Cats sometimes do mysterious things. And sometimes, to our shock, that includes eating cat litter. What in the world possesses a cat to eat cat litter—and is it even safe for them to eat? As it turns out, there are a lot of reasons why a cat might show an unusual interest in their litter.

Your cat’s craving for cat litter can be caused by a range of medical issues, by what the litter itself is made of, and can even be caused by genetic predisposition.

Some cat litter is naturally “tasty”

While most litter is made from clay or crystals, some litter is made from more edible, and possibly more enticing, sources. This includes litter made from corn, walnut shells, coconut husks, grass, wheat, or paper. The scent of these types of litter may encourage your cat to take a bite, and the foodlike taste might keep them coming back for more.

What is pica?

Your cat could be eating litter for reasons that have nothing to do with the smell or taste of it, though. Pica is a texture-based compulsion to eat, lick, or suck on nonfood items, and this condition is fairly common in cats. Some cats lick plastic. Others fixate on fabric. And some are drawn, inexplicably, to litter.

Pica isn’t the only reason that your cat might develop a taste for cat litter, though. Here are some of the top causes that PetMD lists for unusual cravings—including craving cat litter.

Reasons Why Cats Eat Litter

• Litter made from food-based products
• Pica
• Dietary deficiencies such as anemia
• Feline leukemia
• Feline immunodeficiency virus
• Diabetes
• Brain tumors
• Boredom
• Stress

Is Cat Litter Toxic to Cats?

Whether your cat eats litter due to pica, boredom, or another reason entirely—your first concern might be for your cat’s safety. Litter isn’t meant to be eaten, but is it dangerous for cats?

Litter is not good for cats to eat, but some litter is more dangerous than others. Clumping litter contains sodium bentonite, and it is especially dangerous for cats. The sodium bentonite can clump inside of their intestines and cause a blockage. In extreme cases, it can even cause bentonite toxicosis when ingested.

Not all litter is created equal. If you are worried about the risk of sodium bentonite, consider looking into a different type of litter. For a litter that doesn’t contain sodium bentonite, consider one made from food-based products such as wheat or corn.

VIA FLICKR/adam bubolz

How to stop your cat from eat litter

It isn’t good for cats to eat cat litter, but you may be lost on how to help them break the habit. How can you stop a cat from eating litter?

Since stress can lead to eating inedible substances, start with monitoring and reducing stressors in your cat. Stress can be caused by a variety of sources, and can be diffused by keeping your cat mentally stimulated, giving your cat enough space, playing, or even introducing a horomone diffuser to help your cat feel safe.

Boredom is also a potential culprit. Ensuring that your cat gets plenty of exercise and interaction and has lots of fun toys to play with will help combat that. It may also help to give your cat toys they can safely chew, such as one in which you can hide an edible treat.

Anemia or dietary imbalances can cause strange cravings. Ensure that your cat is eating a high-quality cat food that provides them with the vitamins and minerals that they need to stay healthy.

If your cat continues to eat litter, consider switching to a different litter. This may stop the compulsion. Switching to a natural litter may also decrease the risk of complications from eating litter. A litter made out of wheat, corn, or a similar substance is less likely to form internal blockages and does not carry any risk of bentonite toxicosis.

If these don’t help with the problem, consider taking your cat to the vet. A more serious cause could be at the root of this. Your cat may be eating litter due to a medical or psychological reason that your vet will be able to help with navigating. Your vet will also be able to advise you on what lifestyle changes will help your cat to kick their compulsion for good.

Whether your cat is eating litter out of boredom or due to a serious medical condition, taking steps to ensure your cat has plenty of stimulation, low stress levels, and the veterinary care they need will help them to break their unsavory habit. If you have even more questions about cat litter or cat anxiety, check out the articles below for even more information.

Further Reading:

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Luckily, we pup-lovers have plenty of viewing options when it comes to dog-related shows; here are just some of the enticing shows/films coming up:

“Nature’s Fear Factor,” a documentary highlighting the complex process of reintroducing African wild dogs into Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park, will debut on PBS’s science program NOVA. The film follows the restoration of this African park as a home for endangered wild dogs, and offers a glimpse of the Gorongosa ecosystem, and the threats to its stability in the aftermath of a civil war. Oh, and you’ll see some adorable wild dog puppies, of course!

“Nature’s Fear Factor” airs at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, on PBS’s science program, NOVA.

The votes are in and the yearlong contest has concluded for the American Humane Association’s “Hero Dog Awards,” a ceremony that celebrates what the AHA calls “the powerful, age-old relationship between dogs and people.” The 2-hour special airing on the Hallmark channel will announce the top American Hero Dog for 2020.

