The Cat Question: To Microchip Or Not To Microchip?

by Lisa Selvaggio

Published: June 10th, 2021

the cat question to microchip or not to microchip

Here kitty, kitty! Are you on the fence about whether or not to microchip your cat?

Microchipping is quite popular as a means of reuniting lost pets with their owners. But there’s also a bit of controversy surrounding microchips and their effectiveness and safety. Continue reading to get more information on this important topic, and consider doing your own research to assess the pros and cons before coming to a final decision.

What Is a Microchip for Your Pet, and How Does It Work?

Microchips are also known as pet ID chips. They’re only about the size of a single grain of rice, and they use radio frequency waves that transmit information about your cat.

A veterinarian implants the microchip using a syringe, placing it between the shoulder blades, right beneath the surface of the skin. The procedure is quick and feels like any other routine vaccination. Your cat’s subcutaneous tissue will bond to the chip in about a day to keep it in place, although there’s a small chance that it might migrate a little bit before it settles in one spot.

A microchip is meant to last for about 25 years. So, if your cat gets lost, the animal shelter or veterinary office that finds your pet can simply use a handheld scanner to retrieve the chip’s information, which consists of a registration or IDnumber. The veterinary or shelter staff will then be able to look up the information that is associated with that ID number. And if all goes well, it will direct them to you. Once these workers have your phone number, they can get in touch with you to let you know that they have your cat, and then you can work on getting your pet back at home as soon as possible.

The Purpose of Microchipping Pets

Pet microchips are tools that can be used to quickly and easily identify a cat and his owner.

Many pet owners who worry about their kitty getting lost someday decide to have their companion microchipped. That way, if their pet is found, he can be scanned and reunited with his family, regardless of whether or not he wears a collar and tag. This has certainly been the case for many lost pets who have been microchipped, making it the best reason for getting the chip implanted into your cat.

Think about it: even if your kitty spends all of his time indoors, there is a chance that he will run outside and get lost. As an indoor cat, he might be so frightened that he quickly loses his way. And if your indoor cat doesn’t wear a collar with an ID tag at all times, he could end up out there alone, not knowing what to do, and there would be no way to identify him if he were found by a stranger.

Shelters and rescue groups might also microchip cats that come into their care. That way, when they are adopted, these kitties are already set with a microchip and identification. And if the animals ever get lost in the future, their owners may be able to find them sooner rather than later. While some pet owners appreciate this effort, others who want more control over whether or not their cats are microchipped might be irritated by the fact that they weren’t given a choice in the matter.

Bottom line: the great thing about a microchip is that it’s in your cat and will remain there no matter what. Unlike collars and tags that can get lost or damaged, these ID chips might help ensure your pet will make his way home, provided that he is scanned properly once he is found.

The Potential Drawbacks of Having a Cat Microchipped

Despite all of the positive things about microchips, there are some cons associated with this product that you should be aware of. For example, even when a microchipped cat is scanned, it doesn’t always mean that the shelter worker will be able to get the information they need, and there could be several reasons for this.

First off, some scanners might not be able to read the data from your kitty’s microchip, even though there have been advancements to help ensure a pet’s microchip will be scannable, regardless of its registry and brand.

Also, shelter workers might not use a scanner properly and may end up missing a microchip completely. Or, if the microchip did end up migrating to a different spot in the cat’s body and the shelter worker doesn’t do a thorough scan, they might miss the chip that way too.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the microchip needs to be registered in order to work. If your pet had a previous owner who never registered the microchip, or if you adopted your furry companion from a shelter who failed to register it, it simply won’t work. So it’s necessary to ensure the microchip is properly registered at all times.

In addition to that, you need to keep your contact information up-to-date with the registry that holds the information about your pet’s microchip. Otherwise, if your cat gets lost and is scanned, the microchip might direct rescuers to the shelter you adopted him from or to his previous owner. Yikes! So, if you end up moving, be sure to update your information in the microchip registry. And, again, when you adopt a pet, be sure to update the contact information that’s associated with the microchip so it points to you instead of anyone else.

What does all of this tell you? Well, even if your pet has a microchip in place, it isn’t foolproof, so it’s still a good idea to continue using other forms of identification. You might, for example, purchase a collar that’s designed for felines, attach an ID tag to it, and have your kitty wear it just in case he ever gets lost.

One final note: some studies have found that pets who have microchips are at an increased risk of cancer, particularly of aggressive tumors that grow at the site of the chip. And there are also cases where cats who have been microchipped have suffered from neurological damage or died as a result of an improperly implanted microchip that hit the brain stem or caused severe bleeding. Although experts claim that the risks are low, some cat owners might choose to avoid getting their pets microchipped altogether for these reasons.

Weigh the Pros and Cons

When it comes to microchipping pets, there are certainly pros and cons that need to be considered. There are benefits that microchips can provide, but in order to enjoy those benefits, the chip and scanner need to work properly and the people scanning your pet need to be able to retrieve the correct information. Again, it isn’t foolproof, but it can give you greater peace of mind while you travel with your cat or if your feline friend ever gets lost, especially if your kitty isn’t wearing a collar with an ID tag that provides your contact information.

As your cat’s guardian, it’s up to you to decide what’s really best for your pet. Learning more about microchips is wise, and if you want even more information, you can consult with a veterinarian to get the personalized guidance you need to make the right choice.

Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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Microchip Helps Reunite Owners With a Lost Cat 5 Years Later

No bigger than a grain of rice, a microchip can save a life and help reunite a lost pet with their family. The Hall family understands the importance of microchipping after reuniting with a lost cat. Jeff and Cindy Hall were ecstatic after receiving news that their cat, Sam, was discovered in Arkansas five years after he first went missing. Cindy told the local NBC affiliate KARK that they received a phone call that their Russian blue cat was found at a gas station in Arkansas. The two women who have found Sam, have brought him to Jacksonville Animal Hospital. Using the information from Sam’s microchip, the women contacted PAWSitively Cats, an animal rescue organization, where the Halls adopted Sam when he was just 12 weeks old.  The women who found the feline were a part of the Alone 2 Home pet transport crew and were in the middle of transporting two dogs when they came across Sam. “We had him for seven years and then one day he got out. It is a miracle that he walked up to these two women who were in rescue,” said Cindy, adding that PAWSitively Cats called her and Jeff directly. She described the happy occasion as a “beautiful story” saying that reuniting with Sam, whom they had for seven years before he disappeared, was “surreal.”“This story just can’t underestimate the power of a microchip,” she said. “We are so grateful for everyone that was involved.”Sam the cat is now 12 years old and weighs 21 pounds. The rescue organization documented his entire journey on their Facebook page. PAWSitively Cats wrote that someone had picked up Sam and failed to look for his home when he first disappeared from the Hall residence.Before contacting Sam's family, the organization received a message that a microchipped cat had been found in Brinkley, Arkansas. In the meantime, Sam received the royal treatment at the Jacksonville Animal Hospital in Little Rock. The pet transport crew, Alone 2 Home once again assisted with Sam’s travels and brought him to El Paso, where the shelter’s director met up with them to bring Sam back to PAWSitively Cats shelter.  The feline’s family departed from Nevada and traveled to Tuscon, to finally get their beloved feline back.“Once again, we will do everything possible to be sure our cats are safe and can get back home if that is what is best for them,” the rescue posted on Facebook. “They are safe for life with us, one way or another, as long as PAWSitively Cats can continue. You make that possible by donating and sharing our cats’ stories. It really does take a whole community to save lives,” the post added.The Alone 2 Home transport crew also posted photos of Sam and provided additional updates to the shelter, before PAWSitively Cats updated their followers on Sam’s safe return home. “Sam was joyfully reunited with his family this morning,” the shelter later wrote in a post. “They are on their way home to Nevada now, where Sam will join the rest of the family: cats, dogs, and human sisters.” While talking to KARK, Cindy noted that having their cat home makes their family feel complete once again. No one knows how Sam ended up in Arkansas or for how long he had been there. It would be interesting to hear everything Sam went through during the five years he was away from his family. If only cats could talk!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Sure Petcare Microchip Pet Feeder Connect Is For Perfect Cat Food Port

Our pets are our family, and just like our human family members, it’s important that we watch the waistlines and weights of our furry friends. Often, it’s easy to tell if your cat or dog has gotten a bit ‘fluffy’ simply by noticing an increase in size. But sometimes, due to differences in coat and the way they carry it, you may not know if your pet is eating the right amount of food. It’s important for humans to maintain a healthy weights, and it’s just as important for pets as well, though it may be more difficult to do. Our pets can have trouble deciding when enough food is enough, and often (much like humans) will eat whatever is there because it’s there. This can lead to obesity in pets, and obesity can lead to greater issues when it comes to their long-term health and welfare. How Much Is That Kitty Eating? Monitoring your pet’s intake isn’t important just to maintain a svelte figure; your pet’s feeding behavior tells a tremendous amount about their health. When there’s a loss of appetite or a change in your pet’s feeding habits and desires, this can be a first, subtle sign of an illness. Knowing your pet’s eating habits and precisely how much they are taking in regularly is a goldmine of information for a veterinarian who may need to look further into why their feeding habits are different. Particularly when you have a multi-pet home, knowing how much of your furbabies is eating can ensure the best nutrition for them all. But it’s often difficult for pet parents to be on top of what pet is eating what food, and how much of it at that. Additionally, for pet parents whose pets are on specific restricted diets, managing your pet’s food intake and portion control can be a difficult process that hinders the bond that you and your pet have. Because monitoring food intake of your pet only gets more important as your pet ages, it’s crucial to know what your pet is eating, and how much of it at that. That’s why we’re thrilled about the newly launched Microchip Pet Feeder Connect from Sure Petcare. It has all the benefits of the popular and best-selling SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder, but now allows app monitoring that offers you feeding updates, insights into feeding behavior, and ability to set accurate portion weights for each of your pets.

ASPCA Partners With Maddie’s Fund to Support the “Million Cat Chal

It may be a big number, but saving the lives of one million cats is possible – and you can help! The ASPCA has a plan that will save the lives of felines in the US. Their mission is simple; save the lives of one million cats within the next five years. Simple? Let’s provide some context as to how massive a goal we’re talking about. If you added up every single resident living in Washington, DC and every single resident living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, you still wouldn’t have one million. That’s how big a goal this is! But the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ( ASPCA) is undaunted and together with Maddie’s Fund, the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program, and Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida they are undertaking the Million Cat Challenge (The Challenge) to help animal shelters throughout North America save the lives of just a fraction of the felines that are delivered to their doorsteps each year. Related: What are the Most Commonly Overlooked Cats at Shelters? The Challenge was originally launched in 2014 with help from Maddie’s Fund, a national foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals. To date, more than 1,100 shelters in the U.S. and Canada have signed up for The Challenge and collectively have saved more than 750,000 feline lives. The campaign focuses on five key initiatives and while organizers acknowledge that not every initiative will make sense for every shelter, it won’t preclude those interested in participating in the challenge. Alternatives to Intake: Provide positive alternatives to keep cats in the home or community when admission to a shelter is not the best choice.Managed Admission: Schedule intake of cats to match the shelter’s ability to assure humane care and safe movement through the shelter system to an appropriate outcome for every cat.Capacity for Care: Match the number of cats cared for at any one time with the capacity required to assure the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare for all cats in the shelter.Removing Barriers to Adoption: Expand the pool of adopters by removing barriers to adoption such as cost, process, or location.Return to Field: Sterilize, vaccinate, and return healthy un-owned shelter cats to the location of origin as an alternative to euthanasia. Related: The Cat Question – To Microchip or Not To Microchip To track results, baseline data will be gathered on the number of felines brought into the shelters, the number euthanized and the number saved through adoption or return to field. This information will be updated annually with the ultimate one million mark being based on an overall reduction in euthanasia and increase in lives saved by the participating shelters. The “lift” that will come from bringing in the ASPCA is tremendous according to the Challenge co-founder Dr. Julie Levy of Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program in Florida. “Bringing the power of the ASPCA on board will accelerate the momentum that’s driving transformational change on behalf of shelter cats. This is an unprecedented collaboration to turn shelters into the safe havens for cats that they always wanted to be.” Learn more about it at the Million Cat Challenge’s website.

