Cats are glorious creatures—motion optimized, aesthetically pleasing, low maintenance, warm, fuzzy, furry, cute, and they purr. Could you ask for a more perfect pet? As feline-favoring veterinarians, cats have only one major design flaw—they were designed with a poorly functioning elimination system. Specifically, their kidneys are weak, they don't drink enough water, and the cat's urinary tract frequently suffers from disease. The kidney issue is a discussion for another day.

Barbecues, fireworks, and other activities are Fourth of July staples. But if you are a pet parent, all of the festivities might be more stressful than fun. Fireworks often trigger intense fear and anxiety — especially in dogs. Barbecues can be anxiety-inducing (and dangerous for dogs), too. They are often noisy, and many pets just don't enjoy all of the unfamiliar people, smells, and sounds.

A recent survey of 1,000 people found that 45% of them named moving as the number one most stressful life event. It’s undoubtedly one of the most disruptive life changes, affecting every member of the family—including pets. Cats are especially averse to change, meaning they’ll feel extra stress and possibly create complications when moving day arrives.

It’s not always easy to tell when a cat is ill or injured. You might think that you’d be able to tell right away if your feline friend were in pain. Unfortunately, even the most attentive and loving pet parents often don’t know there is a problem until it becomes quite severe.

Do you share your home with a deaf cat? Or have you wondered if, perhaps, your feline friend is hard of hearing? If so, you’ve likely wondered how to give a non-hearing cat the best life possible. Like their hearing counterparts, deaf cats can enjoy happy, enriching lives. And for the most part, they do not need much in terms of specialized care.

As a pet parent, you’ve probably looked at your feline friend countless times and wondered what was going through their head. While your cat, unfortunately, can’t talk to you, that does not mean they are unable to communicate. You just have to learn how to speak their language — and no, we don’t mean trying to translate their meows and purrs into English!

Few things are more exciting than welcoming a new pet into your family. Dogs and cats make excellent companions, and their unconditional love can make a house feel more like home. Make no bones about it, though—pet ownership is a serious commitment. Not every animal is right for every family, so it’s crucial to take your time and find a pet that’s right for you.