How Do I Keep My Bird Entertained?

by Angela Vuckovic

Published: July 30th, 2025

New Africa/Shutterstock

Birds are smart, social animals that need regular stimulation to stay mentally and physically healthy. Without enough enrichment, birds can become bored, stressed, or even develop behavioral and health issues. The good news is that there are many simple, effective ways to keep your bird engaged every day.

Provide a Variety of Toys

Toys are one of the easiest ways to keep your bird busy and entertained. Birds love to chew, shred, and explore, so choose toys made from bird-safe materials like wood, rope, or plastic. Items with moving parts, bells, or textures can be especially engaging. Puzzle toys and foraging toys that encourage problem-solving are excellent for mental stimulation.

Rotate toys regularly to keep things interesting - if the same toy is always in the cage, your bird may lose interest. Always check that toys are the right size for your bird’s species and don't pose a safety risk.

Encourage Daily Exercise

Birds need space and activity to stay healthy. A roomy cage with plenty of perches, swings, and climbing spots encourages movement, but out-of-cage time is also important. Let your bird explore a bird-proofed room, or use a play gym or climbing stand for supervised activity.

If your bird is flighted and it’s safe to do so, flight time is one of the best forms of exercise. For non-flighted birds, climbing and flapping their wings still provide valuable physical stimulation.

Incorporate Foraging Activities

In the wild, birds spend a large part of the day foraging for food. You can mimic this natural behavior at home by making your bird work a little for its treats. Try hiding food inside paper cups, cardboard boxes, or wrapped in paper. Foraging toys that require birds to search, chew, or pull apart objects can turn feeding time into a fun mental challenge.

Even something as simple as scattering food around different parts of the cage can encourage exploration and movement.

Spend Time Together

Birds are social and thrive on interaction with their human companions. Talking, whistling, and playing with your bird daily strengthens your bond and helps keep them happy. Many birds enjoy learning tricks or mimicking words and sounds. Short training sessions can be both entertaining and enriching.

For species that enjoy vocalizing, playing music or practicing simple words can be a fun and rewarding way to engage them.

Mix Up the Environment

Changing the cage setup from time to time helps prevent boredom. Move perches, swap in new toys, or add bird-safe climbing branches. Introducing natural elements like untreated wood or bird-safe plants can make the space feel fresh and interesting.

Positioning the cage near a window (out of direct sun and drafts) or where your bird can observe daily household activity adds visual stimulation. Just be sure to make changes gradually - sudden shifts can make some birds nervous.

Keep Things Interesting

A well-stimulated bird is a happier, healthier pet. By providing toys, allowing for daily activity, encouraging natural foraging behaviors, and spending time interacting, you can help prevent boredom and build a stronger relationship with your bird. Small daily efforts make a big difference in your bird’s mental and physical well-being.

Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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How Do I Keep My Cat Warm This Winter?

