Latest news with #catowners
The Sun
09-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Almost half of cat & dog owners want future tech to translate what their pets are saying – would you?
ALMOST half of cat and dog owners want future technology to translate what their pets are saying. Four in 10 cat and dog owners want future technology to help translate barks and meows. 3 A survey of 2,000 cat and dog owners revealed the technological advancements they're hoping to see for their pets in the future, including smart watches and automated teeth brushing devices. Automatic pooper scoopers (34 per cent), AI animals to be a 'friend' to their pet (13 per cent) and anxiety and emotional support solutions (29 per cent) were also popular. Others want to see pet beds which change temperature based on how the cats and dogs feel (26 per cent), smart home appliances controlled by barks and meows (14 per cent) and public transport purely for pets and owners (13 per cent). If owners could ask their cat or dog about one thing, the majority (20 per cent) would opt to know about their physical health, while 17 per cent want to be told how happy - or unhappy - they are. The research, commissioned by Pet Drugs Online to celebrate its 20th anniversary, also found 29 per cent would like to see the invention of paw recognition doors. Trent Webb, product sales data expert at Pet Drugs Online said: 'Over the past 20 years, we've seen an increased trend of humanisation of pet care, particularly in the nutrition, dietary and health products that pet parents are purchasing. 'Dog parents' approaches to purchasing pet supplements have evolved over the past ten years; while purchasing general multivitamins has decreased by six per cent, sales of specific nutritional support supplements have increased by 231 per cent. 'However, for cat parents, multivitamins prove the most popular of all supplements at 21 per cent, but sales have reduced by 53 per cent over the past decade. "Supplements to help felines reduce their stress and anxiety are in the highest demand, rising by 1,703 per cent in five years. 'Stress-reducing supplements remain the go-to for pet owners, but specific foods dedicated to supporting our four-legged friends are gaining ground. Dogs prefer EVs to fuel-powered cars with heart rates revealing exactly how your pet feels on drive, study shows 'We've seen that owners who purchased stress relief diffusers between 2020 and 2023, are repurchasing refills, indicating that they really see the benefits of calming scents and products that are designed to reduce stress in the home.' Reflecting on what's changed since the online retailer launched, the research also found 76 per cent of pet parents believe the standard of pet care products has improved in the past two decades. A further 74 per cent think the availability of expert-backed information for owners has increased and more than half (59 per cent) also believe pets are generally living longer lives now compared to 20 years ago. In the future, owners expect products to be more sustainable (29 per cent), personalised (27 per cent) and health-related (30 per cent). Pet parents have already been making savvier nutritional choices, tailored to the individual needs of their pets, with joint and muscle (30 per cent), general multivitamins (24 per cent) and stress and anxiety-reducing supplements (18 per cent) being the most popular supplements for owners to purchase. Sarah Page-Jones, head of veterinary compliance at the brand, one of the UK's largest suppliers of veterinary medication online and animal care products, said: 'This research paints an exciting picture of the future of pet care. 'We've come a long way already, with tech inventions such as automatic feeders, cameras and DNA testing kits, but there are still so many opportunities. 'It's clear pet owners are eager for even more innovation, especially when it comes to the health of their pets and everyday convenience. 'We know that the focuses we have on human health always trickle down to the priorities pet owners have for their companions – seen through food and nutritional demand over the past decade. 'Looking ahead, pet's mental health will likely become more important to owners, as it has for humans in recent years.' Over the past 20 years, there has also been a major shift from standard kibble to premium, organic, raw and speciality diets (such as grain-free, vegan, hypoallergenic), according to the brand's data. Trent Webb said: 'Pet parents want variety, and we've seen them purchasing from 283 per cent more food brands than they did ten years ago.' In general, 69 per cent of pet parents polled via OnePoll feel optimistic about the future of pet care and ownership. Sarah Page-Jones added: 'Pets are so much more than furry companions. They are members of the family whom we prioritise and care for as much as we would any other relative. 