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Best Cat Collars

Angela Vuckovic
by Angela Vuckovic
Published:  December 10th, 2021

Cat collars are not just a stylish accessory for your pet – they can signal that your pet is not a stray and provide contact information in case your pet gets lost. Here is our selection of the best cat collars for your feline friend!

It’s a necessity for dogs to have collars, but cats often get overlooked when accessories are considered. Of course, there’s no reason for this as cat collars ensure safety and offer a touch of style to felines, so it makes sense to get one for your cat too. Not only are they a cute accessory, but can really bring the safety standard up to par. They include reflective strips for nocturnal visibility, safety bells for sound warnings, quick release clasps, and nifty D rings for leashes if you want to take your pet for a walk. And, naturally, they are ideal if you want to make your cat even cuter than it already is with a fashionable accessory- that actually won’t bother them as outfits might do.

Of course, there is a great variety of unique designs out there. Various patterns, styles, additions, and safety features can make your choice somewhat difficult. To that end, we have gathered the best cat collars on the market to make your choice much easier!

1. Editor’s Choice: Taglory Reflective Cat Collars

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Here is a great way for your kitty to both look fabulous and to stay safe! This unique cat collar is perfectly designed to hide a nifty safety feature in plain sight. When looks are concerned, your cat will be nothing short of charming, thanks to the incredible selection of bright and happy colors, a unique paw-print pattern, and a cute cat-head emblem. The collar is made from durable nylon material that is great for daily wear and tear. Of course, the best feature of this design is the reflective material. It allows you to always spot your cat – even in the dark. As an added safety feature, there is a little bell. It makes a sound whenever your cat moves, giving you- and the wildlife- the much-needed heads up. And best of all, it is small enough not to be annoying. A superb and balanced design.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Reflective material
  • Adjustable size

Cons

  • Cat ears on the buckle are sharp

2. Runner Up: Extodry 14-pack Breakaway Cat Collars

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If you are looking to stock up on cat collars – or have several kitties that need one – this multi-pack will be a great money saver. Quality-wise, these collars lack no features. The material used here is highly durable nylon – it can withstand virtually anything your cat puts it through. Of course, it is fully adjustable to fit any cat, and also features a safety clasp in the shape of a cartoon cat. Safety is also a big feature here: the included reflective strip will help you spot your feline friend even in pitch darkness. And, if that isn’t enough to put your mind at ease, then you can rely on a nifty little bell. This design comes in a variety of colors, and also has an included little metal pill case. This is worn on the collar and can contain valuable information rolled on a paper: in case your curious cat gets lost.

Pros

  • Great for families with multiple cats or cats that frequently lose collars
  • Reliable design
  • Vital information casing

Cons

  • Multi-pack only

3. Customer’s Choice: Joytale Bowtie Cat Collar

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Your beloved feline friend is adorable: there’s no doubting that. But a fun accessory could make them look even cuter! With this fabulous bowtie collar, your little kitty will look like a complete sweetheart. Joytale offers this quirky and unique design, both for male and female kitties. It is made from quality 100% cotton fabric and sports a lovely plaid pattern. You have several color combinations to choose from, and the signature bow ties match them. The bowtie can also be moved around if you want to experiment with different looks. For added safety, there is a quick-release clasp, as well as a little bell to warn you of any exploratory movements. And, of course, the collar is fully adjustable for size.

Pros

  • Safety clasp
  • Great color selection
  • Stylish and charming

Cons

  • Could be more durable

4. Best Escape-Proof: WAAAG Pet Collar

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Some kitties can be quite thorough in their attempts to get rid of their collar. But it’s there for their own safety, and it needs to stay on. This highly durable cat collar will not yield to even the hardest kitty-beatings. These collars are handmade in the USA and really thick and durable, woven with hardy nylon fabric. They are fully adjustable and come with a safety breakaway buckle. One great feature is their unique design. Bring out your cat’s true feline nature with charming inlaid moon and star decorations that even glow in the dark a little. A cute crescent moon with a cat pendant makes this collar a true charmer. Additionally, each collar comes with a decorated gold bell – for some extra safety – and you get a variety of colors to choose from. What’s not to love?

