How Do Cats Show Affection?

by Lisa Selvaggio

Published: May 14th, 2015

Have you ever thought: “How do cats show affection?” Here’s how to pick up on all the affection your kitty is throwing down!

Although there’s an incorrect stereotype out there that says cats are aloof and don’t really care about their human companions, cat owners are well aware of the fact that felines are able to exhibit affection in myriad ways.

Ever wonder how you can tell when your cat is letting you know how much he loves you? We answer the “how do cats show affection” question with some of the ways kitties show you they really do care.

Head Bunting and Cheek Rubbing

Head bunting occurs when a kitty gently presses his forehead against your body, hand, or face. You’ve probably seen cats do this to one another to show affection, but it’s also one of the ways that your cat will let you know that you’re important to him.

Combine this with cheek rubbing, and you definitely know that your kitty’s in love with you. In addition to leaving his scent behind to claim you as his own, he’s telling you that you’re one of his favorite humans and he never wants to part ways.

Softening the Gaze

Cats are usually on the alert, especially when they’re around people that they don’t know well or that they don’t feel comfortable around. But your cat knows you better than anyone, so he’s comfortable enough to relax his gaze and maintain eye contact with you. If your cat’s eyes soften and he blinks slowly at you, think of it as your kitty blowing you a kiss. Return the gesture by slowly blinking in return.

Grooming You

When a mother cat grooms her kittens, she’s teaching them a very important sign of affection, which is why cats who love one another will groom each other even into adulthood. So consider yourself lucky if you have a cat who enjoys grooming you. He’s telling you that he feels connected to you and that he totally trusts you.

Spending Time with You

If your kitty spends time near you, sits in your lap, or follows you around the house, you can rest assured that you’re a great pet parent who has acquired the special love of a feline.

Wagging the Tail

Like dogs, cats can communicate their emotions with their tails. For example, when your cat is really scared, he will puff out the fur on his tail. But if his tail is held high and twitching at the tip as he approaches you, he’s letting you know how much he cares about you. Another way cats show affection through their tails is by resting their tails on you while sitting or lying down with you, as well as wrapping their tails around your arm.

Giving You Love Bites

Love bites typically aren’t painful because they’re gentle in nature, though it may hurt a bit if your kitty goes for your nose or chin. The reason for this behavior is that cats nip one another as a sign of affection, and when your cat considers you one of his own, he’ll exhibit the same behaviors towards you that he would to his feline friends.

Exposing the Tummy

A cat who loves you will be so comfortable around you that he’ll be willing to lie down on his back with his belly exposed. Why is showing you his belly such a big sign of affection? As a highly vulnerable area of his body, he’s proving that he knows you won’t hurt him, and he loves you for that.

Even though cats can’t speak like humans, they do have a variety of ways to show you how much you really mean to them. If you thought your cat was just being a cat by grooming you, head bunting, or biting, it turns out that there was a lot more meaning behind his actions after all!

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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Does Your Cat Groom You?