'We're excited to see what the future holds for pet care, hopefully helping both pets and owners to spend more time together, understand one another and improve all areas of health and wellbeing.' TOP 15 ADVANCEMENTS OWNERS WANT TO SEE FOR THEIR PET'S LIFE IN THE FUTURE: Here are the top 15 advancements owners want to see for their pet's life in the future: Devices that automatically pick up dog or cat poo Smart pet doors which open or close based on paw or facial recognition Litter trays that clean themselves Temperature-changing pet beds based on how they feel Self-cleaning pet beds Secure-fenced pet areas in public spaces Tech which can self-groom my pet e.g. cut and brush their hair Robots to help me when needed, e.g. to take them for a walk, entertain them Smart home appliances which are controlled by animals' noises, e.g. a bark turns on a washing machine, a meow automatically opens the curtains AI-based pet sitters for holidays and trips away AI animals to be a 'friend' to my pet Public transport that's purely for pet owners and their pets Life-sized holograms to speak to my pet when I'm not at home VR headsets for animals to keep them entertained while I'm not there Pet-only films and theatre shows 3
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
List of 'Reasons Not to Eat Your Food if You're a Cat' Has People in Stitches
List of 'Reasons Not to Eat Your Food if You're a Cat' Has People in Stitches originally appeared on Parade Pets. Everyone has different tastes when it comes to food. From preferring certain flavors to having serious thoughts on ideal temperatures and even favorite cookware, the variations are endless. While humans can be fussy about their meals, cats take it to another level. In a hilarious video uploaded to TikTok, the reasons a finicky feline may refuse to eat are outlined, and the explanations are so funny because they're absolutely true! Let's see what we have here. "Reasons not to eat your food if you're a cat," the caption states. Ready for the list? Here we go! Bowl was placed down too loudly. The vibe was off. Don't like chicken, as of today. Felt like I was being rushed. I'm a cat. 🐶🐾🐾 The way this kitty looks away at the end of the video really feels like a, "Yup, that about sums it up!" List validated!And yet viewers were quick to chime in to add to the list, revealing some of their pets' peculiar "pet peeves" that may ruin an otherwise nice meal. "Oh yes, my bowl was faced the wrong way," one wrote. "I eat at 4:30 p.m., not 4:31 p.m.," another pointed out. Another commented, "I want the other can, not the open one in the fridge: new can every feeding 😡😉." Kitties, take note, it seems like your family members are on to you!Anyone who's loved and cared for a feline knows their tastes can change hourly. So why is that? According to PetMD, their fussiness may have something to do with their natural instincts, as their ancestors were hunters who grazed on different small meals throughout the day. They may also like their food placed in certain locations. Dishes beside the litter box get a hard pass. If your cat stops eating and it seems like more than just a change in preference, it could be a health issue, and a visit to the vet may be in order. (Please don't tell your pet I said this!) One of the reasons I think kitties are so persnickety is because they know they can get away with it — at least in my house! List of 'Reasons Not to Eat Your Food if You're a Cat' Has People in Stitches first appeared on Parade Pets on Jul 5, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade Pets on Jul 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Cat Panting Like a Dog? What It Means and When to Call the Vet
Cats are skilled at hiding illness, so visible signs like panting should always be taken seriously. Panting can be caused by both environmental factors, such as stress, or underlying medical reasons like heart disease. Not all panting can be prevented, but preventive care—like managing stress, avoiding heat exposure, and staying current on vet visits—can help reduce the risk of panting cat is breathing with their mouth open, almost like a dog panting. Is this something to worry about? Although not every case of panting in cats is a cause for concern, it's worth paying attention to. Here, we'll cover what panting looks like in cats, possible causes of panting, and when you should call the veterinarian. Panting in cats looks similar to a panting dog: breathing their mouth open. However, your cat's tongue is less likely to protrude from their mouth than a dog's tongue. Additionally, your cat's tongue may appear curled while they're panting, and their chest may be moving rapidly when they breathe. In some cases, you may even notice that it appears difficult for your cat to breathe at all. Panting isn't always a