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Best Cat Chew Toys

Lisa Selvaggio
by Lisa Selvaggio
Published:  November 16th, 2021

Do you have a kitty that loves to chew? If you need ideas to keep your feline’s teeth busy, check out our list of the best cat chew toys.

Chew toys designed for cats can be helpful if your kitty is the type of feline who likes to occasionally chew on things she shouldn’t. And these toys are also great for kittens who are teething. Plus, chew toys can add some fun variety to your cat’s toy collection, giving her something new to play with so she won’t get bored. And many chew toys are designed to help keep your pet’s teeth and gums clean too.

The right toys can help satisfy a kitty’s urge to chew on something, allowing your cat to act like the predator she naturally is. But one thing to keep in mind is that not all chewing is normal, so if your pet is obsessively chewing on objects around the house, a trip to the veterinarian might help you get some answers regarding why your cat is exhibiting this behavior, along with what you can do to stop it.

What are some of the best cat chew toys currently available? Below is a list of 15 products we recommend, in no particular order.

1. Editor’s Pick: Petstages Catnip Plaque Away Pretzel Cat Toy

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The Petstages Catnip Plaque Away Pretzel Cat Toy is a great choice when you want to give your kitty something to chew on that can also help keep her chompers clean. This small toy is good for kittens, adult cats, and seniors.

Shaped like a pretzel, it has a flossy netting that is designed to help support your pet’s dental health. Plus, it can even help freshen your feline friend’s breath. And because it has catnip, it can attract your cat and encourage her to play.

Just remember that it’s best to supervise your kitty while she plays with this toy, and inspect it regularly to ensure it’s still in good shape.

2. Runner Up: Frisco Minty Catch of the Day Chew Cat Toy

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The Frisco Minty Catch of the Day Chew Cat Toy is shaped like a fish and has a mint scent that may help freshen your kitty’s breath after she chews on it. Made of thermoplastic rubber, this toy can also be batted, tossed, and kicked around, encouraging your pet to play and exercise.

Whether you have a kitten who is teething or an adult cat who likes to chew when she plays, this toy might be just what you need to satisfy your pet’s needs. Let your kitty play with it on her own, or use it for interactive play. No matter what, supervising your cat’s playtime is always recommended.

3. Best for Bad Breath: Petstages Fresh Breath Mint Stick Cat Toy

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Another chew toy that doubles as a dental cleaning tool is the Petstages Fresh Breath Mint Stick Cat Toy. Good for cats of all ages, from kittens to seniors, this toy encourages playtime, as its lightweight and easy to carry and bat around.

This toy features a crinkle material that encourages your pet to play with it and bite it, along with durable netting that can help clean your pet’s teeth when she chews on it. So it is a great addition to other dental care steps you can take, such as brushing your kitty’s teeth and giving her dental treats. And it is filled with dried mint that can also work on helping to keep your cat’s breath fresh.

It’s a great idea to supervise your kitty while she plays with this small toy. You can also press and roll the center of it to help release some more of the mint scent. But if you notice that the toy is torn, ripped, or damaged in any way, it’s time to replace it.

4. Best for Dental Health: Petstages Catnip Chew Mice Cat Toy

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If your kitty loves catnip toys and you want to get her something that she will gladly chew on too, check out the Petstages Catnip Chew Mice Cat Toy. This is yet another fun toy for your cat that is helpful when it comes to taking steps to maintain her dental health.

Featuring a netted shell that is designed to withstand your cat’s chewing so it won’t unravel, this toy provides a floss-like action for cleaning a pet’s teeth and massaging the gums. And because it is filled with catnip, your cat will be attracted to it and want to play with it.

Great for felines of all ages, this toy is lightweight as well, so your pet will likely want to bat it around. And you can enjoy some interactive play by tossing it and letting your furry friend run after it.

5. Best for Teething: Petstages Dental Kitty Chew Wheel Cat Toy

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As you can probably tell by now, Petstages is a brand that has created a wide range of chew toys for cats. And their toys are also geared towards pet parents who want to provide their cats with toys that aren’t only fun, but also help keep the teeth and gums healthy. Another example is the Petstages Dental Kitty Chew Wheel Cat Toy.