Cats are hardwired to keep themselves clean – that’s why constantly grooming. But does your cat take an interest in your personal hygiene? Does your cat have a habit of grooming you like he would another feline? If you’re wondering why he does it, you aren’t alone. Check out the information we’ve gathered below to answer this common question. A Simple Sign of Affection Experts believe that kitties will groom their human companions to show them that they care, much like a mother cat will groom her kittens, or adult cats will groom one another to take care of each other. Related: How Do Cats Show Affection? When your pet grooms you, he is telling you that he loves you and that you are family. He’s basically conveying the same message that you send across when you pet him. After all, cats lick one another to soothe and comfort each other, and the feeling is similar to being petted by a human. So when your cat grooms you, he is, in a sense, petting you in return. Claiming You as Territory Whenever your cat grooms you, his scent is left behind. By applying his scent on you, your kitty is basically claiming you as his property, further proving that he values you. But in addition to claiming ownership, cats who groom one another also end up bonding socially, so your pet is reinforcing his bond to you as well. Other Possible Reasons In addition to showing affection, there are a few other theories surrounding this behavior. Related: Are You Petting Your Cat Wrong? For example, if you notice that your kitty is licking you excessively or even suckling on your skin or clothing, it could be the result of him being orphaned as a kitten or being weaned too soon. Some feline behavior experts think that adult cats who suckle might be exhibiting kitten-like behavior because they were separated from their mothers too early. Another reason why your cat might suckle, nibble, or lick you is because he is anxious or stressed. He might be attempting to find comfort, so it’s important to figure out what is causing your pet to feel uneasy. By pinpointing the cause, you can work on eliminating the stress response. This behavior may also be a sign that your pet isn’t feeling well. If you think that your kitty might be grooming you in an effort to soothe himself, a trip to the veterinarian may be necessary to rule out health problems. Is All the Grooming a Bit Much? If you would prefer that your kitty not groom you, you can gently discourage this behavior. You should never punish your cat for doing something that comes naturally and is a positive sign of affection towards you. Instead, you can distract your pet with a fun toy or a treat, or you could provide your pet with more mental stimulation and physical exercise. Another option would be to slowly move away from your cat once he starts grooming you so that he realizes that you’ll create distance whenever he licks you. Just keep in mind that it could take weeks or even months to change a kitty’s behavior, so be patient. Overall, if your cat grooms you, it might just be an act of love, but if the licking behavior becomes compulsive or it comes out of the blue, your veterinarian could help you pinpoint the cause and help your kitty feel better.

Study: Your Cat Thinks You’re Pretty Special!

Although they exhibit an aloof demeanor, new research says that cats are playing it cool. It turns out that your feline really does like people! Researchers from Oregon State and Monmouth Universities have discovered that cats, contrary to popular (dog!) opinion, do indeed like people! The study’s findings were based on experiments that tested cats’ reactions to various people and common daily occurrences. Tests show that human interaction seemed to garner the most reaction and appreciation. While you might think that your cat would walk over your dead body to get to her favorite catnip toy, researchers believe their findings prove this isn’t the case. Related: How Do Cats Show Affection? The study looked at nearly 40 cats–19 from private homes and families and 20 from animal shelters–and took away their access to food, toys, smells, and human interaction for a few hours. They reintroduced each item individually, and observed the reactions to each. While a good portion did indeed prefer food the most (37% of the cats), half of the subjects had the most favorable reaction to human interaction and affection. Related: Fur Will Fly on Animal Planet’s New Show “Cat Meets Dog“ Researchers acknowledge that cat sociality seems to exist on a spectrum, and cats are often viewed as more independent and needing less human interaction than other domestic pets. But it turns out that when given the choice between human interaction and affection or their most preferred of the other three stimuli, half chose the interaction of a human.

