Want to Save Lives of Orphaned Kittens? This Is How You Do It

by Angela Vuckovic

Published: June 22nd, 2018

want to save lives of orphaned kittens this is how you do it

ASPCA urges animal lovers to volunteer as feline foster parents during kitten season, and help save lives in nationwide campaign.

With kitten season in full swing, animal shelters and rescue organizations have their hands full with litters of furry babies coming in every day. And it’s not only about lacking “manpower” to take care of orphaned kittens, although it also contributes to the problem, but the fact that kittens don’t do well in a shelter at the first place. These babies are so fragile and susceptible to diseases, that, even with the best care, merely being in an animal shelter can lead to their untimely death.

According to statistics, kittens under 8 weeks of age are one of the most endangered populations in the United States, as shelters are forced to euthanize them due to their inability to care for them. That’s where you come in. By volunteering your time and taking in just one orphaned kitten to foster, you are effectively saving 20 kitten lives.

I’m not going to lie to you, fostering kittens is not a breeze. I did it a few times myself, and it’s really time intensive. You will be taking care of an infant, albeit a four-legged one, and it means you got to step it up. But, trust me, getting up at night to bottle feed them, rubbing their little bellies to help them poop, and, essentially, your world revolving around them for a few weeks- it all pays off. And how could it not, when you see that a little effort led to you helping a baby that was all but forsaken grow up into a beautiful, healthy kitten.

To encourage and support those of you who are willing to join the initiative and help save kitten lives, ASPCA started campaign. By signing a pledge to foster a kitten this season, you’ll get access to exclusive Kitten Care Pawckage that contains tips and advice on caring for unweaned kittens.

So, what are you waiting for? Sign a pledge today and be the person that saves a kitten from sure death. Be a hero to kitties!

Angela Vuckovic

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

More by Angela Vuckovic

Give Your Cat a Purr-fect Treat

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Kitten Cuddle At Charlotte Airport Is A Purr-fect Pre-flight Treat

The Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina honored International Cat Day in just about the best way possible–their first ever Kitten Cuddle! We all have our favorite airports, and the folks at North Carolina’s Charlotte Douglas International are doing a hot diggity job of making sure they’re at the top of the list by sponsoring a Kitten Cuddle. Coinciding with International Cat Day, they joined with CMPD Animal Care And Control to bring ten adorable little kittens to the airport for the sole purpose of passengers ‘oohing,’ and ‘ahhhhing,’ over the little darlings as they waited to fly. Well, they also hoped to find them forever homes, and being part of the airport’s TLC from CLT program was the perfect plan. Related: Service Dog Gives Birth To 8 Puppies In Tampa Airport Terminal The airport is hoping to make flying more enjoyable for their customers, and if snuggling sweet little kitties doesn’t do it for you, I’m not sure anyone really wants you on that airplane anyway. Airports like Denver International and Calgary International already have used cats to help reduce the stress levels in passengers who may be a bit nervous about hanging out in a metal tube that defies gravity for a few hours, and the folks at the Charlotte airport thought that a cuddle-fest would make them stand out a bit. They weren’t wrong. As you can imagine, the kittens were a huge hit, bringing passengers from all over to the clowder for some tummy rubs and tail-chasing and two little sweet hearts even found families who realized they couldn’t leave without them. to yesterday. The first Kitten Cuddle in partnership with CMPD Animal Care and Control was a success! 2 of the 10 kittens were adopted! Posted by Charlotte Douglas International Airport – CLT on Thursday, August 9, 2018 Melissa Knicely is the spokesperson for Charlotte Animal Care and Control and says that shelters all over the country are full of kittens and cats who need adopting. She hopes that peting the kittens at the Charlotte airport before they board will remind travelers that most likely their local shelters have adoptable cats just like them waiting for forever homes. Lauri Golden is the airport manager for customer engagement. She said they wanted to start conversations and engagement for their customers about what they could do both there and in their own hometowns. Related: Want to Save Lives of Orphaned Kittens? This Is How You Do It And, it started conversations for employees of the airport as well, as one adoption was by Lizabeth Brookhart. She works at one of the retail concessions in the airport and said she couldn’t stop snuggling with her kitten once she started and knew he had to be hers. We can totally understand that!

