What Is The Best Cat Litter For Your Kitty?

by Lisa Selvaggio

Published: October 30th, 2014

what is the best cat litter for your kitty

There are many kinds of kitty litter on the market. To pick the best cat litter for you and your kitty, you need to know the different types out there.

Your kitty uses the litter box multiple times a day, and the dust that accumulates on his fur and paws will inevitably be ingested when he grooms himself. Therefore, many pet parents are concerned about the safety of the litter that they use, and they want to choose the best, and purest, options for their kitties. Other pet owners are concerned about the costs of the cat litter they’ll purchase, or with how eco-friendly the product will be. To address these consumer concerns and demands, there are a variety of manufacturers producing different types, so you can choose the one that’s the best cat litter for your special kitty.

Clay Litter

Clay litter, in its clumping or non-clumping form, is the most popular and well known form of kitty litter. It’s known for its ability to absorb urine very well, and for forming tight clumps when using the clumping variety.

Despite its popularity, there is quite a bit of controversy surrounding the use of clay litter. While many pet parents love it, others avoid it completely. For example, because clay is strip mined, it has a detrimental effect upon the environment. And because it isn’t biodegradable, it accumulates in landfills. For pet parents who are trying to lead a “greener” lifestyle, these are good enough reasons to make the switch to a more natural, biodegradable cat litter.

There are also some health concerns, for both people and their cats, when it comes to clay-based litters. Some individuals are worried that the dust may be harmful when inhaled. And sodium bentonite expands when it comes into contact with liquids, so there are concerns that a cat may encounter health problems after ingesting clumping clay litter, which can form a mass in the digestive tract. Many cat owners use clay litter without any problems, but for those who are uneasy about the potential adverse health effects, a different type of litter may be suitable.

Related: Create A Cat-Friendly Home

Plant-Based and Newspaper Litter

As more feline guardians become concerned about the health of their kitties and the environment, popular litter manufacturers have responded by releasing a variety of plant-based options, as well as litter made from recycled newspaper. Commonly made from pine, cedar, corn, walnuts, and wheat, plant-based options provide the same clumping action as clay litter, as well as odor elimination, but you may need to try out a few different brands before finding the product that works best for you. These litters are also biodegradable, so they aren’t as detrimental to the environment as clay litters.

Silica Litter

Yet another modern option is silica cat litter, which is commonly referred to as crystal litter. The silica gel is highly absorbent and controls odors, making it a good alternative to clay litter. And this type of litter may also produce less dust. However, many pet parents are just as concerned about ingestion of the silica as they are about clay.

Clumping, Non-Clumping, and Pellet Litter

Many people prefer clumping litter over non-clumping varieties, but again, this all depends upon your preferences, as well as your cat’s preferences. Non-clumping litter is often recommended for kittens, but once your kitty is old enough to make the switch to clumping, you can choose from the many natural varieties or traditional clay options on the market. And there are also natural pellet litters that break down as moisture comes into contact with them, yet produce hardly any dust and can also reduce tracking.

If you do decide to change the type of litter that you are using, give your kitty some time to adjust. Rather than making a switch from one product to another abruptly, gradually add the new litter in with the old so that your cat can become accustomed to it without being stressed to the point that he may avoid using the box altogether.

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.

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5 Fresh And Effective Ways To Control Litter Box Odor

