How to Make Moving Easy on Your Cat

by Lisa Selvaggio

Published: December 29th, 2016

It’s time to get your move on. Before you pack up your belongings, make the move easier on your cat with these tips.

Cats are creatures of habit, so moving to a new house could be stressful. Following some simple steps can make the transition as smooth and easy as possible, as well as reduce the risk of your pet hiding, attempting to escape, excessively crying, exhibiting unwanted behaviors, or showing aggression, depression, or fear.

Before You Move:

Since your cat will be moving to his new home in his carrier, make him as comfortable with that carrier as possible. This can be difficult if he already has a negative association with it and tends to get stressed from merely seeing it.

You can help make your kitty comfortable with his carrier by leaving it out in one of the rooms where your cat spends a lot of time. Place a comfortable little bed inside and leave the door open. You can even place some treats inside so your cat can find them and realize he can go into the carrier without fear. Then you can move on to actually feeding your kitty near the carrier and then inside the carrier.

Related: What Is Feline Group Scent?

Another step you can take involves placing your moving boxes in view a couple of weeks before you begin packing. Your kitty should get used to them, but if your pet is still nervous once you start packing, you can allow him to spend some quiet time in a room where you can close the door so he can feel safe.
To get your cat used to traveling in your car, place him in the carrier and sit in the car with him for a few minutes without driving. Do this for a few days, giving him a treat each time, before graduating to driving short distances and providing a reward, and then driving the distance to your new home. This could help him prepare for the ride on moving day so he won’t be as stressed.
Maintain a stable routine with your kitty, feeding him and playing with him at the usual times. And if you notice that your cat is becoming increasingly uneasy, consider talking to your vet about anti-anxiety remedies that will make the transition easier.
It’s also a great idea to purchase a collar with ID tag for your kitty if he doesn’t already have one, just in case he gets away during the move.

During the Move:

To reduce the risk that your kitty will suffer from stomach upset on the day of the move, only feed him a small breakfast.

If your cat seems very stressed on moving day, you can try anti-anxiety remedies that your vet recommended, or you can give feline pheromones a try, as these may help calm your kitty down. Spray the pheromones in the carrier, in the car, and in the cat room at your new home.
When you arrive at your new house, place your cat in a bedroom or a bathroom with water, food, his litter box, toys, scratching post, and his bed so he doesn’t end up escaping, particularly while movers are bringing boxes and furniture into your home. Put a sign on the door so everyone knows to keep it closed.

After You’ve Moved:

Give your cat time to explore just one room in your new home. Simply place the carrier on the floor and open the door to let him decide when he’s ready to come out. Having his familiar food bowls and toys around will help him realize he’s safe until he’s ready to see the rest of the house.
Cat-proof your new house before letting your pet out of his room. You can, for example, make sure all of the window screens are secure, remove toxic plants and other potential hazards, and cover nooks where your kitty could get stuck.
Spend as much time as possible with your pet in his room until you’ve totally unpacked and he’s ready to check out the rest of the house. It’s a good idea to watch your cat as he explores until he’s totally comfortable.

Once everyone has settled in and you’ve moved your cat’s belongings throughout the house, he’ll begin scenting his new territory to claim it as his own, and you’ll be able to enjoy your new abode together.

Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

More by Lisa Selvaggio

UK Firefighters Get No Thanks from Rescued Cat

View Article

Must-Have Products That Make It Easier to Travel With Your Cat

Bringing your cat along with you on vacation? Make life easier with must-have products that will ensure your kitty’s vacation goes smoothly. Cats could be challenging when it comes to taking them on the road with you. Thankfully, there are some innovative pet products out there that could make traveling with your feline friend easier. Check out a few of our picks below, and consider using these the next time that you’re planning a trip with your pet. Carriers and Kennels for Traveling in Comfort When taking your kitty on a road trip, you want to be sure that she’ll feel secure in your car. But a small carrier during a long journey could get uncomfortable pretty quickly. That’s why there are products like Petego Pet Tube Kennel. This travel kennel, which comes in multiple sizes, is shaped like a tube, and you can open it to various lengths so that you can give your kitty the space that she needs to feel at ease. It’s also lightweight, and it folds flat for storage when not in use. Another great option is the One for Pets Fabric Portable 2-in-1 Double Pet Kennel/Shelter, which could also be used once you settle into your hotel. It’s spacious yet lightweight, can easily be secured onto your car’s backseat, and folds flat when not in use. There are also several entrances, and you have the option of hanging a hammock inside so your cat has an extra comfortable spot to rest. Plus, you can choose between using it as two separate compartments or one large space. Food and Water Bowls for Eating on the Go Switching to food and water bowls that are made for travel is also recommended, as these are made of materials that won’t break or shatter if you accidentally drop the bowls, and they’re easy to clean. Check out these Collapsible Silicone Pet Bowls, as an example. It’s collapsible for storage, and easily pops up when you need to use it. Plus, it’s made of food-grade silicone and it’s dishwasher safe. Don’t Forget the Litter Box! Another must-have when traveling with your cat is a litter box, but you likely won’t be able to take the litter box that your kitty uses at home. Thankfully, you could choose from products like this Portable Cat Litter Carrier, that boasts some desirable features. When searching for the right portable litter box, check that the size will be appropriate for your pet. It should also be made of durable, waterproof materials. And if it could fold up nicely into a neat little package that could be packed and stored with ease, that’s definitely a plus. Traveling with Cats Has Never Been Easier Traveling with cats could be a bit nerve-wracking, but with the high quality products that are on the market today, you could make the entire process more fun and less stressful.

