Author: Yvonne Villasenor

Most turtles are omnivores, meaning they eat a combination of plant- and animal-based foods, including commercial pellets. Their diet varies depending on their species—aquatic turtles eat different things from tortoises or box turtles, for instance. Dr. Doug Mader, MSc, DVM, a triple board-certified veterinary specialist in Big Pine, Florida, says it’s crucial to feed them appropriately to ensure proper nutrition for their species. The diet of a fully grown, omnivorous, semi-aquatic turtle, such as the snapping turtle, should consist of: Plant material: More than 50 percent Commercial pellets: About 25 percent Live food: About 25 percent If there’s any pet who’s mastered the art of adding color to their plate with healthy foods, it’s the turtle. Common foods to feed turtles include: Vegetables Live food Fruits Plants Flowers,Jump to section What Do Turtles Eat? What Do Baby Turtles Eat? Pet Turtles’ Dietary Needs How Much To Feed Your Turtle How Often To Feed Your Turtle Do Turtles Need Vitamins or Supplements? What Shouldn’t Turtles Eat? FAQs About Feeding Pet Turtles What do green turtles eat? What is a tortoise’s favorite food? What do box turtles eat as a pet? What types of food are safe for aquatic turtles?

When you imagine what your cat might be up to when you’re not home, it’s likely they’re either eating, sleeping, doing zoomies or grooming themselves. (OK, and maybe plotting.) With as much time as cats spend grooming and keeping up with their personal hygiene, it’s no wonder some of them have such a luscious, shiny coat. Our kitties nibble, bite and lick themselves as part of their regular routine, primarily to stay clean and cool, as well as to bond with their fellow four-legged friends and humans. However, it can be alarming to see them pulling their hair out, especially if it’s to the point where they’re missing big tufts of hair. So, what do you do when you notice your cat pulling hair out? And why are they doing it? We spoke to vet experts to learn why they do it, what to do about it, how to treat it and ways to prevent it.

For some people, turning the clocks may mean excessive sleepiness and sleep deprivation during the spring and (finally) feeling well-rested once fall comes around. Either way, it can take some time before the body adjusts to the shift in daylight hours. But does this twice-yearly ritual actually affect our furry friends, too? Dr. Bethany Hsia, DVM and co-founder of animal end-of-life care network CodaPet, says daylight saving time change can indeed have an impact on our pets. While they may not be directly affected by the concept of time itself, she says the changes in our daily routines and schedules can have an indirect effect on their behavior and well-being. For example, dogs’ and cats’ circadian rhythms, or their body’s internal clocks, are considered to be naturally crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk—but they can also adjust to different sleep schedules. Domesticated dogs tend to follow their pet parents’ sleep schedules, leaning toward being diurnal, where they sleep at night and are awake during the day just like us. A study on sleep in dogs published in 2020 hypothesized this activity may reflect how our canine companions have adapted to our sleep schedules since domestication. It also found that dogs have a weaker circadian regulation with naturally shorter and more frequent sleep-wake cycles. Because of these differences when compared to humans’ circadian rhythms, dogs have greater flexibility in their sleep schedules and are more capable of adjusting to changes in routine. But though our pets are highly adaptable, they’re at their best when they have an idea of what the day holds. “Pets are creatures of habit and rely on a consistent schedule for their meals,” Dr. Hsia says. “When the clocks change due to daylight saving, their internal clock may not immediately adjust to the new feeding times.” This can lead to confusion and hunger, causing your pet to exhibit behaviors like begging for food or becoming anxious, she adds. Just as we adjust to “losing” an hour or “gaining” an extra hour of sleep, the time shift can also disrupt our pets’ sleep patterns. “Pets often have a keen sense of when it’s time to sleep or wake up based on external cues, like daylight,” Dr. Hsia says. “When the clocks change, these cues may no longer align with their internal clock, leading to confusion and potential sleep disturbances.” After moving the clock forward or backward, Dr. Hsia says pet parents should anticipate certain behavioral changes in their pets and plan accordingly. Some common behaviors may include anxiety, hunger and sleep disturbances—and understandably so. Drastic changes in routine may lead to our pets feeling especially stressed. After all, they’ve become accustomed to knowing what to expect every day. Signs of stress in pets may appear as: Loss of appetite Panting Changes in stool production Excessive grooming or shedding Excessive clinginess or avoidance Excessive vocalizing Increased sleeping Destructive behavior Potty accidents in the house Fortunately, making slight changes can make a big difference to your pet.,Jump to section Does DST Affect Pets? How To Help Your Pet Adjust to the Time Change Is Melatonin Safe for Pets? The Takeaway

If you’re searching for the best cat litter, you may have come across a relative newcomer: grass seed cat litter. ,Jump to section What Is Grass Seed Cat Litter? Is Grass Seed Litter Good for Cats? Are There Any Cons to Grass Seed Cat Litter? How to Transition Your Cat to Grass Seed Litter FAQs About Grass Seed Cat Litter

Yes! In most instances, it’s safe for cats to eat grass, and it’s indeed a very typical behavior—even for indoor cats, says Cristy Brusoe, certified cat behaviorist and founder of Cat Training by Cristy in Tampa Bay, Florida.   While grass doesn’t provide the nutritional value that their regular food does, cats might instinctually chew on it for a variety of reasons, Brusoe adds.  And even though eating grass is generally harmless, there are times when it can be unsafe and might warrant a veterinary visit. ,Q: My kitty eats grass whenever we go outside for walks or hang out on the patio. She seems to love nibbling on blades of grass any chance she gets—it’s as if she savors every bite! Why do cats eat grass? And is it normal?  A: Yes, it’s totally normal for cats to eat grass. Typically, cats enjoy eating grass because it’s instinctual, mentally stimulating, and tasty, among other reasons.  We talked with experts to learn more about this herbivorous grazing behavior, including why cats do it, when it might be a concern, and how to prevent it.