taste of the Wild Guide

Posted on June 13, 2023 - 2:03 pm by
A black and orange striped cat lying on a bed with its tail up.

Cat behavior is a subject that most cat parents wish they understood a little better. Or a lot better! Why does your cat insist on knocking everything off the counters? Why does every other cuddle session turn into a bitey session? Why do they feel the need to knead? Heck, are we even sure we know why they purr? There’s an endless amount of mystery surrounding cat behavior, and not all those mysteries have been solved.

But together, we’ll try to get a better handle on understanding why your cat does what they do. Read on as we explore cat behavior, a subject as deep and complex as the cosmos. If the cosmos randomly smacked the dog for no reason!

Reading the Tail of Your Cat’s Body Language

A black and orange striped cat lying on a bed with its tail up.

Cats aren’t the most expressive when it comes to facial communication. There are certainly times when you can look at your cat’s face and see that they’re angry or content or needy, but the vast majority of the time, your cat’s expression can be considered “stoic” at best or “disinterested” at worst. The good news is that there are other ways to tell what your cat is thinking or feeling. You just have to look below the neck.

There’s a reason that “cat body language advice” is a hugely popular search term on the ol’ internet. When the face tells no tales, you have to look elsewhere to interpret those feline feelings. Cat body language tips can help you tell how to deal with your cat in the moment, and the best place on the body to get a read on that language? Yep. The cat tail has tales to tell.

Cat tail language is like an old-school skeleton key that unlocks an entire body of secrets. How they hold their tail, how it’s moving, even how puffy it is; every detail tells a, well, you know.

Obviously, the tail is only part of the story. Ear position, eye dilation, general posture and other signals all work together to tell a story about what your cat is thinking or feeling. But when you have to know right now? Look to the tail.

READ MORE ABOUT TRANSLATING YOUR CAT’S TAIL

Social Smarts and Cat Behavior

A tan and black striped cat sitting on the floor in front of an empty food bowl.

No matter how lovey or clingy your cat may be, there inevitably are times when they don’t seem to care what you want. Does that mean that your cat is aloof? Does it mean that your desires mean nothing to them? Or does it simply mean that cats handle situations in ways that we don’t fully understand?

Well, yeah.

The fact of the matter is that cats aren’t human, so it’s not really fair to expect them to react to any situation the way a human might. If a person points at something and there are other people around to see it, those others will almost always look where the person is pointing. Cats, not so much. A cat might not even acknowledge that you’re in the room.

But that doesn’t mean that cats are aloof. It does mean that they value things in different ways than humans do, and applying human behavior rules to cat behavior doesn’t work. Just because you point at the food bowl doesn’t mean your cat has any interest in looking at the food bowl.

Understanding a cat’s social smarts can really help crack the code on why your cat behaves the way they do. It’s far from an exact science at this point, but there have been strides made in understanding cats’ social behavior. In 2017, researchers determined that cats often care more about people than they do about food or toys. So the fact that they aren’t reacting to the gifts you’re giving them isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it’s a you problem! A couple of years later, the same research team found that cats are hugely reliant on the people they trust. In many ways, the more they love you, the less they’re willing to do for you. Cat behavior, like the cats themselves, is a complicated issue.

The bottom line is that when a cat doesn’t obey your commands, it’s not because they don’t understand them or refuse to obey. It’s because when they are comfortable, they tend to do their own thing. Is disobedience a sign of love? Maybe!

READ MORE ABOUT YOUR CAT’S SOCIAL BEHAVIOR

Why Do Cats Need to Knead?

A closeup of two orange and white cat paws.

Your cat is on your lap, purring away. Inevitably, they start “making biscuits” on your thighs, clawing and pulling and grasping. You’re so used to this process that you never really stop to think about this behavior. It doesn’t hurt and, in fact, is oddly comforting when your cat kneads away. But the question lingers.

Is cat kneading an extremely weird thing to do?

Why do cats knead? If your dog started doing it, you might be weirded out, but we’re just so used to our cats doing it that “Why do cats make biscuits?” rarely crosses our minds. So. Why do they do it?