7 Road-Trip Essentials That Make It Easier to Travel With Your Cat

Bringing the cats along for the ride? Traveling with your kitty can be a breeze – as long as you bring a few essentials.

6 Easy Ways to Make Your Cat Happy

You want to keep your kitty purring with happiness, right? Trust us – making your cat happy is in the best interest of you and your beloved feline! If you’re concerned about your kitty getting bored or becoming unhappy, there are some really easy ways to ensure your cat will always remain content. Implementing some or all of the tips below could help you give your cat an enriched, happy home and all of the love she needs. Give Your Cat Some Supervised Time Outside Some cats really enjoy spending time outside, while others are perfectly fine with always staying indoors. If you think that your cat would benefit from a bit of time in the great outdoors, you can give her what she needs without risking her wellbeing. Rather than letting your cat roam outside freely, take steps to teach your kitty how to walk on a leash, or have a catio installed so that your pet can go outside into a comfortable, safe space to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Related: Top 5 Gotta-Have-‘Em Cat Toys Install a Kitty Highway Jackson Galaxy of the hit TV series, My Cat from Hell, often recommends giving cats a way to be up high to view their surroundings. While you can go the traditional route and give your kitty a tall cat tree to climb, you can also install what’s referred to as a kitty highway in your home. This involves adding cat-friendly perches and stairs to your walls so that your cat can climb up and walk across a room without having to be on the ground. It’s perfect if you have a cat who always prefers climbing to the tallest spots she can find. Related: 5 Cat-ravagant Perks of an Outdoor Catio Reserve a Window Seat In addition to the various cat furniture and beds that you can place throughout your home to keep your kitty happy and comfortable, give your cat a great window seat where she can lounge and look outside. You can get an affordable, secure, cushioned perch specifically designed for cats to sit on to look out the window. And you can even add a squirrel feeder and a bird feeder to your backyard so you can attract local wildlife that your kitty will really enjoy watching. Provide Cat-Safe Plants When living in the wild, cats sometimes munch on grass, so providing your pet with fresh cat grass and/or catnip is another way to keep your feline friend happy. Provide these cat-safe plants by purchasing them from a reputable pet supply store or plant nursery, or grow your own organically. Give Your Cat a Companion If your cat is the only one you have, consider adding another to your family. Felines are social, so if your kitty is becoming bored and lonely, getting her a friend could be the perfect way to keep her pleased and occupied. Not only will they play together, but they’ll also have one another to keep each other company when you aren’t home, and they’ll sleep together and groom one another too. After you’ve adopted your new feline companion, make sure to introduce your cats slowly and patiently so that they can get along better right from the start. Understand that your resident cat may not be thrilled at first about the addition of another feline to the family, but with the right care and approach, along with plenty of space for everyone to call their own, the cats will end up getting along in no time. Other Basic Happy Cat Rules Keeping a cat happy is easier than it may seem at first. Provide her with fresh water and high quality food, and stimulate her mind by making her work for treats with the help of puzzle toys. Then keep her active and help her release energy while exercising by scheduling regular playtime sessions with toys that she loves attacking like prey. And don’t forget to give her a quiet and cozy place to rest, and clean her litter box at least daily. By interacting with your pet and giving her everything that she needs to be satisfied, you’ll be happy too, as you’re sure to have a wonderful relationship with your furry best friend.

