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  • Reviews and Complete Buying Guide

    Reviews and Complete Buying Guide


    Cats make great companions. Just like other pets, you need to buy several pet supplies to ensure that your cat is comfortable and enjoys the right facilities like best cat food and automatic cat feeders, among others. Investing in the best cat litter box can be a great idea to help you deal with messes. Cat litters provide a wide range of benefits ranging from hygiene, comfortable for the cat, and you don’t have to worry about forgetting to get rid of cat poop.

    When you are selecting any cat litter box, the most important thing you should concentrate on is the ability to keep the odor away. After all, you don’t want to be ashamed when you have visitors an there is an unpleasant smell in your house. With a cat litter, you can be sure that the odor will be contained near the box because most of them have a carbon filter.

    On top of that, you should consider picking a cat litter box that is comfortable for your cat. It if it’s small or hard for your cat to enter, then your cat might experience litter avoidance. So, make sure that you pick the right size that will keep you and your cat happy. Because cat litter boxes vary in terms of styles, designs, sizes, odor containment, and much more, you can experience a hard time picking the right one.

    We have prepared this compressive guide to provide you with recommended cat litter boxes that you will love. We have reviewed different types of cat litter boxes so you can be sure to find the right one to suit your needs. Additionally, we have included a buying guide and a comparison to make your purchase easier and faster. 

    Read on to find more information.

    Best Cat Litter Box Comparison Table

    Top 10 Best Cat Litter Box Reviews of 2019

    After doing extensive research, we were able to collect more information that will help you select the right cat litter box. This guide contains different types of cat litter boxes that are affordable and work well to contain odors. Depending on your requirements, you can be sure to find the right litter box that will match your needs. 

    The following are the different types that we will cover in this guide:

    1. Best Cat Litters for Odor Control
    2. Best Cat Litter for Multiple Cats
    3. Best Dust Free Cat Litters
    4. Best Flushable Cat Litter
    5. Best Clumping Cat Litter
    6. Best Pellet Cat Litter
    7. Best Non Tracking Cat Litter

    Now, let us check each of these different types of cat litter boxes in details. We will also cover the best product recommendations for every category.

    Best Cat Litters for Odor Control

    Do you want to reduce odor when you are scooping? 

    Then you can consider in vesting in the best cat litter for odor control. 

    Read on to find the right cat litter that will suit your requirements.

    1. StovePipeCat’s Awesome Almost Invisible Cat Litter

    This is a high quality, high-density form of cat litter that is made so that a cat owner does not have to suffer the pungent smell of cat litter. Not only is this designed for the comfort of the cat owner but the convenience of the cat. The particles are unscented which most cats love, and they are sand-like so that they can feel like they are outdoors. The shape and size of these particles remain the same even after continued use.

    The particles are dust-free so that your cat does not leave marks across the floor or carpet. It is easy to maintain and does not need turning continuously. It is also formulated to dry-up cat litter and neutralize the smell of both cat poop and urine so that your house does not smell. The particles are also super light and easy to clean out and replace.

    Pros

    • It is light and easy to maintain over some time.
    • Dries up moisture from cat litter and urine to reduce the smell.
    • It is dust-free to minimize tracking.
    • The particles are sand-like for cat’s pleasure.
    • It is unscented for the cat’s comfort.

    Cons

    • Not completely dust-free and thus cat might track it throughout the house.

    2. FreshMAGIC Large Chunk Style Low-Dust Crystal Cat Litter

    This cat litter comes from FreshMAGIC, a trusted brand in the cat litter business. It features large, chunky particles which have a non-smooth texture that does not roll out of the litter bin even when the cat plays in it. This design is also useful as it prevents the release of dust so that the cat does not trail it throughout the flooring.

    The particles have an advanced modern technology that contains millions of tiny pores which drain the moisture out of cat litter and urine. This is good as it prevents the litter and urine from smelling even in one small apartment. The Large Chunk Cat Litter is also designed to last longer and remain fresh even after continued use. This is money-saving and desirable for cat users.

    Pros

    • Multiple cats can use it without affecting its quality.
    • It does not stick to the walls of the litter bin for easy cleaning.
    • It dries up stool even if it is watery.
    • It is unscented so that it does not interfere with your house’s aroma.
    • A chunky, irregular shape so that it does not roll out of the bin.

    Cons

    • The chunkiness might not be desirable for rolling around by a cat.
    • Might have some dust due to movement during shipping.

    3. Purina Tidy Cats Clumping Litter 4-in-1 Strength for Multiple Cats

    This cat litter from Purina Tidy Cats is designed precisely to take care of the stubborn smell from cat stool and urine. It has a formula that neutralizes odor from cat stool and urine so that the littering area and the house remains smelling clean and fresh, even in smaller apartments. Furthermore, it clumps the mess from weaker stool so that it does not drain entirely into the particles and makes for easier cleaning.

    The Clumping Litter is also designed to minimize dust, even when poured right after shipping. The particles are also designed to clump the stool to reduce the range of cleaning needed. It is formulated so that multiple cats can play in the particles without tracking it around the house and leaving a mess.

    Pros

    • Minimizes dust even after cats play in it.
    • Neutralizes odor from cat stool and urine.
    • Clumps even loose stool so that it is easy to clear out.
    • Suitable for use even by multiple cats.
    • Little tracking by a cat after walking on it.

    Cons

    • The packaging is a bucket which might be heavy to lift.
    • Urine sticks to the walls of the litter box, making it harder to clean.

    4. Tidy Cat Breeze Cat Refill Pads

    Another product designed to take care of litter from Purina Tidy Cats is the Breeze Cat Refill Pads. These are pads innovatively designed to quickly absorb urine when a cat pees in the litter box. It keeps your litter box, and cat litter dry so that the cat can reuse it over and over. They are designed with a special technology that absorbs the urine deep into the pad so that it remains dry and the house remains fresh.

    These cat pads last and are useful for up to a week. To further usage it can be turned around after one side is soiled and the house will not smell. And even though it is explicitly designed for urine, if the cat poops on it, it is easy to clean and can still be used afterward. They are easy to remove and dispose of.

    Pros

    • Easy to change and dispose.
    • Made with technology to absorb urine to keep the surface dry.
    • Keeps the house fresh as it absorbs the smell from urine and other waste.
    • It is easy to clean even if a cat poops on it.
    • It lasts long and can be reused for up to a week.

    Cons

    • Effective with the Breeze litter system which has to be purchased separately.
    • A bit expensive.

    5. Pack of 3 – World’s Best Cat Litter

    This cat litter is designed for homes with up to 2 cats who will use the same litter box. The pellets are made with high-quality corn kernels which makes it highly absorbent, absorbing the urine and the odor effectively to keep your house fresh.

    It is designed with a clumping technology that clumps any waste, both stool, and urine, including watery stools. The clumping makes the waste easy to clean. It is light and easy to turn it around to keep it fresh for your cat. It is also scented, with different types of scents so that you get to choose the kind of scent that suits your house’s needs.

    Pros

    • Made from high-quality material that works great as an absorbent.
    • It is scented with natural scents to keep the house fresh.
    • Contains a clumping technology that facilitates easy cleaning.
    • It is light and easy to handle and clean.
    • It is durable and dust-free.

    Cons

    • Might pack dust while in the packaging.

    Best Cat Litter for Multiple Cats

    If you have more than one cat, you need to change the litter box frequently because they pollute it fast. There are quality cat litters that are designed for multiple cats. 

    Check them out here to get the right one for you.

    1. sWheat Scoop Premium+ All Natural Cat Litter

    The sWheat cat litter is made out of natural plant extracts to enhance odor control. It is made out of a blend of natural herbs, including wheat that not only traps all the odor in the litter, but it also eliminates the smell. This is done through the Noble Ion Technology that neutralizes the ions that cause the smell in litter boxes, meaning you can come home to a fresh-smelling house even though you have not emptied the litter.

    This cat litter also comes with another noticeable advantage, fast clumping. The sWheat company has come up with a technology that makes clumps form twice as fast as any other product in the market. The clumps, once formed, are very hard and therefore lock in all the smell and bacteria. The clumps do not break easily, which makes for easier cleaning.

    The litter also comes with a bonus, it is Eco-friendly, since it is made out of 100% natural plant extracts and a renewable source, wheat. Since it is biodegradable, you can choose to compost the litter, see how the fact that it is odor-free allows you to do that too? If you are not one to compost litter, you have the alternative to flush it down the toilet.

    Pros

    • Renewable and eco-friendly materials.
    • You can either flush or use the litter as compost
    • Fast clumping and complete odor elimination

    Cons

    • A bit expensive
    • Some complain it has a lot of dust

    2. World’s Best Cat Litter, Scented Clumping Litter Formula for Multiple Cats

    This cat litter is made out of corn kernels. The corn kernels have excellent absorbing properties that make it quick clumping as it traps the cat’s waste before it reaches the box making it easy to clean the litter without having to scrape.

    It also comes with a lavender scent. Added to the fact that the litter is fast-clumping therefore trapping odor, it also comes with a lavender scent that works with the anti-bacterial properties of the corn to cover up the smell of the litter. It is also swipe activated so when your kitty is done and wipes their paws it activates the sweet-smelling lavender scent.

    There is no tracking when using this litter because the kernels are dist free, ensuring that no dust will stick on the cat’s fur and easy breathing for you. It is also eco-friendly since it is made out of corn with no added chemicals.

    Pros

    • Completely dust-free
    • Lightweight
    • Biodegradable

    Cons

    • Easily overturned since it is lightweight
    • A bit pricey

    3. Arm & Hammer Multi-Cat Clump & Seal Clumping Litter

    If you’re tired of cleaning the litter box every day because you can’t stand the smell this litter box is the one for you. It gives you a whole 7 days of an odor-free litter box. It has a special blend of granules that form a seal on the cat waste. It also has baking soda that destroys the odors that are sealed in giving you a whole seven days of freshness.

    The granules also form rock hard clumps that are very easy to clean as they do not break easily when scooping. There is little tracking because of this property, ensuring that the litter does not stick on the cat’s fur or spreads around your home.

    It is also dust-free ensuring no release of dust when pouring or scooping and it has a super soft feel to it that your cat will love.

    Pros

    • Dust-free
    • Offers 7 days of freshness
    • Soft feel
    • Easy to clean

    Cons

    • New design doesn’t work as well as the old one

    4. Fresh Step Premium Crystals

    This litter uses silica gel crystals to absorb liquids in contact, leaving the litter box dry and odor-free. They are also long-lasting. This is because, during cleaning, the unused crystals fall back into the box, ensuring that you get more prolonged use from them.

    These crystals are manufactured to minimize dust leaving your home and cat clean. They are soft to the touch, and your cats will love it. They are also lightweight making it easy to scoop and clean and make an easy job of changing the litter box.

    The litter has a wonderful scent that isn’t overpowering and is loved by both cats and their owners. Sadly, the crystals are non-biodegradable and do not clump.

    Pros

    • The crystals absorb moisture
    • Last longer than most litters
    • Minimal dust release
    • Lightweight for easy scooping and cleaning
    • Lock odor five times than other litters

    Cons

    • The crystals may be hard on sensitive paws
    • Is expensive
    • Not all cats take to it

    5. Fresh Step Extreme Scented Litter With Febreeze

    If you completely hate the smell of cat urine and need to get rid of it, the fresh step extreme with the power of Febreeze is the one for you. This litter was specially formulated to deal with even the stinkiest litter box using the power of Febreeze. It has ammonia block technology that controls bacteria growth and stops the strong odor produced by cat urine and feces for up to 10 days. It has paw activated release, which means that the fresh mountain scent will be released every time a cat uses the litter.

    It has clump lock technology which helps fight odors and locks in any liquid/moisture and forms clumps very quickly once used, making it easy to scoop and clean the box. For fresh smell, ensure to add a fresher step after every scoop.

    The fresh step extreme was developed with a low dust formula that gives cleaner air and a cleaner house.

    Pros

    • Has excellent odor lock capabilities
    • Gives up to ten days of freshness
    • Paw activated to release fresh scent when used
    • Has fast clumping capabilities

    Cons

    • Releases a bit of dust
    • Some cats don’t like it
    • It is expensive

    Best Dust Free Cat Litters

    Not all cat litters you find on the market are completely dust free. If you don’t want you or your cat to suffer from dust allergies, then you can consider getting the following dust-free cat litters.

    1. Purina Tidy Cats Lightweight 24/7 Performance Clumping Cat Litter

    This is one of the best cat litters, which offers lifetime usage in ensuring that your cat does not cause discomfort in your house. Nobody ever wants to stay in a house smelling cat’s urine. This is why you need to use this to avoid such smell in your home. It reduces the shame of friends finding your home smelling petty.

    Moreover, this cat litter is very light hence, you will save time to set it. This cat litter offers a 24/7 performance at all times. The odor protection is too strong that it can handle more than one cat. It also has an easy clumping to ease the process of scooping for a quick clean up. With this, it improves the cleaning activities.

    It neutralizes urine and that Ammonia odor from the cat waste product. To facilitate this, it has a TidyLock which helps to lock away odors. When it comes to blocking the ammonia odor, it has an ammonia blocker. This prevents the ammonia smell for at least two weeks.

    Pros

    • It offers a long usage in controlling odor.
    • Easy to clean for it is dust-free.
    • It can accommodate multiple cats for it is strong.
    • With regular maintenance, it lasts long.

    Cons

    2.Oil-Dri Cat’s Pride Fresh and Light Premium Clumping Fragrance-Free Scoopable Cat Litter

    How do you feel while in a room smell in a cat’s urine? You will not feel comfortable at all. You will not desire any of your friends to visit. This is currently not a big issue for you with this cat litter. It eliminates all the urine smell from the cat. Also, it is easy to dispose of it during the time of cleaning.

    This cat litter is great because it absorbs all the odors. This leaves your home smelling fresh. With this, you will have a nice time with your pet. It will keep your home smelling good. You don’t have to use air fresheners in your home for clean and fresh air.