sign of an underlying health condition. But that doesn't mean that it should be ignored. For example, if your cat is panting due to stress, you should still take steps to reduce your cat's anxiety. Your cat may pant if they are getting too hot, which can occur in very warm weather or when they are confined to hot spaces. Without cooling them off, this can progress to heat stroke, which can be dangerous. Other signs of overheating you may notice include drooling and sweaty paws. To cool your cat down safely, you should: Move them to a cooler location Provide them with cool water Put water on them and place them in front of a fan Put cool washcloths in their armpits or groinDo not use ice baths to cool your cat—cats cannot regulate their body temperature as effectively as humans your cat is panting due to heat and also experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, lethargy, disorientation, or has a red tongue and gums, seek emergency attention. If you take your cat's rectal temperature and it reaches 104°F or above, seek emergency attention. Some cats, especially kittens, pant after intense play or exercise. This is a sign that your cat might need to calm down for a bit. If your cat's panting does not quickly stop when they are at rest, contact a veterinarian. If your adult cat has begun to occasionally pant during exercise, it's a good idea to have a veterinary evaluation to rule out any underlying health issues. Panting commonly occurs when a cat is stressed or anxious, such as during veterinary visits, car rides, or placement in a new environment. Again, the panting should subside once the cat calms down. You should take steps to manage your cat's anxiety. These can include providing enrichment, using pheromones, and administering anti-anxiety medications. If your cat's anxiety is so severe at the veterinary clinic that they may injure themselves, your veterinarian may recommend sedation. If your cat is panting with no known explanation, you should seek veterinary attention. The following are potential medical causes of panting in cats. Panting may be seen with respiratory illnesses, such as feline asthma, upper respiratory infections, pneumonia, and bronchitis. While upper respiratory infections in cats are common, panting as a result is not. If your cat has an upper respiratory infection and has started panting, you should seek urgent attention. Other signs you may notice include: Coughing Wheezing Labored breathing Exercise intolerance Discharge from the nose or eyes Heart disease can cause your cat to have difficulty breathing, resulting in panting. As the heart enlarges, it may place pressure on some of the airways, causing coughing. As the heart disease further progresses, the cat can develop heart failure and further breathing problems. If you suspect that your cat is panting due to heart disease, seek emergency veterinary attention. Traumatic injuries can result in panting both as a result of the pain and shock of the event and due to the actual injury itself. For example, a cat who has been hit by a car may develop a hernia in their diaphragm that makes breathing difficult. Other traumatic injuries that may cause panting include fractured ribs, bruised lungs, and collapsed lungs. 7 Signs That Your Cat Is in Pain Your cat's blood transports oxygen throughout their body. If they develop anemia due to blood loss, decreased red blood cell production, or autoimmune conditions, they will have less oxygen circulating in their blood. They may pant as a compensatory mechanism. Other signs of anemia or blood loss include: Pale, blue-tinged, or yellow mucous membranes Bruising, whether large or pinpoint Bleeding from a wound or from an orifice Lethargy or collapse Dark-colored urine Seek emergency attention if you suspect your cat is panting due to anemia. While heartworms are more common in dogs, they can still affect cats. In cats, heartworms cause heartworm-associated respiratory disease (HARD) as a result of inflammation in the lungs and associated vessels. Cats with this condition may pant or experience respiratory difficulty. Cats who may be panting due to heartworms need to see a veterinarian immediately. A cat who is choking may also pant or open-mouth breathe. This can occur if the cat inhales or aspirates something and should be treated as an emergency. Contact a veterinarian immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms: Panting that lasts more than a few minutes or occurs without explanation Blue, pale, or yellow gums Labored or noisy breathing, wheezing, coughing, gagging Lethargy, collapse, disorientation, hiding Panting in the litterbox Panting with vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding, or bruising If you decide to visit the vet, your veterinarian will take steps to find out what's causing your cat's panting and to keep your cat