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Can cats overdose on catnip? Photo: John Most cats love catnip — and the good news is that catnip is safe. The occasional use of catnip is safe and recommended as a lifestyle enhancer by feline experts and behaviorists. But can cats overdose on catnip? No. However, reactions can occur. We’ll discuss this below, so keep

Special Kitty cat food recall Maker: J.M. Smucker CompanyCause: “Products don’t meet the Company’s quality and safety standards”Announcement: FDA announcement on Dec. 5, 2019 (archived here)What was recalled: Specific lots of Special Kitty Mixed Grill Dinner Paté cat food, in individual small cans as well as in variety packs: Special Kitty Mixed Grill Dinner Paté,

Quest Cat Food Prey Model Beef Diet Maker: Go Raw, LLCCause: Potential for salmonella contaminationAnnouncement: FDA announcement on Nov. 14, 2019 (archived here)What was recalled: 2 lb. bags of Quest Cat Food Prey Model Beef Diet, frozen bite size nuggets (UPC #6-91730-17101-8), only Lot #N128 The company says this recall is limited only to a

Having only 3 legs “never slowed down” this beautiful Vizsla named Reagan, according to her caretaker. Photo: tkerugger There’s an old saying that applies equally to dogs and cats: “Dogs [and cats] have 3 legs and a spare.” This neatly sums up how 3-legged pets cope with the loss of a limb: These tripods (or

Getting a cat to be more affectionate starts with keeping them healthy, happy and comfortable. Photo: ibjennyjenny Cats show their affection in different ways from dogs, which is disappointing for some people who were hoping for a cuddly, affectionate kitty. Although some cats are quite affectionate and will happily cuddle up in a warm lap,

Know the health implications if your dog is missing a testicle — and discuss it with your vet. Photo: Kullerkeks “Down below,” “down there,” “his junk,” “my dog’s nuts” … These are some of the more polite euphemisms people (especially guys) use with a veterinarian when alluding to problems of a testicular nature. Me, the

As long as your reason for returning the dog or cat is reasonable, you’ll be welcome to adopt from that shelter again. Photo: speculummundi We’d all like to believe that every adoption story has a happy ending. But the truth is, not every pet adoption is a perfect match — and sometimes returning a pet

Wondering how to help feral cats? There are a number of things you can do — which we discuss in this in-depth article. Photo: kissu We’ve all seen them — lean cats with large frightened eyes who move across our yards and parking lots like wind on the water. Feral cats have never had contact with

Why does my cat go crazy and run around? Photo: Sandy Schultz If you have a cat, it’s a good bet you’ve seen the following: All is quiet, when suddenly your cat comes racing into the room, scuffles around a bit and then tears out as if they’ve just heard that there’s a free catnip giveaway.

Texas Tripe recall Maker: Texas Tripe, Inc.Cause: Potential for listeria contaminationAnnouncement: Company announcement on Aug. 3, 2019 (archived here)What was recalled: The following lot numbers of raw pet food products: 19148, 19419, 19150, 19151, 19154, 19155, 19156, 19157, 19158, 19161, 19162, 19163, 19164, 19165, 19168, 19169, 19170, 19171, 19172, 19175, 19176, 19177, 19178, 19179, 19181

What’s involved when the veterinarian tells you your pet needs a dental procedure? Photo: robertwitcher At a family reunion recently, my cousin wanted to talk to me, a veterinarian, about her dog’s recent dental. She had just had a “dental” done, and my cousin began to go on and on about the price and how

Have you thought about what you want to do when your pet dies? It was the height of a storm the other night. Wind gusts were frightening, our towering trees very close to the house, and my veterinary hospital reeking and bending. My beeper went off. “Are you kidding me?” said one of my kids.

