Why It’s Time To Change To A New Kitty Litter

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Published: April 20th, 2026

why its time to change to a new kitty litter

Dealing with cat litter isn’t the most glamourous job in the world, but we do it for the wellbeing of our furry family members. It’s essential to provide your loved one with cat litter they can feel at ease in, which is where PrettyLitter comes in. This innovative cat litter promises improved texture, low dust levels and odor control, so your cat can go in comfort.

Aside from comfort, what if your cat litter could give you insights into your cat’s health? We’re talking science-backed cat health monitoring offered through innovative silica gel cat litter. We know how much your cat’s wellbeing means to you and that it’s not always easy to interpret their unusual or erratic behavior. To help keep you in-the-know, PrettyLitter is designed to be the most innovative cat litter on the market to enable you to find out if your cat is at risk of conditions like Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disorder (FLUTD), directly from our cat litter.

How? It’s pretty simple - What color does your PrettyLitter turn after your cat has paid it a visit? This smart cat litter will change color based on the condition of your cat’s pee. It monitors urine for acidity and alkalinity levels outside of range and makes the presence of blood visible.

The goal is green! If you spot dark yellow or olive green color changes in this smart litter, this typically indicates that urine is within a typical pH range, suggesting normal health.

If your PrettyLitter turns blue, this is an indication of alkalinity. Blue may indicate a pH consistent with urinary infections or higher stone risk. Highly alkaline urine can increase the risk for struvite crystal/stone formation.

If your PrettyLitter changes to orange after use, it indicates acidic urine. Orange may indicate a pH consistent with metabolic acidosis or kidney tubular acidosis. What’s more, calcium oxalate crystals are more likely to form in acidic urine.

Red implies the presence of blood, and can be more worrisome, potentially indicating a myriad of health concerns such as: Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disorder (FLUTD), bladder stones/crystals, kidney stones, bladder inflammation, certain types of kidney disease and clotting disorders. In rarer cases, bleeding can indicate bladder cancer or an internal injury.

If red, orange or blue colors develop within your cat’s PrettyLitter, it’s best not to guess. Visit your vet for thorough investigation.

Furthermore, PrettyLitter uses non-toxic FDA-approved silica gel litter with lower dust levels than the norm. Humans and cats alike can suffer with asthma and that dusty cat litter can exacerbate the issue. With PrettyLitter, you get less dust and less mess!

To get the best out of your PrettyLitter simply pour it out into a fresh, sanitized litter box, ensuring 2 inches of depth.

PrettyLitter also helps keep your cat’s litter box from smelling up the house. PrettyLitter’s advanced odor control absorbs and eliminates odors. Cats are particular about litter. In the same way that offensive odors put you off, if the litterbox stinks, they’ll avoid going too!

It is recommended that you stir PrettyLitter daily to expose fresh, odor-locking crystals and to avoid saturating the same spots. Daily scoops to remove solid waste are a must to keep the litter box fresh.

When it comes to cat litter, a clean and inviting environment is crucial for your cat’s wellbeing. A poorly maintained litter box is precisely what may lead to urinary tract infections and other health issues.

With PrettyLitter, not only can you stay in-the-know when it comes to monitoring your cat’s health, but you can have hassle-free delivery of our litter to your door each month thanks to PrettyLitter’s subscription service.

Visit prettylitter.com for more information.

NOTE: This is sponsored content produced in partnership with PrettyLitter

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Getting a Pet Bird

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Cornell Is Conducting a Dietary Trial for CKD in Cats

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Ontario Dog Beats the Odds After Five Months in Sub-Zero Temps