    Therefore, a guarantee of nice time in the house. Furthermore, it has a dust-free feature that ensures your cat can breathe well and give you a clean house. Another fantastic thing about it is that it has no scents nor perfume. Thus, suitable for that sensitive cat.

    Pros

    • It is easy to carry due to its lightweight.
    • Guarantees cleanliness of the house.
    • Easy to dispose of it is dust-free.
    • It is compatible and suitable for all cats for it not smelly.

    Cons

    • It cannot be used for multiple cats.

    3. SmartCat All-Natural Clumping Litter

    This is a great product manufactured by the Smart Cat Company. It is made from grass materials which ensure it is entirely biodegradable. This makes it friendly to both the cat and the environmental conservation programs because it absorbs urine it continues to harden the more.

    This cat litter works well to eliminate bad smell. Additionally, the clumps make it easy to scoop. With this, the litter box is kept clean. As a result, it enhances the cleanliness of the cat and the house. It also has a lightweight to ensure it is easy to carry it.

    The dust-free feature also goes a long way to keep out diseases and viruses. With this dust-free feature, your cat cannot suffer any respiratory illness. It is easy to carry, easy to clean it up and easy to dispose of.

    Pros

    • It is easily biodegradable hence environment-friendly.
    • It offers no harm for it is chemical-free.
    • Made from strong light materials.
    • It is easy to carry it due to its lightweight
    • Comfortable for cats.

    Cons

    • It needs to be regularly cleaned up.

    4.Arm and Hammer Multi-cat Litter, 40 lbs.

    The Arm and Hammer Multi-cat Litter has a superior odor control clumping litter. This has a very high standard of cleanliness. If you have always found the cleaning activities for your cat’s waste product tiresome, then this one is a great deal for you.

    It also offers a wide range of sizes to choose from. So, you will never miss the right size for you. It is also a dust-free cat litter hence easing the rate of cleaning activity.

    Additionally, it has a scent refresher every time your cat uses the litter box. Unlike others, this one will let you remove the source of odors for disposal purposes easily. No matter how many cats you have, it still can eliminate the odors.

    Pros

    • Can accommodate more than one cat.
    • Clumps very well for disposal.
    • Keeps the house clean for it is dust-free.

    Cons

    • If not correctly maintained, it might be challenging to clump.

    5.Ever Clean Extra Strength Cat Litter, Unscented

    Just as the name suggests, this cat litter is usually easy to clean up. With this cat liters, the smell in the house will be a thing of the past. These litters usually grab and eliminate any sought of urine to keep your home smelling fresh.

    It bounded with carbon and mixed with litter granules. This is the one responsible for absorbing the urine. It also has long lifespan meaning that you will use it for some time before you dispose of it.

    On top of that, the litter has an antimicrobial agent that inhibits the growth of bacteria from odors. It has an extra feature of being dust-free. This feature helps to keep your litter box and home clean.

    Pros

    • Keeps your home smelling nice.
    • Safe for it is bacteria-free.
    • It is ever easily cleanable.
    • Long-lasting home use.
    • Saves time used to dispose of it.

    Cons

    Best Flushable Cat Litter

    When you have an indoor cat, you need to keep the litter box always. To make your work easier, you can choose flushable cat litter that is bio-degradable and septic-safe. 

    Here are top recommendations to choose.

    1.Garfield Cat Litters All Natural

    This cat litter is a product by the Garfield Company. It is made from natural materials that have no harm to your cat. This feature additionally makes it biodegradable. Also, it is easy to clump; this makes it easy to remove the waste for disposal.

    Moreover, this cat litter is flushable hence making it easy to dispose of it without any environmental effects. It is a perfect suit whether you have one cat or many of them. This is because it has no fragrance nor chemicals hence can accommodate multiple cats.

    Furthermore, this cat litter eliminates all the odors from the cat completely. This litter is also made to prioritize the removal and elimination of any dust. As you understand the health of your cat is an important consideration. This ensures your cat does not suffer from any respiratory problems.

    Pros

    • Makes your home smell good.
    • It is bacteria-free.
    • Offers a long-lasting home use.
    • Saves time used to dispose of it.

    Cons

    2.World’s Best Cat Litter Multiple Cat Clumping Formula

    This cat litter features natural material so there are no chemical materials that can affect your cat. This makes it friendly for your cat at all times. With this, it also assures environmental conservation because it is biodegradable.

    It uses a naturally absorbent whole-kernel corn which offers full odor control. Furthermore, it makes it very easy to scoop when you want to dispose of it. They are dust-free and have a concentrated power to deliver long-lasting performance.

    Besides, it is made to suit multiple cats. If you are a person with many cats, you have no fear about it. This cat litter is very beneficial to offer comfort in the house and for the cat. It has outstanding odor control, easy to scoop, and also quick clumping ability.

    Pros

    • An easy Litter to handle.
    • Offers prevention from a funny odor.
    • Easily flushable and easy to clean.
    • It is environmentally friendly.
    • Economical for it can handle more than one cat.

    Cons

    • Not suitable for wet places.

    3.Naturally Fresh Cat Litter.

    This is a quick clumping brand of cat litter it is hence easy to scoop the waste when you are cleaning. When it comes to disposing of it easily flushable. This makes it not to have contact with people or even the environment. This boost the hygienic standards in a great way.

    Naturally, Fresh cat Litter is unscented to ensure there is no smell or fragrances that are in the house. It is made with the quality feature which provides it has extra control to odors from the cat. Through this, the smell from urine, ammonia, and solid waste is limited.

    Chemicals are very corrosive not only to humans but also to cats. Due to this reason, this cat litter is made from natural materials that are free from chemicals. As a result, you have no fear of your cat’s health because the natural materials are biodegradable.

    Pros

    • Offers long-lasting usage.
    • Chemical-free.
    • Has no environmental effects for it is biodegradable.
    • A great eliminator for odors.

    Cons

    • Requires regular cleaning

    4. sWheat Scoop Multi-Cat All-Natural Clumping Cat Litter

    If you are looking for a cat litter that is suitable for multiple cats, the one which is easy to scoop. Then look no more for sWheat Scoop is here for you. This cat litter is made to be used for multiple cats and no matter the waist size it is easy to scoop it for it clumps easily.

    It is made from naturally renewable wheat. This ensures there are no traces of harmful ingredients in it. As a result, it is easily biodegradable and has zero environmental effects. The natural wheat enzymes neutralize the odor to ensure no leakage of the bad smell.

    Besides that, it has no added dyes or perfumes. This is because the manufacturers understand that the smell is usually unpleasant. In as much as you want your cat to be in the house, it is essential to prioritize your comfort also. Hence this is a great choice.

    Pros

    • It is easy to handle it.
    • Prevents funny smell in the surrounding.
    • It is flushable for disposal.
    • Economical for it can handle more than one cat

    Cons

    • It is for use in wet places.

    5.Weruva Its Tea Potty! Hinoki wood & Green Tea Natural Cat Litter.

    It is one of the best cat litters made from Hinoki wood and green tea. All these are natural materials that do not affect the cat’s health at all. These materials are highly biodegradable. This ensures they decompose when disposed of hence have no harm to the soil.

    Litter boxes are usually prom to the growth of bacteria and germs. But when you use his cat litter, it suppresses bacteria and odor naturally in a very efficient way. The Weruva Company who are the manufacturers have ensured there is no compromising.

    Additionally, it is flushable and speedy in clumping and hence making it easy to dispose and clean the waste. A Super low dust-free feature is also a key advantage. You don’t have to worry about the cat suffering from respiratory diseases. The brand has stood to be the best for ages. Hence you have nothing to lose about it.

    Pros

    • Free from chemicals.
    • It is fully biodegradable.
    • It can be flushed when disposing off.
    • Assure long term usage with no complications.
    • Made from healthy natural ingredients.

    Cons

    • Gets destroyed when exposed to water.

    Best Clumping Cat Litter

    Using clumping cat litter can be a great idea because it is easy to scoop and it also prevents litter wastage. If you are wondering which the best clamping cat litter is, I have some top picks for you.

    1.Dr. Elsey’s Ultra-Premium Clumping Cat Litter

    Dr. Elsey’s Ultra-Premium Clumping Cat Litter is one of the best cat litters about clumping ability. Thus, it becomes easy to clean and dispose of waste materials. This cat litter is additionally, made up of a superior odor control feature. This ensures that a funny urine smell from the cat does not pollute the air.

    This is an exceptional product made from all-natural clay material. It has medium size particles and texture to suit your cat’s preference is dust-free uniquely designed to prevent respiratory problems, and it has no adverse reaction with cats

    It clumps easily when the cat finishes its business and becomes hard like concrete mass. The clumps can be scooped quickly and easily disposable. Due to the easy formation of clamps, the litter box is easy to clean.       

    The cat litter neutralizes any scents and removes any bad odors on the litter box. It is specially formulated with a natural herb attractant that attracts cats who do not like to use the litter box.It is unscented, contains no artificial scents which might repel cats with smell sensitivity and a soft feel on the cat’s paws, which means it will not harm the sensitive skin and has non-tracking features.

    Also, this cat litter is made to be dust-free. This reduces respiratory problems to the cat. It also ensures that you do not have a hard time while cleaning. This cat litter is also made from natural materials. They protect the cat from toxic or chemical substances that might be harmful. These materials are also biodegradable have no Environmental effect.

    Furthermore, this cat litter is useable for multiple cats. It can be used by many cats and will still offer great results in the long run. This makes it economical for those who have many cats. The clumping feature also ensures that moisture does not get to the ground. It is also very light hence, easy to carry it.

    Pros

    • Easy to handle it.
    • Prevents funny smell in the surrounding.
    • It is easy to clean.
    • Environmental Friendly.
    • Economical for it can handle more than one cat.
    • Dust-free.
    • Clumps easily.
    • No scents produced.

    Cons

    • It is not flushable.
    • Substandard packaging.
    • Sticky when wet.

    It is made very heavy in weight, minimizing the chances of your cat carrying it around and trailing the dirt all over the house. It also has large granules which suit your cat preferences. This prevents clumps from breaking down hence reducing tracking, making it very easy to clean. It also has a high absorbent rate, this absorbs all the urine first, and the liquid from the cat’s solid waste leaving little free of mud, therefore, no mess and does not make the cat dirty.

    Pros

    • Good control of odor
    • Strong Clumping
    • Zero Dust
    • Non-Sticky
    • Affordable
    • Hypoallergenic

    Cons

    2.Purina Tidy Cats with Glade Tough Odor Solutions Clear Springs Clumping Cat Litter.

    The clumps of this cat litter are just very wonderfully made to offer great performance. It comes with an excellent odor solution to end that bad smell from the cat’s waste. It has a good clumping feature which gives you a pleasant time while cleaning and disposing of.

    This cat litter comes with a useful TidyLock Technology that helps to neutralize urine, Ammonia, and other waste. It helps to keep the litter box smelling pleasant. On top of that, it keeps it clean at all times.

    The litter has robust and tight clumps to ensure simple maintenance. It is formulated to handle multiple cats, which is advantageous if you have more than one cat. Additionally, it can lock in moisture to avoid that smell from leaking.

    Pros

    • It offers an extended usage in controlling odor.
    • Easy to clean for it is dust-free.
    • It can accommodate multiple cats.
    • With regular maintenance, it lasts long.

    Cons

    3. Feline Pine Cat Litter

    When you are buying a cat litter, you will need to get one which cannot harm your cat. This is why Feline Pine Cat Litter is the best option you can choose. Unlike other cat litters made from chemicals which might be dangerous, this one is made from 100% natural pine materials.

    Because of the material, it is made from it is readily biodegradable hence no environmental effect. It absorbs urine and Ammonia at a high rate. This is because it contains tiny pine fibers to absorb the liquids.

    It also has a feature to lock up odors from the urine. This is especially Ammonia, which, as you are aware, smells very bad. The litter box is also easy to clean. It is very friendly to cats and is very soft for the comfort of the cat.

    Pros

    • It is easy to carry and move.
    • Ensures a clean house.
    • Easy to dispose of it is dust-free.
    • It is an Environmental Friendly.

    Cons

    • It cannot be used for multiple cats.
    • It is not flushable.

    4. Fresh Step Extreme Clay, Non-Clumping Cat Litter, Scented.

    This cat litter is also among the best clumping cat litters. A weight of 21 pounds makes it be light. This is very important to ensure you do not have a burden in carrying it from one place to another. It also comes with an antimicrobial feature to ensure there is no growth of bacteria.

    It has carbon components to neutralize odors from the cat. This carbon is also important in eliminating and trapping odors and moisture. This ensures there is no unusual smell of urine within the house.

    Furthermore, it has clay which absorbs and traps odors at a rapid rate. It is usually so fast that you cannot realize it. When the litter box is used up, it’s easy to dispose of it. Because of its harmless and chemical-free state, you can dispose of it like any other waste.

    Pros

    • Easily biodegradable hence environment-friendly.
    • Does not support bacteria growth.
    • Has harm for it is chemical-free.
    • Easy to carry it due to its lightweight
    • It offers an excellent odor solution.

    Cons

    5. Ultra Pet Ultra Cat Litter

    This is a brand of cat liters branded and manufactured by Ultrapet Company. This cat litter offers an excellent spend for the pocket at all times. It quickly eliminates the odor with its maximum odor control feature fitted in it. Besides, it is soft on cat’s paws hence does not affect its comfort.

    It comes with an absorptive surface mini-channels for liquid waste absorption like urine and Ammonia. Moreover, it dries the solid waste from the cat to eliminate odors that are usually active in the waste id wet.

    The cat litter is made to be dust-free. This makes the activities of cleaning to be very simple at all times. Just as the name suggests it ensure your cat is well taken care of. Cleaning waste is also simplified massively.

    Pros

    • Keeps homes smelling nice
    • Safe to use.
    • Easy to clean and dispose of.
    • It has long durability home use.
    • Easy to dispose of, mainly due to drying ability.

    Cons

    • It is expensive to purchase it.