Pros

  • Durable
  • Added safety bell
  • Beautiful design

Cons

  • Can be a bit too thick

5. Best for Kittens: SCENEREAL Natural Sceneries Pet Collar

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Everyone and everything needs more color in life! Plain old single-color cat collars are quickly getting dull and unimaginative. Treat your feline friend with one of these unique and super cute collars. Highly durable and made from 100% polyester, these collars come with embroidered natural sceneries. Accentuate your cat’s style with patterns that resemble mountains and forests, sunlit horizons, sea creatures, or simple geometric patterns. Either one is simply irresistible. These collars are not just cute – they are fully adjustable and come with a quick-release safety clasp, so they can fit kittens and lean adults both. A sturdy metal D-ring allows you to attach a leash if you want to, and a nifty little bell will warn you of all your pet’s movements. Beautiful and functional combined into one!

Pros

  • Metal D-ring
  • Soft but sturdy
  • A solid choice of prints

Cons

  • Safety buckle could be sturdier

6. Best Spooky: stpiater Halloween Cat Collars

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It doesn’t have to be Halloween for your pet to be in the spirit of all things spooky! However, if you want to include your pet in the holiday but they are not cooperative about wearing costumes, this Halloween-themed collar is just the thing. You can make the eerie transformation simple and quick with this unique Halloween cat collar. This economy 3-pack offers you a range of different spooky patterns: critters, spiders, skulls, Jack-O-Lantern pumpkins, and cobwebs. All the goofs a proper Halloween needs. Your cat won’t feel left out. As far as the collar is concerned, the quality is superb, thanks to a sturdy nylon fabric build. There is a quick-release safety buckle, as well as a nifty little warning bell. Now you can bring your feline friend trick-or-treating with you! Boo!

Pros

  • Great quality
  • Thin and tough
  • Fun and stylish

Cons

  • Only three patterns

7. Best for Female Cats: BoomBone Flower Cat Collar

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Do you love elegant and feminine floral designs? There is no reason not to transfer that passion onto your cat pet. These superb collars are a true breath of fresh air – and are endlessly elegant as well. Each collar is adorned with a lovely floral pattern done in pretty pastel colors. A special detail is an attached flower charm. Similar to a bowtie, it will make your cat the true star of the show. Each collar is made from high-density polyester webbing with durable stitches. The material is stretchy and can be fully adjusted to meet your needs. The design also includes a quick release buckle, and a safety bell as well. This offer comes as a 3-pack, with each collar included having a different floral design. This is true feline elegance!

Pros

  • Warning bell
  • Elegant design
  • Stretchy material

Cons

  • Could be more durable

8. Best Leather: CollarDirect Leather Cat Collar

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When it comes to pet collars, nothing beats good old leather. It is flexible, very tough, and feels natural against the skin. This unique cat collar design holds true to that concept. It is made from soft genuine leather and is hand-stitched for extra durability. A great feature is the added elastic strap. Not only that it makes it more comfortable and highly adjustable, but it also helps you take the collar off quickly if your cat gets stuck on something. And with the included quick-release clasp, this is super fast. It is important to mention the included safety bell that is brightly colored. Collars come in a variety of easy-to-spot colors as well. All in all, this is a simple but very efficient design that really makes your cat easy to spot.

Pros

  • Easy to spot anywhere
  • Added elastic strap
  • Durable leather

Cons

  • Elastic can stretch out after a while

9. Best Bling: EXPAWLORER Cat Collar

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Nothing says “style” like some sparkly bling! If you want your feline friend to really feel royal, then you need these diamond-studded collars. Each one is made from durable and thick velvet material that is super soft and comfortable for your cat to wear. The collars are hand-stitched for extra durability, and feature adjustment buckles and a quick release. Of course, their biggest feature is the faux diamonds! These shiny rhinestones are easy to spot and super stylish – your cat will quickly stand out from the crowd. Each option comes as a 2-pack, and you can choose from three colors, pink, purple, and black. All are equally grand!