A great choice for cats that like to chew, this durable, ring shaped toy with spokes is designed to help massage the gums, clean the teeth, and exercise the muscles of the jaw. The little fabric streamers that are tied to the ring are there to help encourage your cat to come and play.

This toy is non-toxic, good for cats of all ages, and a smart way to prevent boredom. As always, supervising your pet and regularly inspecting the toy for damage is highly recommended.

6. Best for Nighttime: Petstages Night Time Catnip Rolls Cat Toy

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Another Petstages toy to consider is their Night Time Catnip Rolls Cat Toy. Even though this toy is marketed as one that your cat can use during the night when she gets the urge to hunt and chew, your cat will likely love playing with it during the day as well.

These small catnip rolls contain 100% North American catnip without any fillers. They are made using a soft material to help reduce noise if your kitty does decide to play with them at night. Plus, the stick shape can encourage swatting, biting, and kicking, in addition to chewing.

7. Best Lightweight: Petstages Tons of Tails Cat Toy

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Designed for kitties that love to chew, the Petstages Tons of Tails Cat Toy encourages your cat to stalk, pounce, and bite. It’s a good choice for kitties of all ages, and it can also be a fun new toy that you can use for interactive play when you want to spend time bonding with your furry companion.

This toy is lightweight, so your cat can easily carry it, bat it around, and toss it during play sessions. It features three different fabric textures, all balled together. Streamers stick out from the toy to get your kitty excited to play, making it easy for her to grab the toy. And it is filled with catnip to keep her coming back for more.

8. Best Ball: Petstages Crepe Bumblers Cat Toy

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This toy doesn’t look like a chew toy at first but it actually is. The Petstages Crepe Bumblers Cat Toy is a set of two balls made from rubber. And when your kitty chews on this toy, it can even help clean her teeth.

Also, because they bounce erratically, these balls can be a nice addition to your cat’s toy collection when you want to give her something that will be both physically and mentally stimulating.

These bouncy balls entice your kitty to be active and get some exercise through play. Plus, this toy is also great for interactive play sessions. Encourage your cat to chase these balls around and pounce on them before chewing on them like she’s grabbed her prey.

9. Best Silver Vine: WoLover Silver Vine Sticks for Cats

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Sometimes, it’s the simplest solution the one that is also the cleverest- and these plain-looking twigs prove it. In a sea of colorful toys for cats, WoLover Silvervine Sticks for Cats stand out as particularly tantalizing to felines, as the secret is not in their looks but their scent. These branches are cut from a vine called Actinidia polygama, or more commonly silvervine or matatabi, which is a plant that produces effects similar to catnip- only more potent. With that in mind, it’s easy to see why what seems like a bunch of boring twigs to you will make your kitty go wild with excitement!

In addition to being a fun and enriching chew toy for your cat, WoLover Silvervine Sticks for Cats also promote better oral health. The texture of these natural, unprocessed twigs will help prevent plaque build-up, and in turn, promote better breath and healthier gums. The pack includes 12 or 25 pieces which is more than enough to keep your kitty engaged and her teefers sparkly clean for some time.

10. Best for Chewers: Petstages Dental Health Chews Cat Toy

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The Petstages Dental Health Chews Cat Toy is actually two toys in one package. One toy is shaped like a teardrop, while the other is shaped like a triangle, so you can give your cat some variety to help prevent boredom.

Both of these toys are lightweight, making them easy for your cat to carry, toss, and bat around. Plus, they are great for kitties that like to chew, whether you have a kitten or a senior cat.

Featuring netting that helps clean teeth and massage gums, along with streamers that entice your pet to play, these durable toys are designed in a way that ensures the netting will not end up unraveling even if your feline chews on them a lot. Also, the center of the toys are filled with catnip that your kitty won’t be able to resist.

11. Best Toothbrush: Ronton Cat Toothbrush Chew Toy

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If you’re looking for a chew toy that specifically caters to keeping your cat’s mouth clean and healthy, this chew toy from Ronton functions not only as a chew toy, but a toothbrush as well.

The great thing about chew toys is that many of them also double as aids to keep your pets mouth as healthy as possible, as you’ve probably started to piece together based on the last few products.