Winter weather can be harsh for our feline friends, even those with the luxury of spending the cold winter months indoors. As temperatures drop and the wind howls, it’s crucial to ensure your cat stays warm and cozy. After all, you wouldn’t want your best friend to be uncomfortable!In this guide, I’ll share practical tips and tricks to keep your cat comfortable during the colder months. These steps will help your kitty feel warm and toasty, from providing cozy nooks to adjusting their diet.Plus, I’ll explore tips for keeping your cat warm while traveling in winter to help you prepare for the upcoming holiday season.What is the Ideal Temperature for Cats? Cats naturally have a higher body temperature than humans do. A healthy adult cat’s temperature should be between 100.5 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result of this, they tend to prefer warmer temperatures than we would. This is great in the summer months but can make it challenging to keep your best friend comfortable during the colder temperatures of the winter. A healthy cat is happies in temperatures between 77 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. During the cooler months, an adult cat can adjust comfortably to temperatures as low as 59 degrees Fahrenheit. But this can vary if your cat is a young kitten or senior, as their tolerance isn’t as high. There are also several medical conditions that may make your cat more sensitive to cold temperatures, including diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, Cushing’s disease, and some forms of cancer. If your cat is living with joint pain or similar conditions, the colder winter temperatures may also cause them to experience more aches and pains. Signs You Cat is Feeling Cold Recognizing when your cat is starting to feel chilly will help you make the necessary adjustments to keep them comfortable. It would be so helpful if our cats couple talk to us in English, letting us know how they feel and what they need. Unfortunately, that’s not reality. As cat parents, we must become masters of non-verbal communication including body language and behavioral changes. Some of the more common signs your cat is feeling cold include: ShiveringBreathing slowlySlower heart rateCurling up into a ballHunching down close to the groundExtremities cold to the touch (ears, paws, tail)Lack of activityAppearing confused or disoriented Muscle stiffness Weakness Seeking warm spots in the houseThe sooner you recognize that your cat is feeling cold, the faster you can respond and make sure they are feeling comfortable. This is also key to preventing cold-related medical conditions and complications like hypothermia. Take steps to warm up if you notice any of the above warning signs. If you are trying to warm your cat up and they are still showing signs they are cold, contact your veterinarian. 8 Tips to Keep Your Cat Warm This Winter As cat parents, we love our cats and want to give them the best possible quality of life. With that in mind, we need to find ways to keep them warm and cozy even when the temperatures drop. If your furnace is running all winter keeping the temperatures within their ideal temperature range, this may not be a problem you need to worry about. However, in many parts of the United States, keeping the temperatures in your house over 77 degrees Fahrenheit can be quite costly! Plus, there are those of us who use alternative heating sources like baseboard heating and woodstoves that can make it challenging to keep all areas of the home at the temperatures your cat would prefer. If you’re concerned your cat may be feeling a little chilly, here are a few steps you can take to help keep them cozy: Stick to Indoors Do you have a cat that indoors spending time outdoors? While I am a huge fan of safe outdoor adventures with my furry family members (camping, hiking, etc.), there are times when it is better to stick to the more comfortable environment indoors. This isn’t to say your cat can’t enjoy some on-leash time exploring the ice and snow. My one cat, Pippen, adores playing in the snow. But it’s our responsibility as cat parents to keep an eye on the temperatures and limit their time outdoors when it could be unsafe. Offer Warm and Cozy Bedding One of the easiest ways to keep your cat comfortable is by offering extra bedding to allow them to snuggle in and create a cozy place to nap. There are several great options to consider, depending on your cat’s personal preference. Donut style beds have higher sides, like a warm hug. Not only have these beds been found to keep cats warmer, but they are also said to have calming properties. The Bedsure Calming Cat Bed for Indoor Cats is a favourite in our house. With two cats, we had to pick up multiple beds to avoid fights over who got to sleep in the fluffy, comfy spot. Another option for cozy cat beds that I have seen several pet parents sharing is a covered bed or cat cave. This helps keep your cat warmer by trapping the warm air inside the bed with your kitty. The smaller the entry to your cat’s bed, the less warm air will be able to escape while they are sleeping inside. However, some cats find being in an enclosed space like this frightening as they are trapped and can’t escape if threatened. Finally, make sure to include plenty of cozy blankets they can snuggle into. The more blankets they have to move around and nest in, the better. They will arrange their sleeping space to best suit their needs. Use a Heated Bed or MatAnother great solution for creating a warm, cozy sleeping spot for your cat is to use a heated bed or mat. There are two options to consider, depending on the availability of nearby sockets and your personal preferences/comfort level. The first is a typical plug-in heated bed similar to heated blankets and mattress covers used on our own beds. These heated beds have controls giving you the ability to easily change the temperature to suit your cat’s needs. They can also be set to turn off after a specified time to avoid the bed becoming too warm or drawing too much power. An alternative is to use a self-heated design. Self-heated beds and cat mats reflect your cat’s own body heat when they are lying on them. This creates a warm, heated sleeping spot without the need for electricity. Not only are these great for locations with no available nearby socket, but they are also the perfect solution for cats who tend to chew electrical cords.

How Do I Keep My Reptile from Overheating?