Choosing the right brush for your cat will make a big difference. Photo: yoppy Brushing your cat is an often overlooked task, but it’s an important one. But why is that? Well, because regular brushing not only keeps cat fur from getting tangled and matted, but it also encourages good blood circulation and gives you

Do you know how to give medicine to a cat? Get specific instructions directly from your veterinarian before trying it at home. Photo: David Herraez Calzada As a veterinarian, I’ve been tasked with medicating thousands of cats over the years. And whether I’m trying to show people how to give medicine to a cat or

Before giving your pet medication, call your vet to check that it’s safe — and that you’re giving the correct dose. Photo: John Voo If your dog or cat has a minor wound, do you head straight for the veterinarian? This question has been on my mind recently. I was thinking about it partly after

These days, there are more and more options for fresh pet food delivery services — but which ones are the best? Photo: 123rf As a pet sitter and delivery person, I visit a lot of homes and have noticed a rising trend: fresh pet food delivery services. It’s a great concept. Most people have hectic

Curtis, a 5-month-old Lab/pit mix puppy, underwent tail amputation following unknown trauma. Photo: bullcitydogs Tail injuries happen. Whether your dog has “happy tail syndrome” or your cat’s tail has been crushed in a door, you may be facing tail amputation. This may sound drastic, but most pets are back on their paws quickly and all

No, giving a bath is not the best way to treat fleas. Bathing just removes a small part of the problem. Photo: oritslama If you have a dog or cat, you’re probably wondering what’s the single best way to treat fleas. The truth is, anyone can get a flea problem. No matter how advanced and

Does your cat sleep too much? Probably not — all cats sleep two-thirds of the day. Photo: rberteig My wellness exams usually start out much the same: “Great to see you! How’s Muffin doing?” The edgy cat people often respond: “How should I know? My cat sleeps too much.” The upbeat, happy cat people say

How Much to Tip a Veterinarian or Vet Tech Veterinarians and veterinary technicians and other staff members work in an office environment and handle the medical needs of your pets, from routine vaccinations to emergency services. They are on hand to answer questions about medications, treat minor and major injuries and illnesses, and perform wellness exams. The true depth

How much to pay your pet sitter? The short answer is, it depends. Photo: Dora Zett Many people with pets prefer the convenience of a pet sitter as opposed to boarding their pets. Some pets have anxiety issues that preclude boarding, while others have health problems. And then some pets just prefer — and do

Disclosure: This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Varo. The opinions and text are all mine. This Labradoodle named Skipper is one of my clients as a pet sitter. Photos: Melissa Smith/Petful One of the worst feelings in the world is when you’re sitting helplessly in front of a veterinarian, knowing

Consider quality of life when your pet can no longer do things that bring them joy. Photo: Wallula When is it time to consider euthanizing your pet? How do you know when your pet’s quality of life has gone way down? Any pet’s basic needs include being able to:  Breathe Walk Eat Drink Defecate Urinate Groom Sleep

Jackson Galaxy’s Cat Camp was co-founded by the Animal Planet star. Photos: Cat Camp NYC I’m so excited to be attending Jackson Galaxy’s Cat Camp soon — and I hope I’ll see you there, too! Cat Camp, held June 1–2, 2019, at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood, is an immersive experience

Sneezing is one of the most common health complaints veterinarians hear from people with young kittens. Photo: Natalia Kostrykina “My kitten is sneezing!” That is one of the most common complaints of people with new kittens. Whether the little muffin has been adopted from a shelter, purchased from a breeder, or found and rescued as

The #1 way cats communicate with each other is through scent communication. Photo: sarahakabmg Emrys and Lady, my Abyssinians, stand together on the bureau. Back to back, they look like bookends. But their tails are entwined in such a way that they almost seem to form a heart. The entwining — and not the vague

Treating arthritis in cats can be more challenging than treating dogs. Photo: rszeszko0 Could your cat have arthritis and be suffering in silence? George may still be curious, but if his aging joints are keeping him from poking around the house, he may be suffering from arthritis. You may see your older dog start to show signs

Weight loss is one of the most common signs of cat aging. Photo: fjhony Our cats are living longer and longer. Veterinary medicine, educated pet parents and nutritional advances have greatly increased the lifespan of our beloved furry felines. We get to enjoy our cats for a longer time, and many of our cats experience

Wondering how to give a cat a bath? Pro tip: The kitchen sink may work better than your bath tub. Photo: Brian Costelloe “Cats are such nice, clean animals,” an older man remarks in passing to me. Which is absolutely true. But that doesn’t mean your cat is a 100% self-cleaning unit or that you

Has your pet food brand ever been recalled? Photo: chalabala If it seems like every time you turn around, there’s another pet food recall — well, you’re not too far off the mark. We researched the most popular dog food and cat food brands in the United States and were shocked to see just how many