3 Weird Cat Behaviors Explained

Rescue Cat Deckster Helps Special Needs Kittens Learn to Walk

Animals are capable of incredible love and empathy. But sometimes, a special soul steps into a role that is so natural to them that they truly take our breath away. That’s exactly what happened in a viral TikTok video involving a rescue cat named Deckster and two very special kittens. Deckster was found as a young cat living under a deck (hence his name) and recently joined a new family. Little did his adopters know he wasn’t just joining the family; he was preparing to take on a very important role. He has, essentially, named himself the personal physical therapist for two tiny kittens who were struggling to walk. The two 3-week-old kittens were diagnosed with a condition known as “swimmer syndrome.” This condition causes their legs, often the hind legs, to splay out to the side in a posture that reminds many of a frog. It makes it incredibly difficult, and sometimes impossible, for cats with swimmer syndrome to stand or walk properly. In the now-viral video, Deckster is seen lying patiently with the kittens, who are just 9 weeks younger than he is. He observes their movements at first and then gently begins tapping the one kitten’s feet. The text on-screen explains how Deckster is always right there, using his gentle tapping as a soft reminder to the little ones to keep trying to move and reposition their limbs.

5 Dog Breeds Loved by Royalty

Throughout history, royalty has often shared a special bond with dogs, treating them not just as pets but as companions, confidants, and symbols of status. These canine companions frequently reflected the personality, tastes, and prestige of their royal owners. Here are five dog breeds historically adored by monarchs around the world.

Dog Park Dedicated to Disabled Pooches Is First of Its Kind

Offering a safe space for differently abled pooches to romp and play, this seven-acre spread in the UK is nirvana for dogs and their humans.

What Is the 3-3-3 Rule for Adopted Dogs?

The 3-3-3 rule for adopted dogs is a simple process you can use to understand the needs of your rescue puppy or adult dog. It can help both you and your pet in many ways as you get to know each other at home.

How to Decide if Cat TV is Right for Your Cat’s Personality

While cats have long enjoyed visual entertainment by watching birds and squirrels from the window, modern society has introduced a new form of mental enrichment: Cat TV. While to some, this may feel like a convenient way to provide stimulation and entertainment during long workdays when our cats may otherwise face hours of boredom, others question the impact of screen time on our kitties.While these videos can be a wonderful supplement to a cat’s day, satisfying their natural urge to observe and track movement from the safety of the living room, they also introduce unique challenges.Understanding how your cat’s brain processes this digital prey and its impact on their well-being is the first step in making decisions to ensure screen time remains a source of joy rather than a trigger for frustration or overstimulation.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article, but at no cost to you.What is Cat TV and Why Does it Work?To understand why your cat seems so mesmerized by images on a flat screen, we have to look at the world through their eyes. Cats are incredibly skilled at detection, skills that can be traced back to their wild ancestors hunting for their next meal. Their retinas are packed with rods, which are specialized cells that are great at picking up movement and functioning in low light conditions. When we turn on Cat TV, we are tapping into these predatory skills by offering a concentrated stream of high-contrast motion on the screen. The way a cat sees a screen is significantly different from how we see it. Cats can see at a higher frame rate than humans, meaning they can process visual data at a much faster rate. On older television sets, a cat might have seen a series of flickering images rather than a continuous movie. However, modern high-definition and 4K screens have refresh rates high enough that movement appears fluid and lifelike to them. This makes the experience far more “real” than it was a decade ago. The content typically found on Cat TV programs, like daring chickadees, tail-flicking squirrels, or scurrying mice, triggers a specific part of your cat’s brain known as the predatory sequence. This sequence consists of: Orienting: Noticing the movement Stalking: Lowering the body and focusing intentlyPouncing: The physical attempt to capture their preyBecause digital prey moves in the same erratic, unpredictable ways as live prey, it holds a cat’s attention far longer than a static toy. For an indoor cat, this is a rare opportunity to exercise their natural tracking skills and satisfy their curiosity about the natural world. While window-watching is still a gold-standard enrichment activity, Cat TV offers a controlled alternative. It allows pet parents to provide a variety of different views and experiences regardless of the time of day, the weather outside, or the lack of local wildlife in urban areas. This has allowed it to evolve from a simple distraction into a fun enrichment tool tailored to your cat’s specific interests. The Benefits of Cat TVWhen used intentionally, Cat TV can be a great addition to your cat’s mental enrichment plan. It serves as a form of cognitive exercise, keeping their mind sharp and engaged in ways that traditional toys sometimes fail to do. These benefits go beyond simple distraction, including: Forging Mental Connections Indoor environments, while safe, can occasionally become stagnant, leaving indoor cats feeling bored. A cat’s brain is designed to solve problems and track changes in their surroundings. Cat TV introduces variety into an otherwise predictable day. It provides environmental enrichment by offering a sensory change of pace for cats who spend most of their time in the same four walls. Additionally, it helps sharpen cognitive function by requiring your cat to focus and process what they see as they track a bird or critter moving across a screen. This is especially beneficial for senior cats who may be struggling with lower physical stamina but still need mental engagement. Stress Management Cat TV can also act as a buffer against outside stressors. The consistent, calming sounds of nature often featured in these videos can help drown out anxiety-inducing noises such as nearby construction, thunderstorms, or the neighbor’s dog barking. For cats who experience mild separation anxiety when their humans leave for the day, the presence of gentle visual and auditory activity can make your home feel less empty and quiet, offering a welcome distraction until you return home. Accessibility and InclusionNot every cat has the physical ability to climb a tall cat tree or sit on a high windowsill to see the world. For cats with mobility issues, such as those with feline arthritis or recovering from surgery, Cat TV is a great way to “participate” in a hunt from a safe, comfortable position. It allows them to flex those predatory instincts without putting unnecessary strain on their joints, ensuring their quality of life remains high even when their physical activity is limited. The Potential Risks of the “Unattainable Catch” While this type of digital enrichment has clear benefits for your cat, it also introduces a psychological hurdle that doesn’t exist when playing with physical toys: the inability to complete the hunt. In nature, the predatory sequence ends with catching their prey, and often a kill (or at least a tangible interaction). With Cat TV, the sequence is perpetually stuck in the stalking phase. The Predatory Stress Loop The biggest risk of excessive screen time is a situation known as the “Predatory Stress Loop.” This occurs when a cat’s brain is flooded with dopamine as they prepare for the hunt, but because their paws only meet glass or plastic, they never receive the satisfaction of a successful catch. This leaves them longing for that final step. Repeatedly lunging at a bird that disappears into thin air can lead to a drop in feel-good chemicals (dopamine) and a spike in cortisol (the stress hormone). Additionally, without the satisfaction of catching a physical object, some cats may become frustrated by remaining in a state of high alert long after the screen is turned off.