Among the nominees are cardiac alert dog, Dolly Pawton, who is trained to alert her handler of urgent medical conditions such as unsafe blood pressure or heart rate levels that need to be addressed; military dog Blue, who rescued her handler numerous times; and Mackenzie, a shelter dog known for comforting baby animals facing medical issues.

You’ll also gain insight about the Feed the Hungry fund, a special COVID-19 based program that provides assistance to shelters currently caring for pets abandoned because of coronavirus.

“2020 American Humane Dog Awards” airs at 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, on the Hallmark Channel.

“Eba the Whale Dog” and owner, whale biologist Deborah Giles, show off their skills in an episode of the three-part PBS series, The Age of Nature. If you’ve ever been curious how pups can help people detect, track, and study whales, you’re going to want to tune in (and check out this Seattle Times article for more details). Enlightening and featuring an adorable wonder-dog? That’s a win-win for us.

Check your local PBS station for local listings, or stream The Age of Nature starting on Wednesday, October 14. Note: Eba makes her debut in the second episode.

Described by some as “The Amazing Race for dogs,” new Amazon Prime show The Pack, featuring none other than Rover’s own Nicole Ellis, premieres next month.

Teams consisting of a human and a dog will endure challenges, with the help of accredited vets and certified dog experts who come along for the ride. Hosted by famed Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn (and her pup Lucy!), this show ups the ante by offering $500,000 to the winning team, with an additional $250,000 going to their favorite animal charity.

We’ll be reporting more about the new series soon; for now, enjoy the trailer above and look for The Pack November 20 on Amazon Prime Video.

The post Whale Poop Sniffing Dogs, African Wild Pups, and ‘The Pack’: All the Dog TV This Fall appeared first on Dog Family Helper.

On September 29, with more than 1,000 viewers watching on Facebook, the top five finalists of the 2020 Miss Dog Mom Pageant anxiously waited to hear who would take home the 2020 crown.

Seven judges—including current Miss World Massachusetts Alissa Musto, pet fashion designer Roberto Negrin, and pet brand For Dirty Dogs co-founders Utundee and Natishka Saunders—had cast their votes. When runner-up Stephanie Wert and her dog Barney were announced, it took a second for Talia Page to let it sink in that she and her dog Harvey won, and that they needed to take their first official walk as the winning duo.

“Once they announced the first runner-up I knew that I was the winner because there were no other places left,” Page said. “I did not expect to win this. I was certainly surprised. Beauty queen I am not.”

A Pageant by Any Other Name

In a world where there’s definitely no shortage of pageants, from Miss America to Miss Universe, the Miss Dog Mom Pageant’s time has come.

Now in its second year, the pageant has all the fanfare, gowns, runway walks, and style that other pageants have. But it also has that furry something extra that the others don’t: adorable, runway-ready dogs strutting their fluffy stuff alongside their moms.

“I wanted to do the pageant three years ago, and I kept delaying putting it together because I doubted that anyone would be interested,” said Desh Valcin, founder of Chase & Papi, the innovative dog-centric event company that produces the pageant.

When Valcin finally did hold the first pageant, last year, in Brooklyn, it was immediately clear people were interested; the event attracted 300 applications that were eventually narrowed down to 12 contestants, along with hundreds of show attendees and a great feature spread in The New York Times.

“It will now be our annual event,” Valcin conceded.

Talia Page and Harvey in matching PJs for the People’s Choice portion of the pageant that the Facebook audience voted on live while the show aired. Courtesy of Talia Page.

Unprecedented Year, Unprecedented Pageant

Because of COVID-19, this year’s contest had to pivot from an in-person event to a virtual one that was previously taped. Out of the 65 entrants who applied this year, 12 contestants were chosen. However, four dropped out due to COVID-related issues, leaving eight contestants to compete for the title.

To be eligible, contestants must live in the U.S. and be at least 21 years old. Their dogs must be at least 8 months old to ensure they are vaccinated and bonded with their human, according to Samantha Mistretta, assistant pageant director. Dogs can be any breed, must be in good health, and cannot show any aggressive traits. All the contestants compete for their animal charity of choice.

Some people may have a predisposition about pageants and the typical contestant, but Miss Dog Mom “is a unique opportunity to show that is not the case,” Mistretta said. “Our pageant is open to women from all walks of life, and we can make it fun so that you can do it with your best friend—your dog.”

Talia Page, right, with friend, makeup artist, and stylist Stephanie Vazquez in face masks at a sleepover the night before filming the pageant. Chris Spiegel

Pageant Material

A pageant was probably the last thing on Page’s mind when she moved from her hometown outside of Detroit, Michigan to New York City 18 years ago to attend law school. She currently is the global director of learning and development for Reprise Digital Media, a marketing company.

