An estimated six out of 10 cats in the U.S. are overweight or obese, so how pet food is measured is something to consider. With a little coaching, pet owners can learn to measure based on calorie content instead of using a volume measurement. Research has shown that measuring by cup, or volume, often leads to overfeeding or underfeeding.” Source: Catster, September 27, 2022. … [Read more...]
February is National Cat Health Month
Along with the annual focus on oral care and the beginnings of flea, tick and mosquito season, February is dedicated to cat health. The consumer messages remind cat owners of the importance of maintaining regular veterinary appointments. Christian Adams shares tips to ensure cats remain healthy all year long. Source: Catster, January 27, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Veterinary … [Read more...]
11 senseless cat owner sins with safer alternatives
Catster’s vet team shares 11 senseless cat owner sins. They outline things cat owners should never do or even think about doing. Share the article on social media and in newsletters to drive home common safety and health issues. Source: Catster, January 9, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – December 21, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, December 14, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the December 14th AHD Bulletin – Underutilized and underappreciated. Link. What’s new in preventing and treating laminitis in horses? Link. Keeping it simple. Link. ============================================ Sorry, dogs: Cats can play fetch, too, … [Read more...]
Catster, Dogster media brands acquired by Pangolia
Pangolia, a digital media and e-commerce startup, has announced an all-cash acquisition of the Catster and Dogster brands from Belvoir Media Group. Pangolia is a digital-first content producer, which allows them to keep costs low and talk to pet families in places they wouldn't otherwise be able to reach. Acquisitions like this mean beloved brands can be sustainable for … [Read more...]
How much should a dog drink?
Healthy dogs need to drink about an ounce per pound of their body weight daily, but many factors can affect their consumption, writes Eileen Fatcheric, DVM. Regardless, the chart shown here is a good resource to share with dog owners on social media, in newsletters or with local reporters, especially during hot periods. It’s also helpful for owners when their dogs’ diets are … [Read more...]
Furniture pros pick furniture cats are less likely to scratch
Despite well placed scratching posts, many cats are clever about finding alternatives to them, writes Catherine Holm. Curious, she engaged furniture professionals to identify the most durable furniture materials for cat owners’ homes. Consider sharing this article with cat owners on social media and in newsletters. Other articles exist in the AHD archives*, including … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 15, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 8th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from June 1st AHD Bulletin – How to deal with an angry client. Link. Gen Z’s nonchalance infiltrates the workplace. Link. 2022 National Beef Quality Audit shows increase in quality and efficiency. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by … [Read more...]
U.S. bans big cat ownership
A bill outlawing unlicensed people from owning, breeding and transporting big cats in the United States was signed last December. The Big Cat Public Safety Act, which identifies lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, jaguars, cougars and hybrids of these species, goes one step further, banning licensed exhibitors from allowing public petting of big cats and their cubs. Source: … [Read more...]
Pet food recalls
Anne Norris of the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine monitors recalls sharing what happens “when a product violates federal laws and needs immediate legal action.” Recalls can happen in three ways: the company pulls the product on its own the product is pulled by formal FDA request the product is pulled by an FDA order under the agency’s mandatory recall … [Read more...]
10 common cat sounds and what they mean
A cats’ vocabulary is just as rich and subtle as cat body language, writes JaneA Kelly. She shares her favorite cat sounds and what they mean. Source: Catster, August 12, 2019. Link. Also see: Caterwauling, what and why, AHD, September 18, 2018. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider using this content for social media or a feline newsletter. Since regular cat visits are … [Read more...]
What to know about cats, chocolate toxicity and candy
Even if Valentine’s Day candy is gone by now, Easter candy is not far away. Cats do not have a taste sensor for sweets but two components in chocolate are dangerous to cats and dogs alike. The short answer is, “Yes chocolate is toxic to cats.” Different than dogs, at no point should you try to make your cat vomit.” Source: Catster, February 9, 2023. Link. Err on the side … [Read more...]
Cats get zoomies too
Zoomies are normal behavior for cats and a great way to burn off excess energy, writes Sassafras Lowrey. FRAPS or, frenetic random activity periods, are also known as zoomies and frequently associated more with dogs. They are likely not a reaction to Zoom meetings despite the number of cats seen sitting at laptops. Sudden, increased and unexpected bursts of energy, especially … [Read more...]
11 cat emergencies that need immediate vet attention
Eric Barchas, DVM, a frequent contributor to Catster, shares how to recognize an emergency and when to bring your cat to the vet ASAP for cat owners. . . . cats don’t come with warning labels, and a person who doesn’t know the symptoms can’t be expected to recognize them. . . “ – Eric Barchas, DVM Source: Catster, March 24, 2021. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider sharing this … [Read more...]
Cat health from the south end of a northbound cat
Poop is important to your cat’s health, so it stands to reason that the place where it exits would be, too. Caroline Golon shares ways to help care for a cat. . . tail end first. Source: Catster, March 10, 2021. Link. Golon shares common health issues associated with a cat’s rear including dingleberries, scooting and when to help the cat clean its rear end. INSIGHTS: For … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 12, 2022
Last week’s most read posts The Great Resignation is becoming a great midlife crisis. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, April 28, 2022. Link. =================================== The cost of pet care for cats is often underestimated Source: Catster, April 22, 2022. Link. Cost findings for annual and lifetime spending are … [Read more...]
