Can Cats Eat Strawberries?

by Lisa Selvaggio

Published: February 26th, 2020

Who doesn’t love strawberries? How about your kitty – can cats eat strawberries? Read on to find out.

Cats are carnivores, so their bodies are built for consuming meat. But let’s say your kitty gets a little curious while you’re munching on some fresh strawberries. Can she take a bite, or are these berries bad for cats?

There are many fruits that are perfectly fine for your kitty to eat, and you might even already be feeding your companion a commercial pet food that contains fruit. Plus, you may have also come across homemade cat food recipes that recommend including certain fruits, often blended or pureed to make it easier on your feline’s digestive tract. But what about strawberries, in particular? Should you keep this fruit away from your furry friend?

Related: Can Cats Eat Apples?

Strawberries Are Non-Toxic to Cats, and May Provide Nutritional Benefits

According to the ASPCA, strawberries are considered non-toxic to cats, so you can rest easy knowing that, if your kitty were to get a hold of a strawberry and start chewing on it, it wouldn’t be harmful.

On top of that, according to experts, you can give your kitty frozen or fresh strawberries, and you can let your pet eat this fruit pureed as well. Nutrients that are found in these berries may help support your pet’s immune system, as well as support your kitty’s body as she gets older. However, it’s important to keep in mind that strawberries, like other fruits, contain sugar, so you don’t want to give your cat too much, especially if your companion is already overweight.

Related: Can Cats Eat Cheese?

Dr. Karen Becker also recommends strawberries as a safe source of antioxidants for cats. She notes that this fruit contains nutrients that may help combat inflammation and free radical damage, and might, therefore, play a role in supporting your pet’s overall health.

Want to See If Your Cat Likes Strawberries?

Whether your kitty has already shown an interest in this fruit or you’re curious to see how she would react if she were offered a piece of strawberry, just start by giving her a small amount.

You don’t want to overdo it, especially when introducing strawberries as a treat, because you don’t know how your cat’s digestive system will react to it. Plus, if your cat has never tasted a strawberry, you won’t know if she’ll like it or not, so starting slow is recommended.

It’s also a great idea to thoroughly wash a strawberry before you eat it, and the same holds true for any strawberries that you’re going to give to your pet. You might even consider purchasing organic strawberries so that your kitty can reap the benefits of the nutrients in the fruit, without risking the ingestion of any pesticide residues—especially since strawberries, which are found at the top of the “dirty dozen” list, contain the highest amount of these residues compared to other produce.

Not Sure If Strawberries Are Good for Your Cat? Talk to Your Vet!

Still not sure if it would be right to give your cat strawberries every now and then? Simply consult with your veterinarian or a qualified feline nutritionist for personalized guidance and answers regarding your unique pet’s nutritional needs.

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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Nutritional yeast is popular, especially amongst vegans, for its yummy, cheesy flavor and multitude of nutrients, from protein and potassium to B vitamins and fiber. But is it one of the human foods that cats and dogs can eat? Check out the information below to learn more about nutritional yeast and if it’s safe for your furry friend.

Can Cats Eat Cheese?

