Tag Archives: pet

Stop Treating Your Pet Like a Toy: It Could Harm Their Health.

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New Scientist. Our website and magazine provide science news and in-depth articles by expert journalists focusing on advancements in science, technology, health, and the environment.

Once commonplace pets in our yards have transitioned, for better or worse, into pampered “fur babies.” The American Veterinary Medical Association recently noted that pet owners are anticipated to spend nearly $1 billion on pet costumes this year. While many consider this harmless entertainment, the increasing trend of treating pets like surrogate children can pose significant risks to the health and well-being of the animals involved.

The ancestors of today’s fur babies belonged to a group of small, domesticated carnivores within the Canis and Felis genera, distributed worldwide. Even though these pets often have a shorter lifespan, they provide immense joy, companionship, and health benefits to their human companions, teaching children respect for animals and their basic needs.

Additionally, pets offer educational advantages, such as helping individuals experience and process non-human death, preparing them for the loss of human loved ones. Most pets receive basic necessities like food, water, shelter, and vaccinations, along with names that represent their traits or characteristics (e.g., Fido, Sooty, Rover). Crucially, many are assured a relatively peaceful end before the wear of old age diminishes their quality of life.

The shift from pets to fur babies can be attributed to various factors, including an overemphasis on the human-animal bond, rising affluence, lack of understanding of animals’ biological requirements, rampant consumerism, and reckless (though well-intentioned) anthropomorphism. The principal causes and effects of fur baby culture are intensifying and spreading globally. This is evident not only in the availability of costumes for special occasions but also in items like strollers, jewelry, perfumes, diapers, nail polish, hair dye, elaborate birthday cakes, and designer shoes, all coupled with access to “gold standard” veterinary care.

Research indicates that fur babyism negatively impacts both physical and psychological health. For example, while strollers may assist injured or arthritic pets, excessive use for otherwise healthy dogs can result in muscle atrophy, joint issues, and obesity. Limiting a fur baby’s mobility curtails their instinct to explore, mark territory, and interact with their environment, which can lead to anxiety and fear.

Given these potential risks, one might expect the veterinary community to collectively oppose the fur baby trend. Surprisingly, this isn’t always the case. There’s a shift from outright condemnation to capitalizing on it, which is concerning. Encouraging excessive treatments, like radiotherapy for older animals, can further jeopardize animal welfare without necessarily enhancing health.

A pet owner’s affection is commendable as long as it prioritizes the animal’s well-being, ensuring they are free from pain and suffering. However, veterinarians who exploit an owner’s misplaced affection for profit through unnecessary, invasive, and costly tests and procedures lack ethical justification.

All caregivers should contemplate the distress caused by misclassifying an animal’s needs—treating them as a human child rather than as a pet. Veterinarians who cater to the fur baby trend ought to know better.

Eddie Crutchin I am a co-author of Veterinary Controversies and Ethical Dilemmas (Routledge)

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The Right (and Wrong) Things to Say to Someone Who Has Lost a Pet

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Individuals form profound connections with their pets, often regarding them as steadfast companions and integral family members. Consequently, the loss of a pet can evoke emotions as intense as the loss of a loved one.

A significant factor that can amplify a pet owner’s grief is social isolation. Therefore, being present for someone who is mourning is commendable. It’s essential to recognize that their sorrow may persist for an extended period (often longer than a few months). If possible, aim to extend your support beyond the initial conversation.

The severity of grief can fluctuate based on the circumstances. As you prepare to provide support, take a moment to reflect on the specific factors surrounding your friend or loved one’s loss.

Similar to human loss, the intensity of the grief related to a pet often correlates with the pet’s importance in an individual’s life.

For instance, if the person mourning lives alone with their pet, the emotional impact can be significantly greater.

Conversely, if the pet was a connection to a deceased family member (which is particularly relevant for older adults), the sense of loss may be even more pronounced.

