7 Common Neurological Conditions in Cats
As someone who cares deeply about their feline companion, noticing unusual behavior can be scary. Your cat might be stumbling, staring into space, or tilting their head to one side. These signs could point to a neurological condition — one that affects the brain, nerves, or muscles. Here’s what you should know. What Are Neurological Conditions? Neurological conditions affect the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. When something goes wrong in this system, it can show up in many different ways —...
From Rescue to Rescuer: How an Abandoned Border Collie Became Venezuela’s Earthquake Hero
A Border Collie named Tsunami is making headlines across Venezuela after helping search-and-rescue teams locate survivors following the powerful earthquakes that struck the country in late June 2026. Working alongside his handler and emergency responders, the highly trained rescue dog became one of the canine heroes of the country’s disaster response, using his remarkable sense of smell to help locate people trapped beneath the debris of collapsed buildings. Authorities have since confirmed that the June earthquake response marked...
Imagining Gene Editing as The Next Catalyst for Evolution in Dogs and Cats
Imagine taking your Golden Retriever puppy to the vet for a routine checkup. The veterinarian runs a quick genetic screening and says, “Good news — we’ve confirmed that Max carries no markers for osteosarcoma or progressive retinal atrophy. His gene profile was edited before birth to remove those risks.” It sounds like science fiction, right? But the truth is, this kind of future is totally possible. Gene editing is one of the most exciting — and debated — topics in modern science. For dog and cat...
Community Conversations is back next week on August 5!
Just a friendly reminder that Maddie’s Community Conversations will now be held on Wednesdays at 11am PT/ 2pm ET starting August 5! If you haven’t done so already, please register now to secure your spot for the new season. These webcasts will continue to be a collaborative place to connect with peers in the animal well-being industry, share exciting new programs and research on a variety of topics including foster, access to veterinary and behavior care, community partnerships and more. Plus, each...
Hemoacupuncture for Dogs — Know the Conditions Where it Works Best
If you’ve been exploring natural and holistic options for your dog’s health, you may have come across a technique called hemoacupuncture. While it may sound intimidating at first, this traditional practice has been used in veterinary medicine to help support dogs dealing with a variety of health conditions. Here’s a friendly breakdown of what hemoacupuncture is and where it may be helpful. What Is Hemoacupuncture? Hemoacupuncture is a technique that falls under the umbrella of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine...
Ask Dr. Paola – My Husky-Lab Keeps Breaking Into Lunchboxes! (July 27, 2026)
Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our readers better understand their dog’s health and well-being. Whether you’re a new pet parent or a seasoned dog lover, Dr. Paola is here to provide answers to your most pressing questions. From nutrition tips and preventive care to troubleshooting common behavioral issues, Dr. Paola is ready to offer insights that will keep your furry friend happy and healthy. Stay tuned for expert guidance...
Why Modern Dog Care is Quietly Shifting From Treatment to Lifespan Stewardship
: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=”29.466666666667″> This article was created in sponsorship with La Petite Labs, which helps make...
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,...