Study Reveals That Cats Really Don’t Need Us

A recent study says that we need cats more than they need us (*Sniff!). Don’t worry – at least our dogs will always turn to us for the basic necessities. I often visit the outlets of a smaller pet product chain located in my area. What I’ve learned from my various excursions is that many of them tend to have a feline “mascot” who lolls around by the cash register or lays sprawled across one of the larger bags of litter or dog food. Said kitty is typically morbidly obese and from conversations with sales staff, I have learned the reason. It seems that at night, when the lights are out and the doors locked, Fluffy doesn’t panic and look for assistance; she self-helps from the expansive line of edible products and essentially turns the shop stock into her own personal buffet. Be honest, don’t you love a critter that makes the conscious decision to not only survive without us, but quite frankly, to thrive? Me too, but that’s why my kibble is stored in a locked plastic bin and the treats are kept in the fridge. Related: Study Says Watching Cat Videos Boosts Energy, Positive Emotions [Video] But apparently this independent streak in felines isn’t just my take on the situation. The animal behavior specialists at the University of Lincoln in the UK found that while dogs look to their owners as a “safe base”, our cats consider us quite differently. The studies showed that while our gal pals may like to interact with us, they don’t really look to us for reassurance in an unfamiliar environment or when the chips are down. Researchers feel this harkens back to the nature of the species and the fact that they are generally an independent and solitary hunter. Professor Daniel Mills, Professor of Veterinary Behavioural Medicine at the University’s School of Life Sciences conducted the research which is now published in the scientific journal PLOS ONE. Related: How Do Cats Show Affection? According to Mills, “Previous research has suggested that some cats show signs of separation anxiety when left alone by their owners, in the same way that dogs do, but the results of our study show that they are in fact much more independent than canine companions. It seems that what we interpret as separation anxiety might actually be signs of frustration.” The test used to measure and arrive at this conclusion was adapted from the Ainsworth Strange Situation Test (SST), which is used to demonstrate the “secure attachment” bond that exists between children or pet dogs with their primary carer. In lay-person-speak, it means that the carer is seen as something that is safe and secure in an otherwise potentially threatening (or unfamiliar) environment. When it came to applying this test to felines versus kids and pooches, the pets were placed in an unfamiliar environment together with their owner, with a stranger and also on their own. In each situation researchers assessed three different characteristics of attachment; the amount of contact sought by the cat, the level of passive behaviour, and signs of distress caused by the absence of the owner. Mills states that one would typically expect to see attached individuals seek out or stay close to their carer, show signs of distress when separated and demonstrate pleasure when their attachment figure returns. But the feline test subjects exhibited none of these behaviours and proved once again that as long as they can rip open a bag of kibble, they don’t need us in their lives. Sigh… at least the dog will still need me. And it’s nice to feel needed! [Source: Science Daily]

Are You Petting Your Cat Wrong?

If you’ve ever shared your life with a cat, you know there are right and wrong ways to pet your cat. And you have the scratch marks to prove it! When you pet your cat, it should be an enjoyable experience for both of you. Petting helps you bond with your feline friend, and it can also help relieve stress. But if you’re petting your cat all wrong, he might run off or even lash out at you. So how can you be certain that you’re petting your cat the right way (other than a scratch-free arm)? Here are a few tips for the perfect petting technique. Related: How Do Cats Show Affection? Avoid Overstimulation Petting your cat too much or in the wrong manner can actually overstimulate him and make him uncomfortable. And this can lead to negative and aggressive behaviors. Basically, while your cat definitely wants your attention and affection, he doesn’t want you to overdo it. You shouldn’t pet your cat over and over again from head to tail for too long. Once your cat starts to show signs that he’s had enough, or he gets up and walks away, respect those boundaries. The reaction might be physiological, not temperamental, and if you continue, your cat may end up biting or scratching you to make you get the hint. Related: The Health Benefits Of Owning Cats Mindful Petting Be mindful of how you pet your cat so that you don’t overdo it and so that you pet your cat in a manner that makes him feel good. If you’re sitting on the couch watching TV with your kitty in your lap and you’re continually petting him without really paying attention, it’s likely that he’ll become overstimulated to the point that he has to lash out or get out of there. Signs Your Cat Has Had Enough One of the signs that your cat isn’t enjoying the petting experience anymore is a twitching tail and then a wagging or thumping tail. If you’re familiar with reading cat body language and the various ways that cats wag their tails when they’re happy or angry, you’ll be able to see the signs of agitation in your kitty right away. At this point, simply stop petting him or change the way that you’re petting him to see if he tolerates that instead. Another way to determine if your cat is feeling overstimulated is if you notice his back start to tense up or his body starting to shift. He may even try to move out of the way so that you stop petting him. It’s as though your hand is conducting electricity along his spine and he simply can’t take it anymore. Get to Know Your Cat’s Preferences Over time, try to figure out what your cat’s petting preferences are. For example, some cats really hate full-body petting, in which you run your hand from their heads to their tails. Others don’t mind this at all. Other cats may not like it when you touch their stomach, or when you touch their hind legs. It really depends upon your cat, so getting to know him is the best way to figure out how to pet him correctly. One way to figure out your cat’s preferences is by placing your finger gently in front of his nose and letting him guide your hand to where he wants you to go. Perhaps he’ll let you pet the top of his head, or maybe he’ll move your finger to the side of his face and neck. Help Your Cat Release Energy Throughout the Day Cats who aren’t able to release all of their pent-up energy throughout the day are more likely to become overstimulated and lash out at you when you pet them. One of the ways that you can prevent this is by playing with your cat or providing your cat with safe toys that he can enjoy on his own throughout the day. This will help him get all of his energy out so that he can relax with you as you pet him. If your cat lashes out at you while you’re petting him, take yourself emotionally out of the situation and try to analyze what went wrong. Take steps to understand cat behavior and you’ll be on your way to petting your cat just the way he likes it.