Hallmark Channel’s Kitten Bowl VI: Here Are Your Champs!

The highlight of any Super Bowl weekend isn’t about the Patriots winning (again, boring) but about the puppies and kittens ‘ruffing’ it up adorably on the field. Yes, kittens too, because as Hallmark Channel’s Kitten Bowl VI proved: It’s not always about the puppies! Super Bowl Weekend is full of the stuff sports fans live for: competition, commercials and tons of finger foods. But for those of us animal lovers, it’s a great weekend for a completely different reason: the baby animal bowls. Davey, also known as “The Enforcer” is keeping his eye on the prize! Can he bring the Benglas to victory? pic.twitter.com/wFiYncsKBV — Hallmark Channel (@hallmarkchannel) February 4, 2019 Related: Team Fluff Brings Lombarky Trophy Home From Puppy Bowl XIV For fifteen years, Animal Planet has featured the adorable Puppy Bowl and six years ago, Hallmark Channel joined the fun with the cutest little kittens you’ve ever seen. We have to tell you, the claws came out this year, with the Little Longtails defeating the North Shore Bengals narrowly with a score of 35-32. According to the Hallmark Channel, the Kitten Bowl was life in Minneapolis and this year’s game marked the milestone of more than 25,000 shelter pet adoptions sponsored since the first Kitten Bowl in 2014. Fans all over the country tuned in to watch their furry favorites fling the fluff! View this post on Instagram Who’s ready for KITTEN BOWL SUNDAY?!🏈 Loki would love to play some kitty football with you and be drafted as a member of your family! Join us until 5pm today and enjoy some delicious pastries & drinks🥐🍪🍵 #猫カフェ #コーヒー #ハワイ#ワイキキ A post shared by Hawai'i Cat Café (@hawaiicatcafe) on Feb 3, 2019 at 1:23pm PST View this post on Instagram Can someone cover for Dennie at the Mice Cream Stand? She has a very important appointment to get ADOPTED! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Adoptions #4 for February and our tally for @bethostern @animalleague and @hallmarkchannel ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ . . . bk cat cats sofbrooklyn ismyfavoritebreed ed A post shared by Brooklyn Cat Cafe 🐱☕️ (@catcafebk) on Feb 3, 2019 at 11:19am PST Well-known animal advocate Beth Stern was this year’s host and was joined by actor Dean Cain, former NFL players Rodney Peete, Rashad Jennings and Boomer Esiason who gave play-by-play commentary on all the fluffness penalties, paws and scores. The Little Longtails beat the Last Hope Lions by a whisker locking them in for a chance to win the final game! More cuteness and paw-some passes are up next. pic.twitter.com/tcF8pHLxBa — Hallmark Channel (@hallmarkchannel) February 3, 2019 The Little Longtails lost in overtime last year to the Pouncy Panthers, so this year’s win was sweet redemption for the feline fluffsters. The Kitten Bowl MVK (Most Valuable Kitten) contest allowed voters to choose the kitteh with the mostest and the goal of getting exposure and adoptions increased for shelter animals was the focus for all the fur flying. In fact, during the final, North Shore Bengals’s Team Captain Davey was shown getting adopted, and yes, I may have shed a tear or two. Related: Want to Save Lives of Orphaned Kittens? This Is How You Do It Stern said that the best part of the Kitten Bowl (besides the super cute cat-letes) is that she knows each of the animals she comes in contact with as part of this event finds their furever home, and that’s what it’s all about. And we agree; there’s never to much puppy power or kitten charisma! We’ll be marking our cat-endars for next year!