This non-toxic rubber chew toy features an appealing texture that your cat will be itching to munch on and was built to withstand rough play. What’s great about this toy is that you can fill it with catnip to really keep your pet engaged.

12. Best Soft Toy: Legendog Cat Chew Toy

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If your furry friend loves catnip toys, these Legendog Cat Chew Toys are a great option – especially for multi pet households.

Each set includes 5 cat-shaped toys, all made from a durable cotton linen and stuffed with soft polypropylene and natural catnip. You can also choose from three different color combinations as well as slight variations on shape and design!

They’re not overwhelmingly large, but big enough in size that your cat will have no problems grabbing hold.

13. Best Pack: Vitscan Cat Toys for Indoor Cats

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With 12 different pieces ranging in color, design, shape and sound, these plush toys from Vitscan are a great choice for busy homes with multiple cats or animals who get bored of their toys easily.

This set of toys also features a variety of noises – 4 toys squeak, 4 rattle and 4 rustle! In addition to their fun sounds and soft construction, these toys are filled with 100% pure and organic catnip to keep your fur baby entertained and engaged. You also don’t need to worry about your cat ripping them to shreds – these toys were well-stitched and were built to withstand aggressive chewers.

14. Best Interactive: Potaroma Electric Flopping Fish

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With realistic movements, this flopping fish plush toy is a great way to not only keep your cat busy while you’re working, but also stimulate them mentally and encourage them to exercise!

If your furry friend gets bored of their chew toys fast, investing in an interactive toy might help keep their interest. This toy in particular emulates the movements of a live fish to inspire your cat’s natural hunting instincts, which in turn provides them with hours of stimulating and active play time.

Although this Potaroma Flopping Fish is electric, your cats can go to town on this chew toy thanks to it’s non-toxic, durable plush exterior!

15. Best With Catnip: OurPets 100% North American Catnip Filled Cat Toys

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Available in a handful of different fun shapes and designs, these OurPets chew toys are filled with 100% natural catnip to create a strong aroma, packed inside a soft yet durable exterior.

If you have a cat in your home who goes crazy for catnip, why not buy a chew toy filled with the good stuff to keep their teeth out of your nice furniture? Not only does this chew toy provide mental stimulation, but it’s also a great opportunity for a workout. Filled with North American grown Cosmic catnip, this bright toy can also help to reduce stress, anxiety and boredom in your fur baby!

16. Also Consider: Potaroma Plush Cat Chew Toys

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These Potaroma Plush Cat Chew Toys were constructed using soft, yet extremely durable materials, making this an ideal choice for homes with aggressive cats!

To round out our list we’ve chosen another amazing set of catnip filled toys that will peak your feline’s interest. In addition to it’s catnip filling, these plush chew toys are made from a soft and cat-safe polypropylene stuffing.

What’s great about the materials used in these toys specifically, is that they’re designed to be bite resistant – which means your aggressive cat can play with these toys without the fear of them being easily destroyed. That being said, you shouldn’t leave your pet unattended when they’re interacting with small chew toys.

Providing Your Cat with a Variety of Chew Toys Is Easy

As you can see, there are quite a few chew toys for cats, so these types of toys aren’t just for dogs. We hope this list has helped narrow down your options to those that your pet is sure to love.

We are committed to finding, researching, and recommending the best products. We earn commissions from purchases you make using the retail links in our product reviews. Learn more about how this works.