Clean-Up Hacks to Keep Your Dog's Best Face Forward

(photo credit: wedmoments.com / shutterstock.com)I have Schnoodles, and for those with bearded dogs, ‘nuff said, right?I mean those iconic little beards are adorable but they’re also a catch-all for errant bits of kibble, drying chunks of once-wet food, burrs, twigs… you get the picture.And while my furry threesome doesn’t always require a full body bath, those faces most definitely need a little extra care. And we’re talking daily extra care. From runny eyes that stain and crust to stinky ears, burred chins, the aforementioned beards and of course everyone’s favorite maintenance issue – teeth.Taking a few minutes each day to tackle the Big 5 – ears, face, beard, eyes and teeth – not only keeps your pet looking their best but allows you to spot any problem areas and stave off heavy matting and staining early on in the game. Now, we’re not talking about grooming or cutting your pet’s overgrowth of fur, just cleaning it up. And if you live with a Yorkie, Schnauzer, Poodle, Maltese, Bichon Frise, or any other breed with longer facial hair, read on.

How to Spot Early Signs of Arthritis in Dogs

Arthritis isn’t just a human problem, our furry friends can suffer from it too.While it’s more common in older dogs, arthritis can affect pups of any age, especially those with joint injuries or genetic predispositions. That’s why spotting the early signs of arthritis is crucial to keeping your pooch happy, healthy, and mobile.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Here's Why Your Dog's Nails Keep Splitting

Have you noticed your dog having issues with their nails lately? Broken or split nails aren’t just uncomfortable for your furry friend, they can also lead to infections if left untreated. Understanding why it happens is the first step toward keeping your dog’s paws happy and healthy.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

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.

Why Your Cat Still Scratches The Furniture—Even With a Scratching Post

If you’ve bought a scratching post but your cat still goes after your sofa or dining chairs, you’re not alone. Many cat owners are puzzled when their feline companion ignores a perfectly good post in favor of a favorite armchair. So why do cats scratch furniture, and what can you do to redirect those claws?Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

It's Official: Two Golden Retrievers Named as Next Air Bud Stars

Golden Retrievers enter nationwide casting call to be the next Buddy in super-popular Air Bud franchise.

Are Some Cats More Susceptible to Fleas?

Fleas are one of the most common and persistent pests cat owners face, but some cats seem to attract them more than others. While any cat can become a flea host, certain factors make some felines more vulnerable. Let’s take a closer look at why some cats are more likely to get fleas—and what you can do to keep them protected.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Why Your Dog’s Coat Feels Drier Than Usual

If your dog’s coat feels rough, brittle, or noticeably less soft than usual, it could be a sign that something isn’t quite right. Changes in diet, environment, grooming routines, or overall health can all affect the condition of their fur. By understanding the most common causes, you can help restore your dog’s coat to its usual healthy shine. Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Guide to Puppy Food: Nourishing Your Pup for Growth

Bringing a new puppy home is exciting, but there’s a lot to think about, including what you’ll feed them to support their growth and development. Puppy food is different from adult dog food, and it’s important to know why. Here’s a brief guide to puppy food and what to consider when shopping for it.

Death of a Pet Can Cause Prolonged Grief Disorder

Anyone who’s experienced the death of a pet knows how painful it can be, and recent research from the UK has shown that it can even lead to prolonged grief disorder (PGD), a mental health disorder that an individual can be diagnosed with only after the death of a person.

Adorable Holiday Gift Ideas for Your Cat

The holidays are a wonderful time to spoil your feline friend. Whether your cat loves to climb, scratch, lounge, or play, these top picks are sure to make the season extra special.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Safeguarding Your Home for High-Energy, Too Curious Pets? We Can Help!

Researchers Find Gene Linked to Heart Disease in Golden Retrievers

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a type of heart disease that can affect 1 in 7 cats and 1 in 500 humans. Though it used to be considered rare in dogs, researchers have found a genetic mutation that can cause this disease in Golden Retrievers.