Remember the days when cats were more often family animals who helped out in some capacity around the home (mostly as mousers) rather than being members of the family? Yeah, neither do we. These days, our kitties are full-blown members of the family, which means we celebrate their important occasions, whether that’s a birthday or a pregnancy.

When it comes to pregnant cats, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a kitten shower! What exactly is a kitten shower? It’s a baby shower for cats! Throwing kitten showers for pregnant cats has become more popular recently, so you’ve likely heard about the phenomenon before. Kitten showers are an excellent way to celebrate mama cats and welcome new kittens into your home. In fact, even if you’re simply adopting a kitten, you could still throw a kitten shower to welcome them (even shelters throw kitten showers during kitten season to encourage people to adopt kittens!).

You may not know how to throw a kitten shower, though, which is why we’re here. We’re sharing kitten shower ideas below so you can plan the perfect party for your soon-to-be mama cat!

Before You Begin

You can’t throw a party without making a few preparations, of course.

You’ll also need some supplies, which we’ll cover below. Supplies will vary depending on how extravagant and creative you want to get with your kitten shower.

How to Throw a Kitten Shower

Now that you’ve done your preparations, it’s time to throw a fabulous kitten shower for your incoming kittens!

1. Send Out Invitations

Once you’ve chosen your party date and time and made your guest list, it’s time to send out invitations! Invitations can be as simple or as fancy as you want. Get some cute physical invitations and mail them out like the olden days, or just make a Facebook event page and invite your guest list there. Whatever works best for you.

2. Start a Registry

Make sure your invitations include the link to your registry. You can start a registry on Amazon or a site specifically for registries and add items you will need for upcoming kittens (food, crates, bedding), items for the mama cat (she deserves a push gift!), and items for the kittens (toys and more toys).

3. Get Some Decorations

Decide how you want to decorate and acquire your decorations. This is another area where you can go as big or small as you want. Grab cat-related banners, tablecloths, paper plates, and more to go all out for your kitten shower or put up a few pictures of mama cat (or the new kittens, if adopting) and blow up a few balloons for a simpler vibe. Pinterest is a fantastic place to get ideas for decorating a kitten shower.

4. Plan Party Games

Once your decorations are gathered, decide whether you want to play party games with your guests. If so, you may need to get a few more supplies. Some fun kitten shower party games include Pin the Tail on the Kitty, a cat cookie decorating contest, and a litterbox toss!

5. Pick Your Food

Again, you can get creative as you want with the food for your kitten shower. You might choose to stick to simple finger apps or go all out with a kitty-themed cake. Don’t forget special treats for any furry friends that might be attending! Make some tasty feline snacks or order a few items from a bakery that offers cat-friendly items. If you decide to order food, be sure you place your order far enough out that the food will be ready on the big day.

6. Start Setting Up

Once everything is decided upon and the day of the kitten shower arrives, it’s time to set everything up! Put up decorations, set out food, set up any games you want to play, and ensure everyone in your home is ready to have fun!

7. Don’t Forget the Photos!

Choose a family member or friend to take photos. You’ll likely be quite busy on the day of the kitten shower, but you absolutely want plenty of pictures of the event, so ask someone to act as the dedicated photographer.

8. Do a Safety Check

Before people come to your house, consider the safety and comfort of any pets in your home. Whether it’s a mama cat or another pet, determine how well they’ll deal with having multiple people around. If you have a pet that will be anxious or stressed, consider placing them in a separate room away from the action. If mama cat or kittens might not enjoy the attention, bring them out briefly to greet people, then separate them from the action.

A Few Last Things

There are a couple of things you should avoid during your kitten shower. One is putting your cat (or cats) into costume (unless they just really like being dressed up). As adorable as it is to see kitties in costumes, they usually aren’t fans, and you want your pets to have fun on their big day!

You also want to avoid having any foods at your party that could be toxic to felines. Look into any foods you’re ordering or making to ensure that they won’t harm cats; this way, if something is dropped on the floor and one of the cats in your home snatches it up, you can guarantee they won’t suffer serious side effects.

Final Thoughts

Kitten showers, or baby showers for cats, are a newer trend that is getting more popular. Whether that means celebrating a pregnant cat or simply throwing a shower to welcome new kittens to your home, a kitten shower is a fun and fabulous way to celebrate. Kitten showers are easy to put together and throw, too, as you don’t have to do much more work than you would for a baby shower. They’re also guaranteed to allow you, your friends, and any felines in the home to have a great time!

Featured Image Credit: Sheila Fitzgerald, Shutterstock

The post How to Throw a Kitten Shower! The Baby Shower for Cats by Misty Layne appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Pets need to go to the vet on occasion, just like we need to visit our doctors occasionally. Often, when our pets need to go to the vet, we know in advance and can easily schedule an appointment. However, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, our animals need care at the last minute because the cat ate garbage and got sick or something more serious has occurred. When this happens, we have to try to fit our pet into a vet clinic’s schedule at the last minute, which isn’t always feasible.

But what do you do if your pet needs care but the vet clinic is booked for the day? What options do you have to get your animal the care they need? First, remember not to panic because options are available. In fact, we’re sharing five alternate options you can use if your vet clinic is booked. We’ll also share a few steps that can help you be prepared in an emergency. Keep reading!

Here’s What to Do When Your Vet Clinic Is Booked for the Day

Not being able to make a vet appointment is frustrating, but the issue is manageable, as other options are available to you in this scenario.

1. Your Vet

Wait, haven’t we already ascertained that the vet you regularly use isn’t available to see your pet? Yes. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t be able to help. Instead of immediately hanging up on your vet and using one of the options below when you learn you can’t get an appointment, ask them if they have any resources you can use.

What resources would be available in this situation? Well, if your pet isn’t dealing with a serious issue, the staff or a vet tech may be able to give you tips on how to care for them at home and make them comfortable. Your vet clinic may also be able to refill or prescribe medication for your animal. They might even be able to refer you elsewhere to have your pet seen. Of course, if your animal is experiencing a medical emergency and clearly needs help right away, this won’t be the option for you.

2. The Internet

The internet is definitely a hit-or-miss option when it comes to advice on healthcare, and this is not the option for an emergency or serious situation. This option is only for minor health issues like a scraped kitty paw or mild diarrhea! If your pet is dealing with a less serious ailment, though, you can go online to places like the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) site or PetMD and find resources with information verified by vets that may be able to help your animal. Look for reliable information-there are plenty of sites online that have vet-reviewed or vet-verified information that could be beneficial for your pet.

Just keep in mind that this option is only for minor issues. If your pet has been injured or is seriously ill, do not ask the internet for help!

3. The Internet, Part Deux (aka Telehealth)

Of course, Dr. Google isn’t the only help the internet has to offer. There’s also telehealth. Telehealth encompasses many things, like video consultations with vets, and is a convenient and often affordable option for those lacking other pet healthcare options. It allows you to speak to a vet directly and get personalized advice for your pet.

As convenient as it can be, especially when your vet clinic is booked, this option does have downsides. One is that vets are limited in how they can help with telehealth. After all, a vet can only see what you show them during a video chat, and it’s not like your pet can tell them where something hurts. Vets also have rules and regulations that they must follow regarding telehealth which varies with region.  In many cases they can address concerns and offer advice but are unable to diagnose or prescribe medications.

However, if your pet is suffering from a minor issue and you can utilize telehealth, this could be your best bet for getting advice to help your pet straight away.

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4. A Different Vet Clinic

This may not be an option everyone has; it just depends on where you live. If you live in an area where vet clinics are plentiful, though, and your vet clinic is unavailable, try getting an appointment with a different vet. Just because your pet’s vet is currently busy doesn’t mean all the vets in town are booked, so call around and see if your animal can get an appointment elsewhere. Don’t worry; this doesn’t mean you have to switch vets forever. This can be a one-time thing, so your pet can be seen when needed.