Does your cat have a taste for cheese? Before you feed her a piece, you should know if cats can eat cheese. Some kitties are perfectly content eating whichever cat food you decide to feed them, while others also try to steal food off of your plate whenever they can. And some pet owners don’t mind sharing a bit of what they’re eating with their feline companions. While this might be fine if you’re feeding your kitty a food that’s safe for him to eat, it’s important to know that there are several foods that are safe for humans but bad for cats. One category of food that seems to get plenty of interest from cats is dairy products like milk and cheese. So, a lot of pet owners have wondered if it’s a good idea to let cats eat cheese or if it’s something that should be limited or eliminated from a kitty’s diet. Whether you’ve given your cat some cheese and he seemed to like it, or your cat looks at you like he wants a bite whenever you have cheese around, a commonly asked question is: can cats eat cheese? We did some research so we could dig into this topic below. Cats and Cheese Don’t Really Mix According to experts in veterinary medicine and feline nutrition, it’s actually not natural for kitties to consume dairy products, including cheese. Your cat is an obligate carnivore in need of meat, just like felines in the wild, so milk and cheese aren’t foods that your furry friend would necessarily need for overall health. Related: Can Cats Eat Tuna? Also, dairy products can cause kitties to experience gastrointestinal upset because many of them are lactose intolerant, and they tend to develop this intolerance after they are weaned as kittens. This basically means that they can’t produce the enzymes required to digest dairy properly. Symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting, as a couple of examples, might occur after a cat has milk, cheese, or other dairy products. In addition to being lactose intolerant, many cats might also be allergic to dairy products like cheese. And if this allergy is present, it might cause symptoms even after only a small amount of cheese is eaten. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to cheese might include diarrhea, gas, vomiting, loss of hair, and patches on the skin that are red or itchy. Note: If you want to avoid giving your cat dairy, be sure to read the ingredients label on any foods and treats that you’re feeding him, as some brands include cheese in their formulations. What If It’s an Occasional Treat? Some cat owners will give their pets a bit of cheese every once in a while as a little treat. This might be fine, especially if your cat tolerates the dairy, but it’s best to keep it to a rare occasion. Related: 5 Foods You Should Never Feed Your Cat Although cheese isn’t considered dangerous, it isn’t considered a part of a healthy or natural diet for cats either. But if your pet insists that you give him some, stick with a small amount of cheese that’s made from plain milk. Your kitty’s digestive tract might also tolerate cheese that’s made from goat’s milk, rather than cow’s milk, as it tends to be easier for cats to digest it. And, according to experts, you should avoid giving your kitty any blue cheese or cheeses that are described as rich. Again, feeding a cat cheese isn’t generally recommended, but these suggestions are considered better options if you really want to give your kitty some cheese. And if your pet does experience any symptoms, such as gas or diarrhea, after having cheese, it’s best to just eliminate it from your pet’s diet altogether. With so many other feline-appropriate treats, there’s no need to stick with cheese if it doesn’t make your feline feel good. When Cheese Might Come in Handy If your cat likes cheese, you could ask your vet if you can use it as a means to get your frisky feline to take a pill. The cheese might be helpful if your kitty tends to give you a hard time when it comes to medicating him. As an example, wrapping a pill in a slice of cheese, or even in a bit of cream cheese, might be enough to entice your cat to gobble it down, without having to struggle to get the pill down his throat. When a Cat Should Avoid Cheese Sure, there are kitties that love cheese and other dairy products, and have no problem eating those foods. But even if your kitty isn’t lactose intolerant or allergic to cheese, if he has been diagnosed with a medical condition, it’s a great idea to confirm with your veterinarian that it would be safe to continue giving your pet cheese as a treat. For example, if your kitty has been diagnosed with a heart problem, your veterinarian might tell you that it’s best to eliminate cheese from his diet. And your vet might also tell you to stop feeding your cat cheese if he needs to be on a diet that is low in sodium for any reason. Another thing to consider is the number of calories in cheese. Even a small amount of cheese might be surprisingly high in calories, so it’s wise to keep that in mind when deciding whether you want to provide this food as a treat or not, and when figuring out how often your kitty will be allowed to eat some cheese. Also, this is worth thinking about, whether or not your pet is on a calorie restricted diet, simply because maintaining a healthy weight is important for cats. The Bottom Line About Cheese for Cats The general consensus among experts seems to be that dairy products like cheese aren’t really suitable for felines, so it’s recommended that you avoid getting your cat used to eating these foods in the first place. If, however, your furry friend seems fine with eating a small amount of cheese every now and then, and it doesn’t cause any symptoms like diarrhea, it might serve as a tasty treat. Just keep in mind that’s best to avoid overdoing it, so stick with small amounts on occasion. Also, remember that your veterinarian or a feline nutritionist can be a valuable source of information when it comes to what to feed your unique feline companion. So, if you have any questions about what foods you should give to your cat, and which foods you should avoid, you can always talk to a veterinary professional for advice.

Can Cats Eat Tuna?

Cats love to nom on tuna. But is it good for them? Can cats eat tuna, and if so, how much is enough to satisfy your kitty? Does your cat love digging into some tuna? Have you wondered if it’s really good for him to eat it, though? We decided to search for the answer to this common question to help you learn a bit more about what your kitty really needs to eat in order to thrive. Tuna in Food Made for Cats Let’s start off with cat food that contains tuna as an ingredient. Is it a good idea to feed your kitty this type of food on a regular basis? Yes, it could be. But, like anything else, everything is best in moderation. Related: Discussing The Truth About Cat Food High-quality canned food that includes tuna is rich in moisture, and it’s also nutritionally balanced for cats. If your pet likes the flavor of tuna, purchasing this food, as well as treats that contain tuna as an ingredient, is a nice way to add variety to his diet and keep him satisfied. Tuna in a Can, but for Humans What about the canned tuna that you purchase for your own meals? Well, first off, if you want to share some of it with your feline friend, only do so if it’s canned in water. There shouldn’t be any salt or oil in the can along with the fish. It’s even a good idea to rinse the tuna yourself prior to feeding it to your cat. And take a minute to look over the ingredients label, too, as you don’t want to feed your cat any canned tuna that contains unwanted ingredients, such as artificial ingredients. Again, tuna in water is considered the safest and most appropriate. Related: How to Transition Your Cat to New Food The tuna that you eat out of a can isn’t nutritionally balanced for cats like wet food that contains tuna as an ingredient. For this reason, experts recommend giving this type of tuna only as a treat in order to avoid nutritional deficiencies. What If You Cook Fresh Tuna at Home? Cooking tuna, rather than giving it to your pet in its raw state, will help make it safer for your kitty to consume. But serve it plain, so don’t add any seasonings, oil, or salt to it if you’re going to be preparing some tuna in your kitchen that you can share with your furbaby. As with tuna that’s packaged for human consumption, it’s important to remember that cooking up tuna at home doesn’t constitute a nutritionally complete meal for your cat. Therefore, only use this as an occasional treat to keep your kitty happy. Tuna in Moderation What’s considered a safe amount of tuna to feed to your cat? According to experts, it is a good idea to vary your pet’s diet, rather than feeding him fish exclusively. And it’s also worth noting that tuna does contain high amounts of mercury, so you don’t want to give your cat too much of it. Instead, you can offer tuna to your cat as a treat, or you can satisfy your pet’s cravings for fish by giving him wet food that’s made using other types of fish, such as salmon. Note: Some cats may be sensitive or allergic to fish. So, when feeding your kitty tuna, or any other fish, watch for symptoms that would indicate that he’s sensitive or allergic to this ingredient. Have Questions About the Right Foods for Your Cat? Chat with Your Vet Overall, tuna can be a nice treat for your cat to enjoy, but it’s best to stick with nutritionally complete cat food that includes tuna as an ingredient. That way, you can be sure that your pet is getting all of the vitamins and minerals that he needs to stay healthy. And if you have any questions or concerns about what you should be feeding your kitty, your vet can point you in the right direction based on your unique pet’s health and needs.