Reptiles are cold-blooded creatures, soaking up the sun to regulate their body temperature. But this doesn’t mean that they love ALL heat. As the temperatures climb outside, your reptile’s enclosure can quickly become dangerously hot, leading to serious health issues.This blog post will be your summer survival guide, packed with tips and tricks to keep your best friend cool and comfortable all summer long.What Happens if a Reptile Gets Too Hot?Overheating, or hyperthermia, occurs when a reptile's body heat rises dangerously high due to outside sources, and they are unable to adjust as necessary to bring it back down to a safe level.As cold-blooded animals, reptiles rely on outside influences for their temperature. If they are too cold, they seek heat. Likewise, if they are too hot, they seek a cooler area. However, if no cool space is available, their body temperature will continue to climb.Overheating can lead to dehydration, tissue/organ damage, or organ failure. Just as heatstroke can be fatal in dogs and cats, overheating can also be life-threatening for our reptile friends.What Temperature is Too Hot for Reptiles? Each reptile species has its own ideal temperature. For example, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the Greek tortoise thrives most in temperatures between 68 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the green iguana prefers warmer temperatures, between 84 and 91 degrees Fahrenheit. These temperatures reflect the reptile's typical natural environment.You will need to research the specific species to determine what temperatures are safe for your reptile and what are considered too hot. You can do this by looking up that information online, but ensure you only trust a reliable source. Another great way to find out your pet's ideal temperature is to speak with your exotic animal veterinarian. If you don’t already have a vet specializing in exotic animals like reptiles, this is the perfect opportunity to start your search. The Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians database is a great place to start!

How Do I Teach My Bird to Talk?

Teaching your bird to talk can be one of the most enjoyable parts of bird ownership. While not every bird will become a chatterbox, many species can learn a few words or phrases with the right mix of consistency, patience, and positive interaction. Here’s how to get started.Know What to ExpectNot all bird species are equally skilled at talking. Parrots are the most well-known talkers, especially: African Greys Budgerigars (budgies) Amazon parrots CockatielsIf you're hoping for a bird that will mimic words or phrases, choosing a species with a reputation for vocal learning gives you the best odds.Start with TrustBefore any training begins, your bird needs to feel safe and comfortable with you. Birds learn best when they’re relaxed and bonded to their owner. Spend daily time interacting with your bird through gentle talking, feeding treats, and simply being present. A bird that enjoys your company is more likely to listen - and mimic - what you say.

How Do I Keep My Pet Comfortable During a Power Outage?

Power outages can be stressful for everyone, but have you ever considered what this experience may feel like for your pet? Imagine witnessing the lights flicker and then go out, leaving you in darkness while unable to understand why it happened.While we can’t sit down and have a conversation, explaining what they are experiencing, there are steps we can take to keep them comfortable.This article will explore some easy strategies to keep your pet safe during a power outage, including reducing stress levels and keeping your pet cool (or warm) until the power returns. Plus, I’ll give you a list of must-have supplies to ensure you’re prepared for the next power outage.Let’s get started…Do Pets Get Scared When the Power Goes Out?Whether your dog or cat will be scared or anxious during a power outage will depend mainly on their personality. Some pets will find the experience frightening, while others will carry on their day as if nothing has changed. The best way to predict how your pet will respond is by observing how they act in other new situations.There are a few potential triggers for stress and anxiety that you may want to take into consideration:Alarm systems, smoke detectors, and other similar items in the home may beep to alert you that the power has gone outA power surge could cause a “pop” or “boom” sound if it impacts electronics in the homeThe loss of a comforting white noise, like a fan, can increase stress in some petsPower outages often coincide with storms, which can be a source of stress and anxiety for some petsStress or anxiety felt by human family members as a response to the power outage can influence the stress levels of our pets

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.

