Why Do Cats Sleep So Much?

by Lisa Selvaggio

Published: November 26th, 2015

Our cats live the good life – they sleep until they’re ready to eat or demand your attention. But why do cats sleep much of their day away?

Cats are notorious for sleeping the majority of the day away. In fact, they can sleep an average of 15+ hours, so it may seem like sleeping is all that your kitty really does. But why exactly do cats sleep so much?

Resting to Regain Energy After a Meal

Your cat is a natural born hunter, and this sets the stage for his sleeping patterns. Because hunting takes a high amount of energy, what with all of that stalking, chasing, and tackling of prey, these animals are wired to rest after they make their kill, have their meal, and clean themselves. In this way, they can recharge their bodies before the next hunt.

You may also notice that your cat tends to be up and moving about the house or asking for food around dawn and dusk. Your kitties are most active during these hours because these are the times of day when cats would normally hunt in the wild.

Boredom

Even though sleeping most of the day away comes naturally to cats, they will sleep more if they become bored, especially when you aren’t home. To help relieve boredom, leave the TV on with some cat-friendly shows for him to watch. Or you can purchase cat-safe toys that you can leave around the house for him to play with. And if you have more than one feline companion, they can keep each other company to relieve boredom (it’s the perfect reason to adopt another cat!).

The Weather isn’t Ideal

Just like people, cats can be affected by weather conditions. For example, some cats may end up sleeping more because they feel tired as a result of the weather being cold. Others may find rainy days really tiring. But every pet is unique, so your cat may not be affected by the weather like others are.

When Sleeping Isn’t Normal

Kittens who are still growing and developing will need more sleep than the average adult cat. And seniors will also sleep more than younger adult cats as a result of their age.

Although sleeping a lot is completely normal for cats, there is such a thing as too much rest. If you notice that your kitty is sleeping more or less than usual, consult your veterinarian, as there could be an underlying medical condition causing these shifts in behavior and sleep patterns.

Fun Facts About Sleeping Cats

Although it might seem like your cat is completely asleep, he may just be dozing rather than in a deep sleep (which explains where the term “cat nap” came from). Dozing lasts roughly 15 to 30 minutes, and you’ll probably notice that your cat’s body is positioned in such a way that he can quickly spring to action if necessary. This allows your cat to be immediately responsive to whatever wakes him up, so he’ll be ready to fight or take flight to save himself. Even while they doze, though, cats are getting necessary rest. But when your cat is in a deeper state of sleep, which typically lasts roughly 15 minutes, his body is healing and regenerating energy. Your cat will move from dozing to deep sleep and back and forth again until he wakes up.
Cats dream and snore. You may have observed your cat moving or twitching parts of his body during sleep, indicating that he was probably dreaming. Your cat may also make strange noises while sleeping, but snoring is normal for kitties when they are really relaxed.
For the first few weeks of their lives, kittens sleep the vast majority of the day.
Because cats are adaptable and social, they may be willing to change their sleeping habits to spend more time with you. They might also adjust their sleeping schedules according to their feeding schedules.

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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Scientists Finally Know Why Cats Love Tuna So Much

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

Ask the Animal Communicator: Why Does My Dog Bark So Much?

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Why Does Your Cat Like Sleeping on Your Head?