The most obvious answer is that kneading is engrained in cats since birth: as newborn kittens they had to make the same motions to stimulate their mother’s milk flow. Their very first actions brought food into their needy little mouths, so it might just be hardwired into cats that this activity brings comfort. You know how sometimes you feel the need to bury yourself in warm blankets? Some research suggests because we were swaddled as babies, blanket cocoons can relive anxiety. The same idea might apply to cats!

READ MORE ABOUT CATS’ NEED TO KNEAD

What Do Cats DO All Day?

A gray cat lying down chewing on a cat toy shaped like a fish.

We’ve all heard the frenetic footsteps of 2 a.m. zoomies, which is why we know that when cats are unsupervised, they get into all sorts of shenanigans. Jumping on the counters, chasing bugs, skittering around the entire house — and who knows what cat habits are engaged when you’re not home?

Luckily, there’s a way to track the good cat habits and bad cat habits that your cat indulges in when they’re not being supervised. Kitty cams can tell cat parents exactly what they need to know about the secret lives of their feline friends. And judging by some research, we can learn a lot from that data. Though studies to date have mostly tracked cat behavior when they are outdoors, the fact that cats behave differently when on their own versus when with their people opens a lot of avenues for exploration. When cats are indoors? They tend to prefer being in the same room as their people.

Who’da thunk it?

READ MORE ABOUT THE SECRET LIVES OF CATS

Why Do Cats Purr?

A white cat with brown stripes sitting in its owner’s lap.

The best way to tell that your cat is happy and content is by the steady rumble of their purr, right? But do you know what cat purring actually means, especially outside the context of your warm lap?

When your cat quickly movies their larynx muscles in time with their diaphragm to create that low, exhaust-pipe sound that every cat parent loves so much, it might not always mean what you think it means. If you’ve ever wondered “Why is my cat purring?” you’re in luck. We’ve wondered the exact same thing and collected everything we know.

READ MORE ABOUT WHY CATS PURR

Why Does My Cat Do That, and What Can I Do to Solve It?

A brown and white cat lying on its side on a couch with its front paws on the back of the couch.

Why do cats do the things they do? Scratching up the furniture, randomly “going” outside of their litter box, biting for no reason — are these simply bad behaviors that can be unlearned, or is there something more at work?

The simple answer is that cats aren’t people and therefore don’t conform to what people consider “good” behavior unless they’re trained. The good news is that with lots of patience and training, you can turn your “bad” cat into a model of cat behavior.

READ MORE ABOUT WHY YOUR CAT DOES THAT

An orange and white cat lying on a kitchen countertop in the sun.

Know Cat Behavior, Know Your Cat

Even with everything we conclusively know about behavior, cats still remain as mysterious as the Sphinx (which is famously mysterious for being…a cat. COINCIDENCE?!?!). But by paying a little attention and watching cat body language, tail position and their tastes and preferences, you’ll know how to interpret cat behavior as well as anyone. And knowing what they do and why they do it can really enhance your relationship with your cat.

If your cat doesn’t mind, that is.

Common Cat Behaviors and How to Correct Them

Posted on June 8, 2023 - 1:50 pm by
Interior graphic detailing reasons for litter box issues and potential solutions.

At some point, most cat owners deal with at least one of the following behaviors. Deal with any of them long enough, and you’ll be yearning to correct that cat behavior.

Why do cats do the things they do? Well, cats aren’t people, and are often oblivious to what is or is not acceptable behavior by human standards. Kittens are still learning the ropes of how to cat, and older felines are holding onto learned behaviors. There’s a lot to declaw here, for them and you.

The good news is that no matter your cat’s age, with a little TLC, lots of patience and some clicker training you can help curb unwanted actions and redirect their attention. Here’s how to curb a few common cat behaviors.

Scratch That!

Cats have an instinctive urge to scratch. They’re not doing this to destroy your furniture. Your feline is scratching to express their emotions, mark an object, file their nails or get in a good stretch.

Help your cat “file” their nails by trimming their claws every ten days to two weeks. You can schedule a vet appointment or you can carefully trim them at home.