6 Smart Tips for Finding a Lost Cat

Here kitty, kitty! Cats don’t come with built-in GPS and will sometimes wander away from home. Use these tips for finding a lost cat to help ensure a happy ending. Losing your beloved cat is absolutely devastating, but it doesn’t mean that you won’t be reunited. In fact, you might have read and heard stories about lost cats being found weeks, months, or even years after they went missing. So, try your best to stay positive while taking action to help your pet find his way home. While some cats manage to make their way home on their own, you should take as many steps as possible to alert your community about your lost cat so that others can help you locate him as soon as possible. A house cat can fall victim to predators, the elements, abusive humans, and motor vehicles, so getting him back ASAP is imperative. Don’t panic – keeping organized can help boost your chances of a happy reunion. Here are a few smart tips to keep in mind when trying to locate your lost cat. Related: The Cat Question: To Microchip Or Not To Microchip? Head Outside and Start Searching Right Away Begin searching as soon as you realize your cat went missing. In other words, don’t waste any time. Go outside to see if your kitty is still in the area, as he might not have gone far. Starting the search right away might help increase the odds that you will find him before the distance between you increases and before anything happens to him. Take your cell phone and at least one picture of your cat with you, along with a flashlight and your cat’s favorite treats. Stay calm and call out to your pet. Just keep in mind that he might be too frightened to come out even if he hears your voice, so carefully look through areas where he might be hiding. Search around your house first, such as your backyard, shed, garage, crawlspace, etc. Then, ring neighbors’ doorbells to ask them if they’ve seen your cat and to ask if you can check their yards as well. Also, kindly ask your neighbors to search through their sheds, garages, under their porches, and in crawlspaces to look for your companion. Sometimes, cats get stuck inside with no way out, so it’s important to check those areas thoroughly. During your search, you can even ask pedestrians if they’ve seen your cat. Who knows, they might have seen your kitty walking along the sidewalk, across the street, or on a neighbor’s front lawn. Related: Findster, The GPS Pet Tracker With No Monthly Fees Post Flyers with Your Contact Information If your initial search doesn’t result in you finding your pet, it’s time to take the next step, which is to make your community aware of your lost cat. Again, someone might have seen your cat walking around outside or in their yard, or people might have picked him up thinking that he was a stray. He might be in someone’s home or he might’ve been taken to a local animal shelter (more on that below). No matter what, getting the word out by telling your neighbors is important. Post flyers around town with a color photograph of your cat, a description of him, and the date he was last seen. Include any unique details about your pet that make him stand out and easier to identify as yours. And if he wears a collar or is microchipped, make note of that on the flyer as well. That way, people will know that they can look for your contact info on a collar or get help from a shelter or veterinarian to check for a microchip. Offer a reward if you’d like, as some people might work harder to find your cat, and may be more motivated to call you when they find him, if they know there’s something in it for them. Once again, it’s also a good idea to ask people to check their garages, sheds, etc. right on the flyer as well. Just don’t add personal information, such as your address and full name. And you can decide if you want to include the amount of reward, if any, that you’re offering, or if you’d rather just let people know that there will be a reward. Contact Local Animal Shelters and Veterinarians As mentioned above, your cat might be seen and picked up by someone or by animal control, so it’s a great idea to get in touch with shelters and rescues in your area. They might invite you to go to their facility to leave flyers and fill out a short report. That way, they can alert you in the event your cat is found and brought in by a stranger. Contact as many local animal shelters and rescue groups as possible to let them know about your missing cat. It’s also a good idea to contact your veterinarian, as well as other local vets, to let them know about your pet, in case someone brings in a kitty that fits the description. The sooner you let these groups know about your missing pet, the better. If your furry friend ends up being taken to a shelter, you’ll want to get him out as soon as possible, and you’ll want to claim him before he is put up for adoption. Therefore, it’s wise to contact various shelters and vets right away to let them know you’re looking for your kitty. Post About Your Cat Online Another strategic way to get the word out about your missing kitty is by posting about the situation online. You can post information about your missing cat on websites like lostpetdirectory.net, craigslist.org, tabbytracker.com, and missingpet.net, as a few examples. Put the same information that’s found on your flyer within your online listing. If you can go into more detail, do so without giving away too much personal information for security. Also, don’t forget to use the power of social media to your advantage as well. Social media is a great way to spread the word because you can create a post that can be shared by your friends and family. Plus, you can also find groups and pages that can help you get the word out to even more people. Post your missing cat info on sites and apps like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and any other platforms that you use. And directly ask your friends and followers to spread the word so you can expand your reach because the more people you have looking for your cat, the better. Remember, you need all the help you can get. Leave Food and Water Out, and Set Up a Trap Leave a bowl of food and some water outside your door for your cat to find in case he’s in the area. Indoor cats tend to be really scared when they’re outside on their own, so it may take until nighttime for your kitty to feel comfortable and safe enough to come out of hiding. Placing his food outside in an easy-to-find spot might encourage him to come home. You might also be able to ask a local rescue group to lend you a trap that you can set up on your property in an effort to catch your kitty. Ask for instructions on how to use it safely and correctly, and then check on it often once it’s all set up, as your pet might end up going into it when you least expect it. Don’t Give Up! Finally, don’t put a timeframe on when you should get your cat back. Sometimes, a pet can be found within hours or days. Other pet owners find their kitties after a week or more. Don’t give up, keep putting the word out about your missing pet, and search the area regularly at various times of the day and night while calling out to your cat in an effort to find him soon. Hopefully, you’ll be able to reunite before you know it!