5. An Emergency Vet

To be clear, this should be your first option if your pet is dealing with an emergency (like if they’ve been hit by a car). This can also be an option if none of the other options on this list are working for you, though. Emergency vet clinics are often open when other vet clinics aren’t, such as after regular business hours or on holidays, so animals can get in pretty much any time.

However, just because your pet can be seen at an emergency vet clinic doesn’t mean they’ll be seen immediately. Emergency vet clinics work in a similar way to hospital emergency rooms, wherein animals are triaged and those with the worst injuries or illnesses are seen before those with lesser concerns. So, if your animal is having trouble breathing, they’ll be seen before an animal with mild diarrhea. But if your pet is only suffering from something minor, you could be at the emergency vet clinic for a while, so be prepared for a wait.

Things to Remember As a Pet Owner

There are things you can remember to make it easier on yourself and your pet when your vet clinic is booked.

Call Earlier

Call your vet earlier rather than later if you notice something wrong with your pet. Often, people see that their pet has thrown up a couple of times or seems to be feeling unwell, then decide there’s no harm in waiting a day or two before calling the vet because their pet might get better on their own. While doing this is understandable, it’s still best to contact your vet earlier when you know something is off with your pet. You know your pet best and if you have concerns contacting your vet as soon as possible means they will be more likely to get a timely appointment, and it could keep you from needing to find another option for their healthcare at the last minute.

Be Nice

If your vet can’t fit your pet into their schedule, don’t burn bridges by getting frustrated and yelling at someone. We know that not getting an appointment when you need one is a bummer. But if you rush to anger when your vet is busy helping other people’s animals, you could lose out on keeping a positive relationship with your vet. So, be nice. Your vet’s doing their best to help every animal they can. 

Be Prepared

Always be prepared for a health emergency! The better prepared you are, the better off your animal will be when they need care. So, make sure you do at least some of the following:

Final Thoughts

It can be frustrating when your vet clinic is booked, and you can’t get your pet in to be seen when needed. However, there are other options when this happens. If your vet clinic is booked, you can try searching for an answer to the problem online, try telehealth, ask your vet if there’s anything you can do for your pet at home, try to get in at another vet clinic, or use an emergency vet.

You can also make the situation of not being able to get in with your vet easier by calling your vet earlier when you notice your pet having a problem and taking steps to prepare for emergencies.

Featured Image Credit: Frau aus UA, Shutterstock

The post Vet Clinic Is Booked for the Day, What Do I Do? 5 Vet Approved Tips by Misty Layne appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

As much as you love your cat, there are times when they can be a little gross. Times like when they repeatedly shove their butt in your face or the way they can fart when you pick them up. While some of the cat’s less-than-desirable behaviors can’t be changed, as they’re simply feline in nature, you might be able to do something about others.

If your cat always farts when you pick them up, you’ve probably wondered why they were doing so and whether it could be stopped. A cat that always farts is experiencing excessive gas or flatulence, which can be for a few reasons. Knowing which of these reasons is the one for your cat may help you reduce the chances of this happening.

The 5 Reasons Why Cats Might Fart When You Pick Them Up

1. Dietary Related

You know how sometimes you eat something that simply doesn’t agree with your stomach. Well, the same thing can happen to your feline friend, and it could be the reason they’re farting when picked up. This could be a one-time thing if they’ve had a new treat or stolen some of your food. However, it could also be a long-term issue related to their regular cat food.

If a cat’s diet doesn’t agree with their stomach, they could experience more gassiness, as well as gastrointestinal distress. A rise in flatulence could also mean that your cat has developed a food sensitivity or allergy to a food they’ve been consuming for years. If you think your cat’s diet may be to blame, try switching them (slowly!) to a different food. Choose something with high-quality, digestible ingredients. However, if your cat has dermatitis, vomiting, and diarrhea, it is worth consulting with a vet as these are signs of a food allergy among other things.

2. Eating Habits

Sometimes, the problem isn’t the food your cat is eating but how they’re eating it. Felines who eat too fast or tend to overeat can ingest extra air that builds up until it causes flatulence. This problem has a simple fix, though.

If your cat eats too fast, you can get them a slow feeder that will help them eat far slower. If your pet tends to overeat, you may want to break their meals down into a few smaller meals a day rather than a couple of large meals. In either case, these things should help the cat to swallow less air resulting in fewer instances of farting.

3. How You Handle Them

Your cat farting when you pick them up might be entirely on you! The way you handle your cat when you’re lifting them up could be forcing air out of their body in the form of farts. This is especially true if you tend to pick your cat up by holding them around their belly. Instead of picking them up this way, try picking them up by placing one hand under the front legs and one under the back legs.

The issue might also be that you’re cuddling your cat too close to your body after you pick them up, which could cause air to move around and be released. If this is the case, loosen up your hold. Essentially, you want to avoid compressing your cat’s belly when picking them up or holding them to avoid triggering flatulence.

4. A Bad Fright

There’s no doubt about it; felines have a tendency to be skittish. And this skittishness could be why they fart when you pick them up. How so? Well, you may inadvertently be startling your cat when you try to pick them up, which could cause them to pass gas, as it isn’t entirely uncommon for kitties to fart when they get frightened. To avoid this, try to let your cat know you’re there before picking them up. Also, try not to simply scoop them up while they’re playing or sleeping. Read their body language and don’t pick them up if they thrash, pin their ears, swish their tail, scratch, or bite when you do so. These signs are your cat telling you they are uncomfortable with being held.

5. Health Issues

If your cat didn’t often fart before, but now they pass gas whenever you pick them up, there’s a good chance it could be related to a health issue. Constant gassiness is often related to gastrointestinal problems. Infections, parasites, inflammatory disorders, and cancers can affect the gastrointestinal tract and interfere with digestion, potentially leading to more farting.

If you’ve noticed a recent uptick in flatulence in your feline or signs like inappetence, weight loss, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation, take them to the vet for a check-up.

Is Flatulence Normal in Felines?

Flatulence is perfectly normal in felines, but when it’s excessive or accompanied by other signs you should seek veterinary advice. If your cat has only recently begun farting a lot, there could be something going on with their digestive system. The same goes for if your cat’s farts have suddenly gotten much stinkier. But unless your cat seems to have excessive gas or suddenly potent farts, there’s rarely a need to be alarmed.

Why Do My Cat’s Farts Smell So Bad?

Farts never smell good, but sometimes your kitty’s farts are particularly powerful. If your cat has exceptionally stinky gas, they could be having issues with their food, whether that be a sudden allergy to something in it or just trouble digesting it. It could also indicate an underlying health issue, such as internal parasites. Again, if your cat’s gas is foul and not getting less so, contact your vet to make sure everything is alright with the cat.

Conclusion

Felines can experience flatulence for many reasons, and this isn’t uncommon. However, if you’ve noticed that your cat keeps farting when you pick them up, it’s likely because of one of the reasons mentioned here. If you can determine the reason, chances are you can reduce the amount of gas your pet has, which will lead to fewer instances of them farting when picked up.

Featured Image Credit: Veera, Shutterstock

The post Why Does My Cat Fart When I Pick Him Up? 5 Vet-Reviewed Reasons by Misty Layne appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Kittens often engage in suckling for a variety of reasons, including because they were weaned too early or find it comforting. This is a fairly normal behavior in kittens, but sometimes it continues into a feline’s adulthood, and while the behavior can be cute in itty bitty kitties, it’s less cute in adult cats. While it may not be a completely unusual behavior for felines, no matter their age, having an adult cat who suckles can be stressful for some cat parents.

But is this something you can prevent your cat from continuing? There are ways you can help break your kitty of this habit if you want it to stop, though it may take some time and patience. Here’s a look at why cats suckle and the strategies you should take to help keep your favorite feline from engaging in this behavior.

What Is Cat Suckling?

Cat suckling is simply what happens when your cat begins sucking on something. Often, that something is a soft object, such as a blanket, but suckling could also occur with toys or even your fingers. In many instances, this suckling is accompanied by loud purrs and kneading.

