How To Discipline A Cat (Without Losing Your Mind!)

by Lisa Selvaggio

April 28th, 2021 12:00 AM

how to discipline a cat without losing your mind

We know it’s hard to believe, but cats can misbehave on occasion. Here’s how to discipline a cat and help you break bad kitty habits.

If you have a kitty that tends to misbehave, you may be wondering what steps you need to take in order to get him to stop acting out of line. Training cats requires a lot of effort and patience on your part, and it’s also quite different from training dogs.

Check out the tips below on how to discipline a cat so that you can take the right course of action when your kitty misbehaves. Failing to discipline your cat appropriately won’t only prevent you from correcting the behavior, but could also lead to even more problems and behavioral issues in the long run.

Never Physically Punish Your Cat

Cats don’t respond well to physical punishment because they don’t associate the punishment with their bad behavior. If you use physical force when your cat does something wrong, he probably won’t understand why you’re hurting him. Instead, he’ll assume you can’t be trusted and that you could turn on him at any moment.

If your cat or kitten misbehaves, simply ignore him for a little while and then provide him with attention and affection after he’s learned his lesson. Intimidating your cat physically will likely only serve to make him neurotic, fearful, and potentially aggressive. The once sweet kitty who used to love sitting in your lap may actually become so afraid of you that he no longer seeks your attention. He may become shy and depressed, as well as uncertain of all humans because he may not know whom to trust anymore. You definitely don’t want that to happen!

Use Your Voice or Clap Your Hands

Rather than using physical force, you can use vocal intonations to get your cat to understand that he’s doing something wrong. You can say things like “no” or “stop it” in a firm voice. Another option might be to clap your hands, as the irritating sound may cause a cat to stop misbehaving and it might help redirect his attention.

Note: It’s a good idea to only raise the volume of your voice if it’s really necessary to get your kitty’s attention and stop him from doing something that might be harmful or dangerous. Generally, when it comes to teaching your cat, you don’t want to frighten or stress him out, but you do want him to know that a behavior isn’t allowed. Shouting at him might scare him, but it might not be effective when it comes to helping him understand what you want.

Praise Good Behavior

Cats respond better when they’re praised for good behavior and ignored for bad behavior. So give treats, attention, and praise when your cat behaves. That way, the good behavior can be reinforced.

In addition to praising and reinforcing good behavior, though, it is also a good idea to get your kitty’s attention when he’s misbehaving so you can redirect it toward something that is acceptable.

A classic example is inappropriate scratching. If your kitty is using your furniture as a scratcher, make sure you buy a few different high-quality scratching posts that can meet his needs. These can include vertical and horizontal scratching posts, as well as those made of different materials, from sisal to cardboard. Place these strategically around your house so that, if you see your cat scratching your furniture, you can stop him and redirect him to the right scratching post that he can use whenever he feels the need. Then, you can praise him and give him treats when he uses the scratchers that you bought him.

Correct Bad Behavior with Clever Tactics

Correcting bad behavior using tactics like double-sided tape or spray bottles might deter your cat from exhibiting certain behaviors without making you the punisher.

For example, you can apply double-sided tape to your countertops or furniture to make it undesirable for your cat to jump on or scratch them. Also, some cat training products use motion detector technology to sense when a pet is doing something wrong, and these products produce a gentle punishment, such as a quick blast of odorless air, to prevent the same behavior in the future.

When it comes to bad behavior that is related to play (for example, if your cat tends to scratch or bite you while playing with you), you can also employ the strategy of simply taking your attention away from him for a while. Let’s say that you’re playing with your kitten or cat and he starts to get too aggressive. At this point, stop the interaction and give your pet some space to help him understand that those behaviors are unacceptable and will result in the play session ending abruptly. You can also replace your hands with toys that your cat can claw at, bite, chase, and tackle as much as he wants.

Never Give Late Punishments

In the event you come home to find that your cat or kitten has destroyed something or done something wrong, it’s too late to punish him, so don’t even bother. He probably won’t realize he did anything wrong, and he may have even forgotten about it by the time you get home, so your pet won’t understand why you’re angry or why he’s being punished. Instead, it’s best to keep valuables in areas that your cat can’t reach, and to provide him with plenty of enrichment to keep him occupied while you’re gone.

Figure Out Your Cat’s Needs

A cat’s bad behavior is often the result of him trying to fulfill his needs. Going back to our example above, if he’s scratching up your furniture, you may have to purchase more scratching posts, including vertical and horizontal varieties, that will allow him to fulfill his need to stretch and scratch.

Also, keep in mind that, sometimes, negative behaviors are the result of a kitty not feeling well. He might be dealing with a physical ailment that is causing him to misbehave or act aggressively, so getting him checked and treated by a vet would be helpful in that scenario. For instance, if your cat is urinating outside of the litter box, using physical punishment can make matters worse. Instead, have him examined by a veterinarian to see if there’s an underlying medical condition causing the behavior. Sometimes even just switching the type of litter that you use, cleaning the litter more often, changing the kind of litter box you use, or moving the litter box to a different location can remedy the problem.

