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Best Vet Recommended Cat Food

Angela Vuckovic
by Angela Vuckovic
Published:  July 26th, 2021

Vet recommended cat food comes with the backing of experts which can give you peace of mind about the quality of food you serve to your pet. We’ve rounded up the best vet recommended food that’s not only praised by veterinarians but also loved by kitt

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Cats are well-known as finicky creatures, but they are especially picky and fussy when it comes to their food. Most kitties will not eat anything you serve but will be rather choosy, favoring a certain texture or flavor of food, so it can be difficult finding the right type of food for your pet’s refined tastes. On top of that, cat food shouldn’t just be tasty but it should be nutritious and balanced as well. Needless to say, it’s a challenge- so why not go for a formula that an expert says will be great for them? Vet recommended cat foods are made from high-quality ingredients and have a formula tailored to meet all the nutritional requirements of your pet. Often, these formulas are adapted for specific health conditions that many cats face, such as urinary problems or diabetes, and help your pet get healthier or put their symptoms under control through a proper diet.

Of course, there are many vet recommended cat food options out there, from those tailored for certain life stages or health status to different types from kibble to pate, as well as a ton of flavor to choose from- whether it’s the classics such as beef and chicken or exotics such as quail that your kitty likes on their plate, there’s a match. To help you figure out which vet recommended cat food deserves to be poured in your feline royal’s bowl, we’ve rounded up the 10 best options on the market for you to choose from.

A well-balanced diet is a foundation for good health, and this complete formula is created by nutritionists and veterinarians to make sure that you’re feeding your cat only the best. Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit is dry food for cats that need a little bit more than just healthy kibble: its ingredients help cats keep their weight and glucose levels optimal and promote urinary health. A vet-authorized level of L-carnitine and a unique blend of soluble and insoluble fiber may help keep your kitty lean without compromising on flavor or feeling of fullness.

And remember, you need to consult your veterinarian before getting any vet-authorized food.

2. Runner up: Wellness Complete Health Dry Cat Food

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Formulated for indoor cats, Wellness Complete Health Dry Cat Food has all the essential nutrients your kitty needs to thrive. Cats that live exclusively indoors have different needs than those that burn off calories hunting and running around the neighborhood so this formula is adapted to that. Due to the fact that indoor cats are less active, it is enriched with L-carnitine to help keep their weight under control and it boasts lean protein as its main ingredient- you get to choose between salmon and chicken. To boot, this vet recommended cat food is also grain-free and contains no GMOs, meat by-products, wheat, corn, soy, or artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

3. Customer’s choice: Iams Proactive Health Adult Indoor Weight & Hairball Control Dry Cat Food

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In addition to extra fluff, what’s another thing that most pet cats struggle with? Hairballs! That’s why this perfected formula strives to offer all the nutrients needed to keep your kitty lean and those hairballs out of their system. Iams Proactive Health Adult Indoor Weight & Hairball Control Dry Cat Food is made with chicken and turkey ensure that protein is abundant, and fortified with L-carnitine for weight management- but it’s their proprietary fiber blend with beet pulp that is the star of the formula as it prevents hairballs from forming. No more being woken up by the sounds of your cat vomiting out hair!

4. Best for urinary health: Forza10 Active Urinary Dry Cat Food

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Unfortunately, problems with urinary health are quite common for cats. From repeating urinary infections to struvites that form in the bladder all the way to kidney stones, kitties have it rough when it comes to urinary health which is why it’s essential to provide a diet that could help keep all those issues under control. Forza10 Active Urinary Dry Cat Food is created by veterinarians for cats struggling with urinary issues: it has acidifying properties to prevent the formation of crystals in the urine and low magnesium content as well. In addition to being great for UTIs and bladder struvites, this vet recommended cat food is enriched with essential fatty acids, therapeutic plants, and contains no corn, wheat, or soy to make sure it also supports your cat’s overall health.

