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Best Cat Blankets

Lisa Selvaggio
by Lisa Selvaggio
Published:  February 11th, 2021

If you’re a cat parent, you already know how much kitties love snuggling into a warm blanket. Most cats of all ages will gladly spend time on or under a blanket for warmth, security, and comfort. That’s why there are a lot of cat blankets available these days. These products are designed for pet parents who want to give their feline companions their own soft blanket to use daily. And they can be a great way to enrich your pet’s environment while keeping your furniture in good condition.

Below, we discuss some of the reasons why it’s worth purchasing a blanket that’s made with cats in mind. And we’ve also put together a list of blankets that we think are worth your consideration if you decide to shop for one.

Why Your Cat Might Like Having a Blanket That’s Made for Pets

Would your cat like a blanket of her own? Well, if she tends to spend a lot of time on your blankets on the bed or on the couch, the answer is probably yes.

Here are some ways that a cat blanket can come in handy:

  • If your cat tends to use your blankets all the time, but you are worried about her claws tearing the fabric, especially when she kneads, it’s a good idea to get her a blanket of her own that she can use instead of yours.
  • You can place your pet’s blanket wherever you want so she’ll know that it’s her little spot. Plus, whether you put your companion’s blanket in her cat bed or on a piece of furniture, it will create a nice area where she can spend time with your family while feeling completely at ease. And a soft blanket is especially inviting during the colder seasons of the year.
  • Another reason why both you and your cat will like having a pet blanket: it can help protect your furniture from sharp claws and messes. And, of course, when you want to spend some time cuddling on the bed or sofa with your family and fur babies, a blanket may help encourage your frisky feline to come relax with you.
  • With a comfortable blanket that she can use all the time, your cat can knead to her heart’s content, without tearing the comforter on your bed or your soft sofa in the living room. And she can use it to spend time snuggling with the other kitties in your household too, but you won’t have to worry about all of their fur being left behind on your furniture.
  • If your cat tends to look for anything soft to lounge on, such as your clothes, and you want to stop her from doing that because she leaves a lot of fur behind, a blanket that she can use whenever she wants might be a great solution to this problem.
  • Whether your kitty wants to play, nap, relax, or sit and watch what’s going on around her, a blanket could be her spot where she can enjoy these activities. And she will also get her scent on the blanket, which might be helpful if you want to create a safe spot that she can go to whenever she wants.
  • If you travel with your kitty, you can pack her blanket so she can have something familiar and comforting while she’s on the move with you, as well as once you reach your destination. You can even place it in her carrier to help her feel at ease.

What to Look for When Shopping for a Cat Blanket

Once you start your search for the right pet blanket for your cat, you’ll realize that there are a variety of options to choose from. We recommend looking at the main features to determine if a blanket would be right for your unique kitty. After all, the last thing that you’d want to do is buy a blanket only to have your finicky feline reject it and never use it.

Here are some things to look for as you shop for cat blankets:

  • The size of the blanket – You want it to be large enough to provide space for your cat to lounge on top of it or rest underneath it. And you might also want it to be large enough to wrap around your cat for extra comfort. Or you might need it to be a certain size to properly cover your furniture.
  • The material – The softer and fluffier the material, the more likely that your kitty will be immediately drawn to the blanket. Remember, a lot of cats like to knead, and they also search for cozy places to rest and recharge.
  • Durability – When you buy a pet blanket, you’ll want it to last. If it ends up falling apart right away, not only will your cat be disappointed, but you’ll also have to spend even more money to replace it. So, looking for blankets that are built to be long lasting, with high-quality materials and stitching, is a smart move.
  • Waterproof protection – If you want to protect your furniture against pet messes and accidents, you might want to go with a blanket that is waterproof.

10 Cat Blankets That We Think Your Kitty Will Love

Are you thinking about buying a blanket for your best furry friend? We’re here to help! We took a look at some of the many pet blankets out there, and we’ve compiled a handy list of 10 products we recommend checking out. They’re showcased below, in no particular order, and we’ve provided descriptions to help make finding the perfect blanket easier.