Cats Recognize Their Owner's Scent, Study Suggests

Here’s something every cat lover probably suspected but never had the science to prove—until now. Your cat knows exactly what you smell like.A new study out of Tokyo University of Agriculture has found that domestic cats can tell the difference between the scent of their beloved human and that of a total stranger. And how do they show it? By giving the unknown smell the extra sniff test.Researchers conducted a pretty straightforward experiment. They rounded up 30 feline participants and presented them with three tubes. One held a cotton swab rubbed with their owner's scent (gathered from under the armpit, behind the ear, and between the toes), another had the smell of a stranger of the same sex, and the third was a clean, scentless control.So what did the cats do? They barely showed any interest in the tube that smelled like their human. But the unfamiliar scent? That one got the full sniff-and-investigate treatment.The researchers say this shows cats can distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar people based on scent. But it doesn’t necessarily mean they can pick you out of a lineup based on smell alone. In other words, they’re not quite at police-sniffer-dog levels yet.Lead author Hidehiko Uchiyama explained it like this: “The odour stimuli used in this study were only those of known and unknown persons. We still need more behavioral experiments with multiple known-person scents to figure out if cats can really identify a specific individual.”Translation: It’s one thing for your cat to say, “Hey, this is familiar,” and another for them to say, “Ah, yes, this is definitely Steve from Apartment 4B who feeds me chicken treats.”This isn’t the first time science has looked at the mysterious ways cats recognize us. Earlier research has shown that cats can distinguish human voices, read our facial expressions, and even pick up on emotional cues through our body language and smell.The Tokyo team also noticed something else kind of interesting: after giving those unfamiliar swabs a thorough whiff, many cats rubbed their faces on the tubes. Cat owners will recognize this move—it’s scent-marking. So the sniffing might be part of a bigger process of cats getting familiar with new things in their environment.But not everyone’s ready to crown cats as scent detectives just yet. Serenella d’Ingeo, a researcher from the University of Bari who studies animal behavior (but wasn’t involved in this study), had a few notes of caution. She pointed out that we still don’t know how cats are feeling when they’re sniffing these tubes. Are they curious? Cautious? Grossed out? Hard to say.Plus, because the samples were presented by the cats’ own humans, who were standing right there smelling like themselves, there’s a chance the cats were even more interested in the new smells just because of the context. “Of course,” d’Ingeo said, “if owners present other odours that are different from their personal one, in a way they engage the cat more.”Still, the researchers concluded that yes, cats do use their noses to tell us apart from others. So next time, your feline roommate gives you a sniff and a head bump, take it as a compliment. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Pets Get Allergies Too - Here's How Owners Can Help

Our four-legged companions can get allergies, too. Allergies are a common problem in cats and dogs and are usually caused by pollen, food, mold, dust, and chemicals. But why do cats and dogs get allergies?Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to a foreign substance. Cats and dogs can get the same allergies as people do, and also be allergic to pests, like fleas. There is no recent data on how many pets have allergies, but research shows the problem is escalating. “I probably see allergic dogs and cats every single day, probably multiple times a day,” said Dr. Karen Woodard, medical director at Thrive Pet Healthcare-Elmhurst in Illinois. According to Woodard, 90% of pets have environmental allergies, and the rest suffer only from food allergies. Certain dog breeds, like terriers, boxers, and bulldogs, are more prone to allergies. When it comes to cats, breeds like Persians, Himalayas, and Siamese are more at risk of developing allergies.Our four-legged companions can be allergic to other animals as well. Cats can be allergic to dogs, dogs can be allergic to cats, and both can be allergic to other species. “It’s possible for them to be allergic to us, just like we are to them,” said Dr. Anthea Elliott Schick of Scottsdale, Arizona. Unlike people, allergic cats and dogs don’t sneeze or cough. More often, they lick and scratch themselves and develop pesky ear infections. Most dogs develop classic signs of allergies, including scratching, rashes, and ear infections. When it comes to cats, too much grooming is a tell-tale sign of allergies. “Cats shouldn’t be pulling their hair out when they groom. So if you start seeing bald patches on your cat, even though the skin underneath it looks normal, that could be a sign of allergies,” added Woodard. In pets, even food allergies usually show up on the skin first. Although some cats and dogs can develop vomiting and diarrhea, too. It’s uncommon for pets to develop life-threatening reactions and go into anaphylactic shock. In most cases, allergies just make pets miserable. No one wants to see their beloved pet suffer, and luckily, there are ways you can help your furry companion deal with allergies.The first step is diagnosis. This often involves allergy testing or an elimination diet, which consists of feeding limited-ingredient foods, in case your vet suspects food allergies. There are various medications, like anti-inflammatory drugs and oral and injectable medications that block chemical signals associated with itchiness in dogs, if testing shows your pet suffers from environmental allergies. Food allergies are usually treated with special diets, like hydrolyzed food, in which proteins are chemically broken down into smaller pieces that won’t trigger a reaction. In addition to medication and a change of diet, there are things you can do at home to help ease your pet’s allergy symptoms. Washing your pet’s bedding frequently, wiping their fur with a wet washcloth, and giving them baths can help remove environmental allergens and soothe their itchy skin. “Outdoors, they are almost acting like Swiffers, getting allergens on their skin, and it goes through their skin and actually becomes a problem,” said Schick. “We say bathe your dog, at a minimum, once a week if they are allergic.”Use natural, anti-itch dog shampoos that contain soothing ingredients like aloe vera, oatmeal, and vitamin E. These ingredients will relieve itching and nourish your pup’s skin and coat.Allergies require lifelong management. Administer treatment regularly to stay on top of your pet’s allergies and to keep the issues under control in the long run. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Trendy New Bicycle Baskets Replace the Backpack for Pets