While it may be odd to find your adult cat engaging in suckling, it’s simply an instinct left behind from kittenhood, as this is what kittens do when nursing. So, it isn’t really something to be concerned with, and there are a handful of reasons your adult cat engages in this behavior.

Why Do Cats Suckle?

Felines continue suckling into adulthood for several reasons, and it’s rarely a behavior that indicates something nefarious is going on. Here are the top reasons adult cats suckle.

Genetics

This behavior can actually be due to genetics, as certain feline breeds are likelier to engage in suckling than others. Compulsive suckling is often found in breeds such as the:

It’s unclear why some feline breeds are more predisposed to this compulsive behavior, but as many of these are Oriental breeds, there is a theory that they originally took more time for the weaning process than breeds coming from places like Europe or North America. That means these breeds are now weaned much earlier than they used to be, which could be why they are more likely to engage in suckling throughout their lives.

Weaned Too Early

Did you adopt a stray cat, and were they particularly young when you found them? Then, the cat may have been weaned from their mama’s milk far too early. When weaning occurs earlier than it should, they are more likely to engage in suckling since they are looking for a replacement for mama’s milk. While this behavior happens more often in kittenhood, it can continue into adulthood, partially because felines who are weaned too early can develop inappropriate suckling behavior.

Comfort

Comfort is another reason some felines engage in suckling. Suckling is a leftover behavior from kittenhood, when a cat would nurse, so it’s an instinct. But suckling during nursing isn’t only done to get fed; it also allows a kitten and mama cat to bond, making the kitten feel safe and comfortable. So, if an adult cat is suckling, it could be that they are seeking comfort, making the suckling a self-soothing behavior.

If a cat often engages in suckling as a self-soothing behavior, though, it could be a sign that the feline is stressed. So, if your cat suckles on things constantly, it could be a sign of anxiety.

Health Issues

Rarely, a cat engaging in suckling may be due to an underlying health issue. If this is the case, the discomfort or pain likely involves the cat’s digestive system or teeth. A cat who is suckling because they don’t feel well will exhibit other signs of unwellness, and a visit to the vet should help.

Suckling can also occasionally be more of a compulsive behavior in felines, similar to compulsive disorders in humans. Felines dealing with compulsive behavior will be bound and determined to suckle on objects no matter what; in this situation, it would be best to talk with your vet.

The 6 Tips to Stop a Cat From Suckling

Though cat suckling is normal, it may lead to your pet ingesting items they shouldn’t or cause you stress because the cat won’t stop suckling your favorite blanket or pillow. The best way to stop a cat from suckling is to determine why they’re engaging in the behavior in the first place so you know which strategy will work best to prevent the behavior in them. Here are six strategies for prevention you can use once you know why your cat keeps suckling.

1. Offer your cat a replacement.

If your pet is constantly suckling a wool toy, offer them a toy that isn’t wool. If they love a particular blanket, give them something else that is also plush that they might not enjoy suckling as much.

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2. Always use positive reinforcement.

Praise your feline when they don’t suckle! Give them pets or let them have a treat; whatever you do, it’s important to recognize when your cat is engaging in a different behavior and reinforce this with something positive.

3. Make sure your pet has enough resources.

This step is good for kitties who are stressed, as sometimes felines become stressed when there aren’t enough toys or food to go around. So, make sure your pet is getting enough to eat and has enough toys to share with other animals in the house. Also, if you have multiple cats in your home, be sure you have enough litter boxes for everybody to use! The general rule is a litter box per cat, plus an extra one. So, if you don’t have enough, it could be causing fights and stress among your cats.

4. Lower stress levels.

Your cat could be stressed for reasons other than inadequate resources. If you think your pet is stressed and can locate the stressor, remove it. Otherwise, try using calming sprays that mimic pheromones to help your kitty stay relaxed rather than anxious.

5. Provide plenty of mental stimulation.

People don’t always realize that felines need a lot of mental stimulation, or they’ll become bored. And boredom can lead to behaviors like suckling (or simply complete chaos). So, be sure your cat has stuff around the home to keep them entertained, like cat towers and scratching posts. Also, engage your kitty in play sessions throughout the day. Not only will this keep them entertained, but it could also be helpful in redirecting their attention away from an object they’re considering suckling.

6. Visit your vet.

If nothing else has helped, it may be time to visit your vet. Your cat’s suckling behavior could be compulsive or due to an underlying health issue, so discussing options with your vet, like whether medication will help, will be the best way to get your kitty to stop suckling.

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Final Thoughts

Suckling isn’t uncommon in felines but is more commonly seen in kittens, so it may be disturbing or stressful to find your adult cat engaging in suckling. If you see your pet suckling on things and want them to stop, your first step is to determine why exactly they’re suckling. Afterward, you can utilize the tips above to prevent the behavior from reoccurring.

Featured Image Credit: KanphotoSS, Shutterstock

The post How to Stop a Cat From Suckling: 6 Vet-Approved Tips for Prevention by Misty Layne appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

If you’ve been looking for a longhair cat that’s beautiful, playful, and relatively chill, the Burmilla Longhair might just be the perfect cat for you! The Burmilla Longhair is a variation of the Burmilla (as this breed comes in longhair and shorthair). These felines are gorgeous with their big, floofy coats, but more importantly, they are sociable and engage in kittenish antics far into adulthood with their loved ones!

Want to learn more about the history of this breed? Keep reading to discover where the Burmilla Longhair came from, what cat clubs recognize them, and much more!

Breed Overview

The Burmilla Longhair variation of the Burmilla is named as such because they have a long, fluffy coat and plumed tail. Between that and the Burmilla trait of having black outlining their features, this breed is an incredibly gorgeous one. However, these felines are still relatively rare, even though they’re prevalent enough to have been recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association and the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (Britain).

Burmilla Longhair Characteristics

The Earliest Records of the Burmilla Longhair in History

The Burmilla Longhair is simply a variation of the Burmilla cat, as this breed can be longhair or shorthair.

The Burmilla is a relatively newer and rare breed. The breed came about purely by accident in the United Kingdom in 1981. That year, a female lilac Burmese escaped her home and found a Chinchilla Persian to mate with; the result was the first litter of Burmilla kittens! And those kittens were so beautiful that a breeding program for the Burmilla, aka a mix of the Burmese and Chinchilla Persian, was started to preserve and expand this new accidental breed.

The Burmilla first gained recognition in the United Kingdom in the 1990s, and it seems they made their way to the United States by the late 1990s. There are still only a few of them out there, though, so finding one could prove challenging.

How the Burmilla Longhair Gained Popularity

The Burmilla (longhair and shorthair) gained popularity mainly because of their absolute beauty. The longhair Burmilla, in particular, with their long, fluffy locks, are known for being gorgeous (and absolutely adorable!). The fact that the Burmilla is a rare breed has aided in their popularity, as well. After all, people want what they can’t have, and this is one feline breed that can be very hard to acquire!

Though the Burmilla originated in England, these felines can now be found in several other countries, including Australia, Canada, Spain, Sweden, and Ireland.

Formal Recognition of the Burmilla Longhair

The Burmilla standard was created in 1984, just a few years after the breed came about when the Burmilla Fancier Club in England was created. This was also the year The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) in the UK officially recognized the breed. These felines became a fully recognized cat breed by the Fédération Internationale Féline in 1995. In 1999, the breed was given formal recognition in Australia, and in 2011, they were formally recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) as a breed in the Miscellaneous Class. The Burmilla was also recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 2015.

Top 5 Unique Facts About the Burmilla Longhair

Ready to learn some unique facts about the Burmilla Longhair? Here are a few more things you may not have known.

1. It takes a couple of years for their eye color to fully develop.

Did you know? Burmillas typically have green eyes; however, it can take up to 2 years for those green eyes to fully develop into their final color!

