Latest news with #petCare
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Expert reveals why you should NEVER feed your cat milk - even though they love it
Along with purring and hairballs, cats are also well known for their love of milk. But you should never give your cat a bowl of the white stuff, an expert has revealed. Like all mammals, cats begin life drinking from their mother and constantly meowing for more. However once they are past kittenhood, milk is a completely unnecessary part of their diet, experts say. Julia Henning, from the school of animal and veterinary science at the University of Adelaide, explained that the majority of cats are actually lactose intolerant. After they have finished weaning, at around six to 12 weeks of age, kittens stop producing the enzyme lactase – required to digest lactose in milk - she said. If they are then given cow's milk – which contains much higher levels of lactose than the milk of mother cats – they can experience unpleasant symptoms including bloating, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. Cats who drink milk or dairy regularly are at increased risk of these health complications. And it could even become deadly, as chronic diarrhoea can lead to dehydration and malnutrition. Previous studies have suggested that cats may initially enjoy cow's milk because of the high levels of protein and fats in it. Cow's milk has also been linked to a calming effect in our feline companions. So, is it okay to give them a bit of milk every now and then? 'The short answer is no,' Ms Henning told The Conversation. 'Dairy is not a natural part of cats' diet. While they may like the taste, milk is likely to cause your furry friend discomfort and health issues, so it's best to avoid entirely. 'And if you're thinking your cat is one of the lucky few that isn't lactose intolerant, think again. 'Cats are very good at hiding discomfort because, in the wild, showing weakness would make them a target for predators. 'If you absolutely must, opt for lactose-free milk or milk formulated specifically for cats, and keep it as a very occasional treat. 'While it won't upset their stomachs in the same way as regular cow's milk, it still won't offer your cat any nutritional benefit.' Milk alternatives such as oat, soy or almond milk are also likely to cause digestive upset, as they are an unusual addition to a cat's diet, she added. 'The bottom line? Don't give your cat milk,' she said. 'They don't need it, they probably can't digest it and it's likely to cause more pain than it's worth.' A previous study, published in 2023, found that some cats like to play fetch in the same way as dogs. A survey of nearly 1,000 owners also suggests cats like to be in control of the game and respond best when they lead the play. While fetching is not typically associated with felines, the researchers believe the behaviour is instinctive – often happening without any formal training. Based on their findings, published in the journal Nature, the academics are urging cat owners to be more attuned to their pets' needs and their preferences for play. They say that playing fetch may be beneficial for the welfare of the cat and may strengthen the bond between the pet and its owner. Cats are often branded aloof and solitary creatures who spend their days plotting their human owner's demise, but such characterisations could not be further from the truth. In fact, our feline friends constantly communicate their feelings of affection to us, whether it be through their whiskers, tail, face or body language. In her eye-opening new book Kitty Language: An Illustrated Guide to Understanding Your Cat, author Lili Chin - with the help of animal behaviourists - explains how to interpret your pet's movements. Below are some of the most common behaviours and what they could signal.
CTV News
25-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Montrealers struggle to keep pets as costs climb
Ania says her dog Rory is her best friend and emotional support — but caring for him doesn't come cheap.
CTV News
22-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- CTV News
The Absolute Best Odour Eliminators For Homes With Pets
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. We love our pets, but no one loves the smells they sometimes leave behind. From muddy (or worse) paws on the couch to litter box footprints on the pillowcases, even the most beloved animal companions can create some unpleasant messes and aromas around the house. But the wide array of pet-safe cleaning products on the market today means you don't have to live with lingering odours or swap style for sanitation. This roundup of top-rated odour eliminators is designed to tackle all the biggest problem areas: carpets, couches, air, laundry, and even your pets themselves. Whether you're fighting stubborn urine smells and skunk encounters or just freshening up your favourite shared spaces, these cleaners will help you get the job done with minimal effort and maximum results. Eradicate odours so you can enjoy all that unconditional fur baby love with 12 pet-focused products: Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We'll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes.