Can Cats Eat Bananas?

Bananas are a popular healthy snack – but can cats eat bananas? Read on to find out if this fruit can be fed to your pet. Is your cat curious when it comes to the fruits that you like to snack on? Perhaps she comes near you and starts sniffing around or asking for a taste when you’re having a banana. But are bananas safe for cats to eat, considering that there are many foods for humans that aren’t good for felines, and considering the fact that your furry companion is an obligate carnivore? The Potential Benefits of Bananas for Cats First off, it’s wise to check with a reputable resource to determine if a fruit or vegetable is safe for your cat to eat before offering it to her as a treat or adding it to her diet. When it comes to bananas, the ASPCA states that this fruit is non-toxic to kitties, so that’s some good news if your cat already tends to show an interest. Related: Can Cats Eat Apples? According to experts, bananas can serve as a good source of potassium, which is a nutrient that could support the kidneys and the heart. Ultimately, though, your cat can get all of the nutrition that she needs from a species-appropriate diet that fills her requirements as a carnivore. Plus, it’s important to also keep in mind that bananas do contain sugar and carbohydrates, so it’s a smart move to only offer your cat really small amounts of this fruit, if any at all. If your cat really likes this fruit, a little banana can merely serve as a nice treat every now and then, but you really should be cautious about how much of it your cat is eating, especially if your feline friend is already overweight. See If Your Cat Likes Eating Bananas Keep in mind that every cat is unique, so not every one will like eating bananas, or fruits in general. If you think that your cat might be interested, you can certainly offer her a little bit by slicing one up and giving her some. That way, you can gauge how she will react to this new food, and you will be able to see how her digestive system reacts to the fruit as well. Related: Pumpkin for Cats – How and When to Use It The key is to start with small amounts. You could offer your kitty a tiny piece of a fresh or frozen banana, or you might mash up a piece and see if she prefers that consistency instead. If she goes for it, that’s fine, but if she rejects it, don’t be surprised either. Still Have Questions or Concerns? If, after reading about bananas for cats, you still have questions or concerns, it’s a great idea to consult with your veterinarian, who knows your kitty best. He or she can tell you more about whether or not a banana would be a good treat for your pet, especially if your cat has been diagnosed with a chronic medical condition or she’s taking any prescriptions or supplements. Overall, though, bananas are safe for cats to consume, and your frisky feline might take a liking to this nutritious fruit.

Can Cats Eat Apples?

A crisp, sweet treat, chowing down on an apple is a nutritious way to satisfy your hunger. But can cats eat apples? They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, at least for humans. But what if your kitty seems to want to take a bite of that fresh apple while your munching on it? Should you offer her a piece? Or are apples unsafe for your cute little obligate carnivore? It turns out that there are certain fruits that are totally safe for cats to occasionally snack on as a treat, but are apples one of them? We’ve compiled some information below to help you get the answers you need. Related: Can Cats Eat Cheese? Use Caution, as Parts of the Apple Are Toxic to Cats According to the ASPCA, the seeds, stems, and leaves of apples are toxic to cats because they contain cyanide. So, if you are going to offer your cat some apple, you need to use caution to ensure you are only giving her the parts of the fruit that are safe to consume. Other experts offer the following information on apples: this fruit contains nutrients, such as vitamins and fiber, that can help support an animal’s health. However, you should be sure to remove both the seeds and the core prior to feeding it to your kitty. And, it’s best to feed this fruit in small amounts as an occasional treat. Related: Can Cats Eat Tuna? Prior to giving your cat some apple, it’s wise to thoroughly wash this fruit so that you remove as much pesticide residue as possible. Or, better yet, consider purchasing organic apples, especially because apples are high on the “dirty dozen” list of produce with the highest pesticide residues. No matter what you choose, though, it’s also a good idea to remove the skin prior to giving your kitty an apple treat. Like other fruits that are safe for cats to eat every now and then, it’s wise to consider the sugar content of apples. This is yet another reason why experts recommend limiting the amount of this fruit that your kitty snacks on. Will Your Cat Even Want to Eat Apples? Some cats are really curious when it comes to eating human foods, while others couldn’t care less. You really won’t know if your cat is up for eating apples until you offer her some. Slice some up, making sure to remove the skin, seeds, and core, and offer her small pieces to see if she’s interested. Don’t let her eat too much, especially at first, as it’s also a good idea to wait and see if the fruit agrees with her system or not. Not Sure About Apples for Your Cat? Chat with Your Veterinarian The best person to consult when it comes to your cat’s nutritional needs and diet is your veterinarian or a qualified and experienced feline nutritionist. Ask these professionals all of the questions you might have, and share your concerns. They can help you determine if it’s a good idea to offer your cat some apple as a snack, or if it’s best to keep this fruit out of your cat’s diet altogether.

