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 (Pasadena Star News) Cat skills are learned early by kittens at play
In Brief: Kittens start playing as early as 3-4 weeks old, engaging in activities that are crucial for their development. This play helps them learn vital survival and communication skills, and builds confidence in their environment. At the Neely Cat Center, observing kittens play highlights how essential these activities are to their growth. Regular play not only enriches kittens but also prevents unwanted behaviors like scratching and biting. Rochelle Guardado, a cat training expert, suggests short play sessions daily before meals, which mimic natural hunting behaviors. She emphasizes the importance of safe, durable toys and advises that kittens' unique preferences should guide toy selection. Additionally, adopting two kittens can provide mutual entertainment but requires individual interaction to strengthen bonds with their humans.
United States (CBS17) Try these tricks to capture pictures of your pets
Professional pet photographer shares advice
In Brief: Christine O'Brien, a professional pet photographer from Ruff Life Photography, offers valuable tips for capturing great photos of pets. She suggests getting down low to the pet's level and even placing them in an elevated position, like a chair, for a better angle. Utilizing treats and squeakers can help draw the pet’s attention towards the camera, potentially making them look like they're taking a selfie. For ideal photo settings, Christine prefers picturesque backgrounds such as parks, bridges, and fields of seasonal flowers. She advises tiring dogs out before a shoot to ease the process. For those preferring professional photos, Christine hosts themed photo events, with upcoming sessions including a camping theme at Premier Pet Supply Detroit and an "Under the Sea" theme at Premier Pet Supply Troy.
United Kingdom (RSPCA) Kindness Index Report 2024
In Brief: The fifth section of the 2024 Animal Kindness Index explores the connection between the UK public and nature, emphasizing the vital relationship between wildlife conservation and human survival. A significant 76% of respondents acknowledge that protecting wildlife is crucial for human survival, a notable increase from previous years.
This section reveals a strong public sentiment towards protecting wildlife in both countryside and urban settings, with an overwhelming majority expressing a desire to safeguard these natural habitats. Despite these positive attitudes, the report indicates a gap between concern and actionable efforts to support wildlife, highlighting a decrease in activities such as reducing single-use plastics and creating wildlife-friendly habitats compared to previous years.
The report suggests that while the UK public recognizes the importance of conservation, actual participation in conservation efforts remains low, pointing to a need for increased engagement and practical measures to help individuals contribute more effectively to wildlife protection. This part of the index underscores the necessity of bridging the gap between concern for wildlife and tangible conservation actions.
United States (Newsweek) Pet Insurance 101: How Much Does It Cost and Is It Worth the Price?
In Brief: Mandy Sleight of Newsweek offers a comprehensive overview of pet insurance, detailing its costs, benefits, and whether it's worth the investment. Pet insurance helps mitigate the costs of unexpected vet bills, with monthly premiums averaging $56 for dogs and $32 for cats. Benefits include coverage for emergency surgeries, hospital stays, and more, allowing pet owners to choose the best treatment without the least cost constraint. However, drawbacks include deductibles and potential exclusions. Sleight advises pet owners to compare insurance plans from multiple providers to find one that best fits their needs and to consider the pet's age, breed, and health when choosing a plan. As veterinary costs rise, pet insurance can offer a safety net, preventing difficult financial decisions.
United States (Science Alert) Dogs Can Smell Our Stress, And It Affects Them Deeply
In Brief: Dogs can detect human stress through scent, and it significantly impacts their behavior, a new study reveals. Conducted by researchers at the University of Bristol, the study demonstrates that dogs exposed to the odor of stressed humans are more likely to make "pessimistic" decisions, indicating that the scent affects their emotional state and perception of rewards. In the study, dogs were presented with odor samples from relaxed and stressed humans and then observed for their approach to food bowls placed at varying distances. Dogs exposed to stress scents were less likely to approach food bowls, particularly those positioned closer to a negative (no treat) site. This research not only underscores the deep emotional connection between dogs and humans but also suggests that human stress could have a tangible effect on dogs' well-being, with implications for their training and care in various roles.