1. Comsmart Warm Paw Print Blanket/Bed Cover for Dogs and Cats

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The Comsmart Warm Paw Print Blanket/Bed Cover for Cats can be placed on your furniture, and you can also put it in your pet’s carrier or in your car when you’re on the go together. It can be used to protect your furniture, and because of its soft (but not heavy) fleece, it can be utilized throughout the year as well. Plus, these blankets measure 24” x 28”, so they can be a good size for your fur babies, regardless of their age.

What’s also nice about this particular option is that it comes in a pack of six. Each blanket is a different color and features an adorable paw print design. This means you will have plenty of blankets for all of the kitties in your household, and there will also always be a blanket available even when you need to toss one into the washing machine to thoroughly clean it.

2. Furrybaby Premium Fluffy Fleece Dog Blanket, Soft and Warm Pet Throw for Dogs & Cats

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The Furrybaby Premium Fluffy Fleece Blanket is a throw that will provide your cat with the softness and warmth she craves, especially during the cold winter months. It is made of 100% polyester, it is machine washable, and it is designed to last, without fading or shedding. You can use this thick, lightweight blanket to protect your furniture and keep it clean, or you can place it on top of your bed to create a cozy little spot that your furry friend can go to whenever she wants.

You can choose from a variety of colors, such as beige, gray, blue, brown, pink, and red. And you can also select the right size for your cat, as this blanket comes in sizes small, medium, large, extra large, and jumbo. Plus, there are double layer options available as well.

3. PetAmi Premium Plush Sherpa Pet Blanket Sized for Cats, Small Dogs, Puppies, Kittens

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Another thick and ultra-comfortable blanket that your cat might love using every day is the PetAmi Premium Plush Sherpa Pet Blanket. It features microfiber sherpa on one side and silky smooth fleece on the other, so it is super soft no matter what side your cat uses. And it is built to be durable. Plus, it is sized for kittens and cats, as it measures 30” x 40”, so it can be used to create a comfortable spot where your fur babies can feel calm and ready for a nap.

This reversible, plush, and lightweight blanket is simple to clean because you can toss it into your washing machine and then tumble dry low. And it comes in various colors, so you can purchase more than one to be able to keep your kitty happy while you’re washing one of them.

4. Custom Catch Personalized Cat Bed Blanket Gift for Indoor Cats

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The fun thing about the Custom Catch Personalized Cat Bed Blanket is that you can customize it however you’d like. Add your pet’s name, along with adorable designs like hearts, paw prints, and cats, to make this soft and silky blanket one-of-a-kind.

This micromink blanket comes in two sizes, and you can also choose from two different colors. It can be used in the car, on the floor, and anywhere else around your house where your kitty likes to spend a lot of time relaxing. Plus, when you need to clean it, this product is machine washable.

5. PetFusion Premium Reversible Dog & Cat Blanket

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The super soft and reversible PetFusion Premium Cat Blanket is a great choice when you want to enjoy some cuddle time with your pet. And when you toss it onto your furniture, such as your sofa, it can also help protect it from your rambunctious feline friend. You can choose from several sizes, such as small, medium, large, and extra large.

This polyester micro-plush pet blanket features a dual-sided design, and it is warm and comfortable so it can be used throughout the year. Its plush fibers will resist pilling and shedding, so that’s definitely a plus. And, when it comes to cleaning it, you can use a lint roller or toss it into your washing machine to keep things simple.

6. Molly Mutt Clark Gable Dog & Cat Blanket

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The Molly Mutt Cat Blanket comes in a variety of fun colors and designs, and the Clark Gable style is just one of them. No matter which one you select, this blanket can help protect your furniture from claws and fur, as well as provide comfort to your furry friend, all while looking fabulous in your home. After all, you don’t always want your pet’s accessories to stand out, and it’s nice to have products that blend in beautifully with the rest of your decor.

This blanket features a quilted finish, and it comes in various sizes, such as medium and large, so you can choose the one that will give your pet the ultimate level of comfort and warmth. One side of the blanket features 100% cotton canvas, while the other side features soft fleece. And it is super easy to clean because it is machine washable too.

7. PETMAKER Waterproof Pet Blankets

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Above, we mentioned that some cat blankets feature a waterproof material that can provide extra protection from messes and accidents. Well, the PETMAKER Waterproof Pet Blanket is one example. It gives you peace of mind when your kitty is hanging out on your furniture, and it also helps her feel totally cozy, so it’s a great choice for both of you. Plus, this blanket is reversible, so there is fuzzy and soft sherpa on one side, along with a soft, plush material on the other side.