2. The Burmilla Longhair is a true semi-longhair.

This breed variation has a silky coat with a feathered underside, plumed tail, and fluffy legs and chest. Essentially, they’re a Burmilla with a longer, fluffier coat (or as TICA says, “They should be a Burmilla in a fancy dress.”)

3. It was pure luck this breed came about.

We already mentioned that this breed is an accidental one. However, it truly is extreme luck that created them, as the father of the original kittens of this breed was due to be neutered just about the time he mated with the mother of this breed!

4. The Burmilla Longhair requires no extensive grooming.

You would think that as a longhair cat, the Burmilla Longhair would require quite a bit of grooming to keep their coat looking nice, but in reality, they only need a basic weekly groom to look their best!

5. The Burmilla breed looks like they’re wearing eyeliner.

These felines are known for having black around the eyes (and nose and lips!), which makes them appear as if they are wearing eyeliner. This black outline around the eyes and other areas makes the Burmilla’s features truly stand out.

Does the Burmilla Longhair Make a Good Pet?

The Burmilla Longhair is a truly chill cat, so they tend to get along with most people (including kids), making them a fantastic pet. The breed is sociable, affectionate, playful, easygoing, and tends to bond quickly with their loved ones. These felines are also generally adept at adapting to visitors to the home, so you shouldn’t have a Burmilla who hides at the sight of strangers on your hands (although early socialization is still key to achieving this).

When it comes to other pets in the home, the Burmilla Longhair will often get along quite well with other animals. They enjoy having other kitty playmates, and if there are dogs in the house who are cat-friendly, they can get along with them, too. Of course, as the Burmilla Longhair is a feline, having them in a home with smaller animals like rodents or birds may not be safe.

These felines are smart, curious, and playful. They also love to climb, so be sure you have plenty of tall areas for them to get to and lots of toys for them to play with. One particularly notable thing about the Burmilla breed’s personality is that they tend to exhibit kitten-like behavior with their loved ones even after becoming adults.

Conclusion

The Burmilla Longhair cat is a variation of the Burmilla breed. It’s the same feline, but the Burmilla Longhair has (as the name indicates) long hair. This breed is fantastic to have around because they’re so laid back and playful. However, this accidental breed is still fairly rare, especially in the U.S., so finding one for your family may be difficult.

Featured Image Credit: Rocky Reborn, Shutterstock

The post Burmilla Longhair: Info, Pictures, Origin & More by Misty Layne appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

You love your feline friends, but you’re aware they won’t be around for your entire life. However, some cats live longer than others, so certain breeds will be in your life for far longer than other breeds. Knowing how long a cat will live can be an important factor in deciding what kind of kitty to adopt.

If you’ve been thinking about adopting a Russian Blue, you’ll be happy to hear that this feline breed has quite a lifespan. Most Russian Blues will live 15 to 20 years! Of course, many factors can affect how long a cat lives, such as genetics, health, and more. Here’s a closer look at what could affect the lifespan of a Russian Blue.

Russian Blue Average Lifespan

As previously stated, Russian Blue cats live, on average, between 15 and 20 years. Many feline breeds have similar lifespans, but whether your kitty will live that long or not depends on several factors. However, you can help ensure that your cat is around for as long as possible by giving them the proper care needed.

How to Care for Your Russian Blue for a Long Lifespan

How do you care for a Russian Blue to ensure they have as long a lifespan as possible? Here’s how!

Feeding & Diet

Felines are obligate carnivores, meaning they require meat in their diets to stay healthy. So, ensure you’re feeding your Russian Blue high-quality cat food containing meat as the first ingredient. Cat food should also have all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals your pet needs for good health. When it comes to how much your cat should be eating each day, check with your vet, as the suggested serving size on the food bag isn’t always ideal for every cat. Aim to maintain a healthy body condition score, as obesity makes your cat prone to health issues like urinary tract disease, joint problems, and diabetes.

Environment

It might not seem like the environment around your pet would have much of an effect on them (at least, not as long as the environment is clean and safe), but it can. Unfortunately, cats that live outdoors have a shorter than average lifespan because they are exposed to infectious diseases, toxins, predators, and traffic, all of which can lead to an untimely death.

Providing for all their needs will help to keep cats happy and healthy. Russian Blues are incredibly loving felines who adore their families. So, these felines need human companionship, especially from their chosen person. That doesn’t mean they’ll love everyone in a household, though; this breed prefers older children to younger ones, so if you have little ones, it could make the cat anxious or irritable.

Cats also need plenty of physical and mental stimulation, including toys, cat trees, and scratching posts. Plus, felines will need a litter box that is clean and emptied often. Without these things, a Russian Blue could develop behavioral and stress-related issues, which could affect how long they end up living.

Care

When it comes to caring properly for a Russian Blue to ensure they have a long, healthy life, you’ll need to give them a diet of nutritious, high-quality food, clean out their litter box, and do some occasional grooming. These kitties have short coats and don’t shed much, so you only need to brush them once a week or so. Their nails should also be trimmed regularly.

Other than that, make sure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations and invest in good parasite prevention.

Breeding

Genetics are also a key factor in how long a cat will live. If you get your Russian Blue from a shelter or rescue, you probably won’t know anything about their family history. However, if you adopt from a reputable breeder, you can (and should) ask questions about the cat’s family history and what kind of genetic testing has been done. This can help you determine whether health issues may show up later down the line.

Healthcare

Russian Blues are generally healthy cats (which is part of why they live for a long time). However, every cat breed has a few health issues they’re prone to getting, and the Russian Blue is no exception. When it comes to these felines, some of the more common health problems that arise are obesity, bladder stones, polycystic kidney disease, urinary tract infections, and progressive retinal atrophy.

The Life Stages of a Russian Blue Cat

Like all felines, the Russian Blue has four life stages.

Kitten: 0–12 months

This stage is one of the most crucial ones for your Russian Blue as this is the period when your cat will learn how to socialize with other animals and people and learn what is appropriate play and what isn’t. You can help keep your cat healthy during this life stage by getting them all their needed checkups, vaccines, and starting them on parasite control.

Young Adult: 1–6 years

The age of one is when your Russian Blue officially becomes an adult! Once kitty hits adulthood, you should switch them from their kitten food to an adult food, as adult cats and kittens need different amounts of nutrients to stay healthy. You should also make sure to take your cat to all routine vet check-ups during this period and ensure they are getting enough exercise daily.

Mature Adult: 7–10 years

There isn’t a lot of difference between the young adult stage and the mature adult stage. However, by this age, your Russian Blue might have developed a health problem or two. So, be sure to continue taking your pet in for routine check-ups so they stay as healthy as possible.

Senior: 10+ years

Your Russian Blue won’t necessarily slow down during their senior years. Healthy kitties are more than capable of staying active throughout this time. That said, you should keep a closer eye on your pet’s health as they age to catch any health issues as soon as possible.

How to Tell Your Russian Blue’s Age

If you don’t know how old your Russian Blue is, the best way to tell is a microchip or paperwork if this is available. If your Russian Blue is clearly a kitten, their teeth can give you a rough idea of their age as their baby and adult teeth will start to appear at various times. They will have a full set of adult teeth around 7 months of age.

If your cat is an adult, it can be very subjective and misleading to estimate their age. While clues like the presence of dental disease, arthritis, and cloudy eyes could lead you to think your cat is an older adult, the cat’s genetics and environment could affect these traits more than age.

Conclusion

Russian Blue cats live between 15 and 20 years, but the length of their lifespan can depend greatly on you. To ensure your pet has the longest life possible, you should be sure you’re caring for them properly. This includes taking them to the vet regularly, feeding them a healthy diet, and ensuring all their needs are met.

Featured Image Credit: Review News, Shutterstock

The post How Long Do Russian Blue Cats Live? Vet-Reviewed Lifespan & Care Tips by Misty Layne appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Sometimes, you want to spice up your kitty’s diet. After all, eating and drinking the same thing day in and day out must be boring, right? But you know you shouldn’t give your cat a ton of treats, and you know people food is definitely out of the question. So, how can you give your pet a nice change of pace when it comes to what they eat or drink?

