Understanding Asthma In Cats

by Lisa Selvaggio

Published: October 23rd, 2014

This human affliction can also leave your cat short of breath – here’s what you need to know about asthma in cats

Just as humans can suffer with asthma, felines can too. Knowing what the symptoms of this chronic condition are, as well as what treatments are available, will allow you to give your asthmatic kitty the best quality of life possible. Continue reading to learn more about asthma in cats so that you can pinpoint symptoms and get your pet help as soon as possible in the event he begins showing signs of the disease.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is also referred to as Feline Bronchial Disease. It is an inflammatory condition that affects the bronchi of felines, and the inflammation itself is what is so damaging because it causes obstruction of airflow, fluid buildup, and a thickening of the mucous glands along the airways.

Related: How To Relax A Stressed Cat

What Causes Asthma?

The inflammation associated with asthma occurs as a result of an allergy of some kind. For example, airborne pollen is one of the common triggers, though exposure to mold and dust on a consistent basis can also lead to asthma, especially because cats spend a lot of their time very close to the ground, where these allergens can collect. Other triggers, however, can include food allergies or sensitivities to chemicals in the environment or in products that are used throughout the home.

What are the Symptoms Associated with Asthma?

The typical symptoms associated with asthma include difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, purplish or bluish gums, an unwillingness to move, or hiding behavior that is not normal for your cat.

If your cat exhibits any of the symptoms associated with asthma, you should have him examined by a veterinarian right away. Many of these symptoms mimic those of other diseases, such as heartworm or other respiratory ailments. Therefore, a definitive diagnosis from your vet will prevent excess worry and stress while ensuring the most effective treatment options are used to bring your cat relief and prevent complications.

It is also important to note that secondary infections, particularly pneumonia, occur in about 24 to 42 percent of felines suffering with asthma, so keep an eye out for new symptoms that would alert you to these secondary infections.

What are the Treatment Options?

Conventional veterinarians will often prescribe antihistamine and corticosteroid medicines. Bronchodilators are also prescribed. Corticosteroids are usually given by injection, by mouth, or a combination of the two. The injections themselves can be long-lasting or short-acting. However, these drugs have side effects that can occur both in the short-term and in the future, and some side effects can be severe. Therefore, you may choose to go with short-term fast-acting corticosteroids. Discuss your options with your vet, who would know what is best for your cat.

A holistic vet will also consider incorporating the use of herbs and homeopathic remedies that are chosen based on your cat’s specific needs and overall constitution in order to increase the odds that they will be effective. Herbal remedies include boswellia, coltsfoot, cat’s claw, feverfew, ephedra, German chamomile, garlic, ginkgo biloba, lobelia, turmeric, and licorice. Improving your cat’s diet can also help. And other natural treatments include supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids and certain vitamins and minerals with high antioxidant content.

Minimizing triggers is also a key component in helping to prevent asthma attacks if your cat has been diagnosed with this condition:

Do not smoke in your home.
Remove dust and make sure there isn’t any mold growing anywhere in your home.
Reduce or eliminate the use of artificial fragrances, from perfumes to air fresheners and hair spray.

In the event your pet is suffering with an asthma attack that he has never had before, or you are unable to use the treatment options provided by your vet to control an attack, get your pet to the vet right away. On the way to your vet’s office, keep your pet as calm as possible, placing him in a carrier while ensuring his breathing is not restricted at all. Human inhalers should never be used on your cat, but if your vet prescribed a feline-specific inhaled medication, use it right away.

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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Understanding IBD in Cats