Designed to provide protection while being stylish, this blanket comes in several different colors, such as tan and cream hues that are neutral enough to work with most décor, a fun pink color, and attractive gray and dark gray shades. You can also choose from two different sizes, depending on your needs and preferences. And when you need to clean it, this product is machine washable.

8. Harmony Cozy Sherpa Pet Throw in Polka Dot

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Another soft and lightweight blanket is the Harmony Cozy Sherpa Pet Throw. This is a solid choice when you are looking for a blanket that can be used throughout the year to help keep your feline friend nice and comfortable, regardless of the weather.

This fleece blanket measures 24” x 24”, so it might be the optimal size for your furry companion. You can find other color options, but the one that we chose to display features a cute polka dot design on a gray background on one side, and it’s white on the other side. Plus, it also has a decorative basting stitch that is reinforced with hidden stitching. Overall, this can certainly be an attractive addition to your décor when you use it on your sofa or bed, and your cat is sure to love snuggling into it.

9. Bessie and Barnie Blondie Luxury Shag Ultra Plush Faux Fur Pet, Dog, Cat, Puppy Super Soft Reversible Blanket

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The Bessie and Barnie Super Soft Reversible Blanket is yet another option that comes in a range of colors. The one that we chose to showcase on this list is the brand’s Blondie Luxury Shag Ultra Plus Faux Fur. This is a product that features a neutral color that will probably match the rest of your home décor. And this can be a perfect blanket for cuddling with your pet, as you’ll surely want to use it too.

Built to be warm, thick, and durable, this long-lasting blanket features colors that won’t fade. The faux fur provides ultimate comfort on both sides. Plus, it is plush, machine washable, and luxuriously soft, so it is a top choice in the world of cat blankets. And you can choose from a range of sizes, from extra small to extra extra large.

10. Brentfords Sherpa Pet Animal Blanket Puppy Dog Cat Kitten Kennel Mat Warm Throw

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Last on our list is the Brentfords Sherpa Pet Blanket, which features soft and cozy sherpa fleece. Use this as a throw blanket to keep your furniture clean and to help your cat feel totally relaxed. It comes in a couple of color options, which are blue and charcoal gray, but the sherpa side of the blanket is beige.

Your cat will more than likely enjoy snuggling into this plush yet lightweight blanket, whether you use it at home or on the go. And it is a good choice when you want to spend time with your kitty on the sofa or bed, as it will keep both of you warm and comfortable. Plus, like the other blankets on this list, this product is machine washable as well.

Get Your Fur Baby the Ideal Cozy Blanket for Cats!

Because there are so many adorable, soft, and comforting blankets made especially for cats, you have a lot of options when you’re ready to find the perfect one for your furry companion. And once your kitty has a blanket of her own, she’ll surely want to use it every day. So, which blankets will you choose, and where will you set them up in your home?

WOW
Lisa Selvaggio
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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The sight of an itchy dog often raises concerns among pet parents. From parasites, like fleas and ticks, to uncomfortable skin issues and irritation, the explanation is rarely a positive one. In some cases, even finding a cause is an uphill battle. One condition you may have read about or heard your veterinarian mention is pyoderma. But what is pyoderma, and what does this mean for your best friend? In this article, we will dive deep into the world of dog skin issues, uncovering not only the warning signs and possible causes of pyoderma in dogs but also the steps you can take to offer some much-needed relief from the itch and irritation. Let’s get started… What is Pyoderma? Pyoderma is a term used to refer to a bacterial skin infection, with the word literally translating to “pus (pyo) in the skin (derma).” It is one of the most common dog skin conditions. Luckily, it is also often easy to treat once it has been diagnosed. Most dogs recover fully with the proper medication. The condition is classified into one of three types based on its location in or on the skin. They include: Surface Pyoderma: infections on top of the skin’s surfaceSuperficial Pyoderma: infections in the outermost layer of the skin, including in the hair follicles (which may be referred to as superficial bacterial folliculitis)Deep Pyoderma: infections in the deeper layers of the skinThe condition itself isn’t always visible, making it sometimes difficult to spot. This is why it is so important for dog parents to familiarize themselves with the warning signs of skin irritation and seek veterinary help. They can do the tests necessary to look beyond what is visible to the naked eye. What Causes Pyoderma in Dogs? Every healthy dog has bacteria on the surface of their skin. When a dog’s skin becomes irritated for any reason, they respond by scratching at the spot. This creates openings in the layers of the skin where the bacteria can move deeper, creating the perfect environment for them to grow and thrive. There are several potential triggers for the initial irritation, including: Environmental or seasonal allergies Food allergies Flea allergy dermatitis Chronic exposure to moisture (like skin folds)Seborrhea Impaired blood flow to the skin Endocrine disorders (Hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease) It can also start when the skin is damaged due to an injury. Even a minor injury could cause just enough of an opening into the skin’s layers to begin the cycle. Is Dog Pyoderma Contagious to Humans? As this is a bacterial infection, it isn’t a risk of transmission like an airborne virus would be. Some strains of the bacteria can occasionally lead to an infection in humans or other dogs. However, the risk is incredibly low unless you have a compromised immune system. You can minimize the risk of transmission by focusing on keeping your home clean as your dog fights the infection. This includes regularly cleaning their food and water dishes as well as any bedding your dog sleeps on regularly. If you have an open wound, keep it covered when spending time with your infected dog.