5. Best for kittens: Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Mother & Babycat Dry Cat Food

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Babies need special nutrition once they are weaned to make sure they get all the important nutrients they need to grow healthy and strong! Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Mother & Babycat Dry Cat Food is created for nursing mothers and kittens from 1 to 4 months of age so it is packed with antioxidants and vitamins. The kibble is tiny and easy to chew, and easy to digest as well as is fortified with probiotics and prebiotics. Additionally, to make sure your tiny kitten’s brain is developing properly, the formula is enriched with DHA that will promote optimal cognitive function. The next best thing after their mother’s milk!

6. Best grain-free: Castor & Pollux Organix Organic Dry Dry Cat Food

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Cats are obligate carnivores, and don’t really need all those carbs to stay healthy- in fact, too many carbs can be harmful to a feline. Castor & Pollux Organix Organic Dry Dry Cat Food is not just formulated without any grains whatsoever (and as such a great choice for pets with gluten sensitivities) but it is made from fully organic ingredients certified by USDA and cooked in an organically certified kitchen in the USA. The formula relies on organic free-range chicken and sweet potato to nourish your kitty and it is packed with superfoods such as organic flaxseed, organic cranberries, and organic coconut oil to boost their immune system.

7. Best wet food: Weruva B.F.F. OMG Grain-Free Natural Wet Cat Food Cans

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For felines that prefer wet food, Weruva B.F.F. OMG Grain-Free Natural Wet Cat Food Cans are a healthy yet yummy choice. Drenched in chicken broth gravy sauce, this wet food will give your pet all the hydration they need while nourishing their body with proteins, minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins. This vet recommended food is minimally processed and free of grains and gluten (no soy, corn, or wheat), GMOs, carrageenan, MSGs, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Clean and tasty, this formula comes in several flavor options including grass-fed beef and salmon, chicken and salmon, duck and tuna, chicken and pumpkin, chicken and lamb, and chicken a turkey. A little something for anyone!

8. Best for sensitive cats: Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Support for Cats

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Kitties that vomit or get an upset stomach from certain foods need specially formulated food to promote better digestion and keep them happy. Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Support for Cats uses readily digestible proteins, carbs, and fats in its formula, which not only makes the food easier to digest but it also ensures your pet absorbs all the nutrients from food despite their gastrointestinal issues. The unique blend of ingredients such as prebiotic fibers and antioxidants promotes a healthy microflora and the fact that this kibble is grain-free only helps prevent any potential tummy issue. Say goodbye to cleaning up diarrhea and vomit after your feline friend!

9. Best for seniors: Purina Pro Plan Senior Canned Wet Cat Food

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When they reach golden years, cats need to have a special diet- one that will support their aging body with plenty of nutrients but won’t make them gain extra weight while doing so. Purina Pro Plan Senior Canned Wet Cat Food is said to “improve and extend the life” of cats that are over 7 years of age, which is what every owner wants for their elderly pet: more time with them and a better quality of life in senior years. Available in 9 different flavor options, this vet recommended wet cat food is enriched with antioxidants beta carotene and vitamin E, and prebiotic fiber to support a healthy immune system and promote better digestion in senior cats.

10. Best for picky cats: Farmina Natural And Delicious Chicken And Pomegranate Grain-Free Formula Dry Cat Food

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Cats are notoriously picky eaters, and if your pet is among those felines that get choosy over what type of food is in their bowl, you’ll have to go all out to make sure that the food they like is actually healthy for them. Luckily, Farmina Natural And Delicious Chicken And Pomegranate Grain-Free Formula Dry Cat Food is formulated for such cases: yummy and irresistible, this vet recommended food for picky eaters cleverly sneaks in plenty of healthy ingredients in the formula and doesn’t compromise on flavor. Made with chicken and pomegranate, this grain-free kibble is enriched with antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins needed for your pet to thrive. It contains no corn, soy, wheat, or peas, or lentils that could be harmful to your pet and eliminates plant oils from the formula. Only the good stuff- with a delicious taste!