Did you know that IBD in Cats isn’t just one disease – it’s a combination of gastrointestinal disorders. Feline IBD, which stands for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, isn’t actually a single disease. Instead, it consists of a group of gastrointestinal disorders that affect cats. These chronic disorders are the result of inflammatory cells that affect the walls of the animal’s gastrointestinal tract. The cells thicken the walls, disrupting the way that they function. Understanding what IBD does to a cat’s body, and what symptoms it can cause, will help you recognize the signs and get your kitty the veterinary care she needs. The Causes of Feline IBD Cats of all ages can be diagnosed with IBD, but it is more common in felines that are middle aged or older. Related: How to Tell If Your Cat is Happy Some of the causes of inflammation in a cat’s gastrointestinal tract include bacterial infection, parasitic infection, and food allergies to ingredients like certain animal proteins, artificial colors, additives, preservatives, gluten, and milk proteins. Genetics might play a role in the development of IBD as well, but in a lot of cases, IBD is deemed idiopathic. The Symptoms Feline IBD can affect any part of your pet’s gastrointestinal tract, and the symptoms can vary depending upon the areas affected. Related: What You Should Know About Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease When IBD in cats affects the stomach, the typical symptom is chronic vomiting. On the other hand, if your cat’s intestines are affected, your pet will experience chronic diarrhea. And in cats where both the intestines and the stomach are affected, both diarrhea and vomiting will occur. When IBD continues for several months, symptoms that include weight loss and a change in appetite could also occur. Other symptoms of feline IBD include: Fatigue, lethargyFlatulenceDepressionGurgling and rumbling sounds from the abdominal areaPoor coat qualityAbdominal painBlood in the stool Diagnosis If you notice your cat exhibiting any of the symptoms associated with IBD, it is important to bring your pet to the vet as soon as possible in order to get her the treatment she needs before the disease progresses. Your vet will perform a physical exam and order blood work and other tests to determine if IBD is really to blame for your pet’s symptoms, and to figure out exactly what is going on in your cat’s gastrointestinal tract. IBD that affects the small intestine is referred to enteritis. If the cat’s stomach is affected, it is referred to as gastritis. And if the large intestine is affected, it is called colitis. Once your vet is able to diagnose what area of the gastrointestinal tract is being affected by IBD, he or she will be able to pinpoint the right remedies for your cat. Treatment Options for IBD in Cats One treatment option for cats suffering with IBD is a change in the pet’s diet. Your vet may prescribe a food that contains a different protein source than what your cat is used to eating, or you may need to feed your pet a food that contains a higher amount of fiber, a reduced amount of fat, or a more easily digestible mix of ingredients. You and your vet may also need to work together to figure out what ingredients are causing the IBD symptoms so that you can provide the appropriate foods that will allow healing to take place. Another treatment option, especially if dietary changes do not work, would be the use of anti-inflammatory medications, such as corticosteroids. Your vet may also prescribe antibiotics, immunosuppressive medications, probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes to help reduce inflammation and assist with properly digesting food and absorbing nutrients. If your cat has been diagnosed with IBD, you will need to work closely with your vet and follow treatment guidelines closely. Your cat will also need to see the vet regularly so you can monitor the condition and make adjustments to treatments if relapses occur.

Study: Exposure to Cats Can Reduce Childhood Asthma Rates

New research suggests that a cat in the house around newborns can help prevent children from developing asthma. Researchers from the Copenhagen Studies on Asthma in Childhood Research Center (COPSAC), Denmark, are suggesting that cats can prevent asthma from developing in children. The scientists concluded that cats neutralize the effect of a specific gene in our body. When this gene is activated, children have double the risk of developing activated. They believe that if a cat is in the home when the child is born, the gene is never activated, and the risk of asthma decreases significantly. Related: What is Cat Scratch Fever and How Can You Avoid Being Infected? Hans Bisgaard is a professor of pediatrics and the head of COPSAC. He is also the lead author of the study and he says that he was surprised because the study showed that genes connected to diseases can be basically switched on or off like a light based on the environment we are in. He says that it shows how the connection between our genetics and the environment is so important, and in particular, how important our environments are in pregnancy and a child’s early life. The study looked at 377 Danish children whose mothers had asthma–looking at their mapped genes and information about their environments and upbringing with both surveys and samples. They found that cats removed the risk of asthma developing in children who had a specific variation of the gene 17q21, also called TT. This gene has the strongest impact on whether the children would develop asthma or not and almost one in three of the children carried the TT variation gene. Their mother having asthma or not had no bearing on that statistic. The scientists found that only cats seemed to make a difference in the development of asthma in children who had the TT gene variation, and exposure to dogs early in life did not have the same effect. More, they also believe that cats helped protect against asthma and bronchitis, as the 17q21 gene is connected to those conditions. Related: Study: Pets Help Lower The Risk Of Childhood Asthma Because these results show that genes and the environment interact so precisely and yet in such unknown ways, it’s important for more research to be done to look at the broader implications. Particularly because the study doesn’t show exactly what it is about cats, and whether it is cat specific, that helps protect children with those gene variations, the researchers would like to know exactly what kind of and how much exposure to cats early on would make an impact. Co-author Jakob Stokholm believes that it could be something in the bacteria that cats carry or something about fungus or viruses specific to cats that children are then exposed to that can influence the immune system. Stokholm says that this could lead the way for finding more about how to protect children from developing asthma altogether.

