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Lisa Selvaggio

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Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people...
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A New Cancer Drug Shows Promise for Both Cats and People

A new drug may be used for treating cancer—more specifically, oral squamous cell carcinoma—according to a clinical trial conducted by researchers in California. Keep reading to learn a bit about this promising treatment and how it might help cats and humans.

Treating Parvovirus in Dogs with Monoclonal Antibodies

Canine parvovirus is a serious illness that can be fatal, and treating it is difficult. There’s good news, though, as researchers found a way to target the virus with monoclonal antibodies (mAb)—a step beyond merely managing symptoms.  The treatment is Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody (CPMA) from Elanco. Given as a one-time IV injection, it can be used with supportive care to help dogs get over the parvovirus and recover fully. It has been around since 2023 when it was conditionally approved. But, this past June, the USDA expanded access and made it possible to also use this medication to prevent infection in dogs who are exposed to the virus.

Your Dog’s Graying Might Not Be Normal

You may notice your dog’s fur losing its color with age. This is normal and natural, just as graying comes with aging in people. And you’ll mostly notice the graying around your dog’s muzzle. But there is a time when graying might not be healthy, and might instead be a cause for concern. Keep reading to learn when graying in dogs is considered abnormal.

Lost Family Cat Adopted Out Because of Microchip Error

A microchip can be a lifesaver if a pet ever gets lost; it can alert a rescue to the animal’s rightful owners, and can also help prevent euthanasia if a pet ends up in a shelter that’s overburdened and euthanizes for space. But in the case of one lost kitty, the microchip actually failed, causing her to be adopted out to someone else. Now, there’s a dispute over whether the cat should be returned to her original family.

Bam Bam, the Stolen Support Dog, Reunited with Owner After 2 Months

It’s taken more than two months, but Bam Bam the service dog has been reunited with his family in Chicago. His owner, Angel Santiago, is 58 years old and legally blind, and desperately searched for his missing pooch ever since he went missing. Here are the details.

Poor Air Quality Impacts the Health of Pets, Too

Experts warn that poor air quality caused by wildfires can have serious effects on animals, so pet parents should be aware of the risks and take steps to protect their pets when air quality drops.  

Experts Warn That Back-to-School Can Cause Depression in Pets

It’s back-to-school season again, and that means a lot of changes in your family’s routine. But have you considered how these changes can affect your pets? According to experts, it turns out that pets can actually experience depression when the kids start a new school year and they find that they aren’t getting as much attention as they did over the summer break.

Biotech Firms Might Make Ozempic Available for Pets

You’ve heard of Ozempic for weight loss in people, but did you ever think that it would be an option for overweight dogs and cats? Well, biotech firms are working on bringing to market an implant that will function in a similar way to GLP-1 receptor agonists in humans. If trials are successful, you might see veterinarians prescribing it in 2028 or 2029.

New Genetic Test Can Detect Kidney Disease Risk in Cats

Kidney disease is common among cats, and it’s a progressive condition without a cure. Catching it early may give you the chance to work with your veterinarian to slow its progression, but even that can be a challenge, which is why experts have been working on ways to diagnose chronic kidney disease sooner. Now, there’s a new genetic test that can help you do just that. It may even give pet parents a heads-up years in advance of kidney disease symptoms.

How to Ferret-Proof Your Home

Ferrets are curious, active, and intelligent, and they love a good adventure. So, you shouldn’t be surprised when they make their way into your cabinets, dressers, and little nooks and crannies throughout your home. They’re also liable to chew on things they shouldn’t or ingest things that are dangerous or toxic. For these reasons, it’s necessary to properly ferret-proof any room where they’ll spend time outside of their enclosure.

How Much Do Cats Sleep?

Cats are known for sleeping through most of the day, but how long do cats sleep, exactly? How many hours per day can you expect your kitty to be sleeping, and what is considered a normal amount of sleep for cats of different ages, from kittens to seniors? We’ve got you covered with answers to all of these questions so you can get to know your feline companion even better.

Things to Consider Before Getting a Ferret

Ferrets can make great pets, with their high energy level and fun-loving personalities, but they aren’t right for everyone. If you’ve been thinking about bringing a ferret into your family, there are several things to consider before you do. As with any type of pet, you want to be sure you know what to expect, and you want to be certain you’ll be able to provide your ferret with the care they need.