Wet or Dry Food: Which to Choose for Your Pet?

Vets recommend both wet and dry food, so how should you know which of the two would be a better fit for your cat’s actual needs (and not her greedy appetite)? Both kibble and canned food for cats have their pros and cons so it’s up to you to figure out which fits your pet’s health status and lifestyle better- and your budget, too.

Dry cat food is the most common option out there- not only that there are tons of options to choose from, but it is convenient and cats tend to love eating it. Just make sure to choose kibble with high-quality ingredients with protein at the top of the list as cheap, filler-laden kibble won’t be healthy for your cat.

Wet food is not only nutritious and tasty, but it also has a high moisture content. Cats tend to drink very little water as they naturally get all the water they need from food but that’s not the case with kibble. If your pet doesn’t drink enough water, wet food might be a better option. However, beware- wet food is often higher in calories so don’t overfeed to avoid obesity issues. Also, it is more difficult to store wet food as it can spoil fast when opened, so you have to have planned meals instead of leaving the food out for your cat to free feed like you can with kibble.

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Angela Vuckovic
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.

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No matter how careful you are, accidents happen – this is particularly true when it comes to pet  poisoning cases. Not only that cats and dogs have some uncanny ability to get into stuff that they’re not supposed to get into, but you also can’t always know what things could be a potential toxin to them. And believe us when we say, there are a lot of potential pet toxins in an average household!The annual report by the  ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC)  only goes to prove this. Each year, they examine all the compiled data to determine which are the most commonly encountered pet toxins each year. It helps keep owners aware of the threats, and to keep vets always one step ahead. In 2023, the APCC was extra busy, having received hundreds of thousands of calls about items and substances that pets were exposed to. Incredibly, these substances totaled over 351,000!Even though they were contacted about such an imposing number of potentially hazardous substances, they managed to narrow down the most common culprits and compile the list of top 10 pet toxins in 2023, which will serve as a great reminder of what to look out for.Over-the-counter medications, including cold and flu medicines, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and vitamins and supplements. With 16.8% exposure, these medications are the number one threat in 2023. Almost every home has some sort of medications stored, and they aren’t always expertly hidden. Accidentally, pets can discover them and suffer many dire consequences if they ingest them. Human food and drink are almost equally as dangerous, with 16.2% reported calls. A lot of what we consume daily is toxic to pets. This can range from common items such as raisins, onions, garlic, grapes, or sweets, to more rare items such as protein drinks and bars, xylitol gums, and energy drinks. If your pet gets their paws on any of these, it can end up in an emergency vet visit. Prescription medications for humans are very dangerous to pets, and many reports were made in regard to inhalers, ADHD medications, heart medications, and similar. Prescription medications are often strong drugs and definitely not meant for pets.Chocolate is the number 4 threat for 2023. A staggering 13% of calls were related to this sweet. Dogs are mostly found consuming it as cats do not have sweet taste buds or the appetite of dogs. Still, chocolate is not meant for pets and can cause many side effects.Veterinary products are at number 5 with 8.3% reported exposures. Callers reported ingestion of chewable tablets or soft chews, many of them used for calming pets. Owners are urged to keep medicines locked away, as pets can like their sweet taste and go after them when you are not looking. Plants and fungi accounted for 8.1% of exposures. Dogs are inquisitive and can find these plants on their outdoor adventures. But many plants can cause a threat to dogs, so make sure to acquaint yourself with a list of toxic plants to look out for.Household products are also on this list, with 7.1% of exposures reported. Pets consumed various dangerous items, such as deoxidizer packets, batteries, and various miscellanea lying around the house. Be aware of what’s lying around that’s easy to reach.Rodenticides are a major threat to pets. People can use poisons to get rid of pests, but our pets don’t know that. If they ingest them, it can be extremely dangerous, leading to kidney failure, bleeding, and even death. When you are out on walks, always be careful what is lying around. Insecticides are almost the same. People use bug sprays, ant baits, and poisonous powders all over the place. Always make sure that the area you are in is free from anything that can be a threat to your pet. Recreational drugs are last but not least. With substances such as marijuana becoming increasingly legal, pets can come in contact with them as well. But there are also hallucinogenic substances such as mushrooms, especially psilocybin, and muscarine, which can be very harmful to pets. 