With catnip tea! Wait, tea for cats? Yep. This tea is made with catnip (which we know most kitties adore) and offers your cat a refreshing alternative to plain, boring water (which should entice them to drink more). You can make catnip tea in a variety of ways (not all of them are exactly tea), but no matter how you make it, your cat should be thrilled with the drink.

The 6 Easy Recipes for Catnip Tea for Cats

1. Catster Recipe – Simple Catnip Tea

Print

Simple Catnip Tea

As the name of this recipe indicates, this is the simplest, most basic form of catnip tea that you can make. It only involves two ingredients and only takes a few minutes to complete! When it comes to the catnip, it’s advisable to start with a small pinch first to see if your cat likes the tea. If they do, you can add another pinch next time.

Course Anytime

Cuisine Drinks

Prep Time 2 minutes minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 7 minutes minutes

Servings 2

Equipment

• Pot or kettle
• Mug or bowl for serving

Ingredients

• 1 cup Water
• 1 pinch Dried or fresh catnip

Instructions

• Boil water
• Add catnip to a mug or bowl
• Once the water has boiled, pour it over the catnip
• Let the tea steep for 3 minutes
• Let the tea cool, then serve to the cat

2. Honey, The Cat’s Dipped The Nip Again (Catnip Tea)

This fun recipe spices up the original catnip tea recipe above with the addition of chicken broth. Catnip tea alone might make your kitty go wild, but add some tasty chicken broth, and you’ve got a drink sure to delight even the pickiest of felines. Choose chicken broth that is specifically made for cats.

3. Iced Catnip Tea

Iced catnip tea is essentially the original recipe, just with ice. Or rather tea that has been strained over ice, in this case. Going with iced catnip tea saves you waiting for the tea to cool down and ensures your kitty doesn’t burn their tongue!

4. Catnip Tea Ice Cubes

If your kitty isn’t digging catnip tea in a bowl, or you just want to make things more fun for them, you can make catnip tea ice cubes! These fun frozen treats are perfect for hot days and are a great way to add extra water to your cat’s day.

5. Catnip Ginger Tea

Is your cat suffering from an upset stomach? Then, this catnip ginger tea may help soothe their tummy. Ginger has been used traditionally to help with vomiting and nausea, although too much ginger and catnip can have the opposite effects.

6. Champagne Tastes Catnip Tea

This catnip tea recipe is supposed to be for humans, but with a couple of mild tweaks, you can easily make it cat-friendly. Simply leave out the sugar and honey and ditch the lemon. Then, for the herbal variation, add a cat-friendly herb, such as basil!

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Conclusion

Making catnip tea for your cat is a fun way to get them to drink more and let them enjoy the “high” of catnip. Making this kind of tea is incredibly simple and only takes a few minutes to complete; plus, you can make tons of variations to the most basic catnip tea recipe! So, if your kitty is a big catnip fan, try one of these recipes and see how much they enjoy it.

• See also: 9 Cat-Themed Cocktail Recipes For Feline Loving Party Guests

Featured Image Credit: TarasBeletskiy, Shutterstock

The post How to Make Catnip Tea for Cats: 6 Vet-Reviewed Easy Recipes by Misty Layne appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Even if you bathe your cat, there are times when your kitty just doesn’t smell their best. If they’re in between baths (or if you don’t bathe them) and your cat is stinky, you may be at a loss as to how to get them smelling better. That’s where cat colognes come in! These deodorizing sprays help freshen up your pet’s coat and typically do a multitude of other things, like make coats shinier, moisturize, detangle, and more.

How do you know which cat cologne to get for your beloved feline? If you’re unsure where to start your hunt for a great cat cologne, you’re in the right place! We have reviews, pros, and cons of the 10 best cat colognes currently available. Whether you’re looking for a subtle or noticeable scent, you’ll find what you need on the list below!

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		Hepper Pet Cologne	Quick to dry Long-lasting Detangles and makes kitty’s fur shine	CHECK PRICE
Budget Buy		EZ Groom Filthy Beast Scent Dog & Cat Cologne	Affordable Moisturizing Environmentally friendly	CHECK PRICE
		Ikaria Comfort Sandalwood Vanilla & Basmati Scent Coat Mist	Smells wonderful Conditioner and cologne Contains ingredients that are great for your cat’s coat	CHECK PRICE
		TropiClean Baby Powder Deodorizing & Odor Eliminating Dog & Cat Spray	Eliminates bad odors Comes in several scents Freshens your cat’s coat	CHECK PRICE
		TropiClean Spa Renew Dog Cologne Spray, Luscious Sweet Plum & Peaches	Moisturizes Protects against UV rays Neutralizes odors and freshens kitty’s coat	CHECK PRICE

The 10 Best Cat Colognes

1. Hepper Pet Cologne – Best Overall

When you want the best overall cat cologne for your favorite feline, look no further than Hepper Pet Cologne. This lightly scented aloe and cucumber cologne offers a long-lasting fragrance that isn’t overwhelming for your pet. Hepper’s cologne is quick to dry and non-greasy, so it won’t leave any kind of film behind on your kitty’s fur. It also helps to detangle fur and make it shine, so not only will your pet smell fantastic, but they’ll also look their best!

Despite being lightly scented, one reviewer said the scent of this fragrance was quite strong (they added that meant a little goes a long way). A little going a long way is a good thing because this cologne is on the pricier side (although it isn’t the most expensive cologne on this list).

2. EZ Groom Filthy Beast Scent Dog & Cat Cologne – Budget Buy

If you’re looking for the best cat cologne for the money, we suggest EZ Groom Filthy Beast cologne. This fragrance has a zesty and sweet tangerine scent that will have your cat smelling great in no time. Because this cologne is water- and oil-based, it works to moisturize your pet’s skin and coat on top of making them smell wonderful. You’ll also find this cologne is quick to dry as it’s released in a fine mist that gently settles onto your pet’s coat and skin. Plus, this fragrance is environmentally friendly!

The only complaint pet parents had about this cologne was that they didn’t like the smell. One person simply didn’t like it at all, while another said it didn’t really smell like tangerine but more like sunscreen.

3. Ikaria Comfort Sandalwood Vanilla & Basmati Scent Coat Mist Dog & Cat Conditioner

Are you searching for a premium cat cologne for your kitty? The Ikaria Comfort Sandalwood Vanilla & Basmati conditioner is technically a leave-in conditioner, but it does much more than just soften and condition your cat’s fur. This spray-in conditioner also neutralizes odors, leaving behind a sandalwood, vanilla, and basmati scent that will remind you of your favorite spa. It also contains many good-for-kitty ingredients, such as rose hips, silk proteins, and pro-vitamin B, that will leave your cat’s coat looking amazing.

A few people said the scent wasn’t very strong, though, so you may find there’s only a whiff of sandalwood, vanilla, and basmati. There were also a handful of complaints about this product smelling fantastic, but the scent did not last very long.

4. TropiClean Baby Powder Deodorizing & Odor Eliminating Dog & Cat Spray

Want your kitty to smell baby fresh? Then this cologne by TropiClean is just the product for you. This baby powder and chamomile-scented deodorizing spray not only freshens up your pet’s coat but also works to eliminate odors, so it isn’t simply covering up bad smells. Made from natural ingredients, it moisturizes your cat’s fur, leaving it shiny and silky. And if baby powder isn’t your thing, this product comes in several other scents, including pure plum, berry breeze, papaya mist, kiwi blossom, and coconut and lime!

This cologne wasn’t without complaints, though. A couple of people said the scent wasn’t very strong and could barely be smelled. Another person said this spray made their pet itchy, while another said it dried out their pet’s skin, leaving dander behind.