Provide your furry friend with sturdy scratching posts to help them express emotions or get in that good stretch without causing damage to furniture. Some cats prefer horizontal scratching posts while others prefer something more vertical. Keep their preferences in mind while finding the right scratching post for Mittens. When in doubt, provide one of each.

Place the scratching post near the object you’d like them to avoid. Then cover the spot they keep clawing on the furniture with double-sided sticky tape, furniture protectors or sandpaper as a deterrent. Each time they go to scratch the furniture, divert their attention to their new scratching post. Follow that up with paws-itive reinforcement to show them the desired behavior is appreciated.

Litter Box Woes

When cats choose to relieve themselves outside of the box, there could be a simple fix or it could indicate there’s a larger issue at hand. First, let’s examine potential internal or external factors. Do any of the following situations sound familiar?

Interior graphic detailing reasons for litter box issues and potential solutions.

Grumpy Cat Stand-In

Is your feline exuding grumpy cat vibes? Cats are not aggressive animals by nature, so let’s step back and look at the situation. If your cat’s body language seems relaxed and their ears are pointed forward as they get a bit aggressive, it’s likely that they’re just playing.

However, if they flatten their ears, show their teeth or puff up their fur, this is a sign they’re ready to fight. Do not try to physically engage an angry cat. They’re asking for their space. An angry cat could be the result of one of the following.

Interior graphic detailing reasons for grumpy or aggressive cat behaviors and potential solutions.

If you notice other unwanted behaviors, check to make sure Mittens has an appropriate number of outlets for playing, exercising, scratching and climbing. Sometimes, a tired kitty is a well-behaved kitty, and exercise can solve those problems all by itself. If all the options mentioned so far do not work, make a hissing noise or holler, “Ah, ah, ahhh” to get your cat’s attention. It’s not a long-term fix, but it can stop the behavior in the moment and allow you to divert their interest to a more desirable behavior and use positive reinforcements to let them know they’ve made the right choice.

Training your furry feline is not an overnight process, so don’t lose hope or commitment — especially if you have an older cat. They’re having to unlearn years of lived behavior.

Why Do Cats Purr?

Posted on May 11, 2023 - 2:30 pm by
A gray kitten with its eyes closed with a human hand on its head next to text that reads ‘Are they PURRRfectly content?’.

While cats may not be able to communicate in human tongues, their body language and purrs can be worth a thousand words. But are those words always PAWSitive?

Contrary to popular belief, purring isn’t always an indication that your cat is calm and happy. Researchers have found that cats can express a variety of emotions through the act of purring. Here are some reasons your cat purrs, and some things to watch out for as well.


Mother/Kitten Bonding

Kittens are born deaf and blind, so they rely on the vibrations their mother sends out when purring to lead them toward milk. The mother cat can also use her purr as a lullaby to soothe her babies and strengthen their bond. Kittens can return the favor, as they begin purring as early as two days old or as late as three weeks old. The kitten’s hum signals to their mother they’re safe, content and happy.

Don’t Worry, Be Happy

A happy, purring cat will stretch out, take up space and breathe slow and steady. They will also keep their ears and whiskers slightly forward or in a neutral position. They’re in their happy place, so if you’re petting them, cuddling them or just talking to them, keep it up! Your furry companion’s purr signals they are purrfectly content.

Now, if you pet is hunching down, wide-eyed and has their ears and whiskers down, they’re likely anxious or frightened. A higher-pitched purr, potentially with panting, indicates your cat is trying to soothe themselves. Researchers have found that purring can calm a cat in stressful situations like visiting the vet or seeing a dog in the backyard.

Starvin’ Marvin

It’s food time! Or so your furry feline thinks. When your cat is hungry or they want something else badly enough, they will combine purring with an unpleasant meow that resembles a human baby’s cry. Cats notice that humans are more likely to get up and grab the food or treats the moment they hear that specific sound.

It’s OK to be “trained” by your cat, within reason. Follow the directions on your cat’s food packaging to ensure your feline does not use this purr-and-meow tactic to overeat. Too much food can lead to health complications like diabetes. Your local veterinarian can also help you determine a good feeding regimen if needed.

