7 Human Foods That Are Safe for Cats to Enjoy

7 Human Foods That Are Safe for Cats to Enjoy

Our cats are more like family to us than mere pets. We love them, and they make us as happy as human children make their parents. No matter what people say, they’re undoubtedly the best! But all this said, caring for a cat is a big responsibility. You can feed your feline friend from your plate, but be cautious because some human foods are unhealthy for cats. Below, we’ve listed seven safe options to consider. Fish This is an easy one. You might know how much Garfield loves tuna, and your little kitty will be no different. Salmon, crab, tuna, and herring are fish you can eat and share with your pet. Fish have healthy omega-3 fatty acids, an essential nutrient for keeping cats healthy. Omega-3s are all the more important if your kitten is growing. But always ensure fish is well-cooked and not excessively seasoned. Uncooked fish has pathogens that affect you and can also be dangerous to cats. Oatmeal A lesser-discussed human food that’s cat-safe is oatmeal. This pasty food, a rich source of energy and vitamin B, could be a good breakfast option for you and your pet cat. But though oatmeal is ideal to start the day, not all felines like it.
Read More
15 Human Foods That Are Safe and Healthy for Dogs

15 Human Foods That Are Safe and Healthy for Dogs

Pet parents leave no stone unturned to ensure their pet’s good health. Purchasing premium pet foods, pet-proofing the home, and taking their pets for vet visits are just some of the measures pet parents take to keep their pets healthy. Nutrition is one of the most essential aspects determining a dog’s general well-being. In addition to specific dog foods available on the market, certain human foods can also provide dogs with the required nourishment: Chicken Most dogs will surely enjoy a simple yet satisfying meal of boiled chicken and rice. Boiled chicken can serve as an excellent low-fat meal for dogs, providing them with their daily dose of protein and helping with muscle and bone health. However, eating chicken in its raw form is not advisable, as it can increase the risk of salmonella and other bacterial infections. It is also best to avoid adding spices and salt to the chicken meal, as these can result in digestive issues like diarrhea and vomiting. Plain boiled chicken, preferably with some boiled rice, is the best bet for a sumptuous meal for one’s pooch. Eggs Eggs are rich sources of protein, fatty acids, and vitamins A, B2, and B12, making them a healthy breakfast option for dogs.
Read More
Ways to Decode Canine Communication with Humans

Ways to Decode Canine Communication with Humans

Humans tend to rely on verbal modes when communicating with each other. On the other hand, dogs communicate primarily via body language and secondarily through vocalizations. While having a dog whisperer would take the guesswork out of the situation, understanding inter-species communication is not as straightforward. Therefore, when deciphering what is being communicated, you must observe the entire dog (tail carriage/motion, facial expressions, body position, etc.) and the situation or context. Looking for non-verbal cues: Since dogs cannot vocalize their feelings, they may use the following non-verbal cues for our benefit: Tail Tail wagging is the most obvious sign to observe. However, it may not always mean the dog is happy, friendly, or excited. Remember to look for other cues to understand their mood. Here are some general tail motions that can help decipher how your dog is feeling: A curled tail could be a relaxation, confidence, or dominance stance. A straight, stiff tail generally signals that the dog is focused on an activity or tracking something. A tucked or lowered tail is a sign of fear or submission. Ears Isn’t it adorable watching a dog’s ears perk up? Their ears are also an important part of communication! Perky ears are generally a sign of interest and focus, while floppy ears are a sign of submission.
Read More
Avoid these 13 toxic foods for dogs

Avoid these 13 toxic foods for dogs

A dog’s physical well-being is every dog parent’s ultimate objective. Today, with increasing awareness of pet care and nutrition, a wide range of dog foods that perfectly balance taste and nutrition are available in the market. Understanding a dog’s nutritional needs that cater to them effectively can help dog owners facilitate their pooches’ overall health. In addition, one should also be aware of certain products that can cause toxicity to dogs. Some of them are: Chocolate Chocolate comprises theobromine, a toxic substance that can cause several adverse reactions in dogs, including internal bleeding, hyperactivity, seizures, tremors, and sometimes even a stroke. Even a small portion of chocolate can prove toxic, so it should be avoided. Raisins and grapes All grapes – including cooked, seedless, peeled, and dried – can increase a dog’s risk of developing kidney or renal failure. Even consuming one grape can cause severe toxicity among dogs, though studies have failed to determine the exact substance in grapes that causes this toxicity. Dairy Dairy items may not be directly harmful or toxic to dogs. However, some dogs are lactose intolerant and cannot process the sugar found in dairy products. Milk and its by-products, such as cheese, yogurt, or ice cream, can cause diarrhea and other related problems in such dogs.
Read More
11 wholesome homemade treats for pet dogs

11 wholesome homemade treats for pet dogs

Our canine companions are more than just pets; they’re cherished members of our families. Ensuring their health and happiness is paramount, and food is a crucial aspect of their well-being. Homemade treats offer a personalized touch, allowing us to cater to our furry friends’ specific tastes and nutritional needs. Including natural ingredients like fresh fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains ensures that dogs not only savor the flavor but also reap the nutritional benefits. Here are a few homemade dog treat recipes that are delicious and wholesome: 1. Peanut butter and banana bites Pet parents can pamper their furry children with these delectable peanut butter and banana bites. This delightful treat combines the rich, nutty flavor of natural peanut butter with the natural sweetness of a ripe banana. Not only do these treats taste amazing, but they also pack a punch in terms of nutrition. Bananas are a great source of potassium, essential for maintaining proper heart function in dogs. Additionally, natural peanut butter provides a healthy dose of protein and healthy fats. Whole wheat flour offers a good fiber source, promoting healthy digestion. These treats are simple and sure to become a staple. 2. Sweet potato chews For a treat that’s both tasty and healthy, look no further than these sweet potato chews.
Read More
10 kitchen ingredients to control ticks and fleas in dogs