super cute and cuddly. When their mischievous and inquisitive side comes into play, kitties are more than capable of making trouble in a ton of different ways. You may also notice some odd sleeping habits as well, just to top everything off. And, after all, there is hardly any cat that won’t adore to sneak in beneath the sheets and share the bed with you, their favorite person. If this is the case with you, then you certainly spotted the weird habit of your cat sleeping on your head. Sounds weird – but cats often do it. Now this is the best “night cap” there is! So, have you ever wondered why your cat chooses to sleep on top of your head at night? Let’s try to learn more about this odd kitty behavior. When the lights are out and sleeping time comes, your cat will be quick to snuggle up near you. You could spot your cat prefer sleeping on your pillow at night, above your head or maybe even on your head. It’s cute, isn’t it? But you gotta admit that it can also be a bit annoying sometimes.  After all, with the rest of the bed to lie on, why would your cat choose to sleep—and maybe even snore—above your head? There has to be an underlying cause, right?You can’t just ask your cats why they sleep on or near your head, so the next best thing is to theorize about the reasons why. Below is some of the information that we gathered when we went in search of what experts have to say about this strange kitty behavior.The Goal Might Be to Stay Warm and CozyAs a cat owner, you have probably noticed that your companion likes to find some of the warmest spots in the house to lounge and take a nap. She might even make her way under the covers of your bed or wait for you to cover her with a blanket. Like people, some kitties might feel most comfortable when they can be nice and warm, so it’s their goal to get cozy, and the ideal spot might be near your head throughout the night. To be fair, there is hardly a cat in the world that doesn’t like to snooze in the coziest spot possible. But why near your head, in particular, and not, say, near your feet or at your side?Some feline experts think that this behavior has something to do with the fact that humans lose heat through their heads. Makes sense, right? Your body is tucked in, staying warm under the blankets throughout the night. But it is the head that remains uncovered. By staying near your head, your cat can remain comfortable throughout the night. So, basically, your kitty might choose your pillow as a warm and cozy place to sleep because other areas of the bed might be too cool for her. Seems like a sensible decision, doesn’t it?It’s Just Love!Your adorable kitty is able to show that she cares about you in a variety of ways, and the more you get to know your pet, the easier it will be to spot those signs of affection. For example, some cats prefer spending time purring in their owner’s lap, while others make it a point to be near their owners as often as possible, even if it means just being in the same room together.When your kitty rubs her face on you, responds when you call her, meows at you to get your attention, or interacts with you in ways that prove she likes being around you, you probably feel pretty special, right? Well, in the case of your cat wanting to share your pillow at night, it might be her way of showing love. Being under the blankets near your leg just won’t be as affectionate or loving to your cat as being directly near your face. Perhaps your cat isn’t merely using you to stay warm while she sleeps. Maybe she chooses to sleep near your head because she wants to be close to you. So the next time your cat snuggles up over your head, starts grooming your hair, and places a paw on your face, try not to get agitated, as this could just be her way of telling you that she loves you. Aww!Staying Safe from KicksAnother reason why your cat might choose to sleep near your head at night is simply because it may provide her with a more secure spot than other parts of the bed. Makes perfect sense and is kind of brilliant when you look at it, showing that cat’s are as smart as everyone says. In the past, she might have tried sleeping near your hips or feet, only to discover that it isn’t as comfortable or as safe to be next to you or at the foot of the bed. Maybe you turned around quickly, scaring her and tossing her about, or you nearly squashed her when changing your sleeping position. As a result, she might have tested out sleeping by your head instead, and if that worked out, it might have become her new habit and sleeping preference. Your head, after all, does not move all that much during night, guaranteeing undisturbed sleep for your feline friend. If you toss and turn a lot at night, whether or not you are conscious of it, your cat might be disturbed by all of the movement. Nobody likes that! To avoid getting accidentally hit by one of your feet or your legs, and to prevent you from accidentally pushing her off the bed, your pet has figured out that the head of the bed is a safer place to rest throughout the night. Smart kitty!The Better to Smell YouAnother possible reason why your kitty insists on sleeping near your head: she may like the way your hair smells, and that could make her feel secure while she dozes. Cats make it a point to seek out the safest places to rest, so by curling up next to you, your furry friend is letting you know that she equates you with safety. Plus, by snuggling with you, your kitty could also be leaving her scent on your head, basically marking you as her property and solidifying her bond to you. It is interesting to note that people release different pheromones through the hair follicles on their head. It might be that the way your hair smells simply attracts your cat in one way or another, sending a subliminal message that simply states – this is a cozy place to rest. Fun fact: When a cat points her butt in your direction, whether she is sitting in your lap or lying near your head or face, try not to take offense to it. What you perceive as gross behavior is actually a positive sign that she trusts you enough to turn her back toward you.Sweet Dreams for You and Your KittyIf you don’t mind having your cat sleeping near you, that’s great! To make things more comfortable for both of you, though, you might try getting a larger pillow so you can have more room for your head even if your furry friend likes to take up a good amount of space on it. Or, if your cat is getting older or has mobility issues that make it hard for her to get on the bed, you might opt to get some pet stairs or a pet ramp that you can set up next to the bed to make it easier for her to get up there and settle onto your pillow. Do what works for you and your cat so you’ll both be totally content.Whether your feline friend decides to sleep near your head or not, the goal is to get a good night’s sleep. If your cat is keeping you up at night, there are several easy steps you can take to help her rest until the morning. But if you’re both cozy and comfortable when sharing a pillow throughout the night, and you love having your furbaby near you all the time, you might find that you’re able to relax and sleep soundly more easily, so go ahead and welcome the snuggles from your feline friend.However, if you happen to dislike your cat snuggling all over your face and head, that’s fine too. After all, it’s not nice having a mouthful of hairs, or waking up covered in them. Perhaps your kitty is a bit smelly, or you dislike it for hygienic reasons. All that’s fine. Just try to use some positive reinforcement and light training until you send your cat the message that you simply can’t accept her sleeping on your head. We’re sure that in time, she’ll get the message. Or, if all else fails, you can simply shut the door to your bedroom and cross your fingers that your pet won’t spend the night meowing in front of the doors all night.