According to a New Study, Crows Can Count Out Loud

It’s no secret that crows are very intelligent creatures, and are capable of some truly stunning feats. However, a new study sheds light on a previously unknown skill of theirs – one that makes them truly unique in the world of animals. According to a team of scientists, crows can count out loud, quite similarly to human toddlers – and are the only other animal except humans to do so.This study is titled “Crows 'Count' the Number of Self-Generated Vocalizations" and was released on May 23rd, 2024 in the popular journal Science. The study found that crows are capable of producing a certain number of “caws” in response to auditory or visual stimuli. This means that they were able to count out loud between one and four. Why is that so important, though?"Producing a specific number of vocalizations with purpose requires a sophisticated combination of numerical abilities and vocal control," the researchers explained. "Our results demonstrate that crows can flexibly and deliberately produce an instructed number of vocalizations by using the 'approximate number system', a non-symbolic number estimation system shared by humans and animals."During the course of the experiment, the research team presented three crows with random auditory and visual stimuli. These included sounds from various instruments and Arabic numbers. "Through trial and error, the birds learned that each cue corresponded to a set number of caws between one and four," the team members wrote. "After crowing the vocalizations out (cawing four times for a sound or symbol associated with four caws, for example), the birds were trained to peck the screen displaying them to signal they had finished."After the training was done, the crows – much to everyone’s surprise – gave correct answers when asked to say “the proper number of caws”. Their counting skills were quickly compared to those of toddlers. "This competency in crows also mirrors toddlers' enumeration skills before they learn to understand cardinal number words and may therefore constitute an evolutionary precursor of true counting where numbers are part of a combinatorial symbol system," the team shared.This goes beyond everything that was known about crows thus far. It just goes to show that crows are much more than regular birds in their behavior and abilities. And they might be much smarter than we previously realized – and we already thought they were exceptionally intelligent to begin with.

Ghosts of Dead Pets May Help Owners Deal With Grief, Study Finds

Descriptions of paranormal encounters with the ghosts of deceased loved ones can be found in many human cultures. According to a YouGov survey, two in five Americans believe ghosts are real, while one in five report they’ve actually seen a ghost. In most cases, these paranormal experiences involve a deceased family member. But what about paranormal encounters with deceased pets? After all, most American paw parents consider their cats and dogs members of the family.Jennifer Golbeck, a computer science professor at the College of Information Studies at the University of Maryland, recently conducted the very first systemic study of the supernatural experiences of grieving pet owners. The results of the study were published in the journal Anthrozoos.Golbeck ran the study using social media, posting a question on Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter): “If you have lost a dog, have you had an experience like seeing their ghost, receiving a sign, did they communicate with you?” Then, she developed a coding system to categorize the answers.Golbeck received 544 responses, which she organized into two large categories - physical experiences (hearing, seeing, and touching the ghost of the dog) and interpreted experiences (receiving visits from the deceased dog in dreams, seeing signs in nature, and attributing feelings and phenomena to the spirit of the dog). A total of 315 owners experienced sensory encounters involving their dogs' ghost. The owners felt their dog’s touch, heard ghostly sounds, and saw their deceased pet. The most common sensory experience (37% of cases) involved hearing the dog, like a bark or the sound of nails clicking on the floor. Almost half (44.4%) of the physical experiences happened at night, and 45 owners reported that they’ve felt their dog lying in the bed next to them. According to Golbeck, 264 owners experienced interpreted interactions with the ghost of their dog. These included dreams in which the dog appeared, ghostly activities, such as objects moving, and signs in nature, which owners interpreted as messages from the deceased pet. Golbeck also asked the owners to describe their feelings about their supernatural experiences. The majority of respondents (74.6%) reported positive feelings, such as a sense of comfort, protection, reassurance, and even a gift. Only in a few cases (9%) owners reported feelings that fell into the mixed/sad category, including bittersweet, spooky, and heartbroken. The remaining pet owners (16%) viewed the paranormal encounters as messages from the deceased pet. According to Golbeck, these findings are significant because “psychology largely categorizes externalized continuing bonds - particularly seeing ghosts - as negative and even maladaptive.”On the other hand, the majority of pet parents participating in this study considered their supernatural experiences comforting rather than distressing. “This suggests there is something different going on in the grieving process for dog guardians that makes supernatural encounters operate differently than they do in more typical human mourning,” Golbeck wrote in the study.The study’s author also noted that there are only a few socially accepted rituals around pet animal deaths and no recognized mourning period. Often, pet owners' grief is downplayed, which creates an experience of disenfranchised grief where the owner is denied the grieving process. Golbeck also added that ghosts typically have a bad reputation, and are considered scary or a sign of guilt. However, she argues that seeing the ghosts of dead pets can be psychologically healthy, as they are displays of continuing bonds. “A seemingly magical visit from a ghost of a beloved lost dog offers a feeling of the mystical, the special, and a signifier of the importance of the relationship,” said Golbeck. “Such experiences would reasonably be seen as validating and comforting in the face of the invalidation of disenfranchised grief.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Does My Cat Need a Litter Box When Travelling?