Daily Mail
21-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Purr-sonal assistant needed! Job advert offering £65 an hour for someone to cat sit goes viral as role includes playing it classical music on Fridays and visits to Harrods
A job advert seeking a cat sitter prepared to pamper what could be Britain's most spoiled feline has gone viral on social media. A luxury private jet company in London is recruiting a 'personal assistant' whose job will be to care for an office cat apparently well accustomed to living the high life. Duties include providing fresh milk and food twice a day and playing the British shorthair cat classical music every Friday. The successful candidate will also be expected to visit Harrods once a month 'to purchase new toys for the cat'. Astonishingly, the job, which can be full- or part-time, pays up to £65 per hour – equivalent to a full-time salary of £135,000. The extraordinary job advert was posted by a recruitment firm on a Government jobs page and The Guardian newspaper's website. The client is not named but is described as a 'modern platform at the forefront of private aviation' with an office in central London. 'Our client is currently looking for a responsible and experienced Private Cat Sitter to care for a British shorthair cat in their office,' the advertisement states. The extraordinary job advert (pictured) was posted by a recruitment firm on a Government jobs page and The Guardian newspaper's website 'They value precision, care, and high standards in everything they do – including the well-being of those closest to their team. 'This role involves consistent, attentive care for a well-tempered British short-hair cat, ensuring her daily routine is maintained to the highest standard.' The assistant will be expected to carry out 'gentle daily grooming', empty the pet's litter box and monitor its 'health and behaviour, noting any signs of distress or illness'. As well as the classical music session, the assistant must also 'ensure a calm, respectful environment suitable for a sensitive animal'. Some in the private jet industry last night questioned whether the job ad was genuine, although they conceded some 'ultra-high-net worth' clients employ cat sitters at around £50 an hour to accompany their felines on flights. Legendary fashion designer and photographer Karl Lagerfeld famously pampered his cat Choupette, who modelled along- side Naomi Campbell and has her own make-up line and a fortune worth millions. In August 2022, Choupette celebrated her 11th birthday on a private jet surrounded by gifts. 'Happy birthday to me,' read the captions on her Instagram page. Lagerfeld was said to have left over £1million to her upon his death in 2019, but as cats cannot legally inherit, it was unclear how she'd get her paws on the cash.
CNET
13-05-2025
- CNET
Get 3 Petcube Cam 360 Cameras and Keep an Eye on Your Furry Friend From Afar for Under $100
There is no shortage of home security cameras on the market right now, but few of them are designed with pets in mind. The Petcube Cam 360 is one of those that very much is, and you can pick up three of them and save 20% if you're quick. That means you'll get three cameras for just $96, down from the usual $120. This is a limited-time deal, though, and we can't vouch for how long it will last. If you're looking for a Memorial Day bargain, now might be the time to act before it's too late. These cameras are built to give you peace of mind when you're away from your pet, thanks to a pan and tilt 360-degree feature that ensures you can always find them, no matter where they get to. There's even support for night vision so you can see what your pet gets up to when you're in bed or out on the town, too. Why worry about them when you could be enjoying yourself, safe in the knowledge that they're loving life sprawled out on your sofa? Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. If you do find that your pet is up and about, you can talk to them using the two-way audio feature. Just don't expect them to talk back to you. We haven't found a camera that can turn pet noises into speech just yet. Other features of note include motion and sound detection alerts as well as advanced encryption and a privacy mode so you can be sure nobody is snooping on you or your pet. This deal gets you a pack of three cameras, but you can also pick up a pack of two for $65 or a single camera for just $38 if that's all you need. Why this deal matters We know how important it is to keep your pets safe, and we worry when we're away from ours as well. These cameras are here to give you the peace of mind you need so you can be sure they're fine while you go about your day. With these savings, why not treat you and your pet to a Petcube Cam 360 or three?