Understanding Your Cat’s Heat Cycle

If your kitty isn’t spayed, you can expect your female cat to go through heat cycles. Let’s talk about what it is and what to expect. When a woman is PMSing, we know to bring her chocolate and watch romantic comedies. What do you do when your cat is going through her heat cycle though? What does she need? How can you help? We’ve got the answers for you. What is a Heat Cycle? A cat’s heat cycle is when she is fertile. Cats, like a variety of other mammals, are on the estrus cycle. This makes it different from the female menstrual cycle; while humans shed the mucus lining after a short period of fertility, mammals (including cats) reabsorb their endometrium in their heat cycle. That means that while a cat may bleed during her heat cycle, it is not comparable to a woman’s period. Actually, it’s pretty much the opposite; women aren’t fertile during their period, whereas female cats are only fertile while in heat. Related: Reasons Why You Should Spay Or Neuter Your Cat If your cat isn’t spayed, then she will go through her heat cycle every couple of weeks (1 to 3 on average), so it’s best to be prepared. Your cat will start going through heat cycles once she has reached puberty, which usually happens at about six months, though the age of puberty varies depending on the time of year. Here’s the fun thing about cats: they are seasonally polyestrous. Yes, that’s as interesting as it sounds; your cat will have multiple heat cycles during the breeding season. A heat cycle can last up to a week, and then occur as often as every other week. Breeding season can be busy for your cat. What, you ask, is the breeding season? It varies according to a bunch of environmental factors, but basically, in the Northern Hemisphere, cats usually cycle from January until late fall. If you live closer to the equator, your cat’s heat cycle might last all year! Signs Your Cat is in Heat During a cat’s heat cycle, you’ll notice that your cat’s behaviour changes. Although it would be scientifically inaccurate to compare it to PMSing, the behaviour change is similar. The most important change that many owners comment on is that their cat becomes more affectionate and in some cases, even demanding. They want more physical contact, such as petting, and will rub against their owners and constantly demand attention. Many times they look for any stimuli, so they might also roll on the floor or scratch more. Related: 5 Awesome Spay and Neuter Feral Cat Programs The other noticeable behaviour change is their attempts to attract available male cats. In their attempt to attract mates, female cats will be more vocal, even yowl. They might urinate more, as cats, like dog, can communicate through their urine. If your cat is an indoor cat, then she will probably try and escape as well, since she will be searching for that release. What Can You do About it? The best thing to do is to spay your cat. There are many low-cost or free spaying and neutering programs, since a lot of charities and organizations are making an effort to help! Spaying your cat not only saves her from the unpleasantness of a heat cycle, but it is also the most reliable way of ensuring your cat won’t have kittens. Pet overpopulation is a big problem, so although kittens may be adorable, it is better for cats in general if your cat is spayed. Lastly, spaying your cat also makes her healthier. Spayed cats have fewer health problems, since ovarian cysts, uterine infections, and several forms of cancer are no longer a concern.