Pros

  • Breakaway buckle for safety
  • Great durability
  • Sparkly bling!

Cons

  • Only three colors to choose from

What to Look for in Cat Collars

You’d think that a cat collar is a simple accessory that isn’t particularly needed for practical purposes, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Cat collars are not just about style, which means that there are many other important features you need to consider besides the design. Features designed for your pet’s safety and the safety of wildlife are the most important elements to consider- this is what to look for in cat collars.

Quick Release

Quick-release clasps and buckles are a must on all cat collars. They are not just a means to secure the collar around your pet’s neck – they are a means to quickly get it off too. This becomes especially important if your cat gets stuck somewhere, or snagged. In any case of trouble, you can react quickly and get the collar off before trouble occurs. When every second counts, this little feature becomes a lifesaver.

Reflection

One of the foremost safety features that can be found on some cat collars is the reflective strip. This unique fabric becomes really bright in total darkness. And, as we all know, cats can be quite the explorers. But exploring at night can turn to trouble quickly. You can always spot your mischievous cat in the darkness thanks to the little strip of reflective material on its collar.

Sound warning

Almost all cat collar designs on offer will come with a little bell attached. At first glance, this might seem like a simple decoration item. But it’s much more than that. Thanks to the bell, you can always know your cat’s movements around the house. And, depending on the sound itself, you can know if something is amiss. In the case that your cat gets lost, you can go a-searching and guide yourself by the bell sound. It can make a big difference in certain situations. Another important factor is, if your pet goes outside, a bell will scare off their prey and make sure that the ecosystem stays in balance and isn’t disrupted by your little predator.

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Angela Vuckovic
Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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In a groundbreaking study, researchers have discovered striking similarities between the most common type of brain tumor in dogs and humans - meningioma. These findings were published in the scientific journal Acta Neuropathologica. Until now, scientists struggled to find reliable experimental models to understand the biology of and develop effective treatments for these tumors. But thanks to these newly discovered similarities, doctors will be able to use a classification system that identifies these aggressive tumors in humans and pooches.“The discovery that naturally occurring canine tumors closely resemble their human counterparts opens numerous avenues of exploring the biology of these challenging tumors,” said Dr. Akash Patel, an associate professor of neurosurgery at Baylor College of Medicine and principal investigator at the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute (Duncan NRI) at Texas Children’s Hospital. “It also provides opportunities for developing and studying novel treatments applicable to both humans and dogs,” he added.During the study, researchers analyzed 62 dog meningiomas from 27 breeds and found that the tumors were remarkably similar to the same kinds of tumors in humans. To this date, this is the largest study of the gene expression profiles of the canine meningioma. Others, including Dr. Jonathan Levine, a VMBS professor and the head of the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences (VSCS), and Dr. Tiemo Klisch, assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine and Principal Investigator at Duncan NRI, were involved in the study along Dr. Patel. Meanwhile, assistant professor Dr. Beth Boudreau was a key collaborator. Previous work done by Levine, Boudreau, and others at VMBS, which found similarities between gliomas - the second most common type of brain tumors - in humans and dogs, was instrumental for Patel’s study. “We ended up agreeing to provide Patel with canine tumor samples we had worked years and years to achieve, to see if he could isolate the RNA, which is not always easy to do,” said Levine, in a statement. “He was able to produce this very robust data set that showed a similar pattern structure to human tumors. Our team also provided Dr. Patel with key clinical outcome data, including responses to certain treatments.”Now that the researchers have found a link between brain tumors in humans and dogs they hope to establish clinical trials to continue their research. Setting up this type of clinical trial can take several years of planning and requires funding.“We are really interested in creating wins for both human and animal medicine,” said Levine. “For example, we hope to give dog owners access to therapy that’s not available anywhere else in the world through clinical trials. At the same time, that information will also inform the next step of human trials.”As it happens, another group of researchers from the University of California, Davis, conducted a similar study with matching results about meningioma in humans and dogs. This study was also published in the scientific journal Acta Neuropathologica.Now, the two research groups plan to collaborate in the future and share their findings to develop treatment options for both human and canine brain tumors. “If we do one trial, we’d be able to enroll patients a lot more quickly, which would make it easier to get larger data sets resulting in stronger findings. So we have a lot of interest in doing a collaborative trial,” added Levine. “We really see the team out in California as potential partners.” Thanks to this groundbreaking research, scientists now have a better understanding of brain tumors and are one step closer to developing life-saving treatments for both humans and dogs. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How To Tell if a Cat Is Cold