There’s a reason why kitty litter isn’t a popular Glade Plugin scent! Keep your litter box, and your home, smelling sweet with these invigorating tips. Litter box odor isn’t only embarrassing and disgusting, it can also prevent your kitty from using the box as he should. After all, your pet’s sense of smell is so much stronger than yours, so if you can smell a dirty litter box, imagine how it smells to your cat! The tips below can help you effectively control litter box odors so you’ll be able to rest assured that your kitty will be willing to use the litter box. But in addition to ensuring your cat will always gladly use the litter box, by controlling odor, you also won’t have to deal with unpleasant smells throughout your home, so it’s a win-win for you and your feline companion. Related: The Most Common Litter Box Mistakes You’re Making Keep the Litter – and the Box – Clean Instead of focusing on constantly masking odors, the best way to control, and even eliminate, them is by simply scooping the box clean at least once a day, regardless of the type of litter that you use. In addition to cleaning out the litter itself, you should ensure that there’s always enough litter in the box for your kitty to cover up his urine and feces. So if you notice that you removed a lot of litter while cleaning it, you can replace it to maintain adequate amounts of litter in the box at all times. Related: What Is The Best Cat Litter For Your Kitty? Once you notice that the litter is getting too dirty overall, discard it and replace it with fresh litter. You’ll probably have to do this every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the type of litter you use and how dirty it becomes, as well as how many cats are using the box. When changing out the litter completely, you can also go a step further by washing the box, as doing so will help it smell as fresh as possible. One easy way to do this is by washing the litter box with fragrance-free, mild dish detergent (don’t forget to wash the top half of the litter box, too, if you’re using a box with a lid). Then, dry it completely before refilling it with litter. This step is especially important if you don’t use litter box liners to keep the box itself clean. Place the Box in a Well-Ventilated Area Placement of your litter box can make a difference in your ability to control odors. Below are some tips on how to decide where to set up your pet’s litter box so you can ensure he will have easy access to it at all times, and so you won’t have to smell it either—after all, how embarrassing would it be to have guests over who can pick up on the offensive odors?! First off, even though you want to put your cat’s litter box in an area where she can do her business in private, be sure that it is a spot in your home that has plenty of ventilation. That way, the smells can disperse rather than concentrate in one area. Also, keep in mind that your cat will use the litter box multiple times a day, so you want to be sure it’s in an area of your home that she can access easily, and that has enough light for her to see well, too. If it’s a quiet space, that’s certainly something that your feline will likely appreciate. On the other hand, it isn’t a good idea to put the box in an area of your home that your kitty avoids spending time in. Another thing to keep in mind: kitties prefer when their litter boxes are set up in an area that’s a good distance away from their food and water bowls. Makes sense, right? Finally, it’s a good idea to avoid placing the box in an area that’s dark, small, and hidden away because this can make the unpleasant smells that come from it even worse, and it might even deter your kitty from using the box. Once you choose the location for the litter box, position it so it’s easy for your cat to get into and out of it. This is another one of the many simple steps you can take to help ensure she will use the box rather than urinating and defecating around the house. Note: If you have more than one kitty, having more than one litter box in different parts of your house is recommended. Try Baking Soda or a Deodorizer, but Steer Clear of Heavy Fragrances Scented litters and deodorizers that try to mask litter box odors with strong fragrances can be overpowering to your feline’s sensitive nose, and this can cause him to avoid the litter box altogether. Instead, you can try natural deodorizers like baking soda. Make a Litter Box Air Freshener To make your own litter box air freshener, all you need is some activated charcoal and cheesecloth. Activated charcoal, which is sometimes used as a treatment in cases of poisoning, is also utilized in aquarium filters and air filters. And it can be purchased at hardware stores. How does it work when it comes to reducing litter box odors? Well, it works on trapping the odors because it’s highly porous. It can basically act like a sponge when absorbing smells from the air. Cheesecloth can be purchased at a grocery store, so that’s definitely convenient. It’s nothing more than loosely woven cotton. But what if you can’t find any cheesecloth or you just don’t want to use it? Well, you have other options because you can use any fabric that can be described as net-like and breathable (an example is nylon stockings). Once you have everything you need, all you have to do is place a few tablespoons of the charcoal onto several layers of the fabric you chose. Make sure the charcoal is able to stay securely in place as you tie or sew it into a convenient little bundle. Finally, bury your DIY air freshener into your cat’s litter so it can begin naturally absorbing the odors every time your cat uses the litter box. Alternatively, if you don’t want to put this right into your cat’s litter, you can set it up near the box, hang it off the side of the box, or place it on top of the box. If the Litter Still Smells Horrible, It’s Wise to Talk to Your Vet About It If your kitty’s stool smells really foul, the offensive odors may be extremely difficult to eliminate, no matter how hard you try. You might attempt gradually switching to a higher quality diet to see if that helps. But it’s also a great idea to contact your veterinarian, as the strong odors might be caused by illnesses or parasites. A Few of the Best Products to Help Control Litter Box Odor In addition to making sure you’re using the right type of litter and litter box, selecting the right cleaning supplies is also important, as doing so may help reduce odors. But you always want to be sure that you are using high-quality cleaning and disinfecting products that are considered safe for pets, as your cat is more sensitive than you might imagine. To help you locate some of the top products that can help control litter box odors, we’ve compiled a list of seven items that you can consider. The following products can help neutralize odor, as well as help prevent it before it can cause any embarrassment. NonScents Cat Litter Deodorizer

Help Fill Shelter Litter Boxes By Voting For A Celebrity Cat!

One Day Left! Vote for your favorite Celebrity Cat and help donate 50,000 pounds of litter to shelter cats in need. When nature calls it doesn’t matter if you’re a house cat, a shelter cat, or a celebrity feline, you’ve just got to answer! That’s why celebrated social media darlings Pompous Albert, Mr. Biscuits, Murdock the Marvellous and Captain Blue Chip have graciously agreed to help raise donations of cat litter for their favorite shelters in the United States. Related: What Is The Best Cat Litter For Your Kitty? The famed furry felines (and former shelter alumnae) have partnered with World’s Best Cat Litter in the quest to see 50,000 pounds of litter delivered to shelter cats via the brand’s charity GiveLitter. In its third year of driving adoption awareness and delivering on a pretty basic need, the charity’s campaign runs May 19 to 24 (that’s tomorrow!) and encourages animal lovers to pick a recipient shelter with just a click of their “mouse”. How does it work? Just visit the World’s Best Cat Litter website, check out the celebrity roster and their chosen shelter and cast your vote. It’s free and open to everyone. Related: Tailio Gives You The (Poop) Scoop On Your Cat’s Health The shelter “mas-cat” with the most votes gets 20,000 pounds of World’s Best Cat Litter. Runners up receive 15,000 pounds, 10,000 pounds and 5,000 pounds for placing 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectively. Lucky recipients of this year’s bounty of box filler include: Pompous Albert: donating litter to Cat House on the Kings in Parlier, CA.Mr. Biscuits: donating litter to The Grannie Project in Wayne, PA.Murdock the Marvelous: donating litter to Sean Casey Animal Rescue in Brooklyn, NY.Captain Blue Chip: donating litter to Helping Paws Pet Haven, Inc. in Huntington, IN. Since 2010, the GiveLitter charity has empowered cat lovers to donate 376,651pounds of free litter to deserving shelters across the country. With GiveLitter the brand partners with its customers to help get the word out about animal welfare issues, promote pet adoption, and donate free cat litter to shelters.Which cat did you vote for? It’s going to be a tight race, but we love this kind of contest… because everyone wins!