Purr-fect Guide to the Sounds Your Cat Makes

You can understand what your kitty is trying to tell you. Here’s our guide to interpreting the sounds your cat makes. In addition to body language, your kitty communicates with you using a variety of sounds. Knowing how to decipher these sounds will help you better understand what your furry friend is trying to say. The short guide below is a good place to start, but keep in mind that every pet is unique, so get to know your cat by spending time with him and learning his ways. The Classic Meow Kittens meow to call out to their moms, but they tend to meow less often as they get older if they live outdoors. Even though cats in the wild don’t meow to one another to communicate, kitties who end up living indoors with people will use this sound to talk to their human family. Related: Tell-Tale Signs Your Cat May Be in Pain If your cat meows, he probably wants something, whether he’s hoping to play or eat, as a couple of examples. Or you may find that your kitty says meow simply to say hello. Beware, though, that meows can also indicate discomfort, illness, or loneliness. Older felines, for example, might end up meowing more often because they feel anxious when they’re alone or because they can’t see or hear well. If your cat is meowing a lot more than usual, a trip to the vet may be warranted to make sure he isn’t hurt or sick. As you get to know your kitty, you’ll be able to decipher his different meows, such as those that are done in succession or those that are longer. Depending on how your cat meows, you’ll be able to determine if he’s feeling annoyed, if his vocalizations indicate objection, or if he’s asking for something. The Comforting Purr When your kitty purrs, he’s likely feeling relaxed and content, though scientists have also stated that cats may use purring to heal themselves. Related: 6 Easy Ways to Make Your Cat Happy Just keep in mind that this familiar feline sound may also indicate that your cat isn’t feeling too well or that he’s agitated, threatened, or nervous. To determine whether the purr is a happy one or not, you can look at your cat’s body language for other clues. The Intimidating Hiss and Growl When a cat hisses, he’s trying to let you know that he’s prepared to fight if necessary. He likely feels threatened or is extremely agitated and wants to let you know that it’s your last chance to back off. Even a shy kitty who isn’t sure of a situation may feel the need to hiss, and abused felines or those who have lived as strays won’t hesitate to hiss if they want you to stay away. Hisses are sometimes accompanied by deep growling sounds, which also indicate that a cat is territorial, angry, fearful, or agitated. A cat who is growling will likely be puffed up, with his tail wagging or twitching, his ears back, and his back arched. These are all signs that he’s ready to strike, so it’s best to stay away. The Adorable Chirps and Trills Chirps and trills are very cute, and they’re also learned during kittenhood. If you’ve ever seen a mother cat interacting with her litter, you might’ve heard her chirp and trill to get them to follow her or pay attention. Adult cats may also use these sounds to speak to one another or to tell you to come look at something. The Strange Chatter If your cat has ever stared out the window to catch a glimpse of local wildlife, you may have heard him make a strange chattering sound. This is thought to indicate his frustration or excitement as he focuses on potential prey that’s out of reach. The Distressed Yowl One sound that cat owners don’t want their kitties to make is the yowl. This is a loud, long, drawn out meow that sounds more like a moan and indicates negative emotions, such as discomfort, worry, distress, or pain. Elderly kitties may yowl if they suffer from conditions such as cognitive disorders that make them feel disoriented. Intact felines could also yowl to find a mate, or a cat might yowl at another feline to tell him to stay away. If your cat is yowling a lot, he may not be feeling well, so it’s a good idea to have him checked by a vet. And if there aren’t any health concerns and your kitty is still yowling, it may be a sign of boredom, so giving your pet extra attention might help. Cats make a lot of different sounds to let you know how they’re feeling. Get to know your kitty by really paying attention to his vocalizations. You may be surprised by how well these fur babies can communicate with you.

Why You Should Make Your Cat Work for Her Food

Your cat has everything she needs, served right to her. But making your cat work for her food is actually a good thing! You might think that your laid-back kitty is perfectly content with having her food plated and served to her, but research has shown that the opposite may be true: your cat might actually prefer working for her food every now and then. Food Puzzles Can Be Challenging but Fun There are a variety of food puzzles available that are specifically designed for cats who could benefit from having to work for their food a bit, and experts recommend getting your pet a few food puzzles to keep things interesting. Related: Top 5 Puzzle Games for Cats Researchers have found that, with the help of food puzzles, overweight cats could lose weight, and pushy kitties who beg their owners for food could be distracted as they work on figuring out how to get the food on their own. Plus, food puzzles could work wonderfully on felines of all ages, as long as the puzzles are providing the cats with adequate amounts of food (you don’t want a puzzle to be so hard that your pet doesn’t get enough to eat from it). Overall, cats who have to work through puzzles to get to their food may be happier, may exhibit fewer behavioral issues, and may be in better shape than their counterparts who are given a bowl full of food all the time. After incorporating the use of food puzzles into your kitty’s everyday life, you might find that she is less stressed, that she bothers you less for food, and that she is able to be more active as she enjoys the challenge that comes with foraging for her meal. Puzzles Provide Physical and Mental Exercise What makes food puzzles so great? Well, indoor kitties don’t have the thrill of the hunt, so they might become bored. But food puzzles could bring variety into their day and allow them to figure out a problem and receive food as their reward. Cats who are living in the lap of luxury inside a cozy home could still forage for food and get the satisfaction that comes with working for it and attaining their goal. Related: NoBowl Feeding System Lets Your Cat Play With His Food Plus, the right food puzzle could not only stimulate your cat mentally, but could also serve as a form of physical exercise too. For example, even though there are stationary puzzles available, there are also those that would entice your cat to bat around a ball filled with dry food to figure out how to get the food out. It’s Best to Vary the Puzzles Used Once your kitty has figured out how to get to the food in a puzzle, it might become too easy for her and she won’t reap the same benefits after a while. Simply switching up the food puzzles that you offer to your pet could ensure your cat has new problems to solve and new rewards to reap. From stationary to mobile puzzles, the key is to provide your feline friend with variety, whether you make the food puzzles yourself or you purchase them from a pet supply store. It might take some trial and error to figure out which puzzles are best suited to your cat, but once you find a few that work, you can rotate them while adding new puzzles to keep things interesting. And if you have more than one kitty, experts recommend getting each cat their own food puzzle to work on. So go ahead and let your indoor cat let out a bit of her wild side by giving her the chance to work for her food. You might find that her emotional wellbeing and physical health improve, thanks to this simple addition to her everyday routine.