    Best Pellet Cat Litter

    This is cat litter that is made from recycled and biodegradable materials. The litter is environment-friendly, low tracking and more absorbent as compared to clay. It also comes at a high price but it is worth your investment. Check out the top picks on the market today.

    1. Blue Naturally Fresh Pellet Litter

    Blue naturally fresh pellet litters are very easy to use with perfect odor control and high ability of urinal absorbers. Considering they are reusable, there is no need to change the litter since it’s easy to clean and long-lasting. They are entirely made from walnuts shell, which is a natural material and as a result are biodegradable, making them environmentally friendly to people and also animals. It is also safe to flush down the toilet.

    This cat litter comes with a range of numerous varieties for customers to choose from. Some are coarse, while others are fine in texture. Some cats like the coarser one while others like the finely textured one. Veterans too, can recommend the use of a pellet litter with certain textures due to allergic reasons to a cat.

    Many cats love the blue naturally fresh pellet litter because it’s more comfortable and unlike others which make the cat to sneeze a lot. It produces no dust, so it’s safer for cats, especially those with health problems like; urinary, eye and respiratory infections, and you will like the way it enhances your hygiene and tidiness.

    Pros

    • Excellent odor control 
    • Dust-free system
    • Superb absorption system
    • It is flushable
    • Minimal tracking
    • Mild on cat’s fur and claws.
    • Environmentally friendly

    Cons

    • Does not clump.
    • Stains the white toilets

    2. Dr. Elsey’s Ultra-Premium Clumping Cat Litter

    If you are looking for an affordable cat litter, you must try this. You will no longer worry about clouds of dust in the house when pouring the litter in a cat container or sneezing of the cat. It is made from sodium bentonite clay which boosts its clumping ability.

    This type of cat litter is ideal, especially if you have a busy schedule since cats adapt to it fast enough. It is made out natural materials, therefore, having zero effects even to the most sensitive cats. The litter does not need frequent change keeps the house completely out of bad smell coming from cat’s solid waste and urine, and it does not have any perfume in case your cat is allergic to strong scents.

    It is made very heavy in weight, minimizing the chances of your cat carrying it around and trailing the dirt all over the house. It also has large granules which suit your cat preferences. This prevents clumps from breaking down hence reducing tracking, making it very easy to clean. It also has a high absorbent rate, this absorbs all the urine first, and the liquid from the cat’s solid waste leaving little free of mud, therefore, no mess and does not make the cat dirty.

    Pros

    • Good control of odor
    • Strong Clumping
    • Zero Dust
    • Non-Sticky
    • Affordable
    • Hypoallergenic

    Cons

    3.Trackless-Litter Pearls Cat

    Trackless litter pearls is the best litter, especially if you have a naughty cat that won’t stop carrying the litter box around. It is heavy and also made in a way that it limits the quantity of litter sticking to your cat’s pads when he gets out of the box hence minimizing the chances of tracking. What’s more interesting is that you can buy without breaking your bank.

    This type of cat litter is the best for indoors cat keeping. It leaves no mess and is very neat. It has a very superior stench control ability made possible by the silica gel crystals. They work well in absorbing urine and moisture from cat feces at a very high rate compared to other cat litters. The moisture is vaporized immediately leaving it dry. The litter has no strong perfume in case you or your cat is bothered by strong scents.

    The shape of the pearls are large and irregularly shaped to reduce the issue of them rolling out of the box when cat steps on them. These cat litters is also dust-free. The cat litter can be reused for a period of up to two months, saving you the time and energy to change it. I dare say it’s the easiest cat litter to maintain.

    Pros

    • Perfect control of odor
    • Does not track
    • It is dust-free
    • Highly absorbent
    • Mild on cat’s paws

    Cons

    • The crystals are sharp and may injure the cat’s paws.
    • No clumping

    4.Natures Miracle Natural Clumping

    Are you or your cat allergic to some types of cat litter?

    If so, try the Natural Miracle Natural clumping is 99.9 percent dust-free solving the problem of nose irritation when pouring litter into a box. The package is made with a handle to help in transferring the litter into the box. You don’t have to scrub or wash the litter, and you can dispose it of by flushing. It’s 40 percent lighter than other cat litters made of clay this characteristic makes it easy to replace and clean the litter.

    It is made by natural ingredients that are entirely safe for both your cat and the environment. The material made of soft natural fibers that are very gentle on cat’s paws and fur and the cats love it. Cleaning is easy since the litter is free of clay. Scooping the clumps off the litter is uncomplicated too!

    Most of the fantastic functions of this cat litter are its clumping technique. The clumping also curbs the odor of the cat’s waste, leaving it fresh and out of bad smell for about seven days. The ability of clumping first helps in reducing the stickiness of cat litter and a total mess and easy to clean up. Another factor that’s aids in the masking of odor is the bio enzymes which kill the smell of urine and solid waste of the cat upon their touching the litter.

    Pros

    • Clumps tight and fast
    • Environmentally friendly
    • Easy to clean
    • Odor control
    • Easy to lift
    • 99 percent dust-free
    • Attentive packaging

    Cons

    Best Non Tracking Cat Litter

    Get the best non-tracking cat litter that provides superior clumping power and odor protection. This cat litter helps you maintain a clean home because it also prevents other cats from tracking the litter from the litter box and spreading it on your floors. If you are considering this type of cat litter, check out these products below.

    1. PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Crystal Non-Clumping Cat Litter, 2-Pack

    When it comes to the best cat litters, some products perform well than others in odor control. This non-clumping cat litter works well as compared to the traditional models because it gives you five times more odor control. It can absorb liquids and dries solid waste perfectly. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about allergies because it is dust-free and ensures you have fresh air in your house.

    Another thing that you will appreciate is that it is non-tracking. This means the crystals remain in the box so no messes on your floors. This cat litter is also lightweight, which eliminates the need for lifting heavy bags or litter tubs.

    Cat owners also love the fact that it is compatible with all litter boxes. When you buy the litter, you will also get two pre-portioned bags of crystal litter that have a pleasant scent.

    Pros

    • Works well with litter control
    • It is lightweight and easy to clean
    • Cat litter is non-tracking
    • Perfect odor control
    • It is dust-free

    Cons

    • Doesn’t stay more than a month

    2. World’s best cat litter clumping formula

    This cat litter is specially formulated to ensure that the litter box smells fresh. The smell is immediately trapped by the litter leaving it odor free meaning you can spare your litter box from the foul smell. It is made of natural compressed corn formula that is dust-free, meaning your family can breathe freely, free from respiratory infections.

    The corn in the litter is naturally-absorbent, and it can trap waste before it reaches the bottom of the box. It clumps quickly making cleaning of the box simple and the clumping assists in odor control. You need to ensure you scoop the cat’s ‘business’ quickly because otherwise it will dry up and crumble.

    It is a dust-free litter, and unlike other products, this one delivers on its promise as it releases absolutely no dust when pouring or scooping. It is also lightweight meaning you can handle the whole thing yourself instead of asking for help. Other good news about this kitty litter is that it is environmentally friendly. You can choose to keep it as compost as it is biodegradable or you can choose to flush it down the toilet, and it won’t stick.

    This particular litter does not contain any strong-smelling perfumes. Most litters are strongly scented, and this does not sit well with the cats. World’s best litter, however, does not have any artificial smell because of the fast clumping which locks away any odor. This litter lasts for a long time, and it can go for this whole time without any disgusting odors.

    Pros

    • Clumps easily
    • Locks away odor
    • Can be easily disposed
    • Environmentally friendly
    • Is lightweight

    Cons

    • It is expensive
    • Sometimes it does not entirely lock away odor calling for frequent cleaning of the litter box

    3. Arm And Hammer Clump And Seal Platinum Litter

    This one of a kind litter is specially made to seal and destroy odor. It is made with moisture-activated micro-granules that immediately seals any moisture once the litter is used destroying both liquid and solid wastes instantly, and has baking soda which kills the odors upon contact leaving your house smelling fresh and clean for up to 7 days.

    It has medium-sized particles that are dust-free, meaning your floors will remain clean even after pouring or scooping. The particles have a soft feel on the cat’s paws. The litter also forms rock-hard clumps. These clumps reduce tracking, so the litter stays where it needs to be and not scattered around your home. For better results, remove the clumps daily to keep the litter fresh. Add fresh Arm and Hammer Clump and Seal to about 4 inches to replace what you have scooped out and more refreshing smell.

    It is relatively lighter than other litters, but it provides the same uses per box so you can use it with multiple cats. Its lightweight also makes for easy to carry and pour the litter. It also makes for sufficient storage.Remember to always wash your hands after handling to remove the harmful agent found in cat feces.

    Pros

    • Guaranteed 7 days freshness
    • Quick forming and hard clumps that trap odor
    • Dust-free
    • Lightweight

    Cons

    • Does not form clumps as quickly as other products
    • Smelly litter

    4.Purina Yesterday’s News Unscented Paper Cat Litter

    Purina, one of the biggest names in pet products, brings about yet another groundbreaking litter. This litter has amazing liquid absorption properties. This helps you use less litter per day, elongating the use of the litter. It features recycled paper; therefore, it is environmentally friendly. These soft paper pellets are gentle to the cat’s paws allowing the cat to dig into the litter with comfort.

    It offers natural, effective odor control. It also has no added fragrances which sometimes repulse cats and so makes it cat-friendly. If the pellets can submerge around the feces, then it can completely lock away the smell, but if you expose the waste to the air, then the litter might stink.

    Since it is made of recycled paper, it is 99% dust-free making it suitable for even asthmatic cats and leaves your home cleaner for longer. It is also non-tracking meaning no residue will stay on your cat’s fur and therefore will not be spread in your house.

    It is not intended to clump. However, the moisture in the cat’s waste will attract the paper pieces to each other, forming a semi-hard mass. Urine breaks down the clumps into sawdust resembling pieces.

    Pros

    • Made out of recycled paper so is eco-friendly
    • Absorbs up to three times the moisture
    • Low tracking
    • Unscented so can be used by all cats
    • Dust-free

    Cons

    • Cleaning up is messy since it does not clump
    • Gets soggy and overwhelmed by too much urine

    How to Choose the Best Cat Litter Box

    There are several things that you need to do when you have pets. Apart from providing them with the right food or cleaning pet bowl, you should also be concerned about their bathroom issues. So, if you want to get the best cat litter box, we have covered some crucial tips that will help you select the right one.

    Type of Litter Box

    Currently, there is a wide variety of litter boxes for cats that are available in the market for cat owners. These litter boxes of different types vary from each other in terms of size, shape, and available colors. Some of the basic types include the disposable box, hidden litter box top entry, and self-cleaning litter box only to mention but a few. In the next steps, we are going to guide you on how to select the best type for your cat.

    Size of the Cat

    The size of your cat determines the size of the box you buy for it. For example, you cannot buy a smaller litter box when you have a big cat or a big litter box for a small cat. A little kitten will require a smaller litter box where it can get into with ease; therefore, you need to choose a litter box of the right size for your cat.

    A common thumb rule for selecting a litter box of the right size is length-dependent. The width of the box should be equal to the cat’s length, whereas the length of the litter box should be one and a half times the length of the cat. This ensures the cat has sufficient space for maneuvering and burying the waste.

    Number of Cats

    There are households with several cats. In such homes, you need more than one litter box. A thumb rule for this is that a maximum of two cats should use one litter box. Ideally, one cat designated for one box would be best though it is often not possible because of limited space in most households.

    In case you own more than a single cat, it is advisable that you go for a larger litter box. If you end up buying a smaller litter box for use by more than one cat, the rate at which it becomes dirty is more than your cleaning ability. This may make the cat look for other places to excrete their waste.

    Placement Position of the Box

    As a cat owner, there some elements you need to take into consideration where to place the litter box. Cats, just like humans, require disclosure; therefore, you should not place the litter box in the passageway with much traffic.

    You should not place the litter box in one place because your cat might reject using the litter box and go somewhere else. The best litter box to buy should be the one compatible with your household and efficiently movable.

    Ease of Cleaning the Litter Box

    To buy a litter box, the cat owners also have to consider the fact that cleanness is vital. As a cat owner, it is advisable that you should go for a litter box which is easy to clean and access. There are a variety of these boxes that can either be self-cleaning, whereas others need manual cleaning.

    The Tendency of Cleaning the Litter Box

    Excretion is a normal biological process that occurs from day to day in a living organism. In as much as you remove the poop each day, the litter box needs daily cleaning. If cleaning makes you uncomfortable, it is advisable that the best choice for you is the self-cleaning litter box.

    Disposal of the Cat’s Used Litter

    You need to replace your cat’s litter box after a couple of weeks. To most cat owners, it is not always a pleasurable exercise; therefore, at this point, the best choice to go for is the self-cleaner. On the other hand, a disposable litter box can be a better option for the cat owners with the intentions of traveling with their cats.

    People living in hurricane-prone areas usually keep several throwaway boxes in their travel boxes. As a result, they have to take off with the pets, thus will have things they require and do not have to carry the used box.

    The Cost of the Litter Box

    Different litter boxes range in prices from a few dollars to some hundreds. Not all of us can afford any other litter box. According to the price range, the depth of your pocket is the ultimate determinant of the litter box you can buy.

    Current Trend

    One of the latest options for litter boxes is furniture. An example of this furniture litter box includes the faux dollhouse which has the litter pan housed in it. For the cat owners with less space or the ones who are in need to avoid the sight of the litter box, this choice of the litter box is a better option to go for.

    Your Presence or Absence from Home

    Are you available around your household all the time, or are you an away person? This is a factor to consider as a cat owner. Your cat depends on you concerning the cleaning of its litter box. Being away from home or around gives you the final judgment on the choice of a litter box to buy based on the time you spend cleaning the litter and the duration the box can stay clean when you are away. In case you are an away-individual the best litter box you should opt for is a size able self-cleaning litter box.

    Final Words

    No one likes the smell of urine, especially cat urine. If you want to enjoy a fresh smelling house, then you need to get the best cat litter box. By now, you understand the importance of having a litter box. Not only is it comfortable for your cat but also contains the odor and prevents it from spreading all over the house.