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.

Why Does My Dog Eat Poop?

When it comes to eating, most dogs will eat just about anything – in fact, if it’s something that’s forbidden for them to eat or something that they really shouldn’t be munching on, their appetite only seems to increase. And unfortunately, that also includes poop. While it is definitely disgusting to see, it actually has a lot of science behind it. The behavior is called  coprophagia, and it is influenced by a lot of major factors. Getting to know them can help you better understand this odd behavior, and help you act accordingly. So let’s learn all about dogs and poop-eating.Why Does My Dog Eat Poop?Believe it or not, eating poop is a fairly common behavior in dogs. In fact, recent studies reveal that it is  in a dog’s DNA to eat poop. It isn’t, however, a behavior that should be ignored completely. Because it can give you insights into the health and mentality of your four-legged friend. If you spot your pet munching on the forbidden fudge, it could signal a major nutritional deficiency. So, basically, if a dog is lacking certain nutrients in their diet, they may seek to fulfill those needs by eating feces. Of course, it can also signal underlying medical issues. It is known that some medical conditions can lead to coprophagia, such as malabsorption disorders or  parasites. Coprophagia can also sometimes stem from behavioral issues, such as stress, anxiety, or boredom. Dogs may resort to eating poop as a way to cope with these feelings or out of sheer boredom. It can also come from simple attention-seeking. Yup, your dog can eat feces as a way to gain attention, especially if they've received a strong reaction from their owners in the past. And, if you notice that your doggo is nibbling on poop in the park or on the street, they could be attracted to the scent. The scent of feces attracts some dogs, especially if it's from another animal. Of course, neglect can also be a viable cause. Dogs that are confined in tight spaces or cages can exhibit unnatural behaviors, such as excessive eating of poop. It can also stem from anxiety, fear, isolation, or from problems related to diet. Either way, it is essential to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical issues and to address any behavioral concerns. Of course, ensuring your dog has a balanced diet, plenty of physical and mental stimulation, and positive reinforcement training can help deter this behavior. It can also be wise to supplement your dog’s diet with  quality multivitamins, which can balance their nutritional needs and prevent poop-eating. 