Page grew up with a dog but had not had one for some time. When she adopted Harvey, a 2-year-old Dachshund mix, from foster organization Muddy Paws Rescue, the Miss Dog Mom pageant was nowhere on her radar. In fact, she didn’t even know about it. Since Harvey was so new to her home, he hadn’t sniffed it out either.

A new job and working from home prompted Page to think about adopting a dog.

It was Harvey’s smile that first grabbed Page’s attention when she saw his photo. “I was like, ‘He’s my boy,’” Page said. “I knew it and felt it in my heart. He found me. I felt this was the dog for me because we connected completely and instantly.” Not to mention Harvey was the perfect “huggable” size for Page and her apartment.

Talia Page and Harvey during the runway challenge segment of the pageant. The theme was “Quarantine Casual.” Stephanie Vazquez

A Big Deal About a Small Dog

As a self-proclaimed woman with “only-child syndrome,” to Page, everything is a big deal. “I can’t just get a dog; I have to GET a dog,” she said, adding that everyone who encounters her knows she has a dog.

That led a friend to forward her the link to the Miss Dog Mom pageant this past July. “I’m also the type of person who will enter every contest and am the first person to volunteer,” Page said. “It was right up my alley and I kind of applied as a joke, not that I thought it was a joke, but I never thought I would be considered. When they emailed me back almost immediately I was shocked. All of a sudden I wanted to be Miss Dog Mom 2020.”

Photo by Chris Spiegel. Makeup and styling by Stephanie Vazquez.

The pageant directors asked Page why she wanted to be Miss Dog Mom. Her answer: She and Harvey both have amazing natural eyebrows. Her response was tongue-in-cheek and funny, plus she added that she spends all her alone time making up songs about Harvey and his wiggly butt.

After that she was invited back for a video interview. Then a week later she received an email announcing she was a finalist for Miss Dog Mom 2020.

“Oh crap, what have I gotten myself into,” she thought at the time. She received a pageant handbook detailing the event and what was expected of her and Harvey. She needed an evening gown (which she finally borrowed from a friend), outfits for Harvey, makeup, and more. And since Harvey can be a bit stubborn, Page worried that he might not want to walk the runway. Thankfully, Page was able to coax him with some tasty treats. “It was only a 10-foot runway at home but I figured if I’m a good sport he would be a good sport,” she said.

Help Is on the Way

As it got closer to the day of the pageant, Page began to realize that she needed some help; it wasn’t going to be as easy as she thought. She enlisted her good friend Stephanie Vazquez, owner of Beauty Schooled, to do her makeup. Chris Spiegel, Vazquez’s boyfriend and owner of Blur Revision Media Design, helped with photography and lighting. They run their businesses out of Heatseeker Studios in Allenhurst, NJ, which is where they taped Page’s part of the pageant.

There were three categories in which the finalists competed: interview, runway challenge (a theme chosen by the pageant coordinators, which was “Quarantine Casual” this year), and the evening gown competition.

Harvey looking dapper in his evening wear. Photo by Chris Spiegel. Makeup and styling by Stephanie Vazquez.

Page thought she and Harvey would do great. “I personally think Harvey is the cutest dog I’ve ever seen but that’s all subjective,” she said. She considers herself a ham who doesn’t mind attention. Plus she is very real. “If that’s not what they were looking for I would not have gotten this far. What you see is what you get. I figured they were at least interested in real contestants, and I don’t have a problem leaving an impression.”

She feels she had an advantage due to her background in public speaking, an ability to think on her toes, and because she’s always ready with something to say.

All For A Good Cause

Due to the virtual nature of the pageant, the only time Page and the other contestants met was during a Zoom meeting dress rehearsal the Friday before the event. Even though Page and the others didn’t actually get to spend time with each other, Page enjoyed hearing about the other charities involved and why contestants had a connection to them.

Page chose Muddy Paws Rescue as her charity because she adopted Harvey from the group and of the coordinated network of support and services it provides adopters.

Talia Page hugging friend and makeup artist/stylist Stephanie Vazquez after finding out she won the Miss Dog Mom pageant. Photo by Chris Spiegel. Makeup and styling by Stephanie Vazquez.

Along with enjoying their pageant prizes, including a three-month supply of Jinx dog food and a photoshoot, Page and Harvey are in for a fun-filled year of events to spread the word on behalf of Muddy Paws Rescue. With her sash, crown, and Harvey in tow, they will make various public appearances to get out the word for their charity.

Page says giving back to help dogs will be easy. She feels lucky that she adopted Harvey and brought him into her life. “Dogs are like angels on earth,” she said. “I feel that they’re pure love and that they see you not on the surface; they see your heart and that is beautiful to me.”