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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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Parvovirus - a single word no dog owner wants to hear. Canine parvovirus is one of the most deadly conditions that affect thousands of puppies in the U.S. yearly.Until now, there has been no specific cure for parvovirus, with treatment relying on supportive care. But that changed in May when USDA granted a conditional license for the first-ever canine parvovirus treatment.Developed by Elanco Animal Health Incorporated, the Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody is a single-dose intravenous injection that has been shown to reduce the length of hospital stay and increase the survival rate of dogs diagnosed with parvovirus. In Elanco’s clinical trials, “zero dogs died when treated with Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody,” said Kristen Zersen, DVM, DACVECC, assistant professor of small animal emergency and critical care at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. That’s fantastic news considering that parvo’s mortality rate is around 91% for dogs not treated with supportive care.While the treatment efficiency study focused on eight-week-old puppies, Zersen said that safety studies have shown that the treatment is well tolerated by puppies as young as six weeks old. “The puppies treated with Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody had significantly faster times to resolution of vomiting, inappetence, and lethargy,” said Zersen. Elanco’s Monoclonal Antibody is the first and only treatment available for parvo which affects around 330,000 dogs each year. Administered intravenously in a single dose, this groundbreaking treatment works by binding to the virus directly, preventing it from entering into host cells. Another great thing about this treatment is that it can be given to dogs at any stage of the disease. The effects of the treatment may vary from one dog to the next but according to Zersen, “Overall the treatment makes for less time, less worry, and less labor helping the dog to feel better faster.”That’s a positive change considering how this deadly disease has been treated in the past. “Traditional canine parvovirus treatment can consist of 24/7 care, three to five days of hospitalization, high pet owner costs, and emotional stress with no guaranteed outcome,” explained Zersen. “Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody offers a targeted solution. Dogs are treated with one intravenous dose that’s highly effective and proven to decrease mortality and may provide faster resolution of the symptoms of this potentially deadly disease.”Elanco expects to obtain full USDA approval in 2024, but veterinarians are able to get the medicine in the meantime. An eight-week-old pit bull mix was one of the first to receive this lifesaving treatment and knows exactly how effective monoclonal antibodies are. As soon as Cookie started to show symptoms of parvo, including lethargy, lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea, her owner brought her to the Fix Project’s Parvo ICU.There, a test confirmed that Cookie has, indeed, contracted parvo. Cookie received Elanco’s Monoclonal Antibody treatment and was admitted to the ICU for supportive care. “We gave the injection, placed a catheter, and gave her the rest of our protocol. And the beautiful part about the drug was we had her in and out. We parvo tested her on Friday, and she came back strong positive. By Sunday, she was eating. And then by Monday, we parvo tested her, and she was going home that day,” Dr. Andrew Cabrera, veterinarian and medical director at The Fix Project, told People in an interview. Cookie was one of the first pups to be treated with Elanco’s Monoclonal Antibody treatment, but she wasn’t the last. Dr. Cabrera shares he has seen similar results in parvo cases he has treated. “The success rate has been night and day,” he said. “We are able to get them eating a little faster and out of the hospital a little more quickly.”Hopefully, vets around the country will include Elanco’s Monoclonal Antibody treatment in current parvo protocols to increase the survival rate and reduce hospitalization time.

Technology Tracking Dogs Really Are a Thing

We’ve all heard of dogs that can sniff out drugs and explosives or locate missing persons from a simple whiff of their clothing… but what’s all this about technology trackers? Can I seriously teach my pooch to hunt down the TV remote that went missing over the weekend? Actually, it’s not that kind of technology. You see, this highly specialized dog is trained to detect a compound called triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO) and with a dog’s approximately 400 million olfactory receptors (humans have closer to 50 million) these super sleuths can smell that stuff through pocket material, duffle bags, a shoe insole, and even drywall. Now, if you’re wondering what TPPO is, it’s the compound used to cover circuit boards in storage devices ranging from hard drives to USB sticks, memory cards and even those tiny SIM cards that store data on our cellphones. Essentially, it’s the all-important coating that prevents these gadgets from overheating and because of that, it’s a compound that will never not be present on electronic devices.But as to why this specific training is growing in K9 units worldwide you need to consider the increase in cyber-terrorism. From drug and human trafficking to child pornography and weapons offences, the need to locate a criminal’s “tools of the trade” such as computers, burner phones, and hard drives is essential to securing a successful conviction. And while internet use and location trackers have made it easy to trail an individual, many perpetrators now work on darknets – an overlay that uses the internet but requires special software for the person to access illicit data.Of course, even a darknet involves a computer system and that’s where the TPPO-sniffing pooch steps up to the plate. Find the perp and let this specially trained K9 agent track down the concealed storage system. I mean, when you’re dealing with something as easily hidden as a SIM card, having a secret furry weapon that detects the scent, then sits, barks and wags his tail saves a heck of a lot of time.Truth is, technology-tracking dogs are becoming more and more common in the execution of this type of warrant because police often get just one shot at finding the much-needed evidence. No surprise that the best dogs for this type of work tend to be the usual suspects – Labrador retrievers because of their heightened sensory skills, innate hunting traits and their gentle disposition – important if there are younger family members present during a search. Other faves include the stately Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd dogs for their tenacity and handler loyalty. I’m not convinced my Schnoodles would rank but as with most family pooches, they’re ace at hunting down an errant chip between the sofa cushions… and that’s good enough for me.

