Garfield, Lil Bub, Puss in Boots—what do these famous felines have in common? They’re all tabby cats! You might recognize these tabby cat names, but what is a tabby cat? And what should you know about these feline friends before you bring one into your home? Here’s all you should know about the tabby cat.
Regardless of their age, cats tend to spend at least half of their days sleeping. And in their senior years, their number of rest hours only grows. Adult cats generally sleep 12–16 hours a day, whereas senior cats can sleep as much as 18 hours a day, says Catriona Love, DVM at Heart of Chelsea Veterinary Group in Seattle. Although this sleep schedule might seem indulgent—and even enviable to the busy pet parents who witness it—a cat’s sleeping style is different from the way people tend to sleep. Rather than sleeping deeply for hours straight, cats cycle through 20- to 30-minute bursts of deep sleep. In other words, they’re taking catnaps. This type of sleep cycle is necessary for a cat’s natural predatory state. Instead of one long night’s sleep, potentially leaving them drowsy later in the day, they maintain their sharp, predatory eyes by resting a little at a time. “Having more frequent sleeps allows them to be more alert and aware for more of the time when they’re awake,” Dr. Love says. As cats enter their senior years, their body requires more time to rest and recover. Several physical factors contribute to their need for extra hours snoozing, including “a natural decrease in energy levels, age-related physical changes, and a reduced metabolic rate,” says Bethany Hsia, DVM, co-founder of CodaPet. ,Some senior cats sleep so much they’re practically professional nappers. But how much sleep is too much? With guidance from veterinarians, we’ll walk through how to spot the difference between normal senior snoozing and potential health concerns, plus simple ways to support better rest for your cat at home.
The American Staffordshire Terrier and the Pit Bull are both loyal, affectionate dogs with muscular builds and lots of energy. Depending on your lifestyle and needs, one of these popular breeds might be a better fit than the other. But before we compare the American Staffordshire Terrier versus Pit Bull dogs, we need to clarify what, exactly, a Pit Bull even is. The fun-loving Pit Bull Terrier isn’t technically a defined breed. Instead, the term “Pit Bull” is often used colloquially to refer to any bully breed or mix, including the American Staffordshire Terrier. The term sometimes refers specifically to the American Pit Bull Terrier, a breed recognized by the United Kennel Club but not by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The American Staffordshire Terrier (aka “AmStaff” for short) and the Pit Bull (“Pittie” for short) are closely related—so much so that, according to the AKC, every AmStaff is technically an American Pit Bull Terrier, but not every Pit Bull is an AmStaff. These spirited breeds share ancestors and a complicated history that explains why the line between Pit Bull versus American Staffordshire Terrier is so murky. Let’s learn more.
If your dog gets itchy skin, watery eyes, or seasonal sniffles, you’ve probably looked around for safe, natural, over-the-counter remedies. One solution you might have come across is quercetin for dogs. Sometimes called “nature’s Benadryl,” this plant compound is known for its potential to ease dog allergies in a safe and gentle way. (Though it is not the same as Benadryl and isn’t a quick fix.)
Music can be calming, energizing, and inspiring for people—but what about cats? Do cats like music? The short answer is that many cats do, but their taste in music is different from a human’s. Below, experts weigh in on feline music preferences, plus how you can tell if your cat is enjoying the sounds around them.
Whether a fervent hiker or a lap dog who just pops outside for bathroom breaks, all dogs are at risk of getting bitten by a tick in their lifetime. Some tick bites are just annoying, but others can lead to tick-borne diseases. And while many of these diseases are treatable, each requires immediate attention to prevent potentially life-threatening conditions. Pet parents, read on to learn about prevention, treatment, and signs of common tick-borne diseases in dogs.
Cat dental care is easy to overlook, but caring for your kitty’s teeth is just as important as brushing their coat and trimming their nails. That’s because, when left untreated, dental disease can worsen, cause severe pain, and lead to other serious health problems that affect more than a cat’s mouth. But with the right care routine, dental disease in cats is preventable. Here’s what to know.
When it comes to our dogs’ well-being, pet parents tend to focus on things like exercise, training, and belly rubs. But nutrition plays just as big a role—and one nutrient that sometimes sparks questions is vitamin C. So can dogs have vitamin C? The short answer is yes—but it’s not always necessary.
What Is a Horse Whisperer? Your Guide to Natural Horsemanship
The 5 Best Winter Dog Sports and Activities to Try With Your Pup
Save up to $199 on dry food!