Despite your cat’s luxurious coat, they can feel cold sometimes, and it’s important to make it easy for them to warm up because, if they get too cold, they could become hypothermic. Keep reading to learn how to spot the signs that your cat is cold, and how to help them feel warm and comfortable.Signs Your Cat Is ColdCats of all ages and breeds can feel the effects of the cold, but kittens, seniors, and those who are ill are more susceptible. And, of course, hairless cats can get cold even faster. Here are some of the ways to tell if your cat is cold:Your cat’s body feels cold – Feel your cat’s body to see if they’re cold to the touch. If their ears, paws, and tail are colder than normal, they may need help warming up. Your cat’s posture changes – A cat who’s cold may curl up in a ball to try to warm up. You might also find them puffing up their fur or they might be in a hunched position as they try to conserve heat. Your cat is looking for warmer spots – A kitty who’s feeling the chill in the air will find the warmest spots in the house. They might get under the thick blanket on your bed, or they might insist on sitting in your lap. And you might find them spending more time near a heater or fireplace. During the day, they might also move to areas that get more sunshine to feel its warmth.Your cat isn’t as active – When a cat feels too cold, they may become less active. If your pet is sleeping more or appears lethargic, first make sure that another medical issue isn’t to blame. If it’s because they’re cold, take action to warm them up, including turning up the heat in your home. Bear in mind that cats with certain conditions, such as arthritis, might feel even more discomfort when it’s cold, and this can lead to changes in activity level and behavior too.Your cat starts shivering – Like people, cats shiver when they’re very cold, and this is a sign that you need to warm them up right away. But because this could also be a symptom of other problems, from illness and pain to stress and fear, be sure to determine if temperature is really the culprit.What To Do if Your Cat Is ColdThere are many ways to help your feline friend feel cozy and comfortable, such as:Give your cat a cozy bed and blanket in a warm spotWhen you see that your cat is feeling cold, give them a warm bed that they can rest in to warm up. There are heated beds that you plug in, as well as self-warming beds that work without electricity. Plus, there are heated pads that can be helpful in making your kitty feel cozy. And you can let your cat crawl under a soft blanket for extra warmth. Just be sure to use heated beds and pads as directed to prevent injuries. Let your cat relax in a warm area in the house, such as near a heat source or in a spot where the sunshine streams in during the day. Move your pet away from drafts.Snuggle with your catOnce your cat finds a comfortable spot on the bed or sofa, you can lie down next to them to help them warm up with your body heat. They’re sure to love the attention, and you’ll get to be near your purring feline friend.  Put sweaters on your catAs long as your kitty doesn’t mind wearing clothes, you can use sweaters to keep them warm on chilly days. This is especially useful for hairless kitties. And you can use clothes to keep your cat warm while exploring the outdoors with you.Protect cats who spend time outsideIf your pet is an adventure cat who goes outside with you, or an indoor/outdoor cat who goes out on their own, check outdoor temperatures first. Generally, it’s best to let them spend time outside only when it’s at least 45°F (7°C), but every cat is different, so some might only feel comfortable when it’s even warmer than that.Whenever it’s cold, raining, windy, or snowing, keep them indoors until the weather clears and warms up. Remember, cats who are cold or wet for too long are at risk of frostbite and hypothermia.Note: If you have an outdoor cat, they’ll look for shelter to stay as warm as possible, so give them a safe and dry outdoor enclosure that will protect them from the elements if you can’t bring them into your home, which would be preferable.Check Out These Products That Help Cats Stay WarmHere are a few products we recommend for keeping your cat warm: K&H Thermo-Kitty Bed Deluxe Hooded

Study Finds Differences in Pain Sensitivity Between Dog Breeds

Although you might think that all dogs experience pain the same, it turns out that different dog breeds have varying levels of pain sensitivity.

