4 Reasons You Need to Try Goat Milk for Kittens
Discover four reasons why goat milk for kittens is something you should try today! Kittens are tiny balls of energy and fun. One minute they’re zooming across the house, the next they’re chasing their own tail in a kitty tornado. All that growing, playing, and exploring means they need nutrition that works with their little bodies. And that’s where goat milk comes in. It’s an important addition to kitten food because it’s gentle on tummies, packed with nutrients, and can help support healthy growth. If you...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Veterinary social worker, underaged kitten resource and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. This veterinary social worker is a people personEver wondered what it’s like to be a veterinary social worker? We recently chatted with Oregon Humane’s only veterinary social worker, Kelly Bremken, about a whole host of topics. She has a positive yet realistic perspective on working in an emotionally and physically demanding field. From her decision to go back to school to how… Learn More Living Library: Guide to Raising Unweaned and...
Does Late-Night Lighting Affect Your Furry Companion
If you love staying up late with the TV blazing or the lights on full blast, you may not realize how nighttime lighting affects dogs and cats — the four-legged members of your household. Just like humans, dogs and cats rely on natural light cycles to regulate their bodies and behaviors. Here’s what every dog and cat parent should know about nighttime lighting. The Body Clock Connection Dogs and cats have an internal body clock, known as the circadian rhythm. This internal clock is largely controlled by light and darkness....
Hardwired Similarities Between Your Furry Feline and the Big Cats in the Wild — And the Takeaway
Have you ever watched your cat stalk a toy mouse across the living room floor and thought, “Wow, that looks like something I’d see on a nature documentary”? That’s because your cat and the big cats of the wild share a surprising amount in common. And understanding those connections can actually help you give your cat a happier, healthier life. Built the Same Way Domestic and wild cats are both obligate carnivores. This means their bodies are designed to run on meat. Their digestive systems, teeth, and even their eyes...
How a NASA Rocket Scientist Invented a Better, Safer Dog Toy
Since I was 11 years old, I only wanted two things in life: to work at NASA and to have a dog. I started applying (and getting rejected) to NASA internships in high school, and on the pet front, I didn’t get my first dog, Luna, until my junior year at the University of Illinois studying Aerospace Engineering. Back then, it was just me and Luna and a worn-out little fox puppet she dragged with her everywhere she went. By the time I made it to NASA’s Mission Control in Houston as a Propulsion Officer, Luna had two sisters,...
A Reactive Dog Isn’t a Bad Dog. Here’s What Their Behavior Really Means.
Your dog lunges at another dog across the street, barks at a delivery worker, or freezes when a stranger walks by. In the moment, it can look like defiance or bad behavior. But your dog isn’t trying to embarrass you, dominate the sidewalk, or ignore their training. This behavior is reactivity, and it usually means your dog is having a hard time coping with an emotion, feeling, or situation. Let’s look at what’s happening inside the mind of a reactive dog, how you can help in the situation, and what you can do to prevent...
What Every Dog Parent Should Know About Lyme Disease
If you spend time outdoors with your dog — whether hiking through wooded trails or just playing in the backyard — Lyme disease is something worth knowing about. It is one of the most common tick-borne diseases in the United States, and your dog could be at risk. What Is Lyme Disease? Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi. It spreads through the bite of a black-legged tick, also known as a deer tick. These ticks are tiny — sometimes no bigger than a poppy seed — which makes them easy to...
Why on Earth Do Dogs Eat Socks, Rocks, and Dirt?
Dogs will put almost anything in their mouths – socks, soil, plastic, paper, rocks, things that defy explanation, and some items too disgusting to mention. Sometimes it’s harmless; sometimes it’s not. For many dog owners, this is a familiar and occasionally alarming reality, and in certain cases, a dog that consistently eats non-food items is telling us something important about their health or mental state. Understanding what is behind the behavior is the first step in recognizing the difference between quirky habit and...
Till Death and Beyond: How One Dog’s Loyalty Inspired a Law for Eternal Companionship
The bond between people and their dogs is often described as unconditional, but some stories remind us just how profound that connection can be. In Brazil, a dog named Bob spent 10 years faithfully returning to his owner’s grave, capturing the hearts of everyone who met him. His extraordinary devotion became more than a touching story when, in February 2026, it helped inspire a new law in São Paulo state that allows people to be buried alongside their dogs and cats, creating a lasting tribute to the relationships that many...
Whole Food Meets Convenience: Why I Chose The Honest Kitchen’s Whole Food Clusters
:first-child]:mt-0! [&>:last-child]:mb-0! [&_p]:my-2! [&_p]:text-[0.938rem]! md:[&_p]:text-base! [&_ol]:mt-1! [&_ol]:mb-0! [&_ol]:pl-[1.2rem]! [&_ul]:mt-1! [&_ul]:mb-0! [&_ul]:list-disc! [&_ul]:pl-[1.2rem]! [&_li]:my-[0.35rem]! [&_li]:pl-[0.15rem]! [&_li]:text-[0.938rem]! md:[&_li]:text-base! [&_li]:marker:text-[var(–tiptap-info-box-color)]” readability=”28.385321100917″> This article was created in sponsorship with The Honest Kitchen, which helps...