Cat Diseases: Two Infectious Illnesses You Should Know About

The more you know about potential dangerous cat diseases, the better able you’ll be to treat and care for your feline. Felines are vulnerable to a variety of infectious illnesses, some of which are synonymous with the common cold that people deal with, while others can be deadly. Even though genetics, stress, a poor diet, and toxins in the environment can all work against a cat’s immune system and make him more susceptible to infections, many cat diseases are transferred from one feline to another through direct or indirect contact. Keeping your cat isolated from sick animals, as well as vaccinating your cats whenever necessary with the safest and most reliable vaccines, are important steps you should take to ensure he won’t become infected. Below are two deadly infectious diseases that felines can suffer from. Understanding the symptoms and severity of these conditions is important if you are a cat owner or you plan on bringing a cat into your home. Related: Feline Vaccinations: Which Ones Are Really Necessary? Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, also referred to as FIV, is a lot like the HIV virus that afflicts people. It attacks the immune system, weakening it to the point that other bacteria and viruses can take hold to make a cat very ill. These secondary infections, not the virus itself, are what often cause a cat’s death. Cats with FIV may live for years when given appropriate treatment and ideal living conditions, but infected felines should be kept only with other FIV-positive cats or in homes that have no other cats at all, as this disease is contagious and it does cut their lives short. FIV is primarily spread through bite wounds. This is why male cats who live outside are the most commonly infected felines. After infection, you may notice that the lymph nodes become enlarged, the coat begins to deteriorate, and the cat may suffer with persistent fevers, loss of appetite, and inflammation of the mouth, gums, skin, upper respiratory tract, and bladder. Related: Understanding Asthma In Cats To diagnose FIV, all your vet will need to do is run a blood test. Because the symptoms associated with it can mirror those of other conditions, a blood test is necessary to get an accurate diagnosis. Once diagnosed, there are remedies, both conventional and holistic, that can be given to a cat to try to boost the immune system and protect the body from secondary infections, but there is no cure for this disease and no remedies are guaranteed to work. Feline Leukemia (FeLV) Feline Leukemia Virus is also known as FeLV. Along with FIV, all cats who enter shelters are tested for this disease before they are adopted out, as these animals should not be housed with other healthy, uninfected felines. This virus is spread primarily through saliva, but it can also be shed through the urine, feces, and nasal secretions. A mother cat can infect her kittens through her milk as well. Because it can be spread through saliva, care should be taken that cats who are infected do not share food bowls, though grooming sessions and fights that result in bites could also lead to transmission of this disease. Typical symptoms associated with FeLV include diarrhea, constipation, anemia, enlarged lymph nodes, lack of appetite and energy, a weakened immune system, and infertility. There is also the chance that an infected feline may develop malignant masses or lymphosarcoma. Some cats, however, may not exhibit any symptoms yet still be carriers. They may be positive for the disease according to blood test results, but they can live out normal lives and still infect other cats. There are many other cat diseases and infectious illnesses, including Herpes, Calicivirus, and Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), but FeLV and FIV are two that can be tested for easily through a blood sample. Before adopting your first cat or introducing a new cat into your established feline family, be sure you have him tested so that you can determine whether or not he can live with healthy cats.

Lost Service Dog Survived 2 Months Alone in the Colorado Mountains

It’s every dog parent’s nightmare. 14-month-old service dog in training Nova Riley slipped out of her harness and bolted out of a Safeway parking lot in a panic. After several sightings by the community as they searched tirelessly alongside owner Robynne Simons-Sealy, Nova continued to run in fear from anyone who attempted to catch her. After two long months of worrying and searching, Simons-Sealy was reunited with her beloved Bernese Mountain Dog. Nova was discovered injured in the woods of Meyers Ranch Park by two hikers on November 19th. The hikers recognized that she was injured, frightened, and needed help. They tried to carry her out to safely, but due to her high anxiety (understandable, given the situation), she bit one of her rescuers. Refusing to leave the poor dog behind, they decided to bring in help. One hiker stayed with Nova to keep her calm and assure her they weren’t giving up on her. The other hiker descended the trail to ask the park rangers for help and guide them, along with Animal Control Officer Kylie Rupe, three miles back to her position. “When we first got up there, I had brought treats and food up with me, knowing she would probably be very food-motivated at that point,” explained Rupe. “I used food to make friends, and she was very friendly but skittish.” With the help of both the rangers and animal control, Nova was carried to safety on a tarp. One of the rangers had recognized Nova from a lost dog poster, allowing her to be reunited with her worried and ever-grateful owner.

How Can I Tell If My Dog Has a Fever?

High fever is no joke, and can be quite serious – both for people and their furry four-legged friends. Yes, dogs can have a fever too, and it can be a much more serious condition for them than it is for us. Unfortunately, fever is not an ailment you can spot with your bare eye. Because of this, you will need to thoroughly observe your pet’s behavior and learn how to spot those little details that indicate a fever. Read on as we go through the basics of dog fever and just how to tell if your pet needs your help.Symptoms of Fever in DogsDogs, like humans, can develop a fever as a response to illness or infection. It’s the body’s natural way to fight off the “intruders” in the body. Fever comes in many forms and for various reasons. You can tell if your dog has a fever by observing their behavior and checking for physical signs. Here are just a few of the most common indicators.Increased Body Temperature: 