    After checking our detailed guide and buying tips, I believe you will face a hard time selecting the most suitable cat litter box. We exhausted all the different types that are available on the market so you can be sure to find the right one. Make a comparison and the right product that meets your needs and those of your pet.



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  • Understanding Your Pet’s Body Language and Emotions


    Recognizing the subtle hints in your pet’s facial expressions and body language can unlock a whole new world of understanding. With dogs, for example, a relaxed, open mouth might signal contentment, while a tightly closed mouth can indicate discomfort or …

    The post Understanding Your Pet’s Body Language and Emotions first appeared on People Loving Animals.



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  • Owning A Domestic Cat 101: Important Tips, And What Supplies To Get


    Buying a kitten is a lot different than buying an older cat. Before you rush out and buy or take the first kitten that is offered to you, there are a few things that you should know.

     

    As with any animal, there are certain things that you should look for to make sure that the kitten is healthy. By paying attention and looking for these different things, you might be able to save yourself and your family from picking a kitten that is going to be quite sickly or even die.

     

     

    What Do You Need To Check Before Getting A New Cat?

    Orange cat looking in the camera

    Here is a list of things that you need to look for in any kittens that you are considering buying:

     

    • Make sure that the kitten has clear, bright eyes.
    • Look to see if the ears and nose are clean and not gunky.
    • Look for a thick and shiny coat.
    • You don’t want any skin that has fleas, scaly patches, or any types of lumps.
    • Open the mouth of the kitten and look for firm, pink gums.
    • Observe the kitten to make sure that they are attentive and playful.

     

    Next comes the asking of the pet shop or breeder who is trying to sell you the kitten. You need to ask them certain questions that they should have no problems answering. If they try to avoid you or put your off it might be a good sign that you need to move onto a different pet shop or breeder:

     

    • Ask about the kittens vaccinations.
    • Ask about parasite checks.
    • Have them tell you the age, gender, and breed of the kitten.
    • Do not buy a kitten that is not at least six to eight weeks old.
    • Ask about their diet and nutrition.
    • Have them provide you with the Veterinarians name, number, and address.
    • If you are looking at a purebred, ask about the kitten’s registration papers.
    • Ask if you can have your own veterinarian check the kitten out before you buy it.

     

    If the pet shop or breeder is reputable they should not have a problem answering any of these questions or letting you take the kitten to your own veterinarian for a checkup. Just remember that you can always find another pet shop or breeder that has the kitten you are looking for if something doesn’t seem quite right.

    Are you new to the kitty world? You must educate yourself in order to choose the right cat for you. Here you go: Owning A Domestic Cat 101: Selecting A New Cat Or Kitten

     

     

    Dealing With Your New Kitten

    Gorgeous orange baby cat

    If you are choosing to buy or get a kitten there will be quite a bit of training to do, just like with a baby, the kitten has to learn. The first lesson that will make life a lot easier for you and your kitten is litter box training. This really shouldn’t be too hard of a lesson for either of you since most kittens take to the litter box quite naturally.

     

    What is important to note is not to be in your kittens face while he or she is trying to do their thing. Patience is the key to any type of training, and this is not different. Of course, there are a few things that you can do in order to help this be an easy experience for your kitten:

     

    • Make sure that your kitten can climb in and out of the litter box; sometimes they will have trouble in a litter box that is too big.
    • Put the litter box in a quite area that is always accessible.
    • Clean the litter box on a daily basis and keep the litter changed regularly.
    • In order to establish a pattern, make sure you put your kitten in their litter box when they wake up and after they eat.
    • Everyone benefits from being told they did a good job, kittens are no different, make sure to let them know when they have done a good job.
    • Keep the litter box in the same place, don’t move it around.
    • If you have more than one cat, make sure they all have their own litter box.

     

    You might have heard your friends or family talk about baby proofing their home when their child began to be mobile, if you plan on getting a kitten you will find yourself doing the same thing. A kitten is in essence a baby, but of the feline persuasion, as such they are just as curious as any other type of baby. You need to take the time and look at your home from a kitten’s perspective, find possible hazardous items, and remove them accordingly.

     

    You aren’t going to be able to anticipate everything, but it is quite advantageous to the health and well being of your kitten to take some precautions:

     

    • Kittens can be quite clumsy, make sure that all of your windows are secured and keep your kitten off of anything high such as a second story house walk out.
    • Move all cleaners and anything else harmful in an area that your kitten can not access. This goes for any harmful plants as well, just as with a baby, kittens will chew on whatever is handy such as a plant.
    • After you use the restroom, close the toilet lid. This is a handy piece of advice if you have kittens or small children in the home.
    • Don’t leave plastic materials such as trash bags or plastic storage bags lying around, again helpful for kittens and children.
    • After you have finished your six pack of beer or soda, cut up the plastic ring containers so that your cat doesn’t get caught up in them. This is also an environmentally kind thing to do so other animals don’t share a bad fate.
    • Anything electric, sharp, or pointy needs to be responsibly stored so your kitten doesn’t decide to make a dangerous object its next chew toy.

     

     

    Introducing The New Kitten To The Family

    Kitten and baby girl

    If you have children or other animals in the house you will need to make sure that your kitten is introduced to them slowly and properly. Older children are not as much of a concern as small children are. You need to make sure that they understand the proper way to treat their new kitten. You need to teach them how to hold it properly and not to pull on its legs, face, tail, or ears.

     

    Young children must learn that the kitten is a living thing that they need to treat with love, care, and respect. You can help you kitten feel a little safer by getting down to his or her level when it comes to play time. This will make you not seem quite so huge and scary to the kitten.

     

    You also need to pay close attention how other pets in the house treat the new kitten. It is not a good idea to simply leave a new kitten with an older cat or dog. Take the time to introduce them to one another while being attentive to their reactions to each other. Normally older cats will be tolerant of the new kitten and even tend to it after they are comfortable with one another.

     

    Dogs may take a little longer to get used to the situation of a new kitten in the house. Just remember to be patient and to make sure your other animals in the house gets the love and attention that they need, make them feel just as special as the new kitten. Here are a few tips that might help you with this process:

     

    • Don’t rush your animals to get along, take it slow and easy.
    • It might be wise to keep the kitten in its carrier for the first little bit while the others animals can sniff around it without making direct contact with the kitten.
    • Get a new toy and put the kittens scent on it, and vice versa with the older cats or dogs, then give it to the opposite parties so they can become accustomed to the scent.

     

    After doing some of these steps for a while, everyone should begin to get along with little disturbance in the house.

     

     

    Getting Supplies For Your New Cat

    Angry cat with doll

    Anytime you choose to get a new pet, you need to make sure that you have everything you will need to take care of that pet with. Cats need certain things so before you get your cat or kitten, you might want to make sure they have everything they need before they come to your home.

     

    Although these seem like simple items, if you have never owned a cat there are certain things to consider before you go out and buy the most expensive of everything.

     

    The food and water bowl does not have to cost you a fortune. You do not have to go out and buy one with your pet’s name on it unless you want to. Mainly they just need to be easy to clean and heavy so they won’t tip over easily. Because it is possible that your cat might be allergic to plastic, it might be a good precautionary note to opt for the stainless steel bowls. You also need to make sure that your cat has food and water in their bowls as well.

     

    Unless you plan on teaching your cat how to use the toilet like in a popular movie, you will need to purchase a litter box and everything that goes in it. This involves the litter box, the scoop, and the litter. If you have a kitten it is important that the litter box is not so big that they cannot get into it, but on the other hand you need to get a litter box that is big enough for a full grown cat.

     

    What many cat owners may not know is that the litter boxes that have hoods or covers may actually trap foul smelling odors and make your cat unwilling to further use the litter box, so it may be a good idea to avoid these altogether.

     

    Another helpful tip is to keep some sort of garbage container next to the litter box so that it will make it easier to scoop the box on a regular basis, just make sure that the container you choose will keep the odor inside the container and out of your room. The last item is of course to find litter that works best for you and your cat. There are many varieties that have odor control and clump better, what you choose is up to your own preferences.

    Keep in mind that you must always think in what is best for your pets, for that reason you need to take care of what they eat. Take a look at this: The Best Homemade Pet Food According To Our Pet Food Advisor

     

     

    Think On You Cat’s Needs

    Cat stuck

    Your pet needs a place in which they can lay down, sleep, and take a nap. A cat bed will also help keep your cat from taking its naps on your bed or couch. A good choice is a bed that your cat will be able to snuggle in. You can choose from nesting beds, mats, or perches.

     

    Your choice will depend on your cat’s sleeping habits and what will fit best in your home. Also, don’t be irritated if your cat doesn’t take to its new sleeping domain right away, it might take time or your cat might not adapt to it at all. A good tip is to find a bed that is washable so that any messes are easy to clean. It’s also a good idea to put the bed wherever your cat likes to sleep or in a quiet area.

     

    Cats need to stretch and exercise their arms and legs, just like humans do. Unfortunately they choose to do this by scratching things since no one has invented a gym for cats. In order to avoid having them scratch up all of your furniture, it might be a good idea to invest in a cat scratching post, and the sooner the better. A scratching post will help your cat realize that they have their own piece of furniture to claw up and to leave yours alone.

     

    When buying a scratching post for your cat, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. First, you need to make sure that the scratching post is actually tall enough for your cat to be able to get the full effect. This is so they can completely stretch their body out and still have room to spare. Next make sure that it won’t fall over as soon as it has something leaning against it or your cat will be tipping it over all of the time.

     

    If your cat already has a few bad habits such as scratching furniture and such, you might need to train your cat to use the post instead. This might take a little time and patience, but if you make sure your cat is playing with it whenever you are around, they will begin to get the idea, and it also helps if it is in an accessible area to your cat.

    If want want to give your cat the very best, we have exactly what you need.

     

     

    Transporting You Cat And Keeping Them Entertained

    Little cats in carrier

    Since you may have realized that trying to transport your cat or anyone else’s for that matter is no easy task, it is smart to invest in a cat carrier. A cat carrier is great for a cat or a kitten. It will enable you to transport your cat from point A to point B with little to no damage or injury. Plus you will not have to worry about your cat plunking around in your car or attaching itself to you with its claws while you are driving.

     

    A cat carrier is the best choice all around and will help your cat feel secure as well. Since there are a variety of different cat carriers to choose from, again it will depend largely on your preference and how much you want to spend. It’s a good idea to make sure that the carrier is big enough to fit your cat and allow them to move around while in it.

     

    Fortunately you don’t have to spend a fortune on toys for your feline friend. This is largely due to the fact that they will play with whatever it is you have handy. Whether it is a string, a leaf, wrapping paper, or a ball, they will be completely content swatting it, biting it, and tearing it apart. Of course, many of these items that you have lying around your house are not the safest for kittens and cats, nor do you want them thinking that it’s ok to chew on whatever they want, this is why it’s important that they have some of their own toys.

     

    You can choose to go through your house and find toys that will be safe for your cat or to go to the store and purchase a few cat designated toys. Some toys that are safe to give your cat that you find around the house are:

     

    • Small balls that bounce, but they can’t chew apart and aren’t so small that they will get caught in their throat.
    • Sewing supplies such as a empty wooden thread spool.
    • Balled up paper.
    • Boxes and gift bags filled with tissue paper.

     

    Items around the house that you should not give your cat or kitten for health and safety reasons:

     

    • Balls of string, yarn, or spools with thread on them.
    • Anything with wire in it.
    • Anything aluminum or cellophane.
    • Plastic bags.
    • Rubber bands.
    • Nothing that is sharp or pointy.
    • Nothing that can break and hurt your cat.
    • Nothing that they can chew off and get stuck in their throat.

     

    You can find many fun and colorful cat toys at your local supermarket or pet store. The key is to use your judgment before you buy any of them. Carefully look them over and make sure they won’t become hazardous to your cat as he plays with them. It’s smart and cost effective to start out with a few toys so that you can see what your cat chooses to play with and what they do not. Also it’s important to note that some cat toys should only be used when you are there playing with your cat or kitten.

     

     

    Suit Up Your Cat

    Black cat wearing a tie

    A collar is a very important thing if you have a cat who enjoys both the indoors as well as the outdoors. An important thing to keep in mind when buying a collar for your cat is that if they are quite active and curious, you will need to find a collar that can break away. Although a breakaway collar seems kind of strange, it is really in the best interest for your cat and their safety.

     

    If you cat is outdoors or even inside and their collar gets caught on something you do not want them to choke, that is why it’s important to look for a breakaway collar. You should have your kitten or cat begins wearing their collar as soon as possible so that they become accustomed to it.

     

    Also make sure that your cat has some sort of identification on their collar if they get lost or find themselves out of your house. You can also choose to purchase a leash and a harness if you wish to take your cat or kitten out for a walk. If you have the opportunity to train them how to walk with a leash when they are young they will adapt to it much better.

     

    Not all cats like the leash around their neck which is why it might be necessary to purchase a harness which will be more comfortable for the cat and give you more control as well.

     

    Grooming is a big part of having a cat, especially if you have a long haired cat so you will need to have the proper grooming tools, even if you have a short haired cat. Mainly you will just need to have a flea comb and a brush, but the tools that you will need depend largely on what type of fur your cat has. Grooming is important in order to prevent hairballs and it will also help to cut down on how much cat hair will be on your furniture.

    Please feel encouraged to say hello – we’ll be happy to help with any questions you might have, and if you’d like to comment on our site, products or service, we’d love to hear from you!



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  • Pet Safety Checklist for Home and Yard


    Keeping our pets safe is something we should be continually aware of, not just when we get a new puppy or kitten!  Any veterinarian’s office will tell you that there’s a ton of dangerous stuff around people’s homes and yards …

    The post Pet Safety Checklist for Home and Yard first appeared on People Loving Animals.



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  • Owning A Domestic Cat 101: Cat Food And The Health Of Your Feline


    Before you decide to take on any kind of pet you need to understand that different breeds of cat are susceptible to different health issues. Even if it seems like you have a healthy cat in the beginning it is possible that they will be diagnosed with some sort of disease or health related issue as they get older.

