Feline idiopathic cystitis is a lower-urinary tract disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality in cats. Researchers anticipated anxiety-related behaviors could be overrepresented in cats that will experience a recurrence, compared to cats with a single episode. While further studies are recommended, identifying cats with fear and anxiety-related problems and … [Read more...]
Orange cats, freak of nature?
Scientists say they have unraveled a longstanding mystery by identifying the specific DNA mutation responsible for orange cats’ color and the variant has not been found in any other animal. Amanda Schupak relates the fascinating details of a mutational mechanism that occurred once during domestication and then was selectively bred for for hundreds of years. Source: CNN, May … [Read more...]
A natural approach to the #1 problem in pet shelters
Commentary, Sponsor Content The challenges with animals in a shelter environment are well-known. Helping them during this very stressful transition period is critical to them advancing toward a healthier existence and successful adoption. Steven Lerner, PhD, and Davey Stone recently shared a webinar to introduce and refresh animal health pros’ knowledge of the benefits of … [Read more...]
Collars, harnesses and training for cats improve safety, well-being
Includes Commercial Content Seemingly every week we see articles sharing ways to improve the lives of our pets. Cats in particular benefit when their owners develop routines to engage with their owners such as play or walks outdoors. Understanding options for restraint will help cat owners wanting to expand their interactions with their cat(s). We’re sharing these articles … [Read more...]
Cliff Faver, DVM. The eyes are the window to the soul.
Commentary In this article for groomers, Cliff Faver, DVM, urges groomers to consider a pet’s eyes as they receive them and work with them in a grooming setting. His assertions are good coaching for those working in shelters, rescues and veterinary clinics. Note his comments about liability, too. Source: Groomer to Groomer, June 2025. Link. Eyes are critical to the … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 2, 2025
Camp Bow Wow turns 25 . . . shares data from dog owner survey, WunderPetz™ launches franchise opportunities, Petbizology launches growth services, legislative updates, dog karaoke and more . . . Source: IBPSA, June 2, 2025. Link. 79 percent agreed that they feel like both they and their dogs are living their best lives when the dog is able to socialize.” – Camp Bow Wow … [Read more...]
Synchrony study finds pet owners still underestimate the costs of care
Nearly 80 percent of U.S. pet owners continue to underestimate the lifetime costs of caring for their animals, despite growing financial pressure and increasing investment in pet health and wellness, according to 2025 Pet Lifetime of Care Study, conducted by Synchrony's CareCredit. Small companion animals and pocket pets, such as rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters were … [Read more...]
Dechra launches Catney® One: A new tool for feline kidney health
Kidney health is one of the top three conditions that drives feline vet visits. Dechra’s new Catney® One is a non-prescription, health supplement that brings a new and exciting ingredient to the battle against phosphorus, Lanthanum Carbonate. It is designed specifically to bind phosphate in the gut and help limit its absorption into the bloodstream. Source: Dechra, May 13, … [Read more...]
Add H5N1 to clinic differentials for sick pet birds
The current HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b strain is now the most widespread HPAI outbreak on record, affecting millions of animals worldwide. The virus has created the most problems with poultry but is now recognized as relevant in wild birds, mammals, cattle, domestic cats and pet and aviary birds. Terra Kelly, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACZM, and Carrie McNeil, DVM, MPH, provide guidance … [Read more...]
Music, pheromones and familiarity make traveling with a cat easier
In this article, Christian Adams shares ways to calm a cat and offers 12 ways to keep them more comfortable and settled in the car. But then, maybe it would be easier just to let the cat drive. LOL! Source: Catster, May 19, 2025. Link. Also see: Vet-Approved tips for car travel with a dog, Dogster, May 20, 2025. Link. Image: Link. … [Read more...]
Orkin reveals the country’s top spots for mosquitoes
Orkin recently published its annual report, ranking U.S. cities by the number of mosquito-related service requests from April 2024 through March 2025. According to Orkin’s 2025 Top 50 Mosquito Cities List, some areas of the U.S. will experience more of these pesky insects than others this summer. Los Angeles is the top spot for the fourth year in a row and statewide, … [Read more...]
20 common household items that are poisonous to dogs
As school ends and summer activities ramp up, it is easy for people in pet households to unintentionally leave something poisonous where dogs can reach it. The list shared in this article is a good reminder for all and reinforces the messages from Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month last March. Consider it for social media posts or newsletters and be sure to share pet poison … [Read more...]
Reminder: Beware of possible harmful algae bloom
As families seek recreation near water and the edges of ponds fill with that green slime, it’s a good time to revisit safety measures to avoid harmful algae. Harmful algae are found in both freshwater and marine environments. They are caused by a variety of toxin-producing microalgae, including prokaryotic blue-green algae (also known as cyanobacteria) and eukaryotic … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 26, 2025
Expanding bans on pet sales ban in retail shops, vet triage AI platforms compared, Royal Canin to sponsor Raising the Perfect Pet a collaboration with Martha Stewart, tariff effect on pet care costs, hiring a summer intern and more . . . Source: IBPSA, May 26, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Pets and snake bites: What to do
Memorial Day weekend typically brings an explosion of outside activity on trails, in parks and campgrounds. It is a good time to consider pet safety. Almost anywhere you live in the U.S., at least one venomous snake lives there. Four types of venomous snakes are found in the U.S., including rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths or water moccasins, and coral snakes. Source: … [Read more...]