A Xmas Miracle: Shelter Empty for the First Time in Nearly 50 Years

It was a very merry Christmas for a Pennsylvania shelter whose kennels were empty for the first time in nearly 50 years. Just two weeks ago, the shelter was packed with cats and dogs. However, the staff and volunteers have been working around the clock to make sure the animals in their care got adopted into loving homes. The Adams County SPCA is overjoyed that the shelter is empty, especially during the holidays.“This is the first time in 47 years that the Adams County SPCA is empty let alone on Christmas time, it is a true miracle!” the shelter wrote on Facebook. “To say that we are beyond excited is an understatement! The staff and volunteers have worked very hard to take care of the animals in our care and to make sure they got adopted into the right home.”The organization had a busy year, taking care of 598 animals before adopting them into furever homes. The hardworking staff and volunteers also reunited 125 stay animals with their owners this year alone.Adams County SPCA kennel technician Tanya Hays said that in the last two weeks, the shelter found homes for 20 animals, either as adoptions or strays returned to their owners.“We had to get them all spayed and neutered, vaccinated, and tested for heartworms and thick-born illnesses while also processing a lot of (adoption) applications, so the staff worked really hard,” said Hays to TODAY.“It was pretty cool. It was quite a feat,” she added.The organization took to Facebook to thank their community. “Our community stepped up once again! We thank everyone for their continued support and look forward to new adventures in 2024!”Although it may seem like people are more motivated to adopt animals during the holidays, the shelter actually discourages people from giving pets as gifts because these animals are more likely to be returned to the shelter weeks later. While the staff and volunteers celebrated everything they achieved this year, they are already ready to get back to work. “We will be pulling animals from other shelters in Pennsylvania next week in hopes of relieving some of their stress,” the shelter shared. “Right now we are going to enjoy this accomplishment!”In a follow-up post, the organization shared that it has “received an overwhelming response” from different shelters across the country and also from Canada and Mexico. Members of the public have also reached out asking them to take in abandoned animals. “Even though our hearts break for them and the situation they are in we need to help the members of our community first,” the organization said. The Adams County SPCA is only taking animals from overwhelmed shelters in Pennsylvania and animals surrendered by residents within the county as well as those living in surrounding counties. “We are going to do the best we can to help as many animals and people we can.” Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

What's the Deal With Black Cats and Hallowe'en?

Satanic partner or independent thinker... tonight the black cats rule!

Drug That Could Extend Lifespan of Senior Dogs Enters Clinical Trial

A new and revolutionary drug that could possibly extend the lifespan of healthy, senior dogs, is now entering a major clinical trial. It also has a first patient - an 11-year-old Whippet named Boo. Going by the codename LOY-002, this drug is designed to provide a few more years to senior dogs of most sizes. It is the product of a startup biotech company called  Loyal and is the fruit of their hard work and arduous research. Celine Halioua, the founder and CEO of Loyal, said that the company is working hard to develop several products aimed at the longevity of dogs. One of their initial projects, the LOY-001, was a drug aimed to extend the lifespan of giant and large dog breeds. In November of 2023, this project received the support of the FDA, paving the way for the company's further successes. The underlying mechanisms of aging were the first focus of the company as it developed LOY-001. The drug works by reducing IGF-1, an insulin-like growth factor that is a key biomarker hormone that drives cell growth. It is believed that this reduced the lifespan of extra-large dogs. Similarly, the LOY-002 project aims to extend the lifespan of normal-sized dogs, by improving their metabolic health and thus delaying the onset and the impact of diseases that come with old age. “LOY-002 is a slightly different mechanism [than LOY-001] for senior lifespan extension. It’s a little bit more of a reversal mechanism. It’s not going to make a 10-year-old dog a puppy, but we’ve seen a rescuing in age-related functional decline in dogs that have been treated with this drug,” said Halioua in an interview with  dvm360.The newest study for LOY-002 is expected to last 4 years, and include one thousand enrolled dogs. “It will be one of the largest veterinary clinical studies that, as far as we know, has ever been run,” added Halioua.The first ever receiver of the drug, Boo, was enrolled into the program in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, at the Animal Hospital of Dauphin County. There, an associate veterinary and STAY study investigator, Coby Rudakewiz, became a part of the program for the first time, witnessing its incredible potential. “I’m genuinely excited to be able to share what we’ve seen as a life-changing product to dogs of all sizes,” he said.“This is what it’s all about - keeping dogs feeling their best to enjoy a long life with their owners who love them.”“The launch of this study brings us one step closer to helping senior dogs have more, healthier years with their families…The scale and complexity of STAY reflect Loyal’s commitment to creating demonstrably effective and safe products,” Halioua added. “This is a massive undertaking that wouldn’t be possible without the partnership of the many veterinarians and technicians operating the study in their clinics, and the participating dogs and owners helping advance therapies for all dogs.”For the time being, the company is working hard to receive conditional approval for its revolutionary drug. This would allow them to begin offering it through veterinarians as soon as 2025. This could mean a world of difference for many senior doggos and their families. Seeing your senior doggo enjoy a few extra years without the issues common to old age is nothing short of true happiness, and would mean that the company’s hard efforts were not in vain. Ultimately, this innovative drug gives us hope for the future and makes us wonder what other ground-breaking drugs could we see in the years ahead.