Animal Shelter Receives Donations in Memory of Jon Stewart’s Dog

Comedian Jon Stewart returned to “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central in February, and viewers have been tuning in to watch him talk about current events. Stewart hosts every Monday night, serving up news in a hilarious way. But on February 26, he closed the show on a somber note, spending a few minutes talking about his dog, Dipper.Jon Stewart Remembers His Extraordinary DogStewart shared a touching story of how he met and came to adopt Dipper. He explained that, 12 or 13 years ago, his young children wanted to raise money for Animal Haven, a no-kill shelter for dogs and cats in New York City. To fundraise, his family baked cupcakes and set up an area outside of the shelter to sell them.  He went on to say that the shelter brought out a pit bull who was about 1 year old. At this point, Stewart started to break down, clearly getting emotional as he explained that the dog had been hit by a car in Brooklyn and had lost one of his legs as a result.Through tears, Stewart said his family left the shelter after raising some much-needed funds for a wonderful organization that does great work. But they also left with the very special pit bull who had stolen their hearts and who was, as Stewart described him, the best boy. Dipper even used to go to the studio with Stewart, so he met the famous people who were guests on the show.Then, Stewart shared the devastating news that Dipper had passed away just the day before. He ended with a wish for everyone to find an amazing dog they could love. And then, for the show’s “Moment of Zen,” they played an adorable video of Dipper playing in the snow.You can watch the segment here:

What Do I Do If My Dog Eats Wild Mushrooms?