Cat wheezing: What it is, why it happens, when to see a veterinarian (video)
This article includes a recommendation for cat clients to capture videos of their cats’ issue as part of a vet visit decision process and background for potential diagnosis. While telemedicine terms are not used, the “when in doubt, see a vet” guidance could include a virtual visit. Consider the opportunity to share this article along with some telemedicine information via … [Read more...]
Cat love bites. What they mean. Why they happen.
Cat love bites are the result of our demonstrative human nature run amok, writes Denise LeBeau. Often a leftover kitten play-aggression behavior, love bites can happen as play or as a consequence to overstimulation. Consider this article for communications with cat owners via social media, newsletters or when questioned face to face. . . . it’s called petting-induced … [Read more...]
From fat to fit; help for overweight cats
Encouraging cats to exercise is a two-pronged approach. First, schedule in mini sessions of active play in the morning and the evening. Keep exercise sessions short and sweet, about five to 10 minutes at a time, several times a day. . . . to really accelerate a cat’s weight loss, you need to add in some exercise.” Source: Catster, February 25, 2022. Link. Also see: Apps … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 3, 2022
Last week’s most read post USDA grants emergency-use authorization for RHDV2 as virus spreads. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, Jan 27, 2022. Link. =========================== Losing our cookies? Source: Media Post, January 20, 2022. Link. B2C brands are dealing with the impending loss of third-party data … [Read more...]
Cat obesity up more than 100 percent in 10 years
Citing Banfield Pet Hospitals’ electronic veterinary health records, Jackie Brown shares some disturbing findings: 114 percent increase in cats diagnosed as overweight in the last 10 years Dog obesity also rose 108 percent in the same period A survey of 1,000 owners of overweight or obese pets discovered: 93 percent said they faced hurdles in maintaining a … [Read more...]
Cleaning up after feline messes
While cats are often considered fastidious, they can be untidy creatures. They leave a unique assortment of stains and messes around homes that require constant cleaning. Kate Benjamin shares how to keep things nice and neat when living with cats. New and seasoned cat owners will appreciate Benjamin’s tips. Share them on social media and in newsletters. Source: Catster, … [Read more...]
5 cat facts that aren’t
Halloween always brings out the black cat = bad luck phrase. Beyond nine lives or a cat having your tongue, there are other supposed truisms that just aren’t: Cats are nocturnal Cats and milk go together Purring always indicates happiness Pregnant women should not be around cats A cat can steal a baby’s breath Source: Tuft’s Catnip, August 21, 2021. … [Read more...]
Select the right food and dietary plan for cats with urinary issues
Any cat at any age can develop urinary stones or crystals, urinary infections and blockages. Catster writers reached out to two of the nation’s leading authorities on cats and feline nutrition to help cat caregivers come up with a food game plan to keep felines healthy. Source: Catster, March 2021. Link. No single diet and no individual pet food company makes the best food … [Read more...]
Use caution when feeding cats and giving them treats
Once upon a time cats weren’t fat. This statement is true for nearly 100 percent of kittens the day they were born. After that, what we feed them or provide as treats influences how fat they get. Educating cat owners on how much to feed and treat management is needed to keep cats lithe and healthy. Probably 50 percent of cats seen at veterinary clinics these days are … [Read more...]
Teach cats to wear a harness
Cat owners may enjoy their cats more when they can take them safely outside. Habituating a cat to a harness and then to a harness-plus-leash takes time and needs to follow specific steps says Nicole Ellis. Source: Catster, April 17, 2021. Link. Also see: Choosing a harness for a cat, Tufts Catnip, April 21, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 20, 2021
Last week’s top post Why constant learners all embrace the 5-hour rule Source: Animal Health Digest, May 11, 2021. Link. University of Minnesota researchers develop novel, field-deployable test for CWD Source: University of Minnesota, April 19, 2021. Link. The team is striving for a test that could be set-up at individual stations … [Read more...]
Why cats and dogs lick you
Getting licked is not always pleasant for owners. Two articles shed light on this common behavior which, for the most part, is an indication the owner is liked. Source: Catster, February 1, 2021. Link. When your cats lick you, it can be a compliment, a sign of stress or more says JaneA Kelly. She indicates anxiety, social bonding and trust are some of the reasons cats lick … [Read more...]
Changing feline eating habits can be good
Donna Raditic DVM, DACVN, CVA challenges traditional feeding habits and suggests encouraging diet variety for cats. She outlines rationales and benefits with catvocate Steve Dale. Source: Catster, March 31, 2021. Link. Think about what cats do in the wild. It makes sense to offer a cat two or three diets, each with different textures, tastes and smells (unless the cat is … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 25, 2021
Women in beef production (slideshow) Source: BEEF, March 22, 2021. Link. According to the most recent Agriculture Census, more than 230,000 farms or ranches across America have a woman at the helm. Veterinary Inventory Strategy Network Platinum Group enrollment now open Source: VISN. Link. Enrollment to the Platinum Group ends … [Read more...]