FDA Approves New Treatment for Anxiety and Fear in Cats

It’s no secret that most cats get really stressed out when they have to leave the house, especially for a trip to the veterinarian. And the anxiety and fear that your pet experiences can certainly affect you as a pet parent as well, making you feel awful about having to put your cat through such a scary experience.The good news is there are things you can try to help reduce the stress your kitty feels, and one of the latest solutions is a new treatment recently approved by the FDA.Bonqat for CatsIn November 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved pregabalin, also known as Bonqat, for cats.The oral solution is not a sedative; instead, it affects the neurotransmitters that are involved in acute anxiety and fear. Therefore, it can be used to reduce the stress experienced by cats who are being transported for any reason, and it can be helpful for those who get frightened when they go to the vet.To determine if this medicine would be effective, cats were given either a placebo or Bonqat before being transported by car and examined by a veterinarian (the cats had a history of being fearful and/or anxious under those circumstances). The results? While roughly one-third of the kitties who got the placebo had a positive response, just over half of those given the medicine did better while being transported and examined. Also, over the course of two examinations, 77% of the kitties who took Bonqat had less fear and anxiety, while 46% of those given the placebo exhibited an improvement in their fear and anxiety levels.Discuss Bonqat with Your VeterinarianYou can only get Bonqat with a prescription from your veterinarian, so discuss its pros and cons to determine if this medicine would be right for your cat based on factors like age and medical conditions. And bear in mind that side effects, such as ataxia, vomiting, and lethargy, might occur with Bonqat.To reap the benefits of Bonqat, you simply give it to your cat about 1.5 hours prior to transporting them or taking them to the vet. This medicine is a liquid, and it can be given to your pet with a bit of food.Also, there are some precautions that need to be taken while administering this medicine to your cat. For example, it shouldn’t make contact with your eyes, mucous membranes, or skin. So, in addition to talking to your vet about how to use it correctly to ensure your cat gets the best results, you also want to be well-informed about how to handle this medicine safely.For more information about Bonqat and how it works, click here.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Why Are Labradors Fat? Scientists Have the Answer

The friendly, playful, and trainable Labrador is one of the most popular dog breeds around the world. But, few canines are as obsessed with food as Labrador retrievers - and now scientists think they have discovered why. According to new research, a quarter of labs are predisposed to obesity due to a genetic mutation.Approximately 25 percent of Labradors face a double-whammy of burning fewer calories and feeling hungry all the time because of an anomaly. Scientists explain that this obesity-causing combination means dog owners must be strict when feeding and exercising their labs to keep them fit.The mutation is found in the gene called POMC, which plays an important role in energy use and hunger, and affects how dogs behave around food. Around 25 percent of Labradors and 66 percent of flat-coated retrievers are affected by POMC mutation, which puts these dogs at risk of obesity and causes increased interest in food.Researchers found that although these dogs don’t need to eat more to feel full, they are hungrier in between meals. The study also showed that dogs with the POMC mutation use around 25 percent less energy when resting than dogs without it. As a result, these pooches don’t need to eat as many calories to maintain a healthy weight. “We found that a mutation in the POMC gene seems to make dogs hungrier. Affected dogs tend to overeat because they get hungry between meals more quickly than dogs without the mutation,” said Dr. Eleanor Raffan, a researcher in the University of Cambridge’s Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience who led the study. “All owners of Labradors and flat-coated retrievers need to watch what they’re feeding these highly food-motivated dogs to keep them a healthy weight. But dogs with this genetic mutation face a double whammy: they not only want to eat more, but also need fewer calories because they’re not burning them off as fast,” she added.The study found that the POMC mutation alters a pathway in dogs’ brains associated with body weight regulation. The mutated genes trigger the starvation signal that sends a message to the body to increase food intake and conserve energy.The study involved 87 adult pet Labradors, all at a healthy weight or moderately obese. The dogs were subjected to several tests, including ‘the sausage in the box’ test. The dogs were first given a can of wet dog food every 20 minutes until they couldn’t eat any more. All labs eat huge amounts of food, but what’s interesting is that dogs with POMC didn’t eat more food than the dogs without it.On a different day, all dogs were given the same breakfast. Three hours later they were offered a sausage in a box made of clear plastic and a perforated lid, so the dogs could see and smell the sausage but not eat it.Scientists discovered that labs with POMC mutation tried harder to get the sausage than the dogs without it, showing greater hunger. In another test, the dogs were allowed to sleep in a special chamber that measured the gases they breathed out. This test showed that labs with POMC mutation burn 25 percent fewer calories than dogs without it. According to researchers, people are often rude to owners of fat dogs, criticizing them for not feeding and exercising their dogs properly. However, this study has shown that labs with POMC are trying to increase their energy intake by looking for food all the time. Keeping these dogs slim is challenging, but possible. Spreading out daily food rations, by using puzzle feeders to slow down feeding or scattering the food around the yard so it takes longer to eat are ways owners can keep their Labradors distracted from constant hunger. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