Here Are the 10 Rarest Dog Breeds in America
Here Are the 10 Rarest Dog Breeds in America
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Meet the Lancashire Heeler, the AKC's Newest Dog Breed

Say hello to the Lancashire heeler - the American Kennel Club’s 201st recognized dog breed and the newest member of the Herding group. Although small in stature, Lancashire heelers are active and sturdy dogs ready to compete with 200 other dog breeds at thousands of U.S dog shows.“A small, powerful herding dog that thrives on human interaction, this breed would make a great companion for active families that can provide a great deal of love and attention," said Gina DiNardo, American Kennel Club’s Executive Secretary.These small dogs have long bodies and short coats, often black and tan or liver and tan. The Lancashire heeler is a solidly built dog that is around one foot (30 centimeters) tall at the shoulders and weighs up to 17 pounds (7.7 kilograms). Traditionally, Lancashire heelers worked on farms as ratters and herders. Today, these feisty dogs participate in various canine sports and pursuits.“They are gritty little dogs, and they are very intelligent little dogs,” said Patricia Blankenship, who has bred Lancashire heelers for over a decade. “It’s an enjoyable little breed to be around,” she added. The official breed standard calls for Lancashire heelers to be courageous, happy, and affectionate to owner. The owners of these pooches say that happy heelers sometimes pull their lips back and smile. These small but powerful dogs won’t be content to lounge around all the time. They are highly energetic and just as skilled in performance sports as they are in conformation. Lancashire heelers can be found competing in agility, herding, obedience, rally, barn hunt, tracking, disk dog, dock diving, and therapy trials. “There are even a couple that have competed in Earth dog and weight-pull events,” said Sheryl Bradbury, President of the United States Lancashire Heeler Club (USLHC), according to AKC. “It’s a breed that will work hard all day and is happy to curl up at your side and watch the TV news at night.”“The breed is different but in a good way,” said Jeff Kestner, Club Chair of Judges’ Education Committee. “It’s not a run-of-the-mill dog. Its eyes and expression are like magnets. Being a herding breed it's extremely intelligent - it definitely needs a job to do.” According to Bradbury, the biggest misconception about the Lancashire heeler is that it’s adorable and sweet and the perfect size to sit on your lap. “I always caution the buyers to not let a puppy’s cuteness fool you. The minute it is off your lap it may be chewing your shoes or nipping at your heels. Conversely, it will be your loyal best friend.”This cute breed often develops a strong bond with one household member. They will like to interact with the entire family but will pick a favorite person. “It is great with children as long as the children understand how to respect the dog,” added Bradbury. The breed’s origin is packed with mystery but they were first bred in the United Kingdom. The Lancashire heeler is regarded as a “vulnerable native breed” and faces extinction in its homeland. The United Kingdom’s Kennel Club has added an average of just 121 Lancashire heelers to its registry in recent years.Being recognized as a dog breed doesn’t mean that the breed in question is newly created. To officially recognize the Lancashire heeler, the American Kennel Club required proof of a minimum of 20 litters bred with a three-generation pedigree. This guarantees that the breed is established and sustainable. According to Bradbury, there are around 400 Lancashire heelers nationwide but there’s no doubt we’ll see more of these dogs in the future. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Do Cats Slow Down in Autumn?