Nocturnal Activity in Cats
If your cat has ever pounced on your feet at 2 a.m., let out a loud meow right next to your ear, or gone on a full hunting mission through your hallway in the middle of the night — you are not alone. This is one of the most common concerns cat parents bring up, and the good news is there are gentle, natural ways to help. Why Do Cats Do This? Cats are naturally crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. However, indoor cats often shift their energy bursts to nighttime hours. This can happen because of boredom,...
Living Library: Guide to Raising Unweaned and Underage Kittens now available
We’re excited to share that National Kitten College, in collaboration with University at California, Davis, the University of Wisconsin and the University of Florida, has launched a new resource for anyone caring for underaged kittens. This “living library” is designed to be a true game changer-bringing together the latest, evidence-based information in neonatal and young kitten care, with real-time updates as new insights emerge. And, there is a Spanish version! It’s an invaluable tool for both fosters and shelter...
Dogster’s Weekly Photo Contest Winners: A Day by the Water (July 20, 2026)
Welcome to our Dogster Weekly Photo Contest, where every other Monday we pick the best three photos from our readers, based on that week’s topic. This week’s topic was “A Day by the Water”, and we received some amazing photos from you. And although every dog is wonderful, we had to pick our winners. Congratulations, and thanks to everyone who submitted their dogs to our photo contest! Next topic is: “Yes, I Made a Mess”. Do you want to have a chance to get your pup featured on Dogster, our Facebook,...
How to Fight Plaque Before It Becomes a Problem for Your Dog
Plaque buildup is one of the most common health issues in dogs, and the good news is that there are steps you can take to slow it down — starting with something as simple as a daily tooth brushing routine. What Is Plaque and Why Does It Matter? Plaque is a sticky, invisible film of bacteria that forms on the surface of your dog’s teeth. Within just 24 hours, minerals from saliva can begin hardening that plaque into tartar — a tough, yellowish buildup that can only be removed by a veterinary professional. Left unchecked,...
Canine Genetic Awareness and Preventative Care
As a dog parent, you want the best for your furry companion. You make sure they eat well, exercise regularly, and visit the veterinarian. But have you thought about what’s written in their DNA? Understanding your dog’s genetic makeup is one of the most powerful tools available for keeping them healthy for years to come. Why Genetics Matter Every dog inherits genes from both parents. These genes don’t just determine coat color or ear shape — they can also reveal the risk for serious health conditions. Some diseases are...
Are They Scratching Too Much? How You Can Help Your Dog
Does it seem like your dog just can’t stop scratching? You’re not alone. Excessive scratching is one of the most common concerns dog owners bring to their veterinarians. While the occasional scratch is totally normal, constant scratching can be a sign that something more is going on. Let’s break it down. What’s Causing All That Scratching? One of the most common reasons dogs scratch excessively is a condition called atopic dermatitis, or “atopy.” This is a skin condition caused by environmental...
I Never Planned to Keep Piglet, the Deaf Blind Pink Puppy
I’m a small animal housecall veterinarian. When I agreed to foster Piglet, I turned to Facebook to help find him his forever home. We had no intention of keeping him, so I needed a place to network and raise awareness for our foster baby. The Facebook page, Piglet, the deaf blind pink puppy, grew very quickly. I’d always loved taking pictures of my dogs and had been sharing their pictures on my personal Facebook account for years before Piglet arrived. I was delighted that Piggy’s page gave me a place to post not only...
Fall Instructor-Led Courses are coming soon!
Looking to implement a new program, learn more about a specific subject and create positive change for pets and people in your community? Be sure to save the date for Maddie’s Fund® Instructor-Led Courses! All courses are free, #ThanksToMaddie. We are excited to share that we have two brand new classes this term, bringing it to a total of 11 different courses in the Fall 2026 session. The fall 2026 application window opens on August 14, 2026 and closes on August 23, 2026. Read on to learn about the two new offerings.Disaster...
Emergency Help Needed: Responding to Devastating Flooding in South Central Texas
Jul 15, 2026 As catastrophic flooding overwhelms communities south of Austin, including Uvalde, Castroville, Sabinal, and Hondo, APA! has mobilized to help. When shelters are overwhelmed and forced to clear space, we step in to prevent the needless euthanasia of displaced animals, acting as the critical safety net for those who have lost everything. We also serve as first responders for shelter pets. We will keep you updated as this crisis unfolds. Thank you for stepping up to help pets in need and the people who love them! We need your help...
Feline Digestive System Problems You Should Watch Out For
As someone who cares for a cat, knowing the signs of digestive problems can make a big difference in your cat’s health. Catching issues early gives your cat the best chance at a fast recovery. Here are some common feline digestive problems to be aware of. Constipation Constipation is one of the most common digestive issues in cats. A constipated cat may strain in the litter box, produce very little stool, or pass hard, dry feces. You might also notice your cat seems uncomfortable, has a bloated belly, or loses interest in food. In some...