(photo credit: Stas Walenga / shutterstock.com)Not since the formidable Miss Gulch rode away with wee Toto in tow in that classic Wizard of Oz movie, has the bicycle basket enjoyed such a newfound following. For those conscious of the environment, cycling is a great alternative to hopping into a car to run errands while those who love to push the pedals toward a healthier lifestyle, swear by hitting the open road on a two-wheeler. Now, many of these same people are pet owners and when it comes to heading out without the little guy, it doesn’t have to mean leaving him at home.Today’s bicycle baskets offer a wide range of options that are sturdy, lightweight and perfectly sized to hold any small dog that’s keen to join in on the outdoor adventure. The trick is to find the right basket carrier to suit your needs.What to look for in a bicycle basketThis is an area where one-size-fits-all couldn’t be further from the truth. When it comes to investing in a mounted basket for your pooch, you need to ensure that it’s designed to hold his weight and size. Purchasing something too compact is not only dangerous for you both but downright uncomfortable for him to travel any distance.Comfort is key and seeking out a basket option with a solid, flat base is important. Your pet is going to want to sit while taking in the sights and sounds and if the basket base shifts and folds up on him, he’s going to be inclined to want to jump out.Which leads to safety. You want a basket that not only has a sturdy mounting system that won’t wobble on your bike handles but that also has the ability to secure your pet in place with a leash clip or over-top covering. Distractions such as other dogs, squirrels, or birds can result in him trying to dart. Make sure he can’t.Construction is important. You want a lightweight option that is not only durable but also weather-resistant to protect your pet from the elements while ventilating to keep him from overheating on those warm summer outings.

The Essentials You Need for a Pet Rat

Rats make fantastic pets for people of all ages, including children. They’re friendly, cuddly, gentle, clean, and smart. Plus, they really enjoy interacting with people, and thrive when given daily attention and affection.

Hide and Seek for Dogs - Let's Make it Fun!

Keeping your dog mentally stimulated can be a challenge. Especially, I’ve discovered, during heat waves when outdoor activity is curtailed, rainy weather when it’s down to a quick trip around the block, and of course, icy winters when once again, outings tend to be utilitarian versus a day of fun and adventure (unless your pooch is of the Husky variety).What to do? Rather than rely on puzzle games or chew toys that will probably keep him occupied for a little while but are pretty much a solo activity, consider a rousing game of hide and seek (H&S). Yes, just like when we were kids, this seek-and-discover type of fun ticks so many of his sensory boxes. Smell, sight, sound, hunting, capturing… and, of course, the excitement of discovery.Now, if you’ve never done anything more than tuck behind a door, then spring out in front of him (that’s okay, we’ve all done it), it’s time to ratchet up your H&S skills. And have we got some tips for you.Let’s talk rules. It has to be fun (not scary), he needs to have to really work at it, win meaningful rewards, and you have to challenge him by amping up the “seek” portion over time.

Is Your Cat a Picky Eater? Things to Consider About Their Food

It’s no secret that cats can be picky eaters, and pet food companies have responded by making a variety of foods in a range of textures and flavors to suit every finicky feline’s preferences. If your kitty isn’t eating, here are some of the things to consider about their food to see if you can make some changes that will keep them happy.

Why Won't My Bearded Dragon Eat?

It can be concerning when your bearded dragon suddenly stops eating - especially if you’re not sure what’s causing the change. Bearded dragons are generally good eaters, so a lack of appetite is usually a sign that something’s off. The good news is that most feeding issues have identifiable causes, and once you figure out what’s wrong, you can usually correct it. Here’s what to consider if your bearded dragon won’t eat.Improper Tank ConditionsOne of the most common reasons for appetite loss is incorrect temperatures or lighting inside the enclosure. Bearded dragons rely on external heat to digest their food. If the basking area is too cool, their metabolism slows down, and they may stop eating altogether.Make sure your setup includes:A basking area between 95–110°FA cool side around 75–85°FProper UVB lighting, replaced every 6 to 12 months depending on the typeUVB light is essential for synthesizing vitamin D3, which helps them absorb calcium. Without it, bearded dragons can develop serious health issues, including loss of appetite.