As the sunshine starts to fade, replaced by the cool autumn winds, cat owners may notice an interesting change in their furry friend’s behavior. Cats are often known for their boundless energy and curiosity. However, as we move into the fall months, many cat owners will notice their pets are slowing down into a new, more laid-back routine.In this article, we dig into the reasons why cats slow down in autumn, including answering the question: “Do cats experience seasonal depression?” We will also share some tips and tricks to cheer up your sad cat and help them enjoy the colder months ahead.Do Cat Behaviors Change with the Seasons?The short answer is yes. Many cat owners report that their feline friends act differently during the fall and winter months. Some common changes include a difference in your cat’s sleep patterns, appetite, and overall mood.For outdoor cats or indoor cats that are leash and harness-trained, the arrival of a new season means new experiences, including new smells, sights, and sounds. Anytime cats are faced with something new or different, the possibility exists that their reaction to their environment may change as well. But this isn’t the only impact on your cat…From season to season, we see two key changes affecting a cat’s behavior – the temperature and the amount of daylight. A drop in temperature triggers a natural survival response in which your cat will slow down to conserve energy, allowing its ancestors to stay warm on the bitter cold nights in the wild. Meanwhile, a change in daylight has been shown to impact hormone levels.Each of these factors will impact every cat differently. If you have multiple cats in your home, you may notice one slowing down considerably while the other doesn’t alter their behavior much at all – and that’s okay! Just like people, no two cats are the same.Can Cats Get Seasonal Depression?There currently is no research confirming that cats suffer from seasonal depression. However, many experts suspect they may suffer from a similar struggle to their human counterparts because of the shorter days and loss of daylight. This low mood and depression may also occur due to (or be escalated by) the lack of exercise that cats experience during the colder months.Are Cats Less Active in Fall? Have you noticed your cat lazing around or sleeping more during the autumn months? If so, you’re not alone! As we previously discussed, the temperature change often triggers a survival response to conserve energy. Your cat may prefer to spend their time curled up in their favorite cat bed, napping through the day, or cuddling in your lap, soaking up your body heat. Keep your eyes open for any other signs of concern. But if you do not see any other reason to worry, the cozy fall attitude is normal. Enjoy the extra cuddle time with your best friend. How Can I Tell if My Cat is Depressed? As cat parents, we all want to provide the best life for our feline friends, both physically and mentally. This starts with learning to recognize when something is “off” or if there is something that we should address. Like us, our cats can suffer from mental health struggles like depression, which isn’t always easy to spot. Here are a few signs your cat may be suffering from depression: Sleeping more than usualLoss of appetite Weight loss Becoming more vocal Failure to keep up with grooming needs Loss of energy Hiding or retreating from family membersOut-of-character aggression or fearfulness If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian and discuss your concerns. They will likely ask questions about your cat’s home life and whether they have recently experienced any changes that may have triggered their mental health struggles. This can help to guide their treatment recommendations. Mental health problems are not always treated with medications. In fact, many of the most effective treatment options are things that you can do at home.

Pet Safety Tips for the Holiday Season

The holiday season is here, and you’re probably excited about everything that this festive time of year has to offer. But even though you might be focused on being with the people you love, eating delicious food, and sharing gifts, it’s important to also consider the effects the holidays can have on your pets.To help you enjoy a safe and happy holiday season with your furbabies, here’s a list of holiday safety tips for pets.