Do Cats Snore?

Cats are known for napping, and sure do look cute while doing it. Do cats snore while chasing mice in their sleep? Have you ever been sitting in a quiet room when you suddenly start hearing a strange sound, only to realize it’s coming from your napping kitty? Do cats snore? Yep, That’s Snoring You Hear When your cat falls into a deep sleep and becomes completely relaxed, she might start snoring. This may happen once in a while, as opposed to every time your pet goes to sleep, and it is considered normal. It is also probably not a cause for concern if your kitty snores all the time but is not exhibiting any other symptoms that are associated with illness. And if your kitty is otherwise healthy and has always snored, it is likely normal as well. Related: Why Do Cats Sleep So Much? Your Cat Might Be Prone to Snoring Some kitties are more prone to snoring than others. For example, if your cat has packed on too many pounds, she might have a tendency to snore. Being overweight or obese might increase your pet’s risk for other health problems too, so consider helping your kitty lose weight, under the guidance of your veterinarian. Your cat’s snoring might also be the result of her sleeping in a position that is causing the noisy breathing. So if your pet is often found napping in some pretty odd positions, don’t be surprised if you hear her start to snore. Related: Do Cats Dream of Chasing Mice and Balls of Yarn? And if your furry friend is a brachycephalic breed, or one of the feline breeds that have flatter faces, she is also more prone to snoring compared to other breeds. Himalayans and Persians are two examples of brachycephalic breeds, which can develop brachycephalic airway syndrome. These cats feature soft palates that are elongated, as well as nasal passages that are shortened, so they are more likely to be noisy when they sleep. When Snoring Might Be Related to a Health Problem If you notice any of the following symptoms, it is recommended that you talk to your vet about your cat’s snoring, as it might be related to a health condition: Discharge from one or both nostrils, or discharge from the eyesSores on the noseLethargyChanges in appetiteSwelling of the faceCoughingSneezingChanges in your cat’s voiceSnoring while awake Also, if your kitty extends her head and neck straight out or tries to breathe through an open mouth because she is having difficulty breathing, you should see the vet right away, as respiratory distress is an emergency. These symptoms, and your cat’s snoring, might be caused by a range of conditions that include trauma, asthma, fungal infections, viral infections, bacterial infections, inflammation, laryngeal paralysis, masses or polyps, cancer, and foreign objects in the nose or in the back of the mouth. Questions About Your Cat’s Snoring? Ask Your Vet Basically, if your kitty snores lightly while she sleeps and it doesn’t get worse over time, and if she isn’t showing signs of respiratory problems, it likely isn’t a medical issue. But if the snoring gets louder over time or your kitty is exhibiting other signs of illness, it might be linked to a health concern. If you’re worried or unsure about your kitty’s snoring habits, consult with your vet, who knows your pet best, can properly evaluate her, and can provide treatment, if necessary.

