7 Common Symptoms Of Diabetes In Dogs

by Amy Tokic

Published: February 20th, 2014

Know the most common symptoms of diabetes in dogs

A common disease in humans, diabetes is now a growing concern in dogs. It’s important that owners are able to recognize the symptoms of diabetes in dogs in order to get their pooch into the veterinarian and treated right away. Here’s what you should be looking for:

Increased Appetite: Your dog’s stomach is a bottomless pit of hunger – if this isn’t a normal occurrence, it could be a sign of something a lot more serious. And even though your dog is eating a lot more, he’s not gaining any weight. This is one of the signs of diabetes in dogs.

Weight Loss: Even though your dog may be hungrier then ever, he’s losing weight. This sudden weight loss is a common signal that your dog may have diabetes, as this disease causes an increase in metabolism.

Excessive Thirst: Also known as polydipsia, you’ll notice that your dog is drinking more water. This is because your dog has an excess amount of glucose they can’t to process and the only way to get rid of it is by urinating.

Frequent Urination: If you notice more accidents (this can happen anywhere in the house or in the bed/crate) or more trips outside to go to the bathroom, this could be one of the early warning symptoms of diabetes in dogs.

Weak and Tired: Your dog just doesn’t want to play, walk or do much of anything anymore. He’s not lazy; he just may have one of diabetes calling cards, which causes a dog to be less active, sleepy and lethargic. As well, diabetes can also waste away a dog’s back muscles.

Vision Loss: Diabetes can cause the formation of cataracts or clouds in the eyes. Keep an eye out for this problem before it develops into blindness.

Loss Of Coat/Hair: Your dog’s once luxurious coat becomes lackluster and begins to fall out, usually starting along the back. You’ll notice that it becomes thin and dull before falling out. This could also be a symptom of other canine diseases, so be sure to mention other problems to your vet.

If your pooch is exhibiting these common symptoms of diabetes in dogs, please take him to the vet as soon as possible. Your vet will be able to confirm diagnose and develop a plan of treatment to ensure that your dog gets the best care possible and is able to live a normal, healthy life.

Amy Tokic

Amy Tokic, Editor of PetGuide.com, is a passionate animal lover and proud pet parent of Oscar, a Shih Tzu/Chihuahua cross, and Zed, a Japanese Chin. Her love of animals began in kindergarten, when she brought her stuffed dog Snoopy into class with her every day. Now, she writes about her adventures in pet ownership and tirelessly researches products, news and health related issues she can share with other animal enthusiasts. In her free time, Amy loves perusing used book and record stores, obsessing over the latest pet products available and chasing squirrels with wild abandon (a habit attributed to spending too much time with her pooches).