How to Exercise Your Dog Indoors

Your dog needs daily exercise, but when it’s too cold, snowing, or raining, you shouldn’t let them spend too much time outside; instead, it’s best to bring the fun indoors. Whether you live in an apartment or a large house, there are simple and creative ways to help your canine companion get the physical exercise and mental stimulation they want and need.If you’re stumped when it comes to how to exercise your dog indoors, here are a few ideas to help you get started, along with some product recommendations that are worth considering.Indoor FetchWho says you can’t play fetch with your dog indoors? As long as you have a decent amount of space, you can toss a ball or toy for your pet to chase, grab, and bring back to you. Some people will use a hallway to give their dog enough room to run and grab their toy, but it really depends on your home and its layout. If you don’t have a large room with enough open space, you might need to move some furniture around temporarily, but it will be worth it.A good toy to consider for this is the Chuckit! Indoor Ball. It’s designed specifically for indoor use, and features textured chenille that’s soft and lightweight so you can toss it and let it bounce softly to entice your dog to grab it. Puppies and adult dogs of all sizes are sure to love it, and the multi-layered construction helps it withstand your pet’s teeth so this toy can last.

Are Essential Oils Safe for Dogs?

Essential oils have a variety of uses and can be quite beneficial. And that’s not true for human use alone, as these natural oils found their way to the world of pets as well, and can be used to help eliminate a range of issues such as skin irritations, allergies, and fleas, and to boost the overall health of your dog’s coat. But, while there are plenty of pet products that contain essential oils, many owners are wondering: are essential oils really safe for dogs? It is a good question, so let’s try and find the right answer.Essential Oils for Dogs: The BasicsWhile some essential oils can be safe for dogs, it's important to use them with caution. Dogs have a more sensitive sense of smell than humans, so strong scents can be overwhelming, even if they are of natural origin. Certain essential oils, like lavender and chamomile, are generally considered safe in small amounts and when properly diluted. That being said, it is important to know what you are buying and to find essential oils that are made for pets especially. These are likely to be properly diluted and formulated to be safe for dogs. Essential oils can have various effects on dogs, both positive and negative. Some oils, like the aforementioned lavender and chamomile, may help with relaxation and anxiety, and help your pet sleep easier. On the other side, specific oils such as tea tree, citrus, and peppermint can be harmful to dogs and should be avoided.When using essential oils around dogs, it's crucial to dilute them properly. Always dilute essential oils before using them around your dog. Most experts recommend a ratio of 1:50, meaning one drop of essential oil to 50 drops of carrier oil. Of course, you should always observe your dog's reactions. Watch for signs of distress or discomfort in your dog when you introduce a new essential oil. If you notice any adverse reactions, stop using the oil immediately.Ultimately, you should be wary of the application methods you are using. Avoid applying essential oils directly to your dog's skin. Instead, diffuse them in the air or use a diffuser. You can also add a few drops to your dog's collar or bedding if the goal is to deter parasites. Needless to say, it goes a long way to properly familiarize yourself with essential oils and how they are used in the dog world. You can go in-depth with  a book that specializes in this topic, and gain the ultimate knowledge about these helpful oils before utilizing these natural products for your pet’s well-being. 

Mice Have Passed the Mirror Test: What It Means

The “mirror test” is used by scientists to help them determine if an animal is self-aware—if an animal looks in the mirror and recognizes themselves in it, rather than thinking that there’s another animal looking back at them, they pass the test and are considered self-aware.Several animals have passed this test, such as primates, Asian elephants, and bottlenose dolphins, among others. More recently, a study has shown that mice can also recognize themselves when they look in the mirror.The Experiment That Proved Mice Can Pass the Mirror TestTo figure out if mice can pass the mirror test, scientists put some white ink on the foreheads of black mice. Then, they let the mice look into a mirror. What they discovered was fascinating: the mice recognized themselves in the reflection and started grooming themselves once they realized that there was something on their head that shouldn’t be there.Also, if the mice didn’t realize that something was on their forehead (when black ink was used so it would match the color of their fur or when the spot of ink wasn’t large enough), they didn’t start grooming themselves. This shows that there was a reason the mice groomed their heads after looking in the mirror, and it was an attempt to clean themselves of the ink stain.In addition to looking at their behavior, the scientists also used gene expression mapping to see which neurons in the brain became activated when the animals saw themselves in the mirror.  Findings Shed Light on Self-Recognition in MiceThis research shows that mice may be self-aware, but there are some things to consider. For example, the mice who groomed themselves to remove the ink were already used to mirrors, while mice who weren’t familiar with mirrors didn’t groom themselves. Also, mice who were socially isolated didn’t groom themselves during the experiment with the mirror, unlike mice who lived with other mice that looked like them.There’s still more to discover and learn about these animals, so scientists are planning on doing more research in this area.  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?