Photo by Chris Spiegel. Makeup and styling by Stephanie Vazquez.

“I live alone and I’m single and don’t have any family in New York City, and it’s just so comforting to have this dog in my home who loves me unconditionally,” Page said. “He’s my partner now. He’s my buddy. We do everything together. There’s just something so magical that dogs bring to their owners.”

And together Page and Harvey will spread the good word about Miss Dog Mom and the wonders of rescue dogs.

Learn more about the Miss Dog Mom Pageant at Chase & Papi and on Instagram. Follow Harvey on Instagram.

Further Reading

The post Miss Dog Mom 2020 Crowned—With Dog, of Course—in Virtual Pageant appeared first on Dog Family Helper.

Are All-white Cats Rare?

They are! All-white cats make up only about 5 percent of the general cat population. All-white cats lack something called melanin, a pigment that occurs in both humans and animals and is responsible for giving color to hair and skin. All-white cats are the feline version of people with naturally blonde hair–something only 2 to 3 percent of the human population can claim.

Are White Cats More Prone to Deafness?

According to the Feline Health Center at Cornell University, research has found that only 17 to 22 percent of all-white cats without blue eyes are born deaf.

The key determiner in deafness in all-white cats lies more in the color of their eyes than that of their coats. The percentage of deafness in white cats with one blue eye rises to 40 percent, while 65 to 85 percent of all-white cats with two blue eyes are deaf.

Wait? One blue eye, you ask? Yes–cats with different colored eyes have a condition called heterochromia and are known as “odd-eyed” cats. Heterochromia appears in all colors of cats, as well as people (you are missed, David Bowie), horses, and dogs.

Not all white kitties who experience deafness will be completely deaf. For “odd-eyed” cats deafness generally occurs in one ear–the one on the same side of the head as the blue eye.

Why Are White Cats More Prone to Deafness?

It all goes back to being natural blondes. The same stem cells that should turn into melanin are the same ones that should develop in a cat’s inner ear to create hearing. Because all-white cats don’t have these stem cells, vital cells within the inner ear never develop so neither does hearing.

Are “Almost All-white” Cats Also Prone to Deafness?

If your kitty is mostly white, but has a small splotch of color somewhere–say on her tail or belly–this means her body has melanin so she is not prone to deafness like an all-white kitty would be.

How Can You Tell If a Cat is Deaf?

Because deafness in all-white kitties is congenital it means they are born that way. If you are adopting an all-white kitty you can simply ask the shelter experts or your veterinarian if your kitty is deaf.

If you’re unsure, VCA Animal Hospital veterinarians point out a simple quiet clap or jangle of your keys can tell you if a kitty is deaf–if there’s no reaction, kitty probably didn’t hear it. For odd-eyed kitties, try approaching the kitty from behind and give a quiet finger snap near the ear on the same side as the blue eye. Try not to make it very loud so the other ear doesn’t pick up the sound. Watch for the ear to track the sound or for kitty to otherwise respond. If she doesn’t, she’s probably deaf in that ear.

If you are concerned about hearing issues with a kitty that is not all-white, schedule a visit with your veterinarian. Hearing defects that are not congenital can be the result of all kinds of things–including painful injuries, infestations, and infections. Get an expert on the case right away to ensure your kitty doesn’t have permanent damage.

Do All-white Cats Have Other Health Issues?

There is one serious health issue to be aware of with all-white, and even mostly- to kinda-white cats, and that is skin cancer. While this is something that can happen to any kitty, light-colored cats can’t tolerate as much sunlight as colorful cats because of that lack of pigment in their skin. Repeated and prolonged exposure can cause skin cancer just as it does in humans, the most dangerous being squamous cell carcinoma. This disease is painful and even deadly, but preventable, so your best bet for the longevity of your light-colored kitty is to keep her indoors.

Also, because even deaf cats are curious cats, you would want to do a thorough review of your environment to make sure that kitty isn’t exposed to dangers–which are mostly outdoors. If kitty can’t hear things like predators, strange dogs, or cars, they are in a very vulnerable position. So, basically, it’s best to always keep a deaf kitty inside.

Can Deafness in All-white Cats Be Cured?

Deafness in all-white cats is congenital, meaning they are born with it. While this type of deafness in cats can’t be cured, there are many strategies for managing it–even for training kitties with it. The experts at VCA Animal Hospitals note that visual cues, such as hand signals and even laser pointers, can be effective communication tools for deaf kitties.

Should I Be Concerned About Adopting a White Cat?