Another thing to keep in mind: a cat might be exhibiting bad behavior if he feels lonely or bored, so you might need to pay more attention to your pet or provide environmental enrichment to ensure he has everything he needs to feel happy, especially when you aren’t home. In other words, it isn’t always a physical ailment that’s to blame; instead, it might be an emotional concern that needs to be addressed.

Understand Feline Behavior

The key to how to discipline a cat successfully lies in understanding feline behavior.

If you have any questions about how to address your pet’s behavior, whether he’s a kitten, an adult, or a senior, consider consulting with a veterinarian who will be able to help you find the best ways to encourage good behavior and discourage bad behavior effectively.

No matter what, remember to be patient, and know that it takes time to teach a cat what’s allowed and what’s not allowed. Once he learns, though, he’ll be the best companion you could ask for.

Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. An advocate for better treatment of all animals, she enjoys producing content that educates others, helps them understand animals better, and inspires them to help, whether that means volunteering at a shelter, fostering strays, or simply giving their own pets a safe and happy home to live in.

More by Lisa Selvaggio

Popular Pet Guide

Intestinal Worms in Dogs: Types and Symptoms

View Article

Why Do Cats Meow at Night?

Let me sing you the song of my people… as soon as you tuck in for the night! Let’s get to the bottom of why cats meow at night. You probably think it’s really cute when your cat meows at you to let you know she’s hungry or wants to sit in your lap to get some cuddle time in during the day. At night, though, it’s another story. If you’re trying to get a good night’s sleep but your kitty is up and making a lot of noise, you likely aren’t going to be amused, right? A cat that makes it a habit to meow loudly throughout the night can definitely be annoying. But even though this behavior might seem unwarranted, there are several reasons why a cat may feel the need to become more vocal once the sun goes down and you’ve gone off to bed. Rather than getting angry or frustrated with your pet, it’s best to try to figure out what could be causing her nighttime vocalizations. That way, you can get to the actual cause of her restlessness and work on providing the appropriate solution so your furry friend can feel at ease and hopefully start sleeping through at least most of the night. What are some of the reasons why a cat might spend a lot of time meowing at night? We cover a few of them below, but keep in mind that it’s always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian if your pet is exhibiting strange new behaviors that have you feeling concerned. Nocturnal Habits Cats are typically awake at some point during the night, so it can be considered normal behavior if you find your kitty walking around the house, looking for food, playing, or running around to release some energy. Also, even though you might think that your kitty is a nocturnal animal and her nighttime habits are a result of that, your little feline is actually crepuscular, or mostly active at dawn and dusk. Once you take this into consideration, you might discover that your kitty waking up really early and zooming around the house before the sun comes up is nothing out of the ordinary. Related: How To Discipline A Cat (Without Losing Your Mind!) The Night Can Be an Exciting Time for a Cat Although your kitty spends quite a bit of time awake during the day, he may still feel the need to have a little fun at night, even though this is an inconvenience to your sleep. If your cat is up at night and tends to make noise by running around or meowing loudly, he might be trying to get your attention, he might want food, or he might be ready to play. You may want to leave some toys out for him to play with (just make sure that they’re safe for independent play), or you might need to change your pet’s feeding schedule so he isn’t as hungry during the night. And you might even consider adopting another kitty so they can keep each other company during the night without bothering you. Another thing to consider is that younger cats, especially those that are less than 1 year old, are typically highly active at night. And a newly adopted kitten or older cat may cry out at night because he feels a bit frightened, lonely, and insecure in his new surroundings. Taking steps to ensure your new pet feels safe and secure in his new home is key. Rather than locking him out of your bedroom, you might want to let him in so he won’t feel alone in a strange place. Also, kitties who like to sit at the window and look outside may see and hear things, such as stray cats or wild animals, that make them call out loudly. And loud cats might also be looking for a mate at night, so spaying and neutering your pets may make a difference. Potential Medical Conditions Despite natural behaviors and meowing to simply get your attention or to release energy, there are some underlying medical conditions that may cause your cat to become loud and vocal at night. Related: How To Calm A Hyper Kitten For example, if you get up to see why your cat is meowing and you find that he’s wandering restlessly throughout the house, he may be uncomfortable or in pain (especially if he’s also vocal during the day). In this case, it’s wise to take your pet to the vet to be examined. Another cause could be CDS (Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome), which can make a cat wake up and feel disoriented. Or, if you have a senior kitty, he might be vocalizing if he’s losing his hearing. When it comes to possible medical problems that might be causing your cat to meow more than usual during the night, don’t hesitate to talk about these changes in behavior with a vet. The solution might be surprisingly simple, and it’s worth doing whatever you can to ensure your kitty feels well. What You Can Do In order to get the sleep you need and help your kitty calm down and quiet down, you can try the following tips: Interact with your cat by scheduling play sessions during the day, and especially in the evening before bed. A tired cat may be more likely to go to sleep with you and may not have the energy to keep you up at night. Use toys that allow your cat to mimic hunting behavior, and play with your kitty until he appears tired and has had enough.Give your cat a meal right before you head to bed, as felines usually like to sleep after a large meal. This might also prevent your cat from asking for food throughout the night or before your alarm goes off. If this doesn’t work, though, you can use a timed feeder during the night. To avoid weight gain, talk to your vet about appropriate meal sizes if you’re adding more meals throughout the night.If you find that your cat craves attention and appears lonely or bored at night, getting him a companion kitty may be a good solution, provided that they get along and play with one another. And, whether you have a single cat or more than one, simply closing the door to your bedroom at night could allow them to release energy and play without disturbing you. However, if you close the door and your cat becomes more frustrated, this may not be the right solution, so work with your unique feline to figure out what he would prefer.Leave safe cat toys around the house for your kitty to find and play with at night. You may even want to leave some treats around for him to hunt down and munch on until it’s time for breakfast.If your cat is older and becomes disoriented at night, leave a night light on here and there, place a warm cat bed in your bedroom so he doesn’t get lonely, and take other steps to ensure he’s comfortable and relaxed. Ultimately, if you hope to break these nighttime habits, it might not be a good idea to reward your cat’s behavior by giving him attention, playtime, food, etc. in the middle of the night. After ensuring that your kitty isn’t injured or hurt, and figuring out why he’s meowing at night, simply ignoring him might work, especially if fulfilling his requests motivates him to continue bothering you. In other words, to stop the behavior, your cat might need to learn that meowing will get him nowhere while you sleep. At the same time, however, don’t be cruel, as there might be emotional or physical reasons for this behavior. And remember, if you have questions or concerns, contact a veterinarian for some advice.