Study: Cats Don’t Cause Mental Health Issues

According to research, a common parasite carried by cats and left in litter boxes isn’t responsible for causing mental health issues in unborn children. A recent study from the University College London (UCL) proves our furry felines aren’t responsible for causing mental health issues. I kid you not… our kitty sidekicks have been getting a bum rap! The study out of Britain was undertaken to research a common parasite carried by house cats and the goal of the researchers was to better understand the risks it might pose to young or unborn children. Specifically, their brain health and the possibility that exposure to the parasite might cause instances of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, psychosis or other symptoms of mental illness. Holy crap! Related: What is Toxoplasmosis? Yes, the long-held belief that a pregnant women should never change the cat litter box out of fear they may contract the parasite and pass it on to the fetus, has been shattered. Much, I’m sure, to the chagrin of pregnant women around the world! You see, the parasite in question is called Toxoplasma gondii and while it’s commonly found in soil it just loves to reproduce in your kitty’s digestive tract – meaning it does end up in her litter box – hence the rationale for the above caution. But the results from this most recent research (led by UCL’s Dr. Francesca Solmi) were published in the Psychological Medicine journal and showed that of the almost 5,000 subjects studied, there was no evidence to show this parasite was causing injury to the brain. Related: What is the Best Cat Litter for your Kitty? Why the mixed message on the impact of this parasite? Apparently past research has shown that it travels to and impacts the brains of test rodents. Because of this, it was assumed it would follow the same pattern with humans and result in brain damage. Not so. According to Solmi, while initial analyses suggested a slight link between felines and psychotic symptoms, it ended up being discounted. Her research team surveyed families who owned cats in the 1990s and watched the kids as they matured. “Once we controlled for factors such as household overcrowding and socioeconomic status, the data showed that cats were not to blame. Previous studies reporting links between cat ownership and psychosis simply failed to adequately control for other possible explanations.” It’s estimated that more than 60 million men, women, and children in the United States alone, carry the Toxoplasma parasite. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise that few have symptoms because our immune systems keep the parasite at bay. So what’s the bottom line? UCL’s Dr. James Kirkbride oversaw the research and confirmed “Our study suggests that cat ownership during pregnancy or in early childhood does not pose a direct risk for later psychotic symptoms.”

Cat Not Using Litter Box? These Tips May Clear The Air

What’s that smell? What’s that mess? Looks like your kitty’s bathroom is out of order. Cat not using litter box? Check to see if it’s one of these problems. One of the great things about owning a cat is the fact that you never have to worry about going outside to let your pet go to the bathroom. Instead, you have a handy litter box that your kitty can use whenever he needs to, and all you have to do is keep it clean and hygienic. Sometimes, though, a cat will refuse to use the litter box and instead take it upon himself to claim the other areas of your home as his own personal toilet. Before you lose your cool, take a breath, remain calm, and try to figure out the source of the problem – your cat not using litter box may stem from one of these issues. Related: What Is The Best Cat Litter For Your Kitty? The Box Isn’t Clean Enough Keeping your cat’s litter box clean is the first step in ensuring he’ll always be willing to use it. If you wait even an extra day or two before scooping out the waste and eliminating the odors associated with it, your cat will try to find a more suitable and more hygienic area to eliminate in. If you’ve ever had to use a filthy public toilet, you can sympathize with your cat. So if your cat has chosen to tinkle around the house instead of inside his litter box, check how clean the litter is. Scoop the box daily from now on, or even multiple times a day, especially if you have more than one cat. And be sure to completely empty out the box, wash it out, and refill it with fresh litter every couple of weeks or sooner, if necessary. Your Cat Isn’t Feeling Well The main reason why you shouldn’t get angry with your cat when he doesn’t use the box is because he may not be feeling well and his illness could be the cause of this strange behavior. If your pet is suffering with a painful urinary tract infection, he may be associating the pain he feels when he urinates with the litter box itself and, in an attempt to avoid that pain, uses the carpet as his bathroom instead. Diabetic cats or those with kidney disease may be thirstier and feel the need to urinate more often, and they sometimes can’t even make it to the litter box in time. Liver conditions and thyroid disease can also have this effect on your cat. And digestive upset could cause your kitty to go to the bathroom around the house because he can’t hold it in. Related: Bathroom Break: How To Toilet Train Your Cat If you can’t pinpoint the cause of your cat’s behavior (e.g. a dirty litter box) right away, be sure to bring him to the vet as soon as possible for a thorough exam, as the conditions that can cause a cat to eliminate outside of the litter box can be serious and need to be treated promptly. Your Cat’s Annoyed with Change Have you recently added a new cat to the family? Perhaps your resident feline is a little annoyed by the fact that he has to deal with another one of his own kind and that he now has to share his litter box as well. This could certainly cause him to eliminate outside of the box. If this is the case, consider getting a second litter box that your older cat can use almost exclusively, and make sure you continue to give him plenty of love and attention so he doesn’t view the newcomer as a threat. If you changed the litter that you were using, your cat may not like it and may decide to avoid using the box. Whenever you do decide to change litters, first create a mix of the old with the new. Gradually transition your cat in this way by adding more of the new litter and less of the old over the course of several days or weeks, rather than making a drastic change. Other stressful events can also trigger a cat’s avoidance of the litter box. That’s why it’s important to remain patient and try to figure out what your cat is thinking and feeling. Then you can target the cause of the problem and make adjustments so that your cat will start using the box again.