Nope! White cats are just as wonderful as black cats, orange cats, spotted cats, stripey cats, sleek cats, and poofy cats. If your kitty is deaf this doesn’t mean he won’t be as active, loveable, demanding, or goofy as a “hearing enabled” cat.

If you end up sharing your life with a cat who turns out to be deaf, consider yourself lucky. There is a language you can share that doesn’t need to be heard to be understood: love.

The post Why Are White Cats Deaf? appeared first on Dog Family Helper.

The tweet claimed a magical cure to a common WFH frustration: kitties interrupting Zoom calls, pouncing on keyboards, and in general persistently vying for our attention while we’re working from our home computers. (See exhibit A below, my cat Matilda, who would not settle down during a recent conference call until we “held paws.” Note: I’m sitting at my desk during the meeting.)

According to @gisel_ysbryd, all you have to do is just give your cat their own workstation, and voila, problem solved.

“Apparently cats are all over your laptop when you’re trying to work because they want to mirror your behaviour,” she tweeted. “My cat is relentlessly cuddly when I’m working so I thought I’d try something out.”

See her “aggressively affectionate” cat, Belle, below, doing her best to keep mom from working.

“I got an old laptop to see if it would distract her from me AND LOOK IT WORKED,” the tweet concluded. (Exhibit B, below.)

Belle and mom, now entirely more compatible colleagues.

After reading the tweet, I told my husband I was going to try it on our own cats (Matilda and Ramona, who I describe here as “fussy and dictatorial”) and he grumbled it would never work. Oh, the satisfaction when he entered our office/guest room to ask a question, just moments after I presented the kitties with their own laptop.

I simply gestured to our cat Ramona, who had quickly cuddled up with my old Lenovo (again, my desk is to the left of the photo).

She made herself quite comfortable, eventually getting cozy enough to take up one of her very thorough grooming rituals (see below).

Cute, right? But what does it all mean?!

According to this article, cat behavioralists say that cats like laptops for a lot of different reasons, including that they tend to be located near their favorite person, and are usually warm.

Whatever the case may be, you might think twice about recycling your old laptop; as they say, one man’s trash is another cat’s treasure.

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The post Cat All Over Your Laptop? Just Give ‘Em Their Own appeared first on Dog Family Helper.

This year, we skipped our traditional pop culture theme and dove right in to highlight some of the year’s now-iconic trends. So, without further ado, we give you The Top Dog Costumes of 2020, Quarantine Edition.

Tiger King

First came Tiger King, and the obsession with Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin. Debuting on Netflix on March 20, Tiger King is the beginning of our Halloween journey. Just like the way things felt at the time (which felt like ages ago), this show was wild, slightly unbelievable, and left you with the thought of “what the heck is going on here??”

Toilet paper

Up next is the single most unexpected craze of 2020, hands down—toilet paper. You wanted it, no one had it (or some people had garages full), and it led people worldwide into a panic. If only they made rolls this large, we would never have had any problems!

Zoom calls

Zoom calls are the glue that keeps us all together. With family calls, game nights with friends, and companies offering generous educational opportunities or workouts, Zoom did not disappoint in 2020. If we may add one suggestion though, we believe one dog per call should be mandatory.

The perfect sourdough loaf

You may as well apply for the Great British Bakeoff because you absolutely NAILED that perfect sourdough loaf. And the starter? Feedin’ it every day. Like a fine wine, it only gets better with age. Take a bow master baker, YOU.ARE.INCREDIBLE.

That’s all, folks! Have a happy, safe, and socially-distanced Halloween!

Costume creation and styling by Amber Christensen.

Photos by Bret Neuman.

Further Reading

The post Dogs Model the Top Quarantine Themed Halloween Costumes of 2020 appeared first on Dog Family Helper.

How Do Cats Purr?

So what, exactly, is a purr? And how does a cat make that magical sound? Unlike other vocalizations that cats or humans make, purring happens when cats inhale and when they exhale. According to Scientific American, purring begins in a cat’s brain when a neural oscillator sends intermittent signals to the vocal cords, or laryngeal muscles. This causes the muscles to vibrate between 25 and 150 Hertz, separating the vocal cords into the unique vibrato that we know as the purr.

Why Do Cats Purr?

Ask anyone with a cat, and they’ll tell you that the purring is a sign of a happy cat. And while this is often true, cats purr for a variety of other reasons. Not only do they purr when they are happy, but they also purr when they are sick or injured, as a form of communication, or even to get humans to do what they want.