Urine Tests Could Now Provide Early Detection of Cancer in Dogs

Cancer doesn’t discriminate – it affects all creatures around the world, including our cherished pets. Learning that your  dog has cancer can be such a devastating thing, but sadly, it is so common nowadays. John Robertson, research professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics at Virginia Tech says in his interview for  WTOP News  that “one in four dogs will be diagnosed with cancer,” and that “by the time they’re middle-aged, 50% of dogs will die of cancer after the age of 10 years.”Professor Robertson is part of a vast research team that has developed an innovative new noninvasive rapid test that utilizes a dog’s urine and allows potential early detection of cancer. “Usually, when a dog gets diagnosed with cancer, it’s usually quite advanced, with visible signs — we’re trying to detect cancer before these physical symptoms appear,” said fellow researcher Ryan Senger, associate professor in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering. “Cancer is going to change overall metabolism inside the body, and it’s going to change the way the kidneys function, which can be observed in the urine screening process,” Senger added.Through samples of dog urine, the research team discovered that cancerous subjects amongst the observed molecules had a unique “fingerprint” that could be used to indicate the presence of cancer. “We would like to be able to have dogs screened earlier, before cancer develops, throughout their lifetime, perhaps a once-a-year urine specimen,” said Robertson. “That tells us what the molecular fingerprint of the urine is, so if it changes and falls into that realm of fingerprints that define cancer, we’d be able to pay more attention to figure out what’s going on with the dog.”Robertson also added that there are 12 breeds of purebred dogs that have a much higher incidence of cancer. “We’re going to focus on being able to institute early, regular screening that’s going to help pick up earlier when they’re developing cancer, in the hopes that we can get better outcomes.”However, veterinary care is typically subsidized by the owner, Robertson emphasized, which is opposite to medical care, which is often paid for by insurance. “So, we intend to make our tests readily available at a price point that everyone can afford to regularly have their dog examined and screened.”, the professor added. Robertson said that urine screening is currently being researched, to determine whether it could be applied to humans as well, potentially bringing great changes to the discovery of cancer cells. The team’s findings were published in  Frontiers in Veterinary Science and make us very optimistic for the future of preventive veterinary medicine – an inexpensive, accurate way to screen for a potentially fatal illness could be life-changing for so many pets and their owners. Not to mention the implications if such a test could be adapted to be used on humans, as well! 

Are Dogs Smarter than Cats?

The rivalry between cats and dogs is an age-old thing. Many pet owners are divided in their affections, as some adore kitties, but others are strictly doggo lovers. And this rivalry poses an intriguing question – could there be a difference between cats and dogs? While both are cuddly and loveable, they are inevitably different. So, could it be possible that  dogs are smarter than cats, or vice versa? This is a popular question in the scientific world, and many tried answering it. Let’s see what they came up with.Are Dogs Smarter than Cats? For ages, the debate on the rivalry between cats and dogs has been ongoing. Ultimately, however, it all depends on how you define “smart”. Dogs are often loved for their obedience, their ability to be trained and follow commands, their unwavering loyalty, and their excellent guardian traits. Cats, on the other hand, are known for their independence, their adaptability and problem-solving skills, their free and restless spirit, and their cuddly nature. So, as we can see, while generally different in personalities, both of these animals possess certain cognitive skills – but is one smarter than the other?Recent studies have revealed that both dogs and cats possess unique cognitive abilities suited to their respective lifestyles and evolutionary histories. Meaning, they are completely different animals. Dogs, for example, originated from domesticated canines, far, far back in history. They were bred over thousands of years to work alongside humans, protect flocks, help with hunting, and guard homes. This, in turn, has likely influenced their ability to understand and communicate with us, and to be so devoted as pets. But cats are different. In stark contrast to doggos, cats have retained more of their wild instincts, allowing them to thrive in a variety of environments and situations.All of this means that you can’t really compare the intelligence of a cat and that of a dog. It’s like comparing apples and oranges – it just doesn’t go. Each animal excels in different areas and possesses different strengths. It's more accurate to appreciate the unique qualities of each species rather than trying to determine which one is "smarter."But even so, scientists tried to reach a decisive conclusion. They studied both cats and dogs and ultimately reached an answer - at least, scientifically speaking. Their research shows that dogs are smarter than cats! Some of you might find this answer surprising but don’t raise a revolt just yet. Cats are super intelligent even so. It’s just that they are likely not as smart as some dogs are. The secret is in “smartness” itself. Dogs are intelligent in their own way. They are generally more reliant on humans for problem-solving tasks, but they are adept at learning from observation and experience. They can also be trained to perform a wide range of tasks, from simple tricks to complex behaviors, such as guiding the visually impaired or detecting explosives. Cats, however, are natural hunters and possess excellent problem-solving skills. They are known for their agility, stealth, and ability to strategize when stalking their prey. In a domestic setting, cats demonstrate problem-solving abilities when navigating obstacles, finding hiding spots, and even manipulating objects to access food or toys. So, both of them have different positive traits and different types of intelligence. But it could be that dogs, with their ability to learn and obey commands, are just a tad bit smarter.

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Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Cats: The Basics

Like humans, cats can develop a vitamin B12 deficiency. This water-soluble vitamin is needed for a variety of functions, affecting everything from their digestion to cognitive function, so it’s important to address a deficiency in your pet.Here’s some information on the symptoms and causes of vitamin B12 deficiency, along with what you can do to address it.