     

    You need to make sure that you read the label on the food that you are getting for your cat. Although it may seem strange because your cat is a pet, their nutrition is still just as important as yours is which is why you should read the ingredients so that you are aware of what is in the food you are giving your cat. You also need to pay attention to what formula of cat food that you are purchasing. They have food for adult cats, kittens, aging cats, cats on diets, and everything in between. You don’t want to be feeding your kitten the wrong kind of food.

     

     

    The Basics Of Cat Feeding

    After picking up the right food for your cat, there is a matter of where to feed your cat, when to feed your cat, and how much to feed them. If you have never owned a cat before this can be quite a tricky process to figure out all on your own. First and foremost, you need to find a place that is ideal for your cat to eat at.

     

    Think about it from your cat’s perspective, you really wouldn’t want to eat while adults and kids are running all around you and being loud. This is why you need to find a place that is quiet and accessible for your cat to have their food and water bowl. Once you decide on a particular place, don’t keep changing it around because cats don’t always deal well with that type of change.

     

    Keep in mind that your cat might make a bit of a mess when they are drinking and eating so it may not be wise to put the food and water in an area that is going to be ruined by the mess. You also need to make sure that you are keeping the bowls clean and changing the water out on a regular basis in order to avoid your cat getting sick.

     

    If you are not a cat owner yet, or you are becoming one for the first time and want to be prepared for the commitment, you might find very useful the following entry: Owning A Domestic Cat 101: Important Tips, And What Supplies To Get. In this previous chapter we explain What you need to check before getting a new cat, how to deal with your new kitten, and more.

     

     

    How To Feed A Cat

    As far as when you should feed your cat, it is good to get your cat into the habit of eating at a particular time each day. Just as humans eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner at certain times, so should your cat. Of course this might not be quite so easy if you are away from the house during the day, but there is a solution. If the cat is eating dry cat food you can simply put the entire day’s ration into the food bowl and your cat can eat from it throughout the day.

     

    If you aren’t sure you want to put it all in, you can choose to be half of it in the bowl. It’s really up to you and your schedule as to what a regular and convenient feeding schedule will be, but it is wise to get a regular pattern started. Listed below will give you some ideas as to how to coordinate your feeding schedule:

     

    • At 4-6 weeks: 1/2 to 1 oz – 3 to 4 times per day.

     

    • At 7 weeks to 6 months: 1 to 3 oz – 3 to 4 times per day.

     

    • At 7 months to 1 year:  3 oz – 2 times per day or you can leave 6 oz in their bowl all day.

     

    You can also look on the package of cat food that you buy for what they suggest you feed your cat.

     

    Just as there are certain things that you need to keep in mind when feeding your cat, there are also certain thing that you shouldn’t do when feeding your cat:

     

    You shouldn’t give your cat bones; this is a good rule for any pet whether they are a cat or a dog. Chicken bones, pork bones, and fish bones are a big no because they can cause quite a bit of damage to your cats tummy and throat that could lead to a trip to the veterinarian or worse.

     

    Again a good tip for any animal, don’t give your cat leftovers from the table. Although you think that you are doing them a favor by giving them a treat, you could be making a bigger problem when your cat begins to avoid their cat food.

     

    Cats can’t eat two foods in particular, the first being chocolate and the second being onions. Both of these foods are considered a toxic food to your cat.

     

    Despite what you may have seen on television or in the movies, cats do not need to drink milk. What more, if you give milk to your cat you might find yourself cleaning up after an icky mess since it can cause diarrhea.

     

    The last tip is not to feed your cat any other animal’s food. They need the nutrients that are in their cat food and dog food won’t quite give them what they need.

     

    As time goes on and you have your cat, you will find out what foods or pet foods your cat can tolerate.

     

     

    How Do I Know If My Cat Is Fat?

    Cats are very similar to people in many ways. Just as it is important to watch what is going into your cat’s tummy, you also need to keep an eye on how much is going into your cat’s tummy. When people eat too much food, over time they become overweight.

     

    Cats are the same, if they become used to eating however much they want, when they want, it is a sure bet that you will have a pretty fat cat on your hands after a while. This is especially true as your cat gets older and less active. If you aren’t sure if your cat is fat or not, there are a few telling signs that you can look for that are pretty similar as to when you can tell if a person is overweight.

     

    A double chin is always a telling sign of a weight problem. If you find that your cat has a bunch of fat underneath their chin, they might have a weight problem.

     

    A big stomach is another sign, if their stomach is hanging, they might have a weight problem.

     

    Another is whether or not you can feel your cat’s ribs. On a healthy cat you should be able to feel their rib cage, if you cannot feel your cat’s rib cage then your cat is definitely overweight.

     

    Just as people think that their weight might not be a big deal, many cat owners might not feel it too distressing that their cat is a little overweight. The reality is that being overweight can cause many health problems in your cat. The more weight your cat has on their body, the more weight and pressure they have to carry around on a daily basis. This is why it is so important to pay attention to what and how much your cat is eating. If you do find that your cat is overweight you should probably speak to your veterinarian about it and look into buying a specially formulated cat food for overweight cats.

     

    Are you still looking for the perfect feline companion for you and your family? Choosing a cat is a serious matter you need to pay attention to when you’ve taken the decision to be a proud cat owner. Different cat breeds have different needs and personality traits you must be aware of before bringing home a new kitten. Take a look at this: Owning A Domestic Cat 101: Selecting A New Cat Or Kitten. This article will help you realize what kind of cat is best for you.

     

     

    Your Cat Needs To Have Some Physical Activity

    Whether you have an overweight cat or not, it’s important to make sure that your cat gets the exercise they need. If your cat isn’t overweight then the exercise will help keep them active and avoid such a predicament, but if your cat is overweight then the exercise will help them to trim off a few pounds.

     

    The great thing is that exercising with your cat doesn’t have to be a tedious activity; it can be a lot of fun. Below are a few ideas that will help you get an exercise program started with your cat:

     

    • Try to get your cat to run around some time.
    • Take a walk with your cat.
    • Get your cat some new toys that will encourage him to exercise and jump around.
    • Strategically place toys and treats all around the house to encourage your cat to walk around.
    • Switch up the games that you play with your cat so he doesn’t get bored.
    • Even if you are away during the day, leave approved toys out for your cat to play with.
    • Sometimes it helps your cat’s activity level if they have another feline companion to play with while you are away.

     

    Important Note:

     

    Just because you like to switch your food around because something was cheaper at the store, or a new product looked better, doesn’t mean that your cat should jump around from one cat food to another. Once your cat becomes used to a certain type of food, switching to another brand because it was on sale doesn’t always agree with their stomachs.

     

    If it happens that you want to switch your cat’s food then you need to do it slowly. Do not just decide to replace cat food A with cat food B the next day, if so you might find you have a cat with a very upset stomach. In order to switch your cat’s food without all of the digestion trouble you will need to put just a bit more into each meal, this process can take a few weeks before the switch is complete.

     

     

    Trying To Feed Your Kitten

    Dealing with a kitten is completely different than feeding a grown cat. A kitten is essentially a baby in every way and needs the right amount of nutrition in order to go from being a kitten to a healthy grown cat. Kittens are just like babies in that they need to eat right in order to have strong bones, muscles, and a nervous system. You can’t feed a kitten the same things that a full grown cat eats; they need their own special food until they are old enough to move onto the next step

     

    It’s always smart to consult with your doctor before you start a regular feeding routine for your kitten, but you do need to recognize that because they have such high energy, they need the proper food to fuel their bodies. You will find that your kitten will nibble throughout the day because they have a smaller stomach than a full grown cat.

     

    Just as with human babies, there are going to be times that your kitten doesn’t seem particularly interested in food such as when they are teething or have lost a baby tooth. In the same instance your kitten may eat a little more during growth spurts and such. Even when you kitten begins to look and act like an adult cat, don’t rush out and buy adult cat food, they need to stick with the kitten cat food until they are a year old because of their need for a lot of calories.

     

    There might also come instances that you need to consult with your veterinarian about your cat’s food needs such as if your female feline becomes pregnant or if your cat has health problems that are related to what they eat.

     

     

    The Health Of Your Feline

    Before you decide to take on any kind of pet you need to understand that different breeds of cat are susceptible to different health issues. Even if it seems like you have a healthy cat in the beginning it is possible that they will be diagnosed with some sort of disease or health related issue as they get older.

     

    There are also certain that you need to do a little bit of research in order to be aware of the benefits and side effects. Also there are precautions that you can take as a cat owner in order to protect your cats health and well being.

     

    Make sure that all harmful plants are removed from the area in which your cat lives. Some plants can be poisonous when a cat chews on them.

     

    Cats can suffer from diabetes. Some might find it strange that humans and cats can share the same illnesses, but it is quite common for a cat to be diagnosed with diabetes. If you suspect this from your cat you should definitely call your veterinarian for further measures.

     

    If there is anything that sparks your concern such as if you cat acts listless, has yucky stuff coming from their eyes or nose, or if they look like they aren’t eating, even though you know they are, you should trust your instincts and contact your veterinarian with your concerns.

     

    Do not let your cat play with yarn or string. All can be fun and games until your cat swallows it and then it becomes a serious matter. If such an instance occurs you need to contact your veterinarian, but it might help to know that white petroleum jelly might help to coat the stomach so that the string or yarn can get out of your cat’s tummy with little harm.

    Taking care of a pet is a serious matter, as a pet owner you must be informed of what is best for your beloved companion. In this entry you will find useful resources: The Best Homemade Pet Food According To Our Pet Food Advisor. Here you will learn about pet nutrition and homemade natural pet food.

     

     

    What To Expect From A Healthy Cat

    If you aren’t sure what to expect with your cat here are a few bits of information that will help prepare you as your cat grows from a kitten to a full grown cat. Within the first month your kitten will begin getting its baby teeth. At two months old a kitten can be fully weaned from their mother who is why it is important not to purchase a kitten until they are six to eight weeks old.

     

    Between six and twelve weeks you will need to take your kitten into the veterinarian for their vaccinations, other shots, and regular checkups to make sure the kitten is doing well. At three months you can look forward to taking your kitten to the veterinarian for their rabies shot in certain states.

     

    After that, anywhere between three and seven months your kitten will begin to get their permanent teeth. The next step will depend largely on whether or not you have a male or female kitten. For females the time to spay is anywhere between six and eight months.

     

    For Males you are looking to neuter them between eight to twelve months. Between four and twelve months you will need to get your kitten in for their rabies shot. Between six months and two years old, your cat will need various booster shots to keep them current with regulations and for health reasons. Once your kitten hits the twelve month mark, they stop being a kitten and become a grown cat.

     

    Just as with humans, there are certain viruses that can attack a cat’s system if they are not properly protected. Even if your cat never goes outside, they still interact with whoever comes into your home and whatever germs that they are carrying. It is really easier to take your cat to the veterinarian for their vaccinations instead of dealing with all of the bills that come from a sick cat. Ask your doctor about any vaccinations that your cat may need and have them explain them to you if you have any concerns.

     

     

    Spaying Or Neutering Your Cat

    Another major decision when having a cat is the question of whether or not you are going to have your cat spayed or neutered. For those who plan on breeding their cats, this is not a major concern, but for those who don’t have any plans on breeding should strongly consider these options in order to avoid a lot of complications down the road.

     

    Not only are you protecting your cat from contributing to a litter of kittens that weren’t exactly in the cards, but you might avoid a lot of behaviors that occur when a male or female is fertile. AWhen a male or female cat is not spayed or neutered they may demonstrate such behaviors as urination, spraying their spent, and having to deal with a female’s heat cycles.

     

    Spaying refers to a female cat in which the cat’s reproductive organs are removed in order to eliminate any chance of having kittens. By spaying your female cat you will have a more relaxed, active, and happy cat. Neutering refers to the removal of a male cat’s reproductive organs. Again, they will not be able to reproduce but you will find that they are not as aggressive as when they are unneutered.

     

     

    Are We Going To The Vet?

    Part of having a cat involves keeping an eye on their general health and well being. This is why it’s important to have a good veterinarian that you can go to when you have any questions or concerns. You need to be able to ask questions and receive helpful answers; after all you need to keep in mind that your cat’s health is at stake.

     

    After many question and answer sessions with your veterinarian as you become accustomed to your cat, you will begin to be able to decipher when something is wrong with your cat. It won’t hurt if you make it a regular habit to check out your cat for any indicators that they may have a health problem. Below are the main characteristics you need to look for:

     

    • Eyes: a healthy cat has bright and clear eyes. If you notice any irritation such as discoloration or discharge, you might want to ask your veterinarian.

     

    • Ears: a healthy cat has clean ears that don’t stink or have anything icky coming out of them. If you notice that there is any discharge or discoloration your cat might have ear mites. Refer to your veterinarian for questions or how to clean their ears.

     

    • Mouth: a healthy cat has pink and healthy looking gums. Indicators that there might be a problem are stinky breath, swollen gums, or sores.

     

    • Body and Fur: a healthy cat has a thick and lustrous coat. If your cat’s coat is not shiny and thick, there might be a health problem that you should check into such as lumps, ticks, dandruff, and fleas.

     

    • Nose: a healthy cat should have a clean nose.

     

    If there is any cause for concern you should speak to your veterinarian immediately. Even if you keep your cat clean, well fed, and vaccinated there is a good chance that your cat is going to be sick at one time or another in their life. This is similar to people, no matter how hard you try, eventually you get sick.

     

    As with people, there are things that you need to look for in your cat to recognize if they are sick or not. Below is a list of symptoms that might trigger some concern:

     

    • Unexplained weight loss.
    • It’s hard for your cat to breathe.
    • Your cat is constantly throwing up.
    • Really bad diarrhea.
    • The cat doesn’t want to eat or drink.
    • Abnormal inactivity.
    • Lumps on the body.
    • Blood in urine or not urinating at all.
    • Abnormal behaviors.
    • Sneezing and hacking.
    • Abnormal aggressiveness.
    • They aren’t using the litter box.

