Cats

The number one thing you need for Halloween? Costumes, of course! There are so many different costumes for dogs and for cats—and yes, even other pets too. (This magical getup for a rabbit or chinchilla who’s a unicorn at heart is the perfect example.) It’s natural to feel giddy at the prospect of pairing your adorable pet with an equally cute costume. But don’t let that excitement distract you from your pet’s wants and needs. Though dogs, cats and even guinea pigs look super cute in costumes, not all pets enjoy wearing them. Your best bet, if your pet has never worn any sort of clothing before, is to start small to see how they react. “A bow tie, bandana or even a themed collar can be great, low-stress, festive attire,” says Rebecca Lohnes, MS, CDBC, ACCBC, training and behavior manager at Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester in Fairport, New York. If you go for an all-out costume, buy it early enough to try a few dress rehearsals to help get your pet used to the costume in the days or weeks leading up to Halloween, Lohnes suggests. “Try to place the costume on them in a less restricting way and pair it with treats. Place more elements of the costume on them over the course of a few sessions,” she says.,Silly costumes, trick-or-treating, special treats and more? No wonder Halloween is a favorite among many pet parents and their furry friends. If you’re spending your first All Hallows’ Eve with your pet this year, you’re probably extra excited to celebrate together—but you may not be aware of some common hazards you may encounter along the way. Don’t get spooked! Follow these Halloween safety tips for pets to ensure October 31 is full of fun frights (without any serious scares).

One of the biggest struggles pet parents tend to face, especially when living in a small space or city apartment, is keeping their place looking and smelling clean. Unfortunately, living with your beloved feline can invite unwanted odors and unsightly proof that you’re a pet parent, which is not always well-received by those stopping by to visit. I take great pride when someone enters my apartment and doesn’t realize I have a cat until he, Manny, presents himself to my visitor. As much as I love my furry feline, it’s comforting to know that I can enjoy his company along with others without feeling self-conscious about the odors, fur and stains that can come with indoor pets. Here are six secrets to keeping your house—big or small—clean that I can no longer keep to myself. If you follow my lead, you can keep your place looking spotless and feeling fresh at all hours of the day, too.

In order to understand how mange in cats works, it is important to know that there are different types of mange mites that affect cats differently. Dr. Francisco Torrado, DVM, associate veterinarian at Live Oak Animal Hospital in Vero Beach, FL, discusses the types of mange in cats and the mites that cause them, to offer better insight into these unsightly skin conditions.

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Whether it’s for people or pets, diets and nutritional fads come and go in popularity. When it comes to pet nutrition, one thing that never changes is that natural nutrients like amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, antioxidants, vitamins and chemical-free products are the essential ingredients to a healthy daily intake. Dogs and cats are no different than us when it comes to needing a nutrient-filled diet, and that is where orthomolecular medicine comes in.

Modeling compound Mini chalkboard pick Chalk marker Straw Twine Paint Paintbrush Cardboard,The best gifts come from the heart, so throw on your art smock and roll up your sleeves as you try your crafting hand our DIY gifts for dog lovers and cat lovers alike. These DIY gift ideas are paw-fect for the pooch in your life or to show a little extra cat love. These cute and easy DIY pet crafts make unique Christmas gifts for animal lovers that your fellow pet parents will surely adore and treasure throughout the holiday season.

Keeping your cat safely indoors with all of life’s comforts is one of the best things you can do for their overall health and well-being. Still, your adorable feline is still susceptible to pesky parasites—including fleas. Understanding how indoor cats get fleas, the signs of an infestation, and key ways to prevent fleas can help keep your furry friend itch-free.

Even if you have an adventure cat, now’s not the time to let them wander outdoors. Even for experienced outdoor cats, the noise of July fireworks can turn the most confident, well-acclimated kitty into a frightened cat who’s prone to running away. Plus, with guests coming in and out of the home, it increases the risk of your cat slipping outdoors. And the last thing you want to do is spend the night of July 4th looking of your missing cat in the hopes they turn up. Don’t risk it—keep your cat securely at home this Independence Day. If you have a cat flap or cat door leading outside, make sure it’s locked. (Silver lining? If you’re not a party animal, you can always use your cat as an excuse to stay in and cuddle.) “If it is an option, I do recommend bringing your outdoor cats inside during the fireworks. They can get scared, they can run into the road, they can get hit by a car. It is very dangerous for them out there right now, so definitely bring them indoors,” Dr. Nelson says.,We pet parents might look forward to the Fourth of July, with the backyard BBQs and fireworks displays that come with this time of year—but our cats are likely dreading it. “Kitties can absolutely be afraid of fireworks—they just show it a little differently,” says Dr. Katy Nelson, Chewy resident vet. “They might not eat, they might go outside of the litter box, they might hide—so give them a safe space just like you would a dog, complete with their litter box, a comfy bed, some food and water.” Cats are sensitive to loud noises, so the loud bangs of fireworks can cause them serious stress. And that’s not even considering the flashes of light they create, or any party guests or visitors you’re expecting at your home during the 4th of July celebration. Any combination of these things is a recipe for cat’s anxiety. Follow these top tips to help your feline friend stay happy and calm during fireworks season.

Cats don’t necessarily hate water, but many dislike being wet or fully immersed in it. While the definitive reason’s a bit murky, experts say we can make some educated guesses. First, domestic cats had desert-dwelling ancestors in places where bodies of water were rare.   “They didn’t evolve with a strong need to swim or interact with water, so it feels unfamiliar—and anything unfamiliar can trigger caution or fear in cats,” explains Cristy Brusoe, a certified cat behaviorist in Tampa Bay, Florida. (This fear response is the same reason a cat may react strongly to a cucumber or a loud noise like fireworks.)   Another reason why cats hate water might be tied to trauma around it, like falling into a pool or being sprayed with a hose. They also may dislike the way water weighs down their fur or interferes with their grooming routine.  ,Water is a source of life for all beings, but your cat probably has a love-hate relationship with it. They’ll happily lap it up, but turn on the hose or a running shower and it’s as if they’ve met their nemesis. So, why don’t cats like water? We’re diving into this splashy mystery.