comfortable. Diagnostics and treatment may include: Chest X-rays: May show evidence of heart or lung disease or a foreign object in the airways. Blood work or heartworm testing: May show evidence of anemia and other systemic health conditions. Echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart): May show evidence of heart disease. Administering oxygen Placing an intravenous catheter for fluids and medications Providing pain medications if needed Providing antibiotics, steroids, diuretics, bronchodilators, and other medications as needed Removing fluid from the chest or abdomen Blood transfusions Not all cases of panting are preventable. For example, if your cat has a genetic predisposition to a heart condition, you may not be able to prevent heart disease from developing. However, many causes of panting—such as overheating, infections, and stress—are preventable. You can minimize these risks by: Keeping your cat cool and well-hydrated to avoid heat stress. Avoiding stressful situations or take steps to reduce anxiety when stress is expected. Keeping your cat on year-round heartworm and flea/tick prevention and on a regular vaccination schedule. Keeping your cat away from toxins like rat poison. Panting is not a normal cat behavior, and panting without a simple explanation like anxiety or vigorous play should always be investigated. Cats can be subtle when experiencing distress, so it's always a good idea to get your cat evaluated if you're concerned. If your cat is panting and you don't know why, don't wait and see—call a veterinarian for guidance! Read the original article on The Spruce Pets
BBC News
02-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Catteries in Norfolk struggling to meet summer holiday demand
The holiday plans of some cat owners have been scuppered this year due to the number of catteries being fully booked months in charity Cats Protection have estimated that the number of UK households owning a cat rose from 23% in 2020 to 26% in 2023 following the Covid pandemic, peaking at about 11 million those numbers declined slightly last year, the recovery of the holiday industry saw catteries and cat-sitting services in Norfolk struggling to meet Rallison, from Hedgerows Cattery in Alpington, said: "It's absolutely chocka-block, I've known nothing like it." Mr Rallison has managed the business, near Norwich, with his wife Claire since explained: "We roughly run about 30 to 40 and we are pretty much full up all of the time. Through to November we can't do a week or more unless we get any cancellations."I think people going away on holiday after Covid is a factor, demand for cat places is obviously finite and more cats seem to come into Norfolk with the population increase."It's more of a complex thing then just Covid but that's definitely a factor."Marina Murdoch has run Clay Cottage Cattery in Cranworth, near Watton, with her husband Mark since have expanded since then and now have 20 cat chalets in their garden which are regularly occupied. "I'm fully booked all the way through to November," said Mrs Murdoch. "We're just getting busier and busier over the years and we're now busy in the winter months that used to be quiet."So many catteries have shut that everyone with a cat is having to travel further. I'm taking on two to three customers a week."We've actually had the cattery on the market for 18 months and not had anyone interested in taking over which has surprised us, as it's quite lucrative."You can pretty much name your price because it's about supply and demand – and the demand is outrageous."Cats Protection estimated that UK cat ownership dropped from 11 million in 2023 to 10.6 million last charity offers advice on holiday options and urges owners to "book a cattery far in advance" of any McGowan runs Maccy G Pets, a pet sitting service based in Norwich, with her husband Lea and has also been inundated with enquiries in recent said: "I have noticed a big increase this year in new customers contacting me, a lot higher than previous years, so I guess that is as a result of catteries being full." The couple's service includes going into people's homes when they are away to feed their pet, change litter trays and spend time with McGowan added: "I send my customers a video every day of their cat doing what they enjoy."It's usually a couple of minutes long and I find that my customers really enjoy having a video, especially if they have children as well." Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
CNN
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Dogs in your bed? Research says good for some and bad for others
Couples argue over it, diehards can't get enough. Letting your dog or cat sleep in your bed may no longer feel like it's your choice — sometimes the pet wins. CNN's Randi Kaye found that has positive and negative effects on your well-being.