     

    If any of these behaviors catch your attention you should take your cat to the veterinarian.

     

     

    Be Careful With Parasites!

    No matter how clean you keep your cat there is always the chance that some little parasite is going to call your cat’s body its home. If you are keeping a good eye on the health and well being of your cat, you might be able to determine when one of these pesky parasites are moving in.

     

    Ticks or Lice: Ticks and lice can be a very annoying problem for you and your cat. In order to determine if your cat is suffering from ticks and lice; you need to check your cat’s body. You can decipher a tick because you will either see the parasite or will feel it like a bump on your cat’s skin. You can actually remove these yourself if you know what you are doing. You just have to pull the tick out with tweezers, but don’t break the body while doing so.

     

    After the tick is removed you should clean the area with an antiseptic. Lice are much easier to remove; you might notice your cat scratching a lot and find that these pests are the cause, just use a spray or powder to send these parasites packing.

     

    Fleas: Fleas are a common problem with cats. Again, you can find these parasites with a quick examination of your cat’s body, this can even be done while grooming your cat. Fleas are not something that you can get rid of on your own; you will need your veterinarian’s assistance for this.

     

    You may also need to look over your cat’s environment to see if there is a particular reason they contracted the flea infestation. Make sure that after you have treated your cat that you do a thorough cleaning of your cat, wash beds, vacuum, and use other flea killing products to help clear these pests out of your home and away from your cat.

     

    Ear Mites: Ear mites have been mentioned earlier in this book because they are quite common in cats and can lead to many other health problems. This is why it is recommended to clean your cat’s ears on a monthly basis. If your cat’s ears begin to look a bit questionable and are not pink and clean, but waxy and icky smelling, your cat might have ear mites. You should take this concern to your veterinarian and have your cat treated right away.

     

    Mange: Mange can be transmitted by a variety of different mites, but you should be wary because this is something that humans can be affected by as well. If your cat begins to lose fur in patches, bleeds, or has issues around the ears, nose, and ears, your cat might have mange. You need to get your cat to your veterinarian right away if this is a concern for your feline friend.

    Please feel encouraged to say hello – we’ll be happy to help with any questions you might have, and if you’d like to comment on our site, products or service, we’d love to hear from you!



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  • Goodnewsforpets.com: A Legacy of Love for Pets, And Vets Too!

    Goodnewsforpets.com: A Legacy of Love for Pets, And Vets Too!


    Let the celebration begin! Today is “Love Your Pet Day,” but it is also the 25th Anniversary Day and the official start of the 25th Anniversary Year for Goodnewsforpets.com®. The award-winning site was originally launched on February 20, 2000, at Viticus Group’s Western Veterinary Conference (WVC) in Las Vegas.

    Lea-Ann with Lola

    Lea-Ann Germinder With Lola

    “Love Your Pet Day and all the many pet holidays were in the distant future. It was the age of the .coms (as in pets.com). Goodnewsforpets’ parent company, Germinder & Associates, managed the traditional newsroom for WVC and concurrently launched a virtual newsroom.   It’s hard to believe now, but he buzz about launching websites was very much like the buzz about AI today, although the pace was not quite as fast, it was still very exciting,” says Editor + Publisher Lea-Ann Germinder.

    Original Goodnewsforpets Logo

    Original Goodnewsforpets.com Logo

    The 2000 site included the Cat Writers’ Association of America (CWA) as the first media partner courtesy of CWA president emeritus Amy Shojai. The Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA) signed up courtesy of Mordecai Siegal. Steve Dale was the first featured columnist. Later columnists included the late legendaries Mordecai Siegal and Ranny Green.  Julie Lux also contributed her talents as an editor in later years. The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, Fort Dodge Animal Health, the American Animal Hospital Association, and Addison Laboratories were featured on the site. Other exhibitors at the conference could post their news in addition to “.com” companies from the Discovery Zone.

    “We’ve attended dozens of veterinary conferences since, written thousands of articles, and posted an equal number of press releases. My special favorite still is the guest column interview. Now, most of my time is focused on responsible AI research, but I have learned so much from building a website with an incredible team from scratch. In particular, I thank the incomparable Shelli Manning and Amy Davis, the team who helped launch the site with me,” said Germinder.

    Today, the core mission of providing “good news” for pets remains unchanged. Some content is sponsored, some are labeled Chewy affiliate content, and some is posted as a service to the veterinary community and pet-owning public.

    “Before I launched Germinder + Associates, my team and I at another agency had launched a pet dental website for the “Pets Need Dental Care, Too” campaign for Hill’s Pet Nutrition, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the dental groups. The news hook at the time was we had a website. When I launched Germinder & Associates in 1998, we had several animal health clients, so it made sense to launch a website. However, I could never have imagined all the incredible experts I’ve had the honor to interview and the stories we’ve been able to share. I hope to share many more as our 25th anniversary year unfolds, “said Germinder.

    Thank you to our Goodnewsforpets.com community, the sponsors and partner organizations, and our columnists and writers over the years. We share this celebratory day and year with you. #Goodnewsforpets25



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  • Lewis’ Fireworks and Thunder Phobia

    Lewis’ Fireworks and Thunder Phobia


    A white dog with brown ears and ticking stands, panting in fear, with his tail tucked between his legs
    Lewis panting from fear after hearing nearby heavy equipment

    Something sad and difficult is happening with Lewis: clinical sound phobia. He is suffering. Three months from the onset and diagnosis, he is doing much better with the help of medications, but we have a long way to go. I want to share, for others who are going through this or might in the future, what the recent months have been like for us.

    Sudden Fireworks Phobia

    Lewis joined my family in December 2021, and in the next few years we had many thunderstorms and at least eight noisy holidays. I live in a capital city, so we get shows with booming fireworks. Lewis didn’t show fear during these events (with one exception under unusual circumstances). He was happy to accept food after noises, though. Due to long experience with sound reactive dogs, I always deliver good snacks for fireworks and thunderclaps. But if Lewis built up some good associations from that, they weren’t enough.

    On January 1, 2025, when the New Year’s fireworks started, Lewis started panting and trembling and seeking comfort. He was in extreme distress. I had no meds for him. We toughed it out with food, when he would take it, and he finally slept, exhausted. I made plans to see the vet.

    About a week later, a snowstorm started that lasted a few days, a rarity here. We hadn’t been to the vet yet. Lewis has enjoyed the snow in the past. But at around 7:30 PM the first night, we were out in the yard, and a neighbor close by set off some firecrackers. This video shows the result.

    Video shows Lewis standing with his paw raised, trembling, panting, startling to quiet noises, with dilated pupils and extreme tension in his facial muscles.

    Lewis not only panicked at the time, but he became afraid to go into the yard, especially at night. During the duration of the snow, he wouldn’t go outside in the evening at all, so sometimes didn’t eliminate for up to 18 hours at a time. And his sound triggers quickly generalized.

    I phoned the vet, and we started prescription medications as soon as the streets were clear enough that I could pick them up. I won’t describe the whole meds experience, but many of you know it can take much longer than we wish to get a med or combination that works for a dog. When you get it, it’s priceless, a game changer. But the vet and I are still working on it for Lewis. Writing this in April, he is much, much improved. But he is not his old self.

    I also had him checked thoroughly for pain (Lopes Fagundes et al., 2018) by two vets. I’ll keep on top of that. It’s worth noting that he was in the age group where genetic sound phobia typically kicks in, according to Dr. Karen Overall (2013, p. 257).

    We kept having bad luck. In February, the city water department excavated the next-door neighbor’s driveway. First, a jackhammer. Then an excavator scraping up pavement and dumping it, booming, into a truck. And of course the truck made backup beeping noises. A new level of trauma unlocked for Lewis. The work started every morning at 8 AM and lasted all day. This went on for four days one week, then two more the next week. Lewis would rarely go outside and was hyper-vigilant when he did so. Indoors got poisoned, too, as he associated the scary noises with being at home. When inside, he’d ask to be taken somewhere by car. He’d stand next to the cabinet where I keep his leash and harness or try to get into the garage when I went out. Or he would simply ask repeatedly to go in another room if doors were closed. I let him, but of course it didn’t help, since there’s no escaping sounds of that amplitude and frequency.

    There was a sweet spot around dusk after the workers left and before the still-scary nighttime. Sometimes he’d do his only eliminating for the whole day during that time. Sometimes I had to take him to another neighborhood to get him to go.

    A white dog with brown ears and ticking stands by a cabinet, staring intently at the human who is taking the photo
    Lewis standing by the cabinet where I keep his leash, asking to leave the house

    Thunderstorms, Too

    Lewis was also terrified the next time we had a thunderstorm, and from then on. In my sound webinars, I talk from an acoustic point of view about the difficulty/impossibility of preventing dogs from hearing thunder. This has been brought home to me anew: how desperate we get, as owners, for something, anything, to block that sound. But in almost all cases, you just can’t. When a thunderclap can shake your house, it’s ludicrous to think that an insulated doghouse, a closet, or even earmuffs can make that sound inaudible. This is why owners of sound phobic and other fearful dogs are so easily exploited by companies that sell products with false promises. When we want to relieve our suffering friends; we will try anything.

    I also talk about the problems with satiation when using food for ad hoc counterconditioning. This is a big problem for us. In Arkansas, we have storms that go on for hours. We recently had such a day. We knew it was coming. I had about two cups of chicken ready in bite-sized pieces. The first thunder came at 5:30 PM. I had medicated Lewis ahead of time, but he was still reacting. Not as severely as in the video above, but still upset and frightened. I gave him a piece of chicken for every thunderclap for more than 60 minutes, but after that, I had to slow down. It was just too much food.

    If you have studied Pavlovian conditioning, you know that it’s important to establish a 1:1 association between the conditioned stimulus (in this case, thunder) and the unconditioned stimulus (food). The clearer the association, the better the transfer of the response you get to the originally-scary thing. But you can’t do it cleanly with thunder. There are some horrible challenges related to satiation. First, which thunderclaps “count”? You start off treating for each one, as we know we should do. Then you realize that if you continue to do that, and include the quieter ones, you will be feeding nonstop. So you try to make some acoustic threshold in your mind’s ear, and just treat for “the loud ones.” But this breaks the pairing. And is there really some magic line for the dog between scary and “OK, I’m not quite panicking” thunderclaps? Even if there is, how do we find it?

    The second problem is the duration itself. I mentioned in my example that the thunder started at 5:30 PM. As of 1:30 AM the next morning, eight hours later, there hadn’t been a period of even 10 minutes when there wasn’t audible thunder. Then we had two more days of thunderstorms.

    It could help if I could start to ask for a behavior and give him something to do instead of waiting for inconsistently paired food. After hours and days of storms, I was giving “consolation chicken,” since all hope of a consistent pairing was down the drain. But moving to a behavior will have to happen later; he’s too upset.

    A white dog with brown ears and ticking stands by a door. He looks worried and his tail is tucked.
    Lewis waiting by a door trying to escape the thunder (it wouldn’t work, but I let him through anyway)

    Training and Husbandry Got More Difficult

    I mentioned that Lewis’ triggers generalized fast. A door slam, a twig falling on the roof, a human getting the hiccups (really!), the unexpected clink of some metal pieces in a box, the excavation, cars revving—all scare him badly. There are still few days without triggers. In the video above, you can see how sensitized he is; he twitches at least twice in response to background noises.

    Lewis is already a challenge with handling and husbandry. I still trim his nails by giving him frozen peanut butter on a LickiMat and clipping as fast as I can. That’s where we are with nail trims after three years, even though I’ve taught cooperative foot handling to five other dogs. Last fall, Marge Rogers started coaching me on getting him relaxed and being handled. That was coming along nicely until the sound phobia kicked in.

    The handling practice is on hiatus since he’s too sensitive for much training. But he also gets upset if I do his nails the old way, whereas before, he didn’t care for the handling but didn’t seem to mind the actual clipping.

    A similar thing happened with Clara, even though she was such an easier dog than Lewis. She was relaxing through Dremeling at three years old, but then she got Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. She was in pain. I made the mistake of trimming her nails during this period and it was very hard on her. Although she was always cooperative, we never got our relaxed nail trimming back again, for her whole life.

    Looking Back and Looking Forward

    Each dog teaches me new things. I wish, for Lewis’ sake, he didn’t have to be teaching me about this.

    Lewis’ condition is like Zani’s in that he is convinced that if he could leave the house (out the front, not the back), he could escape the triggers. I wish it were so! And both have/had a more severe response to their trigger sounds than Summer, who was afraid of thunder, but probably not phobic. Ad hoc counterconditioning helped Summer immensely. After Zani was stabilized on meds, structured desensitization and counterconditioning helped her to an amazing recovery. But her triggers had acoustic aspects that made them much more amenable to successful DS/CC.

    Lewis has the toughest situation, with clinical phobia to thunder and fireworks that quickly generalized to many other sudden sounds and even objects associated with them. For instance, because one time some metal pieces settled in a box on the coffee table and made a “clink,” we have to be careful about cardboard boxes now.

    Medications (ongoing and situational) and ad hoc counterconditioning have both helped. Lewis also profits from physical and verbal comfort. His first response when a sound scares him is to creep over to me or my partner. He often buries his head between my knees. He has access to places to hide, but isn’t interested. After his initial response, he wants to stay in sight of his humans, but not usually cuddly close. I can tell how upset he is by observing which location he chooses in the den.

    I use sound masking to manage the acoustic environment. It can make such a big difference, and especially helped during the neighborhood excavation. Because of that, I figured out a trick for masking that may help some of you. I’ll publish that in a separate post.

    Here’s an antidote to all the sad photos. We are still managing to have some fun during this adjustment and recovery period. I will keep you posted.

    A white dog with brown ears and ticking looks impishly at the camera while holding a large and very dirty ball on a rope

    Related Posts and Resources

    References

    Lopes Fagundes, A. L., Hewison, L., McPeake, K. J., Zulch, H., & Mills, D. S. (2018). Noise sensitivities in dogs: an exploration of signs in dogs with and without musculoskeletal pain using qualitative content analysis. Frontiers in Veterinary Science5, 17.