Golden Retriever Survives 65 Days Alone in the Alaskan Wilderness

It’s always tragic when a beloved pet dog goes missing, but this was particularly hard for the Mahoskey family, whose senior golden retriever vanished in the Alaskan wilderness. The family was unsure that they would ever see Stella again. Luckily for them, Stella is one tough cookie. Stella’s adventure began in early July when she was enjoying a quiet evening with her family on the back deck of their Sitka home. According to local news outlet KCAW, an unexpected burst of fireworks startled a 13-year-old Stella and sent her dashing into the wilderness. Sarah and Jerrom Mahoskey and their two kids, Kai and Quinn, searched until nightfall but had yet to locate Stella. The next morning, the family grew even more concerned when they realized that their pooch hadn’t returned. Their worries increased even further when the neighbor told them about the bear attack that happened the previous night. “They said, ‘Did you hear there was a bear that attacked a dog last night? We had the windows open in the back of the house, and my wife heard this altercation that sent chills up her spine. And basically, I don’t think your dog could be alive,’” Sarah recalled to KCAW. However, Stella’s family still had hope that she was alive, somewhere, in the woods. The Mahoskeys spent the summer checking out trails near where Stella went missing and followed up on any lead or potential Stella sightings reported by their friends and neighbors. After two months and many investigated reports, Sarah told a friend, “I feel like there’s a 1% chance that she’s out there, and so I cannot let go.”Then, in early September, more than two months after Stella disappeared, the family received a phone call from Tim Eddy, a friend of Jerrom, who was working at the quarry that day.“He said ‘Do you have a golden retriever?’ And Jerrome said, ‘Well, we did have a golden retriever.’ And he says, ‘Well, I think this is your golden retriever,’” Sara shared. Jerome hopped in his four-wheeler and drove to the quarry, where he spotted Stella.“She was on the cliffside, and it was basically this ash and rock that was the same exact color as her,” said Sarah. “She totally blended in. The fact that Tim saw her -  I just kept saying to him, ‘How did you see her?’”Considering the lack of food and water at the quarry, the Mahoskeys don’t believe Stella was there long. The family suspects the quarry looked like a familiar ground to Stella, who grew up around Jerrome’s excavation business. After more than two months in the wilderness, Stella weighed only 30 pounds - that’s nearly half of her regular body weight. Sarah believes that Stella likely foraged to survive. “She has always picked her own berries when we are out hiking,” Sarah explained. “And she loves dandelion roots.”In addition to being underfed, the golden retriever also had a large gash on her left side, possibly from the encounter with the bear. “We think she probably hunkered down for quite a while, and just probably wasn’t able to move a lot and knew that it needed to heal,” said Sarah. “She obviously found a safe space, because the fact that she was bleeding and wasn’t found by that bear or another bear again is quite a miracle.”Upon her safe return home, Stella was examined by her vet, who placed her on a strict diet for the first 10 days. Now, she’s eating well and has already gained 11 pounds.Although Stella can’t share everything that happened during the time she was lost in the wilderness, she hasn’t changed much. According to Sarah, the only difference is that Stella is now definitely hungrier than before. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Can You Use Dog Flea Products on Cats?

Final Thoughts – Safe Flea Prevention for CatsWhile flea prevention is an important step to keep your cat safe and healthy, you must ensure that the products you are purchasing are made for use on cats. Many dog flea prevention products include highly toxic chemicals to cats, making them potentially life-threatening.If you suspect you have recently used the wrong flea treatment on your cat, wash the area immediately with soap and water to remove as much of the product as possible. Call your vet for an immediate emergency appointment or make your way to the nearest emergency clinic. These products can be lethal, and time is of the essence.For those concerned about the risks of fleas and flea-transmitted diseases, highly effective products are available that are safe for your kitty. When shopping, read the packaging carefully to ensure it says it is made for use on cats. If you are still unsure, ask your veterinarian for recommendations.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

What to Know About Osteoarthritis in Cats

Osteoarthritis, also referred to as OA, is a condition that’s common in cats – experts have found that 90% of kitties over the age of 12 have it. And because cats may hide the signs, it can be overlooked, so it’s a good idea to learn about the symptoms and keep an eye out for them, especially as your pet gets older. The good news is, if your feline friend is diagnosed with this condition, there are things you can do to help her experience less pain.

The Unseen Threat: Dangers of Secondhand Smoke for Your Pet

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

Yes, Cats Really Do Love a Game of Fetch... on Their Terms

No training needed when instincts kick in and your feline friend steps up to the plate.

