The Best Pet Daily Round-up of News, Research, Opinion or Fun published about Dogs and Cats from around the world:

1. United States (Bored Panda) “Cat Grows”: This Community Shares Wholesome Photos Of Their Kittens Growing Into Cats (45 New Pics)

   In Brief: It’s a new dose of adorable from the “Cat Grows” online community, where users share captivating before-and-after photos of cats as they grow from kittens to adults. This delightful page not only celebrates feline transformations but also embraces all living organisms, showcasing growth across a variety of animals and even houseplants. It’s a testament to the passage of time and the changes it brings.

2. United States (CBS17) 97% of pet owners will splurge on their pet even when they're broke

   In Brief: Despite rising living costs, 97% of pet owners continue to splurge on their furry companions, treating them as family members. According to the Pew Research Center, the annual expense for a dog can range between $1,000 to $5,225, while cat costs can reach up to $2,865. Rover highlights that many are prioritizing pet expenses over personal items, despite increasing prices. Last year, Americans spent a record $147 billion on pets, with pet food and treats alone accounting for $64.4 billion. As pets are increasingly humanized, this spending trend is not just a matter of affection but a deep psychological commitment, suggesting pets are more than just animals to their owners—they are integral family members.

3. United Kingdom (RSPCA) Kindness Index Report 2024

   In Brief: The sixth section of the 2024 Kindness Index Report delves into the public's connection to nature and their attitudes towards wildlife conservation. It highlights a significant gap between attitudes and actions: while 76% of people acknowledge the link between human survival and wildlife, and 92% believe in the importance of protecting wildlife, actual engagement in conservation activities like community litter picks remains below 1%. Despite this, volunteer numbers for wildlife conservation initiatives are gradually increasing. The report underscores the need for greater public involvement and stronger legislative measures to bridge this gap​

4. United States (High School Journalism Institute) It’s training cats and dogs: Study finds working with pets boosts kids’ activity levels

   In Brief: In a groundbreaking study from Oregon State University, researchers found that training pets significantly boosts physical activity levels in children and teens with developmental disabilities. The study, published on March 27, revealed that participants, including 17-year-old Adonis Unrath, increased their daily activity by 17 minutes and reduced stationary time by nearly an hour. Adonis, who has ADHD, discovered newfound focus and independence through training his dog, Winnie. This positive change extended to his mental health and social connections. Encouraged by these results, researchers are now exploring similar training programs for cats, offering more accessible options for families.

5. United States (OPB) Portland veterinary hospital’s blood bank is helping save lives, thanks to ‘superhero’ dog and cat donors

   In Brief: In Portland, DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital has been running a life-saving blood bank for cats and dogs for nearly 40 years. This program, the largest of its kind on the West Coast, relies on "superhero" pet donors like Kashi, a 6-year-old Black Labrador. The hospital incentivizes regular blood donations with perks such as free treats, toys, and personalized trading cards. Last year alone, DoveLewis performed nearly 500 transfusions and shipped over 200 units of blood products nationwide. Blood bank coordinator Kelsey Reinauer and volunteer Debi Hays highlight the program's impact and the ongoing need for new donors to meet high demand.