    Overall, K. (2013). Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats. Elsevier Health Sciences.

    Copyright 2025 Eileen Anderson



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  • Homeward Pet | Beyond Food and Shelter: The Essential Role of Enrichment in Your Cat’s Health and Happiness

    Homeward Pet | Beyond Food and Shelter: The Essential Role of Enrichment in Your Cat’s Health and Happiness


    Beyond Food and Shelter: The Essential Role of Enrichment in Your Cat’s Health and Happiness

    a Guest Post by Cat Topia

    For cats, the right environment and mental engagement are crucial to staying healthy and happy. Just like humans, cats need more than food, water, and shelter—they need mental and physical enrichment to truly thrive. Without proper enrichment, cats can experience boredom, which may lead to serious health issues. Let’s explore ways owners can add extra enrichment into their lives, such as through a catio.

    Why Enrichment Matters for Cats

    Enrichment for cats is more than entertainment; it’s essential to their well-being. In the wild, cats are natural hunters, driven to explore, hunt, and interact with their environment. Indoor cats, however, don’t have the same outlets to exercise these instincts, leading to potential boredom, stress, and even health issues.

    Think of it like this: if you could never access the outdoors—no sun on your face, no sounds of nature, and no fresh scents of changing seasons—you’d likely feel restless, even anxious. Similarly, without engagement, your cat can become mentally and physically stifled. Providing enrichment, then, allows them the chance to engage in natural behaviors, reducing the negative effects of a restricted lifestyle and promoting both mental and physical health.

    Behavioral Issues from Lack of Enrichment

    Without sufficient enrichment, cats can develop a range of behavioral issues, including:

    • Destructive Behavior: Cats may scratch furniture, knock objects over, or chew on things they shouldn’t. Often, these behaviors result from a need to release pent-up energy or relieve stress.
    • Aggression: Frustrated or anxious cats may become more aggressive toward other pets or people, sometimes reacting unpredictably to what they perceive as threats.
    • Excessive Vocalization: Bored cats may meow excessively to get attention, often as a way to express their dissatisfaction.
    • Lethargy or Obesity: Without enough stimulation, cats may become lazy and inactive, which can lead to weight gain and related health issues like diabetes and arthritis.
    • Depression and Anxiety: Like people, cats can experience depression or anxiety if they’re not given enough mental stimulation. They may withdraw, avoid interaction, or develop behaviors like over-grooming.

    Providing regular, engaging activities helps prevent these issues, making for a happier and healthier pet.

    Types of Enrichment for Cats

    1. Physical Enrichment: Encourage exercise through toys that mimic hunting (like feather wands) and create spaces for climbing and exploration with cat trees or shelves. Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and relieves stress.
    2. Mental Stimulation: Toys that challenge a cat’s mind, such as puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing toys, can be fantastic tools. Rotating toys and introducing new ones also help maintain interest.
    3. Sensory Enrichment: Cats benefit from diverse sensory experiences. Interactive toys that make noise or have different textures can add variety. A simple window perch or bird feeder outside a window can provide hours of entertainment, as cats love watching wildlife.
    4. Social Interaction: While cats are often thought of as solitary, many enjoy interaction with humans or other pets. Setting aside time to play, groom, and cuddle with your cat can satisfy their need for companionship.
    5. Environmental Enrichment: Adding scratching posts, cardboard boxes, and hiding spots around the home can create an environment that caters to a cat’s natural instincts. Rearranging these occasionally can give your cat a sense of novelty in their surroundings.

    The Catio: A Perfect Solution for Enrichment

    A catio (an enclosed, outdoor cat patio) is one of the most effective ways to provide both physical and sensory enrichment. For indoor cats, a catio offers a safe way to experience the outdoors, complete with fresh air, sunlight, and a variety of sights and smells. Here’s how a catio contributes to enrichment:

    • Exercise and Exploration: With safe outdoor access, cats can move more freely and get additional exercise by jumping up ramps, running through enclosed tunnels, chasing fallen leaves blowing in the wind, and exploring their environment—all within the safety of their space.
    • Natural Stimuli: A catio provides sights like birds and squirrels, scents from plants and soil, and sounds of the outdoors—all of which engage a cat’s senses and keep their minds active.
    • Reduced Anxiety: Access to a catio can alleviate stress by giving cats a safe space to retreat to when they feel the need to recharge.

    Ways Owners Can Add Enrichment at Home

    If a catio isn’t feasible, there are still plenty of ways to enrich your cat’s life:

    • Create a “window world”: Set up a bird feeder outside a window and create a comfy perch inside so your cat can watch.
    • Rotate Toys: Switch out toys regularly to keep things fresh and engaging for your cat.
    • Engage in Interactive Play Daily: Spend a few minutes each day playing with your cat to mimic hunting behaviors.
    • Use Puzzle Feeders: Make mealtime more engaging by using puzzle feeders to give them a satisfying challenge during meals.
    • Consider a Companion: If your cat is social, introducing another cat (with proper introductions) can provide both physical and social enrichment.

    Why Enrichment is Crucial For a Happier Healthier Life

    By providing adequate enrichment, cat owners can help prevent a range of behavioral and health issues, giving their cats a happier and more balanced life. From a simple scratching post to a full catio, there are enrichment solutions for every space and budget. Remember, a well-enriched cat is a happy cat, and with some creativity, you can create a stimulating environment that keeps your feline friend active, engaged, and content.



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  • What Is Anticipatory Grief And What Does It Have To Do With Dogs? – Paw Print

    What Is Anticipatory Grief And What Does It Have To Do With Dogs? – Paw Print


    I once read a quote about dogs that I don’t feel like trying to find right now.  If I do end up finding it I’ll update this later.  It was about how dog lovers must sign an invisible contract when they bring a new dog into their lives.  You get insane amounts of unconditional love, snuggles, tail wags, laughter, happy days, and fun.  But the price you eventually have to pay for all that is steep.  I don’t have to type it.  We all know what the price we pay is.  I know all too well what the price we pay is, because I’ve recently paid it.  I’ve been paying it.  I think I paid in extra, because I started making deposits before my balance was due.  Who do I talk to about a refund?  I jest, of course.  This post is about anticipatory grief.  What is it?  And what the heck does it have to do with dogs?

    happy senior dog

    Anticipatory Grief

    Probably somewhat obvious by the name, anticipatory grief, sometimes also referred to as preparatory grief, is a type of grief that is felt before a loss.  Anticipating an impending loss can trigger strong emotions such as sadness, fear, anger, isolation, anxiety, or guilt.  Anticipatory grief is often associated with an impending death, such as in situations where you are aware that yourself, or a loved one, is nearing the end of life.  It can occur in other situations too, however.  Some more common examples included feeling anticipatory grief over the impending loss of a relationship, such as a breakup or divorce, or a major life event such as a move or job change.  “Regular” grief typically occurs after experiencing a loss.  Anticipatory grief is grieving for a loss that has not yet occurred.

    Symptoms of Anticipatory Grief

    Common symptoms of anticipatory grief can include the following…

    • Anger
    • Irritability
    • Numbness and disbelief
    • Guilt
    • Sadness
    • Anxiety
    • Fear
    • Mood swings
    • Loss of control over emotions
    • Desperation
    • Dread
    • Lack of motivation
    • Loneliness
    • Isolation
    • Depression
    • A preoccupation with the terminal loved one

    Sounds fun right (/sarcasm)?  Although it’s thought that anticipatory grief can actually help some people mentally prepare for an impending loss, it’s not a pleasant experience to go through.  The symptoms of anticipatory grief can be bad enough that they negatively impact a person’s everyday life.

    Wait, So Is Anticipatory Grief A Good Thing, Or Bad?

    Studies on anticipatory grief have been pretty inconclusive.  For some people, it does seem to come with some benefits.  Anticipating a major loss before it occurs can help some people to prepare for what is to come.  It can give them time to come to terms with the loss before it happens, which can sometimes make it easier to do things such as say their goodbyes to loved ones, or make necessary preparations ahead of time.  For some people, anticipatory grief can make dealing with a loss easier because they’ve had time to process things ahead of time.

    For other people, anticipatory grief can be, at best, just the beginning of their grieving process.  It doesn’t always adequately help people to prepare for experiencing a loss.  At worst, for others, it can be the beginning stage of prolonged grief disorder.  Between 7% and 10% of adults experience prolonged grief disorder, according to the American Psychiatric Association, which can cause intense, persistent, long term symptoms of grief.

    How to Cope With Anticipatory Grief

    Anticipatory grief can be especially hard.  Oftentimes anticipatory grief ends because the normal grieving process has began.  Many people will experience at least some symptoms of anticipatory grief up until the event they are preparatorily grieving for occurs.

    Talking to understanding loved ones, friends, or even a therapist may help if you are experiencing anticipatory grief.  If you are experiencing extreme symptoms, or symptoms that impact your physical health such as sleeplessness or lack of appetite you should talk to your doctor.  Practicing mindfulness and self care can sometimes help ease symptoms.  Try to maintain a healthy diet and sleep schedule, and exercise regularly if you can.  Meditation or other relaxation exercises may help ease stress.  Find what works for you!  Everyone experiences grief in their own way, and what helps them to get through that grief may differ as well.

    What Does Any Of This Have To Do With Dogs?

    Rest in peace, KitsuneThis is a dog blog after all.  In January of this year (2024) I lost my first dog, my amazing best buddy Kitsune.  After 15 years together, as you can probably imagine, dealing with his death has been hard.  Kit was a live life loud kind of dog, and pretty much up until the day that he died he was making trouble.  Trouble was (literally) his middle name and he 100% lived up to it!  He had cancer, but it, unfortunately, took us a long time to figure out he had cancer.  Who ever suspects that a dog who is barking at you for second dinner and racing around the house not only has cancer, but has advanced, terminal cancer?  I certainly didn’t.  Our vet didn’t either.

    Despite not knowing about Kit’s cancer at the time, I experienced a lot of anticipatory grief especially throughout the last year or so of his life.  I knew that Kit was getting old, and we started having to deal with more health issues with him.  He was diagnosed with IVDD in 2022 so I worried a lot about him experiencing a flare up of that.  He also had arthritis and a heart murmur that we had to stay on top of monitoring.

    Let’s face it, health issues aside every senior dog owner knows they have a very sad day ahead of them.  It’s the price we pay for all the amazing years of love and companionship our dogs give us.  Caring for a beloved aging, senior dog can be a mentally exhausting experience.  For me, I for sure had the symptom of “preoccupation with the terminal loved one” when it came to my anticipatory grief over Kitsune.  I spent a lot of time worrying about Kit and trying to think of new ways to make his life even better.  I’ll never regret doing everything I could to make every moment of his life as happy and as comfortable as possible, but I will admit that the amount of time I was spending worrying about him was causing me a lot of stress.  I would cry sometimes thinking about losing him, which then made me feel frustrated.  I didn’t want to spend whatever amount of time I did have left with him grieving him prematurely.

    papillons cuddly

    Anticipatory Grief Is A Double Edged Sword

    Was the anticipatory grief I experienced before losing my senior dog a good thing or a bad thing?  I will say that it made me really focus a lot of attention on Kit.  Because I was somewhat preoccupied with thinking about his death, I was hyper aware of how important it was to really appreciate the time I had with him.  That last year or so of snuggles were extra sweet.  I admit that I got quite lax when it came to any form of discipline, because how can you say no to a senior dog?  Kit got all the snuggles, and walks, and (almost) all the treats that he wanted.  He’d always been spoiled, but especially so in his last years of life.  No regrets there.

    papillonI feel like really appreciating the time I spent with Kit, and spoiling him so much, in a small way did help me deal with his death.  I knew when he died that we had given him a good life.  That I didn’t take him for granted and that, other than not finding out about his cancer sooner, I didn’t have any major regrets when it came to how I cared for Kit, especially in his senior years.

    But, at the same time, the anticipatory grief was hard.  It was stressful and sad.  In some ways, I feel like it may have been even harder than the actual grief I started dealing with after Kit died.  The actual grief has been really hard, don’t get me wrong, but, for me at least, it’s not as anxiety inducing.  It’s weird to feel like I’ve been grieving for a dog for so long, when he only died 3ish months ago.

    I still have my Alaskan Klee Kai, Fenrir, and I know I’ll more than likely have other dogs in my life in the future.  I hope I don’t experience anticipatory grief with Fenrir or any of my future dogs as strongly as I did with Kitsune.  I’m confident that I can appreciate them in their senior years, the way I did with Kitsune, without the added stress of prematurely grieving them at the same time.  Kit taught me so many important life lessons, one of them, sadly, being about all the hard aspects of living with, and losing, a senior dog.  I’m hoping those lessons will make my next loss a bit easier to deal with, but I guess only time will tell.  And hopefully it will be a very long time before I lose anyone else close to me!

    A Quick Update…

    pet bloggers journey 2024In my last post I said I was going to try to stick to an every other week posting schedule here.  Clearly that hasn’t been working out.  I have to admit, that since losing Kit posting here has just been difficult.  I’ve had some major writer’s block when it comes to writing about dogs, and writing about Kit still makes me cry.  It’s still my plan to post here at least every other week eventually, but for now I’m just going to do what I can.  For anyone who wants to hear from us more often, I’ve been more active on our Instagram and Facebook pages than I have here.

    We are doing ok!  My partner, Fenrir, and I are all really missing Kit.  It just sucks so much not having him around.  It feels like a big part of our little family is missing – because it is.  I still have bad days, and sometimes bad weeks.  But we’re ok.  The weather here is finally warming up so we’ve been trying to spend a lot of time taking advantage of that.  Nature therapy for the win!  Everyday after work I spend time playing outside with Fenrir, and we’ve been fitting in as many spring hikes as we can find time for.

    “Healing in grief is a lot like the onset of spring. It’s unreliable and fickle. One day it’s warmish and blue skies and we think, “Hey! We’re feeling better!” Then the next day -or week- it’s sleeting and gray again. But ever so slowly, we advance into better weather. We can’t rush it. We can’t control it. We can’t skip the dismal days. But we can trust that spring and then summer will come.”
    – Dr.Alan Wolfelt

    Comment Below!