How to Tell Your Cats Are About to Fight, According to Scientists

Have you ever wondered if your cats are play fighting or fighting for real? People living in multi-cat households know that the occasional scuffle or a full-blown cat fight is bound to happen. However, many cat owners have a hard time figuring out whether their cats are fighting or roughhousing. A new study published in Scientific Reports can provide some clues. As it turns out, certain behaviors could indicate whether an interaction between two felines is friendly, aggressive, or something in between. In this study, scientists, including Noema Gajdoš-Kmecová from the University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Slovakia, analyzed 105 videos of interactions between 210 cats. The videos were obtained directly from cat owners and YouTube. After watching around one-third of the videos, Gajdoš-Kmecová pinpointed six types of specific behaviors, including wrestling, chasing, staying still, vocalizing, interactive, and non-interactive activities. She then watched all the videos again to see which cats exhibited one of these specific behaviors and for how long. After running a statistical analysis, Gajdoš-Kmecová was able to identify three distinctive types of interactions between the cat pairs - playful, intermediate, and aggressive. To confirm her findings, other members of the research team also watched the videos and classified each interaction between cats. Over half of the cats from the videos, 56% to be exact, exhibited playful interactions. According to the study, playful interactions included wrestling and a lack of vocalization. About 29% were labeled as agonistic, meaning they exhibited any type of social behavior that included threatening, aggression, and submission. Cats in this group vocalized and exhibited recurring bouts of inactivity.The cats in the intermediate group were involved in both aggressive and playful encounters. According to researchers, this group showed prolonged exchanges of specific behaviors, like laying on the back with the belly exposed, pouncing, stalking, and grooming each other. Scientists believe that this mixture of playful and aggressive behavior may be a sign of short-term friction between the cats rather than the end of the relationship. “This might escalate into a fully agonistic encounter but does not necessarily reflect a breakdown in their social relationship but rather a short-term disagreement in social priorities,” researchers wrote in the study. This study is the first to apply a scientific approach to cat behavior that can be identified by experienced and first-time owners alike. Thanks to this study, scientists can now classify inter-cat interactions as either playful, agonistic, or intermediate. “Wrestling can be a sign of a fight but if it comes with bouts of inactivity then that often means it is playful,” explained Profesor Daniel Mills, who led the study.“Playfighting is also without vocalizations. That’s the profile of a friendly cat. The agonistic cat, they might not do as much wrestling with inactivity but they do lots of vocalization.”“Owners should keep an eye out on how much they are wrestling and whether or not they’re vocalizing. Vocalizing can be broad and include meowing and also yowling,” he added. We all know when cats are fighting fur real, but it’s important to recognize intermediate interactions, where things could end in play or escalate into a real fight. “A lot of cats end up at cat rescue centers because the owners think that they’ve fallen out. In the clinic, I’ve seen cats that are playing and the owner thinks it’s a real fight,” said Professor Mills. If your cats are really getting along (share food and toys and sleep together), an occasional bout of agonistic play is okay. But if your cats aren’t the best of friends, you should look for signs of agonistic behavior. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Study Shows These Dog Breeds Most Likely To Have an Extra Row of Teeth

Is your pooch more likely to sport a second row of teeth? The so-called “Shark Teeth” is a little-known dental condition that can affect up to 7% of doggos around the world. The “disorder” is officially known as persistent deciduous teeth (PDT) and it means that instead of falling out as you’d expect, baby teeth remain in the gums when adult teeth come through. The condition is not particularly dangerous, but even so, it can be odd or cause slight discomfort to a dog. Recent studies revealed that the dog breeds most likely to suffer from PDT are the Toy Poodle, the Yorkshire Terrier, the Maltese, and the Chihuahua. What exactly is PTD? And what does it cause? The disorder causes  malocclusion, or - in simpler terms - a misaligned bite. In the long run, this can cause your pet’s mouth to bleed, and also increase the risk of periodontal disease, which is considered a serious gum infection.The research team at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute in Leicestershire, led by Corrin Wallis, released their new study that focuses on PDT specifically. “Dogs use their teeth for a multitude of tasks and, as such, it is vital for their health and wellbeing that their oral health is maintained,” Wallis and colleagues  say.  “Persistent deciduous teeth (PDT), those that fail to fall out at the appropriate time, are associated with malocclusion (misaligned bite), soft tissue trauma and increased risk of periodontal disease.”In the course of their extensive study, which has been published in the journal  Research in Veterinary Science, the team from Leicestershire examined medical records from up to 2.8 million dogs in the US, in just a span of five years, from January 2010 to December 2014. The study itself was a major undertaking. Ultimately, it was revealed that the prevalence of PDT was 7%. When it comes to individual breeds, it was revealed that the highest prevalence is amongst the Yorkshire Terriers with 25.1%, followed by the Maltese and the Poodle, both with 14.8%.On the lower end of that spectrum, the lowest prevalence was with the Greyhound, with 0.1%, followed by the Rhodesian Ridgeback with 0.2%. Amongst those breeds with lower percentages were also the English Bulldog, the Boxer, and the Great Dane, with 0.4%. All of this reveals that the smaller the breed, the higher the percentage. The team is not certain why smaller breeds have a higher percentage, but it could be linked to their genetics. The team said that it was crucial for owners of smaller breeds to have a thorough oral examination at around six months of age. This can help them identify and remove PDT in its early stages. “Once identified, PDT can be removed and if this is carried out by six months of age, the chances of problems associated with PDT, such as the development of periodontal disease or malocclusion, can likely be greatly reduced,” they said. 