Cat-astrophe: Common Bad Behavior Issues And How To Fix Them

Bad kitty! Unwanted habits can be tough to break, but here are a few ways you can correct your cat’s naughty ways. Even though every feline is unique, complete with individual personality and quirks, there are certain negative behaviors that some cats will exhibit that need to be addressed. When faced with a challenging kitty who is misbehaving, you need to know how to approach the situation and address the problem in a way that will ensure your cat will understand what you want. This will lead to the most successful training and resolve the behavior problems at the same time. Below are some of the most common cat behavior issues that pet owners face, along with tips on how to resolve these issues before they become even more destructive. Everything Within Paw’s Reach is a Scratching Post The last thing that you want is to bring a cat into your home who will destroy all of your furniture, curtains, flooring, and more. But cats have a natural instinct to scratch in order to keep their claws healthy, to mark their territory, to play, and to release pent-up energy. Rather than inhibiting this behavior or, worse yet, declawing your cat, you can train your pet to scratch only in areas that are appropriate. Related: Declawing Cats: A Cruel and Unnecessary Procedure Purchase a few different scratching posts and place them in areas of your home where your cat typically scratches. Add some catnip to the posts in order to attract your feline to the area and entice him to go to town scratching the post rather than your furniture. He will immediately recognize the fabulous texture of the scratching post and prefer it over the texture of your furniture. Get a few different styles of scratching posts, from those that are upright to those that lay horizontally. Some cats prefer to stretch up and scratch a vertical post while standing on their hind legs, but others prefer to stay firmly planted on the ground and scratch a vertical or slightly slanted post. Experiment and observe your kitty to figure out which would be the best option. And make sure you keep your cat’s claws trimmed to prevent damage to your furniture in the meantime and to keep yourself from getting scratched up as well. A Mean Kitty Cats should be docile and snuggly creatures rather than aggressive little monsters. Understanding why your cat is behaving aggressively will help you target the problem and resolve it. Related: What Is The Best Cat Litter For Your Kitty? First, have your pet examined by a veterinarian because health issues and pain may lead to aggressive and defensive behaviors. If your cat is not yet spayed or neutered, have your vet perform the surgery, as this often resolves behavioral issues, especially in males. If you have more than one cat in the house and they are aggressive towards one another, make sure they each have plenty of space to call their own, that they have their own litter boxes and food and water bowls, and that they all get plenty of playtime and affection from you. When all else fails, talk to a feline behaviorist who can get to the root of the problem. Not Using the Litter Box Cats who are healthy and properly trained will immediately take to using the litter box. But if a cat is eliminating outside of the box, you should have him examined by a veterinarian in order to rule out any painful and serious health conditions, such as urinary tract infections or diabetes, which could be causing this behavior. Never get mad at your cat for eliminating outside of his litter box because this will not solve the issue and will only make him afraid of you. He will not understand why he is being punished because cat’s typically don’t respond to punishments (they respond much better to positive reinforcement). Check that the litter box issues are not actually your own fault by making sure the litter box is clean and that it doesn’t smell. Wash out the box itself regularly and change out the litter consistently. Remember, a cat’s sense of smell is much stronger than yours, so while a box may seem clean to you, it may be disgusting to a cat. Avoid purchasing litter boxes that are too small or that are difficult to keep clean. If you have more than one cat, get a litter box for each one. This will ensure there will be a clean spot for each cat to go in, and it will resolve any privacy or territorial issues as well.

Firefighters Save Dog From Drowning in the Icy Waters of Lake Superior

A dog is lucky to be alive after taking a dip into Lake Superior’s frigid December waters. Minnesota Firefighters battled biting cold and eight-foot-tall waves to save the pooch who escaped from their leash and jumped into the lake’s freezing water. The Duluth Minnesota Fire Department posted on social media that several marine units were sent to rescue a dog that jumped into Lake Superior from the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge. The pup’s owner met the rescues on the bridge and pointed out the dog struggling to stay afloat in eight-foot-plus waves in the middle of the ship canal. Crews donned ice rescue suits before entering the lake to protect them from the ice-cold water of Lake Superior. At the same time, additional rescues were sent with the department’s 14-foot inflatable boat to assist the crew in the water. The rescue team fought their way through freezing water and huge waves to find the dog, but couldn’t see him due to low light and waves. The dog’s coat was also dark in color and they kept slipping under the water, making them hard to find.Thanks to the dog owner and fire personnel who shouted directions from the pier, the firefighters managed to locate the dog and grab them by their collar. Even though they had their hands on the pup, firefighters faced several problems before bringing the dog safely to the shore. The crew tried to swim with the dog to the shore, but they struggled in high waves. The pooch was large and terrified, and rescues struggled to keep its head above water. The waves swept the firefighters and the pup under the Duluth bridge, towards the bay and away from shore. Luckily the additional firefighters arrived with an inflatable boat and pulled the dog and the rescues from freezing waters.As soon as their paws touched solid ground, the exhausted pooch was treated for hypothermia by emergency staff. To everyone’s delight, the dog’s condition improved quickly and they were able to walk on their own. According to officials, the dog was wagging their tail as they jumped into their owner’s car. The Duluth Minnesota Fire Department shared that firefighters prevented the dog’s owner from jumping into the water in an attempt to save the beloved dog themselves. The officials added that bystanders had to convince the owner not to go in after the dog and warned people against putting themselves in danger to save a pet.“The Duluth Fire Department wants to stress to the public the importance of not putting yourself into a situation you are neither trained nor equipped to handle. This will not only put you at risk but the emergency responders as well. It will also greatly limit the options we have to try and save your pet as all efforts will now be directed at saving you,” Duluth Fire Department officials said.“We have learned in the fire service that if we don’t respond to help in these situations that bystanders and owners likely will take action on their own,” they added. “Without the proper training and equipment, this most often results in the firefighters now responding to a call for a person in harm’s way.”“Given the waves and temperature conditions in the canal last night, anyone entering the water without the proper training and equipment would most likely have ended in tragedy,” fire officials added. Luckily for all that wasn’t the case! Thanks to the brave firefighters the pooch and their owner are safe and can enjoy each other’s company for many years to come.  Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

What Size of Cage Does My Hamster Need?