Ready to Foster Cats? Here’s Some Advice From a Pro

If you’re ready to take the plunge and become a foster kitty mom, these tips from a seasoned pro will help you out. Fostering kittens and cats that were rescued as strays or pulled from a shelter before being euthanized is definitely inspiring. If you’ve been thinking about doing your part to save the lives of kitties but you don’t know how to start, one of the best places to get the advice you need is from an experienced foster mom like Danielle Chavez. Check out the tips that Danielle shared with us, and then consider following her on Instagram @fostercatsandkittens to see what it’s like to experience the ups and downs of fostering. What motivated you to start fostering kittens and cats? Danielle: My kids had grown and moved out of the house, and my husband went back to college, and I found myself with a ton of time on my hands. I needed to fill my time with something that made me happy. I’ve always been a huge animal lover, especially cats, so I decided to go down to the shelter and look into fostering. I left with a mama and three kittens. Related: A Rescuer’s Advice on TNR, Fostering, and Adoption Why did you decide to start an Instagram account to post photos and videos of your fosters? Danielle: I think I’ve had my fostering page on Instagram for a couple of years. I wanted to start an IG to find my fosters’ homes and to show people how fun and rewarding fostering can be. If I can inspire just one person to foster and save a precious little kitten’s life, it is all worth it. You’ve gained a strong following on Instagram. Are you surprised by the number of followers? Danielle: I’m not surprised by the number of followers as much as I’m surprised by how everyone is emotionally invested in my fosters. It’s easy for me because I’m with them constantly. But people laugh and cry with me during my fostering adventures, and I think that’s pretty special, to have such a connection with complete strangers. I’ve also become friends with some amazing people who share my passion—some of whom I’ve never even met in person. Do you think that social media is helping to spread the word about adopting, fostering, and TNR (Trap Neuter Return)? Danielle: I absolutely think social media is helping to spread the word. Many people don’t know what TNR is and the impact that it has, not only for the individual cat but also for the entire community. Social media is an amazing vehicle to help educate people on how they can make a difference. Why do you advocate for TNR? Danielle: TNR is one of the best ways to help control the overpopulation of cats. By doing TNR on just one cat, it saves so many kittens from being born on the streets. 90% of kittens won’t make it to their first birthday. If more people would just get involved with TNR, we could stop so much needless suffering. In Las Vegas, since 2010, we’ve brought down the euthanasia rate in the local kill shelter by 89%. That is a statistic that I’m proud to have been a small part of. We can do this everywhere. Related: Want to Save Lives of Orphaned Kittens? How do you find sites where TNR is needed? Do you keep any of the kittens/cats for fostering and adoption? Danielle: I’m a volunteer trapper with a non-profit called C5. They have a queue that we can pick our jobs from. Also, people contact me directly if they need help. Being successful on a TNR job means getting every single cat. It just takes one female to make the colony explode again. I’ve kept kittens for fostering from TNR jobs, and have also found many foster homes. I can’t, unfortunately, do it for every single cat and kitten, as there just aren’t enough fosters. You have resident cats, along with multiple fosters at any given time. How do you protect both your resident kitties and your fosters from getting sick? What are the protocols you follow to keep all of your cats as healthy as possible? Danielle: There is always a risk when you foster. I try and do everything I can to limit that risk. I keep my resident cat vaccinated, and she doesn’t have access to the fosters until I’ve had them tested and they’ve been quarantined for a set amount of time. Also, a huge part of fostering is cleaning. Keeping everything clean is a way to limit bugs or germs from getting passed around. Bleach is life. How do you get all of the resources that you need for your fosters? Danielle: I spend a lot of my own money on my fosters, but I also get a lot of donations from my IG followers and some amazing friends. People see the work I do and want to help the cause. I don’t take any supplies from the shelters or rescues. If I am going through a shelter or rescue, I will use those resources for vaccinations and spaying/neutering. What criteria and process do you use to find the perfect homes for your fosters? Danielle: I’m super picky when it comes to my forever homes. I’m not afraid to say no—in fact, I say no more than I say yes. The cats have to be 100% indoor-only, and no declawing. If the potential adopters rent, they need proof from their landlord that they can have a pet. Sometimes, I do home checks. And I always follow my gut. If someone passes all of my screening and they qualify, but I have a gut feeling that it isn’t the right fit, I say no. What advice would you give to those who want to start fostering? Danielle: My advice for someone who wants to start fostering is to just try it one time. To see the impact you’ll have from doing it just one time will make you want to continue. You don’t need any special training to be a foster parent, but I would suggest surrounding yourself with other people who do the same thing. Having support and a sounding group makes all the difference. What advice can you give to those interested in socializing feral kittens and cats? Danielle: Time, love, and patience. I had a foster that I had for almost a year before I felt she was adoptable. You inspire a lot of people who want to rescue animals. Who inspires you? Danielle: My fosters inspire me. Looking into their sweet little faces every day, that’s what makes me keep doing what I do. Finally, is there anything else that you’d like to add? Danielle: Fostering and TNR save lives!