That Healing Touch

You may notice your cat purring even in painful moments. Purring can ease pain and help regulate your cat’s breathing. A purr’s low-frequency vibration of 25 to 150 Hertz (Hz) can even stimulate muscles and promote healing. When your feline is in pain, you’ll notice the increased purring is accompanied by faster breathing, agitation and/or mobility changes. If you think your cat might be in pain, consult with your local veterinarian to ensure they receive proper care.

Now the next time your cat purrs, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge of how that purr should be received. But if your cat doesn’t purr at all, it’s not an immediate red flag. A lack of purring could be a matter of your cat’s origin, communication style or physical state. Here’s a brief breakdown of reasons your cat might skip the purrs all together.

  • If your cat had feral parents, your fur baby was likely taught to be very quiet in hopes of avoiding notice by This is why cats raised in the wild are often quieter than domestic felines.
  • Like people, cats have different ways of communicating their thoughts and feelings. A quieter cat could show their happiness in other ways such as cuddling or head bunting their human. Happiness doesn’t require the purr!
  • Similar to a human’s laughter, some cats can purr louder or quieter than others. You may miss your cat purring if you’re listening for a loud sound and they hum on a lower frequency. In addition, many medical conditions — such as muscle disorders, trauma or an autoimmune condition — can prevent your cat from sending out an audible purr. Visit with your local veterinarian if you suspect your cat isn’t purring due to an ailment.

We hope you now feel purrfectly versed in all the reasons your cat may (or may not!) purr. As always, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian if you feel that your cat needs medical attention.

RELATED POST: Why Do Cats Need to Knead?

Clicker Training for Cats: A Beginner’s Guide

Posted on May 12, 2022 - 2:08 pm by
A cartoon hand holding a clicker with sound waves emanating from it.

It’s not just clever canines who can be trained to follow commands and do tricks — fancy felines can do it, too! While cats don’t live for praise like dogs do, as long as you’ve got a tasty treat ready, they’re usually quite willing to follow your cues.

Clicker training cats has many benefits. It provides your cat with mental stimulation, it strengthens your bond with your cat, and it can help curb bad behaviors like counter surfing or furniture scratching. You can also use clicker training as a way to teach your cat some fun tricks! Here are some cat training tips to get you started.

How Does Cat Clicker Training Work?

Obviously, the first thing you’ll need is a clicker. Some clickers are louder than others, so you may have to test which clicker your cat prefers. You’ll also need to pick up a pack of your cat’s favorite treats. These need to be small, high-value treats that they can’t resist — don’t use their normal cat food or treats as they won’t be as motivated by these. Make sure you use the right reward; if your cat isn’t food-motivated, then use a favorite toy instead. Either way, you’ll want to reserve the reward for training time only.

Start by introducing your feline friend to the clicker. Push the button on the device and then immediately hand them their high-value reward. If you’re using a toy, pick it up after a few seconds. Repeat these steps for as long as your cat is interested; training sessions will probably only last a few minutes. The training process may take some time, but once your cat begins to understand that a reward is given after the clicking sound, they’ll start looking for treats or the toy when they hear the clicker. Once they start responding consistently to the clicker, you’re ready to teach your cat some tricks!

How to Train a Cat to Sit

Begin by holding the clicker in one hand and a reward in the other. When your cat is standing on all fours, place the reward in front of their nose. Once they begin to sniff the reward, slowly move it from their nose to their ear. In the process, they will likely raise their chin, eyes and back before placing their bottom on the floor. As soon as your cat sits on the floor, click and give them a reward. Once they’re catching on, you can add in the vocal cue “sit.” Timing will be essential for your cat to learn this behavior. Repeat, repeat and repeat some more!

Train Your Cat to Wave

If your friends are impressed that your cat sits on command, this will blow their mind. Grab your clicker and your cat’s reward. Hide the reward in your hand in front of your cat’s nose. When they extend their paw to investigate, quickly click and reward them before your cat makes contact with your hand. Repeat these motions, but raise your fist a little higher each time until your cat cannot reach your hand.