5. TropiClean Spa Renew Dog Cologne Spray, Luscious Sweet Plum & Peaches Scent

This TropiClean cologne has a juicy scent mixed with a floral musk that leaves your cat smelling delicious! It doesn’t only freshen the kitty’s coat and eliminate bad odors at the source, though. This cologne contains Vitamin E and oatmeal, so it moisturizes your cat’s coat, leaving it silky smooth. Even better than that, though, this product provides protection to your cat’s fur to prevent damage from UV rays! That means your pet’s fur will look its best for even longer.

There weren’t many complaints about this cologne, either. A handful of people thought the scent wasn’t strong enough; a few others thought it just didn’t smell very good. There were also mentions of the product getting everywhere when sprayed, so watch out for that.

6. TropiClean Spa Fresh Dog Cologne Spray, Luxurious Oatmeal & Cucumber Scent

This may technically be a cologne for canines, but it will work just as well on felines. TropiClean has a good variety of colognes for pets, as you can see, and with this one, you get a clean and refreshing scent for your kitty that will have them smelling wonderful in no time. Like the TropiClean Spa Renew, this cologne comes imbued with moisturizing ingredients, like oatmeal and Vitamin E, and protects against UV rays, so your kitty’s coat looks and feels fabulous.

The major complaint about this product was that some pets seemed incredibly sensitive to the scent and didn’t enjoy it at all. Unfortunately, this only comes in oatmeal and cucumber, so if your kitty isn’t a fan, you’ll have to go with a different cologne.

7. Pet Silk French Vanilla Dog & Cat Cologne

If you want a simple and classic scent for your favorite feline, this French vanilla pet cologne by Pet Silk could be your new favorite thing. This cologne doesn’t just make your kitty smell wonderful by masking bad odors; it also neutralizes odors at the source, so they’re done away with for good. The mist on this cologne is ultra-fine and leaves no residue on your cat’s fur. It also helps to eliminate tangles and mats if you brush the kitty out after using it on them.

A few people (and pets) found the scent of this overwhelming, so if you or your cat are sensitive to scents, you may want to pass on this one. There were also complaints about the sprayer not working correctly, so watch for that.

8. Best Shot Scentament Spa Botanical Body Splash Warm Vanilla & Sugar Dog & Cat Spray

This body spray has a fabulously sweet scent that’s sure to please any kitty and their humans. Made with vanilla essence, organic chamomile, sage extract, ginseng, rose hips, and rosemary, this fragrance’s scent is designed to deodorize with a light and pleasing aroma. It also gently conditions your cat’s coat, leaving them feeling and looking great, as well as aids in eliminating static. If warm vanilla and sugar don’t sound like a scent you’d enjoy, you can pick from eleven other scents!

People were rather torn about the scent of this cat cologne, though. Some felt it was too much like perfume, while others thought it didn’t have much of a smell at all. There were also complaints that the scent didn’t last more than a few hours.

9. Pet MD Deodorizing Cucumber Melon Cat & Dog Body Spray

Pet MD’s deodorizing spray is made in the United States and has a fresh cucumber melon scent designed to leave your kitty smelling fresh. This fragrance claims to last a long while and is particularly useful for hard-to-reach areas like the undercoat or skin folds. This kitty cologne also helps to reduce static, so your pet is no longer at risk of static shock. Plus, this deodorizing spray can be used on cats with sensitive skin.

Not everybody was impressed with how this fragrance smelled, though. Several people said it didn’t really smell like anything at all. There were also complaints about needing to spray a pet more than once to smell any kind of scent. Other than that, some pet parents weren’t thrilled that this cologne wasn’t very long-lasting at all, as it lasted only an hour or two.

10. RELIQ Aroma SPA Botanical Mist Pomegranate Dog & Cat Spray

Help your kitty smell absolutely fabulous with this pomegranate-scented cat cologne! This fruity scent is subtle, so it won’t be overwhelming for those with sensitive noses. You’ll also find it to be exceptionally soothing for kitty’s skin and moisturizing for their coat as it contains natural ingredients like matricaria flower, honey, and aloe extract. Best of all, this cologne is suitable for use on sensitive skin and can even help get rid of itchiness from skin issues.

Really, the only complaint about this fragrance was that it was super light, so it was difficult to smell. Besides that, this product is a bit pricey considering its size.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Cat Cologne

What sort of things should you be looking for in a cat cologne? There are several factors to consider, which we’ll cover here.

Scent

The first consideration when choosing a cat cologne for your pet is the cologne’s scent. Most colognes for pets will be very subtle and stick to somewhat bland scents (like vanilla or baby powder). Other colognes will stay subtle but have more enticing scents, like pomegranate or wild lotus. Deciding what sort of scent you enjoy will be easy; determining what kind of scent your cat doesn’t mind lingering on them will be a test of trial and error. Once you’ve found a cologne your cat tolerates, though, you’ll have your perfect scent!

Long-Lasting

Most pet colognes will claim to be long-lasting, but read the reviews, and you’ll find that many don’t last as long as they say they will. You want a cologne you don’t have to constantly re-apply every five minutes, so be sure to read reviews of any pet cologne you’re considering to get an idea of just how long it actually lasts.

Features

Unlike human colognes, which only make you smell nice, cat colognes typically do a lot more. Many of these deodorizing products will not only make your cat smell better but also detangle fur, reduce static, and moisturize skin. Decide what other features you want from a pet cologne and narrow your search to include the ones that have what you’re looking for.

Price

The majority of pet colognes are affordable, but some are surprisingly pricy, considering their size. The good news is if you find a product with a scent and features you like but feel it’s a bit more expensive than you want, you can probably find another product that’s the same or similar for a lesser price.

Reviews

Reviews from other cat parents who have used the product you’re considering are key. Just because a cologne says it smells like baby powder doesn’t mean it actually does, and you won’t have a good idea of how it smells before buying it unless you look at reviews. Reviews can also give you a head-up on how long-lasting a cologne is, how its other features work, and whether any felines had allergic reactions to it.

Conclusion

Now that we’ve reviewed the 10 best cat colognes on the market, here’s a quick look back at our top three picks!

When you want the best cat cologne for your pet, we recommend Hepper Pet Cologne, as it smells fantastic, is quick to dry, and helps detangle kitty’s fur.

If you’re looking for the best cat cologne for the money, check out EZ Groom Filthy Beast Scent Dog & Cat Cologne. This one is affordable, deodorizes and moisturizes, and is environmentally friendly.

Finally, if you want your cat to smell their best, check out a premium option like Ikaria Comfort Sandalwood Vanilla & Basmati Scent Coat Mist Dog & Cat Conditioner, which features excellent ingredients and a fantastic scent.

• See also: 10 Best Cat Deodorizing Sprays – Reviews & Top Picks

Featured Image Credit: Vaillery, Shutterstock

The post 10 Best Cat Colognes in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks by Misty Layne appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

As AI continues to evolve and become more integrated with the pet health and care industry, we decided to put this new technology under the microscope and investigate. Can AI be a helping hand in the veterinary field and improve the lives of vets, pets, and pet parents, or are storm clouds of misuse, misinformation, and misdiagnosis brewing?

We spoke with several of the veterinarians on the Catster team about their insights into the opportunities, challenges, and ethical considerations linked with the integration of AI in veterinary practice. We also consulted different reports and studies on its current uses in the industry to get a better understanding of its impact on the future of animal care.

Where Is Artificial Intelligence Being Used in the Pet Care Industry Today?

Artificial intelligence is used across the pet care industry, with home pet care and veterinary care being the two primary drivers of the greater industry.

AI in the Home Pet Care Industry

AI is currently used in most areas of the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of pet care products and services, with pet wearable technology being the fastest-growing AI niche in the industry.

Pet Wearable Technologies

Pet wearable technology includes GPS collars, RFID tags, and various sensors that track a pet’s whereabouts, level of activity, vital signs, hydration, bathroom habits, how they’re feeling, and more.

How popular are tech wearables with pet owners? 