Grieving a pet presents unique challenges, which are crucial to consider when offering support.

A comprehensive review of research on pet bereavement conducted in 2021 revealed that one such challenge is what researchers term “disenfranchisement,” or the feeling that others do not regard the loss as significant or valid.

Therefore, one of the most vital actions you can take is to acknowledge the loss that your acquaintance is experiencing. Normalize their grief. Avoid diminishing it (with comments like, “it was just a pet”) or suggesting insensitivity (such as, “just get another one”).

The grief of losing a pet can be intense, particularly when their role in the person’s life was significant – Image credit: Getty Images

Another common factor complicating a pet owner’s grief is the decision to “euthanize” the pet.

The individual you wish to support may be grappling with feelings of guilt or anxiety surrounding this choice.

Attempt to empathize with their feelings, and if it seems appropriate, remind them that it will bring comfort and relief from suffering.

Research indicates that grieving pet owners often find solace in remembrance rituals.

In many cultures, these rituals aren’t always formal or automatic. Thus, another way to support your grieving friend or loved one is to gently explore options for honoring and remembering their beloved pet. This might include scattering ashes in a special place, creating a photo album, or discussing their pet’s burial site.

Many grieving pet owners find comfort in adopting a new pet; however, it’s essential to refrain from rushing this idea. Trust your instincts, and when the moment feels right, be thoughtful and tactful when making suggestions.

In rare instances, the grief over a pet, similar to human grief, can become excessively prolonged or incredibly painful.

If your friend or loved one is genuinely suffering and struggling to engage in daily life, consider gently encouraging them to seek professional help.

This article addresses the inquiry (from Lydia Jackson of Nottingham): “How should I talk to someone who has just lost a pet?”

If you have any inquiries, please reach out to us at: questions@sciencefocus.com or send us a message facebook, ×or Instagram Page (please include your name and location).

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

“Humorous” Pet Videos of Stressed and Scared Animals Aren’t So Funny After All

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The Internet loves cat videos, but how do cats feel?

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It appears to be quite amusing to give your cat or dog a genuine scare. At least, that’s the impression one gets from various viral videos on TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

As a science journalist specializing in animal behavior, I assure you I’m not joking. Owners post clips of themselves wearing Halloween masks or using stuffed predator toys, suddenly popping out from behind doors or sofas.

Yet my perception may be skewed. These videos genuinely amuse their viewers, racking up millions of views, filled with laughing emojis and enthusiastic comments highlighting favorite moments.

While watching such videos isn’t my preferred form of procrastination, I recently encountered research by Alina Cunoll from the German Veterinary Medicine Hanover and her colleagues in their analysis of 162 “funny” pet videos on social media. They discovered that 82% of these clips showed animals exhibiting clear signs of stress, with 30% indicating potential pain. Taken aback by these statistics, I decided to scrutinize my own viewing habits.

I’ve spent a considerable amount of time observing supposedly hilarious pet videos online. Regrettably, I can confirm that those researchers aren’t overstating their findings. There seems to be an abundance of content where individuals intentionally scare pets in terrifying “boo” pranks, alongside many clips where animals accidentally injure themselves.

Once, I raised a rescue kitten that tragically slipped off the couch and landed poorly, leading to paralysis that required euthanasia. We’ve witnessed dogs enduring horrific injuries from concussions, nerve damage, and collisions with glass. But hey, isn’t it funny?

There’s also a trend of showcasing dogs’ “mysterious” actions. People snap pictures of piles of fluff taken from the couch while asking, “What did you do?” Although owners may revel in the social media success and their pets’ so-called “guilt,” the harsh truth is that destructive behavior often signals poor welfare, and a guilty expression in a dog is likely a reaction to anticipated punishment rather than true regret. In reality, the joke is on you, the owner.

Additionally, many pets depicted in these videos are severely overweight, struggling to navigate pet doors, and having difficulty moving or jumping onto furniture. Other animals showcased for entertainment are dealing with disorders like nerve damage, resulting in abnormal walking or movements.