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Most commonly seen in large-breed dogs, musculoskeletal problems can put a lot of stress on your dog’s bones or joints. Here are the seven most common issues to look out for. Musculoskeletal problems are some of the most common health problems seen in dogs – especially for large and giant breeds. These conditions can affect any of the dog’s bones or joints, though some conditions are more common than others. Keep reading to learn about the 7 most common musculoskeletal issues in dogs. Degeneration of the Shoulders In a dog, the shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket joint in which a ligament connects two bones at the joint – conditions affecting this joint are some of the most common causes for lameness in dogs. Symptoms of shoulder degeneration in dogs may include decreased muscle mass and chronic lameness that worsens with activity. It is usually caused by the abnormal development of bone and cartilage and it usually presents between 3 and 7 years of age. Related: All About Elbow Dysplasia in Dogs Hypertrophic Dog Arthritis Also known as hypertrophic osteodystrophy, hypertrophic arthritis in dogs most commonly affects large and giant breeds – you may know of it as “growing pains”. The origins of the disease are unknown which, unfortunately, makes treatment a little tricky. Treatments for this condition are usually supportive in nature, including things like anti-inflammatories and painkillers. Knee Dysplasia More commonly known as patellar luxation, this is a condition in which the kneecap slips out of place in the joint. Though knee dysplasia may not immediately cause pain, repeated dislocation can lead to arthritis which can become painful. Symptoms may include abnormal hind limb movement or a skipping gait which may progress to lameness over time. Medical treatment is typically ineffective but surgery is only recommended for severe cases. Related: What Is Hip Dysplasia In Dogs? Osteochondrosis Osteochondrosis typically affects the shoulder joint in dogs and it is most commonly seen in large and giant breeds. This condition often manifests in the form of a lesion that grows on the humeral head, causing the cartilage to thicken abnormally which may lead to degeneration. Causes for this condition may be genetically linked, though rapid growth and nutrient deficiencies may contribute as well. Symptoms usually develop between 4 and 8 months of age and, in many cases, surgical intervention is the only treatment option. Osteoarthritis Also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD), osteoarthritis is the progressive deterioration of the cartilage around the joints. There is no known cause for osteoarthritis for primary cases, though secondary DJD can be caused by abnormal development, dislocation of the knee or shoulder, and abnormal development of the cartilage. Symptoms may include stiffness, reduced activity, or lameness and treatment is usually aimed at alleviating symptoms and slowing the progression. Elbow Dysplasia Commonly seen in large-breed puppies who grow too fast, elbow dysplasia is actually a syndrome that may include elbow incongruity, osteochondrosis, and fragmentation of the coronoid process. In other words, it is characterized by abnormal growth or anatomy in the elbow. Symptoms may include an obvious limp or inability to put weight on the leg. Treatment may involve anti-inflammatory drugs and, in severe cases, surgery. Hip Dysplasia One of the most common musculoskeletal disorders in dogs – especially large and giant breeds – hip dysplasia occurs when the femoral head slips out of its place in the hip socket. This condition may cause joint laxity in the early stages but can progress to joint degeneration and osteoarthritis in the later stages. It is often genetically inherited, though it can be exacerbated by obesity and nutritional deficiencies. If your dog starts to display symptoms of any of these conditions, do not delay in contacting your veterinarian. For some of these diseases, symptoms do not present until the condition is advanced so your options for treatment may already be limited.

Let’s Talk About Pancreatitis In Dogs

A disease that’s hard to digest, pancreatitis in dogs requires a total change in lifestyle and careful monitoring. Over the years our pets have come to hold a special place in our family, and as such, we have become in-tune to their moods, their preferences and to when they are not feeling up to par. In spite of our efforts to ensure they enjoy a healthy, well-rounded diet, special treats can sometimes sneak their way into the dog dish and these oft too frequent indulgences can become problematic. While research is still trying to confirm why some dogs are afflicted while others are not, fatty meals like bacon grease or table scraps can trigger a condition known as pancreatitis. Pancreatitis in dogs occurs when the pancreas – an organ near the stomach that helps digest food and control blood sugar – becomes inflamed. And for dogs who are already overweight, have diabetes or epilepsy, the prognosis can be poor. Related: 7 Common Symptoms Of Diabetes In Dogs What Causes Pancreatitis in Dogs? Our pancreas is responsible for producing hormones such as insulin and enzymes that are needed for food digestion. Pancreatitis is caused by an increase in enzyme secretion – typically as the result of a stimulus such as the aforementioned treats or table scraps but also by trauma, drugs or toxins. When your dog’s digestive enzymes are released too quickly they begin to act on the actual pancreas as opposed to the food they would normally digest. The resulting inflammation can be “acute” (sudden) or “chronic” (recurring) but once the process begins, it cannot correct itself and requires an immediate visit to your vet. Related: Do I Have A Fat Dog? How To Tell If Your Dog Is Overweight Why some dogs are prone to pancreatitis while others are not is still unknown. Experts have identified breeds such as Miniature Schnauzers, Cocker Spaniels and Terriers as being more susceptible along with older or overweight dogs and those with previous gastrointestinal ailments. However it can also be idiopathic – meaning there is no obvious cause. Symptoms and Types of Pancreatitis in Dogs Similar to other stomach and intestinal afflictions, pancreatitis in dogs can present as vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, fever, dehydration and just an overall lack of energy. Vomiting is the most common symptom but if your pet has exhibited any of these signs for more than 24 hours or if they recur, it’s time to get him checked out. It is a complex illness and while dogs usually recover from mild cases, in the “acute” form it can be fatal, triggering a buildup of fluid in the chest, abdomen and acute renal failure. The “chronic” or recurring form of pancreatitis can be present even though there are no clinical signs of the disease. In some instances, damage caused by pancreatitis can result in diabetes that may be temporary or permanent depending on the severity of the damage. Treatment Options and Prevention In an ideal world, your vet would be able to make a diagnosis based on symptoms alone. Typically this would require blood tests or an ultrasound and if an actual cause is determined – such as a reaction to a drug or to diet – it may be as simple as taking your pet off the drug or putting him on prescription food. However there are times when a diagnosis can be inconclusive, meaning there’s no clear treatment. In those instances the focus becomes keeping your pet as comfortable as possible until the attack passes. This might include no food, water, or medications by mouth in order to give the pancreas time to rest and for dog with severe cases, a hospital stay with IV fluids may be required. Once home, your dog will need to be kept hydrated and may require pain medication as well as drugs to help ease nausea and vomiting. When your dog starts eating again, it’s time to take a “tough love” approach to his diet. A low-fat, easy to digest format can be recommended by your vet and should be considered a long-term if not life-long approach to ensuring he continues to be a part of your family for many years to come. You should also consider swapping out treats of food with treats in the form of a favorite activity… and always be sure to secure your kitchen garbage to keep those self-help pets at bay!