Vet School Aims to Dispel Misinformation About Mysterious Illness

News about a mysterious illness has been making dog parents across the country nervous as they seek out available information. While there have been reported advances made in understanding the cause of the illness, many of the details are still vague, and a lot of “data” being shared by the mainstream media seems to be contradicting. How do you know what to believe?To help clarify the sea of information, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine has published an educational hub on their website with information about the illness, Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (aCIRDC).This hub is divided into several categories: Prevalence, Clinical Signs, Pathogenesis, Screening, Treatment, Prevention, Travel, and News. The goal is to share reliable and actionable information for pet parents that will help them make smart, knowledge-driven decisions about their pet’s health, especially as we head into a busy time of travel during the holiday season.Reported Cases of IllnessAccording to the hub, there are currently reported cases of “a chronic respiratory disease with characteristics of aCIRDC” in 16 different states, including:CaliforniaColoradoFloridaGeorgiaIdahoIllinoisIndianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsNew HampshireNevadaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandVermontWashingtonOne of the most important things to note is the wording used by LSU Vet Med. This list is based on reported respiratory illnesses that have characteristics of the mystery illness, but it does not mean that the disease itself has been confirmed. Many respiratory infections and ailments present with very similar symptoms, including Canine Influenza and Bordatella.How to Prevent Illness in Your Dog This Holiday SeasonWhile there is no guarantee that the above states pose a higher risk of aCIRDC, veterinarians and other professionals recommend that pet parents take precautions to keep their pets safe. This is especially important as many of us plan to travel and visit family for the holidays. The following recommendations (as outlined by LSU Vet Med) will help to prevent your dog(s) from getting sick from any respiratory ailment, not just aCIRDC.Ensure Vaccinations are Up to DateWe currently don’t have enough understanding of aCIRDC for a preventative vaccination, but there are vaccinations for some respiratory illnesses. Check with your veterinarian that your dog is current on all routine vaccinations.Limit Exposure (Where Possible)If possible, avoid or limit bringing your dog to areas that put them at a higher risk of contracting a respiratory illness. This includes dog parks or shelter environments. Have a conversation with boarding and training facilities where dogs socialize to better understand their preventative measures, including cleaning and sanitization efforts. You should also ask about the vaccine requirements for dogs in their care and their plan for handling animals that show signs of being ill.Isolate Dogs with Signs of IllnessIs your dog showing signs that they may be ill? If so, isolation is critical. Don’t bring a potentially sick dog to public spaces, and do your best to keep them safely isolated from any other unaffected dogs in your home.