Viewing these scenes, I can’t help but feel that modern technology has crafted a sick spectacle reminiscent of 19th-century circuses and sideshows, where audiences reveled in the fear, ridicule, and physical deformities of others.

It’s perplexing to consider the origins of this trend. I hope it stems from a significant misunderstanding—perhaps people don’t realize they are laughing at the suffering of other beings. Regardless, it raises significant concerns. Research suggests that repeated exposure to violence and cruelty online can dull our emotions. Such content may desensitize us to animal suffering while normalizing harmful scenes in our minds. (Indeed, this theory often plays out in reality, as those who comment against such content are frequently met with hostility and shame.)

The silver lining is that animals can be entertaining in their own right, without the need for pain, stress, or provocation. Just ask someone who’s witnessed a cat playing on a computer, splashing water from a sink faucet, or a dog joyfully leaping into a lake. It’s easy to find laughter in happy, healthy animals engaging in natural play and exploration without fear or discomfort.

Let’s suggest some new social media challenges instead. Show us videos of your pets having fun without stress, pain, or limitations. We dare you to make us laugh while you and your pets enjoy quality time together.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Plant-Based Dog Foods Offer Nearly All Essential Nutrients for Your Pet

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Plant-based and meat kibbles might both be deficient in crucial nutrients

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To ensure a balanced diet, vegetarian and vegan dog foods need specific adjustments.

Research indicates that meat-free dry kibble fulfills dogs’ protein and fat needs but is typically short on iodine and vitamin B. With the right supplements or improved commercial options, plant-based dog foods can maintain pets’ health while minimizing the ecological footprint of the pet food industry Rebecca Broseyk from the University of Nottingham, UK.

“Provided they get all necessary nutrients from their food, dogs will thrive,” she explains.

Many vegans and vegetarians who have dogs often grapple with the ethics of feeding meat to carnivorous pets David Gardner at the University of Nottingham. In light of this concern, manufacturers are beginning to offer plant-based options.

Organizations such as the European Federation of Pet Food Industry and the American Association for Feed Management are advocating for standardized assessments of commercial pet foods and additives to guarantee nutritional adequacy. Nonetheless, most pet foods globally lack thorough nutritional evaluations by independent experts, according to Gardner.

Brociek, Gardner, and their team examined 25 types of commercially available dry foods for healthy adult dogs, of which 19 were formulated with either meat or plants. Among these, two were labeled vegetarian and four were vegan.

Researchers assert that although marketed as nutritionally complete, none of the official dog dietary guidelines were entirely met. However, all foods did manage to provide appropriate levels of protein, fatty acids, and essential amino acids.

The majority, including five out of six plant-based options, fell short on iodine, although seaweed served as a beneficial remedy for these deficiencies.

The vitamins were generally sufficient, except for vitamin B, which was especially deficient in plant-based options. Dogs lacking vitamin B can experience skin, nerve, and digestive issues, suggesting that manufacturers should bolster their formulations, the researchers state.

The results indicate a need for oversight in dog food production across all types, not just those that are plant-based. Andrew Knight from Murdoch University, Australia, stresses, “Consumers expect that if a product claims to be nutritionally healthy, it should be accurate, but that’s often not the case.”

“A vegetarian diet can be beneficial if nutrients lacking in plant sources are adequately replaced, similar to the considerations for humans choosing vegetarian diets,” says Lucia Casini from the University of Pisa, Italy, who adds that pet owners should refrain from making their own plant-based meals for their pets.

Dogs have evolved to consume a variety of foods, so a well-rounded plant-based diet can fulfill their nutritional needs, which can also lower the environmental impact associated with meat production, including greenhouse gas emissions, according to Gardner.