Study Reveals Older Dogs Who Sleep Badly May Have Dementia

It’s hard to watch a beloved dog get old, as it seems like only yesterday your senior pooch was a teething puppy with a penchant for chewing your slippers. The American Kennel Club, the expert on all doggy things, says that most small breeds become seniors between the ages of seven and 10. Larger breeds age faster than their small counterparts and are considered old when they are six years old. Like old people, senior dogs can get dementia.As they age, dogs can develop canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS), a condition that is very similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans. Scientists have long known that people with dementia can find it harder to get to sleep. Now, researchers from North Carolina State University have discovered that senior dogs with dementia experience the same sleep problems as people with dementia. “Just like humans with Alzheimer's disease, dogs with CCDS, experience sleep disruptions, such as insomnia, and sleep fragmentation,” said senior study author Dr. Natasha Olby, a professor of veterinary neurology, neurosurgery, and gerontology at North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine. To discover whether sleep problems are a sign of early dementia in dogs, as they are in people, Dr. Olby and her team used a group of senior dogs who were part of an ongoing trial testing antiaging supplements. Scientists selected 28 dogs between the ages of 10 and 16 to participate in the new sleep study. To be included in the antiaging study, the dog must have lived more than 75% of the expected lifespan for their breed. The dogs also couldn’t suffer from arthritis or be blind, as they needed to complete tasks designed to test their cognitive abilities. Scientists evaluated each dog’s cognitive abilities by having them perform a series of tests and asking their owners to fill out a list of questions, known as the Canine Dementia Scale Questionnaire.In the new study, researchers used polysomnography, a form of electroencephalogram (EEG) used to diagnose sleep problems in people. The researchers affixed electrodes on the dogs’ skulls using a water-soluble gel and recorded brain activity during a two-hour nap. “Past sleep studies in dogs often involved surgically implanted electrodes,” said Alejandra Mondino, a postdoctoral researcher at North Carolina State University. “Non-invasive studies are relatively new. We are one of a handful of groups doing this work.”When results from cognitive testing were compared to sleeping brain waves, researchers discovered that dogs with more advanced dementia took longer to fall asleep and spent less time sleeping. “These dogs have dementia and sleep disruption is a part of that,” said Mondino. “In addition to the shorter time spent sleeping, when we look at the EEG, we saw their brain activity during sleep was more akin to wakefulness. In other words, when they do manage to sleep, their brains aren’t really sleeping.”These results don’t explain the link between sleep and dementia, but studies like this one may help scientists to better understand the process and find ways to treat it. “There’s a possibility we might be able to identify an early signature of change on the EEG that can tell us ‘Hey, things are starting to slide’. Because with a chronic neurodegenerative process, of course, we’d love to be able to intervene sooner rather than later,” said Olby according to CNN Health.Until that happens, veterinarians can prescribe medications for anxiety and melatonin for sleep to senior dogs with cognitive decline. Diet and exercise also appear to be a factor. Studies have shown that diets rich in flavonoids, antioxidants, and medium-chain fatty acids could potentially slow the development of dementia in dogs. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

San Juan Puerto Rico’s Iconic Stray Felines to Be Evicted

One-year deadline imposed by the US National Park Service to shift almost 200 cats from 16th-century El Morro fortress.