An AI App Helps Vets Diagnose Cats By Detecting Their Pain Levels

Every cat owner has wondered what their cat is thinking about - at least once in a while. You see your feline friend just standing there in the corner, its gaze fixed on something and its expression a true enigma. Sadly, it’s not that easy to read a cat’s emotions, so most of it just remains a mystery. Until now, that is. An Alberta-based company is developing an app that could change the way we see cats and their emotions. The innovative AI app is named Tably, and it aims to help vet clinics assess a cat’s pain more easily. Susan Groenveld, one of the developers of Tably, said that felines visit the vet far less than dogs. "And when you really unpack that, it's because they hide their pain. When a cat is in pain, they go and hide under the bed, versus a dog that'll present to the owner, like kids do," said Groeneveld, the founder at Sylvester.ai, the company developing the  Tably app. "I thought, wouldn't it be cool if everyday people that love their pets would know if their animal may be demonstrating pain."An earlier version of the app already showed remarkable success, with tens of thousands of downloads around the world. Susan Groeneveld said that those early stages of the app acquired around 54,000 downloads in just a week, showing that there is a big need for something like this. "This told us that people were really, really interested in it," she said. "But we really wanted to make sure that it was validated and veterinarians actually supported it because it was a really easy opportunity for us to become a novelty."As the work progressed, the app had been clinically tested by both veterinarians and pet owners in the United States, Canada, as well as in Europe. It is expected that the app will arrive in the digital market in the U.S., Singapore, and France in January. And for Canada, the app should see a release this fall. How does Tably work? The app uses special algorithms that apply standards and facial pain scores that vets previously created. With that, the vets can review the results and better assess the cat’s state. "We believe our technology will make it more accurate because there's less human bias in the subjectivity of the assessment," Groeneveld said.Positive reviews have been overwhelming so far, many of them coming from respected vets. Dr. Liz Ruelle, a vet at the Wild Rose Cat Clinic in Calgary, Alberta, is on the advisory board for the Tably app. Her involvement is very important for the developers, and Dr. Ruelle used the app in her practice. In fact, Dr. Ruelle states that she definitely plans on using the app in her future work and said for  Yahoo: “When a cat experiences pain, its eyes and eyelid positions change and they shift their ear positions. Like if we're in a good mood and we smile, we could think of how our cheeks are uplifted. We see the apples of our cheeks. If I had whiskers on my cheeks, then I would have that same uplifted, happy whiskers," she said. "But when I'm feeling sad, or headache, or painful, then those facial muscles start to sag down … instead of being upright and perky whiskers, they would be kind of dropping down the face."The best thing of all - the app won’t be exclusive to vets. Groeneveld and Ruell stated that a special lite version is planned, which will be aimed at pet owners to use at home. No exact dates have been provided, however. 

Scientists May Have Found a Better Way To Trim a Cat’s Nails

Trimming a cat’s nails is often a daunting affair for everyone involved. Most cats should have their nails trimmed every two to three weeks. Failing to do so leaves you and your furniture at the mercy of your kitty’s sharp claws.Specially designed to be smaller, cat nail clippers or scissors are commonly used to trim a cat’s nails, but they can be difficult to handle, especially if your cat doesn’t want to cooperate or is anxious. Additionally, there’s always a risk that you’ll end up scratched, bitten, and bleeding.This is where science can come in handy! Researchers from the University of California, Davis, are working with Sacramento SPCA to make nail trimming less stressful for cats and their owners. Jennifer Link, a Ph.D. student at the University of California, Davis, Animal Welfare Epi Lab, is working on a multistep protocol designed to desensitize the cats to handling and nail clipping. In mid-July, Link started to visit the Sacramento shelter five days a week for two hours to work on socializing rescued and surrendered cats to help them adjust to new people, situations, and environments. By the end of September, she had worked with more than 70 cats. “When people hear that I study cats, many ask if I can help them with nail trims,” said Link. According to Dan Marple, the animal welfare manager at the Sacramento Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, this research is vital to staff, donors, and volunteers because it can reduce the stress caused by nail trimming.“Any new protocols that increase the comfort and safe handling of the cats in our care will also improve their overall well-being and adoptability,” he added. Link’s research is promising because it incorporates cooperative care. This means that cats are allowed to decide how much they want to interact with the handler during the training process. Depending on their willingness to participate, the cats go through one of three scenarios with Link: a handling-only training protocol, a handling and nail-trimming protocol, or a control with no training and only a nail trim. Each interaction is recorded to be analyzed later. On the days when Link visits the shelter, the cats are removed from their cages and brought to a quiet room where Link is waiting, with a mat laid out before her. If a cat puts their front paws on the mat, they are given treats and cuddles. The idea is for cats to learn that Link interacts with them only when they put their paws on the mat. Once the cat leans this, Link proceeds with training protocols. Slowly, Link touches the cat’s legs, then the paws, and then the paws are gently squeezed. If the cat doesn’t resist, one nail is trimmed. The protocol builds on past steps and works up. When a cat goes through all the steps, they get a nail trim. If a cat doesn’t place their paws on the mat or rejects any step, Link stops the handling.“I think with cooperative care, it does seem to almost improve their trust in me,” Link explained. “They are more comfortable if we let them decide.”This research could make nail trimming at home much more comfortable for the cats and their owners. It can also decrease the number of visits to veterinary hospitals and clinics, where owners often seek help trimming their cats’ nails. The researchers still need to analyze the video sessions to finalize the protocol. And if the protocol is deemed helpful, they will share it with other shelters for more data.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Blue Ridge Beef Recalls Kitten and Puppy Food Due to Bacteria

Blue Ridge Beef, one of the foremost pet food companies in North Carolina, decided to recall their 2-pound kitten and puppy food because of a serious potential threat of listeria and salmonella in their kibble. The pet food in question was distributed to locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.Unfortunately, North Carolina Department of Agriculture discovered a serious issue when analyzing their product, realizing that one lot of each of the food products was positive for salmonella and listeria, on December 15th. This included kitten food lots “N24 1114-N24 1224”, of 2-lb logs of “Kitten Grind” (UPC 8 54298 00101 6), and “Kitten Mix” (UPC UPC 8 54298 00143 6). Also included was the “Puppy Mix” (UPC 8 54298 00169 6).The action was swift to pull these products from the shelves, as both listeria and salmonella can be very dangerous to pets who consume the contaminated food. It can also be harmful to humans who touch the food as well, especially pregnant women and children. Pets who get infected can suffer from vomiting, fever, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite, so if you notice any of these symptoms and your pet has been eating the food that is now recalled, make sure to take them to a vet for treatment ASAP.Luckily, the Blue Ridge Beef company announced that so far it has not received any reports of illnesses that are connected to this recall of food. Likewise, the company is not facing any legal action because of the recall. Pet owners who purchased this food are encouraged to contact Blue Ridge Beef company at  blueridgebeefnc@yahoo.com for a full refund. Consumers can also get in touch with Steven Lea, from 8 am. to 5:30 pm. ET Monday-Friday at (704) 880-4500. 