Gordon Setter

Gordon Setter Basics Originally deployed in Scotland to retrieve hunted birds that had fallen to the ground, the Gordon Setter’s strong hunter’s instinct, skill with scents, and general companion qualities have made it a very popular breed indeed, as well as an enduring one. Having been officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1884, it is far ahead of many modern breeds that could be considered more popular. Today, a Gordon Setter is known as an excellent, loyal, and obedient breed that looks great with a properly-groomed coat but is also an ideal exercise partner and friend in the outdoors. As part of the Irish Setter’s pedigree, it’s hard to deny that the Gordon Setter has had a long, rich history of pleasing owners and hunters. But today, the breed can also be considered an ideal companion even if you don’t have any birds for it to sniff out – they are friendly, energetic, and respond well to training. If there’s ever a dog that exemplified the phrase “man’s best friend,” the Gordon Setter would have to be considered one of the leading contenders. Here’s more information about this strong, historical breed. The Gordon Setter can be an ideal companion even if you don’t have any birds for it to sniff out – it is friendly, energetic, and respond well to training. Origin It should be noted that many other dogs similar to the Gordon Setter have actually not retained its heritage like the Gordon Setter has. In the early 19th century, this breed became popular thanks to help from Duke Alexander, the fourth of Gordon, and continued to make its mark as a popular hunting breed with strong scent-sniffing instincts. Able and willing to please, the breed was brought over to America, as well, where it also found popularity enough to be recognized by the American Kennel Club long before the 20th century. With its strong hunter’s instincts and excellent companionship, they have enjoyed a relatively stable history as a breed, including their adherence to a “black-and-tan” coat that is considered perhaps its strongest trademark.

English Setter

English Setter Basics When you own a dog of a specific and pure breed, admit it: part of you wants to be the kind of owner who gets approached. “What kind of breed is that?” your fellow dog admirers might ask you, eager to hear what you’ve got to say. Arousing this kind of attention appeals to our vanity, sure, but it also underlies a very deep appreciation for the variety and pure breeding that occurs within the world of dogs. After all, you wouldn’t feel very special about your dog’s specific breed unless there was something inherently interesting about it. That’s a perfect introduction into the world of the English Setter – you’re reading right, not the Irish Setter – a unique breed that is instantly recognizable. Well, instantly recognizable as long as you know what English Setters look like. This breed, of course, belongs to the setter group and is similarly bred for both athleticism and a workmanlike attitude. You don’t have to go very far for a friend if you’ve got an English Setter. But if you want to have an answer to that question “What kind of breed is that?” you’ve got to know a thing or two about English Setters. Don’t worry… you’re about to learn. Generally easy-going, the English Setter is prone to obedience and loyalty. Origin One glance at the name of this breed will tell you that this dog was originally bred for hunting, like many similar dogs and dogs in its pedigree. The English Setter’s position in the world of hunting, at least as it started out, was to flush out game and make it ready to shoot. Quite simply, the English Setter needs to not only have a good nose, but a good ability to understand a specific task and perform it with obedience and loyalty. That obedience and loyalty has marked the history of the English Setter through some four or five hundred years of breeding. Experts place the English Setters roots this far back as it’s quite apparent that the English Setter has been helping hunters all over the world for at least a few centuries. During the 19th century, the Setter saw a lot of further development and breeding, especially as a man named R. Percival Llewellin bred English Setters to enhance its beauty and its overall look. Consequently, the English Setter today has a very distinctive appearance and can be considered one of the best-looking dogs that belong to the setter group. Pedigree