A New Survey Shows Both Pets and Owners Feel Separation Anxiety

When you really love spending time with your pet, and vice versa, it is only natural that you feel sad when you are apart. For pets, this is often manifested as the dreaded  separation anxiety, which can cause a lot of issues both for them and their owners alike. While you know you are coming back from work – unlike your pooch – so you won’t feel as stressed about the time you spend away from your pet, that doesn’t mean that it won’t affect your mental health. The latest  survey from PetMed Express only proves that separation has an effect both on dogs and their pawrents.The results of this survey were recently released after being conducted by OnePoll, and they show us that pet parents – unsurprisingly – while out away for work or chores, will deeply miss their four-legged friends back at home. And, interestingly, the poll shows that the strain only got worse after the owners had to return to their offices after the Covid pandemic and the time they spent in their homes. "This research confirms what we already know: People love their pets and prioritize being with them," said Matt Hulett, President and CEO of PetMeds. "What's eye-opening is how many pet parents feel their own sense of separation anxiety and loneliness when they're away from their pets – a concept that underscores the pivotal role our pets play in our lives."The results indicate that 4 in 10 pet parents said that they would rather accept a lower salary and work from home, just so they could be closer to their furry friends. It is a sad truth and an everyday occurrence that owners have to endure the commute and long work hours and yearn for the company of their pets all the while. PetMeds claims that pet parents begin to miss their pets just 37 minutes after being apart, on average. Furthermore, the results show that on average they find themselves thinking about their pets about 13 times per day. Here are some other stats included:44% expressed worry about their pets experiencing separation anxiety52% have felt an increase in their own separation anxiety in the past two years42% said they have observed a change in their pet's mental health and behavior in the past two years48% said their pets follow them to the door and look sad when they leave63% would like more support and guidance in understanding their pet's health and behavior70% would try pet telehealth servicesWhat about you? How do you cope with being separated from your cherished four-legged friend?

RSPCA Blames Film and Social Media for Overcrowding in Shelters

UK rescues dealing with influx of super-trendy, uber-fashionable pedigree felines.

Why is My Cat Shedding in October?

The fall colours are out on full display, and temperatures are starting to dip, but for many cat parents, this time of year introduces another interesting change – their cats are starting to shed much more than usual. But if you’re suddenly noticing a trail of fur around your house, you have a few questions, including: Why is my cat shedding in October? Is it normal for a cat to shed more during the fall season? When should I be worried about my cat’s shedding? Don’t worry. We have you covered! This blog post will discuss seasonal shedding and how it may affect your cat. Plus, we have assembled a list of tips and tricks to help you deal with the increased shedding during fall, ranging from how to help your cat stay comfortable to keeping your house clean (or as clean as can be expected). Let’s dive in… Why Do Cats Shed? Whether you are a first-time cat owner experiencing shedding for the first time or a lifelong cat lover who simply hasn’t explored the reason why our cats shed – let’s talk about why this occurs. After all, isn’t losing hair a sign of illness or disease in humans? Shedding is a natural process in animals like cats where dead or damaged hair falls loose. This is essential for your cat’s skin and coat health. The amount of hair your cat sheds will depend on several factors, including the breed, age, overall health, and the time of year. That’s right, the time of year does have an impact on the shedding cycle…Is it Normal for Cats to Shed in the Fall? There are two times each year when you may notice an increase in hair collecting around your house. Commonly referred to as “shedding season,” this heavy shedding activity falls in the spring and the fall as your cat’s coat adapts to the change in temperature. The heavy winter coat is shed in the spring to make way for a lighter summer coat. Then, the reverse happens in the fall as they set themselves up for the best chance of survival during the cold of winter. Check the temperature – if it’s starting to drop and there are colder days ahead, you can expect to see the shedding activity pick up in the coming days.

Why Does My Cat Have a Bald Spot?