Dogs Could Be Wagging Their Tails Because Ancient Humans Loved Rhythm

Doggos love to wag their tails and we love to see it. It is their way of expressing emotions, from unwavering joy and happiness to see you again after a long day at work to a shy greeting to a new face – there are many things a pooch can convey with a simple  tail wag. But have you ever wondered why they do it exactly? Why didn’t dogs evolve to, let’s say, use their ears for nonverbal communication with us? Researchers were wondering the exact same thing, and their latest studies could provide a key insight into why dogs started wagging their tails in the first place.Believe it or not, the origins of this action could potentially be traced to ancient humans who first domesticated dogs. And the study connects the human love of rhythm, with selective breeding and domestication!Dogs were first domesticated by humans sometime between 15,000 and 50,000 years ago. It was a long time ago when dogs first emerged from domesticated wolves and similar canines but some of their ancestral traits, like tail wagging, remain the same. And researchers could finally have an answer for this behavior.“We may not be able to take a time machine back to the beginning of the dog-human relationship, but we can look at dog behavior today in tandem with human behavior to try and understand what that domestication process looked like,” said Dr. Taylor Hersh from Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics in the Netherlands. “Tail wagging is a very apparent and interesting behavior to start with.”Of course, this is not the first such study, and in the past, many have questioned the wagging of tails. Previously, it was found that hand-reared dog pups will wag their tails far more often than hand-reared wolf pups, showing the clear difference between domesticated and wild animals. Likewise, it was discovered that dogs wag their tails to the right mostly in response to positive experiences, usually when seeing their owners. And they’d wag them to the left in potentially aggressive situations. And now, researchers linked this behavior to the ancient process of domestication. This means that dog tail wagging has developed because dogs have an inherent genetic link towards behaviors that humans want - like tameness and docility. “We put forth a new hypothesis that humans consciously or unconsciously selected for tail wagging during the domestication process because we are very attracted to rhythmic stimuli,” said Silvia Leonetti, another member of the team.Ancient humans had a very distinct attraction to rhythm and rhythmic actions, so there could be a very logical link here. Dr. Holly Root-Gutteridge, a dog researcher at the University of Lincoln, also proposed that tail wagging was developed during the long domestication process as an adaptation by the dogs, as humans likely found barking irritating. “We’re a highly visual species and may appreciate the rhythm, it’s an interesting thought that should be explored, though I’m not sure we’re really responding that much to it,” she said. What is more, she added that wolves too wag their tails in certain situations in the wild. “I suspect ancestral humans saw tail wags as a positive, easy to read sign in wolves, and developed it the way we talk with our hands – as a communicative gesture that we can easily understand.”

Scientists Finally Know Why Cats Love Tuna So Much

No food is more synonymous with cats than tuna. Even the pickiest of cats can’t resist the tuna’s fishy flavor. Finally, scientists have learned why cats love tuna so much. In the study published in the journal Chemical Sense, scientists report that cats, like humans, have receptors needed to detect umami flavor. Along with sweet, sour, bitter, and salty, umami is one of the five basic tastes.Umami seems to be the cats’ favorite flavor. Considering that umami gives food a deep and savory meaty aroma, it’s no surprise that an obligate carnivore like a cat would prefer it over all other flavors.The research team also found that cats’ taste receptors bind to two chemicals found in high concentrations in tuna. These chemicals boost the umami flavor, making cats obsessed with tuna. “This is an important study that will help us better understand the preferences of our familiar pers,” says Yasuka Toda, a molecular biologist at Meiji University. According to Toda, this study could help cat food manufacturers create healthier food and more palatable medication for cats. Previous studies showed that cats have a unique palate. Cats can’t taste sugar, because their sweet receptor gene is dysfunctional. Scientists believe that felines lose the ability to taste sweeteners and carbs because they don’t need these macronutrients to survive. Cats also have fewer bitter flavor receptors than humans. This trait is commonly seen in obligated carnivores. “Since discovering that cats don’t have a functional sweet taste receptor, we did wonder what they would respond to instead,” study lead author Scott McGrane, a sensory science expert at Waltham Petcare Science Institute, told Live Science. Humans and other animals possess two genes - Tas1r1 and Tas1r3 that work together to detect umami flavor. Previous research has shown that cats express the umami-related Tas1r3 gene in their taste buds, but it was unclear whether they possess both genes needed to detect umami flavor. The research team led by McGrane discovered that cats expressed both Tas1r1 and Tas1r3 genes in their taste buds. To learn this, the scientist biopsied the tongue of a six-year-old male cat that had been euthanized for health reasons unrelated to this study. However, a closer look at the protein sequences encoded by these genes showed that they are very different from human genes. As it turned out, the main amino acids that activate umami flavor in people - glutamic and aspartic acid - were mutated in cats. “So I began thinking, maybe cats can’t taste umami,” said McGrane. But, as it turned out, amino acids don’t bind to the cat umami receptor alone. Nucleotides, which are common in meat and yeast, bind to the cat receptor and glutamic and aspartic acid then have an enhancing effect. “That’s the exact opposite of what we see in people,” explained McGrane. Cats love tuna because it contains the nucleotide inosine monophosphate. Tuna also contains large quantities of L-histidine, an essential amino acid for cats, that enhances umami flavor. “The L-histidine content of tuna is much higher than of other fish species and meat sources.”These new findings could be used for the development of tastier cat food and pharmaceuticals. Although cat food manufacturers already knew that cats prefer meaty flavors, they now have much more details about the compounds they can start working with. It’s essential for manufacturers to ensure that animals want to eat the food they formulate and find it appealing. “I think umami is as important for cats as sweet is for humans,” said Toda. Dogs, she explained, can taste both sweet and umami, which may explain why they’re not such fussy eaters. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Cat Chattering: What Is It and What Does It Mean?