More Dogs Than Ever Euthanized as Shelters Hit Capacity

Each year millions of cats and dogs enter shelters and rescues nationwide. Almost a million more animals have entered and lingered in the nation’s shelters in the last three years, resulting in an ongoing capacity crisis. Last year, 3.2 million dogs entered shelters and rescue organizations nationwide. More than 359,000 dogs were euthanized in 2023, compared to 330,000 cats that were euthanized last year. This marks a four-year peak in non-live outcomes for dogs and the first time the number of dogs euthanized has surpassed the number of euthanized cats.  These heartbreaking findings were published in an annual report of shelter populations compiled by Shelter Animals Count, an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization founded in 2012. “Everywhere you turn, the shelters are in crisis,” said the organization’s executive director Stephanie Filer. “It’s truly about an imbalance of animals coming in at faster rates than they’re leaving.”According to Filer, for years cats were considered most at risk because they entered shelters at high rates, but faced low adoption rates. However, focused efforts to reverse these trends are giving results, and the newest data shows a positive shift.“We have seen major positive change,” said Filer. “Adoption rates are high and intakes have decreased, and there are efforts to keep cats at home or in their communities.”Unfortunately, dog programs are suffering, with adoption rates significantly lower than in recent years. “Too many dogs are entering shelters and being left behind,” added Filer, according to USA Today. “Unlike cat adoptions, which continue to increase, dog adoptions have essentially flatlined.”When people think of animal shelters, most imagine scores of large-sized mixed breeds and pit bulls. But in reality, there are purebreds like huskies, French bulldogs, Labradors, and even designer dogs.The one thing no animal advocate thought possible happened - the rates of dog euthanasia surpassed the rates of cat euthanasia for the first time in a long time. “The real reason we’re saying, ‘Wow,’ is that it wasn’t that way for a lot of years. And now it is,” said Filer.More than 6.5 million cats and dogs ended up in U.S. shelters and rescues in 2023. While the number of intakes remained relatively steady, this was the fourth consecutive year of overpopulation. While more dogs were adopted in 2023 than in 2022, the adoption rates were insufficient to meet the demand.The high cost of living, job loss, and housing cost challenges are the main reasons adoption rates aren’t keeping up with animal intake. At the end of 2023, an additional 70,000 cats and 107,000 dogs are waiting for a forever home in one of the many shelters and rescues nationwide. “With more animals entering shelters than leaving, animal welfare organizations and their communities need to continue working together to keep pets in loving homes and out of shelters, including finding ways to increase access to veterinary care and advocating for pet-friendly housing policies,” said Matt Bershadker, president and the CEO of ASPCA.Experts agree that the promotion of shelter adoptions is the best way to solve the ongoing capacity crisis. Adopting an animal from a shelter saves a life, but it also supports the struggling shelters and their staff. Although adopting a cat or a dog from a shelter isn’t possible for everyone, there are other things you can do to help. Volunteering in your local shelter, fostering a pet, or donating are great ways to get involved and help alleviate the shelter crisis.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Should I Bathe My Dog During Winter?

Should your pet forego bubbly baths when the temperatures drop or should you bathe your pooch regularly all year long? There’s no universal answer to this question as situations can be wildly different from one pet or the other – how harsh is the climate you live in, would you bathe your pooch in a well-heated bathroom or not, how thick is their coat, and so on. All of these factors will influence the answer you’re given! To find out what’s the verdict for your own pooch when it comes to winter bathing, read on.Should I Bathe My Dog During Winter?The fact that it’s cold outside doesn’t have to mean your four-legged bestie has to smell funky for weeks on end – at least not in most cases. You can bathe your dog in the winter as long as you follow some ground rules that are meant to ensure your dog's well-being. Here’s what you need to know:#1 Don’t Do It Too OftenDogs don't need bathing as frequently as we do (duh), so if your dog isn't visibly dirty or smelly, you should be able to extend the time between baths to a couple of weeks. Overbathing can strip essential oils from your dog's skin, which can lead to dryness and irritation, so too much bathing isn’t good either. You can probably get through the winter with just one or two baths.#2 Keep The Water ToastyEnsure that the water you use for the bath is warm, not hot. Hot water can dry out your dog’s skin, so don’t be tempted to overly increase the water temperature just because the weather is cold outside. Of course, you should also make sure the bathing area is warm, and have towels ready to dry your dog quickly.#3 Fast Drying Is Key 

Can I Muzzle My Dog to Stop Barking?

Final Thoughts - Can I Muzzle My Dog to Stop Barking?Excessive barking can be frustrating and, if left unaddressed, can put you, as the owner, in a difficult situation. In some places, this can lead to fines or even eviction due to noise complaints. Unfortunately, the process of training a dog to stop barking isn’t one that is usually solved overnight – but it can be done! While you might have seen it recommended to use an “anti-bark” muzzle to stop your dog’s barking, it is not recommended for anything more than a 10 to 15-minute quick fix. Not only does it not teach your dog not to bark in the future, but the muzzle's design could create a dangerous situation. Instead, start by identifying the cause. Is your dog overly excited? Is there a trigger that makes them feel fearful and stressed? Are they trying to protect you when someone walks onto your property? Knowing the trigger will help you not only stop it but also manage your dog’s barking in the short term. If you feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to contact a professional trainer or certified behaviorist to offer guidance and direction. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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