Do Cats Dream of Chasing Mice and Balls of Yarn?

When they close their eyes for some much deserved rest, do cats dream? Visions of bottomless bowls of milk, field of mice and scratching posts dance in their heads! You’re already well aware of the many types of dreams that your mind can conjure up when you’re fast asleep, but have you ever wondered: do cats dream? When watching a cat sleep, you may notice her making sounds or moving her body. She might, for example, start moving her lips and whiskers, flicking her tail, or shaking her paws. But are these merely random movements of the physical body, or do they indicate that something deeper is going on in your kitty’s mind? So, do cats dream just like humans do? Or do they fall into a dreamless sleep? Yes, Cats Do Dream After a kitty falls asleep, she will cycle through the same stages of sleep that humans do. There will be slow wave sleep periods that transition to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and it is during REM that most dreaming takes place. Related: Why Do Cats Sleep So Much? The Research into Feline Sleep Studies into whether or not cats dream date back to the 1960s, when scientists wanted to figure out what was going on in the mind of a sleeping animal. Medical reports were describing people who were moving during REM sleep, when the muscles are usually paralyzed to prevent such movements. French scientists J F Delorme and Michel Jouvet removed the pons from a feline’s brainstem in 1965. This is the part of the brain that would normally cause the muscles to become paralyzed during REM, so the dream state without the pons was referred to as REM-A. By removing the pons, sleeping cats would actually act out their dreams by behaving aggressively and walking around. As a result, they concluded that the animals were having dreams of their activities during waking hours. And they were right because, since then, more research has proven this. For example, Adrian Morrison, a veterinary neurologist, found that pets in REM-A would move their heads and even act out predatory behaviors, as if they were dreaming of following a toy or chasing down birds. Related: Why Do Cats Meow at Night? MIT scientists Matthew Wilson and Kenway Louise were able to record the activity of neurons within the hippocampus of rats by using electrodes in 2007. This part of the brain is associated with forming and encoding memories, and it’s the same in rats as it is in cats. First, the researchers recorded the activity of rats’ brain cells while they were awake and running through mazes. Then they observed the same neurons while the animals slept. They found that there were identical firing patterns. In other words, the rats would dream of running through the maze just like they did while they were awake. What Dreams May Come? Researchers and scientists who study cats’ sleep patterns have found that felines likely dream about their typical day-to-day activities. So your cat may dream about chasing down prey, playing with her favorite toy, or snuggling with you. And, just like people, cats can also have unusual dreams and nightmares. Kittens Dream More Than Adult Cats Sleep is an opportunity for the body to relax and repair itself, and it also gives the mind a chance to process experiences and lessons that were gained during waking hours. This is why younger animals will spend a greater amount of time in a dream-filled sleep compared to older cats. Kittens aren’t only growing every day, but they’re also learning a lot of new things and processing a lot of new information that could result in a variety of dreams. Now that you know that your cat dreams when she falls into a deep sleep, you have an explanation for her sometimes strange movements while she naps the day away. It’s just another example of the fact that humans and animals are more alike than people realize.

How Often Should I Clean My Bird's Cage?