Why You Should Adopt a Dog From a Shelter

Complete your family and adopt a dog from a shelter If you’re looking to add another member to your family, you should adopt a dog from a shelter. There are thousands of dogs looking for a forever home and chances are you’ll find a loving companion that will give you and your family years of unconditional love. Many people are reluctant to adopt a dog from a shelter for various reasons. After all, there’s a stigma attached. These dogs were given up because they have “issues”. But these so-called issues were caused by a deficiency in the human owner – lack of leadership, exercise and training. In the right home, you’ll find that many of the issue disappear with the right amount of love, patience and attention. One of the many great things about a dog is that it lives in the moment. That means they forget the past and can’t wait to get to the fun the future holds for them. Sure, the previous owner might have thought that this dog was broken, so it was traded in until they could get a “perfect” dog. But when you adopt a dog from a shelter, that adult pooch you have your eye on in the shelter is ready for a fresh start. If you treat this dog right, you’ll find it has so much more potential than the previous owner saw. The best reason to adopt a dog from a shelter – you’ve just made a loyal friend for life. Before you even go to adopt a dog from a shelter, you need to decide the right kind of dog for your family. Is there a certain breed that works better for your home environment and lifestyle? Do you have kids and other animals in the household? Do you have an active or sedentary lifestyle? Can you step up to the plate and be the leader your dog needs? These are all important questions you need to answer before you adopt a dog from a shelter. Once you’ve come up with a general game plan, it’s time to start visiting rescue shelters. Don’t just focus your energies on one – be sure to get to several shelters in order to see a wide range of dogs. We know that you’re excited, but you don’t have to bring home a dog on your first day out. You’re not doing the dog or your family any favors if you choose based on a first impression, and you end up returning it. In fact, it may hinder that dog from being adopted by another family – dogs that keep getting returned have a greater chance of being put down. When you find a potential dog, approach the cage carefully and calmly so it sniff you. Don’t be alarmed if a shelter dog growls or barks at you – it may be wary of strangers, especially since so many come through the shelter every day. Take the dog out of its cage (with the assistance of the shelter staff, or course) and take it for a walk. Keep in mind that this dog probably has some pent up energy and is raring to go (hey, you would too if you were kept in a cage all day). After you pick the right pound puppy, it’s time to sort out all the paperwork and take your dog home. Check to see that all of its health records and procedures are in order so you have everything you need for your regular vet. Be sure to check out our article on what you should do to make the transition from the pound to your home a smooth one. And the best reason to adopt a dog from a shelter – you’ve just made a loyal friend for life.

American English Coonhound

American English Coonhound Basics A true Southern U.S. dog, the American English Coonhound loves to hunt. Loud-voiced and hard-working, the American English Coonhound is one of six official Coonhound breeds. Renowned for its speed, endurance, intelligence, and athleticism, this dog loves to be on the move. Good with children and friendly with strangers, you’ll find this dog to be fairly easy to train, making it a great family pet for novice owners. It will alert you (loudly) of strangers entering your property, but will make fast friends with anyone who gives it attention. This makes the American Coonhound a good watchdog, but not the best guard dog. Alert, confident and friendly to people and dogs, the American English Coonhound fits in well with a variety of households. Active owners will find that it makes a wonderful companion, especially if you like to spend time outdoors with a high-energy pet. Although not suited to apartment living, this breed loves to be with its people and will thrive in a loving household. If this is the first time you’ve heard of the American English Coonhound, read on – this dog may just be the perfect fit for your family. A true Southern U.S. dog, the American English Coonhound loves to hunt. Origin The American English Coonhound was first brought to the United States by European settlers during the 17th and 18th centuries. First called “Virginia Hounds (and imported to the U.S. by Robert Brooke, Thomas Walker and George Washington), the American Coonhound was bred to adapt to a more rigorous terrain. These dogs were used to hunt raccoons and the American Red Fox. The American Coonhound was also used to hunt opossums, cougars, deer, boars, bobcats and bears. In 1905 the English Coonhound was first registered by UKC under the name of English Fox & Coonhound.