It seems counter-intuitive that cats purr not only when they are happy, but also when they are in pain. And yet, they do. Cats purr when giving birth, when they are sick or injured, and even when they are dying. But why? As it turns out, purring may be a physical mechanism to help with healing. Vibration therapy at frequencies between 20 and 140 Hertz has been shown to help bones and tendons heal faster, assist in the healing of wounds, and relieve pain and swelling. A cat’s purr, at 50 to 150 Hertz, falls well within this range.

Your Cat’s Purring: A Secret Superpower

Not only do cats purr to help themselves heal, they also purr to help others heal. This healing help extends beyond species boundaries, too. Dr. Jim Sanderson of the Small Wild Cat Conservation Foundation remembers a time when his colleague broke his collarbone. His colleague’s cat never set foot upstairs until that fateful day that he came home, injured. Until he was recovered, his cat cast aside any misgivings about going upstairs and settled in on his chest, purring ‘like a freight train’ until the bone was finally healed.

Of course, cats purr as a form of communication, as well. Kittens first begin to purr at only a few days old. This helps their mothers to locate and feed them. Into adulthood, cats often purr to signal contentment, but will also purr to communicate nervousness, fear, or stress. PetMD compares the purr to the human smile. Usually, it happens when a cat is happy. But, like a nervous smile, it may also act as an appeasing gesture.

A study published in Current Biology proposed that cats also have a unique purring frequency designed solely to motivate humans to attend to their needs. This urgent-sounding, high-frequency purr occurs at nearly the same frequency as a baby’s cry. Responding to the cry of a human infant is an evolutionary behavior written into our very genes. This high-pitched purr plays to that innate urge within each of us and prompts a faster response to the cat’s needs and wants.

VIA PIXABAY/Simone_ph

Domestic cats aren’t the only cats who purr. Certain big cats also purr, including mountain lions and bobcats. Others, like lions, tigers, jaguars, and most leopards, have a modified larynx better suited to roaring. These big cats have a large pad of tissue near the front portion of their vocal folds. This helps them to roar, but it may have left them unable to purr. Anatomist G. E. Weissengruber hypothesized that the pad of extra tissue dampens the vocal fold vibrations needed for a purr, making it difficult or impossible.

There are other animals that can purr, too. Civets, genets, mongooses, hyenas, guinea pigs, and raccoons can all purr. What about humans, though? Can we purr?

Can Humans Purr?

References to humans purring can be found scattered throughout literature, especially modern literature. Dialogue is often purred in satisfaction or contentment. Sometimes it’s purred as a suggestion. These references may be more metaphor than anything, though. A self-satisfied protagonist may remind the reader of a smug cat. A suggestive one might remind us of a cat, purring and rubbing close to ask for something.

Although humans can’t purr in the same way that cats do, we can imitate the sound. By pressing your tongue against or near the roof of your mouth, you can mimic a cat’s purr. The same mechanism is often used for rolling ‘r’s in some languages. Because these sounds are created with your mouth and not with your vocal cords, it cannot be considered true purring, but your cat might appreciate the effort nonetheless.

The next time your cat rumbles a content purr while curling up for a nap, take a moment to appreciate just how incredible such a simple sound can be. With healing properties, an evolutionary origin, and unique vocal cords capable of producing that sound, a cat’s purr is, perhaps, more impressive than we ever realized.

Further Reading:

The post How Do Cats Purr? The Secret Superpower That Fuels Your Cat’s Purring appeared first on Dog Family Helper.

Are you someone who likes to hear the facts straight from the horse’s (er…dog’s) mouth? Well, Hotels.com is on the lookout for just that by enlisting the help of the most knowledgeable of critter travel critics—the pets themselves!

First reported by our friends at Food & Wine and Travel & Leisure, the hotel booking site is looking for cats, dogs, and other hotel room size appropriate pet (sorry, alpaca and horse lovers!) to review pet-friendly hotel rooms for its site.

Considering the strange year we’ve been having, Hotels.com seeking such “Creature Critics” certainly does not seem like the weirdest development; in fact, it makes perfect sense.

After all, if you’re looking for the world’s most pet-friendly hotels, who than our pets better to determine the quality of pet beds, the tastiness of treats in the lobby, and the amount of available green space for proper sniffing and pottying?

What’s more, people are currently much more stringent about the details and safety of their travel these days, especially when it comes to where they’re staying. Plus, these travelers are far less likely to leave the pup, kitty, gerbil, bird, or other creature at home since our critter buddies have gotten very used to having us around all the time.

Hotels.com will offer three pets and their owners the opportunity to become part of this exclusive pack, giving each winner 10 coupons worth $150 each that can be used to explore hotels around the world, discovering the diamonds in the ruff that take pet (and human) vacationing to the next level.

To enter, simply upload a photo of your pet and share the reasons why they should become a “Creature Critic” to either Twitter or Instagram. Then tag and follow @hotelsdotcom and use the hashtag #CreatureCritics.

