Author: Cat and Pet Health and Behavior

The U.S. is no doubt a pet-loving nation, with 68% of households owning one. Dogs still lead the pack (60.2 million households own one), but cats are catching up, with 47.1 families owning one. With those numbers, it's no wonder the nation's households spent $72.56 billion on their pets last year. This year, experts say we'll spend even more on them -- close to three billion dollars more. Now, with a huge part of those pet expenditures -- over 40% -- going towards food alone, it would be weird to see a hungry kitten! The thing is, cats can be pickier eaters than dogs (more on why below), so it takes a lot more to please their taste buds. So, what exactly should you do then to ensure your kitty doesn't…

Did you know that every year, over 10 million dogs and cats are either lost or stolen? And that 1 in 3 pets will become lost at some point in their life? The truth is, that no matter how well you take care of your pet, there's a chance that your pet will go missing at some point or another.  The good news is, that recovering your pet isn't an impossible process- if they're wearing the right collar.  So, how do you pick the right collar for your dog? Check out this guide to learn how to choose the best collar for dogs.  Size Up Your Dog Before you purchase a dog collar, your primary consideration should be the size of your dog.  Buy a collar that's too small, and…

Are you feeding your pets people food for dogs? You may need to think twice before you do it again. A dog's digestive system is nothing like our own. Our canine friends are a lot more sensitive to certain foods. Many foods will just cause an upset stomach for dogs, but there are a few foods that can be lethal to them. So, if you're concerned about what you shouldn't be feeding your dog, take a look at the list below. Steer Clear of Nuts Not all nuts are toxic to dogs but it can be difficult to remember which ones are, so it's safer to keep all nuts away from your dog. For example, pecans, walnuts, and macadamia nuts are classed as toxic dog food. Although it may not…

Approximately 60 million households in the U.S. own a dog and 47.1 million own a cat. Are you part of either of these groups? If so, then you're probably well acquainted with pet shedding. You're probably also desperate to find a solution and eliminate the need to carry a lint roller with you wherever you go. You might not be able to totally throw away your lint rollers, but there are still lots of things you can do to address shedding. Read on for some helpful tips that will make it easier for you to get animal hair off your furniture and clothing. Causes of Excess Shedding Before we get into tips for combating shedding, it's important to figure out why your pet is shedding so much. Some shedding is normal,…

We all know those sad, puppy dog eyes and low whimper have the power to break even the strongest resolve. Trying to leave man's best friend behind before embarking on a long trip can be a little heartbreaking.  According to a report by Rover, 37 percent of dog owners have decided not to travel in order to stay at home with a pet instead.  Don't cut your vacation plans short! Why not take the entire family? Traveling with pets is stress-free when you know how.  With these tips, you can discover how to travel with a dog for a tail-wagging good time! 1. Practice Makes Perfect Don't make it more difficult for your pet by dragging them into an unfamiliar experience. That's like asking them to shake without showing them…

US pet owners spend around $16 billion per year on vet bills.  But, while there are some dog and cat emergencies that require urgent medical attention, there are many vet-approved natural pet remedies that work well for a variety of complaints and conditions.  In fact, natural remedies for cats and dogs are often preferable in some cases. Not only can they help you avoid huge vet bills, they're more accessible for owners, and they don't compromise your pets' delicate systems like harsh antibiotics and other medications.  Here's our pick of the best natural remedies for cats and dogs.  1. Hemp Oil Although it's derived from cannabis, hemp oil isn't psychoactive and is safe and legal for human or animal use. And, when it comes to natural pet remedies, hemp oil is one of the most comprehensive treatments around.  Hemp oil for dogs…

Over 36 million people in the United States own a cat. Even though dogs are still man’s best friend, cat ownership is increasing in popularity. More Americans see kitties as one of their family members. That’s why cat owners do whatever they can to ensure Fluffy lives a long, healthy and happy life. While cats are prone to certain health issues, you especially have to look out for skin conditions. Here are the most common cat skin problems. Look Out for These Cat Skin Problems Were you cuddling your cat and notice their fur or skin looked or felt off? Read these common cat skin concerns and contact your vet. Skin Parasites If you let your cat outside, you need to look for skin parasites. These are most commonly fleas,…

To you, your kitty is your baby, fur child, or at the very least a beloved companion. The love of a cat may seem finicky, but there is nothing better than when they curl up on your lap for a cuddle session and you hear their purr.  Unfortunately, because your feline friend cannot verbally communicate when something is wrong, it is up to you to recognize cat emergencies. We're going to take a look at a few signs that your four-legged friend needs veterinary assistance ASAP.  Keep reading for more information!  Persistent Vomiting or Diarrhea  There are probably only a few people in the world that take pleasure cleaning up cat vomit or liquid feces. While these issues will occur from time to time, it is important to note the…

You've heard that an old dog can learn new tricks. But did you know man's best friend isn't the only pet that can learn fun tricks?  You can also train a cat to do a number of cool tricks. For example, you can train your cat to give you high fives and roll over, just like a dog. But how do you train a cat? And what kind of tricks can a cat do? That's the subject of today's blog post as we examine how to train a cat along with three fun tricks you can teach your furry feline now. Teach Your Cat to Sit Start training your cat with simple tricks to start. Perhaps the easiest trick for a cat to learn is to sit on command. It's also…

Your cat is probably a lot like you. They enjoy long naps, love eating their favorite food, and need their teeth brushed at least once a day. While brushing your cat’s teeth is probably just as much of a taboo thought for you as giving them a bath, it’s something that has to be done. It can be a difficult task, however, especially if you don’t get your cat used to it when it's still a kitten. They’ll fight you on it that’s for sure. Here are a few cat dental care tips to get you started on helping your kitty have a cleaner mouth. 1. Brush Their Teeth  Your cat needs their teeth brushed either once a day or at the very least twice a week. Cat's tend to…