Final Thoughts: The Best Hamster Cage SetupWhen setting up your hamster’s habitat, consider the floor space available. They are active and energetic creatures that need to be able to run, demanding more freedom to move than is often available in the overly hyped commercial cages. Instead, ensure the cage offers at least 24” by 12” of floor space on the main floor. Several cage styles are available, including wire cages, glass aquariums, and plastic pens. If you want to extend their habitat with a second floor, be cautious about the risk of injury. A long fall can be catastrophic. Include all necessities on the main floor of your hamster’s cage. This includes plenty of bedding to burrow into, clean hay, chew toys/enrichment opportunities, an appropriately sized exercise wheel, and access to fresh food and water. A proper habitat is the foundation for a happy, healthy life for your furry friend! Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

What Should I Do If My Dog is Afraid of Nail Trims?

The dreaded nail clippers – a source of stress and occasional doggy drama in our home as well as for many dog parents. You see, our youngest pup, Lucifer, and I have been on quite the journey to conquer his fear of nail trimming. If you’ve ever found yourself in a similar situation, you know the struggle all too well!But fear not, because in this article, I’m sharing our personal tale of progress and a toolkit of tips we’ve picked up along the way to help overcome your dog’s fear of nail clipping.So, let’s swap nail-trimming anxiety for confidence and cooperation, one paw at a time.Why Does My Dog Hate Nail Trims?The first step to overcoming a fear of nail trims is understanding why the sight of nail clippers is a source of anxiety for your dog. After all, the clippers themselves aren’t frightening or intimidating.For many dogs, the fear of having their nails cut is rooted in a desire to protect their paws. This is a survival instinct, as they need their paws to survive in the wild, both to escape predators and be able to catch food. They haven’t been taught that the process of having their nails cut or their paws handled isn’t going to cause harm.If your dog was previously okay with having their nails trimmed and suddenly changes their mind and lashes out when you try, this is a sign of trouble. Have you recently cut your dog`s nail and accidentally nicked the quick of the nail? If so, your dog may associate the experience with the pain and discomfort they felt at that moment.This could also indicate that your dog feels pain in their leg or paw. Watch for other signs of distress or discomfort, like lameness, limping, or excessively licking the area. If you suspect your dog is in pain or if your dog has shown a behavior change that you can’t otherwise explain, contact your veterinarian. They can run the tests necessary to help diagnose the problem and recommend ways to provide effective pain relief.For us, with Lucifer, we are overcoming a reaction due to previous pain. He suffered injuries to his front paws before he was rescued and adopted out to us as a puppy. While we have worked with specialists to help him heal and move on from these injuries, he is still more protective of his paws and dislikes having them handled. What Happens if You Wait Too Long to Cut Dog Nails?Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed and cared for is an integral part of grooming. How often you need to trim their nails will vary, depending on their breed, age, and lifestyle. Some dogs will naturally wear down their nails from walking and running on rough surfaces, as they would in the wild, while others don’t engage in these activities frequently enough to keep up with nail growth.When a dog’s nails become overgrown, they interfere with their ability to stand and walk properly, reducing traction and potentially causing injuries in their feet and tendons. This is because the nails contact the floor before their paw pads. Over time, this can also lead to long-term injuries, deformities in the paw or leg, or arthritis. This can also cause older dogs to slip and fall due to losing traction and unsteadiness on their feet.

What to Know About Osteoarthritis in Cats

Osteoarthritis, also referred to as OA, is a condition that’s common in cats – experts have found that 90% of kitties over the age of 12 have it. And because cats may hide the signs, it can be overlooked, so it’s a good idea to learn about the symptoms and keep an eye out for them, especially as your pet gets older. The good news is, if your feline friend is diagnosed with this condition, there are things you can do to help her experience less pain.

Do You Know Your Pet's Love Language?

Relationship therapists have long used the concept of “Love Languages” to encourage better communication among couples. It defines how we express and receive love and sorts these behaviors into five categories – acts of service, physical touch, words of affirmation, gift-giving, and quality time. But did you ever stop to consider how your pet may fit into this framework? The folks at Nulo Pet Food did!Recently, the brand partnered with OnePoll to survey 2,000 cat and dog parents to better understand the secret to your pet’s heart.The survey found that quality time is the most popular love language among cats and dogs (27%). This refers to showing affection by giving your pet your undivided attention, with this increase in attention leaving our pets feeling loved and cared for. For 62% of respondents, this meant allowing their pet to sleep in their bed each night, while 40% reported that they would include their pet in their daily plans whenever possible.Of course, food still scored high in offering a path to a pet’s heart despite not technically being part of the original five love languages.53% of pet parents said they showed love by providing their pets with high-quality meals, which could technically fall under both acts of service and gift-giving. Dedicated to their pets' overall well-being, 47% answered that they showed love by prioritizing their pet’s health and nutrition over all else, and 32% focused on adding variety to their diet.“With 69% of respondents willing to put their pet’s dietary needs before their own, the data clearly shows just how important a role pets plan in their people’s lives,” explained Heather Acuff, Ph.D., Nulo’s Director of Research & Development. “Not only are pet parents speaking their pet’s love language, they’re going above and beyond to provide optimum care and nutrition to ensure the healthiest and happiest lives for their pets.”What inspires us to prioritize our pets so highly in our lives? These furry family members hold an important role in our lives, with 47% of pet owners believing their pet views them as a best friend and 42% stating that their pet sees them in the same way.This data gives us an insight into the dedication that pet parents show in providing quality nutrition to their dogs and cats. When asked why they feed their current diet, 50% said they strongly believed their pet enjoyed the food, 35% chose the diet for its high-quality ingredients, and 29% decided on a diet based on their budget.How important is variety in our pets’ diets? Only 48% of those surveyed believed they could survive eating the same meal every day for three months. It highlights the importance of products like food toppers that allow us to provide variation and make mealtime interesting while still prioritizing feeding a well-balanced diet. This includes commercial food toppers and pet-friendly human foods like pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, and more.Ultimately, the data reveals that food is one of the most significant ways we express our love and affection to our pets – possibly even making it the sixth love language for pets and pet parents!