How to Tell Your Cats Are About to Fight, According to Scientists

Have you ever wondered if your cats are play fighting or fighting for real? People living in multi-cat households know that the occasional scuffle or a full-blown cat fight is bound to happen. However, many cat owners have a hard time figuring out whether their cats are fighting or roughhousing. A new study published in Scientific Reports can provide some clues. As it turns out, certain behaviors could indicate whether an interaction between two felines is friendly, aggressive, or something in between. In this study, scientists, including Noema Gajdoš-Kmecová from the University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Slovakia, analyzed 105 videos of interactions between 210 cats. The videos were obtained directly from cat owners and YouTube. After watching around one-third of the videos, Gajdoš-Kmecová pinpointed six types of specific behaviors, including wrestling, chasing, staying still, vocalizing, interactive, and non-interactive activities. She then watched all the videos again to see which cats exhibited one of these specific behaviors and for how long. After running a statistical analysis, Gajdoš-Kmecová was able to identify three distinctive types of interactions between the cat pairs - playful, intermediate, and aggressive. To confirm her findings, other members of the research team also watched the videos and classified each interaction between cats. Over half of the cats from the videos, 56% to be exact, exhibited playful interactions. According to the study, playful interactions included wrestling and a lack of vocalization. About 29% were labeled as agonistic, meaning they exhibited any type of social behavior that included threatening, aggression, and submission. Cats in this group vocalized and exhibited recurring bouts of inactivity.The cats in the intermediate group were involved in both aggressive and playful encounters. According to researchers, this group showed prolonged exchanges of specific behaviors, like laying on the back with the belly exposed, pouncing, stalking, and grooming each other. Scientists believe that this mixture of playful and aggressive behavior may be a sign of short-term friction between the cats rather than the end of the relationship. “This might escalate into a fully agonistic encounter but does not necessarily reflect a breakdown in their social relationship but rather a short-term disagreement in social priorities,” researchers wrote in the study. This study is the first to apply a scientific approach to cat behavior that can be identified by experienced and first-time owners alike. Thanks to this study, scientists can now classify inter-cat interactions as either playful, agonistic, or intermediate. “Wrestling can be a sign of a fight but if it comes with bouts of inactivity then that often means it is playful,” explained Profesor Daniel Mills, who led the study.“Playfighting is also without vocalizations. That’s the profile of a friendly cat. The agonistic cat, they might not do as much wrestling with inactivity but they do lots of vocalization.”“Owners should keep an eye out on how much they are wrestling and whether or not they’re vocalizing. Vocalizing can be broad and include meowing and also yowling,” he added. We all know when cats are fighting fur real, but it’s important to recognize intermediate interactions, where things could end in play or escalate into a real fight. “A lot of cats end up at cat rescue centers because the owners think that they’ve fallen out. In the clinic, I’ve seen cats that are playing and the owner thinks it’s a real fight,” said Professor Mills. If your cats are really getting along (share food and toys and sleep together), an occasional bout of agonistic play is okay. But if your cats aren’t the best of friends, you should look for signs of agonistic behavior. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Dog Facial Recognition App Helps Scientists Fight Against Rabies

In countries where dogs aren’t microchipped, don’t wear tags, and usually run free, it’s challenging for authorities to determine which dog has already been vaccinated for rabies. A new mobile phone app could help improve rabies vaccination by identifying dogs using facial recognition technology.A team of researchers from Washington State University tested the app’s effectiveness in a rabies vaccination clinic in Tanzania, where they microchipped, vaccinated, and registered dogs. The idea behind this project is to take a picture of a dog’s face during initial vaccination. Then the picture needs to be entered into the database via the app, along with other important information, such as the dog’s age, sex, and coat color. When veterinarians return to the same area, they will take a facial photo of each dog they come across. If the app finds a close match in the database, it will notify the vet, who can then decide whether the vaccinated dog in the database is indeed the same dog they are currently examining. A vaccination team testing the app visited nine villages in Tanzania, where they photographed and vaccinated 1,420 dogs. After the initial check, 20 images were deemed unusable, leaving exactly 1,400 to work with. All of these photographs were added to the app’s database.Later, a different validation team visited the same villages, assessing 720 dogs via the app, not knowing which dogs were already vaccinated, and entered into the app’s database. Once again, some photos were deemed unusable for the study - 161 were rejected.Using those images, the app helped the team to correctly identify 76.2% of vaccinated dogs and 98.9% of unvaccinated dogs. These findings were confirmed using microchips that were implanted under the dogs’ skin when they were vaccinated, as part of the study.“Because domestic dogs are the main reservoir for human rabies, controlling human rabies globally requires the mass vaccination of dogs,” said Felix Lankester, WSU Associate Professor and the lead investigator of the study. Scientists are working to optimize the app’s registration process to minimize the number of rejected photos. “When carrying out mass vaccination, one of the major problems that we face is trying to identify which dogs have and haven’t been vaccinated. For example, microchips are too expensive to use at the scale needed to eliminate rabies, and collars can be removed by owners. We developed this app to see if facial recognition might work, and it’s showing great promise in helping us achieve that goal,” Professor Lankester added. The facial recognition algorithm used by the app is developed in collaboration with Canadian company PiP My Pet. It identifies a dog by looking at key features of its face and comparing it to previously stored photos of the faces of other dogs. Photos with the highest number of similar features are shown as possible matches, leaving it to the user to pick the right one.The app’s success depends on the image quality and information about each dog being properly recorded. Before unusable images and incorrect information about dogs were removed from the database, users were only able to match around 65% of the vaccinated dogs.For the time being, users must be online to use the app’s facial matching feature, but Lankester and his team are working to make the app operational even offline. “We’re not quite there yet, but I think with the investment, the technology can get there. I am excited by its potential,” Lankester said.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Homeless Man Rescues a Litter of Orphaned Puppies During a Storm