Simplicity equals success for parasiticide compliance
Recent metrics from Vetsource show year-over-year parasiticide purchases remain in the negative <Link>. The April 2025 VetWatch® commentary echoed the decline <Link>. Across the industry, client adherence to preventatives remains a primary concern. Jamie Lyn asked three veterinarians to identify the practical insights and tactics some practices use to … [Read more...]
Top 10 wild animals most likely to attack pet cats
Commentary A recent comment in an AHD post drew feedback. The post said that “community trap-neuter-return programs do a fair job of curtailing cat population growth where man becomes a sort of predator against future kittens.” <Link>. The reader offered the article here to expand on animals considered predators of cats in the U.S. Predator denotes any animal that … [Read more...]
Veterinary students are in high demand despite huge school debt and alarming suicide rates
It’s a story heard across the U.S. - the veterinary shortage, the challenges our industry professionals face and the consequences of demand that exceeds capacity. We’re sharing this article by intern Anthony Solorzano who presents a balanced story on the needs for more veterinarians. References to veterinary technicians were absent, but he nicely captured the necessity of … [Read more...]
Spay/neuter: It’s time for a discussion
Spaying and neutering dogs has long been promoted as a responsible and humane method of controlling pet overpopulation with benefits to the health of individual animals, writes Bruce L. Truman. In this article, he interviews some of the experts on emerging topics that challenge what we’ve always done. Given the spay/neuter age debates, Truman asserts that veterinary … [Read more...]
Top U.S. States where cats can safely explore the outdoors (video)
The folks at FelineFam share insightful information in this video about where U.S. cats can safely roam. Well-narrated and filled with images of cats in the wild, it’s worth the time to view and consider for an industry integral to One Health, animal health, and wellness. Source: Feline Fam, April 2025. Link. [8:42] Commentary Shown on January 30, 2000, during Super … [Read more...]
There’s no place for shock and prong in dog training
Contains commercial links Two professional organizations recently updated their policies. Only one made a commitment to reward-based training, writes Zazie Todd. She reviews evidence against aversive training and stances of various organizations noting these most recently: The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants decided to rule out the use of … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 12, 2025
Consumers don’t understand how small businesses contribute, capitalizing on pet parent psychology, outlasting small business shortfalls, validation-driven marketing and more . . . Source: IBPSA, May 12, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
NAPHIA’s 2025 State of the Industry Highlights Report
Commentary There is a lot to digest in this 2025 report from NAPHIA for those interested in numbers*. In 2024, the overall penetration rate for pet insurance in the U.S. marketplace reached 3.92 percent (based on the population of 163.5 million pets). The top claims paid by dog or cat breed and the most common medical conditions are interesting. Source: NAPHIA, LinkedIn, … [Read more...]
How to better utilize vet techs
Commentary Yes, it’s another article on using veterinary technicians at the top of their license. We have found each iteration of this topic is helpful for animal health pros at all levels as we gain more understanding of opportunities and barriers in practices and various regions. Adrienne Kruzer, BBA, RVT, LVT, tackles this topic covering pros, cons, economics and more. … [Read more...]
The cost of ignoring pet insurance: a valuable lesson in preparedness
A cat owner reflects on a challenging experience with a pet cat by sharing how clear the stress and uncertainty of the situation could have been alleviated with pet insurance. Sharing what animal health pros know, she says, “Pet insurance provides peace of mind by ensuring that pets receive timely and necessary veterinary care without the added stress of financial … [Read more...]
Is the future of veterinary medicine feline?
For veterinary teams, product developers, investors and strategists, the message is clear: cats are here to stay and they're driving measurable industry growth, writes Jill Lopez, DVM. One of those sharing insights on the new 2025 CATalyst Feline Market Insights Report (Volume 1), she notes cats are gaining a growing share of pet ownership and that feline visits are up in the … [Read more...]
PBI-Gordon Companies acquires TriviumVet
The acquisition of TriviumVet brings the addition of an innovative new product, Felycin®-CA1, to the PRN® Pharmacal portfolio of products. Felycin is the only FDA conditionally approved drug for the management of ventricular hypertrophy in cats with subclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), one of the most common and life-threatening diseases in cats. TriviumVet adds … [Read more...]
What happens when a cat feels emotionally safe long-term?
An emotionally safe cat is surprisingly adaptable, writes Linnea H, BSc, Sociology. Despite the first photo showing a dog’s paws, her assertions on cats and trust are a worthy read. Those of us who grew up around free-range barn cats will recognize some of the behaviors she says indicate a cat feels truly at home. When they trust their environment and their people, new … [Read more...]
Mental health considerations for cats
We often see articles about the mental health and emotional benefits cats provide to us when we suffer with mental health issues. But do cats experience sadness? Wendy Hauser, DVM, shares what we need to know and consider when it comes to the mental health care of our cats in this article from the ASPCA® Pet Health Program. Hauser covers feline depression, anxiety and … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 5, 2025
We noted: Adding a new independent pet services provider membership is a good opportunity for the pet services business. The May 14th member webinar on the essentials of Online Authority, what it impacts, and how to increase it. 2025 FedEx Small Business Trade Index Trends in doggy daycare accommodations undergoing upgrades Pittsburgh pet cremation business … [Read more...]