    Have you ever experienced anticipatory grief?  Did you find any techniques that really helped you to deal with it?

    What Is Anticipatory Grief And What Does It Have To Do With Dogs? Pinterest

    We’ve, unfortunately, been dealing with content scrapers stealing our articles. You shouldn’t be seeing this article on any site other than pawprintpetblog.com! If you’re reading this article on any other site, we’d love for you to take the time to contact us and let us know and, if you have the time, stop by and visit us on our official site! Thanks you.





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  • The Loss of my Dog, Regrets, and the Peak-End Rule

    The Loss of my Dog, Regrets, and the Peak-End Rule


    Clara, a tan dog lying on a bed with a colorful quilt. She has her mouth open in a relaxed and happy expression. There is a black ball in front of her between her feet.
    Our happy times were many and long, but usually not dramatic

    I first learned of the “peak-end rule” when I read Daniel Kahneman’s book, Thinking, Fast and Slow. I thought it was interesting and could relate. Years later, when Clara died, the reality of it hit me.

    This post reflects my state of mind immediately after I lost Clara. My perspective has widened over time and the pain has softened. I am not sinking into fixations or deep regrets. I gave her a good life. The concepts I discuss in this post are part of what helped me through my initial grief. I hope they will help others, as well.


    Bucket lists. A favorite last meal. A peaceful, painless death, surrounded by loved ones.

    It is natural to want the best for our beloved pets at the ends of their lives, as we have throughout them.

    Yet, after losing Clara, I noticed something in myself. I had a focus, almost an obsession with her last hours, her last day, her last week. Even her last couple of years. And I have seen this focus in many others.

    It has a name: the peak-end rule.

    Definitions: The Peak-End Rule and Duration Neglect

    The peak-end rule is a cognitive bias that causes us, when looking back on an experience, to focus on two things: the most intense part of it and the end.

    I’m not saying that these things aren’t important. But the peak-end rule can—and has been shown experimentally to—cause us to de-emphasize, even ignore long periods of pleasure and happiness. The same with long periods of moderate pain, when flanked by more extreme pain.

    Here’s a scientific definition:

    The peak-end rule . . . asserts that, when people retrospectively evaluate an experience (e.g., the previous workday), they rely more heavily on the episode with peak intensity and on the final (end) episode than on other episodes in the experience — Alaybek et al., 2022.

    A related effect is called duration neglect.

    . . . we define [duration neglect] as little or no independent effect of duration on retrospective evaluations of affective episodes. — Fredrickson & Kahneman, 1993.

    This is the flip side of the peak-end rule. We devalue duration in comparison with the peak and end of an experience, even if the peak and end are very brief compared to the total experience.

    Research has shown evidence for duration neglect when we recall both pleasant experiences (e.g. vacations) and unpleasant ones (medical procedures).

    Here’s an article with a good discussion of both the peak-end rule and duration neglect.

    The peak-end rule has been shown to apply to retrospectively assessing the happiness of a life (Kahneman, 2012, p. 387). So here I am, after Clara’s death, noticing the peak-end rule while thinking over her life.

    So Many Regrets (And Some Blessings)

    I have all these regrets relating to “the end.” They were very intense in the days after Clara died. In retrospect, this happened to varying degrees with my other dogs as well.

    Clara’s Potato Chip

    I wish I had given Clara a few more potato chips on her last night on earth. I gave her one, but she wanted more. What I would have given her had I known! And I kept thinking of it on the day she died. Why just ONE damn potato chip? Luckily, Ruth was more generous, and gave her three or four cheese crackers. I asked Ruth that day, after Clara was gone, how many she gave her the night before. I wept in gratitude about those crackers.

    But Clara had great food her whole life. Good nutrition to the best of my ability, but also wonderful treats, wonderful variety, very high-value foods. Homemade dog treats. People food. A grilled lean pork chop for her lessons. Fast food chicken sandwiches for training on the road and whipped cream pup cups. And since we moved here in 2018, after we eat, Ruth gives the dogs tastes of our suppers or other fun food that’s safe for them. She does this every day.

    Clara has had food that other dogs might only dream of, over the duration of her whole life. And I’m fixated on that one potato chip.

    Zani’s Ice Cream

    The hind end and tail of Zani, a black dog, are sticking straight up out of the top of a hollow tree stump. She is investigating something in the stump.
    A fun outing very close to the end of Zani’s life

    Out of all my dogs, I had the most warning that Zani was reaching the end of her life. She had a probable diagnosis of lymphoma, but she was still feeling good for a few weeks. We had time for a mini-bucket list. But you know what I focused on after she passed? My timing at her euthanasia. I was too late when I offered her some ice cream.

    It was a blessing that I could be there at all; it was the height of COVID, September 2020. It was also a blessing that she wasn’t scared at the vet. She walked in with the tech in her jaunty way, eager to find people to visit.

    But when the moment came, we were in a rush. I wasn’t fast enough with the vanilla ice cream I had brought in a thermos. Zani looked at it, then the sedation kicked in and she fell asleep. I still think about that ice cream. Is it about me and my fantasy of her perfect passing? Mostly. I still hope that she got enough of a whiff of the ice cream to have a happy feeling on the way out.

    But I have some sweet memories from Zani’s last days. There was the fun mini-trip I took with her four days before she died, many yummy meals, and the special chews that Debbie Jacobs sent us in the nick of time. Zani got to chew one on her last day, about an hour before her appointment. I am so grateful for that.

    Clara’s Training

    Clara, a tan dog with a black muzzle (now gone gray) and black ears, sits on top of a Klimb platform. She looks very happy.
    A rare training session in Clara’s last month, September 2024

    This one is not about the last moments, but the last years. I have a huge regret that I did not continue my training fun with Clara after Lewis came. He exhausted me. I wasn’t even able to do much of my own work for a long time. Luckily, Clara still had her walks. I had been walking her and my partner’s dog daily since April 2021 (then Lewis, starting in 2022). I am so grateful for that, and proud that I walked them so consistently. But Lewis dominated my time. Clara’s training games (and the trick title work) ceased abruptly. I feel guilty.

    This is a reasonable regret, more than a bias. We stopped doing something she loved. But feeling extra bad about it is an example of both the peak-end rule and duration neglect. Clara has gotten more of my time and attention than any other dog. We lived for each other. That never stopped. She has been on outings and gone places the others never have. For seven years, she had two fun lessons a week with a great trainer. We usually went to a shopping mall (ice cream!) or a beautiful park for a long walk.

    She got my best training self for ten years. And high value treats and much, much play. But because I stopped training with her for two years (with a few exceptions), and because it was during our last years together, I feel this guilt. If there had been a hiatus of a similar period, but in the middle of our lives together, I would have regrets, but the loss likely would not loom so large.

    I stopped walking the dogs for two weeks last summer after I sprained my ankle. I hated it for them. But since it wasn’t at the end for Clara, it doesn’t horrify me to think about. She got three more months of walks after that. And it’s a blessing to me that her last one was extra sweet because it was drizzling rain. That was her favorite kind of walk.

    A happy walk after a rain in May 2024

    Clara’s Last Hours

    Hemangiosarcoma just snuck up, so I don’t know that I could have done anything better. But I feel awful, of course, that her last hours on this earth were painful, and she was in a foreign place. No idyllic euthanasia at home after a perfect bucket week or month. But it helps immensely that I was with her at the very end, that I was the last thing she saw before she sank into peace. And it WAS peaceful. So much better than Cricket, who fought, and Summer, for whom I wasn’t present.

    Perhaps Clara was in as much pain, if I can compare, after her spay when she was a teenager. They let her come home the same day, because of her extreme fear. She was hurting. But I haven’t thought of that in years. It was not at the “end.”

    Do I seem callous for comparing these things? I am not undervaluing any of her pain. Just noting that her last morning “feels” like the worst to me. But I don’t know how it felt to her. And she is gone now, leaving me to think about her life.

    The GoPro

    Clara, a tan dog with a black but graying muzzle and black on her ears, "smiles" at the camera on a walk. She is wearing a black harness and standing in a driveway.
    My last, slightly goofy photo of Clara on a walk, a week before she died

    Another regret, and this one didn’t even affect her, only me. But it feels somehow like it affected her. I bought a GoPro, largely to get some candid shots of Clara and record the dogs on their walks. Clara reacted poorly to having a phone camera pointed at her for her whole life; I was hoping she would not do so with the GoPro. I got it about four days before she died. I didn’t know what was coming. I didn’t set it up in time.

    I almost deleted this example, since it feels in really bad taste to have the privilege to buy such a camera and then whine about not getting to use it. But I include it because it’s another example of bias. Because of my ankle sprain in June, I stopped using my phone to make videos of Clara’s walks. I needed to watch my footing better. I have many videos of Clara on walks. And while there are probably other three-month gaps in that set of videos, it specifically hurts that I don’t have any for her last three months.

    The Experiencing Self vs. the Remembering Self

    Kahneman talks about the “experiencing self” and the “remembering self” and their vastly different perceptions of situations and events. The remembering self is the one that values peaks and ends. The experiencing self. . . experiences. It’s the one living in the moment.

    I’m thinking about my living dogs now. Lewis and my partner’s Chihuahua mix, Choo Choo. Many people who have just lost a dog will say to others, “Hug your babies today, give them treats.” Some will say to act as if every day is your pet’s last day because you never know if it might be.

    I ran that last one through my mind in the present and my experiencing self said NO WAY. Give Lewis a whole bunch of potato chips? EVERY NIGHT, because it might be his last night? No. The “treat them as if every day were their last” idea doesn’t cut it in many ways. Health. Nutrition. The dangers of too much fat and salt and the harm that can come from unbridled treat food. The risks of exhaustion or injury if you focus on play or intense activities. What an interesting idea, to try to make every day a peak. Because that’s what the idea boils down to. But it was an instant No when I thought about it. Out of the question.

    I spell this out because it was interesting to have my experiencing and remembering selves come smack up against each other. I was regretting Clara’s one potato chip at the same time I was refusing to do something that might prevent that regret with Lewis.

    Application of the Peak-End Rule to How We Perceive Our Dogs’ Lives

    I’m surprised that there is not a lot of written discussion about this. Grief over losing a pet is becoming more recognized and affirmed by society, and resources for this type of loss are burgeoning. The peak-end rule can aid understanding of why some things can hurt so badly.

    There is one significant exception to the silence on this topic related to pets’ lives. Veterinarian Mary Gardner, in Treatment and Care of the Geriatric Veterinary Patient, focuses on the peak-end rule in the context of euthanasia. After discussion of the rule, in a section titled “Endings Matter,” she advises vets on the ways they can help not only the pet but the pet’s guardians by making the euthanasia experience as calm and peaceful as possible. The book has thoughtful instructions on how to speak to the guardian about the process, the order of events, and more. She ends the section with these words:

    Although our pets are a part of our stories (an important chapter), their own lives are a story. And in stories, endings matter most. So make the most out of the end and make it good — Gardner and McVety, 2017, p. 338.

    Why Knowing about the Peak-End Rule and Duration Neglect Bias Can Be Helpful

    I’ve related a lot of sad moments and regrets in this post. But the point behind them, and my impetus for sharing, is that knowing about the peak-end rule helped me put those things in perspective.

    I understand more than ever why bucket lists can be such a good thing. Not only for the dog, but for the person. Having memories of the extra-special times near the end of our dogs’ lives can be sweet. The ones I described for Zani above were not dramatic. Many people do much more unusual things. But ours were enough out of the ordinary that the memories shine for me.

    Clara, a tan dog with a black muzzle, ears, and tail, is wearing a pink harness. She is splashing in the muddy Arkansas river.
    On one memorable “peak” walk in the summer of 2016, my friend and I let our dogs get in the Arkansas River because we were afraid a dog was overheating (she wasn’t, it turns out). There are lots of reasons not to get in the Arkansas River, but Clara was thrilled.

    I now have a weapon against my regrets and sad memories. I’ve delineated some of my regrets above. (That is not a complete list.) I have kept the painful images and memories of Clara’s last hours private. But I’ve learned that we can honor duration, even if that doesn’t come naturally. We can remind ourselves of the thousand fun walks or trips our dogs had even if they missed one their last day.

    Rather than focusing on the dramatic “peaks,” which stand out in our memory, and rather than trying to make peaks every day, we can be present and constant with our dogs and mindful of their happiness. Our experiencing selves can do that, and we can remind our remembering selves of it.

    I would never ever dismiss or devalue the events near the ends of our loved ones’ lives, good or bad. But it has helped me immensely to consider the rest of Clara’s life. It was long, it was calm, it was safe, it was happy. I made it that way, and I can feel peace in that.

    Copyright 2024 Eileen Anderson

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    References and Resources

    Alaybek, B., Dalal, R. S., Fyffe, S., Aitken, J. A., Zhou, Y., Qu, X., Roman, A., & Baines, J. I. (2022). All’s well that ends (and peaks) well? A meta-analysis of the peak-end rule and duration neglect. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes170, 104149.

    Diener, E., Wirtz, D., & Oishi, S. (2001). End effects of rated life quality: The James Dean effect. Psychological science12(2), 124-128.

    Fredrickson, B. L., & Kahneman, D. (1993). Duration neglect in retrospective evaluations of affective episodesJournal of personality and social psychology65(1), 45.

    Gardner, M., & McVety, D. (Eds.). (2017). Treatment and care of the geriatric veterinary patient. John Wiley & Sons.

    Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, fast and slow. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

    Müller, U. W., Witteman, C. L., Spijker, J., & Alpers, G. W. (2019). All’s bad that ends bad: there is a peak-end memory bias in anxiety. Frontiers in psychology10, 1272.

    Zenko, Z., Ekkekakis, P., & Ariely, D. (2016). Can you have your vigorous exercise and enjoy it too? Ramping intensity down increases postexercise, remembered, and forecasted pleasure. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology38(2), 149-159.



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