Parrots and small birds are exceptionally vulnerable when their cage is left unkempt and dirty – proper hygiene and a clean space to rest and eat in are a must for the good health of all avians. What is more, a bird cage that is left unclean can become a threat to your health as well, with airborne bacteria and pathogens flying all over the place. All in all, it’s clear that regular cleaning of your bird's cage shouldn’t be seen as just a dull chore but as a necessary task to protect everyone’s health and wellbeing. However, while it’s obvious that you need to do it regularly, just how often should you clean your bird’s cage? Is it on a check-and-see basis or is there a recommended frequency of cleaning? Let’s find out.How Often Should I Clean My Bird's Cage?The frequency at which you should clean the cage depends on several factors, including the size of the cage, the number of birds you have, and the species of bird in question. For example, a smaller cage will get dirty in no time, while a large one that houses a single, bigger bird will remain cleaner for longer. While these are good starting guidelines, things are not that simple.The best approach to take is to clean the cage daily, weekly, and monthly. Of course, the amount of cleaning you do each day will differ from the one you do on a monthly basis – here’s how it should look like:Daily Cleaning:Change the  food and water dishes daily to ensure fresh food and clean water. This is imperative and a major part of caring for your bird. Don’t allow water to remain unchanged and food to go stale.

How Much Sleep Do Dogs Need?

Sleep allows all big and little creatures to rest, regenerate, grow, and gain strength for further milestones in life. Dogs, too, need to have enough  sleep to thrive – both during the day and through the night. But some doggos love to snooze more and others, and then there are those who won’t sleep that much at all. So what is the bottom line? How much sleep do dogs need exactly? While there can’t be a general, straightforward answer (after all, not all dogs are identical), there are some general rules and guidelines to follow. How Much Sleep Do Dogs Need Daily?The amount of sleep a dog needs can vary depending on factors such as their age, breed, and activity level. Generally, dogs sleep a significant portion of the day, and their sleep patterns can be quite different from humans. Here's a rough guideline for how much sleep dogs typically need on a daily basis – based on their age, lifestyle, and so on.Puppies, naturally, need a lot of sleep, usually around 18 to 20 hours a day. They have bursts of energy and playfulness, which are followed by periods of deep sleep. Puppies are still growing, and sleep is essential for their development.Adult dogs, on the other hand, are not such sleepy heads. Still, they will sleep more often than not. Most adult dogs sleep around 12 to 14 hours a day, although this can vary. Larger breeds tend to sleep more than smaller breeds. Active and working dogs, such as herding or hunting breeds, may require more sleep to recover from their daily activities. There are also seniors, who get tired more quickly and need plenty of rest during the daytime. Older dogs may sleep more than younger adults, often in the range of 14 to 16 hours a day. Senior dogs tend to be less active and love to snooze whenever there’s a chance. It's important to note that individual dogs can have different sleep needs. Some dogs may sleep more or less than the average, and this can be influenced by their overall health and well-being. It's also influenced by their daily routine, exercise, and mental stimulation. Then again, some doggos are straight-out lazy – they love to snooze, hate to jump around and exercise, and snore as much as they want! This is not something you should worry about unless it comes about suddenly. That’s just how some dogs are. 

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.

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Dog Helps Find Missing Child

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Husky Detects a Dangerous Gas Leak and Saves the Entire Neighborhood