“They are genuine omnivores,” he remarks. “As many Labrador owners (myself included) will attest, they will eat just about anything.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Science Encourages You to Share More Cute Pet Photos—Here’s Why!

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Charming animal images are a fast way to uplift anyone’s spirits, and sharing these moments fosters a sense of community.

When someone shares a photo of a playful kitten with their parents or a video of an otter clasping paws, they participate in a phenomenon known as “pebling.”

“Pebling refers to a behavior exhibited by Gentoo Penguins, who offer pebbles as symbols of affection to potential partners,” explained Professor Ghalia Shamayleh, who led the study as noted in BBC Science Focus. “Our findings indicate similar behaviors among humans on social media.”

A male gentleman penguin presenting stones to his mate while perched on the rocks of Mikkelsen Harbor, Trinity Island, Antarctica.

According to Shamayleh, the images, videos, and posts we share online serve as “the pebble equivalent for humans.” We send them to our loved ones as tokens of affection to reinforce our connections.

Animal-themed posts particularly enhance these “pebbles.”

The research, centered around social media accounts dedicated to pets, revealed that creators “infuse joy, love, and entertainment into their social media content.”

This often manifests through visual storytelling, such as taking pets on adventures or introducing them to family members. It also employs “Petspeak,” a blend of baby talk like “dogo,” “teefe,” and “sploot,” alongside playful language and slang.

Animals hold a universal charm. Who doesn’t enjoy seeing pictures of cute puppies or kittens?

In everyday settings, animals act as “social lubricants,” bringing people together to express “AWW” and lift their spirits. This effect becomes even more pronounced in the online world.

Initially, sharing an animal photo may suggest a level of unfamiliarity that prevents sending something more personal.

However, the research indicated that people thoughtfully consider the social media content they choose to share.

Shamayleh and her co-authors, including Professor Zeynep Arsel from Concordia University, analyzed several pet-focused media accounts to understand user interactions and conducted interviews with various content creators and fans.

They found that individuals utilize images and videos to evoke shared experiences among loved ones, reminiscing and reaffirming common histories.

For instance, one might send a friend a brief clip of two baby pandas attempting to stand, accompanied by the comment, “Just like in your first yoga class and mine.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlqiaqc1mi8

The study found that incorporating “context clues,” such as the music in this video, influenced how people reacted and what content was shared.

By selecting posts that resonate with the recipient’s interests, senders are able to convey a deeper understanding of their loved ones, by sharing videos of their favorite animals.

“By referencing the sender’s relationship alongside animal content, individuals digitally emphasize their bond, saying, ‘This reminded me of you and our connection,'” remarked Shamayleh.

So, the next time you come across a delightful animal photo or video, don’t hesitate to share it and show your loved ones how much you care.

About the Experts

Ghalia Shamayleh is an Assistant Professor in the Marketing Department at Essec Business School, specializing in sociocultural consumer phenomena through detailed interviews and observations. She investigates the implications of digital interactions on interpersonal and interspecies relationships.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Everyone in the city must have a noise canceling device or perhaps even a pet spider.

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When you’re about to have a nice meal, nothing worse than a noisy neighbor. Even if the meal is made up before it liquefies the inside of the prey.

New research shows that some spiders living in cities somehow weave soundproofing designs into the web structure to manage unnecessary noise.

“The University of Nebraska Lincoln” has announced that Irene Hebetz, author of the paper led by University of Nebraska-Lincoln biologist and university postdoctoral researcher Brandi Pessman.

Funnel web spiders are becoming more common in North America. These quarter-sized spiders, with their legs stretched, attach nets to everything, whether they are rocks, grass or human objects. They weave a kind of funnel into a web that usually hides from predators. Their silk is not sticky, so they rely on speed and ambush. After detecting prey into their nets, they burst and attacked, injected the victim with venom, then liquefying the inside for easy digestion.

Spiders don’t have human ears, so they don’t necessarily listen to things in the traditional way. However, sound produces vibrations that travel through the ground into the net through the chains of silk.