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

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

What Shapes Your Dog’s Personality? Harvard Neuroscientists Reveal

No two dogs are the same – each pooch has a personality of their own, complete with unique quirks and traits. But why is your dog the way they are? What shapes their personality and character? Why do they behave in a unique way, even when they belong to a certain breed with a distinct set of traits?This is the question that Erin Hecht, assistant professor of human evolutionary biology at Harvard, is trying to answer. She is doing this through  The Canine Brains Project and recently held a  talk - centered on canine neuroscience - that was organized by Harvard’s Brain Science Initiative.According to Hecht, dogs have the potential to teach us so much about brain development, especially considering the fact that they were domesticated about 20,000 to 40,000 years before the present – which, on the evolutionary timeline, is quite recent. “Darwin saw dogs as a window on mechanisms of evolution,” Hecht said. “When we’re looking at dogs, as a natural experiment and brain behavior evolution all we have to do is look at their brains and see what evolution did in order to satisfy those selection requirements.”Hecht’s efforts were benefited by her lab, which performs MRI scans of dog brains – roughly 100 per year. They also conduct owner surveys that examine dogs’ work skills, especially those “ancient” ones, like hunting, guarding, herding, fetching, and so on. All this is then compared to breed parameters, like body size, skill size, and overall shape. “About 80 percent of the dogs living on the planet today are what’s known as village dogs. These are free-ranging animals that live as human commensals. So they’re living within human society, but they’re not pets,” Hecht said.Through such research, Hecht is hoping to determine what exactly shapes a dog’s personality. Through her lab work, she connects personality and skill differences in dogs to six special regions of their brains:-the regions controlling drive and reward -olfaction and taste-spatial navigation-social communication and coordination-fight or flight -and olfaction and vision“There has been very strong recent specific selection in individual breeds rather than founding effects in ancestral founding populations,” Hecht said. “So then we can look at behavior and ask whether the types of behaviors that different lineages have been selected for historically … [explain] each dog’s anatomy and these six brain networks. And it seems like there are some interesting relationships here.”But most importantly, it is concluded that these neural pathways are greatly impacted by the shape and size of a dog’s skull. “It stands to reason that if you’re manipulating the shape of a skull, you’re going to be manipulating the shape of the brain,” Hecht said. “But this confirms that dogs with these extreme skull morphotypes have impacts on their brain anatomy that likely affects behavior.”She also adds that even though some dogs have a brain “makeup” that suggests a unique disposition, it doesn’t “lock” them into a set behavior pattern. This is especially true for working skills. “Training is almost always necessary. I have yet to hear of any particular breed of working dog, where it’s just born knowing how to do its job,” Hecht said.So, a look “inside” your doggo’s brain might reveal why they are just the way they are. Would you be curious enough to let scientists take a peek?

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How Do I Train My Dog to Wear a Muzzle?

Introducing a new tool to your dog can feel like uncharted territory. While some dogs will readily accept whatever is thrown their way, others will become stressed or anxious when presented with something new. Unfortunately, if you are in a position where a muzzle is necessary for the safety of your dog or others around you, forgoing a tool because your dog appears to be uninterested in it isn’t an option. So, what do you do? How do you train your dog to wear a muzzle? This guide will dig into the importance of conditioning when planning to muzzle your dog. This includes explaining what conditioning is, walking you through the process step-by-step, and sharing some helpful tips to set you up for success. What is Muzzle Conditioning? Before expecting your dog to wear their muzzle, it is recommended that you take the time to focus on muzzle training, also referred to as muzzle conditioning. This is the process of introducing the muzzle alongside positive rewards. If each time your dog sees or interacts with the muzzle, they get “good things,” it will create a positive association. Over time, they will not only tolerate the muzzle but happily accept it. Why? They recognize that wearing their muzzle means they will receive good things like verbal praise, pets, and their favorite treats. How Long Does It Take for a Dog to Get Used to a Muzzle? There is no one guaranteed timeline when working on muzzle conditioning. While some dogs will quickly take to the muzzle, adjusting in just a few days, others will take longer. Some factors that can impact this include your dog’s personality, trainability, previous experience (positive or negative) with a muzzle, and their trust/bond with you as the person introducing this tool to them. It’s important to keep in mind that the time it takes does NOT mean you are doing better or failing at your training efforts. We have three dogs, all of which have been muzzle-trained. While two of our dogs took to the muzzle relatively quickly, Lucifer’s nerves and anxiety made the process more challenging. This doesn’t mean it was impossible. With time, patience, and consistency, he is now the dog that is most comfortable in a muzzle out of the three. We just had to move at his pace.

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Can Stress or Anxiety Cause Diarrhea in Dogs?