Click and reward every attempt at first. In later training sessions, click and reward only during the highest waves. After your cat is consistently offering a wave, you can transition from a closed hand to a small hand wave. Now you’ll be able to wave at your cat — and they’ll wave back!

Using Clicker Training to Encourage Good Behavior

You can also use clicker training to help curb unwanted behavior like scratching furniture. First, purchase a scratching post if you don’t already own one. Set the post up somewhere that you can easily see when your cat uses it. Push the clicker the exact moment your cat is scratching the post, then immediately follow that with their chosen reward (treat or toy). Timing will be crucial. Every time you see your cat scratching the correct surface, immediately click and provide the reward. While they’re still learning, it can help to cover up the furniture to avoid temptation.

As with all cat training exercises, repetition is important to reinforce this positive behavior. When your cat habitually scratches the correct surface, you can gradually phase out the clicker and rewards.

How to Train a Kitten with a Clicker

It doesn’t matter whether you have a kitten or a senior cat, you can try clicker training cats of any age. Training kittens is usually easier, but they also have shorter attention spans. Approach training a kitten the same way that you would an adult cat; kittens may be more likely to appreciate a toy reward, though. And just like any form of training, consistency is key.

Cat Training Is Possible!

Despite popular belief, cats are quite trainable, just like dogs. However, it will take some time, treats, patience and positive reinforcement to train them to learn each command you introduce. Training sessions will likely keep your cat’s focus for only a few minutes.

After your cat learns these basic skills, you can go on to teach them how to roll over, jump through a hoop, feel more comfortable with their carrier and so on. The possibilities are endless for you and your kitty cat!

Should I Be Worried About My Vomiting Pet?

Posted on January 13, 2022 - 3:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Stomach issues are the top reason cats are brought to the veterinarian, according to a Healthy Paws analysis of more than 870,000 pet insurance claims from June 1, 2020, to June 1, 2021. For dogs, stomach issues came in third, behind skin problems and pain.

While we know a vomiting pet generally prefers to expel stomach contents on expensive carpets or on your bed in the middle of the night, we don’t always realize what’s causing the problem. So how do you know when it’s something serious?

Causes of vomiting

A broad range of things can cause your pet to vomit, from something as simple as an abrupt change in food or motion sickness from a car ride to more serious causes, such as toxin ingestion, infections like parvovirus or a gastrointestinal foreign body.

Check your house or yard for anything your pet might have accidentally gotten into: medications, mushrooms, the garbage can, super glue and any toys or objects that may have been partially or completely swallowed. Sometimes you may find clues in the vomit, such as potentially toxic house plants that may have been ingested. If you think your pet has eaten something it shouldn’t, call your veterinarian or contact the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.

Mild vomiting

If your pet vomits once or twice and stops, you can remove their food and limit their water for 6 to 8 hours to give the digestive tract a chance to calm down. If they continue to vomit or if they become lethargic, contact your veterinarian.

Although not necessarily recommended, dogs can go for a day or two without eating. However, food shouldn’t be withheld from cats for more than about 12 hours. Cats can develop a condition called hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver disease, and it can be difficult to entice them to eat again. But a few hours without food is typically not a problem.

During this time, you don’t want your pet to become dehydrated. The easiest way to check their hydration is to run your finger over their gums (do not attempt this if your pet is not fond of having their mouth handled). In a hydrated pet, there should be enough saliva so that your finger slides easily. Dehydrated pets will have dry, sticky gums. You can also try to gently pull up the skin at the nape of your pet’s neck. In a hydrated pet, the skin should snap back into place quickly. If your pet is dehydrated, the tent of skin will take longer to return to its original shape.

You can allow your pet to lick ice cubes, so they ingest a small amount of water at a time. Lapping up large amounts of water quickly may cause your pet to vomit. If you’re concerned, contact your veterinarian.

If your pet hasn’t vomited for 6 to 8 hours, you can begin to offer small amounts of water. As a rule of thumb, you can provide 1 teaspoon of water per pound of body weight every 2 to 3 hours.

