What’s Making Global Cat and Dog News Today?
The Best Pet Daily Round-up of News, Research, Opinion or Fun published about Dogs and Cats from around the world:
United States (Fortune) Pup prenups: An overwhelming number of people say they support proactively deciding the fate of their pets should they divorce
In Brief: In a shift from traditional prenuptial agreements, a growing number of Americans are including "pup prenups" to address the fate of their pets in case of a divorce. With over 673,000 divorces in the U.S. in 2022, and pets increasingly seen as family members, 84% of pet owners now support preemptive pet custody arrangements. These agreements outline custody, visitation, and care costs, reflecting the deep emotional bonds people share with their pets and recognizing them as more than just property.
United States (2New Nevada) Lost Pets After 4th of July
In Brief: Following the Fourth of July, Washoe County Regional Animal Services has been busy with 25 intakes of dogs that fled due to fireworks fright. They received over 40 messages from people seeking their lost pets and have successfully returned 12 to 15 dogs to their owners. The organization stresses the importance of microchipping for quick reunification and advises the public to use local Pet Stations or Reno Fire stations equipped with microchip scanners. For assistance, the public can contact their dispatch line or check the agency's frequently updated website for lost and found reports.
United States (Vail Daily) A killer is sleeping in your house: How cats and dogs threaten wildlife in Colorado
In Brief: In Colorado, domestic pets like cats and dogs are causing significant ecological disruption. As invasive species, these pets have become a substantial threat to local wildlife, particularly through direct predation and disturbance. Cats, for instance, are estimated to kill between 1.3 and 4.0 billion birds annually in the U.S. Dogs, unleashed in natural habitats, chase and stress wildlife such as deer and elk, which can lead to ecological damage and displacement of native animals. Simple measures such as keeping dogs on leashes and converting outdoor cats to indoor pets are advocated to mitigate these impacts and protect both wildlife and the natural environment.
United States (Business Insider) Scientists studied 1,200 cats to determine why they scratch up furniture and how to stop it
In Brief: In a study of over 1,200 cats, researchers found that cats scratch furniture more frequently and intensely due to stress, particularly when children are present in the home. This new research pinpoints children's presence as a significant stressor for cats, leading to increased destructive behavior. The study, published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, suggests providing cats with adequate mental and physical stimulation, such as interactive toys and strategically placed scratching posts, to mitigate unwanted scratching and reduce stress.
United States (Psychology Today) What Does Being Alpha Really Mean? Dogs and Wolves Tell Us
In Brief: In a recent clarification of the often-misunderstood concept of "alpha" in dogs and wolves, experts emphasize that the term does not inherently mean aggressive or domineering. Drawing from extensive research, including over 100,000 wolf sightings in Yellowstone, it's confirmed that "alpha" simply denotes the highest-ranking individual in a group, who may not necessarily exhibit aggressive behaviors. This redefinition supports a broader understanding that dominance in animal hierarchies can manifest in various ways, such as through cooperation or control of group attention, rather than solely through aggression. This insight urges a reconsideration of dominance-based training methods for dogs, advocating instead for positive, force-free approaches that respect the animal’s nature and promote mutual benefit.