A Six-legged Abandoned Dog Has Surgery to Remove Extra Limbs

A six-legged cocker spaniel found abandoned in a supermarket parking lot in Wales has had surgery to remove her extra limbs. The pooch was named Ariel, after the Little Mermaid, because her extra limbs were fused together, resembling a mermaid’s tail. Greenacres Rescue, a non-profit group from Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire, Wales, took Ariel in, arranged her surgery, and found her a foster family.  Ariel, who was born with multiple birth defects, was operated on at Langford Vets Small Animal Referral Hospital. Surgeon Aaron Lutchman performed the surgery and managed to save all four limbs amid fears that one hind leg might have to be amputated. “She’s doing really well, she’s bounced back and she’s a happy little dog and we’re hoping she’s going to go on to lead a fabulous little life,” said Lutchman. “She’s got her own little character and even though she’s had a tough start in life she really has done well to come through this as she has… if we can do what we can to help then that’s just absolutely brilliant.” According to Mikey Lawlor, founder and manager of Greenacres Rescue, Ariel was skinny and distressed when she was rescued. “The vet who initially assessed Ariel noted that, in addition to her two surplus back legs, she also had an additional vulva,” said Lawlor. A CT scan later revealed that Ariel was born with only one kidney, which increased the complexity of the medical treatment she required. Unfortunately, the pup’s pelvis never formed properly because she had two hip joints on one side of the body. As a result, Ariel’s normal hind leg had no muscle tone, so there was a chance that that leg had to be amputated as well. “Thankfully, that wasn’t the case though as it’s shown signs of having strengthened a lot in recent months,” Lawlor added.Ariel is recovering nicely after her surgery, having lots of love and fuss from the nursing team. Now that the surgery is behind her, everyone is hoping that she’ll have an easy and quick recovery.“There were two procedures which lasted about two hours, but both went fine. The next day she was up, walking around and eating and drinking.”“Now we just need to keep our fingers crossed she doesn’t get any infections, but she really is in the best of hands,” added Lawlor according to BBC. The brave pooch was discharged over the weekend and has already returned home to her foster family in Wales. According to her vet, Ariel has to rest for the next two weeks to recover completely. The founder of Greenacres Rescue hopes that the organization will be able to find a forever home for Ariel after she completes physiotherapy and recovery. “The response we had to Ariel’s story so far, including calls and emails from as far away as New York and Australia, has been incredible - so I’ve no doubt she’ll be snapped up,” said Lawlor.“I just can’t say enough of a thank you to everyone who’s contributed to helping her.” The organization raised around $19,000 for Ariel’s life-changing surgery thanks to donations from people all over the world.“Ariel was a complicated little dog whose care required close collaboration across a number of our specialist teams, including orthopedics, soft tissue surgery, anesthesia, and radiology,” said Vicki Black, the director of Langford Vets’ Hospital. “As part of the University of Bristol, we are a center committed to career-long learning and are proud to innovate and treat pets like Ariel. We are delighted such a lovely animal has recovered well from her surgery.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

A Pennsylvania Dog Shocked Its Owners After Eating $4000 in Cash

A Pittsburg couple was shocked to discover that their dog Cecil decided to have the most expensive snack of his life, after wolfing down $4,000 in cash. According to Cecil’s owners, Clayton and Carrie Law, the seven-year-old goldendoodle is a well-behaved boy who has never really done anything bad before. The couple had withdrawn cash to do a home improvement project, but Cecil had other plans for the envelope full of money. Less than 30 minutes later, Cecil was caught devouring thousands of dollars. “I walked back into the room and then all this cash was on the ground. He’s just like this, standing there, and I’m like oh my gosh, he ate some of this money and was in shock. I yelled to Carrie ‘He ate the money, he ate the $4,000,’” said Clayton Law to CBS News. After the initial shock, the couple discovered that Cecil ate a lot of the bills, but that some were still on the floor, albeit torn up and chewed into pieces. Carrie and Clayton describe their pooch as laid back, weird, funny, and almost human-like, and say that he is typically more of a snuggly couch potato. “He doesn’t do many dog things, he doesn’t chew furniture or clothing, that’s why we were extra shocked when he decided to do this,” said Clayton Law. “He has never in his life tried to get anything from the counter, even coffee table. We could leave dinner and go to the kitchen and grab wine, and he would not touch the food, and he just doesn’t care. He just took this opportunity and ran with it,” said Carrie Law. Once the initial shock passed, the couple contacted their vet to see if the dog needed any treatment. Given the goldendoodle’s size, there was no risk of bowel obstruction and he only needed to be monitored at home. At first, Cecil seemed fine, but in the middle of the night, the Laws were awoken by the sound every dog owner knows - the retching of their dog about to vomit. “When you hear that, you immediately just react, so I jumped out of bed and just made sure that he didn’t throw up anywhere,” said Clayton. “And then I went to pick it up… and I realized there’s a lot of like half eaten and $100 bills and $50 bills here.”That night marked the start of the Law’s unfortunate mission of sifting through their dog’s vomit and poop in an attempt to recover some of their money. Luckily, the couple was able to piece together most of the bills after carefully washing and sorting all the pieces back together. “There we are at the utility sink washing this shitty money, yelling ‘Yay! Yes! We got one!’ It smelled so bad,” Carries confessed. After piecing together as many bills as they could salvage, the couple managed to recoup $3,550. According to Carrie, the bank was really nice about it and told them that these things happen all the time. “They said it actually happens quite a bit because money just picks up so many scents, especially if it’s used in the food industry. I guess dogs pick up on that - they have such a good sense of smell - and something about it just drove him crazy.”Almost a month after the incident, Cecil is doing fine and is still a good boy. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Scientists Uncover Secrets of Extinct "Wooly Dog" Breed

