Types of cat litter and their effects on humans

Types of cat litter and their effects on humans

One may have to deal with cat waste if they have a domesticated feline friend at home. Many pet owners prefer using cat litter as they are easy to clean the excreted waste. All pet cats are litter trained, meaning they will only pee or poop inside the cat litter placed in the house. As a pet parent, one must ensure that the litter box is cleaned at least twice daily to keep it germ-free. But are there any dangers to having cat litter? Let’s find out. While having a cat litter box at home may not expose humans to fatal dangers, cleaning the litter box may lead to health issues if one is not careful with this sanitation process. There are different types of litter. Therefore, one must know how to manage them as they can adversely affect human health in the long run. Clumping litter Clumping litter contains bentonite, a substance that allows the liquid to clump together. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is best if humans do not inhale or ingest this substance. Some of these clumping cat litters also contain silica, which has carcinogenic effects leading to an increased risk of lung cancer.
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5 simple ways to toilet train a cat

5 simple ways to toilet train a cat

One of the main concerns for new pet parents is toilet training their feline friends. Cats are smart species; they understand the tricks within a few weeks. However, teaching them the correct techniques from day one is essential as it will gradually mold the cat’s behavior toward using the toilet bowl or litter boxes. The transition can be challenging, so we have listed seven simple steps to help with the process. Decide and prepare a designated bathroom Choose a bathroom that is easily accessible to your pet. And place the litterbox close to the toilet. The idea is to get your cat to “go” in the litter box and train it to use the toilet bowl gradually. The cat will get familiar with the new spot eventually.  Move the litter box closer to the toilet bowl Move the litter box an inch closer to the toilet bowl. It will also be convenient for the pet parent to clean the box when they want to. Get rid of a layer of litter to a point where there’s a thin layer left in the box.  Raise the height of the litter box Stack a pile of newspapers, old magazines, or cardboards under the litter box, and gradually raise the height, so that the cat can easily jump onto the box.
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5 plants that repel ticks effectively

5 plants that repel ticks effectively

People with pets in their house have one thing common to worry about – tick or lice infestation. Particularly during summers when the chances of flea and tick infestations increase. Your backyard can turn dangerous for your pets. But the solution for this is simple. You can protect your pets by growing any of the below-listed plants. These act as effective flea and tick repellants. They can repel fleas and ticks due to their scent. Lavender The plant belongs to the mint family and is quite useful in fending off bloodsucking parasites like ticks and mites from your backyard. Planting lavender in your backyard or home garden will keep your pets and your house protected from any pest infestation. Eucalyptus Among its many uses, this herb is also effective in warding off pests and ticks from your house. Pet owners can also make a tick-repellant spray by using rosemary oil and water in equal parts. This spray is perfectly safe and can be used on your pet’s fur. Wormwood It’s a wild plant that grows almost everywhere. Wormwood’s smell and  the chemicals it produces are known to repel ticks. It is also known for its signature bitter taste that animals hate.
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5 fragrant plants that repel ticks

5 fragrant plants that repel ticks

Fleas and ticks are probably the most annoying things you have to deal with as a pet parent. You might have tried it all, and everything must have worked fine. But the moment you grow lenient, they are back. Ticks do not go away permanently, so you have to be vigilant round the clock. One way to deal with these parasites is to grow plants that repel ticks in outdoor and indoor gardens. Sage Many use sage leaves to enhance the taste of food. Interestingly, the plant is also great at repelling ticks and protecting your pets. So, consider growing sage indoors to prevent infestations. Lemongrass As the name suggests, this plant smells like lemon. While the fragrance may be appealing to you, it repels parasites. Many prefer growing this plant to repel ticks as it requires little maintenance. Lavender While this plant is known for its calming properties, insects would beg to disagree. Lavender is an effective repellent against moths, mosquitoes, and ever-annoying ticks. Its color, as well as its scent, are unappealing to the blood-feeding parasites. Garlic Ticks find the scent of garlic abhorrent. So, if you are looking up for plants that repel ticks from your household, grow this one in your outdoor and indoor garden.
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7 human foods that cats can have

7 human foods that cats can have

Sharing food with your cat doesn’t always have to be dangerous! Even though it is advisable to keep your pets away from some human food like onions, garlic, sugar, chocolate, dairy, caffeinated products, raw dough, nuts, salt, xylitol, grapes, and raisins, it is safe to treat your pets to some human food every once in a while. Here are 7 human foods that are safe for your kittens to consume. 7 human foods you can share with your cats Fish Canned or cooked fish like salmon, tuna, herring, mackerel, and crab are good for your cats as it helps their eyes stay sharp and helps them with arthritis, kidney disease, and heart disorders. Fatty fish contains nutrients like omega-3 that can help with your cat’s heart health. However, it is best to avoid giving them raw fish as it can be dangerous for your cat’s health. Whole grains Cooked whole grains are easily digestible for cats and are popularly found in most dry cat foods. Grains like oats are a good source of protein, iron, and fiber, and they’re easy to make as well. Many cats like eating corn, and a coarse cornmeal called polenta as well. Other grains that you can give your cats include brown rice, barley, wheat berries, millet, and couscous.
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7 human foods that dogs can safely relish