As a dog parent, our worst nightmare is the sight of an open gate and an empty yard. Our minds instantly run to the worst-case scenario as we panic about our best friend's safety. For Collin, a resident of Stayner, a small town in Ontario, Canada, that nightmare became a reality on October 1, 2025, when his three-year-old Boxer-Rottweiler mix, Daisy, vanished. What followed was not just your typical tale of a lost dog. It was a five-month testament to a dog's resilience and to the incredible dedication of a community that refused to let her freeze. After sneaking out of the yard, Daisy was spotted by a local mechanic’s shop. While they tried to catch the loose dog, she was skittish and afraid, quickly taking off and disappearing from their sight. “Sightings poured in daily,” said Collin. “I lived vicariously through people posting sightings of her all over social media.”However, despite the many sightings, Daisy continued to elude rescuers and members of her local community. Days turned to weeks, and then months. Despite winter temperatures plummeting below -20F, the nervous pup managed to navigate harsh local storms and bitterly cold nights. Luckily, Daisy wasn’t fighting for survival alone. Local businesses like Hoffman’s Meat & European Deli and Rayne Nutrition stepped up, providing high-quality food to keep Daisy’s strength up, while Pet Valu Stayner provided essential supplies. Even the youngest members of the community pitched in. A young boy named Aidan helped shovel snow and sang to Daisy during feeding trips, focused on keeping the environment calm. Pawsitive Ground Search, a local organization dedicated to finding lost pets, brought their knowledge and expertise to the search. When a dog is lost for a long period, they often enter “ survival mode.” In this mental state, even the most loving pet can become anxious and skittish, failing to even recognize their own “people.” Collin experienced this firsthand when he came face-to-face with Daisy on the street, only for her to bolt away in fear. Sue, from Pawsitive Ground Search, introduced the importance of a “safe zone,” working tirelessly to keep Daisy’s frequent hiding spots and hangouts quiet and undisturbed. Changing a trap or making too much noise could cause a lost dog to vanish from sight for weeks. This highlights an important lesson for any dog parent: if a dog is in flight mode, chasing them is the worst thing you can do. The team and the many volunteers focused on consistency, delivering food twice daily to a barn where she had been seen seeking shelter. Finally, after 143 days in the wild, the breakthrough happened just after midnight on February 20. Using a live camera feed and a drop net, the team finally secured Daisy. Within seconds, the dog who had sparked hundreds of social media shares was headed home. Perhaps the most incredible part of the story is Daisy’s condition when she was finally trapped. After a vet checkup, Collin confirmed she is doing well and has settled back into her life of belly rubs and cuddles, as if she never left. Daisy’s story is a powerful reminder: never lose hope. If your pet ever goes missing, remember that the goal is to make them feel safe enough to stop running. Sometimes, providing a quiet place to eat is the most effective way to bring them back to the families who love them dearly. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How the Pet Wellness Boom Is Changing the Way We View Health

Caring for a pet isn’t always easy (or budget-friendly). Wanting the best for our furry family members, we invest in organic diets, orthopedic beds, and specialized trainers. But according to a recent report by Future Marketing Insights Inc, a new frontier in pet longevity has arrived, and it’s happening on the grooming table! The pet grooming industry is currently undergoing a massive transformation. No longer seen as a simple “haircut and a bath” service, grooming is being rebranded as a pillar of preventative health. The result? Experts project the industry will reach a staggering $19.5 billion this year, nearly doubling over the next decade! This shift is driven by the increased humanization of pet care. As we prioritize our own wellness through routine, self-care, and prevention, we are extending those same values to our furry family members. Sam Cheow, a dedicated dog parent to four Norwich Terriers, told The New York Times that he spends upwards of $11,000 annually on grooming costs alone. To some, that number is enough to make their stomachs turn. To Cheow, it is an investment in longevity. His dogs require a specialized technique called hand stripping, which involves removing dead hair by hand to maintain their skin and coat health. “Like human wellness, pet care has moved toward prevention, routine, and emotional health rather than crisis,” Cheow explained. This proactive approach means identifying skin issues, parasites, or unusual lumps during a grooming session, long before they become a medical emergency. At these early stages, treatment is generally less invasive, less uncomfortable, and has a far better prognosis. Interestingly, the rise of the high-end grooming market has highlighted a significant gap in pet parent education. This is highlighted further by the number of groomers who have admitted to “firing” clients for not maintaining a strict enough grooming schedule or home care between appointments. For breeds like Poodles and Terriers, grooming isn’t just cosmetic; it’s a requirement! When we skip appointments, we risk: Matting: Which can pull on the skin, causing bruises and trapping moisture, leading to infection. This is particularly common in curly/wavy, long/silky, and double-coated breeds. Ear Health: Professional groomers often clean ears and pluck excess hair that can trap bacteria. Nail Maintenance: Long nails can change the way a dog walks, leading to skeletal issues over time. Home care is an option, including using nail clippers, a Dremel, or a nail filing board, but some dog parents are more comfortable having this handled professionally. With grooming sessions for some breeds now reaching $500 to $1,000, many pet parents are getting creative. While some travel across borders for more affordable care, others are taking the DIY route. Learning the basics of ear cleaning, nail clipping, and sanitary trims between professional visits can significantly lower your costs while keeping your pet comfortable. Whether you are opting for a spa day with a “blueberry facial” to brighten your pet’s eyes and address eye staining or learning to use clippers at home, the message from this report is clear: grooming is no longer a luxury. It is an essential step toward a long, healthy life. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

The Smart Way to Spoil Your Pets This Holiday Season

Smarter products, happier pets, cleaner homes—PetSafe® brings peace of mind to every pet parent this holiday season.Between cleaning litter boxes, managing muddy paws, and trying to keep furry friends happy during the holiday rush, being a pet parent isn’t always as simple as it looks. But what if the season could be easier?That’s where PetSafe® comes in. This holiday season, they’re helping pet owners reclaim their time and peace of mind with innovative solutions that reduce mess, simplify care, and make every day a little more joyful. With limited-time holiday deals through December, it’s the perfect time to give pets the comfort and safety they deserve.