Sarplaninac

Sarplaninac Basics A large, fluffy dog with a dark-colored coat, the Sarplaninac is more than just a big, cuddly bear of a pooch. The Sarplaninac is a livestock-guarding breed that was developed in the mountainous regions of Macedonia, Albania and Kosovo. Despite its large size, this dog is good with people, even if it does take them a little while to warm up. Because of their natural protective instincts, this breed makes a great guard dog. The Sarplaninac is a livestock-guarding breed that was developed in the mountainous regions of Macedonia, Albania and Kosovo. Origin The Sarplaninac originates from an area that was once called Illyria but is now called Macedonia. The breed was developed as a livestock guardian and it has been known to fight off large predators like lynxes, wolves, and bears. When the breed was first registered with the FCI it was under the name Illyrian Shepherd Dog – that was changed to Yugoslav Shepherd Dog – Sarplaninac in 1954. The exact origins of the breed are unknown, though its ancestors may have come to the Balkan Peninsula with people who migrated from ancient Asia. The Sarplaninac is actually one of the oldest native breeds in the world, developed from ancient Molosser breeds. Pedigree

Which Dog Breeds Make Us Happiest, According to Social Media?

As dog parents, we love sharing pictures and stories of our pups. After all, we all have the cutest, most adorable dog. Right? Sometimes these stories are funny, share special heartfelt moments, and sometimes these posts are sad stories that tug at our hearts. Curious about this range of emotions, Protect My Paws recently analyzed the content in nearly a quarter of a million dog-themed tweets. From here, they identified the 10 dog breeds that make us the happiest – and the results were surprising!To analyze and understand the emotions connected to each tweet in the study, they used the NRC Lexicon. This tool looks at the entire sentence, scanning it for recognizable emotional words and phrases. This included happy, sad, fearful, and trustful phrases.The result was a breakdown of which dog breeds associated with each emotion, and the results were surprising. While you may have expected to see German Shepherd Dogs among the most trustworthy or Golden Retrievers topping the dogs that make us feel the happiest, you may be shocked. The breeds that made this list stray from the usual stereotypes.So, what dogs make us the happiest?The study found that the little black furball known as the Affenpinscher was happily talked about the most on social media! This breed may only weigh between 7 and 13 lbs. fully grown, but they are full of personality. They are described as being feisty, inquisitive, stubborn, and humorous. Of the 200k tweets analyzed, 240 “joyful” words were identified per 1000 related to the Affenpinscher.Other dog breeds on this happiest list included:Staffordshire Bull Terrier (207)Vizsla (194)West Highland White Terrier (192)Portuguese Water Dog (185)Bullmastiff (183)Chesapeake Bay Retriever (184)Samoyed (176)American Staffordshire Terrier (175)English Cocker Spaniel (174)

Golden Irish

Golden Irish BasicsSometimes, a combination of two dog breeds simply works like a charm. Like peanut butter and chocolate, the Golden Irish offers to great flavours that taste even better together. Combining the good looks and personalities of the Golden Retriever and the Irish Setter, the Golden Irish makes a wonderful family pet. They offer everything that a growing family could possibly want from their fur baby. These dogs will be thrilled to meet you, excitedly race to the door to see you at the end of every day, and they will remain lovingly loyal to the end. They enjoy getting and giving loads of attention and affection, and they are a lot of fun to be around. These pups make life a little sweeter just by being at your side.Before diving in and bringing a Golden Irish home, though, check out the information below to learn more about this popular designer breed. While these dogs are indeed wonderful, they won’t be the right fit for every household. The only way to find out whether or not they will fit into your home is by doing the research. You’ve come to the right place for that. So keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away. Everything that you could possibly want to know about owning a Golden Irish is about to be revealed.The Golden Irish is a cross between a purebred Irish Setter and Golden Retriever.Origin

Say Bye to Tug O’ Walks: Best Dog Harnesses to Stop Pulling

There are many different dog harnesses to stop pulling to pick from–find out how to make the right choice.Every dog is excited to go outside and strut their stuff, but some pooches can get a bit too excited on walks, pulling and tugging you along. Not only that leash pulling can be frustrating as heck, but you might also experience shoulder and wrist pain from trying to keep your eager pooch under control. If you want your dog to behave when you walk them on a leash- and avoid those red sore palms and painful joints, no-pull dog harnesses are the answer. These specially designed dog harnesses to stop pulling use humane but effective tactics to prevent your dog from wiggling and tugging on the leash.