If you hike or adventure with your dog, you have likely encountered wild mushrooms during your travels – especially now that we are entering the autumn season. But here’s the problem: they’re not always safe for our furry friends. As dog parents, it’s our responsibility to learn about the dangers that wild mushrooms may pose to our dogs and how to keep them safe. In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about wild mushrooms, including how they could spell trouble for your dog and what you should do if your pup decides to chow down one of these potentially toxic fungi. Recognizing the signs of mushroom toxicity and knowing what steps to act promptly could make all the difference. So, let’s dive into the world of wild mushrooms and get you prepared to protect your canine companion. Can Mushrooms Harm a Dog? There has been a lot of talk recently about the benefits of medicinal mushrooms for both humans and pets. While studies and research are still being conducted to fully understand the impact mushrooms can have as a supplement or alternative treatment option, it’s clear that some fungi can be incredibly helpful. Still, there are also a few that are highly toxic both to us and our furry friends. The challenge when discussing wild mushrooms is that most dog parents aren’t foraging experts with a knowledge of which mushrooms are edible and which are not – and our dogs certainly aren’t educated on the topic! If you are out hiking and your dog discovers a mushroom on the side of the trail, you likely aren’t going to know in advance whether it’s toxic or not. In fact, if you have a high-energy dog like we do with our pup Lucifer, you may not even have the opportunity to see the mushroom enough to identify it before it has been ingested. This means leaving the possibility that it could be a toxic variety up to chance. For this reason, it’s safer to steer clear of wild mushrooms entirely. Does this mean that your grocery store mushrooms are dangerous? No. If you have purchased mushrooms to cook up for dinner and you want to share one with your dog, they are safe. They are healthiest when offered raw, but if you do cook them, ensure they are unseasoned, as the seasoning could upset your dog’s stomach. They can also be found in some foods, treats, supplements, and bone broth products. What Does Mushroom Toxicity Look Like in Dogs? While we have established that allowing your dog to eat wild mushrooms is unsafe, the hard truth is that we can’t always control the situation. Simply looking away for a matter of seconds may be all it takes for your dog to find and grab a mushroom on the side of the road, on a trail, or even in your backyard. For this reason, we must ensure that we are familiar with the signs of mushroom toxicity to recognize the problem and react as quickly as possible. There are four categories of toxic mushrooms: GastrointestinalMushrooms in this category primarily impact your dog’s digestive system. They act quickly, showing signs in as little as 15 minutes after ingestion. These are the most common signs your dog has ingested a gastrointestinal mushroom: Excessive drooling Upset stomach Abdominal pain Vomiting Diarrhea NeurotoxicThese mushrooms cause neurological symptoms and, if not addressed quickly, can often be fatal. Signs often show approximately 30 to 90 minutes after ingestion. The most common signs that your dog has eaten a neurotoxic mushroom include: Digestive upset Weakness Agitation or anxiety Loss of coordination Unsteady gateAppearing confused or disoriented Tremors Seizures HepatotoxicThese mushrooms are significantly more dangerous than the first two categories. They are slower acting, with symptoms appearing as long as 12 hours after eating the mushroom. They begin by upsetting the digestive system and may be initially mistaken for a gastrointestinal mushroom. However, after time, they will start to impact the function of your dog’s liver, leading potentially to liver failure and death if not addressed. Nephrotoxic Finally, this category is very similar to hepatotoxic mushrooms in that it begins as a digestive upset. If unaddressed, these mushrooms can cause kidney failure or acute renal damage. What Do I Do if My Dog Ate a Wild Mushroom? If you notice any of the above symptoms of mushroom toxicity in your dog, contact your veterinarian or the nearest emergency clinic as soon as possible. If there are multiple mushrooms in the area and you can take a sample for identification, it may help provide valuable insight. While no treatment can instantly fix the toxicity, your veterinarian can provide your pup with supportive care. This will begin with inducing vomiting and/or giving your dog activated charcoal to remove or cancel out the poison and prevent further damage. The vet will monitor your dog while providing supportive care to address symptoms or complications of the toxicity, such as IV fluids to prevent dehydration and anti-nausea medications to settle digestive problems. This takes the unnecessary strain off the body, significantly boosting your dog’s chance of survival.

Husky Detects a Dangerous Gas Leak and Saves the Entire Neighborhood

Kobe, a four-year-old husky became an internet hero after saving his home and the entire neighborhood from a catastrophic gas leak. According to his owner, Chanell Bell, the canine started digging a large hole in the front yard of their Philadelphia home. At first, Bell didn’t think much of Kobe’s strange behavior. However, as the hole grew bigger, she became concerned that Kobe was trying to tell her something.“I trust his judgment because that isn’t his typical behavior and he is usually right,” said Bell, according to PEOPLE. “He has great senses and he never digs holes unless he is helping me dig; I knew something was up.”Earlier in the month, Bell had a gas leak in the house, and out of caution, she decided to check the hole Kobe dug with a gas detection device. “I had a reader already in the house to make sure there were no leaks coming from my old heater,” explained Bell. “When I saw the hole, I realized it was odd behavior for my dog. My intuition told me to check it.”Immediately the device detected gas. A potentially catastrophic amount of gas was coming from the hole Kobe dug in the yard!Bell alerted authorities right away and they informed her that the entire neighborhood should be grateful that Kobe detected the leak when he did. “We were told it could’ve caused serious health effects like respiratory issues, brain damage, and even death. They told me that something as simple as a light switch turning on could’ve caused an explosion, too.”As soon as they arrived at the address, the gas foreman and crew turned off the gas and started to work on the pipes. During the repairs, the crew discovered three other gas leaks in the neighborhood, all caused by old pipes. The crew worked for three days to repair the leaks and install new pipes. Workers told Bell that something as simple as turning on a light switch could have caused the gas to ignite and blow up the entire house. While they worked, the crew praised Kobe.“They were so impressed with Kobe and mentioned what a good dog he was,” said Bell, adding that people should always listen to their pets and their senses. The gas company said that it adds Marcaptan to the natural gas it administers to homes to produce a smell similar to rotten eggs to allow for easier leak detection. “Just like this customer, any time anyone smells a foreign odor or egg-like smell, they should immediately call,” said the utility company, in a statement. “It feels amazing to know Kobe saved our block, I am very thankful to have him,” added Bell. “I hope this spreads awareness to others about the dangers and severity of gas leaks and to pay attention to your fur babies!”  Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Should My Dog Wear a Winter Coat?