You must apply before October 9, 2020 to be counted, so check out the rules for entry and make it snappy!

Good luck to all you comfort connoisseurs—we can’t wait to discover more pet-centric travel hot spots with the help of your (and your sidekick’s) insight.

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The post Everyone’s a Critic, and for Hotels.com, Your Dog Can Be One, Too appeared first on Dog Family Helper.

Before I get into the monthly breakdown below, here are more specific details about what’s happening astrologically this month:

• The full harvest moon in Aries occurs on October 1st. This will make any pooch and kitten want to heal past trauma.
• Venus enters Virgo on October 2nd, adding practicality to relationships.
• Pluto, who’s been retrograde since May, turns direct in Capricorn on October 4th. Expect to see relationship issues develop or be exposed then.
• Jupiter, who’s in Capricorn, and Neptune, who’s retrograde in Pisces, connect on October 14th. Dreams have power now. Let your visions guide you towards greatness.
• Mercury retrograde commences in Scorpio on October 13th, lasting until November 3rd (the day of the U.S. election). Clandestine matters will be revealed during Mercury’s moonwalk—so beware of what you bark and meow out.
• The Libra new moon on October 16th will challenge partnerships.
• The sun enters Scorpio on October 22nd, adding drive and passion to everyday mundane life.
• Venus enters Libra on October 27th, adding romanticism to life.
• Halloween brings a rare blue moon in Taurus that will allow every canine and feline to feel the love that surrounds them. Howl and purr your heart out then.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

You’ve been giving a whole lotta love to your pet parents, but don’t feel as though they’re reciprocating the same level of devotion. Instead of acting out and barking up a storm during the full harvest moon on October 1st, give them little hints that you crave more TLC by resting your head on their lap. They’ll totally get the drift by the new moon on October 16th, which will create a better dynamic between you both.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

As a creature of habit, you often have problems mixing up your daily routine. In fact, you like to keep everything the same. Unfortunately, the new moon on October 16th will force you to step out of your regular regimen and implement a transformation to it. Try to go more with the flow and not stress the changes coming your way. This will be especially helpful during the full blue moon that occurs on Halloween.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Finding your place in the world is hard, but you are making great strides this month—especially on October 14th, when your head aligns with your heart which wants to see the best in people (and pets, obviously)! The good news is that you’re putting your paws down on matters that have negatively affected your emotional well being in the past, and you’ll start to see things anew during Mercury’s backspin, which commences on October 13th and lasts until November 3rd.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Rather than running around town, you are feeling like cuddling with your pet parents in bed or lounging around your home (especially on October 16th and 27th). Cozy season is beginning and you are wanting to nestle up on your lush pet bed with all of your favorite stuffies or plushies instead of galavanting around. Use this time to rest up. You deserve to have a few moments of chill in your life this month.

Leo (July 23-August 22)

Stepping outside your comfort zone is hard, but helpful in the fact that it allows you to embrace and experience new situations. Try urging your pet parents to walk you down a different street or take a route that veers from the ordinary on October 4th. This will lead to a chance encounter with a fellow feline or canine friend who has major gossip that will be important to securing your rep on October 31st.

Virgo (August 23-September 22)

You’re not in the mood to hiss and scratch at those who annoy you anymore. In fact, your whole attitude and vibe is changing this month. The cosmic energy on October 2nd allows you to take a step away from all of the frustrations and stresses you’ve been feeling for a hot minute (especially when it comes to relationships). Instead of having cat-titude, you will be spreading nothing but 100% pure love on October 12th.

Libra (September 23-October 22)

Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the fairest dog of all? Well, that would be you, boo! But, don’t let yourself get too cocky about that sentiment. Feeling yourself too much will make your fellow canines very jealous at the dog park on October 16th. However, they will totally change their vibe on Halloween, due to your charisma and playfulness—just keep it cute to avoid any unnecessary drama at this time.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

You aren’t one to squat by the sidelines and let life happen to you. In fact, you’re always running towards your desires and chasing your dreams. October 14th will push you to once again race to achieving your passions. However, you may be feeling a tad scared when you try to implement your visions IRL. Have more faith in yourself and all you do, because Halloween is your time to release your fears!

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

Cuffing season begins October 1st. And, for the first time in a long time, you’re excited to see where a situationship will go. The caveat is that you’re not gonna be able to spend a lot of time with your crush from October 2nd to October 27th because your pet parents have a lot of work drama going on, which means they’ll tighten your leash on playtime with others. Be patient and temper your heart.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

Learning to fully love and believe in yourself is the greatest gift of all—but it’s a challenge, and you are realizing that you need to re-prioritize yourself and your dreams in a lot of situations. Instead of believing that something is “impossible,” rearrange the letters to read “I’m possible.” This will help you reach for the stars (and obtain them) on October 14th and October 16th. Will you succeed? 110% guaranteed.