Kobe, a four-year-old husky became an internet hero after saving his home and the entire neighborhood from a catastrophic gas leak. According to his owner, Chanell Bell, the canine started digging a large hole in the front yard of their Philadelphia home. At first, Bell didn’t think much of Kobe’s strange behavior. However, as the hole grew bigger, she became concerned that Kobe was trying to tell her something.“I trust his judgment because that isn’t his typical behavior and he is usually right,” said Bell, according to PEOPLE. “He has great senses and he never digs holes unless he is helping me dig; I knew something was up.”Earlier in the month, Bell had a gas leak in the house, and out of caution, she decided to check the hole Kobe dug with a gas detection device. “I had a reader already in the house to make sure there were no leaks coming from my old heater,” explained Bell. “When I saw the hole, I realized it was odd behavior for my dog. My intuition told me to check it.”Immediately the device detected gas. A potentially catastrophic amount of gas was coming from the hole Kobe dug in the yard!Bell alerted authorities right away and they informed her that the entire neighborhood should be grateful that Kobe detected the leak when he did. “We were told it could’ve caused serious health effects like respiratory issues, brain damage, and even death. They told me that something as simple as a light switch turning on could’ve caused an explosion, too.”As soon as they arrived at the address, the gas foreman and crew turned off the gas and started to work on the pipes. During the repairs, the crew discovered three other gas leaks in the neighborhood, all caused by old pipes. The crew worked for three days to repair the leaks and install new pipes. Workers told Bell that something as simple as turning on a light switch could have caused the gas to ignite and blow up the entire house. While they worked, the crew praised Kobe.“They were so impressed with Kobe and mentioned what a good dog he was,” said Bell, adding that people should always listen to their pets and their senses. The gas company said that it adds Marcaptan to the natural gas it administers to homes to produce a smell similar to rotten eggs to allow for easier leak detection. “Just like this customer, any time anyone smells a foreign odor or egg-like smell, they should immediately call,” said the utility company, in a statement. “It feels amazing to know Kobe saved our block, I am very thankful to have him,” added Bell. “I hope this spreads awareness to others about the dangers and severity of gas leaks and to pay attention to your fur babies!”  Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Which Spring Flowers Are Toxic to Dogs?

Springtime is such a joyful time of the year. The harsh and gloomy winter days are finally over, and nature is awakening – the sun is shining, trees are blooming, and life erupts all over again. But that doesn’t mean that there are no downsides to this season. From spring allergies to spring shedding, there are also quite a few things that don’t spark joy when spring comes. One of those unexpected things that become a downside of spring when you’re a dog is flowers. Yup. Those gorgeous, lush-smelling blooms that appear in the spring can pose a threat to your dog, as many spring flowers are toxic to our canine friends.So without further ado, let’s see which of these pretty, colorful flowers are potentially dangerous for dogs – so you’ll know exactly which of them to avoid planting in your garden or putting in a vase.Which Spring Flowers Are Toxic to Dogs?As we all know, dogs are inquisitive and love to nibble and sniff all sorts of odd things, flowers included. This is why you should be vigilant in the spring when many potentially toxic plant varieties are in season. Keep an eye out for the following flowers when walking your pet out and about or when picking out seeds for your flower beds!Daffodils