Once your pet drinks water without vomiting, you can feed them small, frequent meals, using a bland diet such as boiled hamburger or chicken and rice or food made for sensitive stomachs. If your pet refuses to eat or begins to vomit again, call your veterinarian.

Severe vomiting

Some pets will continue to vomit, even when there’s nothing left in their stomachs, and they just wretch up bile. Prolonged vomiting can lead to dehydration, so it’s important to take your dog or cat to the veterinarian. Even if your pet vomits on a regular basis, such as once or twice a week, it’s worth investigating to see if there’s an underlying disease process causing it.

Depending on your pet’s history, signs and physical exam, the veterinarian may order blood work, X-rays and/or other diagnostic tests. Treatment will vary, depending on the cause, but may include surgery in the case of a gastrointestinal obstruction, fluids to correct dehydration, medications to reduce vomiting or other treatments. Hopefully, your pet (and your expensive carpet) will be back to normal in no time.

RELATED POST: Cancer Signs: What to Watch for in Pets

Movies to Watch with Your Dog This Holiday Season

Posted on December 23, 2021 - 3:30 pm by
A couple sitting on the couch holding a television remote with a dog sitting between them.

Only so much eggnog and sugar cookies can be consumed before your family eventually plops on the couch, ready to snuggle in for a traditional evening of movies. But since your dog is truly a part of your family, why not let them pick the flick this time? Here are a few dog-themed holiday movies to watch that might just keep your pooch on the edge of their seat.

A Dog Named Christmas

In this Hallmark Hall of Fame feel-good movie, a young man with a learning disability shows just how powerful the unconditional love for animals can be. When the local animal shelter launches a campaign to promote dog adoption for the holidays, the boy puts his all into convincing the people of his Midwestern town to participate. At the same time, one dog in particular captures his heart.

I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown

What kid doesn’t dream of a puppy under the tree with a red satin bow around its neck? So it goes for Linus’s little brother, Rerun. In this Peanuts’ classic, Rerun sets his sights on bringing Snoopy’s less civilized brother Spike into the family.

The Search for Santa Paws

In this heartwarming fantasy/adventure film, Santa’s head elf brings a stuffed dog to life, which Santa names Paws, and the jolly guy vows to be his best friend for life. When the pair travel to New York, Santa is hit by a cab and loses his memory. Paws teams up with a young orphan named Quinn, her friend, and a group of magical talking dogs to help save Santa and show the real meaning of the holiday.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Who doesn’t love Max, the loyal dog of the “mean one” in this holiday classic? In the live-action version, Max is actually played by six different shelter dogs who all found homes after the movie. What a happy ending!

Lady and the Tramp

While you may not instantly think of Lady and the Tramp as a holiday movie, it starts with Lady, a cocker spaniel, arriving as a Christmas gift and ends with Tramp, a stray mutt… Well, we don’t want to give away the ending, but it ends at Christmas!

Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure

Beethoven, the lovable St. Bernard, returns to help save Christmas in this sequel. After Santa’s sleigh crashes and his magic toy bag goes missing, Beethoven comes to the rescue just in time. And Beethoven speaks for the first time in this movie!

What’s your favorite movie to watch while you’re cuddled up on the couch with your canine companion?

When the Temperature Plummets, Should You Feed Your Pet More?

Posted on December 16, 2021 - 3:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

With winter comes crisper temperatures, waning daylight hours and more time padding around your house in wool socks. It’s a time when we crave comfort foods bubbling with cheese, as if a primordial instinct compels us to add another layer of insulation before we hibernate for the season.

But what about your pet — do his or her nutritional needs change with the season?

Cold-weather pet food

Like people, pets may tend to eat a little less in the summer and slightly more in the winter. But any abrupt change in appetite — eating a lot more or a lot less — or any noticeable changes in weight could be the sign of an underlying health problem. In these cases, check in with your veterinarian.

Still, unless your dog is training for the Iditarod or sleeps outside, it probably spends most of the winter in the comfort of your climate-controlled home. Same goes for your cat. In these cases, there’s usually no need to increase your pet’s food intake in the winter.