Discovering a bald spot or missing fur on your cat can be both perplexing and concerning for any cat parent. A change in your cat’s coat could be nothing, but it could also be a red flag of behavioral issues or medical problems. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step to addressing the problem.In this post, we explore the mystery of cat alopecia, including possible explanations for cat hair loss, what you should do if you notice your cat has a bald spot, and how to prevent this problem from happening.Let’s get started…6 Reasons Your Cat May Have a Bald SpotThe first step to addressing your cat’s hair loss is to identify why it occurred. This will mean paying careful attention to other signs and symptoms, both physical and behavioral. Here are a few of the most common causes of significant hair loss in cats:Allergies and IrritationDoes your cat suffer from food allergies or environmental allergies? While most allergies won’t directly cause your cat’s hair to fall out, they trigger dry, itchy skin. As your cat scratches the area, trying to soothe the itch, they may damage the skin or hair follicles.Identifying the allergens can be difficult. You may wish to do allergy testing or try an elimination diet. But the good news is that once you know the trigger, eliminating it will solve the problem.OvergroomingCats are well-known for their careful attention to their grooming needs, licking themselves to keep their fur clean and shiny. However, there are some behavioral situations when a cat may start grooming excessively, causing damage to their coat or their skin, resulting in bald patches.The most common causes of overgrooming are stress and anxiety. Take a moment to reconsider your household and any recent changes that may have occurred. Did you move? Are you renovating your home? Did you add a new pet or family member to the household?Another potential behavioral explanation for overgrooming is obsessive-compulsive disorder. This may have started as stress or anxiety, or it may be genetic. OCD in cats could result from neurological conditions or other medical problems.

Staff Sergeant Reunites With His Former K-9 Colleague

A retired military dog named Blek, got reunited with his former colleague Staff Sergeant Thomas Watkins, who used to be his handler at a duty station. Blek, who was named after the old English term for “black” or “inky” had quite a reputation among the handlers. Trainers who worked with the canine described him as challenging and tough to manage. But everything changed when Blek met Watkins. In an interview, Watkins told Good Morning America about his experience meeting Blek for the first time.“That was the issue that they were having,” said Watkins. “And so my kettle master pulled me in his office and was like, ‘Hey, man, I know you’re a new handler. But I feel like you’re up to this challenge.’”As the master predicted, Watkins and Blek bonded immediately.“We just connected right off the bat,” Watkins told the Good Morning America. “We truly understood each other… Another handler was out there with me, and he was like man like, ‘I just never seen this dog be so affectionate towards someone.’”Since the day they met, their relationship has grown stronger, making them suitable to carry out missions as a team at the station. “It’s such a beautiful experience, especially when you get a dog that has issues…And then you connect with that dog, and you get that dog to where they need to be. It’s such an awesome and rewarding experience,” explained Watkins. “The rest of the two and a half years that I worked [with] him from deployment to secret service missions all over the world, we had no issues whatsoever,” he added. Unfortunately, the time Blek spent with his handle ended when Watkins got transferred to another station. Blek was left behind to work with other handlers who found the task challenging. According to Carlton Isaacson, a former military dog trainer, things weren’t looking good for Blek.That’s when Project K-9 Hero got interested in Blek’s case. According to their site, this non-profit organization wants to honor military working dogs and police K-9s in retirement. The organization’s purpose is to provide assistance with medical costs, adoption, rehabilitation, food, and end of duty services to provide the best quality of life and to give these four-legged heroes the retirement they deserve. Speaking highly of the non-profit, Isaacson said the project “was a game changer” adding, “They were able to provide him everything that he needed to be safe.”Thanks to Project K-9 Hero, Watkins was able to adopt his old four-legged friend.“I’m so thankful for those guys out there that they were able to take him and hold him until I got to a place where I can truly take care of him and allow him to just be a dog on his retirement,” said Watkins.In addition to allowing him to adopt Blek, Project K-9 Hero had another surprise for Watkins - the organization will cover all of Blek’s food and veterinary care costs for the entirety of the dog’s life. Talking about his feelings about this special reunion, Watkins said: “I am overwhelmed with happiness. That dog is dear to my heart and he made me the handler and trainer that I am today…It looks like [Blek] hasn’t skipped a beat. He’s happy. He looks healthy and I am just glad to be here right now.”“I’m so thankful for that dog, and that’s why I’m excited to actually bring him home with me to live out his life.”It’s heartwarming to see these two heroes reunited and ready to face new adventures together, as a team. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Research Finds That Rats Have Imagination

Do animals have imagination? Many people wonder if animals are capable of imagining things in their minds the same way that humans can. Could a rat, for example, use their imagination? Recent research has shown that, yes, they can, at least to a similar degree as people.