Traveling with your best furry friend by your side can be an exciting adventure. It’s a great opportunity to make lifelong memories while strengthening that special bond. However, some questions about their essential needs will naturally arise as you start planning…One of the biggest concerns for cat owners is whether or not to bring a litter box. It’s a valid question!This article will explore the pros and cons of traveling with a litter box. I’ll also discuss the different litter box types available and which may be best suited for different forms of travel, including road trips, camping, hotel stays, and more.Ensure a smooth journey for both you and your cat by checking out these tips and recommendations:Do Cats Need a Litter Box When Traveling?Whether or not your cat will need a litter box during your travels will depend on the style of travel you plan. Setting your cat up comfortably in your vehicle for a long road trip makes it much easier to provide access to a litter box during travel than flying with a cat.You must also consider the length of your travels, where you will stay overnight, and other factors related to your vacation plans. While your cat can take a flight safely without access to a box (assuming they have been given a chance to do their business before boarding the plane and after you have landed), the same can’t be said for an overnight stay at a pet-friendly hotel.Let’s break it all down a little further…How Do You Travel with a Cat Without a Litter Box?Some travel plans simply can’t accommodate the use of a litter box. The most common example of this is flying with a cat. However, litter boxes are also off the table when taking your cat on other forms of public transit, like a bus or train.If you know your cat will be without their litter box for an extended period, allow them to “do their business” right before your travels begin. Many airports have dog bathroom stations, where you could also go to let your cat relieve themselves. Alternatively, you may choose to let them have their last bathroom break before leaving your cat to enter the airport.One way to handle this is to bring a disposable litter box with a small amount of litter when you leave the house. Alternatively, if your cat is a frequent traveler, you may be able to train them to do their business on a puppy pee pad. This is easier to bring along in these situations and easier to dispose of when they are finished.It is also recommended to not feed your cat at least six hours before any travel where a litter box won’t be available. This allows any food in their system to hopefully pass, reducing the risk they will need to go and, in turn, preventing accidents. Although, I still recommend lining their carrier with a pee pad as an extra layer of protection.How Long Can Cats Go Without a Litter Box?Will your cat be without a litter box for a while during travel? Don’t fret! While you shouldn’t encourage your cat to “hold it” on a regular basis, cats have been known to go 24-48 hours safely without going to the bathroom. This is, of course, the extreme. However, it does mean that a 6-hour flight isn’t a significant concern.Of course, every cat is different. Some cats will be able to wait this time without a problem. Others, however, may need to go to the bathroom more frequently. This is especially important to note if you have a kitten, a senior cat, or a cat with a medical condition that could impact their bathroom needs.What is the Best Type of Litter Box for Your Cat-Friendly Travels?There are several different types of cat litter boxes to choose from, each with its own pros and cons. Let’s look at the options available and which may be the best choice for your next vacation (and why):Standard Plastic Litter BoxesIf you are traveling in an RV or travel trailer, you may be able to bring your cat’s usual litter box. Some common places to place a box include inside a floor-level cupboard, under a bench seat, or in the shower area when the shower isn’t in use.The biggest benefit of bringing your cat’s litter box from home is familiarity. Your cat knows that box, and it already has their scent. While the box's location is obviously going to change, having so many familiar elements may make it easier for your cat to adjust, reducing the risk of accidents.Cloth Travel Litter BoxesThese travel litter boxes are constructed from a durable material with a leak-proof lining, creating a lighter-weight solution for travel. I recommend choosing a cloth box with a lid. This allows you to seal off the box, keeping the litter (and odor) contained and allowing you to make a litter box accessible when needed without having to empty and refill it each time. Cloth boxes also usually have some form of carrying handle.The HiCaptain Portable Travel Litter Box is an excellent example of a standard cloth travel box. However, if your cat is used to a covered box at home, you may want to splurge on the Petsfit Upgrade Travel Portable Cat Litter Box.Nylon Travel Litter BoxA favorite of mine for travel due to how small it folds up, the OutdoorBengal Travel Litter Box for Cats is a portable and fully collapsible litter box option that folds up smaller than any other box on this list. We often use this box when backpacking or backcountry camping, where we are extremely limited on space for our gear.When your cat needs to use the box, snap the four corners together, and this flat piece of material transforms into a square box. It is constructed with a waterproof Oxford liner that can be easily wiped clean with a disinfectant wipe for quick and effective cleaning.

Dog Parents Assume Signs of Disease Are Signs of Aging

Being able to recognize the signs of illness in your dog is important, as it can help you get them the care they need sooner rather than later. But, according to researchers at the University of Liverpool, it’s common for pet parents to look at changes in their dogs and assume they’re merely related to normal aging rather than disease. This can cause them to ignore a serious condition that requires veterinary treatment.