As the temperatures drop and winter approaches, many pet parents face a common question: Should my dog wear a winter coat? It’s a valid question! After all, we bundle up before heading out into the ice and snow. Why shouldn’t our dogs? This article will explore the considerations, benefits, and potential downsides of winter coats for dogs. Plus, we’ll share the coats we use to keep our pups warm and cozy. Let’s get started… Do All Dogs Need a Coat in Winter? The short answer is no. Not all dogs need a winter coat to stay comfortable in the colder temperatures. In fact, some dogs will be more comfortable without a winter coat. That leaves us with one more question – how do you know if your dog will need a coat this season? Here are a few factors to consider: Breed & Coat LengthWhat breed or breed mix is your dog? Some dogs, like the Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky, and Keeshond, were specifically bred to handle the colder temperatures. These dogs have thick double coats, including a water-resistant guard coat and a plush, warm undercoat. If you own one of these dogs, you may see them relaxing outside, happily napping in a snowbank. They thrive in cooler weather but struggle when the temperatures climb. On the other end of the spectrum, some dogs were bred to live in warmer climates. These dogs have short coats, offering little protection from the winter cold. Age Your dog’s age could make them more sensitive to changes in temperature, both heat and cold. If you have a young puppy or a senior dog, they may need a little extra care and attention. Not only do they feel cold faster, but the low temperatures could worsen the discomfort of a senior dog’s arthritis or other joint problems. Even if your dog once thrived in cold temperatures, they may struggle in their older years.Disease or Illness If your dog is currently living with a disease or illness, it can compromise their ability to regulate their body temperature effectively. Your dog’s condition can impact many aspects of their well-being. It may weaken their immune system, causing dehydration or interfering with proper circulation. Contact your veterinarian if you’re unsure whether your dog’s illness could impact their ability to handle the cold. Activity LevelAre you heading outside to hang out in your yard, or are you planning to engage in something more active like a hike or skijoring? As your dog’s muscles are engaged and working, they are producing heat that raises the body temperature. If your dog occasionally needs a light jacket, they may not need one during heavy activity. On the other hand, if your dog is usually okay when you’re going for a walk, they may need a light jacket or sweater if they are going to be standing around.

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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.

Wish Your Dog Could Understand You? New Study Says They Can!