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The Big Social Media Debate: Should Cats be Indoor Pets or Outdoor

With the ongoing social media debate heating up over whether cats should be kept indoors or allowed outdoors, it’s time to look at the flip side of the argument. While there’s no question of a safety factor – for both the pet and the area wildlife – as well as the illness and parasite issue, there are some benefits to your pet roaming around outside - including exercise and natural mental stimulation.Here’s the problem for me. If you don’t live in an apartment where outdoor access is a non-starter, or you’ve adopted a kitten that hasn’t experienced the great outdoors and is content to be entertained through a window, it’s not easy to contain your feline to indoor living. I’ve tried.My two cats are rescues, so they had already been outdoors, and they definitely knew what they were missing. And that’s where I’ve been able to create a compromise that works for all involved. When I’m home, they’re allowed out onto the back deck and yard. No roaming free around the neighbourhood, and treats are always on the ready to entice them in. For one, it’s the distinctly sharp click of me snapping his IAMS double-pack that instantly draws him in from the very back of my yard. But allowing them out prior to a meal period helps ensure they come back in. Hint: appropriate fencing makes a difference. How to Keep an Outdoor Cat Safe?Have him vaccinated by your vet. Even if you don’t live in a ‘hood known for wildlife, your pet can pick up a wide range of serious illnesses, including the obvious rabies and the lesser-known feline herpes virus (FHV), feline calcivirus (FCV) and feline parvovirus (FPV), also known as distemper. They can even bring some of these viruses indoors on their fur and paws.

5 Fun Stocking Stuffers for Your Canine Friend

The holiday season is the perfect time to show your furry friend just how much you care. While they might not hang stockings themselves, your dog certainly deserves a few festive surprises. Here’s a round-up of five fun stocking stuffers that are sure to make tails wag and keep your pup entertained this holiday season.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Why Does My Dog Keep Eating Grass?

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How to Find a Lost Bird and Bring Them Home Safely

It’s a moment of pure, heart-stopping panic that every bird parent dreads: the sudden realization that a window was left unlatched or a door didn’t quite click shut, and your best friend is gone. In an instant, the living room feels too quiet, and the sky outside looks overwhelmingly vast. If you are currently in this state of fear and anxiety, please take a deep breath.While the instinct to run and shout is overwhelming, the most effective tool you have right now is a calm, strategic approach. Most indoor birds are not prepared for the scale of the outdoors, and the transition from a living room to the great outdoors is often more disorienting for them than it is for you. They aren’t trying to escape your care; they are likely overwhelmed by wind currents, unfamiliar sights, and the sudden absence of the security that comes with four walls.Bringing your bird home safely is less about chasing them down and more about creating familiarity in an unfamiliar world. By understanding how your bird thinks and how they perceive the landscape, you can turn a terrifying situation into a happily-ever-after.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article, but at no cost to you.The First Golden Hour The first sixty minutes after a bird takes flight are the most critical. During this window of time, the bird is typically fueled by a massive adrenaline spike. They may fly further or higher than they ever have indoors simply because the wind caught their wings or the sheer lack of ceilings gave them a sudden, startling momentum. Freeze and ObserveThe most common mistake pet parents make is immediately running after the loose bird. To a frightened animal, a person running toward them (even “their person”) can look like a predator trying to chase them down. The moment you see your bird exit the house, stop moving. Watch their flight path intently. Do not focus just on the bird; look at what is behind or below them. Note the specific tree, the neighbor’s chimney, or the direction of the wind. Birds often fly until they are exhausted or hit an obstacle. If you lose sight of them, listen. You might hear the flutter of wings against leaves or the sound of a landing that gives away their location. Establish a Spotter System If you have friends, family members, or neighbors nearby, enlist their help immediately. But don’t just send them out without any guidance; give them a specific role. Having four people running in different directions, shouting your bird’s name, will only cause the bird to fly further away to find somewhere quiet and safe. One person should stay exactly where the bird was last seen. Their job is to keep their eyes glued to that spot, in case the bird returns. Others should walk (not run) in a circle around the last sighting, slowly branching out further to cover more ground. Use cell phones or walkie-talkies to communicate quietly. Avoid shouting across the yard, as this adds to the chaos your bird is already trying to process, and could spook them. Using the “Flock Call” In the wild, birds stay together through sound. When an indoor bird finds themselves alone in a vast sky, they feel an instinctive need to find their flock. Since you are part of that flock, your voice and familiar household sounds are the strongest tether to home. You can use this to help draw them back. If your bird has a favorite toy that jingles, a specific whistle you use at mealtime, or a contact call they always answer to, use it now. If you have a second bird at home, bring their cage (securely) to the door or a window. A companion's calls are often the most effective way to guide a lost pet back toward the house. Pro Tip: If you have videos on your phone of your bird talking or whistling, turn your volume to the maximum and play them on a loop. This creates a consistent audio trail for your bird to follow if they are disoriented or hiding in dense foliage. Setting the Stage for a Return Once the initial adrenaline begins to fade, your bird will likely be searching for a place to land and reassess their surroundings. At this stage, your goal shifts from tracking to attraction. You want your home, or the area where they were last seen, to look, sound, and feel like the safest place on earth, making it an easy choice for where to head next. The Beacon CageFor an indoor bird, their cage is their sanctuary. It represents food, water, and sleep. If possible, move your bird’s primary cage, the one they are most familiar with, outside. If the cage is too large to move, a familiar travel carrier or even a smaller secondary cage will work, provided there is something they recognize. The more familiar, the better. Door Placement: Place the cage as high as safely possible (on a sturdy table or porch) and leave the door pinned open. The Power of Snacks: Fill the bowls with high-value treats, things that they rarely get but absolutely love, like spray millet, sunflower seeds, or a piece of bright fruit. The visual of their favorite food can often override their fear. Familiar Comforts: Hang their favorite swing or a brightly colored toy on the outside of the cage. From a bird’s perspective in a tree, a flash of a familiar yellow bell or a colorful shredder toy stands out against the green and brown of nature, making it a beacon for their return. Visual Lures and Landing Zones Birds have incredible eyesight, but they can easily become disoriented by the sheer scale of the outdoors. You need to create markers that scream home from a distance, helping them find their way back. If your bird is particularly fond of a specific person, that person should stay visible but relatively still. Wear a shirt in a color the bird associates with you, such as the bright sweatshirt you wear during morning scritches. If they have a favorite play gym or a perch they love, set that out nearby as well.