• In 2022, the pet wearable market in the United States was valued at USD $800 million. (Grandview Research)
• By 2030, the pet wearable market in the United States is estimated to grow by 12.9%. (Grandview Research)
• Part of the reason the demand for pet wearables has grown is people have more disposable income. In 2021, pet parents spent approximately USD $123.6 billion on pet products. (American Pets Products Association)
• Demand for pet wearables that track a pet’s activity and health is increasing and is expected to have a compound annual growth of 15%. (Grandview Research)

Pet wearable technology gives the user more control and greater flexibility, allowing them to make smarter, quicker decisions when problems arise and provide peace of mind that a pet is safe and happy. They can alert potential health issues, and changes in pet behavior and normal routine, which gives pet parents the heads up early, so they can get veterinary care sooner, with higher chances of recovery.

• Related Read: Tractive GPS Tracker for Cats Review

AI in the Veterinary Industry

Veterinarians are using artificial intelligence in hospitals, clinics, and research in various ways. Here are some recent statistics: 

• In 2023, the largest regional market, when it came to AI in the veterinary industry, was North America, at 37.8%. (Market.us)
• The companion animals segment makes up almost 74% of automated technology use. (Market.us) 
• As of 2020, over 97% of vet professionals are using AI-based applications, products or services (Gitnux)
• The number of pet owners who use AI-powered veterinary care has increased by 63% from 2019 to 2021 (Gitnux)
• At this time, 39.2% of vets are using AI technologies in some way in their practices. (Digitail)
• 26.5% of vets use artificial intelligence weekly or daily. (Digitail)
• Data Management segment had the largest share of the AI in Veterinary market in 2020 at 40% (Gitnux)
• In 2020, Image Scanning held the second-largest share in AI in veterinary market (Gitnux)

Detection, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a valuable tool in veterinary medicine, particularly when aiding in diagnosis and treatment. However, most veterinarians (ours unanimously) agree that it cannot replace human veterinary care. 

“AI has its place [in veterinary care]; analyzing data sets, pattern recognition, and looking for potential drug applications are appropriate ways for it to be used. It may be useful as an additional resource for vets working up a case, but it should not be diagnosing or making treatment plans for pets. It should not become the sole source of information and decision-making for vets, and it should not be doing our thinking for us.”

–Dr. Karyn Kanowski, BVSc MRCVS

Electronic communication and automated algorithms can be used by vets to assist in diagnosing and treating pet illnesses and injuries more swiftly and accurately than before. 

For instance, automated algorithms excel at analyzing medical images like CT scans, X-rays, and MRIs, aiding in the early detection of conditions such as canine hip dysplasia and cancerous tumors. 

Vets from UC Davis have developed an AI algorithm that analyzes blood work, accurately identifying complex patterns to detect diseases like leptospirosis and Addison’s in canines. 

AI microscopy, such as Heska’s Element AIM, automates disease detection in urine and fecal samples, making rapid diagnosis possible and facilitating informed treatment decisions. 

While AI enhances veterinary care by enabling faster disease detection, it is most effective when used as a supportive tool by human veterinarians, allowing pet parents to make timely decisions for their pets’ well-being.

Drug Discovery and Development

Artificial intelligence has become crucial in the discovery and development of medications for our pets. 

“One ability of AI that’s often overlooked, in my opinion, is that it makes traceability much easier. AI is an amazing tool for any part of veterinary medicine that does not involve analyzing a biological system but rather involves quick calculations.” 

–Dr. Luqman Javed, DVM

AI’s ability to quickly sort and analyze large datasets from clinical trials, scientific literature, and health records has proven to be more efficient and accurate in identifying correlations, patterns, and potential therapeutic targets. 

In the past, researchers had to sort through vast datasets themselves. These traditional methods were prone to oversight and human error, but AI minimizes these and speeds up the screening process, leading to both cost and time savings.

Once data has been analyzed, this technology can help researchers develop predictive models and hold virtual screenings of drug compounds to identify potential drug candidates more efficiently. This brings veterinary medicine one step closer to finding the best treatments for pet illness and disease.

How Do Our Veterinarians Feel About AI in Pet Care?

We surveyed several vets on Catster’s team about their views on artificial intelligence in veterinary practice.

Opinions varied on many questions we asked, but six key points were unanimously agreed upon:

1. Replacing humans with AI in medicine is dangerous, ineffective, and not possible.
2. AI is extremely beneficial as veterinary support.
3. It lacks the tailored vet care that humans provide.
4. AI simplifies time-consuming or tedious tasks.
5. AI lacks human empathy and reasoning skills.
6. Vets support using AI in the pet care industry, but stress tech limitations and precautions.

Our veterinarians vary in their views on AI applications in vet practice, but most vets agree AI will play a part in pet care and is beneficial if used correctly.

“Resisting will only prove useless, and it’s best to figure out the ways we can use it to improve our current capacity.”

–Dr. Paola Cuevas, MVZ, Behaviorist

In general, our vets see AI aiding in tasks like drug research and pattern recognition. While recognizing AI’s limitations, they emphasize its clear benefits. Vets stress that AI can’t replace humans entirely in diagnosis due to lacking essential human qualities. Despite potential challenges, they embrace AI’s role in improving patient care with more tools at their disposal.

Do Vets Think AI Could Ever Replace Them?

All the vets we spoke to said artificial intelligence could not replace actual veterinarians (so you don’t need to worry about your cat or dog being seen and handled by a robot any time soon!). 

“Medicine is not an exact science. Each clinical case is different, each patient and each family has their own particularities, and all these variables are taken into account by the veterinarian in order to treat and improve the patients’ lives. There is no way AI could ever replace this. Studies have shown how empathy is essential to having a trusting relationship with the patient/pet parents and thus improving clinical outcomes.”

– Dr. Marta Vidal-Abarca, BVSC GPCERT (OPHTHAL) MRCVS

Essentially, veterinarians agreed that people and animals cannot be entirely reduced to algorithms and data, and replacing vets with robotization would be detrimental to patients.

However, Dr. Kanowski said, “My concern is that, with large corporations buying veterinary practices and making decisions about how those practices are run, we will see more and more decisions based on profits rather than on patient care or staff development and well-being.”

Pros of AI in Pet Care According to Vets

AI brings significant advantages to veterinary care, like improving diagnostic accuracy through image analysis and enabling continuous patient monitoring. It also simplifies tasks such as checking drug databases and monitoring illnesses, contributing to better patient outcomes.

One widely agreed-upon benefit amongst our veterinarians is its ability to analyze large amounts of data and recognize patterns. 

“Analyzing large data sets to find solutions, patterns, and side effects, bringing together written resources, removing bias from decision making, and so on, will be an incredible research tool and will speed up tasks, reports, and analysis.”

–Dr. Lorna Whittemore,  MRCVS

The sky’s the limit when it comes to the ways AI can benefit the veterinary field. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t potential downsides to veterinarians using this advanced technology.

Cons of AI in Pet Care According to Vets

When considering the drawbacks of AI in veterinary medicine, several concerns arise.

One con mentioned several times was the use of robotization, which could lead to mistrust from pet parents, especially those unfamiliar with AI. Relying on automation too much during diagnosis and treatment can make pet parents lose confidence in vets. If vets solely depend on the technology without double-checking, it could lead to significant errors, further eroding the trust.

Similar to human medicine, where humans prefer human doctors, pet owners may doubt AI’s ability to understand their pet’s unique needs. Depending too heavily on the technology, like strictly following a textbook for diagnosing and treating pets, may not recognize the nuances and subtleties of a pet’s condition, affecting the care.

Excessive reliance on AI may lead to vets losing certain skills, as some tasks become automated, potentially impacting overall care quality.

“We used to have a laboratory machine software that allowed automatic analysis and interpretation of urine sediment slides by recognizing various cell types and urinary crystals, and it allowed us to save some time not looking at the slides manually. As much as this helped manage our time more effectively, by just providing us with the printout of the final results, it has also led to the loss of a particular skill set and confidence when interpreting slides manually. Being able to recognize cell types, the presence of bacteria, crystals, or even artifacts, is crucial in establishing an accurate diagnosis, as sometimes machines break or are not available.”

