Dallas Becomes the Last Major City in Texas to Ban the Sale of Kittens and Puppies from Pet Stores
The state of Texas has gradually joined the ranks of five other U.S. states that have banned the sale of puppies and kittens in pet stores. The new ordinance went into effect on November 11, 2022. It was passed in May and allows for a penalty of up to $500 per violation. Dallas is the last large city in the state to enact the regulation. People advocating for the Humane Pet Store Ordinance have voiced their opinions that taking these steps will help reduce support for puppy mills that keep female dogs as breeders penned and pregnant....
True Bromance: FIV+ Besties Firefly & Carson at Purrfect Pals Cat Sanctuary are Ready for Their Forever Home
Firefly and Carson’s story comes to us from our friend Crystal Chiechi, Outreach Manager at Purrfect Pals. When stray 3-year-old brown and white tabby Firefly first arrived at Purrfect Pals Cat Sanctuary in Arlington, Washington, in early 2021, he was safe at last! But something was missing… A good samaritan found Firefly living outside their home and fed him for over a year. They decided to take him to their veterinarian to get neutered in the hopes of making him part of their indoor cat family. While undergoing routine blood...
20 Interesting Tidbits You Might Not Know About Cats
Did you know… 1. House cats share 95.6 percent of the same DNA as tigers. 2. Cats are thought to be the only mammals that don’t taste sweetness. 3. Cats do have an extra organ that allows them to taste scents in the air. 4. Kittens are born with closed eyes but they are blue when they finally open. 5. Cats’ collarbones don’t connect to their other bones, as these bones are buried in their shoulder muscles. Photo: Pixabay/congerdesign 6. Cats have 230 bones, while human beings only have 206. 7. A cat’s average...
Adorable Homeless Kitten Devoid of Sex Organs Considered a Veterinary First in U.K.
A sweet 15-week-old kitten in the U.K. brought into the Cats Protection rescue in Warrington has been discovered to be sexless. When the homeless kitty was initially brought in, it was believed the adorable feline was a girl. But closer inspection revealed something strange: it has no discernible sex organs. Neither male nor female, the cat is being touted as a veterinary first. Hope the Kitten Appearing to be a tabby mix, staff at the facility named the unusual animal Hope. And unusual the cat is because not only does it not have any visible...
Teach Your Children to Be Kind to Animals and Pets
One of the first lessons children should learn when they’re old enough to understand is to treat pets and animals in general with kindness and respect. This should go without saying, but many people assume they wouldn’t need to because who would harm an animal in the first place? While most kids, when they’re very little, don’t do it intentionally, small children need to be told there are limits to the strength or force they use when interacting with animals. That’s because they haven’t necessarily learned...
Why Cats Scratch – It’s Only Natural
Anyone who has cats knows they love to scratch – often on inappropriate places such as the furniture. Contrary to what you may think, your cat doesn’t scratch just to be naughty. She’s doing it because she needs to. Scratching is a natural instinctive feline behavior, which means it should be accommodated. Find out why cats need to scratch, and how you can fulfill her needs without sacrificing your furniture. Cats scratch for four main reasons “Asking a cat not to scratch is like asking a dog to never bark or a bird...
Survey Finds Holiday Shoppers Intend to Spend More Time and Money on Pets This Year
A recent study conducted by PetSmart and Wakefield Research asked 1,000 U.S. pet parents about their holiday plans this year, and the answers should come as no surprise if you’re one of the millions of pet owners in America. The pet industry rakes in billions of dollars each year as more and more people tend to treat their pets like kids. We buy them things and spend money on them even when it means we go without or, at the very least, have to cut back on our own needs. Photo: The Animal Rescue Site Store Holiday Shopping for Pets With...
Pet Food Bags Found to Be Contaminated with Forever Chemicals Dangerous to Dogs and Cats
A recent study conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) revealed a frightening truth: a significant portion of America’s pet food packaging could be contaminated with forever chemicals, aka PFAS. If true, this creates a potentially dangerous scenario for pets exposed to toxins. The group checked 11 bags of pet food and discovered that each and every one of them tested positive for some level of the harmful substances — including several that showed extremely high levels. “This represents a significant source of...
Alexa Can Now Help Frightened Pets Cope with Noisy Holidays
Every year during noisy holidays like the 4th of July and New Year’s Eve, pet owners everywhere damn their neighbors for all of the loud explosions going off from fireworks. Each time a blast rocks your pet and frightens them senseless you shudder along with them in what amounts to sympathy pains. The shaking and whimpering pull at your heartstrings as you wonder how thoughtless and insensitive holiday revelers can be. Not all pets are sensitive to loud noises, but if yours is, that’s all that matters. Now, Alexa might be able to...
Can Tui Na help your dog or cat live longer
Otherwise known as acupressure-massage, Tui Na is an ancient Chinese modality that can contribute to health and longevity in dogs and cats. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our dogs and cats lived as long as we do? While that’s not achievable, unfortunately, we can nevertheless take measures to help ensure our companion animals stay healthy so they can live as long as possible. Among the many modalities and therapies that can boost wellness and contribute to longevity is Tui Na, the original Chinese modality of acupressure-massage. The...