Doorbell Cam Catches Emotional Moment as Mailman Delivers Dog’s Ashes

When Krysten Klapatauskas opened her front door earlier this month, she wasn’t expecting to break down in tears. But there was her mail carrier, Malachi Knox, standing quietly on the porch with a box in his hands. A small box. The kind no pet owner ever wants to receive.Inside were the ashes of her dog, Stoli, a German shepherd who had been part of her life for a decade.Stoli died on the Fourth of July after a battle with cancer. She was ten years old. Her remains had been shipped back to Krysten’s home in Wausau, Wisconsin, and by some twist of fate, the person tasked with delivering them was the one person outside her family who had known Stoli best.Knox had been delivering mail in the neighborhood for years. He and Stoli had a daily ritual, one that both of them seemed to enjoy. “She’d bark at him, but it wasn’t serious,” Krysten said. “When she was out on the porch, she’d wait for him. She’d roll over for belly rubs. It was their thing.”So when Krysten saw him standing there with the box, it all hit at once. The grief she had been holding back, the finality of what she was receiving, and the unexpected comfort of a familiar face. She broke down and started to cry.The moment was captured by her doorbell camera. In the video, Knox doesn’t rush away. He steps closer, sits down beside her, and places a gentle hand on her shoulder. After a few seconds, she leans into him, and they sit together quietly on the steps. No one says much, there’s not much that needs to be said.“It meant everything to me that it was him,” Krysten said later. “He knew her. She wasn’t just a name on a label. And he didn’t treat it like just another delivery.”Knox later commented on the video, which Krysten shared online. “I know how it feels to lose a fluffy friend,” he wrote. “Please show compassion and kindness. It means the world.”That comment, and the video itself, struck a chord. People from all over started sharing it, sending messages of support, and sharing their own stories of pets they had lost and small moments of kindness that helped them through it.But what made this moment so touching wasn’t just that it was caught on camera. It felt so honest, there was no plan, no performance. It was just a man, doing his job, who understood what that small box meant to the person standing in front of him.Krysten didn’t post the video for attention. She shared it because, in her words, “we need more of this in the world.” More people who pause. More people who show up in quiet, simple ways.She still misses Stoli every day. “It’s a strange kind of silence,” she said. “You go to open the door and you expect her to be there.”But she’s grateful for that final moment and the way it unfolded. And for the person who brought Stoli home one last time.This video is a reminder that kindness doesn’t need to be loud or dramatic to be powerful. Sometimes it’s just sitting down next to someone when they need it most.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Why Do My Cats Keep Fighting?

If you live with more than one cat, you’ve probably seen them swat, hiss, or even tumble around the room in what looks like a brawl. Some back-and-forth is normal, but if your cats seem to fight often or it gets intense, it can be stressful for everyone in the house. Let’s look at why this happens and what you can do to keep the peace.