Cats communicate with each other and their humans in a variety of ways through vocalizations and body language. While you may be able to figure out what your cat is saying when they meow or hiss, you might be at a loss for an explanation when you see them chatter for the first time, especially if you’ve never seen cats do this before.What does it mean when cats chatter? Check out the information below to learn all about it so you’ll be able to figure out what your kitty is thinking and feeling the next time you see them exhibit this odd behavior.What Is Chattering in Cats?Chattering usually happens when a kitty sees something that they want to get their paws on. Many times, they’ll be looking out the window when a prey animal, like a chipmunk or bird, comes into view. Or, if your kitty spends time in a catio or outdoor enclosure, they might start chattering when they see small wildlife. As soon as your cat sees their intended prey, they may be ready to go on the hunt, and might express this feeling by chattering.This behavior doesn’t only happen when your kitty sees wildlife, though. It can also happen when you’re using a toy to play with them. The movement of the toy can get them excited and ready to pounce on their “prey,” and they might chatter as a result.Once you know what cat chattering looks like, you’ll be able to recognize it right away. But if you’ve never seen it before, it can be described simply as your cat making quick movements with their jaw, showing their teeth while staring intently at their target. Sometimes, no sounds will come out, but other times, they’ll make chirping sounds or even little meows. Some people even describe chattering as “ekekek”.To see what it looks like, here’s a compilation of cats chattering:

The Unseen Threat: Dangers of Secondhand Smoke for Your Pet

Most people are well aware of the dangers of smoking. They understand what smoking does to their bodies and know the potential health risks of lighting up a cigarette. But did you know that exposure to secondhand smoke may have serious health consequences for your pets?It’s no secret that smoking is bad for people. In the United States, between 80% to 90% of lung cancer deaths are linked to cigarette smoking. Secondhand smoking is also linked with an increased risk of other forms of cancer, such as breast and colorectal cancer, heart and respiratory disease.Studies have shown that more than 50% of bladder cancer cases in humans are caused by cigarette smoking. A recent study involving Scottish terriers found a link between cigarette smoke exposure and bladder cancer. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in dogs, and many pooches are diagnosed with some form of this terrible disease. Although many factors may predispose a pet to cancer, research shows that passive smoking is a main danger.Scientists from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University discovered that Scottish terriers who were exposed to secondhand smoke at home were six times more likely to develop bladder cancer than those who were not routinely exposed to smoke.Passive smoking is also linked with nasal cancer in dogs. This type of cancer is often diagnosed in long-nosed breeds such as collies, greyhounds, and borzois. The increased surface area in their nasal canals traps inhaled particles, allowing carcinogens from tobacco smoke to accumulate in the nasal mucus. As a result, long-nosed dogs are at a greater risk of developing tumors in their snouts. On the other hand, brachycephalic or short-nosed dog breeds, such as pugs and French bulldogs, are more likely to develop lung cancer. Their short noses aren’t as effective at trapping inhaled particles and allow more carcinogens to reach the lungs.Being exposed to smoke increases the risk that your dog will develop cancer, but that’s not all. Pooches that live with smokers are more likely to develop asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems.Dogs aren’t the only pets to suffer the consequences of inhaling secondhand smoke on a daily basis. Cats, birds, and small critters like guinea pigs and rabbits are also at risk.Cats that live with smokers are more likely to develop asthma and lung cancer. Felines that inhale secondhand smoke regularly also have a higher incidence of malignant lymphoma.  Studies have found higher nicotine concentrations in the hair of cats living with smokers than those living in smoke-free homes. The same is true for dogs living with smokers, no matter whether their owners smoked inside or outside. Cats are famous for being fastidious groomers, but licking the fur puts them at risk of ingesting even more toxic particles from secondhand smoke than simply inhaling them. Felines that groom excessively can develop oral tumors from licking toxic particles off their fur.Secondhand smoke alone isn't responsible for all health problems seen in cats and dogs. Diet, genetics, lifestyle, and exposure to other potentially toxic substances in the environment combined affect the pet’s overall health.Owners concerned with the well-being of their four-legged companions should be more aware of the air quality in their homes and make necessary lifestyle changes.Choosing to smoke outside can minimize some risks associated with exposure to secondhand smoke. Improving ventilation, opening the windows, and using air filters can help too. However, it’s important to note that even a low exposure to secondhand smoke can be harmful to your four-legged companion.Quitting smoking is hard, but knowing how secondhand smoke affects your pet’s health may motivate you to put down that cigarette once and for all!Join the PetGuiJoin the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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