A Former Elvis Impersonator Adopts Elvis, the Dog Who No One Wanted

Elvis, the only dog who didn’t get adopted at Anti Cruelty’s Fall in Love adoption event, finally found a forever home with an owner who used to work as an Elvis Presley impersonator. A three-year-old pit bull terrier mix was the only pooch out of 22 dogs and 39 cats who didn’t find a forever home at the November 11 adoption event. After the event, Elvis had to be sent back to his kennel which served as his home for around four months.Shortly after the event, the shelter took to social media to ask for help finding this handsome boy a forever home. The post that has gone viral said: “Elvis is the only dog that didn’t find a home during our Fall in Love adoption event. He met a lot of potential adopters but sadly did not get adopted. Help us find Elvis a family to love!”In the post, the shelter described Elvis as a “three-year-old meatball” with “the silliest personality.”“His giant smile lights up every room he enters. Elvis is a snuggler, so he hopes you’re okay giving up your personal space.”Elvis arrived at the shelter as an injured stray dog. Since the pooch didn’t put weight on his hind leg, the shelter took X-rays which showed a fractured pelvis. Although the fracture healed completely during his stay at the shelter, Elvis might be prone to arthritis in the future. A few days later this handsome boy found his forever home! And this is where things get really interesting. The couple who adopted the cute pup has a special connection to him - one of them used to be an Elvis Presley impersonator.Loren Agron, one of the pup’s new dads, worked as an Elvis-impersonating waiter at Ed Debevic’s, a 1950s-themed diner where staff entertained customers with choreographed dance routines. Agron dressed up as Elvis Presley and called himself Elvis Parsley.“I wore a black cowboy shirt and quintessential giant Elvis sunglasses, I had long sideburns and my hair was all pumped up and slicked back,” Agron told The Washington Post.“Elvis has always been a big part of my life because I’ve always loved music from that era,” he added.First, Agron went to the shelter to meet Elvis alone, and then he came back with his partner, Drew Wilhelm. “While we were sitting in the waiting room to meet him, I felt like a father waiting for his newborn son to arrive,” said Wilhelm. “As soon as I saw him, I knew that was our dog,” he added. “He couldn’t stop jumping on us, he was so excited we were there to see him.”The couple adopted Elvis that day and took him to his forever home.  “Elvis has left the building,” the shelter wrote alongside a photo of the happy family. “His adopters have been waiting for the right time to welcome a dog into their family, and once they saw Elvis on the news, they couldn’t deny that it was fate.”The couple plans to keep the handsome pup’s legendary name and smitten with their new four-legged companion. “The couple is head over heels in love with their new family member and already has a dog bed and tons of toys waiting for him at his forever home,” the shelter wrote in a post. “Loren is a dedicated ACS supporter and has hosted many of the ACS’s fundraising events at Chicago’s fabulous drag queen, Debbie Fox. We couldn’t be happier for Elvis who finally got his happily ever after!”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Hypothermia in Cats: What You Should Know

Hypothermia puts your cat’s health at risk, and if not treated in time, can be fatal. So, it’s wise to know even just the basics about hypothermia so you can recognize the symptoms and get your cat the help they need right away. Here’s a short guide to get you started.

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.

How Do I Help A Dog Afraid of Car Rides?

Do you dream of travelling the world with your best friend by your side, but your dog turns into a nervous wreck every time you approach the car? If so, you’re not alone! Many dogs experience car anxiety to some degree, ranging from those who are slightly unsure of the vehicle to those who experience severe levels of stress. Luckily, there are options to manage your dog’s anxiety and even prevent it from happening in the future. In this article, we’ll explore various ways to improve your dog’s relationship with the car, from gradual desensitization to the use of calming treats and other products to make your next road trip easier for everyone! Is Driving Stressful for Dogs? Whether your dog finds car rides to be stressful will vary from dog to dog. Many pups are excited by simply hearing the phrase “car ride” and love sharing that experience with their human family members. However, for some dogs, the idea of getting into a vehicle instantly triggers feelings of stress and anxiety. As dog parents, the best thing we can do is pay careful attention to our dog's nonverbal communication and body language. Although dogs may not be able to speak English, they do a pretty good job of communicating how they are feeling if we know how to listen. How Do I Know if My Dog is Scared in the Car? Interpreting your dog’s body language often involves noting several different behaviors, as fear and anxiety can easily mimic excitement in many ways. For example, fearful dogs may whine when approaching a vehicle because they are afraid of getting into the car. However, approaching the same way with an excited dog may trigger a whine as they anticipate the fun ahead. Other aspects of their behavior, like their stance (standing tall and confident versus hunched low to the ground with their tail tucked), can help you better translate what your dog is trying to tell you.Some of the common signs that a dog is feeling afraid or anxious include: Excessive panting or yawning Licking the lips Whale eyes (showing the whites of the eyes)Large, dilated pupilsEars pressed forward or back against the headCowering or attempting to hideTail tucked between the legs or up and stuffShaking or tremblingSubmissive urinationStaring intently at the trigger Displacement behaviors like sneezing or itchingRefusal to take treats (even if they are typically food-driven)The most important thing to remember is that every dog is different. Your dog may display any combination of the symptoms listed above. No one knows your dog better than you. Trust your gut if you feel that something is off, even if it doesn’t fit the stereotypical fear response.

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