Study Finds Pets Didn't Make People Happier During the Pandemic

Would you say that your pet help you feel better during the pandemic? Countless pet parents, myself included, would say they experienced less stress and anxiety during lockdown thanks to their four-legged companions. However, a new study led by researchers from Michigan State University suggests otherwise. Researchers couldn’t find a reliable association between pet ownership and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic, even though owners claimed pets improved their lives. The pandemic was extremely stressful for everyone. The research team from Michigan State University theorized that the pandemic created ideal conditions to determine how much happiness and comfort pets actually provide to their families. The study, published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, evaluated 767 people on three separate occasions in May 2020. The researchers used a mixed-method approach, looking at several indicators of well-being. They also asked owners in an open-ended question to think about the role of pets. Unsurprisingly, pet owners reported their pets made them happy. Owners claimed pets help them feel more positive emotions and provide companionship and affection, but also expressed worry about their pet’s well-being and reported their pets interfered with working remotely. But when researchers compared the happiness of pet owners to levels seen in non-pet owners they made a surprising discovery. Shockingly, the data showed no difference in the well-being of pet owners and non-pet owners over time. The research team explained that it did not matter what type of pet people owned, how many pets they had, or how close owners were with their pets. The personalities of the owners weren’t a factor either. “People say pets make them happy, but when we actually measure happiness that doesn’t appear to be the case,” said William Chopik, an associate professor in MSU’s Department of Psychology and co-author of the study, in a university release. “People see friends as lonely or wanting companionship, and they recommend getting a pet. But it’s unlikely to be as transformative as people think,” added Chopik. The research team also explored several other potential reasons as to why there was no difference in the happiness levels of pet owners and non-pet owners. The most likely reason might be that non-pet owners have found ways to fill their lives with activities and interests that make them as happy as owning a pet would. “Staking all of your hope on a pet making you feel better is probably unfair and maybe costly, given other things you could do in your life that could improve your happiness,”  said Chopik. Another study, involving 4,237 people, beginning at the start of the pandemic and ending in December 2021, had similar findings. Although owners grew closer to their pets, especially dogs, during the pandemic, that didn’t stave off stress.In fact, the lowest stress levels were seen in non-pet owners. When you think about it, these results kind of make sense - pet owners had an additional mouth to feed during the lockdown and had limited opportunities to take their dogs out for a walk or play session. The results of these studies are surprising, to say the least. I was positive that I was happier than my poochless friends during the lockdown, but guess that wasn’t the case. After thinking about this a bit more, I realized that maybe we shouldn’t expect so much from our four-legged companions. Yes, there are many benefits to owning a pet, and pets can make us happy, but ultimately happiness depends on ourselves. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Auf Wiedersehen Wiener Dog - Will Germany Ban Dachshunds?