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'PrePup' Agreement Helps Owners Co-Parent After a Breakup

When you end a relationship, things can get messy – even more so when you have a pet whose ownership you share with your ex. Your pooch shouldn’t be affected by the new state of things, though, which is why Rover.com created the “ PrePup Checklist”, specifically for this reason – to help couples that want a pet together consider what they would to ensure their dog’s well-being do in case their relationship doesn’t work out. The classic prenuptial agreement requires couples to think ahead and consider what would happen to their shared assets, specifically in the case of the death of a spouse or divorce. Similarly, Rover’s “PrePup Checklist” helps couples to consider how the shared responsibilities of pet ownership would be handled if – somewhere down the line – they were to split up. Of course, in difference to the prenuptial agreement, the “PrePup Checklist” is not a legally binding contract. Kristina Bergsten of The Animal Law Firm advises those who look to protect their pets legally to add “some paragraphs about who any pets belong to or what you're going to do if you adopt a pet during the marriage" to a prenuptial agreement. In August 2023, Bergsten told PEOPLE that if pets are not mentioned in a prenup, “the property settlement agreement will determine who gets the pet” in a divorce. And now, the “PrePup Checklist” wants to avoid making couples rely on property agreements so they can determine what happens to their pets during a divorce. Rover came to the idea of the checklist after conducting a survey that revealed that 56% of pet owners never discussed with their partner who would get the pet if they broke up.Rover’s checklist starts with prompts specifically asking owners to assign responsibilities for each “pet parent”. For example, who would be in charge of the walking schedule, and who would be in charge of the feeding, etc.The second part of this agreement asks new couples to consider “having difficult conversations about the future”, which includes the splitting of financial responsibilities of pet ownership, and deciding who the pet will live with in case of an eventual breakup."It's important for couples to elevate animal well-being and commit to co-parenting in healthy ways for the health and well-being of their dogs. It is widely recognized in animal welfare science that dogs and other animals can self-regulate and find innate strategies for coping with stress and anxiety when they are feeling safe, secure, and familiar with their social relationships," said Philip Tedeschi, a professor, and researcher on the human-animal bond who works with Rover."One of the most prominent indicators of their sense of security comes from their proximity to other members of the family. Having conversations about the future and what may happen if there is a disruption to a pet's life would benefit them, offer predictability, and keep them close to the ones they connect with," he added.The PrePup Checklist also includes a place where the couple’s new pet can “cosign” on anything that was discussed and agreed upon. The ultimate goal of Rover is to strengthen the bond between couples, but also between pets and their new owners.

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What to Do When Your Dog is Choking?