Dogs are no strangers to stress and anxiety. While most pooches are the picture of the tail-wagging, carefree dog whose only stress is that they have to wait for their next meal, some have it a bit more ruff. Anxiety in dogs can vary from mild to severe, triggered by specific and occasional stressors (such as  fireworks, for example) or present on a daily level. Naturally, your pet’s state of mind has a big impact on their overall health, so it doesn’t surprise that dogs with anxiety often have tummy issues. But does that mean that a stressful situation or anxiety can directly cause diarrhea in dogs? Having in mind that, in a way, your pet’s mental health is connected to their digestion, it sounds highly probable.How Stress and Anxiety Can Cause DiarrheaSo how does it work? The connection between the brain and the gut, often referred to as the gut-brain axis, plays a crucial role in the overall health and well-being of dogs. When dogs experience stress or anxiety, it can trigger a cascade of physiological responses, including changes in gut motility, secretion of digestive enzymes, and alterations in the composition of gut microbiota. These disruptions can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea.When stress or anxiety takes hold, it's not just a matter of frazzled nerves. These emotional states can set off a domino effect within your dog's digestive system. Rather than a simple list of effects, think of it as a cascade of events:Picture your dog feeling anxious during a  thunderstorm or while being left alone. This emotional response triggers a surge of adrenaline, part of the body's "fight or flight" response. Blood flow shifts away from the digestive organs and toward the muscles, heart, and lungs, hastening gut motility.Meanwhile, the delicate balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, known as the microbiome, is disrupted by stress. This dysbiosis can lead to inflammation, changes in gut permeability, and an upset stomach.Furthermore, chronic stress weakens the immune system, leaving your dog more susceptible to infections and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.Beyond these physiological effects, stress-related behaviors like excessive chewing,  licking, or ingesting non-food items can irritate the digestive tract, exacerbating diarrhea.How To Deal With Stress-Related Diarrhea in DogsIf your dog is experiencing stress-related diarrhea, there are several things you can do to alleviate their discomfort and ensure a speedier recovery.Before anything else, it’s essential to identify and address stressors. Determine the underlying causes of your dog's stress or anxiety and take steps to minimize or eliminate them where possible. This may involve providing a calm, predictable environment, addressing separation anxiety, or using  desensitization techniques for noise phobias.Next, support their digestion with a mild, nurturing diet and the right supplements. Your pet’s tummy is upset, so you shouldn’t neglect the importance of rebalancing their gut biome and helping their digestion. Instead of their usual kibble, offer them a bit of broth, some cooked rice, or boiled chicken breast. Additionally, a digestive supplement such as  Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora Powder can work wonders in managing symptoms of diarrhea. With a combination of special probiotics and antioxidants, this powdered supplement will quickly restore your pet’s GI tract and help their stool get back to its normal consistency. And since it’s packed with live microorganisms to benefit beneficial intestinal microflora, it can also help treat excessive gas and other digestion-related troubles, so it’s good to keep stocked in your pet’s first aid kit, especially if they have a sensitive stomach. 

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Viral TikTok video spills the beans on sharing with our pooches!