10 kitchen ingredients to control ticks and fleas in dogs

Keeping a dog healthy is every pet parent’s priority. However, pets are susceptible to a range of health complications, which may surface due to a range of factors, including flea and tick infestations. There are several ways to keep these tiny critters away, which include vet-recommended sprays and prescriptions. But for those who want to steer clear of such methods, here are ten kitchen ingredients that could help manage ticks and fleas infestation. Apple cider vinegar Though apple cider vinegar may not eliminate fleas and ticks, the ingredient could help repel them. Fleas do not enjoy the smell or taste of this vinegar, so they are likely to avoid settling on the pet. Pet parents could dilute the apple cider vinegar in water and add the mixture to a spray bottle. If the pet does not like being sprayed, the individual could dip a brush in the mixture and distribute it into the fur with a grooming session. However, the liquid isn’t safe for pet consumption. Therefore, one should limit the amount introduced to the pet’s fur with consultation with a vet. Lemon Experts indicate that using citrus fruits like lemons could be highly effective in keeping fleas and ticks away in dogs.
Read More
13 signs that may indicate one’s pet dog is sick

13 signs that may indicate one’s pet dog is sick

Dogs cannot communicate through words, but their actions, behavior, and body language can reveal their mental and physical health. Dogs may get sick for various reasons, including infections, injuries, or underlying health conditions. While seeing one’s beloved canine companion unwell can be distressing, being observant and proactive can make a significant difference in their recovery. Here are some telltale signs that indicate one’s pet dog may be under the weather. Changes in appetite Dogs love food and often finish their favorite meals and snacks within minutes. But if one’s dog suddenly loses interest in food or water or starts eating significantly less, it could be a warning sign. Their loss of appetite may be because of digestive problems, such as indigestion or constipation, dental problems like gum disease or broken teeth, or illnesses and infections. At times, dogs may resist a particular type of food due to allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients. Conversely, an abnormal and sudden increase in appetite, despite providing sufficient food in regular quantities, should also prompt one to consult a vet. Vomiting and diarrhea Gastrointestinal issues are common in dogs and can be caused by various factors, including infections, allergies, or underlying diseases. Frequent vomiting, especially if accompanied by diarrhea, can lead to dehydration and should not be ignored.
Read More
10 mistakes to avoid when buying pet insurance

10 mistakes to avoid when buying pet insurance

Pets are beloved members of the family. They keep people company, play around the house, and help brighten up one’s mood. However, pet ownership also presents a significant amount of responsibility. Like humans, pets can fall sick and need expert care, which can be expensive. Pet insurance helps people save money on health and other costs linked to their furry friends. However, one must avoid making these ten mistakes when buying a policy. Buying insurance too late People often wait for their pets to get sick before buying insurance. This approach can be rather expensive for two reasons. First, insurance becomes expensive as a pet ages and/or develops health issues, likely leading to higher premiums and less coverage. Second, insurance providers may refuse to offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, leading to total disqualification or minimal coverage from the plan. To ensure their pet is covered under the best insurance plan, individuals must buy insurance while their furry companion is still young and free of severe health conditions. Thinking of it as a savings plan Pet insurance is neither an investment nor a savings plan. It is a risk management tool meant to protect against unexpected health conditions. The plan is similar to homeowner’s insurance, which helps people avoid financial stress during unexpected events, such as a fire or a flood.
Read More
Top 9 unsafe foods for cats

Top 9 unsafe foods for cats

People with cats have to take many precautions to care for their feline friends. Some of these measures include ensuring adequate nutrition for the cats. However, to meet their pet’s exact nutrient requirements, one should ensure the cat follows a meal regimen comprising specific healthy foods that are safe for cats. The regimen should also be devoid of foods that can be toxic for cats. So, here are a few foods cat parents should avoid: 1. Chocolate Chocolates are known to be extremely dangerous for cats, as they are loaded with sugars. Further, chocolates contain methylxanthines (theobromine and caffeine), which may trigger alarming signs like vomiting, muscle tremors, abnormal heart rhythms, seizures, and abdominal discomfort in cats. Similar properties are found in caffeinated beverages, which should also be kept far from the reach of cats. So, chocolates or cocoa is one of the toxic foods to avoid when feeding cats. 2. Raw eggs While eggs can offer a range of health benefits for pet animals, when served in their raw or undercooked form, they can do more harm than good. Raw eggs contain bacteria causing E. coli or salmonella poisoning. Pets who contract these illnesses may experience symptoms like lethargy and vomiting.
Read More
Top 7 tips for toilet-training cats

Top 7 tips for toilet-training cats

Cat parents know the struggle of keeping a litter box clean and cleaning tracked litter throughout the house. This is why many choose to toilet-train their pets to remove the need for a litter box completely. By training one’s pet to do their business in a toilet, cat parents create a safe and hygienic solution for their pet. That said, toilet training should be done gradually, taking about six weeks. Here are a few tips to toilet train one’s cat: 1. Purchasing the right litter tray The first tip to toilet-training a feline is to purchase the right litter tray. The idea of purchasing the right litter tray is to make cats comfortable with doing their business at a designated place. Gradually, parents can reinforce their behavior and train them to use the toilet. Most cats prefer two trays. Getting the right litter trays can make or break the experience for cats when they need to go. For example, if the walls of the tray are very high, then the cat will not be able to climb into it easily. Cat parents should also purchase litter boxes with enough room for a cat to move around and find a comfortable “spot” inside.  Those who have just adopted or rescued a pet should avoid purchasing litter boxes with doors or steps.
Read More