Chinchilla Cat

Chinchilla Cat Breed History The Chinchilla cat could also be referred to as the Chinchilla Persian because this breed is actually a type of Persian cat. The name “Chinchilla” is a reference to the cat’s fur, which is similar to that of the chinchilla rodent, and this is a feline that has been selectively bred to produce a specific coat color. This manmade cat breed has origins that date back to around 1882 in England. That is when a smoke-colored kitten named Chinnie was born after a stray tomcat mated with a blue Persian. Chinnie’s owner then had her mate with a silver tabby cat, and then one of the kittens from that litter would go on to give birth to the first male Chinchilla cat. Breeders continued to encourage the unique coloration in an effort to establish the breed, and that is how Chinnie’s descendants started to showcase the preferred appearance by the early 1900s. It was also during that time that the first standards for the Chinchilla breed were created by the Chinchilla, Silver and Smoke Cat Society. And, since 1920, this breed’s standards have not changed much. The Chinchilla cat could also be referred to as the Chinchilla Persian because this breed is actually a type of Persian cat. Breed Traits

Top 10 Best Virtual Vets: Veterinary Telemedicine For Your Pets

While a global pandemic may have made the need for virtual vet visits much greater, online health care for pets has been a growing industry for a while. With convenient times, options and pricing, telemedicine for pets makes a lot of sense. We’ve scoped out the best veterinary telemedicine services around. What Is Veterinary Telemedicine? Veterinary Telemedicine is very similar to human telemedicine/telehealth appointments in a lot of respects. Obviously, if your pet is in need of in-person veterinary care for whatever reason, you’ll want to contact your veterinarian and schedule that appointment. But sometimes, the anxiety of the vet can be overwhelming for a pet, particularly if it’s essentially something that can be talked about or is a fairly easy-to-identify issue. Veterinary telemedicine allows you to speak to either a veterinary technician or a licensed veterinarian over video, voice or text and that peace of mind can be priceless. Sometimes, what you think may be a major issue is minor and a quick talk with a licensed professional (without having to go into the office with your pet) can make a huge difference for you both. Do Veterinarians Actually Diagnose And Prescribe Online? The answer to that is “Yes, they do, ” and, “No, they don’t.” True telemedicine will be able to offer (some) diagnosis and prescription services, but typically requires a vet client-patient relationship (VCPR) according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. What that means is that a vet must have seen your pet in person first, typically within a year, in order to do phone/video diagnosis or prescribing of medicine. More and more online practices are encouraging their patients to participate–having them come in for that initial meet-and-greet and look over so that should emergency pop up, they’re able to schedule a telemedicine appointment with you at your convenience. Telehealth services for your pet also include what is typically called Teletriage and generally speaking, that’s what most pet parents are lookng for when they feel like their dog’s poo looks a little off or their kitty seems to be eating less and hiding more than usual. Pet parents want to be able to get in touch with a professional with ease and when they need to. That’s where Teletriage comes in handy. Most of the time, pet parents really just need triage, general advice, guidance and support from their veterinarian and vet techs, and that’s just what most veterinary telemedicine services will offer exactly when they need it. Experience speaking here, but we find that’s often at 1:00 am after Fifi has lost her cookies twice that night and your vet’s office is obviously closed. Why Choose Veterinary Telemedicine? In a nutshell? Veterinary telemedicine is a great option for the same reasons that many telehealth for human appointments are. They are typically offered on super-convenient schedules for you, which makes them easily accessible for most. They’re an affordable way for your pet to ‘see’ a vet at almost anytime of the day or night, and can often preempt an otherwise super expensive trip to the local emergency animal hospital just to find out a teaspoon of salt may have been all your dog needed to barf up that sinus infection antibiotic of yours they scarfed off the counter. True story, and for the record, our vet said that the medicine wouldn’t hurt our dog, but it sure was nice to just be able to do a quick telehealth chat with our vet to find that out. And most of all, though virtual vet vists can obviously replace the need to see the vet in-person sometimes, the peace of mind you can get about your pet’s well-being from the comfort of your own (and their) home is priceless. It can mean the difference between that expensive emergency hospital run or just waiting until the morning when your vet is in the office and can see your pet in-person (if needed) and is often much less stress on your pet too. The Best Veterinary Telemedicine Services 1. Vetster

Paw Reading Is Japan’s Newest Cat Trend

Reading cat paws is a feline version of palmistry which hints that there’s more to your kitty’s jelly beans that just cuteness. When it comes to fantastic feline-related phenomenon, they mostly originate from Japan- just look at cat cafes. It probably won’t come as a surprise, then, that the land of the rising sun has another pawesome thing for cat lovers around the world: guessing kitty personalities based on their paws. Yup, you’ve read that right. Paw reading is now a thing in Japan. It all started when Mr. Akatsuki, a mysterious cat-loving fortune teller (I kid you not) presented his observations about the link between paw shapes and personalities in cats. Although his method might not reliable, his goal is noble, as his wish is to help new cat parents find a pet feline whose character will be a perfect match. He even wrote a book with instructions and explanations! According to him, there are five main types of cat personalities, with 13 sub-types, all determined by the slight differences in their jelly beans. In case you have a feline companion and want to put Mr. Akatsuki’s theory to the test, here’s what to look for. Type A Cat (Heart-shaped middle jelly bean)