Great Dane Sets the Largest Litter Record at North Carolina Rescue

A North Carolina dog gave birth to a litter of puppies and has set a record in the process. Earlier this month, Perfectly Imperfect Pups, a North Carolina foster-based rescue took in a pregnant Great Dane, named Meadow. Two days later, Meadow gave birth to 15 puppies. “It’s the largest litter we have ever seen,” said Nicole Kincaid, the rescue’s founder and director. “We could not believe it when we heard she had 15 puppies, and most of them male! We are so excited for their bright future!”Meadows litter is the largest the rescue has seen since it was founded three years ago. The PIP’s founder and director, Nicole Kincaid, shared that this is also the largest litter she has seen in her 13-year-long rescue career. According to Kincaid, Meadow’s litter is unique for another reason - most of the puppies in the litter are male. “Shockingly enough, we have 12 boys, which is a huge number of boys out of a litter.”PIPs share the news of the record-breaking litter in a Facebook post, writing, “Puppies, puppies, and more puppies! Mamma Meadow and her crew are doing great.”“We are shocked to find out how many puppies she actually had and that all have survived and are doing well,” said Kincaid, according to PEOPLE. “Before being taken in by the Perfectly Imperfect Pups, Meadow had an unsteady past. “She has been passed around to five homes, since giving birth to another litter in February. She was being given away on social media and we reached out, but unfortunately, they gave her away pregnant to someone else.”“Within two days they contacted us and asked if we could still take [Meadow], and of course, we were delighted to take her in,” Kincaid shared. “We got her to our vet the next day, and the day after, she started going into labor.”Meadow is just one of many dogs who had the misfortune of being bounced around from one home to the next. Kincaid shared that this wasn’t Meadow’s fault, saying, “People get a large breed dog, and they don’t realize what they are getting themselves into.”“We are delighted that this will be her final [litter], and her next home will be her forever home,” said Kincaid. “We will also make sure that all 15 puppies go to homes that are experienced with large breed dogs.”For now, Shari Willson, one of the Perfectly Imperfect Pups’ fosters is taking care of Meadow and her pups. The foster mom is supplement feeding the pups in between feedings to make sure all puppies are getting enough food. “Everyone’s gaining weight, everyone’s eating, they are all doing really well,” said Willson.Kincaid praised Meadow’s foster home, saying that her organization “is so proud of our foster parents. They take in dogs without knowing what the next few days or months could bring.”“Taking in a pregnant dog is even more of a challenge because you don’t always know when mom will give birth, how many puppies will be born, or what complications may come along,” she said.The rescue has already received applications and hundreds of messages about adopting Meadow or her puppies when they are old enough to go to their forever homes. All of PIP’s adopters sign a contract in which they commit to taking care of the dog for its entire life and promise to contact the rescue if they can no longer care for them. The rescue’s post-adoption team follows up with the adopters and is available to answer any medical or training-related questions. Mamma Meadow and her pups are going to make wonderful companions and loving dogs to their new families! Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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.

When is the Best Time to Start Puppy Training?

Training your pet is a very important task as it will shape them into a friendly, obedient dog that’s a pleasure to be around. While it does require a lot of patience and effort, training your dog on time makes your life as an owner much easier and prevents a myriad of behavior issues and other problems down the road. Of course, it goes without saying that you should start training early, while your doggo is still a puppy. That is the time when they gladly soak up all the information and eagerly learn. But when exactly is the best time to start puppy training? You can’t do it while they are still teeny-tiny, nor should you wait too long. What is the ideal middle ground? Let’s find out.When is the Best Time to Start Puppy Training?Puppies are like sponges, soaking up information from their environment and their owner, so early training can set a solid foundation for good behavior and establish obedience throughout their lives. Ideally, you can start basic training such as housebreaking, socialization, and simple commands like "sit" and "stay" when your puppy is around 8 weeks old. This is the general “golden rule” that many owners stick by. When they reach that 2-month mark, it’s considered the ideal time for them to quickly grasp the commands you teach them. If you think that this could be “too early” to start training, you are wrong. There are numerous benefits to early training, and all of them are critical for your dog’s well-being and normal behavior. Here are just a few of them:SocializationEarly socialization is so important for puppies. It allows them to learn how to properly interact with other dogs and humans and prevents aggression and behavioral problems later in life. During this period you should expose your pet to new environments, sounds, and sights.BondingTraining sessions are a great way to strengthen the bond between you and your puppy. Spending time together, teaching them new things, and rewarding good behavior builds trust and a positive relationship.Preventing Behavioral IssuesIf you spot behavior issues while your dog is still a puppy, it is easier to prevent them from becoming nasty habits. As you teach your pet proper behavior and as you set up boundaries, you will prevent many nasty issues from forming, such as excess chewing, barking, or disobedience. If you already notice chewing issues that stem from teething, make sure to redirect their attention to an appropriate chew toy and use  puppy no-chew deterrent sprays to help you shift their focus.