“They really rely on those exact vibrations to determine where their prey is, what their prey is, and whether they’re going to attack,” Dr. Pessman said.

“The sense of vibration tends to be forgotten in nature,” added Beth Mortimer, a biologist who studied noise pollution and was not involved in the study at Oxford University. This species builds both urban and rural nets at home. And Dr. Pessman began to wonder whether noise pollution might plague spiders enough to change their web weaving strategies.

in study Presented in the Journal Current Biology last week, Dr. Pessman and Dr. Hebets rounded up Arachnid City Slickers and Country Bumbkins and took them to the lab. They placed each spider in a container with the speakers on the bottom and played loud or quiet white noise for four days.

The researchers then analyzed the webs constructed by each spider by transmitting measured vibrations at different points.

Dr. Hebbets and Dr. Pessmann could not find any major differences in the way urban spiders and farm spiders communicate vibrations when they play quiet noises.

When they played loud noises on urban spiders, they discovered that their web was less sensitive and less vibrations to the funnel. “Their web was inherently quiet,” Dr. Pessman said. Researchers didn’t know how the web differed structurally, but Dr. Pessman said it was clear that “it reduces the constant noise approaching where they sit.”

Conversely, when the country’s spiders heard a loud noise, they created a more sensitive web. Researchers speculated that they were not used to such rackets and were desperately trying to feel the incoming prey. It’s like turning up a TV as the lawnmower passes by the window.

Meanwhile, city spiders essentially filled the wall because everything was boring. This is an adaptation that puts you at a disadvantage to hear your prey and potential companions, using vibrations to communicate availability. But it may help animals save their energy and not respond to all the city sounds they detect.

“If you have masking noise, that means you’re less likely to detect small items coming into your web,” said Dr. Mortimer, who said the study “doesn’t really well.”

The study highlights the refinement of spiders, Hebbets said, because despite the problems with big cities, he came up with solutions to find food and companions.

“Animal sensory systems can certainly adapt to changes in environmental conditions over time, but this takes time,” Dr. Hebbets said. “However, behavioral changes can be immediate.”

Source: www.nytimes.com

Monster Hunter Wiles: Unveiling a New World Through Nature Documentary, Pet Lizards, and Spy Players

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A favorite thing about Monster Hunter is that despite its name, it often feels more like a prey than a predator. Armed with swords several times with your own size and weight, you often go beyond time to become an incredible creature in this action game. The weather will often beat you at Monster Hunter Wild next week. As storm clouds gather, the daily hunt of relatively unthreatened creatures brings you a scary lightning dragon that will eat you for breakfast. The monsters intertwined with each other, tearing them with their teeth and claws as they turn their tails towards the hill.

Over the past few weekends, players have practiced Wilds in the Beta Test, trying out exquisite character creators and several hunts against the scary lions (doshaguma) and overgrown poisonous chickens (gypseros). As someone old enough to play these games on the PlayStation 2, I’ve been distorted uncomfortably with my fingers with my fingers as the PlayStation appeared in portable during the overseas grades of Japan. Ta. What was once a hard, dense game that hid all the thrills behind the barricades of a Mushroom Rally Quest, is now fluid, charming and globally popular. The 2018 entry, Monster Hunter World, broke Capcom records, reaching sales of 203 million people.

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Ryozo Tsujimoto, the series producer and son of Capcom founder Kenzo Tsujimoto, has been with Monster Hunter since the early 00s, when Capcom’s online gaming designer. Obviously it still excites him. He is in front and center of many Wild promotions. “It’s really good to see our team play so many people playing games at the same time,” he told me at a recent Tokyo Game Show. “There are many things we can discover by watching players pick up and try out the game. It’s something we don’t see in our own tests. So we can see how players are responding. And we have some masks of the developer team at the booth.”