Germany’s beloved dog breed, the dachshund, could soon be banned under a new law that prohibits the breeding of dogs with “skeletal anomalies”.The draft of the bill, published in February, is currently being reviewed by the authorities and was introduced as a part of the Animal Protection Act. The new bill aims to strengthen existing laws on “torture breeding” and to regulate the online animal trade. The draft of the protection law said it could ban the reproduction of breeds prone to particular health problems, such as spinal problems linked with short legs and long back which are characteristic of the dachshund breed.According to the German Kennel Club (VDH), the bill could be interpreted as a ban on breeding dogs with any major size deviation from the original wolf type. In addition to dachshunds, other dog breeds like the German shepherd, miniature schnauzer, beagle, and Jack Russell terrier could be affected by the bill. The breeding restrictions could also be applied to flat-faced breeds like the English bulldog, pug, and French bulldog.“Some of the disease characteristics listed in the draft law are too vague and undefined,” said Leif Kopernik, the chief executive of the VDH. “Whether too small or too large, if the Animal Welfare Act were to be implemented in its current form, many popular and healthy breeds could be banned from breeding,” he said, according to the New York Times. The VDH has launched a petition to save “our favorite dogs” saying the proposed bill would leave too much room for interpretation in deciding what can be considered a genetic defect. The German Kennel Club agrees that many of the proposed changes, such as stricter regulations for online animal trade and taking action against illegal puppy trade are good measures that make sense. “However, the animal protection law contains requirements that could mean the end of many healthy dog breeds in Germany,” said VDH on its website.Although the proposed changes could affect several dog breeds, the dachshund is at the center of the discussion. Often called dackel by Germans, the dachshund has been the country’s national symbol for many years. The breed has been around for several centuries and was bred specifically for digging and clawing into underground dens to hunt for badgers. These sausage-shaped dogs have strong claws and sharp teeth which proved extremely useful when hunting. According to Sandra Karthauser, a breeder of rough-haired dachshunds from Munster, there is no evidence that dachshunds are sick due to their appearance. However, she admits that certain breed lines might be predisposed to herniated discs and other health issues.“But to ban the whole breed because of this, that doesn’t make sense to me. Then you can also ban Labradors because some suffer from hip dysplasia along with other breeds that might suffer from debilitating diseases and ailments,”  she added.Germany’s agricultural ministry refuted that the new bill would ban particular dog breeds, including the dachshund. “We aren’t seeking to ban the dachshund. What we are aiming at with this reform is a ban on torture breeding.”The goal of this new regulation is to forbid breeding practices that cause long-term suffering to the dogs. “We want to consistently protect animals from pain, suffering, and damage,” said the ministry adding that the new bill is still being reviewed. Germany’s dachshund lovers and breeders hope the breeding ban won’t happen now or in the future. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Pregnant Dog Saved from Shipping Container by U.S. Coast Guard

Members of the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston got a big surprise when they found a dog trapped inside a shipping container. While inspecting the containers, Lucas Loe, Bryan Wainscott, Jose Reyes, and Ryan McMahon heard scratching and barking coming from inside one of them. After bringing the container down to ground level—it had been roughly 25 feet up—they opened it to find an adorable dog desperate to get out.A Dog Rescued Against All OddsThe poor dog had been stuck in that container, which had junked vehicles and was set to be shipped overseas, for at least eight days without any food or water. How she got in there in the first place is a mystery, but they think she might’ve been in one of the cars that was put in the container.What makes this story even more incredible is the fact that there were thousands of shipping containers along with the one that the friendly dog was trapped in, so she’s very lucky that the inspectors heard her and rescued her in time. They named her Connie, and her story quickly went viral. She’s even referred to as Connie the Container Dog. A video posted on Facebook shows her rescue.According to a U.S. Coast Guard Heartland Facebook post, Connie was thrilled and grateful to be free, but she was also tired and hungry. She was taken to Pasadena Animal Shelter to be examined before being flown to Forever Changed Animal Rescue (FCAR) in the Washington, D.C. metro area. She was diagnosed with heartworm and was found to be underweight.A New Discovery: Connie the Container Dog Is PregnantAfter her rescuers noticed that Connie’s mammary glands were swollen, they worried that she’d given birth to and lost her puppies while she was trapped in the container. But an ultrasound revealed that she is indeed pregnant.Once she’s healed and ready to be adopted, Connie will be looking for a forever home. And her puppies will also be looking for homes once they’re old enough. In the meantime, she’ll stay with a veterinarian who will keep a close eye on her and make sure that she and her puppies are doing well.To keep up with Connie’s journey, you can follow FCAR’s Facebook page.You can also watch this video to see Connie and her rescuers:

Followers Cry Fowl as Staffie Peggy and Magpie Molly, Separated

Fans of the social media darlings start an online campaign to reunite the odd couple.

What is the Best Dog Harness for Senior Dogs?

Final Thoughts – The Best Harness for Senior Dogs Many veterinarians and experts on the health and care of senior dogs will recommend using a harness. However, not all harnesses are created to meet the needs of every life stage. When selecting a harness for an older dog, there are unique factors to consider. This includes the weight and bulkiness of the harness, how easy it is to put it on/take it off, and the padding inside the harness for their comfort. Pay careful attention to ensure the design or fit doesn’t limit or impact movement. There are many great harness options on the market, including those made for regular wear and specialized lift support harnesses with convenient shoulder straps. If possible, visit your local pet store with your senior dog to check out your options firsthand. This will help you better assess the size needed and whether the design suits your dog’s unique needs. Most importantly, remember that there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. You may find that you are using two different harnesses with two senior dogs in your home. That’s okay! The goal is to find the option that supports all your dog’s needs and helps you give them the best possible quality of life. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Finney the Jack Russell Terrier Survives 72 Days Alone in Wilderness

Loyal after death, this mini-mutt remained at her owner's side until rescuers arrived.

