Benefits of dogs and cats for seniors
More and more people are discovering how powerful the bond between animals and seniors can be. As we age, it’s common to face health challenges and a shrinking social circle — factors that often lead to loneliness. In fact, the National Institute on Aging states that older adults are especially vulnerable to social isolation. The companionship of a dog or cat, however, can significantly enrich a senior’s life, offering comfort, connection, and a renewed sense of purpose. One of the benefits of dogs and cats for seniors is...
My Word! Your Dog Possesses Amazing Language Learning Skills
Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being. Source: Animal Wellness...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Cat Superhighway course, webcasts and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Your roadmap to get every cat to where they need to goDo you want to streamline pathway planning to find the best available outcome for every cat and kitten at your organization? Look no further than Cat Superhighway, a free self-paced course on Maddie’s® University. This course equips animal shelter professionals with the tools to implement or enhance pathway planning for cats and kittens, streamlining their… Learn More August and September 2025...
Why orange cats are usually male
Have you ever wondered why orange cats are usually male? And why calicos and tortoiseshells are female? For decades, scientists at leading universities have explored why cat fur color is linked to sex. Now, building on past work, researchers at Stanford University and Kyushu University have each conducted independent studies and found a definitive answer. It all has to do with a long-posited but elusive genetic mutation – a DNA deletion near a gene called ARHGAP36. This mutation causes pigment cells to produce a ginger hue....
Are dogs replacing children?
Are dogs replacing children in modern society? In many countries, the number of dogs has surged so dramatically that it now surpasses the number of children. Some view this as a clear sign people are choosing dogs over parenthood. But researchers remain uncertain — deeper social and cultural factors may be driving the trend. Professor Enikő Kubinyi, who leads the Department of Ethology at Eötvös Loránd University, recently proposed a groundbreaking theory, published in the journal Current Directions in...
7 Red Flags for Dog Health
As a dog parent, you want to keep your furry friend happy and healthy. But sometimes, dogs can’t tell us when something is wrong. Learning to spot warning signs early can make a huge difference in your dog’s health and may even save their life. Here are seven red flags that mean it’s time to call your veterinarian right away. 1. Trouble Breathing If your dog is breathing fast, panting heavily when they shouldn’t be, or making unusual sounds like wheezing or whistling, this is a serious emergency. Watch for a blue tint...
Smarter Supported Self-Rehoming Solutions
[embedded content] Supported self-rehoming enables the community to participate in finding new homes for their pets without having to enter a shelter. However, animal welfare organizations often forget one of the most important pieces of this process—the support! In this webinar, Lauren Rogers, Community Initiatives Manager for San Diego Humane Society, will share strategies for streamlining supported self-rehoming programs and garnering even more community-member buy-in. Source: Human Animal Support...
Your Cat’s Not Obese—It’s Called Primordial Pouch
Have you ever noticed your cat has what looks like a saggy belly that swings when they walk? Don’t worry – your feline friend hasn’t gained weight overnight! What you’re seeing is called a primordial pouch, and it’s completely normal. What Exactly is a Primordial Pouch? The primordial pouch is a flap of loose skin and fat that hangs along your cat’s belly, typically between their hind legs. This natural feature appears in both male and female cats, regardless of whether they’ve been spayed or...
Breaking Down Barriers: Insights into the HASS Competitive Pet Placement Project
[embedded content] Over the last several months, HASS collaborated with a selection of HASS pilot shelters to identify any lingering shelter operation barriers to positive adoption outcomes as part of a formal Competitive Pet Placement (CPP) project. CPP is an initiative supported by PetSmart Charities that aims to make sure animal shelters are not making it harder for people to adopt and foster than it should be—and to make it easier for pets to get into homes. Watch Kate McHugh-Westfall, HASS Embedded Data and Implementation...
Your roadmap to get every cat to where they need to go
Do you want to streamline pathway planning to find the best available outcome for every cat and kitten at your organization? Look no further than Cat Superhighway, a free self-paced course on Maddie’s® University. This course equips animal shelter professionals with the tools to implement or enhance pathway planning for cats and kittens, streamlining their journey to the best possible outcome. Cat Superhighway presents research-backed strategies to reduce length of stay, decrease intake and ensure positive outcomes for all cats....