Naturally curious and often very voracious, dogs can get into a lot of trouble just by following their gut, so to speak. Not only will they try to munch on anything, but they will also eat at a rapid pace, often gulping down their food in seconds. Naturally, this doesn’t mix well – accidents can happen as a result and your pet could choke. Choking is a big fear for dog owners whose pets are greedy or fast eaters, but all dog owners, in general, should know how to act in case their pet is choking. After all, knowing how to act quickly and effectively can make all the difference for your pooch. What to Do When Your Dog is Choking: Step by Step ExplainedThe foremost thing for any owner to know is how to recognize the first signs of choking. The most common signs include excessive drooling, panic and agitation, difficulty breathing, pawing at the mouth, gagging and retching, and blue or pale gums. If you notice any of these symptoms it is paramount to act immediately and remain calm. Before you do anything, try to assess the situation. Remember that a panicking dog might accidentally bite, even if that is not their intention. So, to ensure you remain safe, approach your pet calmly and try to reassure them. Try to spot the cause of the choking. If you can see the object, and it can be easily removed, then proceed but cautiously. However, if the object can’t be removed easily and is deep in the throat, do not attempt to remove it. The same goes if your dog is panicking and biting aggressively – it’s a situation for the pros. If, however, the situation appears reasonably safe, then you can try to remove the object manually.First gently open your dog’s mouth, by holding their upper jaw with one hand, and the lower with the other. If you spot the object, use your fingers to try and remove it. But be careful – one mistake can push it further into the throat, making the situation worse. So be cautious. If, however, the object is visible but out of reach, you can use special tweezers or pliers. Still, you need to be very careful in order to avoid further injury.If the object cannot be removed manually or with tweezers, then you might want to perform the Heimlich maneuver. Depending on the size of your dog, this technique could vary slightly. For small dogs:Place your pet on their back.Place one hand on their back to support them, and then use the other hand to apply firm pressure just below the rib cage, pushing upwards and towards the chest.After a few of these thrusts, check the mouth to see if the object was dislodged.For large dogs:It is best to stand behind your dog and wrap your arms around their waist. Place your fist just below their rib cage, and grasp it with your other hand.Apply quick upward thrusts to the abdomen.After several thrusts, check the mouth cavity and see if the object is removed.When you remove the object that your pet choked on, it is crucial to check if they show signs of injury or distress. And even if they seem fine, it is advisable to seek out the help of your vet and schedule a thorough examination. This is because choking can cause damage to the throat that might not be apparent at first glance. 

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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.

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When preparing for a fun-packed Fourth of July, it’s essential to consider your pets. While fireworks, barbecues, and picnics provide endless fun to people, all the festivities can be frightening and potentially dangerous for cats and dogs.Whether or not you are gearing up for your own Fourth of July celebration, there are several things you can do to keep your pets safe during festivities. Here’s how to keep your pets safe this Fourth of July:1. Keep Your Fur Baby IndoorsPets and fireworks don’t mix, so it’s best to keep cats and dogs indoors during Independence Day celebrations. Dogs and cats are more sensitive to noise than people and are afraid of fireworks. Some pets can become so scared when fireworks start to go off that they may bolt. Keeping your pet indoors will ensure they remain safe and sound during the celebration. 2. Create a Quiet and Safe Space for Your PetConsider how the Fourth of July celebration can affect your pet. Dogs and cats are more sensitive to noise and will appreciate having a safe and quiet space to retreat to.The laundry room or a bathroom often don’t have windows and may serve as a less-noisy sanctuary for a scared pet. Throw in a cozy bed, some of your pet’s favorite toys, and a bowl of fresh water to help them relax.3. Update Your Pets Microchip and ID Tag Information Even if you do everything right, accidents can still happen. If despite your best efforts your pet happens to get loose and run away, make sure they can be easily identified and returned to their home. Have your pet wear a collar with up-to-date contact information to make their return home more likely.Microchipping your pet serves as an added method of identification. Unlike a collar with ID tags, a microchip can’t become lost and is your best bet for having your pet returned home safe and sound. 4. Keep Your Pets Away From AlcoholAlcohol is toxic to cats and dogs. Alcohol poisoning is common in pets and can happen from ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption of alcohol or alcohol-containing products. Signs of alcohol poisoning include, staggering, excitement, lack of coordination, excess drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, lethargy, increased thirst and urination, difficulty breathing, low body temperature, coma, and seizures.  5. Keep Your Pet Away From CitronellaCitronella candles, torches, and sprays are commonly used in the summer as a mosquito repellant. However, none of these products are safe for pets to be around. Citronella plant is toxic to pets and can cause skin irritation, weakness, drooling, abdominal pain, and vomiting. If you’re planning on throwing a Fourth of July celebration in your backyard, keep your pets away from any citronella products, or better yet, opt for a pet-safe natural insect repellant. 6. Know the Signs of OverheatingPets don’t fare well in hot and humid weather, and being outside at high temperatures increases the risk of overheating. Ensure your pets have access to fresh cool water at all times, and provide plenty of shade to minimize the risk of overheating. Labored breathing, heavy panting, increased heart rate, and drooling are signs of overheating in pets. Brachycephalic breeds, like French bulldogs, pugs, and Boston terriers are at an increased risk of overheating, so extra care must be taken to keep these pups cool and protected from the scorching heat. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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Are Bengal Cats Really That Wild? Here's What Science Has to Say.