Dog Finds A Forever Home After Spending 1,007 Days at Delaware Shelter

Tessy, now a 5-year-old black Labrador retriever mix, spent 1,007 days at a Delaware animal shelter before being adopted into a forever home. This cute pooch arrived at Humane Animal Partners (formerly Delaware Humane Association and Delaware SPCA) on January 17, 2021, hoping to be adopted in no time.Unfortunately, finding her people proved challenging for Tessy. Days, weeks, months, and years went by, and Tessy was still living at the shelter with no prospective adopters in sight. “Tessy is loyal, goofy, snuggly, and remarkably smart,” said Leigh McKinley, a director at the Humane Animal Partners, according to PEOPLE. Like many other shelter dogs, Tessy had some trust issues and was wary of new people and experiences. These problems were the reasons for Tessy’s longer stay at the Humane Animal Partners shelter. “Tessy exhibited fear-reactive behaviors in the form of lunging, barking, and growling towards unfamiliar stimuli. Our goal was to help her overcome those fears and learn to trust humans and her surrounding environment, essentially changing her emotional response from a negative to a positive,” McKinley explained.The shelter used a behavioral modification plan, which consisted of positive reinforcement training techniques to help Tessy overcome her fears. Fixing a problematic behavior takes a lot of time, patience, and effort, but the shelter’s staff didn’t give up on Tessy.“Changing an involuntary physiological behavior takes dedication and consistency to be successful, and while we were determined to see this through, the nature of being in a shelter, with different staff members working with her on any given day, and for varying amounts of time, means the change would take time,” said McKinley. “We also needed to make sure her adopters were the right fit for her. We took a very thoughtful and careful approach to introducing her to people, and it took time for the right family to find her.”Then, almost three years later, all of Tessy’s hard work paid off! After 1,007 days at the shelter, this cute pooch has finally found her forever home. The family who adopted Tessy, met her several times to help her feel at ease. For the adopters, it was love at first sight, and Tessy instantly felt safe around them. “When her adopters Jeanine and Jeff first met her, we all tried to keep a level head about it, not getting our hopes up too high. After their third meeting, though, we could tell Tessy had already established a level of trust with them that we had never seen so quickly before,” said McKinley. Jeff and Jeanine adopted the pooch shortly after the third visit, and the shelter’s staff was ecstatic that Tessy had found a loving home.“It was a rollercoaster of emotions leading up to the adoption day, everything from celebrations to disbelief to sadness, excitement, a bit of anxiety, and everything in between. Mostly, though, we felt proud. Proud of her, proud of everyone who helped get her to this point, and proud of the results,” McKinley shared.  “We all know she’d do okay, we are also quite aware that going from three years in the shelter into a loving home is a big adjustment, and it will take her a while to fully acclimate. We tried to instill in her adopters to be confident and patient but never to be complacent.” the shelter’s director added.It’s important to know that not every visit to an animal shelter ends with ‘love at first sight.’ A lot of adoptable dogs have experienced some level of trauma and neglect, and are generally more anxious inside the shelter. Keep an open mind when visiting your local shelter and remember that each of these pups deserves a loving family and a forever home. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Why is My Cat Shedding in October?

The fall colours are out on full display, and temperatures are starting to dip, but for many cat parents, this time of year introduces another interesting change – their cats are starting to shed much more than usual. But if you’re suddenly noticing a trail of fur around your house, you have a few questions, including: Why is my cat shedding in October? Is it normal for a cat to shed more during the fall season? When should I be worried about my cat’s shedding? Don’t worry. We have you covered! This blog post will discuss seasonal shedding and how it may affect your cat. Plus, we have assembled a list of tips and tricks to help you deal with the increased shedding during fall, ranging from how to help your cat stay comfortable to keeping your house clean (or as clean as can be expected). Let’s dive in… Why Do Cats Shed? Whether you are a first-time cat owner experiencing shedding for the first time or a lifelong cat lover who simply hasn’t explored the reason why our cats shed – let’s talk about why this occurs. After all, isn’t losing hair a sign of illness or disease in humans? Shedding is a natural process in animals like cats where dead or damaged hair falls loose. This is essential for your cat’s skin and coat health. The amount of hair your cat sheds will depend on several factors, including the breed, age, overall health, and the time of year. That’s right, the time of year does have an impact on the shedding cycle…Is it Normal for Cats to Shed in the Fall? There are two times each year when you may notice an increase in hair collecting around your house. Commonly referred to as “shedding season,” this heavy shedding activity falls in the spring and the fall as your cat’s coat adapts to the change in temperature. The heavy winter coat is shed in the spring to make way for a lighter summer coat. Then, the reverse happens in the fall as they set themselves up for the best chance of survival during the cold of winter. Check the temperature – if it’s starting to drop and there are colder days ahead, you can expect to see the shedding activity pick up in the coming days.

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.

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.

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