–Dr. Maja Platisa, DVM, MRCVS

Finally, AI in the pet care industry may discourage pet parents from seeing a vet until it’s too late. With more of this type of technology around, pet owners may think they can diagnose their pets on their own and treat them accordingly, and that would be disastrous. 

Dr. Whittemore says, “It may be that animal guardians delay seeking advice and hands-on care as they would rather follow advice from AI in the comfort of their home. Only to reach out for veterinarian help when the situation worsens.”

Where Will AI Be Used in the Pet Care Industry in the Future?

As you can see, AI is already prevalent in a few areas of the pet care industry, so you can imagine it will only be more so in the future. But what areas of the pet care industry will most likely see an influx of automatic technology?

Well, here’s what we know about it in the current market:

• In 2022, machine-learning hardware (such as pet wearables) accounted for 63.40% of the revenue share for the market. (Grandview Research)
• Artificial intelligence software (such as services and deep learning devices) is expected to grow the quickest, at 20% by 2030. (Grandview Research)
• AI diagnostics in 2022 accounted for 50% of revenue share. (Grandview Research)
• In 2023, pets accounted for 73.9% of the market share when it came to using AI. (Market.Us)

It seems that the software and diagnostics portions of the AI market will continue to grow rapidly, even as the hardware segment grows. 

How Are Vets Currently Making Use of AI in Their Clinics?

When asked about their current or prospective use of AI in veterinary practice, only Dr. Javed indicated he is currently using AI; his practice has incorporated it to help design custom meal plans for cats and dogs based on their needs.

Some vets had prior experience with advanced technologies, such as a veterinary radiology service with AI assistance with human oversight, and Dr. Platisa utilized AI for automated urine sediment analysis.

The veterinarians not currently using AI said they see its potential applications for research, data processing, analysis, or booking.

While AI appears limited among our surveyed vets, its presence in veterinary clinics, as attested by the 39.2% of vets utilizing it (Digitail), suggests diverse applications within the industry.

Final Thoughts

Our veterinary experts offer diverse perspectives on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in pet care. While some anticipate its potential to enhance veterinary practice and healthcare, others harbor concerns. 

Dr. Vidal-Abarca says, “AI is here to stay, but I hope it is regulated properly and does not flood our lives and jobs,” and emphasizes that the regulation should prevent AI from overshadowing the vital role of veterinary professionals.

Our veterinarians unanimously agree that AI should complement rather than replace human expertise, recognizing that biological systems are nuanced, highly individual, and complicated, which makes humans more capable of understanding them than artificial intelligence. 

Dr. Javed sums up, “Remember that veterinarians are not anti-AI. We are pro-animal care and welfare. When AI is used in an attempt to replace us, it tends to become anti-animal care and welfare. When it helps us, though, we, in turn, provide better care for all animals and people as well; after all, public health is a huge part of veterinary care as well.” 

Some vets worry that AI integration in vet clinics could accelerate corporatization, potentially diminishing empathy and personalized care. They fear that prioritizing profitability may lead to reduced staffing, as technology doesn’t require salaries. 

As Dr. Platisa says, “Like anything in life, it’s important to gather enough information and verified facts, and understand why and when certain technologies can be good in particular situations and what their limitations are, while understanding the importance of a human in the process.” 

Balancing the ethical considerations and practical implications of AI in pet care is crucial. While the future remains uncertain, ensuring artificial intelligence is used appropriately in the pet care industry will go a long way in boosting its usefulness

• See Also: Robot Cats: Are They the Pets of the Future? Pros, Cons & FAQ

The post AI & Pet Care According to Vets by Misty Layne appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Veterinarians do a lot for our pets. They make them feel better when they’re ill, keep them calm during appointments, and so much more, and as pet parents, we appreciate them greatly. But did you know there’s an actual day dedicated to appreciating your vet? Veterinary Appreciation Day is June 18th and is devoted to thanking these unsung heroes!

How did Veterinary Appreciation Day come about? How is it observed? Here’s everything you should know about this day so you can take the opportunity next time it rolls around to truly appreciate all the wonderful things your pet’s vet does!

What is Veterinary Appreciation Day?

Veterinary Appreciation Day came about in 2015 when it was established by pet insurance provider Trupanion. Trupanion dedicated June 18th of each year to honor and appreciate all veterinary heroes. This doesn’t just include the vets who see your pets but also everyone on their staff, from the front desk to the veterinary assistants. All of the people working in vet offices play a key role in keeping our pets whole and healthy; as such, they deserve a day dedicated to thanking them!

How Can I Observe Veterinary Appreciation Day?

We’re sure you thank your vet and their staff after each visit, but on Veterinary Appreciation Day, you can go a step further. Here are just a few ways you can observe this day and show your pet’s vet and their office how much you appreciate them!

1. Trupanion’s truthankyou

Nothing shows appreciation like free scrubs! Your vet and their staff probably go through scrubs quickly, and constantly replacing them can get pricey. So this year, Trupanion launched truthankyou, which is designed to rally pet parents to appreciate and uplift their veterinarians (and all staff) on June 18th, as well as the rest of the year. To take advantage of truthankyou, you simply need to share with Trupanion your story of how a veterinarian positively impacted your pet’s life. Vet professionals who receive truthankyous will receive gift cards to buy new scrubs!

2. Remember to Practice Patience

Veterinarian offices are busy places, which sometimes means there are long waits for appointments or extended wait times in the waiting room. Remember to practice patience at your vet’s office when things are exceptionally busy. Everyone is doing their best to see pets in a timely manner, so don’t take out any frustration with long waits on the staff or veterinarians.

3. Be Kind

This goes along with remembering to be patient, but veterinarian professionals are often overworked and underappreciated, leading to them doing their best with staff shortages and more. Unfortunately, some pet parents can get a bit snappy when things don’t go exactly as they plan and take it out on the staff (especially those manning the front desks).

Remember that the staff at your vet’s office is taking care of dozens of other animals, not only your own, and are keeping up with things as best they can. So, be kind to them instead of berating them because you aren’t in and out of the office as quickly as you’d hoped.

4. Bring Treats to Your Vet’s Office

It isn’t uncommon for veterinary professionals to skip breaks or even lunch because they’re dealing with patients. Bringing some tasty treats will not only give them something to snack on if they can’t take a real break but also boost morale. You could bake cookies, buy donuts, or even bring a fruit tray for your vet’s office. However, check with your vet’s office first to ensure that food gifts will be accepted, and keep in mind that all treats should be labeled with the ingredients they contain in case of food allergies!

If food isn’t an option to take to your vet’s office, thank you cards with pictures of your pet are always appreciated. Gift cards might be another option, too.

5. Positive Reviews

What better way to appreciate your vet and their staff than by leaving them a positive review? If you’ve had a wonderful experience at your vet’s office recently, then go online and leave a great review! You can leave one on social media, the vet’s Google Business Profile, Yelp, TrustPilot, and many other sites. Also, spread the news of how fabulous your vet’s office is by referring your friends and family to them.

6. Listen to Your Vet

Another excellent way to show your vet you appreciate them is to listen to them. Your vet went to school for several years to earn their degree, and though you might have read a wonderful article online about what ails your pet, your vet knows more. So, listen to them and respect their knowledge.

Final Thoughts

You should be sure to thank your vet and their staff each and every time you visit. But you can also show how much you appreciate them on Veterinary Appreciation Day. There are several ways to observe this day, such as bringing your vet’s office snacks or thank you cards, leaving positive reviews online, practicing patience, and being kind when you visit. No matter how you show your appreciation, your veterinarian professionals will be happy you thought of them!

Also see:

• Types of Veterinary Specialists & What They Do
• Pet Appreciation Week: When & What Is It

Featured Image Credit: 4 PM production, Shutterstock

The post Veterinary Appreciation Day 2024: When & How to Celebrate by Misty Layne appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.