An anonymous homeless man has become an internet sensation after rescuing a litter of puppies and taking them to the shelter during a storm. In the wake of a recent storm, the Fayetteville Animal Protection Society in North Carolina discovered that a nameless man had dropped off a litter of five puppies at the shelter’s door. The puppies, estimated to be less than two months old, were left with a touching note. “The note was from a kind soul, a homeless man who, despite his own hardships, took it upon himself to rescue these innocent lives after their mother, a local stray he cared for, tragically passed away,” share the shelter in a Facebook post. The shelter also posted pictures of the note left by the homeless man, who apologized for not being able to care for the puppies himself. “Please help,” he wrote. “I found these puppies sadly after noticing a local stray dog that I would often feed when I could, dead by the road. She had been hit by a car.” The man added that he knew she had a litter of puppies nearby and that he searched the area for them, so they wouldn’t starve and freeze to death waiting for their mom to return. “I’m sorry for leaving them like this, but I myself am homeless and cannot afford to care for them,” the man explained. “My heart shatters for them and their mother. I just want them to be given the chance their mother, like myself, was never given.”“Please do not think poorly of me, but it felt wrong leaving them alone in the cold waiting on a mother that would not be coming home. Sincerely, the nameless man.” Touched by this selfless act of kindness, the shelter thanked the nameless man, saying that his good deed hadn’t gone unnoticed. The shelter promised to honor this selfless gesture by ensuring these puppies get all the love and care they deserve. “Your empathy in the face of adversity gives us hope and inspiration,” the shelter wrote. The staff invited the man to come by the shelter to visit the puppies and get a proper thank you. So far, the Fayetteville Animal Protection Society has not heard from the man but noted that many people have offered to help him get back on his feet if he comes forward. To acknowledge the lucky circumstances of their rescue, the shelter named the puppies Chance, Kismet, Serendipity, Fortun, and Fate. The puppies were extremely malnourished and small when they were rescued, so the shelter couldn’t yet determine their breed.“We are guessing they are lab mixes and will grow to be about 30 to 40 pounds, but again that’s a guess,” said the shelter. According to the shelter, the applications to adopt these cute puppies will open on February 1. The organization explained that they will only consider applicants from Cumberland County, North Carolina because the puppies are going home on a foster-to-adopt basis until they are old enough to be spayed or neutered. In the meantime, the organization is accepting donations and has a wish list available for anyone willing to assist in caring for these puppies. “Unfortunately, we still don’t have any updates about the kind man who brought these puppies to us. While the puppies have names now, their rescuer remains unknown. We continue to hope he’ll come forward,” the shelter wrote. “Thank you for your continued support and love for these animals. Together we’re making a difference in their lives one puppy at a time.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Mind-Reading Pet Psychics Are a Burgeoning Business

Pet parents pay big bucks to communicate better with their best buddies.