7 human foods that dogs can safely relish

You can feed your pet puppy or adult dog the best foods for them. But even then, they’ll watch you with beady eyes while you eat your meals. Of course, you can give them a little bit from your plate. However yet, most people are unaware that only a few human foods are safe for dogs. So feed them from the ones listed below to ensure they stay healthy and free from health complications. Dairy Dairy like cheese and milk, fed in moderate quantities is safe for your pet dog. Some dairy products are rich in unhealthy fats, which are also harmful to puppies or adult dogs. Give them lower-fat dairy varieties such as cottage cheese, low-fat milk, or mozzarella. Protein, calcium, vitamin A, and B-complex vitamins are some nutritional benefits dogs receive from low-fat dairy products. However, skip dairy products if your pet is lactose intolerant. Unsalted peanut butter Peanut butter that is unsalted and does not have added sugars or sweeteners is safe for dogs to eat in moderation. The food contains vitamins E and B, healthy fats, and proteins. These elements are essential to improve your pet’s health. However, before giving your dog peanut butter, check the label to ensure it’s free of xylitol sweetener, which is highly toxic for pets.
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Top 10 Black Friday cat food deals to expect in 2022

Top 10 Black Friday cat food deals to expect in 2022

As a cat parent, you’d know your pet’s food choices. Some cats may prefer fish-based food, while others may eat only a chicken-based meal. Vets always recommend that you constantly change their food so that they can enjoy varied flavors and look forward to their meal times. What better time than Black Friday to stock up on all the different cat food flavors, as almost all leading cat food brands offer discounts on their products? Listed below are the top 10 best Black Friday cat food deals that you can check out: Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food Kitten Recipe Hill’s Science is a vet-recommended food brand for your kitten. It is rich in Docosahexaenoic Acid, a natural omega-3 fatty acid crucial for developing your kitten’s brain and nervous system. It also promotes bone growth and dental health. You can expect a 28% discount on Hill Science cat food. Wellness Healthy Indulgence Morsels Grain Free Wet Cat Food Pouches One 3-lbs pack of Wellness Healthy Indulgence Morsels Grain-Free Wet Cat Food Pouch contains 24 pouches. The main ingredients are salmon and tuna bound in a savory sauce that cats love. It is good to build your cat’s immunity and keep it energetic all day.
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10 best dog food Black Friday deals

10 best dog food Black Friday deals

If you cannot cook home meals for your dog, you can choose from foods like Kibble or dry, canned, semi-cooked, and raw food. Talk to your vet to understand the best type for your pet based on their breed, age, size, weight, and activity levels. Start by feeding them smaller portions and check for allergies before making them permanent. Refer to our list of 10 best Black Friday food deals for your furry friend. Purina beyond beef, potato & green bean recipe ground entrée grain-free canned dog food, case of 12 The main ingredients are beef, potato, and green bean, all ground and enhanced with prebiotics, fiber, essential minerals, and nutrients. It contains no fillers or poultry by-products and is free of synthetic additives. Black Friday deal: 31% off Blue Buffalo Basics limited ingredient grain-free dog Food – large dog This pack is best suited for large dogs that need extra food portions. The package contains chicken, lamb, and salmon. It also has apples, tomatoes, blueberries, and pumpkins that are highly antioxidative to build immunity. Black Friday Deal: Up to 30% off American Journey salmon and sweet potato recipe grain-free dry dog food It is a combination of salmon, fruits, and vegetables that gives your dog protein, antioxidants, and phytonutrients in one shot.
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7 human foods that dogs can enjoy

7 human foods that dogs can enjoy

Like humans, our furry best friends, dogs, need a balanced meal plan to help them live long and healthy lives. If you are someone who cooks meals for them daily, here are some human foods that can easily be added to their bowl for some much-needed nutrition and taste. However, always observe your pet to check if they like these foods and respond well to them. Here are some of these foods: Veggies Our furry friends are just as much in love with veggies as us humans. While not all vegetables are good for them, you can safely give them foods like carrots, green beans, peas, and even pumpkin. These veggies are good for your pets as they are dense in nutrients and easy to digest. Pumpkins are great dogs as they are known for keeping the gut healthy and relieving any digestive issues. Green beans are known for their high protein, iron, calcium, and vitamin K nutrients that keep your furry best friend healthy. And carrots have vitamin A, beta carotene, and fiber content that keeps your dog healthy and happy. Peanut butter This is another extremely safe human food to feed your dog in small to moderate quantities.
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Top 4 monthly puppy subscription boxes

Top 4 monthly puppy subscription boxes

Every good child should be treated with some goodies and treats. The monthly puppy box can be a source of joy and excitement for dogs and their parents. Thanks to the range of chews, toys, and treats that these subscription boxes offer, they have fast gained popularity. If you are looking to work on a budget but get the best of everything for your good-est boy, here are some options to look into. BarkBox BarkBox costs $23, $26, or $35, depending on the subscription you choose. Although the monthly puppy box is one of the cheapest finds, their product quality remains high, and the subscribers are satisfied. BarkBox has themed boxes that add to the brand’s appeal and make for a nice surprise each month. You get access to treats, toys, and grooming essentials and get customization options based on your dog’s allergies and preferences. Kong Box At $49.95 a month, Kong Box has been a favorite among pets and pet parents alike. One of the best sellers in the Kong box includes the trusty rubber toy that can keep the heaviest chewers engaged. The monthly puppy box comes packed with the classic Kong toy, treats for your dog, recipes, training tips, and some more toys.
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