The main innovation in Wild is how monsters interact with each other. Previously, herbivores were Potter about herd grazing, but only the addition of the current generation consoles has been able to create a seamless ecosystem where teams meet each other and get caught up in the war on the grass. “To have the creatures travel together realistically is challenging in terms of making it look plausible,” says Wiles manager Yuya Tokuda. “If they all moved perfectly in sync, it would be a bit creepy and unconvincing as animal behavior in the pack. But if each monster was a complete wildcard like before, then it would be. It would be unacceptable to keep everything together. While each creature has personality, hitting the balance between herd and puck actions is a lot of work, and we do nothing I had to make sure not to do that.”
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FDA Urges Pet Food Companies to Review Safety Plans in Light of Bird Flu Outbreak

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The number of cats increasing that have died or become ill after consuming raw pet food and raw milk contaminated with the H5n1 virus has prompted health authorities to take special precautionary measures to protect pet food companies from bird flu. They are advising pet food makers to follow food safety plans such as sourcing ingredients from healthy flocks and applying heat treatments to inactivate viruses, as suggested in recent guidance from the Food and Drug Administration.

Since the H5n1 virus started spreading in 2022, there have been bird outbreaks under all conditions. Cats appear to be particularly susceptible to the H5N1 virus, with many household cats and wild cats becoming infected since its emergence in 2022. Some farm cats have fallen ill after consuming raw milk, while others have died after consuming contaminated raw pet food.

Despite the FDA guidance, some experts like Dr. Jane Cycks from the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine have raised concerns about the lack of detailed instructions on guaranteeing the absence of H5N1 in food. The FDA has advised pet owners to cook raw pet food to eliminate risks and follow USDA guidelines for safe food handling.

In response to the situation, some raw pet food companies have implemented safety measures such as sourcing quality ingredients and using processes like high-pressure pasteurization. However, experts emphasize that cooking is the only certain way to eliminate the risk of H5N1 in pet food.

Overall, both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Veterinary Medical Association recommend against feeding companion animals raw or undercooked meat due to the potential risks associated with pathogens like H5N1.

While high-pressure pasteurization is advertised as a method to kill pathogens, experts caution that cooking to internal temperature is the most reliable way to ensure food safety. Consumers are advised to cook raw pet food thoroughly before feeding it to their pets to reduce the risk of transmission of bird flu.

For those who prefer raw pet food brands, experts suggest cooking the food before feeding it to ensure the safety of pets.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Incorrect and Correct Ways to Pet a Cat

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What’s the best way to pet a cat? Answer: Probably not the way you do it. You might think petting is a tried-and-true way to bond with your cat, but there’s no guarantee that your cat will enjoy the physical contact.

As Dr. Lauren Finca, a cat behavior expert from Nottingham Trent University explains: “While some cats do enjoy being petted, most cats would dislike the type of petting we typically prefer. The reason cats tolerate petting so well is likely due to the benefits of the relationship with their owner – think of the food, treats and affection you give your cat.”

“When it comes to petting, it’s best to remember that cats are not naturally social or tactile animals.”

In short, if you suspect your cat is only resisting your petting because he wants another bite of dinner, you’re probably totally right — especially if you’re constantly touching his butt.

“Certainly, from a scientific perspective, we know very little about this. It’s often assumed that cats like to be stroked at the base of their tails, but research shows that this is actually Elicit the most negative behavioral responses from cats” says Finca.

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About Dr. Lauren Finca

Dr Lauren Finca is a feline behaviour expert at Nottingham Trent University. She has been involved in academic research into cats for over 10 years.

Finca is also a specialist consultant for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and works with the International Council for Cat Care (ICatCare) and the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) on a range of behavioural and welfare projects.

Read more about cat science

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The correct and incorrect way to pet a cat

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Wondering how to best pet a cat? The answer might surprise you. Although petting is often considered a bonding activity, not all cats enjoy it.