Martha Stewart's Persian Cat, Empress Tang, Crosses the Rainbow Bridge

Loss of lifestyle guru's 15-year old fur kid now leaves her feisty feline, Blackie in charge.

Rising Pet Care Costs Lead to More Surrenders

Thanks to a rising cost of living, more people are surrendering their pets to animal shelters or abandoning them on the street. According to Shelter Animals Count, the end of 2023 saw a whopping 250,000 more pets in shelters compared to a year prior. They’ve even seen a rise in the number of purebred dogs and puppies who entered shelters, and there aren’t enough animals being adopted.  Overcrowded Shelters Around the U.S.The stats say it all, and this heartbreaking problem is found all over the United States. For example, compared to 2022, Animal Care Centers of NYC saw the number of abandoned dogs they took in go up 41%, and they’d run out of space as of the start of 2024. Tragically, the shelter also euthanized a higher number of dogs (2% more) in 2023 compared to the previous year.     Animal shelters in Kentucky, such as Franklin County Humane Society, are also struggling to keep up as they deal with more surrenders and strays. The state’s shelters are full, and they’re having a hard time because so many people are giving up their pets as a result of rising costs.The Nevada Humane Society is yet another example of a shelter that has seen a rise in pet surrenders because people are finding it harder to afford their animals or they’re finding it difficult to locate housing that will let them keep their pets. In 2023, the shelter saw a 65% increase in the number of dogs that were surrendered to them.Financial Hardship and Housing Issues Are Driving ForcesWhy are so many people giving up their pets? Financial hardship and difficulty finding places to live that are affordable and accept pets are a couple of the big reasons. Many people struggle with the rising cost of living not only for themselves but also for their pets, as everything from pet food and supplies to veterinary care has gotten more expensive.  Shelters across the United States are doing what they can to encourage people to adopt and prevent people from surrendering their pets. For example, Animal Care Centers of NYC offered pet parents help in the form of training assistance, free food, and temporary boarding, and those efforts worked to avoid nearly 3,000 surrenders in 2023.  There Are Ways You Can HelpYou can do your part to support animal shelters and pet parents that are struggling. In addition to monetary donations, you can donate pet food. Or, you can offer to foster one or more animals who are currently waiting for their forever homes. And you can adopt a pet in need of a home—you might even find shelters in your area that have discounted adoption fees as a means to help people afford their new best friend.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Is A Wet Dog's Nose Good or Bad?

A dog’s nose is their tool for discovering the world around them through scent, but dog noses are important for much more than sniffing – the state of your pet’s nose can sometimes be indicative of their health. It can be dry and flaky or wet and soft, so what is better? Is a dry nose a bad sign? Or a wet one? Or are they both normal? These are the questions that are often proving to be troubling for dog owners. So let’s try and answer them once and for all!Is A Wet Dog's Nose Good or Bad?A wet dog's nose is usually a sign of good health. Most often, the nose is wet because the doggo is licking it! They do this frequently in order to keep them clean and to enhance their sense of smell. In fact, a moist nose helps them trap scent particles more effectively. The moisture on their nose captures scent molecules from the air, allowing them to better identify and track smells. This ability is crucial for tasks such as hunting, tracking, and even detecting certain medical conditions in humans. 

Is a Cat Tree Necessary for My Cat?