Puggle

Puggle Basics If you are in the market for a doggo so adorable that it will keep a smile plastered on your face for every second that you spend together, then it’s about time that you met the Puggle. Lively and full of the spunk, the Puggle is a fun-loving little clown. He’ll run around and play like he was a puppy, even long after he is all grownup! His perky attitude and spark of enthusiasm will keep the family laughing day after day. It’s like keeping a furry reservoir of joy in your home. The smiles will never stop with a Puggle in your life. This popular designer dog was developed by crossing the flat-face Pug with the floppy-eared beagle. The combination of these two very popular dogs results in a hybrid that boasts the best that his parents have to offer, all bundled up in one adorable package. A perfect combination of popular doggos that some owners think is even better than the Puggle’s beloved parents. The Puggle’s low maintenance coat and his ability to get much of his exercise indoors make him the perfect pet for those living in the city or an apartment building. Your Puggle will have no problem fitting into a city or couch potato lifestyle. However, he still enjoys running around outside, so the occasional trip to a dog park is an excellent idea as well. Owing to his hound genes, this cute designer dog can have a penchant for sniffing his way straight to trouble. So make sure to always keep your Puggle on a leash in unsecured areas. A loving and social dog, the Puggle makes new friends wherever he goes. People gravitate to this little fellow and love his good-natured attitude and handsome looks. These dogs are irresistible no one can resist their charms. Probably not even you. Want to know why? Then keep your eyes glued to this page to learn more about the Puggle. Lively and full of the spunk, the Puggle is a fun-loving little clown. Origin Not all designer dogs have a well-documented history or any recorded history at all for that matter. However, this popular hybrid is one of the few designer dogs with well known roots. The Puggle originated in the United States in the 1980s. Many believe that the first Puggles were the result of an accidental breeding. However, enthusiasts of this hybrid breed claim that they actually originated from a planned breeding don in the hopes of creating a new dog breed. The first person to have intentionally produced a litter of Pug-Beagle mix puppies was Wisconsin breeder Wallace Havens. He will forever be known as the proud poppa of the Puggle. As a result of multigenerational breeding, Puggles have gained incredible popularity in the U.S. Seemingly everyone wants one of these pups. In fact in 2005, the Puggle became the most widely owned crossbreed dog in history! Keeping in mind the popularity of designer dogs and hybrids in general, this says a lot about the Puggle. These dogs didn’t get so popular by accident. They deserve and earn their love. Puggle breeders have been working diligently to create a more standard look and temperament for the hybrid. This crossbreed is accepted by several registries. Breeders even have high hopes that the Puggle will eventually be recognized by the American Kennel Club, an organization that holds an infamous bias against designer dogs.. For now, this Pug/Beagle mix shares the fate of his other crossbreed fellows and gets no recognition from this prestigious organization. One day the AKC will finally learn to love designer pups along with everyone else, but it is not this day. Pedigree

Top 10 Cutest Dog Breeds

If you needed something to brighten up your day, you’ve come to the right place. Get ready to feel all sorts of warm and fuzzies with our cutest dog breeds picks. If these pups don’t melt your heart, then you might not have a heart at all! Consult a doctor!

Florida White Rabbit

Florida White Rabbit Breed History/Origin Judge Orville Miliken wanted to develop an “all-purpose” rabbit, which meant the rabbit had to be show-worthy, have a high-quality coat, ample meat as well as have the docile qualities of a good pet rabbit. Another reason for the breed’s creation is that Mr. Miliken realized that laboratories that were using New Zealand rabbits as test subjects would prefer their rabbits to be smaller, so he tried to meet their need by creating a new breed of rabbit. The judge mated an albino Dutch, a red-eyed-white Polish rabbit and a white New Zealand rabbit back in the 1960s in order to create a new breed he aptly named after his home state of Florida. It was accepted into the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) in 1967 and ten years later, the Florida White Rabbit won its first “Best in Show” (BIS) at an ARBA convention. While primarily developed for its potential commercial purposes, the Florida White Rabbit quickly became a popular pet. Today, the majority of these bunnies live in homes, as family members and cherished companions. Read on to find out if the Florida White Rabbit is a good choice for you! The Florida White rabbit is a wonderful pet for practically any stage of a person’s life. Overall Description The Florida White rabbit is a relatively small rabbit with a round, compact body and a short neck. Their body type is commercial and the appearance of their body is the most important for show judges. A Florida White Rabbit should weight between 4 and 6 pounds, be fine-boned buy with a well-developed body. Their thick ears are not large and generally stand upright, but can fall on either side of their small, round heads. Hindquarters, back, and shoulders are well muscled, especially for such a small rabbit. The hind part of their body is somewhat wider than it is at the shoulders. Coat