When to feed less

If you live in the northern part of the United States, there’s a good chance your dog walks may be shorter (or nonexistent), compared to summer. If your pet is getting less exercise this winter but eating the same amount of food as the summer, he or she is likely to put on some extra pounds. To avoid this, talk to your veterinarian about safe ways to trim food intake.

When to feed the same amount

Even when the thermometer takes a nosedive, your pet still needs daily physical and mental stimulation.  Certain breeds and puppies, especially, need to work off excess energy. And regular exercise can help prevent behavior problems from developing out of sheer boredom. With consistent exercise, you can continue to feed your pet the same amount of food all year ‘round.

Exercising your pet, even in the winter, can help pry you off the couch, too. Consider making the most of winter by taking your dog snowshoeing or skijoring in the snow. Or explore warm, indoor activities like playtime at doggie day care. You can even set up an obstacle course in your living room. Your cat could also benefit from games of laser tag and interactive food puzzles.

When to feed more

Pets that live outdoors or spend considerable amounts of time in harsh weather will burn more calories to maintain their body temperature. These pets will need more food than they eat in the summer, a place to escape from the weather and a source of fresh water that isn’t frozen.

If your dog engages in high-energy activities in the winter, such as all-day hunting trials, with prolonged exposure to icy temperatures, they will also require additional food. As a rule of thumb, for every 10-degree drop from normal temperatures, a dog will need about 7% more calories. In either case, your veterinarian can help you determine your pet’s caloric needs.

Keeping your pet “just right”

No matter what the season, dogs and cats should be fed to maintain a healthy body condition score. That means they should have an hourglass waist when viewed from above, a tuck in the tummy when seen from the side, and ribs that can be easily felt, but aren’t visible.

Other winter comforts

If your pet spends any time outdoors in icy temperatures, consider a coat to help keep them warm and dry, especially if they have short, thin hair. For pets with longer hair, remove any hair mats, which can pull painfully against the skin, preventing the coat from providing proper insulation by allowing cold air to pass close to the skin.

Trim the hair between the footpads to prevent ice balls from accumulating there. If your dog is tolerant, consider booties, which can also prevent exposure to salt and sidewalk deicers. Any questions? Your veterinarian is the best source for tips on keeping your pet healthy this winter.

Acute vs. Chronic Pain: When Your Pet Needs Help

Posted on December 2, 2021 - 3:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Your dog or cat can feel pain in all the ways you do. Maybe it’s the throbbing of a sore tooth. The dull ache from an old knee injury. Or the sharp stab of a cut on a paw pad. The difference with pets’ pain is that they don’t always tell you when it hurts.

Like animals in the wild, pets may hide signs of pain to prevent them from appearing vulnerable to predators. That’s why it’s your job to keep close tabs on your pet and notice when something may be wrong. If your pet isn’t as active as they used to be, don’t write it off as just part of the natural aging process. Any change in your pet’s behavior could be a sign of pain.

Acute vs. chronic pain

In medicine, most pain is classified as either acute or chronic. Acute pain tends to come on suddenly or lasts for a short time, dissipating once inflammation resolves and healing occurs. It’s often brought on by trauma, surgery or an inflammatory condition, such as an illness.

If you twist your ankle, for example, you’ll probably feel immediate pain, which will improve once you prop up that leg on a pillow and allow the swelling to resolve. It’s important to recognize acute pain and treat it immediately, or acute pain can become chronic.

Compared to acute pain, chronic pain is more complicated and generally lasts longer, sometimes even for the pet’s lifetime. Osteoarthritis is one condition that can cause chronic pain, because the disease can’t be cured and tends to progress over time.

Left untreated, chronic pain can snowball. The animal’s brain can become so sensitized to pain that a nerve signal meant to relay a small amount of pain is perceived as being much more painful. Early recognition and treatment of pain is important to prevent this exaggerated form of pain perception from developing.