Bengal cats are a truly stunning feline breed, in many ways. According to the International Cat Association (TICA), they hold the title of being the most popular cat breed globally, and it doesn’t really come as a surprise. Their unique and exotic appearance, their unavoidable charm, and their slender physique are certainly the reason for this prestigious title. But even though they are popular, Bengal cats are a relatively new breed in the field of domesticated cats. While most ordinary domestic cat breeds have been around for thousands of years, Bengal cats have been around for less than a century, which comes as a stark contrast. They are a hybrid breed as well, having been created in the 1960s. They came about from the crossing of the domestic cat (Felis Catus), and the Asian Leopard cats (Prionailurus Bengalensis), which are a small, spotted, wild cat species living in Asia. What makes the combination unique is the fact that these two cat species had a common ancestor about 6 million years ago, which means that the genetic differences between them are incredible. The differences are even greater than between humans and chimpanzees!The resulting breed is the Bengal cat, and it is adored for its exotic appearance. It has special spots, just like ocelots or leopards. But most folks ascribe the unique coloration and patterns of these felines to the DNA they received from their wild and distantly related ancestors. And that’s why scientific folks paid special attention to the ancestry of Bengal cats. Greg Barsh, MD, Ph.D., Faculty Investigator at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and Professor of Genetics at Stanford University,  himself an expert in the genetics of feline coat coloration and patterning is a key figure in the research process of Bengal ancestry. Together with his team, which is led by Chris Kaelin, Ph.D., and Kelly McGowan, MD, Ph.D., Mr. Barsh is working hard towards unraveling Bengal ancestry through the genetics of popular color traits."Cats are wonderful companions," he explains for  Phys.org, "but our interests go beyond their beautiful and exotic appearance. Like the amazing variation among different dog breeds, artificial selection can be a very powerful engine to create morphologic diversity. What's different about Bengal cats from dogs is the raw genetic material–dogs trace their heritage to wolves from tens of thousands of years ago.""In contrast, Bengal cats trace their heritage to completely different species from millions of years ago. Understanding how these distantly related genomes interact is a general question that applies to any situation when different species exchange genes, from crops to aquaculture to humans and Neandertals."And even though this is a relatively new breed, started about 60 years ago by a few cat enthusiasts, it has grown incredibly during this time. Today, there are hundreds of thousands of registered Bengal cats, which are produced by about 2,000 breeders. Chris Kaelin, the leader of the Bengal cat DNA study, said “Cat fanciers and breeders are very interested in the research, in part because they want to know more about the science behind artificial selection, and in part, because they want to know if our results can help them produce cats with rosettes, stripes, or other exotic markings.” He also added "This is a great example of citizen science–our work has been enabled by the willingness of breeders to participate, and we share our results with the community."One of the surprising discoveries that was produced from the study is that Asian Leopard DNA contributes no more than a few percent to the overall Bengal Cat DNA. In fact, it is revealed that there isn’t one or even a few Asian leopard genes that are causing the unique spotted Bengal appearance. "One of the original motivations for bringing together DNA from the two species was to select for Asian leopard DNA that would recapitulate the appearance of an exotic wild cat in a companion animal," said Kaelin. "It turns out that some of the most striking examples of selection in the breed are for traits that were already present, but very rare, in domestic cats."So, the study reveals that the Bengals are in many ways totally unique. Mixing the two very unique breeds resulted in a cat that is exotic, elegant, charming, and above all loveable. And now, the results published are providing valuable information to all the enthusiasts in love with the Bengal breed. 