Mal-Shi

Mal-Shi BasicsA popular designer dog breed, the Mal-Shi is an adorable little pooch that is ideal for a variety of lifestyles. This is a pup so beloved that it goes by three names. Also known as Malti Tzu, Mal-Tzu, Shih-tese and Shima, this hybrid is easy-to-train and a delight to have around your family. This breed was designed to be a low-shedder, making him a popular companion for those who suffer from allergies. But he’s much more than that; he’s great with the kids and is content to cuddle on your lap at the end of the day. This is a designer doggo who fits in with any family and lights up every room. Anyone would be lucky to bring this pooch home.Bold and outgoing, he’ll make friends with anyone he comes across, humans and animals. A wonderful family dog, the Mal-Shi can also make an amazing therapy dog, thanks to his naturally good nature. He will grow very attached to his family and want to spend every second around them. Ideal if you want a loyal and loving companion! But like most velcro dogs, there are downsides to this type of canine attachment. You’ll want to be sure that your Mal-Shi has constant companionship.The many wonderful qualities of this extraordinary animal make it one of the most popular designer dog breeds around. The Mal-Shi’s adorable looks, sweet nature, and adaptable personality are all very appealing to a wide variety of prospective owners. There’s a reason why this breed is growing in popularity all the time. But is the Mal-Shi truly the right dog for your family? Read on to find out.A popular designer dog, the Mal-Shi is an adorable little dog that is ideal for a variety of lifestyles.Origin Developed in the 1990s, the Mal-Shi was designed to be a low-shedding, hypoallergenic companion dog. That’s right a dog created to be an ideal companion with minimal mess and no sneezes. Sources indicate that the breed originated in Australia, where the Mal-Shi has been one of the most popular mixed breed dogs in decades. However, this hybrid was not created to only be treasured in the land down under. Nope, these adorable and fluffy dogs have been gaining popularity in North America as well. The lovely character and appearance of the Maltese and Shih Tzu mix will leave no one indifferent. These dogs were practically designed to be loved and it’s only a matter of time before this hybrid becomes a worldwide sensation.Pedigree

Schnoodle

Schnoodle BasicsAfter sliding its furry form into the hearts of dog lovers everywhere, the Schnoodle is gaining popularity as a must-have designer dog. The Schnoodle seems to exploding in popularity exponentially, with dog lovers everywhere desperate to get their hands on this delightful animal. As a mixed breed, this adorable pooch has two purebred parents- the Schnauzer and the Poodle. This hybrid breed fills the role of many types of dog – lap dog, family dog, therapy dog and even a show stopper. You could say this is a well-rounded breed that will fill any position available! Not only is the Schnoodle cute and adorable, it is playful and lovable, making him the ideal family pet. It’s hard to find anyone who won’t fall for a Schnoodle.With a wide range of sizes available, Schnoodles come is small, medium and larger sizes. Depending on the size of Poodle and Schnauzer bred, your Schnoodle can weigh anywhere from 10 to 60 pounds (Schnauzer come in Miniature, Standard, and Giant, while Poodles come in Toy, Miniature, and Standard sizes). And, because of the Poodle mixed in, this dog has a hypoallergenic coat, which makes him an attractive pet for allergy sufferers. Please read on to learn about this wonderful hybrid dog breed.In addition to Schnoodle, this designer dog is also known as Mini Schnoodle, Miniature Schnoodle, Schnauzerdoodle, or Schnauzerpoo.So is this dog with multiple names, a variety of sizes, and endless reasons to love him worth bringing home to your family? There’s only one way to find out. Keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away. Everything that you could possibly want to know about the Schnoodle is about to be revealed!Making its way into the hearts of dog lovers everywhere, the Schnoodle is gaining popularity as a must-have designer dog.Origin Developed in the 1980s, the Schnoodle made its appearance due to an increased interest in Poodle mixes. The “culprit” for the popularity of all things doodle was the first designer dog to be created- the Labradoodle. Breeders came to realize that the exceptional intelligence and hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle bring a lot of value to the mix. Crossbreeds with this breed in the family tree still remain one of the most popular hybrids!Although it’s not as popular as many other Poodle crosses, Schnoodle is gathering a dedicated following, thanks in part to its playful good nature and low- shedding, low-dander coat. Unfortunately, like most designer dogs, there isn’t much know about this specific breed’s history beyond those details. Sadly, there simply isn’t much documentation kept about the history of hybrid dogs, unlike purebreds.Pedigree

Are There Dog Supplements That Can Help Shedding?

Are you waist deep in fur balls? Are you tired of finding fur on your clothes, in your food, attached to the furniture? You are not alone. Many doggo owners are battling that age-old fur battle. It’s the simple truth – some dogs shed more than others, and you will have to deal with all the excess hair. But not to worry, because we have good news – there are a few supplement ideas that may reduce shedding.

How To Discipline A Cat (Without Losing Your Mind!)

Popular Pet Guide

Intestinal Worms in Dogs: Types and Symptoms

Popular Article

When Nature Surprises: Crocodiles Push a Drowning Dog Out to Safety

How To Discipline A Cat (Without Losing Your Mind!)

Popular Pet Guide

Popular Article

Related articles