Throughout history, dogs have played several key roles in the lives of people globally. They have hunted, worked, and provided for us, forever weaving them into the fabric of human existence. We often use this knowledge to better understand our modern dogs by reflecting on their original purpose as a breed. Unfortunately, not every breed continues to thrive among us today.The Coast Salish wooly dog was a unique breed, kept by the First Nations people throughout the Pacific Northwest, including Vancouver Island, for its fleece-like coat. A new study reveals insights into the history of the now-extinct breed.Unlike most animals at that time in history, the dog was kept in pens and longhouses. This was done to prevent the dogs from mixing with village and hunting dogs, preserving the breed and the fleece it provided.“They were sheared like sheep, and the wool was woven into blankets,” recounted Eliot White-Hill of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. “Blankets were like currency in our economy prior to contact and some of the most important things you could own and give away as gifts.”The dogs were fed a diet of fish and elk and were seen as beloved family members.“It’s not just a dog – it’s a relative. It has enormous spiritual power, conveyed in its wool,” explained Michael Pavel, an elder of the Skokomish-Twana tribe and one of the study's authors. “Imagine being able to receive the gift of wool fiber, being able to learn to weave that into yarn, into an entity, or a blanket or robe that you could wrap yourself in the coldest of winter and feel the warmth of those prayers. That’s how we look at it, and we can now enjoy a scientific view, as well.”Unfortunately, the breed did not survive colonization. It’s not clear exactly what caused the demise of the Coast Salish wooly dog – the introduction of European dog breeds, rules enforced on First Nations people during assimilation and displacement, or smallpox epidemics being a few of the hypothesized factors.But thanks to the preserved pelt of a wooly dog named Mutton, who died in 1859, researchers can now learn a little more about the unique DNA of the dog, its lineage, and insight into the breeding practices of local Indigenous communities.Researchers compared DNA from Mutton’s pelt to that of a separate non-wooly village dog that lived and died in the same region at approximately the same time.While the information gathered from the study did not offer any conclusive answers about the disappearance of the breed, it did hypothesize that the Indian Act of 1876 played a critical role as it would have directly impacted the ability of Indigenous women to pass on valuable knowledge about caring for the dogs and weaving necessary to its survival.On a positive note, the study did support historical facts shared by First Nations people in that area – a valuable piece of the puzzle as many work to reclaim the traditions of their ancestors.“It brought a large group of people together that reaffirmed for us the history we know,” stated Violet Elliott, also of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. “It was a gift of collaboration with other nations.”

Watch As Adorable Shelter Dogs Pick Their Own Christmas Toys

The holiday season is associated with traditions and festivities as we gather with family, put up festive decorations, and exchange holiday gifts. For pet parents, these traditions often carry over to spoiling our furry companions. But what about the thousands of pets sitting in shelters and rescues around the world, waiting for their forever home?One rescue based in Ireland has embraced a heartwarming tradition since 2017. Each year, Dogs Trust Ireland collects donations from the public. Hundreds of donated toys are placed in a room, and the pets are brought in one at a time to select their perfect holiday gift. They record the selection process, sharing the adorable footage on their YouTube channel for animal lovers worldwide to enjoy. “The reason we love making the video so much is that it’s so special to witness each dog’s individual reaction. Some burst in the door and scatter toys everywhere in an excited frenzy, and when they choose ‘the’ toy, they do excited zoomies,” explained Corina Fitzsimons, Public Relations and Communications Manager. “For dog lovers, it doesn’t get much better than seeing dogs doing Zoomies! Others prefer people and, after a sniff, will come over for cuddles. Then there are those who test every toy three or four times before picking, and many of the Collies who find a plain ball, throw it at our feet, and look at us as if to say, ‘Please throw human,’ which we are happy to oblige with.” This year, a total of 54 dogs were recorded as they carefully made their selection. While some dogs quickly found that perfect holiday toy, others took as long as 20 minutes to settle on a favorite. The organization promises that every one of the 264 dogs in their care will receive at least one toy during the holiday season, thanks to the generous donations they received.

Unexpected Things That Helped Me Cope With Loss of My 17-Year-Old Cat

Getting to share your life with a pet is truly a privilege, as there’s not much that can rival the sheer joy and genuine love these little creatures bring to us. But when the time comes to say goodbye, the weight of grief can feel overwhelming. In these moments, it feels like nothing can help lighten the load we carry, but it’s crucial to remember that the journey through pet loss is a shared experience among countless others who have navigated the same emotional terrain.I recently found myself grappling with the profound loss of my beloved four-legged companion, a 17-year-old cat called Luna. Luna was not just a pet; she was a loyal friend for more than half of my life, a source of comfort during challenging times, and a bundle of joy who brightened even the gloomiest days. When Luna passed away, a void opened up in my heart, leaving me adrift in a sea of grief.