When you first bring home a new cat, it’s an exciting time – especially if you’re a first-time cat parent. However, amidst the excitement, there are many questions that may be holding you back from fully embracing the joy. Are you prepared to meet all your cat’s needs? Are there “must-have” items you have overlooked? The struggle is real! We have good news… Many of the items that are deemed “necessary” are actually optional. One such item is the traditional cat tree or cat scratcher. Do they offer benefits? Yes! Can they help to improve your cat’s mental and physical health? Yes! But is a cat tree necessary for your cat? No, it’s not. There are other ways you can meet your cat’s needs if your budget or space doesn’t allow for a large piece of cat furniture. Let’s dig into the truth about cat trees and your cat. What is the Point of Cat Trees? If you’re currently standing in your local pet store, looking over the wide assortment of cat furniture available, you may wonder – what exactly is the purpose of cat furniture? Is it just a fancy bed solution for your cat, or are there other considerations when these products are developed? It’s an honest question I often hear from first-time cat parents. After all, these large, elaborate structures often come with a hefty price tag. If they do nothing more than provide a place to sleep, wouldn’t a simple cat bed suffice? Cat furniture is designed to meet many of your cat’s instincts, including their need to scratch, hide, climb, and oversee their surroundings. Each type of cat furniture has its benefits to consider.

Meet Maverick, the Winner of the 2023 American Humane Hero Dog Award

A six-year-old European Blue Great Dane was singled out from hundreds of other dogs and crowned the 2023 American Humane Hero Dog. Maverick’s job as a therapy dog is to support military members and their families from across the country.Maverick has an extraordinary ability to provide comfort to those who need it with a simple touch of his paw. “A sign of a good therapy dog is a dog that always wants to touch you,” explained Marverick’s owner, Kelly Brownfield, from Saint Robert, Missouri. “He just has a sense of knowing what people need.”Brownfield, who works as a manager at the Fort Leonard Wood United Service Organization, told Fox News that Maverick was born for a purpose. “Maverick’s superpower is his ability to calm people with a touch of his paw, giving them strength to move forward,” she said.This gentle giant supports service members after unexpected deaths in their units, escorts children to military funerals of their parents, and helps service men and women cope with trauma. Each week, Maveric spends time with students at school, offering support to children who practice their reading skills.Tipping the scales at 150 pounds, Maverick can initially seem intimidating, but “he is literally a gentle giant,” said Brownfield. “His whole aura about him is calming.”“He is the perfect size for everything that we do. He is literally their rock; they can lean on him, and he is there for them,” his owner added. “The one thing about this breed is that they have a heart to match.”Each year, people around the country nominate hundreds of dogs in five categories - law enforcement and first responder dogs; service and guide or hearing dogs; therapy dogs; military dogs; and emerging hero and shelter dogs - for American Humane’s Hero Dog Award.Five semi-finalists, in each of the five categories, were chosen from hundreds of dogs. A competitive public vote has cut the list to only five four-legged finalists - one presenting each category. Maverick, who was competing against service dog Moxie, Coast Guard K-9 Buda, police dog Poppy, and emerging hero Raina, was crowned by the panel of judges as the winner. “We are so excited to name Maverick as the American Humane’s 2023 Hero Dog, a distinction that is well deserved for him and his owner Kelly,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane. “The duo has worked tirelessly to bring comfort and solace to our nation’s military heroes through the United Service Organization (USO), all while they both were facing their internal beatles against cancer. It’s these types of incredible stories about sacrifice, perseverance, and compassion that this award aims to spotlight.”Maverick has also offered emotional support to his owner Kelly, who has been battling cancer for the past six years. “I truly believe he knew before anyone else knew,” said Brownfield, adding that Maverick was particularly clingy, touchy, and protective in the months leading up to her diagnosis. “To have him there, especially on hard days has been just an amazing support.”The six-year-old gentle giant also faced a cancer diagnosis last year but is now cancer-free thanks to a successful surgical procedure. Although Maverick spends most of his time in Missouri, he and his owner sometimes travel around the country for work. Together, he and Brownfield have completed hundreds of special mission requests over the years.Having a therapy dog around “can help change lives,” said Brownfield. “He senses the needs of every person.”Maverick and the four other finalists will be honored at the 13th annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards in Palm Beach, Florida. The award show will air on Thanksgiving Day and November 26 on A&E.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Can Counterconditioning Help My Reactive Dog?