Handsome Rescue Cat Hamlet Runs His Own Hotel

Move over, Fido! Who needs a guard dog when you have a feline overseeing the place? At least, that’s how the owners and employees of New York City’s Algonquin Hotel seem to believe…Since the 1930s, the hotel lobby has been carefully supervised by a one-of-a-kind employee. But don’t let his small size fool you – the Algonquin Cat, as they are lovingly called, is an important fixture of the hotel with a long history that most are unaware of.The tradition began when the hotel’s owner, Frank Case, welcomed a stray orange tabby cat named Billy into the hotel. It wasn’t long before Billy could be seen walking the hotel’s elegant halls with his head (and tail) held high. Before long, he was renamed Hamlet (a more literary name suitable for a cat with such big responsibilities), and a legend was born.Since that day, the hotel has never been without a feline greeter. All boy cats that serve in this role are orange tabbies named Hamlet while all girl cats are ragdolls named Matilda. The best part? In honor of the first Hamlet’s origin story, all the hotel’s resident cats are rescues.Today, Hamlet the 8th continues to rule the hotel lobby, an incredible step up from the feral cat colony he once called home.When he’s not working, Hamlet is pampered with daily brushing, fashion show benefits, birthday parties, and other perks. Plus, of course, the steady stream of attention that he receives from the many cat lovers who come to see the hardworking kitty.Just a couple of years ago, the hotel underwent a refresh. The oldest continuously operating hotel in the city was starting to look a little worn. In addition to focusing on maintaining the historic architecture and feel of the hotel, the redesign also focused on finding new ways to accommodate Hamlet VIII and the many cats that will follow in his paw prints.A small cat house was installed by the reception desk. “The idea is, hopefully, he likes it in there so the guests can see him when they first walk in, but he also feels safe,” explained Sara Duffy, a principal at the architecture and interior design firm Stonehill Taylor who carried out the hotel’s refresh.The cat-friendly accommodations didn’t end there. A bookshelf in the hotel’s lounge features cat-friendly nooks and ladders, allowing him to easily move around the room while visiting with various guests. A daybed by the window creates the perfect place for Hamlet VIII to relax and soak up the sun’s rays.“He likes to be up high and look down, to observe but not be pet all the time. But sometimes he likes to come down and participate,” said Duffy when asked about the lounge’s design features.If you’re interested in visiting Hamlet VIII while in New York, the Algonquin Hotel is located between Fifth and Sixth Avenues at 59 West 44th Street. Or you can read more about these legendary cats in the book Matilda, the Algonquin Cat.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

12-Year-Old Rescue Cat’s Reaction to First Toy Melts Hearts

It’s a heartwarming tale of second chances that will tug at the heartstrings of cat lovers everywhere. From sharing the story of a senior cat finding the love he deserves to revealing his “inner kitten” in an adorable video – The story of “Loaf” will surely bring a smile to your face. As a golden oldie, Loaf appears to have had a rough start to life. The 12-year-old cat was discovered recently by Maria Torres, from Miami, during a mother/daughter beach trip. The two spotted the black cat peaking out from the mangroves, and it was clear that he needed help. A rescue owner herself (Torres runs Love N Light Furever Rescue in South Florida), she knew she couldn’t leave the sweet senior behind to fend for himself. The two took Loaf home to better assess his condition and help him live out the rest of his senior years with the love and care every cat should receive. After addressing his immediate needs, they decided to give the senior cat a little something special to call his own – a catnip-filled rainbow toy, recording his first reaction. But they never could have imagined how it was going to go. “To give him his first toy was pretty extraordinary and kind of scary because I didn’t know how he was going to feel about it,” Torres explained. “The truth is, a cat who lived on the streets for 12 years sometimes doesn’t even recognize toys, so I was actually pretty shocked that he took a liking to it right away.” Torres shared the video on TikTok, and it wasn’t long before the heartwarming comments started to roll in.

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