Auf Wiedersehen Wiener Dog - Will Germany Ban Dachshunds?

Germany’s beloved dog breed, the dachshund, could soon be banned under a new law that prohibits the breeding of dogs with “skeletal anomalies”.The draft of the bill, published in February, is currently being reviewed by the authorities and was introduced as a part of the Animal Protection Act. The new bill aims to strengthen existing laws on “torture breeding” and to regulate the online animal trade. The draft of the protection law said it could ban the reproduction of breeds prone to particular health problems, such as spinal problems linked with short legs and long back which are characteristic of the dachshund breed.According to the German Kennel Club (VDH), the bill could be interpreted as a ban on breeding dogs with any major size deviation from the original wolf type. In addition to dachshunds, other dog breeds like the German shepherd, miniature schnauzer, beagle, and Jack Russell terrier could be affected by the bill. The breeding restrictions could also be applied to flat-faced breeds like the English bulldog, pug, and French bulldog.“Some of the disease characteristics listed in the draft law are too vague and undefined,” said Leif Kopernik, the chief executive of the VDH. “Whether too small or too large, if the Animal Welfare Act were to be implemented in its current form, many popular and healthy breeds could be banned from breeding,” he said, according to the New York Times. The VDH has launched a petition to save “our favorite dogs” saying the proposed bill would leave too much room for interpretation in deciding what can be considered a genetic defect. The German Kennel Club agrees that many of the proposed changes, such as stricter regulations for online animal trade and taking action against illegal puppy trade are good measures that make sense. “However, the animal protection law contains requirements that could mean the end of many healthy dog breeds in Germany,” said VDH on its website.Although the proposed changes could affect several dog breeds, the dachshund is at the center of the discussion. Often called dackel by Germans, the dachshund has been the country’s national symbol for many years. The breed has been around for several centuries and was bred specifically for digging and clawing into underground dens to hunt for badgers. These sausage-shaped dogs have strong claws and sharp teeth which proved extremely useful when hunting. According to Sandra Karthauser, a breeder of rough-haired dachshunds from Munster, there is no evidence that dachshunds are sick due to their appearance. However, she admits that certain breed lines might be predisposed to herniated discs and other health issues.“But to ban the whole breed because of this, that doesn’t make sense to me. Then you can also ban Labradors because some suffer from hip dysplasia along with other breeds that might suffer from debilitating diseases and ailments,”  she added.Germany’s agricultural ministry refuted that the new bill would ban particular dog breeds, including the dachshund. “We aren’t seeking to ban the dachshund. What we are aiming at with this reform is a ban on torture breeding.”The goal of this new regulation is to forbid breeding practices that cause long-term suffering to the dogs. “We want to consistently protect animals from pain, suffering, and damage,” said the ministry adding that the new bill is still being reviewed. Germany’s dachshund lovers and breeders hope the breeding ban won’t happen now or in the future. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

These Dog Foods Are Recalled Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination

Owners should always be careful about the food that they give to their pet – and it’s only natural that every caring owner will naturally want the best for their pet. But sometimes, even getting the best of the best is not a guarantee as accidents can happen anytime. In this case, the issue is that several popular dog food brands got potentially contaminated with salmonellla. Recently, owners had been shocked to find out that three brands of pet food were recalled - having tested positive for salmonella. And in fact, the past year saw at least seven recalls of dog food brands that were either contaminated with this nasty bacteria, or had harmful elevated levels of vitamins. And, to make matters worse, 2019 saw several dogs get seriously ill after consuming the food. And our dear four-legged friends are not the only ones at risk - handling the contaminated dog food, we too are exposed to salmonella. In 2012, up to 49 people in the United States and Canada fell ill after an outbreak of salmonella that was traced to dry dog food. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 10 persons were so ill that hospitalization was required.According to the CDC, the pesky salmonella bacteria causes “an estimated 1.3 million infections in Americans every year, resulting in 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths.”As for the latest recalls, a notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, released on October 30th, includes the following foods: “one by Mid America Pet Food of Mount Pleasant, Texas, involving three lots of Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Select Beef Meal & Brown Rice Formula after random sampling found salmonella, which can sicken pets as well as people who come in contact with it.” Furthermore, it is stated that the food was “Sold by retailers across the U.S., the recalled products come in five-pound, 15-pound and 40-pound bags with a best-by-date of June 12, 2024, and contain one of the following three lot numbers on the back of the products: 1000016890, 1000016891, 1000016892.”The second recall involves TFP Nutrition of Nacogdoches, and their Retriever All Life Stages Mini Chunk Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food, in 50lbs bags, with best-by-dates of October 2024 and production codes of either 3277 TFP or 3278 TFP. Lastly, the third recall in the latest wave is Blue Ridge Beef of Statesville, North Carolina, which is recalling Breeders Choice dog food with the UPC code 8 54298 00193 1 due to possible salmonella contamination.In case you suspect your pet has eaten any potentially infected foods, it is important to know the  symptoms of salmonella poisoning in pets: they can be lethargic, listless, or have diarrhea that is followed by fever and vomiting. If you recognise these in your pet, don’t hesitate to contact your vet. And, if you suspect that the dog food you have is contaminated, make sure to destroy it in a way that children, animals, or people cannot get in contact with it.

Research Finds That Rats Have Imagination

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