Animal Shelter Has Clever Way to Fundraise for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is for celebrating love, but for some, it can be a reminder of failed relationships. If you’re still feeling bitter towards an ex, you can now take that resentment and transform it into something positive, thanks to a clever fundraiser being run by an animal shelter in New Jersey.“Neuter Your Ex” and Help Stray Cats This Valentine’s Day Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center in Blackwood, NJ has come up with a funny way to raise much-needed funds for stray cats this Valentine’s Day. The campaign is called Neuter Your Ex for Valentine’s Day, and its slogan is “Because some things shouldn’t breed.”It’s simple: when you donate $50 to Homeward Bound, they’ll name a feral cat after your ex and then neuter or spay the kitty before releasing them back to their outdoor colony. If you’re familiar with trap-neuter-return, also known as TNR, then you already know how this works—cats who aren’t adoptable are allowed to live out their lives outdoors, but because they’ve been neutered or spayed, they can’t reproduce and, therefore, won’t contribute to the overpopulation problem.A Big Success So FarThis campaign is already a hit. Multiple news outlets have reported on it, so word has spread far and wide. The shelter states that they’ve received a lot of names (they’ve gotten so many that it will take months to use all of them). And donations have come from around the United States and other countries, such as the United Kingdom and Australia. Want to Help? Here’s HowIf you want to make a donation towards this worthy cause, you can fill out the form here, provide your ex’s first name or a nickname, and make a one-time or monthly payment to support the shelter’s TNR efforts. If you have questions, you can reach out to Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center. Their recent Instagram post provides answers to some frequently asked questions about the campaign, so you can check that out as well.  Keep an eye on Homeward Bound’s Instagram to see photos of the cats that end up benefiting from this Valentine’s Day fundraiser.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Study Finds That Cats Have Hundreds of Facial Expressions

If you’ve lived with cats for any length of time, you know that they express themselves in a variety of ways, and their faces can tell you a lot. Yet, there are some people who think that cats are expressionless, especially when compared to other animals. Well, science has once again come through to prove that cats are social and communicative; you just have to know how to read them.

A Xmas Miracle: Shelter Empty for the First Time in Nearly 50 Years

It was a very merry Christmas for a Pennsylvania shelter whose kennels were empty for the first time in nearly 50 years. Just two weeks ago, the shelter was packed with cats and dogs. However, the staff and volunteers have been working around the clock to make sure the animals in their care got adopted into loving homes. The Adams County SPCA is overjoyed that the shelter is empty, especially during the holidays.“This is the first time in 47 years that the Adams County SPCA is empty let alone on Christmas time, it is a true miracle!” the shelter wrote on Facebook. “To say that we are beyond excited is an understatement! The staff and volunteers have worked very hard to take care of the animals in our care and to make sure they got adopted into the right home.”The organization had a busy year, taking care of 598 animals before adopting them into furever homes. The hardworking staff and volunteers also reunited 125 stay animals with their owners this year alone.Adams County SPCA kennel technician Tanya Hays said that in the last two weeks, the shelter found homes for 20 animals, either as adoptions or strays returned to their owners.“We had to get them all spayed and neutered, vaccinated, and tested for heartworms and thick-born illnesses while also processing a lot of (adoption) applications, so the staff worked really hard,” said Hays to TODAY.“It was pretty cool. It was quite a feat,” she added.The organization took to Facebook to thank their community. “Our community stepped up once again! We thank everyone for their continued support and look forward to new adventures in 2024!”Although it may seem like people are more motivated to adopt animals during the holidays, the shelter actually discourages people from giving pets as gifts because these animals are more likely to be returned to the shelter weeks later. While the staff and volunteers celebrated everything they achieved this year, they are already ready to get back to work. “We will be pulling animals from other shelters in Pennsylvania next week in hopes of relieving some of their stress,” the shelter shared. “Right now we are going to enjoy this accomplishment!”In a follow-up post, the organization shared that it has “received an overwhelming response” from different shelters across the country and also from Canada and Mexico. Members of the public have also reached out asking them to take in abandoned animals. “Even though our hearts break for them and the situation they are in we need to help the members of our community first,” the organization said. The Adams County SPCA is only taking animals from overwhelmed shelters in Pennsylvania and animals surrendered by residents within the county as well as those living in surrounding counties. “We are going to do the best we can to help as many animals and people we can.” Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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