Terminally Ill Man's Last Wish Is to Find a New Home for His Dog

A Massachusetts man who is dying of cancer is spending his final weeks searching for a forever home for his canine best friend. Nearly 10 years ago, David Fine rescued his dog Babs, and they have been inseparable ever since. Babs, a Shar-pei boxer mix, had been given up twice as a puppy before Fine’s friend took her and asked him to keep her in his family’s garage. From that moment on, they become as thick as thieves, and Fine has been her dad ever since.“I had told myself I was never going to get another pet because it breaks my heart to lose them. Fortunately, she’s going to outlive me this time,” said Fine to local NBC affiliate WJAR.For most of his life, Fine worked as a carpenter until he retired in 2020. His dream was to travel across the country to visit national parks.“It was my lifelong dream. I planned for 30 years or more. I was going to buy a truck, camper, and I’m going to see the national parks. In 2020 I pulled the trigger,” said Fine. Fine and Babs made it to South Dakota during bike week. They visited Mt. Rushmore, and while in Wyoming, almost 100 miles from Yellowstone, the number one place to visit on his bucket list, Fine started feeling sick.   “And I got sick. I started feeling bad, so sick that I couldn’t drive. I wasn’t comfortable driving,” said Fine. Years ago, Fine had undergone treatment for leukemia and was diagnosed with vascular disease a year later. Last August, when he started having problems, doctors told Fine he had stage four lung cancer and only six months to live. Fine decided to refuse treatment, telling the outlet “The chemo would make me so sick by the time I got better from one treatment it would be time for the next one, and I’d be sick all the time.”“I choose quality over quantity,” he added. Now, Fine wants to use the time he has left to find Babs a forever home. He has never married and has no children, and his extended family can’t look after Babs as she needs a home with no other pets or small children.“She’s the most important thing at this point. My fate is sealed, but hers is not, I have to make sure she gets as many good years out of the rest of her life as I can,” he said. “I don’t want her to feel bad and she’s going to. We’re attached at the hip and when I don’t come home she’s going to know it, and I’ve got too much empathy and that’s what’s the hardest part.” So far, Fine has reached out to a local veteran program, published an ad in the local paper, and asked the public for help. Ideally, he would love for the new owner to be someone local so he can help transition Babs into her new home, which she would go to before he enters hospice care. Fine describes Babs as extremely intelligent, well-mannered, and housebroken, adding that she is the most loyal creature on the planet. Recently, Fine has begun feeling some symptoms and hopes to use whichever time he has left to tie loose ends. “Everybody dies, there are things I wanted to get done. I still want to see Yellowstone. I don’t think I’ll make it there at this point, financially it would be tough, other than that I need to do this for her. Then I can rest in peace when the time comes, but I’m not ready to go yet,” he said.If you’re interested in adopting Babs or talking to Fine, email him at Dafine1960@gmail.com.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

University's Campus Cat Earns an Honorary Degree in Litter-auture

A cat, named Max, graduated from Vermont State University at Castleton last weekend. The cute tabby has earned a doctorate in “litter-ature” without taking any classes in recognition of his friendliness. The feline, whose full name is Max Dow, has proved himself to be an expert napper and hunter of mice and has been an affectionate member of the Castleton family for years. In a pun ladden Facebook post, the college shared that this year they’ll have a very special honorary degree recipient.“With a resounding purr of approval from the faculty, the Board of Trustees of the Vermont State Cat-leges has bestowed on Max Dow the prestigious title of Doctor of Litter-ature, complete with all the catnip perks, scratching post privileges, and litter box responsibilities that come with it.” “While his adventures may have slowed, Max exemplifies the CastletonWay and we are honored to have him as a member of VTSU’s firstclass.” Once a stray kitten, Max was adopted by Ashley Dow from Fair Haven four years ago. The popular tabby lives with his family in Seminary Street, a few steps from Castleton’s campus. Max’s owner, Ashley Dow told the local news station WCAX “My cat is the emotional support animal” to students and faculty members. Adding that Max has been socializing around the campus for about four years - pretty much the entire time he has been living with the Dow family.The students like to pick Max up, take selfies with him, and carry him on backpacks around the campus. The admission office describes Max as the star of their campus tours to prospective students and visitors. “He comes out and actually greets most of our guests. He’ll follow them over to the old chapel where they get a general welcome, and then when they start their tour, he usually follows right along with them,” said Brandon Kennedy, associate director of admissions. The end of the school year is a confusing time for Max. Dow explained that summer breaks confound Max and throw him off his normal routine. Suddenly the campus is empty, and there’s no one to pick up Max and give him a hug.“He’ll go looking and then come back, kind of disappointed, kind of sad, and he’ll stick around the house more,” said Dow. Max’s family is looking forward to spending more time with him this summer as he patiently waits for his other family to come back to campus in the fall for another school year. The tabby feline likes to stay on campus so much, that he forgot to return home several times. Luckily for his family, Max is such a famous figure that students bring him home if he is ever seen out and about after 5 pm.“Students did actually bring him home,” said Dow. “Or… they have my number, and I’ll get a text message from random students [saying] like, ‘He’s OK, he’s up by the greenhouse,’ and all of that.” Sometimes, Max gets confused and forgets to return to the campus after the breaks. During one of Max’s extended absences from the campus, students erected a shrine commemorating him. They’ve even put candles and printed a picture of Max and put it in a frame. Although his family is excited to spend more time with Max this summer, they know that he’ll head back to campus when students come back in the fall. “The students will come back in the fall and he’ll be gone for three days, and we’ll have to go looking for him, and he’s up there on the campus hanging out waiting for his people.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Road Trip Planned? Keep Car Windows Closed or Bring Goggles!

Injuries can happen when Rover is allowed to lean out and catch a breeze.

Dog Rescued from Hot Vehicle by Police

All pet parents should know that you should never leave pets in your car alone, especially when it’s hot out, as it can lead to death. A dog in Florida was rescued from a hot vehicle, thanks to police who responded and were able to help the animal before it was too late.

Gene Mutation Raises Risk of Side Effects from Parasite Preventatives

According to findings from a recent study, over half a million cats in the U.S. should not be given certain parasite preventatives because they are at risk of serious adverse reactions. Pet parents who plan to use or currently use these products on their cats should inform themselves so they can make the right decisions for their pets’ health.