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.

Amazon Took Some Heat with 2023 Super Bowl Ad

Rescues and dog experts alike felt solution to separation anxiety was a total fumble. Can they recover this year?

UK Dog Is Recovering After 130+ Coins Were Removed From His Stomach

Missing any cash? An owner from Swindon in the UK did and was shocked when he discovered how his money went missing. The vets were equally shocked because they discovered that Charlie, the little  Bichon Frise, had eaten 133 coins, equalling more than £18!The mischievous little Bichon was taken to Thameswood Vets in Swindon, after the owners became concerned for his health, thinking he was ill. Their doubts proved true. A quick ultrasound revealed an obvious obstruction in the pet’s tummy. At first, the vet thought it was a piece of plastic, and scheduled an operation to remove the obstruction. But the surgery left him shocked. "It was a surprise for everybody,"  said vet Matheus Nerone, who carried out the surgery. Because once the stomach was opened, a “hoard” of 133 coins was discovered, adding up to £18 and 20 pence. "We opened his stomach and found 133 coins inside him," Dr. Nerone explained. "We did find some pieces of plastic there as well - but the owners had no idea that he had eaten the coins."Everyone was left scratching their head, wondering how on earth did Charlie ingest so many coins. "I don't think they had been there that long - maybe the night or two nights before he came in - because of the size of the obstruction there.” the Dr. said. "He felt sick so if he had eaten those coins a few days ago, he would have been sick before then."Of course, the doctor revealed that it is not uncommon for dogs to  ingest all sorts of things, especially loose change. "It does happen but usually they stop after having a couple of them [coins] - but 133 coins is an impressive amount!"Luckily, the surgery went well, and mischievous little Charlie is now making a good recovery. Thanks to the owner’s keen eye, a real tragedy was prevented, as Charlie could have been in big trouble without quick attention. "Many coins contain zinc which can be poisonous and lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and a lack of appetite," Dr. Nerone clarified. "We are monitoring his blood, but we are hopeful that everything's going to be fine."So next time you’re missing some change, consider all the possibilities!

Is Rock Salt Toxic to Dogs?

As winter comes, the roads become icy and treacherous and rock salt is used to make them less slippery. While roads covered with rock salt are common in the chillier months of the year, dog owners are wondering if it is safe for their pets to walk on rock salt or accidentally ingest it. After all, dogs are known to be inquisitive and eager to lick or nibble on anything and everything so the idea is not as far-fetched as some might think at first. So, without further ado, let’s find out if rock salt is toxic to dogs and how you can best protect your pet in the winter months.Is Rock Salt Toxic to Dogs?Sadly, the answer is yes – rock salt, commonly used for de-icing roads and sidewalks in winter, can be toxic to dogs if ingested in large quantities. Rock salt, or sodium chloride, can cause salt poisoning or hypernatremia in dogs. Ingesting excessive amounts of salt can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, excessive thirst, increased urination, and in severe cases, it can even result in tremors, seizures, or death.And that is not all. In addition to the risk of ingestion, rock salt can also cause irritation to a dog's paws if they walk on treated surfaces. The salt can cause dryness, cracking, and discomfort, and dogs may try to  lick their paws to alleviate the irritation, leading to ingestion of the salt. After all, the roads are meant for cars and tires, so it was sadly never taken into account that pets would walk on them as well. Still, as a caring owner, there are a number of precautions that you can take in order to ensure that your dog doesn’t ingest rock salt – here are some of the most popular ways.Clean their paws after walks:Wipe your dog's paws with a damp cloth after walks to remove any salt or de-icing chemicals. Do this after every walk and as soon as you get home. Remember to take care of your pet’s paws and paw pads. When injured or unkempt, they can cause great discomfort. Furthermore, you can consider using  dog boots if your pet doesn’t mind it – they’ll keep their paws safe and warm.

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