What is the Best Litter for My Cat? Understanding Litter Types

The litterbox is often an afterthought for many of us, something that’s obviously necessary, but we overlook that it’s a cornerstone to our cat’s physical and mental well-being. Your cat’s litter box is important, including every detail that goes into it!A positive litter box experience is far more significant than simply a place to do their business. It directly impacts their hygiene, comfort, and even their overall behavior. Just as we appreciate a clean and comfortable bathroom, our cats have their own standards. Have you ever walked into a public washroom only to feel like you should just back away slowly?When setting up your cat’s litter box, there are several factors you should consider, one of which includes the type of litter. It’s easy to assume all litters are created equal, but the reality is that a world of different options, materials, and formulations exist, each with its own pros and cons.This guide will explain the differences between the many types of cat litter and help you find the perfect match for your cat to ensure a happy and accident-free home.Why Does Litter Choice Matter So Much?Choosing the right litter for your cat goes beyond simply providing a place to do their business. From a hygiene and health perspective, the right litter is an essential piece of the puzzle in providing a clean and healthy environment both for your cat and the rest of the household. The right litter choice will efficiently absorb moisture, limiting the growth of bacteria, preventing tracking through your home, and reducing unpleasant odors.Beyond the practicalities of basic cleanliness, there are behavioral impacts of your choices relating to your cat’s litter box. Cats can be surprisingly picky about the finer details of their litter, including the texture and the scent. Providing them with litter that doesn’t fit their personal preferences can lead to litter box avoidance and accidents in the home.For environmentally-conscious cat parents, it’s also worth noting that each litter option carries a different environmental footprint. From production to disposal, they each affect your impact on the environment differently.Finally, let’s not forget your convenience. While your cat’s happiness is the first priority, if you are down to a few options and one works better for you and your lifestyle, it makes sense to go in that direction. After all, a litter that’s difficult to manage or pushes the boundaries of your budget may not be an ideal long-term solution, regardless of how your cat feels about it.Exploring the Different Types of Cat LitterThere are a surprising number of different cat litter materials and formulations to choose from. Standing in your local pet store, looking at all the options, you may be feeling overwhelmed. Let’s look at the nuances of each type, including its pros and cons, to help you better understand the impact on your cat’s comfort and your own convenience, making it easier than ever to choose the best cat litter for your home.Clay Litter The best-known and most widely used liter solution, clay litter is a popular choice among cat parents. It’s primarily available in two types: clumping and non-clumping. Clumping clay litter is made from bentonite clay, a material with an incredible ability to absorb moisture and form solid, scoopable clumps when exposed to urine and feces. This clumping action makes daily cleaning of the box much easier, as you can easily remove the soiled portions while leaving the clean litter behind for future bathroom breaks. This makes it more budget-friendly than other solutions, as you only have to throw away the used litter. Non-clumping clay litter is similar in that it is made from clay, but while it still absorbs the moisture, the clay does not form clumps. This can make cleanup a little more challenging as there are no easy clumps to remove. However, for young kittens, cats with PICA, or homes with dogs who may get into the box, the lack of clumping makes it a safer option that is less likely to cause a life-threatening blockage if consumed. It's worth noting that when choosing a clay litter, there are different textures, ranging from fine, sand-like litter to coarser particles. Some cats will have strong preferences related to texture, so pay attention to their digging and covering habits. Another variation that could turn your cat off is scented litter. While these scents may help mask odors, we must remember that our cats have a stronger sense of smell and are more sensitive to scents like these. Feeling overwhelmed by it, they may avoid the litter box entirely, leading to more accidents around the house. While clay litters are widely available and generally more cost-effective, they have some drawbacks. These litters can be quite dusty, which can be a concern for cats or cat parents with respiratory sensitivities. They are also generally heavier to carry. Finally, they are not biodegradable, meaning they contribute to landfill waste. Silica Gel (Crystal) Litter This type of litter is composed of small silica gel beads that act like tiny sponges, absorbing a surprising amount of litter while trapping odors. For this reason, one significant advantage of silica gel litter is its ability to control or eliminate odor, often doing so better than any clay litter product. It’s also incredibly lightweight, making it easy to carry, handle, and pour. Because the litter absorbs moisture so effectively, you can go longer between full litter box changes. While it may seem that fewer litter box changes would translate to considerable cost savings, this, unfortunately, isn’t the case due to the higher upfront costs. Some cats may also find the texture of the crystals or the slight crunching sound they make when stepped on to be uncomfortable or bothersome, which could turn them off using the box. My overly sensitive cat Pippen refuses to step on any form of silica gel litters I have tried in the past.

San Francisco Animal Shelters Full of Pandemic-Era Puppies and Kittens

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people became new pet parents or acquired more pets that could provide companionship and bring more joy during a very trying time. Unfortunately, things have changed, with many pandemic-era puppies and kittens filling animal shelters to capacity in California, including in San Francisco. Keep reading to learn about what has happened and why things have changed.

How to Stop Your Cat from Waking You Up in the Morning

If your cat has turned into a furry, four-legged alarm clock, you're not alone. Many cat owners find themselves being woken up at the crack of dawn by a meowing, pawing, or pouncing pet. The good news? You can actually train your cat to let you sleep in. Here's how.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Study Finds Dogs Really Are Surrogates to Having Children

Research finds pooches are not only a key member of the household, they've become the much-loved child in a childless family.

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