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 (Reckon) How to prepare cats and dogs for hurricanes and other climate disasters
In Brief: As the Atlantic hurricane season approaches, authorities urge pet owners to include their furry family members in emergency preparedness plans. Historical data reveals a distressing trend: pets often suffer the highest casualties during climate disasters. With predictions of more frequent severe weather events, the necessity to safeguard pets has never been more critical. Proactive measures, such as securing safe shelters and creating emergency kits, are essential to ensure the safety and well-being of pets during such crises.
Japan (Nippon.com) A Home Where Old People Can Live Together with Their Pets
In Brief: In Kanagawa, Japan, the Sakura no Sato Yamashina nursing home pioneers a compassionate approach to elder care by allowing residents to live with their pets. This facility, enveloped in greenery and sunlight, supports aging individuals and their pets together, providing both care and companionship. Recognizing the profound bond between pets and their owners, the home integrates animals into daily care routines, enhancing the quality of life for its residents and ensuring that pets like dogs and cats are not just companions but also crucial to the emotional well-being of those in their twilight years.
United States (Psychology Today) What Is That Dog Doing in the Witness Box?
In Brief: In 41 U.S. states, therapy dogs are used in courtrooms to comfort stressed witnesses, particularly young and vulnerable ones. However, the presence of these dogs has sparked legal challenges, with some lawyers arguing that they could bias trial outcomes by evoking undue sympathy for witnesses. This contention is countered by psychological research indicating that therapy dogs do not significantly influence jurors' perceptions or trial deliberations. Despite ongoing debates and new appeals based on perceptions of dog characteristics like coat color, the use of therapy dogs in courts continues to be a supportive practice for those facing the daunting task of testifying.
United States (The Wildest) Do Cats Like to Be Touched? These Are the Places They Prefer to Be Pet
In Brief: Cats, much like humans, have personal preferences about physical contact. According to cat behavior expert Joey Lusvardi, while cats generally enjoy being petted in areas rich in pheromone glands like cheeks, head, or chin, they often do not appreciate hugs, which can be perceived as restraining rather than comforting. The key to increasing a cat's affection is respecting its boundaries, allowing it to initiate contact, and responding to its comfort cues. This understanding can help deepen the bond, letting interactions be on the cat's terms, thereby enhancing its trust and comfort with human companions.
United States (Yahoo.com) Researcher Warns Pet Cats Risk Getting Bird Flu and Possibly Infecting People
In Brief: A 20-year review warns that domestic cats can contract bird flu and potentially transmit it to humans, urging increased surveillance. As bird flu H5N1 evolves, reports show a significant rise in infections among domestic cats since 2023, contrasting with previous instances primarily in wild or zoo-kept felines. Kristen Coleman of the University of Maryland highlights the necessity of monitoring cats as they pose a potential spillover risk of avian influenza to humans. Coleman advises cat owners to prevent their pets from eating raw meat, limit outdoor activities, and watch for signs of illness, advocating a proactive approach to prevent the spread of the virus.