Media Maven Martha Stewart Gets Push Back Over Dog Food Recipe

Use of "home-grown" meat draws ire from followers and falls on the heels of last year's negative press.

UK Firefighters Get No Thanks from Rescued Cat

Trapped between brick walls, rescued feline's epic scowl captures readers attention.

Holiday Gifts for Your Cats: Tips and Recommendations

Your cat is a member of your family, so why not include them in the gift giving tradition of the holidays by getting them something special? With a wide range of pet products on the market, you can find an item that your kitty is sure to love, and you can make sweet memories in the process. Whether you have a stocking for your furbaby or you plan on wrapping a little gift for them, here are some holiday gift ideas for cats to help you get started.

Guinness World Records Reviews Bobi’s 'World's Oldest Dog' Title

A Portuguese dog named Bobi made news last year when Guinness World Records crowned him as the world’s oldest dog. Bobi was 31 years and 165 days old when he died at his home last October.However, Guinness World Records has now suspended Bobi’s title after complaints made by veterinarians and professionals questioning the legitimacy of his age.Bobi, who was a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, was also declared the world’s oldest dog ever, breaking a nearly century-old record held by an Australian cattle dog, named Bluey, who died in 1939 at the age of 29 years and 5 months. The average life expectancy of a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo is 12 to 14 years.A spokesperson for the Guinness World Records explained that the review into Bobi’s record is ongoing and it includes looking over the evidence again, looking for new evidence, and talking to experts and all those linked to the original application. “While our review is ongoing we have decided to temporarily pause both the record titles for oldest dog living and (oldest dog) ever just until all of our findings are in place and have been communicated,” said the spokesperson, according to CBS News.Several skeptics pointed out that Bobi’s feet appear to be of different color in photos of him as a puppy and in recent pictures of him in his old age. A Lisbon vet, Miguel Figuereido said last year that Bobi doesn’t really look like a very old dog with mobility problems and an old dog muscle mass. Additionally, an investigation by Wired discovered that Bobi had been formally registered on Portugal’s pet database in July 2022. Leonel Costa, the dog’s owner, registered Bobi as being born in 1992, but there hasn’t been any proof, other than the owner’s word. According to Portuguese law, dogs born before 2008 didn’t have to be registered until October 2020. The Portuguese database for dogs, cats, and other pets also told Wired that they weren’t contacted by Guinness World Records to verify the information. Many other veterinarians and canine experts have questioned Bobi’s true age in correspondence to the Guinness World Records. A veterinarian and council member of the Royal Colledge of Veterinary Surgeons, Danny Chambers, told the Guardian, “Not a single one of my veterinary colleagues believe Bobi was actually 31 years old.”Guinness World Records insists that the suspension is temporary while the review is ongoing.Bobi spent his whole life living with the Costa family in the village of Conqueiros, in Portugal. The pooch, who was allegedly born on May 11, 1992, escaped death in his first days of life. Bobi, along with three other puppies, was born in a woodshed belonging to the Costa family. But, because they already owned many animals, the parents decided to get rid of the newborn puppies.One puppy - Bobi - was unintentionally left behind and discovered days later. Bobi’s owner, Leonel Costa, who was eight, and his sister persuaded their parents to keep the pup, and so he remained living with the family.Leonel Costa defended Bobi’s title saying that “an elite within the veterinary world…tried to give people an idea that Bobi’s life story was not true.”Costa believes this happened because he attributed Bobi’s longevity to a varied diet of human foods, rather than pet food. He said this goes against the recommendations of many veterinarians. “Everything would be different if we had said he (Bobi) ate pet food for three decades,” said Costa, adding that they’d provided everything Guinness World Records requested to validate Bobi’s age. Bobi has never been chained up or put on a leash and used to roam the woods around the village until he got too old to move much. He spent his golden years lounging in the yard with the family cats. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Lost Tortoise Found After 3 Years

A story about a lost tortoise in Florida proves that reunions can happen even years after losing a pet, and that social media can play a huge role in reconnecting people with their lost pets.

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