As Dr. Lauren Finca, a cat behavior expert from Nottingham Trent University, explains: “While some cats may like being petted, most cats may not be thrilled with our typical petting methods. Cats tolerate petting due to the positive relationship with their owners, including treats, food, and affection.”

“Cats are not naturally social or tactile animals, so when it comes to petting, it’s important to keep in mind their preferences,” advises Finca.

It’s essential to pay attention to your cat’s body language to understand their comfort levels with petting. Avoid areas like the lower back and belly, as touching these spots can make cats feel threatened due to their exposed vital organs.

According to Finca, early socialization and handling play a significant role in a cat’s tolerance for petting. Each cat’s preferences may vary, so it’s crucial to observe their reactions and adjust accordingly.

A cat displaying positive body language (notice the raised tail) © Getty

Watch out for signs of negative arousal in cats, such as turning away, freezing, or abrupt grooming behaviors. Cats may subtly communicate their discomfort through tail movements, ear positions, or body language.

What’s the best way to pet a cat?

When petting a cat, focus on areas like the cheeks, chin, and base of the ears, where cats enjoy being touched. Look for signs of positive excitement like purring, rubbing, and tail wagging to ensure your cat is comfortable.

Remember Dr. Finca’s guidelines for petting, known as CAT:

  • C: Give your cat choice and control during interactions, allowing them to approach you for petting.
  • A: Pay attention to your cat’s behavior and body language to recognize signs of discomfort or the need for a break.
  • T: Think about where you’re touching the cat, focusing on areas they enjoy and avoiding sensitive spots like the tail and belly.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a positive petting experience for both you and your feline friend.

About Dr. Lauren Finca

Dr. Lauren Finca is a feline behavior expert at Nottingham Trent University with over a decade of experience in cat research. She collaborates with organizations like Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, ICatCare, and ISFM on various behavioral and welfare projects.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Top 5 Pet Tech Gifts for Your Furry Friend in 2023

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If you or someone you know is looking for a gift to pamper one of the cutest creatures on the planet, there are some strong contenders worth checking out. From smart cameras that keep an eye on mischievous puppies 24/7 to interactive toys, automatic spinning balls, and drinking fountains for cats, here are 5 high-tech pet gifts that will make your life easier and your pet’s life more enjoyable.

Introducing: PetCube Bites 2 Lite – Price: $149
It can be difficult to leave your pet alone at home, especially if your pet has very convincing puppy dog eyes or a meow that’s been trained to break your heart. A smart camera like PetCube’s Bites 2 Lite is a good option. This camera is equipped with 1080p HD video, night vision, a 160-degree lens, two-way audio, and a treat dispenser that lets you toss treats from up close or far.

Recordable Conversation Button – Price: from $40
For those looking to jump on the TikTok trend of dogs learning to “speak” specific words, investing in a recordable conversation button is a great option. Fluent Pet is a system of foam hexagonal tiles and recordable sound buttons designed to teach pets how to communicate their wants and needs.

Cheerable – Price: $35.00
Cheerable is a self-rotating ball with three interactive modes: rolling, bouncing, and glowing, providing mental stimulation, physical exercise, and even stress relief for bored pets. The toy will stay lit for up to 4 hours before needing to be charged.

Fi Smart Dog Collar – Price: $19/month
In addition to attaching to a collar using an Apple AirTag, the Fi Smart Dog Collar creates a geofence for your dog and uses algorithms to detect dog escapes and send alerts to your app. It also tracks your dog’s location, sleep, steps, and has social features that compare your dog’s activity to other users.

Petlibro Pet Fountain – Price: $31.99
Petlibro pet fountain is designed to help cats embrace their ancestral background by providing a gently flowing stream and filtered water. It is recommended to change the filter every two weeks to keep the water fresh.

These high-tech pet gifts are a fun way to interact with your pet and reward positive behavior, but remember that they are not a substitute for one-on-one attention.

Source: techcrunch.com