PetMeds Makes It Easier To Protect Your Pets

As the sun starts shining brighter and the days get warmer, it's the perfect time to plan some outdoor adventures with your furry companions! Whether you're hitting the slopes, swinging on the golf course, or just soaking up the sunshine on a hiking trail with your loyal sidekick by your side, it's important to ensure your pet is well-protected – and that's where PetMeds steps in to lend a helping paw.One of the biggest concerns for pet owners as the seasons change is dealing with those pesky fleas and ticks. These tiny troublemakers not only make your pet itch and scratch, but can also bring some serious health risks along for the ride. From annoying skin irritations to more severe conditions like anemia, dermatitis, Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, fleas and ticks can cause real problems for our furry friends. And let's not forget the headache of dealing with a full-blown flea infestation in your home – it's a nightmare! But fear not, because PetMeds has all the tools you need to keep your pet safe and happy.To tackle this challenge, PetMeds offers a wide range of highly effective flea and tick prevention products, including NexGard, Seresto collars, Simparica Trio for dogs, and Revolution Plus for our feline companions. These products are specially formulated to zap fleas and ticks on contact, stopping infestations in their tracks and shielding your pet from all kinds of nasty diseases.But fleas and ticks aren't the only villains lurking in the shadows. With warmer weather comes an increase in mosquito activity, and that means the risk of heartworm disease skyrockets. Heartworm disease is a potentially deadly condition transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Once those pesky parasites make their way into your pet's system, they can wreak havoc on their heart, lungs, and other vital organs, leading to serious health issues. Needless to say, protecting your pet from these heart-wrenching parasites is a top priority!Thankfully, PetMeds has you covered with a variety of heartworm prevention products, including Heartgard Plus and Trifexis. These monthly medications are a breeze to administer and are incredibly effective at keeping heartworms at bay. By staying on top of your pet's heartworm prevention, you can give them the gift of year-round protection and ensure peace of mind for yourself.So as you gear up for some fun in the sun, don't forget to arm your pet with the best defense against fleas, ticks, and heartworms with PetMeds. Your furry friend will thank you with plenty of tail wags, purrs, and maybe even a slobbery kiss or two!Why PetMeds?

Cozy Fall Is Back – And So Are GREENIES Pumpkin Spice Dental Treats!

There is nothing that feels cozier than autumn. As the evenings become chillier and the leaves turn into vibrant shades of orange, we all get into that fall mood and reach for our favorite treats – such as a yummy pumpkin spice latte! And now, thanks to the limited-edition dental chews from GREENIES, your pet can enjoy the same cinnamony, pumpkin flavor you look forward to each year. Specially crafted for the autumn season, these one-of-a-kind chews are designed to give your pet a taste of fall while promoting healthy teeth and fresh breath all the while.

When To Say Goodbye To Your Dog? A New Survey Sheds Some Light

Deciding when it's the time to say goodbye to a beloved canine companion is the toughest decision you’ll have to make. Even when the pooch in question is sick or old, it’s never easy to choose to euthanize a furry friend. The question for many dog owners remains - how do you know when it’s time to say goodbye?Difficult questions like this one spurred the members of the Dog Aging Project to survey 2.570 dog owners about the details of their companion dog’s death. Researchers asked the owners to list the dog’s cause of death, whether euthanasia was involved, the reason why euthanasia may have been chosen, the dog’s age, the quality of life the dog had before death, and what medical symptoms they exhibited. The survey’s findings were published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. The Dog Aging Project is a collaborative, research-driven project that accepts dogs from various backgrounds to study the effects of aging. The idea behind this project is to get a better insight into what contributes to a long and healthy dog lifespan. Data showed that over 85% of owners whose dogs had died reported choosing euthanasia. Almost half of those owners stated they chose to euthanize their dog to relieve their pet’s suffering. More than half of all respondents listed disease or illness as the cause of their dog’s death.“What this survey shows is that all dog owners struggle with deciding when it’s time to say goodbye, and you’re not alone if you’re facing this decision,” said Dr. Kellyn McNulty, an internal medicine resident in the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, who worked on the study. “As veterinarians, we encourage people to consider not just the ‘lifespan’ of a companion animal, but also the ‘health span’  - the portion of your dog’s life when they’re in good health,” she added. “Advocating for your pet is about more than helping them live longer - it’s also about making sure that the time they have here on Earth is a good time.”The interesting thing about this survey is that it has allowed researchers to learn that euthanasia isn’t something that mainly affects older dogs. Many diseases and conditions can affect younger dogs, lowering their quality of life and leading owners to wonder whether it might be time to say goodbye to their companions sooner rather than later. “It’s not a decision that anyone wants to have to make, but the survey showed us that many pet owners face these questions regardless of how old is their dog,” said McNulty.Age may become a more significant factor in determining the quality of a dog’s life as veterinary medicine continues to improve at treating and managing chronic conditions in dogs. One thing dog owners can do is be on the lookout for the signs of aging and talk with their vet to determine whether age or chronic illness is affecting their dog’s quality of life.“If your dog is well-trained and potty-trained and begins soiling the house that’s a possible sign. Others include restlessness at night, new onset anxiety and fears, and arthritic issues.”One thing every dog owner needs to remember - you are not alone when it comes to deciding to say goodbye to your pooch. In addition to family and friends you can turn to, there are many dog owners out there facing the same tough decision. Additionally, your veterinarian can always provide expert advice based on your dog’s condition and answer all of your questions.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