Acute pain may be treated by resolving the source of the problem, such as removing a fractured tooth or resting the affected area and/or a short course of veterinary pain relief medications. Chronic pain, on the other hand, is typically managed with a combination of treatments which may include medications, physical therapy and other interventions.

Signs of pain in pets

Sometimes, it can be obvious that your pet is in pain. Maybe they’re limping on a bad foot or pawing at a broken tooth. But since pets often will try to hide pain, the signs can be subtle. Since you know your pet better than anyone, you’re the best person to recognize when your dog or cat is a little “off.”

Possible signs of pain (both acute and chronic) include:

    • Whining, whimpering or groaning (dogs)
    • Meowing, hissing or even purring (cats)
    • Decreased appetite
    • Withdrawal or hiding
    • Obsessively licking or biting at a body part
    • Restlessness
    • Reluctance to move
    • No longer jumping up or using the stairs
    • Seeking affection more than usual
    • Dilated (enlarged) pupils
    • Flattened ears
    • Aggression in a normally friendly pet
    • Guarding a body part

How to help your pet

  • Schedule a veterinary exam as soon as possible — The doctor will try to determine the source of the pain and possible treatment.
  • Give veterinary prescriptions as directed — Try not to miss a dose and call your veterinarian if your pet shows evidence of any side effects.
  • Keep a pain journal — Note how often your pet seems to be in pain, and if possible, videotape the painful behavior for your veterinarian to observe.
  • Make your pet more comfortable at home — Depending on the source of your pet’s pain, small changes can be made to help your pet’s well-being. For example, pets with arthritis may benefit from a padded bed and ramps to make it easier to get into the car or onto furniture.
  • Don’t give your pet any human medications — Some can be dangerous for pets, so always consult your veterinarian first.
  • Keep your pet at a healthy weight — Extra pounds can put additional stress on painful, arthritic joints.

Whether it’s acute or chronic pain your pet is dealing with, if you pay attention to the signs, there’s almost always something you can do to make them feel better.

Help Homeless Pets Celebrate Thanksgiving

Posted on November 18, 2021 - 3:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Many families extend a Thanksgiving invitation to friends who don’t have family nearby. Since dogs and cats are part of the family, shouldn’t we offer the same courtesy to animals in the same predicament? In other words, why not share some Thanksgiving love with shelter and rescue dogs and cats?

Here are a few ways you can give thanks for pets by helping those without families this holiday season:

Foster a homeless pet for the holidays. Shelter and rescue facilities can be full of sights, sounds and smells that are unfamiliar and even scary for dogs and cats. Many of these organizations are looking for temporary homes for animals for a week or more. When you foster a pet, you can provide a quiet and loving home for these pets during the holiday season.

Put together a care package. Rescues and shelters are always in need of supplies, from dry and canned dog or cat food to toys and treats, kitty litter and large, gently used towels. Why not bring homeless pets a gift basket from your family? You can always call your favorite local rescue and ask what items are especially needed at this time of year.

Feed a homeless person’s pet. For someone living on the streets, it can be hard enough to find a nutritious meal for yourself, let alone for your dog. The nonprofit organization Pets of the Homeless lists drop-off centers for pet food or donations for emergency veterinary care. This organization is linked with food banks, homeless shelters, food pantries and soup kitchens that can deliver the pet food to those who really need it.

Volunteer your time at the shelter. Plenty of animals could use some one-on-one time with a human being. And what human couldn’t use another dog or cat fix? Many shelter and rescue organizations are looking for a people who can help walk dogs, exercise small critters, socialize cats and scrub kennels. It won’t cost you a thing, but it’ll sure make some animals feel good.

Participate in Giving Tuesday. On the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, people all over the world will make donations to their favorite nonprofit organizations. It’s your chance to support a cause that’s close to your heart, like your local shelter or rescue. You can even specify where you’d like the money to go, such as a fund for those animals who are sick and need medical or surgical care.

The best gift of all: adoption. Do you have room in your heart and home for a new pet? There are plenty of dogs and cats who would love nothing better than a forever home. It’s a tremendous kindness to a lonely dog or cat. But it’s also a gift to yourself — and one that truly keeps on giving.