What to Know When Traveling Across the US/Canada Border with Your Pet

International travel with your best friend by your side can be an exciting adventure, but navigating the rules and regulations for crossing the border can feel daunting.Whether you’re heading to Canada for a pet-friendly weekend getaway or attending a Canadian pet show or expo, ensuring that you meet all the needs for crossing the border with your furry friend will set you up for a smooth journey.Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about traveling with your pet across the US/Canada border.In this guide, we’ll cover essential documentation, tips to set yourself up for a stress-free crossing and answer some of the most common questions about pet-friendly international travel.Can You Drive Across the Canadian Border with a Dog (or Cat)?If your next pet-friendly road trip will take you across the border into Canada, you’re in luck. Pet parents can drive from the United States to Canada with the whole family, including their furry family members, if they have the necessary paperwork.Entering Canada may be more complicated if your dog is coming from any country other than the United States. This is due to the concern of rabies, which causes some countries to face restrictions. If your dog has recently been to another country, it is recommended that you look further into the requirements for traveling from that area or ask your veterinarian.What Do I Need to Cross the US Border into Canada with My Dog?When traveling to Canada with your dog, the documentation required will depend on their age.If your dog is 3 months old or older, you must provide a rabies vaccination certificate to cross the border. This document must be issued by a licensed veterinarian and show that your dog received a rabies vaccine within 3 years of the date you are crossing.The rabies vaccination certificate must include the following: Your name and address A description of your dog (breed, sex, age, color, markings, etc.)Date of rabies vaccination Vaccine product informationVaccination expiry date Name, address, license number, and signature of the veterinarian who administered the vaccinePuppies under 3 months of age are not required to provide proof of a rabies vaccine. However, border security may ask for proof of your dog’s age.Are the Rules Different for Cats or Other Pets?All cats over the age of 3 months must be accompanied by a rabies vaccination certificate showing that the vaccine was administered within 3 years of the date of travel. Kittens under 3 months old are exempt from this requirement.The requirements for ferrets to cross the border are similar. However, the rabies vaccination certificate must show that the vaccine was administered within 12 months of the travel date.Any pet parents traveling with a bird must complete a “ Veterinary Health Certificate for Export of Pet Birds from the United States of America to Canada.” This form details important information for your upcoming travel, including the number of birds you can travel with, depending on their species.Do you have a pet that we haven’t addressed? More information can be found on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website.

Dog Finds A Forever Home After Spending 1,007 Days at Delaware Shelter

Tessy, now a 5-year-old black Labrador retriever mix, spent 1,007 days at a Delaware animal shelter before being adopted into a forever home. This cute pooch arrived at Humane Animal Partners (formerly Delaware Humane Association and Delaware SPCA) on January 17, 2021, hoping to be adopted in no time.Unfortunately, finding her people proved challenging for Tessy. Days, weeks, months, and years went by, and Tessy was still living at the shelter with no prospective adopters in sight. “Tessy is loyal, goofy, snuggly, and remarkably smart,” said Leigh McKinley, a director at the Humane Animal Partners, according to PEOPLE. Like many other shelter dogs, Tessy had some trust issues and was wary of new people and experiences. These problems were the reasons for Tessy’s longer stay at the Humane Animal Partners shelter. “Tessy exhibited fear-reactive behaviors in the form of lunging, barking, and growling towards unfamiliar stimuli. Our goal was to help her overcome those fears and learn to trust humans and her surrounding environment, essentially changing her emotional response from a negative to a positive,” McKinley explained.The shelter used a behavioral modification plan, which consisted of positive reinforcement training techniques to help Tessy overcome her fears. Fixing a problematic behavior takes a lot of time, patience, and effort, but the shelter’s staff didn’t give up on Tessy.“Changing an involuntary physiological behavior takes dedication and consistency to be successful, and while we were determined to see this through, the nature of being in a shelter, with different staff members working with her on any given day, and for varying amounts of time, means the change would take time,” said McKinley. “We also needed to make sure her adopters were the right fit for her. We took a very thoughtful and careful approach to introducing her to people, and it took time for the right family to find her.”Then, almost three years later, all of Tessy’s hard work paid off! After 1,007 days at the shelter, this cute pooch has finally found her forever home. The family who adopted Tessy, met her several times to help her feel at ease. For the adopters, it was love at first sight, and Tessy instantly felt safe around them. “When her adopters Jeanine and Jeff first met her, we all tried to keep a level head about it, not getting our hopes up too high. After their third meeting, though, we could tell Tessy had already established a level of trust with them that we had never seen so quickly before,” said McKinley. Jeff and Jeanine adopted the pooch shortly after the third visit, and the shelter’s staff was ecstatic that Tessy had found a loving home.“It was a rollercoaster of emotions leading up to the adoption day, everything from celebrations to disbelief to sadness, excitement, a bit of anxiety, and everything in between. Mostly, though, we felt proud. Proud of her, proud of everyone who helped get her to this point, and proud of the results,” McKinley shared.  “We all know she’d do okay, we are also quite aware that going from three years in the shelter into a loving home is a big adjustment, and it will take her a while to fully acclimate. We tried to instill in her adopters to be confident and patient but never to be complacent.” the shelter’s director added.It’s important to know that not every visit to an animal shelter ends with ‘love at first sight.’ A lot of adoptable dogs have experienced some level of trauma and neglect, and are generally more anxious inside the shelter. Keep an open mind when visiting your local shelter and remember that each of these pups deserves a loving family and a forever home. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Top stories

How to Make Moving Easy on Your Cat

UK Firefighters Get No Thanks from Rescued Cat

Are Squeaky Toys Safe for Dogs?

Top stories

How to Make Moving Easy on Your Cat

Related articles