World's Tallest Dog, Kevin, Dies Unexpectedly at Age Three

The world’s tallest male dog, Kevin, has died unexpectedly just days after his record-breaking accomplishment was announced to the world. According to a statement issued by the Guinness World Records, the gentle giant, who was only three years old, passed away after falling ill and undergoing an unexpected surgery. In March, Guinness World Records officially recognized Kevin as the world’s tallest living male dog.“Our whole family is devastated about Kevin. He was just the best giant boy,” said Kevin’s owner, Tracy Wolfe, in a statement. “We are so glad that he was able to break the record and have that light on him. He absolutely adored the attention. I wish these giant breeds, and all dogs, could live longer than they do. It’s never enough time.” Kevin secured his record after measuring 3ft 2in (0.97 meters) tall from his feet to his withers, or the ridge between the shoulder blades. However, when he stood up on his hind legs, Kevin was around 7ft tall, which is a foot taller than the average American man.The gentle giant got the title of the world’s tallest living male dog after the crown remained unclaimed for six months following the death of another American Great Dane. The previous record holder, Zeus, was 3ft 5.18in (1.046 meters) tall. Zeus had his right front leg amputated while battling bone cancer. Like Kevin, Zeus was only three years old when he suddenly died after developing a severe case of pneumonia. Just a few weeks ago, Guinness World Records published an interview with Kevin’s family, about how their pooch would act like he was clueless about his size. Wolfes described Kevin as a “gentle giant” who loved nothing more than snoozing on the sofa.“Kevin’s favorite activity is probably taking naps. Holding the couch down is his favorite pastime, I think,” said Tracy Wolfe. “Kevin is funny, and he is super duper friendly. In fact, overly friendly. You don’t want to keep your mouth open too much when he’s around,” she added. Named after the leading character in the Home Alone film series, Kevin was petrified of the vacuum cleaner. “He won’t let it come within six feet of him,” said Tracy adding that he would jump and run away from it. Many cats and dogs are terrified of vacuum cleaners because of the loud noises they produce. But Kevin’s fear of the vacuum cleaner was comical, considering how he towered over most things around him and was often mistaken for a small horse. The Wolfes welcomed Kevin into their family when he was just a puppy and couldn’t imagine that he would grow so big as to claim the title of the world’s tallest dog. The pooch was close to all members of the family but had developed a special bond with the Wolfes’ son Alexander, who took him to training classes.Despite his imposing size, Kevin was a scaredy cat. The first time Alexandar took Kevin to a training class at a youth development and monitoring organization, the pooch got so afraid that he soiled himself in the middle of the class. Kevin attracted attention wherever he went and he enjoyed every second of it. Sadly his stint as the world’s tallest living male dog was unexpectedly cut short. A spokesperson for the Guinness World Records said: “We are deeply saddened to learn that Kevin suddenly passed away after unexpected health complications. Tracy and the team at the vet clinic she works in did everything they could to save Kevin after he became ill. Our thoughts and support are with the Wolfe family as they navigate this difficult time.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Dog Gets Bitten in the Face to Save His Owner From a Venomous Snake

A dog from Colorado Springs is being called a hero after stepping between his owner and a rattlesnake, saving her from a venomous bite.The pup’s name is Rizzo. The loyal and brave lab-mix has a wonderful personality and has been an essential part of his owner’s life, bringing emotional support and company.On Monday morning, Rizzo and his owner, Carrisa Welch, were hiking when a rattlesnake, lying in wait in the middle of the hiking trail, struck. “I heard the rattle, turned around, and instantly yanked him,” Rizzo’s owner told KRDO. Unfortunately, she pulled Rizzo too late, and he was bitten in the face. The poor pooch ended up spending a day and a half in the emergency room.“I wasn’t wearing my boots. Those were my trail running shoes - if he had not taken the bite I feel like it would have been me,” said Welch.Welch’s brother-in-law, Joshua Randall, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the cost of Rizzo’s treatment, which has created substantial expenses for his owner. According to the GoFundMe page, Rizzo has been an integral part of his owner’s life, bringing joy and companionship into Welsh’s everyday life. “His bravery and loyalty deserve recognition, and your contribution will ensure he receives the care he needs to heal and thrive once again,” wrote Randall in the campaign. Speaking with the local news outlet, Welch explained how Rizzo was there for her when she was dealing with mental health struggles in the past and that there’s no amount of money she wouldn’t pay to save her pup’s life. Rizzo is now home after racking up a few thousand dollars in vet bills. He has bald spots on the legs where the treatment was administered but is expected to make a full recovery.“I’m grateful and blessed to have him,” Welch said.Although only a few snake bites prove fatal before the dog receives emergency veterinary help, Rizzo was lucky to survive after being bitten in the face. The severity of the snakebite depends on several factors including, the dog’s size, the type and size of the snake, the amount of venom delivered, and the location of the bite wound. American Kennel Club advises owners to call their veterinarian or an emergency clinic immediately if a snake bites their dog. Owners should also inquire whether the vet or clinic carries the antivenom. Antivenom is the best treatment for snakebite and is the most effective when given immediately, but it will also work if administered hours or even days after a bite. Other possible treatments for snakebite in dogs include an opioid injection for the pain.Some veterinarians may attempt to treat snakebite on a dog using other methods, most of which are ineffective. Studies have shown that sucking out venom, antihistamines, ice, corticosteroids, antibiotics, and NSAIDs aren’t effective for treating venomous snakebites on dogs. Don’t take your dog to a vet who advocates the use of any of these methods for treating snakebites. This type of treatment won’t help your dog get better and you’ll also end up spending thousands of dollars for nothing. Eventually, when you decide to take your dog to another vet, you may not be able to afford the effective treatment your pooch needs to recover fully.If your dog gets bitten by a snake, try not to panic and always call the vet to ensure they have a proper treatment plan for venomous snakebites in place. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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