Aquarius (January 20-February 18)

It’s time for you to zen out and relax now, Aquarius. October 16th will make you want to practice your cat stretch and downward dog more, as you are embracing a higher minded vibe and wanting to transform your life. Be careful not to overdo your daily activities on October 22nd, as you may become too exhausted to dress up with your pet parents in matching costumes on Halloween and enjoy special holiday treats.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

After a long summer social distancing and in quarantine, the moment has come for you to reconnect with your pack on October 2nd. But, you will quickly learn on October 4th that your pals don’t necessarily have your best interests at heart. There are some inner circle power struggles happening over who’s the true alpha, which unfortunately won’t be resolved until October 31st when you all decide to hit reset on the drama.

The post October Pet Horoscopes: What the Stars Have in Store for Dogs and Cats appeared first on Dog Family Helper.

Just like humans, cats express themselves in many different ways. They use verbal communication as well as body language and chemical cues. Not all of their communication is as noticeable as a meow, either. Some forms of feline communication are so subtle that you’ll miss them if you blink.

1. Vocal Communication

Vocal communication is probably the first thing that comes to mind when cat communication is involved. Some cats will meow or trill in greeting, and many will growl or hiss as a way to tell other cats to back off. This can escalate to even more defensive talk, such as angry snarls, yowls, spits, and even distressed howls.

One of the most well-known and most complicated forms of vocal cat communication, however, is the purr. Cats often purr when they are happy, but they also purr when they aren’t feeling well. They often purr when in contact with humans or other cats, or when rubbing on objects.

2. Body Language

Another important type of communication that cats use is body language. Not all cats will meow in greeting to each other, but many of them will touch noses as a way to say hello. Rubbing together or hooking tails is a form of affection between cats.

Your cat’s ears, eyes, and tail are especially important in displaying body language—both to humans and to other cats. A friendly, confident cat holds their tail high with ears perked forward. The tail can crook forward when they approach someone they like while rolling over can be a sign of trust. Looking at a cat (or human) and blinking is another way that cats can show that they are open and attentive.

On the other hand, if your cat averts their eyes, if their ears go to the side or flatten, or if they tuck their tail in under their body, it can be a sign that your cat feels uncomfortable or even threatened.

Feeling threatened can bring out aggressive behavior, as well. Aside from hissing or growling, cats show signs of aggression through body language. Some of the signs of this include ears flattened against their head, a lashing tail, bristling fur, and an arched back or tail.

VIA PIXABAY/Image by Kadres from Pixabay

3. Chemical Cues

Chemical cues are the last and most subtle form of communication that cats use with each other. You may have seen your cat rubbing against other cats, against you, or against other objects. When they rub against something, they leave pheromones on it. When two cats rub together, they are exchanging scents. When your cat rubs against objects in the house, they are leaving a scent trail to mark their territory.

There are other ways for cats to mark their territories, too. Some cats spray urine to mark their territory. This is especially common in cats who have access to the outdoors, but it can also happen inside of the home in response to a stressor.

All The Questions You’ve Ever Asked About Cat Communication–And More!

Do cats meow to communicate with each other?

Yes, cats meow to communicate with each other! They also use many other forms of communication, including trills, hisses, yowls, growls, snarls, body language, and scenting.

Do cats understand each other’s meows?

Yes, cats do understand each other’s meows. Sometimes, cats will meow or trill as a form of greeting when they meet.

Can cats and dogs communicate with each other?

Cats and dogs communicate in different ways, but just as we are able to learn to understand the general meaning of cat vocalizations and body language by paying close attention, dogs and cats can learn to read the general meaning, as well. A dog who has never met a cat will often charge in excitedly to play and get slapped in the face. However, a dog who grew up around cats will recognize the signs to back off and will know to approach a new cat more carefully.

How long will it take for cats to get used to each other?

The time it takes for two cats to get used to each other varies. The Humane Society estimates anywhere from a few days to a few months. It can take even longer for two cats to form a friendship—up to a year, according to PAWS.

Do cats communicate with people the same way they communicate with other cats?

A lot of communication is the same whether your cat is expressing themselves to you or another cat, but PetMD notes that cats are more vocal towards humans than they are toward other cats. This may be because it is the form of communication that we notice and respond to most easily.

Want to learn even more about cat communication? We’ve got you covered. Check out the articles below for even more information about meows, squinting, and insight into even more cat behavior.

Further Reading:

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