You don’t have to be a dog owner to know that dogs can learn and understand commands like “sit” or “come”. But, a new study has made a groundbreaking discovery that dogs also know that certain words stand for specific objects. This finding won’t come as a big surprise to any dog owner who has ever asked their pup to “go get your toy” and, a minute later, been handed a chewed-up rubber ball or slobbery stuffed animal. Scientists have long been interested in learning whether dogs can truly associate words with objects. However, researchers couldn’t figure out whether dogs and other animals get a mental image when they hear an object's name. This would suggest that dogs have a better understanding of language than believed before. Researchers in Hungary have discovered that in addition to being able to respond to commands such as “sit”, “roll over”, or “stay” dogs can also grasp the essence of nouns. This relationship with language is called referential understanding, and it has been unproven in dogs until now. “When we are talking about objects, objects are external to the dogs and dogs have to learn that words refer, they stand for something that is external to them,” explained the study’s co-lead author, Marianna Boros, of the Department of Ethology at the Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.To get some answers about what is happening in the dog brain when it processes words, Boros and her colleagues asked 18 dog owners to bring their pooches to the lab along with five objects the dogs knew well. The objects included balls, slippers, leads, rubber toys, frisbees, and other items.Researchers instructed the owners to say the words for the items before showing their dog either the correct object or a different one. For example, the owner might say “Rover, look, the ball”, but hold up a lead instead. During the tests, the researchers measured the dogs’ brain activity using non-invasive electroencephalography, or EEG. The idea was to see whether EEG could offer a better insight into dogs’ understanding of language. The brain recordings showed different patterns in the brain when the dogs were shown an object that matched or didn’t match the owner’s spoken word. The difference was even greater for the words owners believed their dogs knew well.The same results were seen when humans performed these tests and are widely accepted as people understanding the word well enough to form a mental image of the object they were later shown. “We expected that if a dog really understands the meaning of the object’s word, it will expect to see that object. And if the owner shows a different one, there will be a so-called surprise reaction in the brain. And this is exactly what we found,” said Boros according to ABC News.Lilla Magyari, also of Eötvös Loránd University, and the other co-first author, said that although some other animals have shown some degree of referential understanding of language, they have typically been trained to do so. In dogs, she explained, such capacities seem to be inborn and don’t require any particular training or talent. Researchers stress they aren’t claiming that dogs understand words as well as humans. Future studies are needed to determine whether dogs can generalize in the same way humans learn to as children.This study raises an interesting question of why, if dogs understand nouns, more of them don’t show it. One possible answer is that dogs know more than they are willing to show us.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Shelter Cat's Brutally Honest Adoption Ad Goes Viral: She Will Own You

Last month, the Humane Society of Washington shared a brutally honest adoption post in which they introduced a cat who is up for adoption. The adoption post, which went viral, describes the feline in question as “a more lively houseplant.”The three-year-old tortoiseshell cat named Quinn arrived at the Humane Society of Washington County in Hagerstown, Maryland, in August as a stray. According to the post, Quinn is currently the shelter’s longest-term cat resident.This is not the first time the shelter advertised Quinn’s adoption. However, since the first post hasn’t helped Quinn find her person, the shelter decided to change tactics with a brutally honest profile.“Do you want a cat who doesn’t want you? Do you crave the feeling of being judged in your own home? Do you need someone who will slap you back into reality without notice? If you answered yes to any of these questions we have a cat for you!” posted the Humane Society of Washington County on Facebook. “Meet Quinn!” the shelter added.The post went on to say that Quinn’s not for everyone. “But surely there’s someone out there who would appreciate her icy stare and her sudden smacks.”Continuing to highlight all of Quinn’s quirks the post said “She has an uncanny ability to make people feel unwelcome in her presence!” This particular trait makes Quinn perfect for people who are tired of visitors and just want to enjoy the peace of their home. Additionally, Quinn isn’t an overly energetic feline. “Quinn only seems to want to play about once a month,” making her an ideal companion for people who aren’t big fans of physical activity.“Quinn is essentially a more lively houseplant, because all she really needs a human for is food, water, and changing her litter,” said the shelter.“If you adopt Quinn you will not be her owner, because Quinn cannot be owned. She will own you, your house, your belongings, and everything you hold dear.” The shelter also noted that Quinn isn’t on the main adoption floor with other felines and must be asked for by name. The feisty feline has taken up residence in an office where she rules with an iron paw. Anyone interested in being “Quinn’s servant” should not have canines or small children in the house. “Quinn would challenge any dog to a fight. For the dog’s safety, it’s best that she goes to a home without any canines,” said the shelter. The Humane Society of Washington County added - “Quinn is like a more physical version of someone yelling ‘Get off my lawn!’ at small children.” - leaving teens and adults as only suitable housemates. “We originally [shared] a conservative post highlighting Quinn’s strengths, but when no one came for her, we decided the best way to find her a home was to rip off the band-aid and just let her true colors shine,” said Collin A. Berry, executive director of the Humane Society of Washington County, to Fox News Digital. Soon after Quinn arrived at the shelter it became clear that she wasn’t a particularly social feline. She didn’t allow any of the staff to touch her for close to a week. After being sedated for an exam, and given a clean bill of health, it became clear that her behavior wasn’t the result of pain or an underlying health condition. “Everyone thought time and space would help, but as it turns out, Quinn is just Quinn,” said Berry. “She’s a lady who knows what she wants and when she wants it.”We’re happy to report that Quinn has been adopted! It turns out honesty is the best policy! Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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