Caring for and managing a reactive dog can be incredibly frustrating. Your dog may be a sweet angel at home, but they suddenly evolve into a barking, growling, lunging whirlwind when out in public.Luckily, there is hope!Overcoming reactivity is a process that will not happen overnight. However, dog trainers and behaviorists have seen great success with positive reinforcement techniques like counterconditioning.This article will explore how counterconditioning works, the steps involved in the process, realistic timelines and expectations, and tips for a successful journey toward a calmer, more confident dog. Get started today!What is Counterconditioning for Dogs?Let’s start at the beginning—what exactly is counterconditioning, and why is it recommended for managing and treating reactive dogs?Counterconditioning is a behavioral modification technique that focuses on changing your dog’s emotional response to a specific stimulus.For example, some dogs feel fear and anxiety at the sight of another dog. This could be due to a lack of socialization, meaning they weren’t taught that other dogs can be friendly. It could also be a reaction to a past trauma, like having been attacked by another dog. In these situations, counterconditioning can be used to teach your dog that the sight of another dog leads to a positive experience.Why is this an effective approach for addressing reactivity? Reactivity, by definition, is an overreaction to a trigger. While this is often associated with fear or anxiety, some reactive dogs become overly excited. An overexcited dog may jump all over strangers not because they are trying to cause harm but because they are so excited to see them that they can’t control their response.If you have identified your dog’s triggers, you can use this training approach to teach them to respond in a new (and better) way.What Can Counterconditioning Be Used to Treat?Reactivity isn’t the only behavioral condition that can be treated with counterconditioning. This technique can be used to address a wide spectrum of situations in which a pet may be responding to a situation or trigger in an unwanted way.Some situations where it is commonly recommended include helping dogs overcome specific fears or phobias as well as managing or overcoming behaviors related to obsessive-compulsive disorder.Common fears that may be addressed with counterconditioning include: Fear of car ridesAnxiety when visiting the vetNoises (fireworks, thunder)Babies (especially the sound of crying)Strangers or other dogs in publicAllowing guests to enter their homePhysical triggers like cars or bicyclesDogs who dislike grooming, like brushing or having their nails trimmedIf you believe this approach may be helpful in your dog’s unique situation, we recommend speaking with a behaviorist.You can find professionals in your area by browsing the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists website list or the Animal Behavior Consultants Directory by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior.

How Much Outdoor Time Does My Dog Need?

Spending time outside is very important for overall physical and mental health, both for humans and animals alike. Our pets, dogs especially, can be quite dependent on the time they spend outdoors. It helps stimulate them, keep them mobile and active, and also helps them spend all that extra energy they have stored which in turn impacts their behavior for the better. But as it is with everything in life, there is always too little and too much of a good thing. So in the end, it does make you wonder – just how much outdoor time does your dog need? And, can you really overdo it? Let’s find out!How Much Outdoor Time Does My Dog Need?The amount of outdoor time your dog needs can vary based on factors such as their breed, age, health, and individual preferences of your dog. It can’t really be the exact same for all dogs out there. Just like humans, some pooches have preferences of their own. Some love to snooze and relax, and aren’t really fans of going outside and zooming about. Others, however, can’t get enough of adventures in the great outdoors. Still, in general, all dogs require at least a small amount of daily outdoor exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. With that in mind, these are some main factors that could influence the amount of time your pet needs to spend outside of the house:BreedDifferent breeds have different energy levels and exercise requirements. High-energy breeds like Border Collies or Labrador Retrievers may need more outdoor time compared to lower-energy breeds like Bulldogs or Basset Hounds. As you get to know your pet and the specifics of their breed, this too will become apparent. AgeAge plays a major role in dog energy levels. Puppies generally have more energy and may require several short play and exercise sessions throughout the day. Adult dogs on the other hand usually need at least 30 minutes to 2 hours of exercise per day, depending on the breed and individual needs, whereas seniors usually don’t have as much energy so one walk a day will do just fine for a pooch in his golden years.HealthDogs with certain health issues may have specific exercise restrictions. Consult with your veterinarian to determine an appropriate exercise plan for a dog with health concerns. Don’t overdo it with your dog, if the vet prohibits it. The same goes for seniors, who can’t really play all that much outside. SizeDog size is a big factor in determining energy levels and the need for outdoor fun. Smaller breeds may get sufficient exercise with a shorter walk or playtime, while larger breeds might need longer and more vigorous activities.Individual PreferencesSome dogs are more active and enjoy activities like fetching, running, or hiking, while others may be content with a shorter walk or playtime in the yard. On the other hand, some breeds, due to their inherent traits, might love relaxing outside, even when it's chilly. Others, though, will love the warmth and coziness found indoors. 

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