How to Care for a Puppy: A Step-by-Step Guide

Bringing a puppy home is an exciting and life-changing milestone that marks the start of a decade-long commitment (or longer). For the dedicated pet parent, giving your new family member the best quality of life begins with intentionality and preparation. While the early days are filled with joy, they also require a structured approach to ensure your new companion feels secure and supported as they adjust to their new home. This guide will offer a roadmap to help you navigate the challenges of the puppy phase with confidence. We will cover everything from essential puppy-proofing and healthcare to the nuances of socialization and mental enrichment. By focusing on building a strong foundation, you can move beyond the basics of care and create a home where your puppy can truly thrive. Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article, but at no cost to you.Preparation (Before the Puppy Arrives) Your work begins long before you actually pick up your puppy. The goal is to create a seamless transition that minimizes stress for the pup and ensures their safety from the moment they enter your home. This preparation is divided into two primary categories: setting up the ideal physical environment and gathering the resources you’ll require.Puppy-Proofing Your EnvironmentPuppies are naturally curious and explore the world with their mouths, which makes an un-scanned home a potential minefield of hazards. To effectively puppy-proof, you must try to look at your living space from a different perspective, that of your new puppy. Get down on the floor and look for anything within reach. Electrical cords should be encased in protective tubing or hidden behind furniture where they’re not accessible, as chewing on a live wire can be fatal. Small objects like hair ties, coins, or children’s toys are significant choking hazards or can cause intestinal blockages that require emergency surgery. Chemical safety is equally important. Ensure that all household cleaners, laundry pods, and automotive fluids (like antifreeze) are stored in high cabinets or behind child-proof locks. Many common house plants, such as sago palms, lilies, and azaleas, are highly toxic to dogs. Take a moment to take stock of any indoor and outdoor plants and remove or relocate anything that could pose a risk if they were to ingest it. Selecting Quality Supplies When choosing supplies for your puppy, prioritize durability and safety over aesthetics. Crate training is a great way to keep your pup safe, but you need a properly sized crate. It should be large enough for the puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so large that they feel insecure or use one corner as a bathroom. If you are buying for a large breed, look for crates with divider panels that allow the space to grow alongside them. For feeding, stainless steel or ceramic bowls are preferable to plastic, which can harbor bacteria in scratches or cause allergic reactions. When it comes to toys, focus on “age-appropriate” items. Young puppies have fragile teeth, so choose toys made of soft rubber or plush materials that are specifically labeled for puppies. Avoid toys with small parts that can be chewed off and swallowed. Building a Professional Support NetworkAnother important piece of this puzzle is your partnership with animal experts and professionals. Before your puppy arrives, research local veterinarians who align with your philosophy on pet health. Read reviews and, if possible, visit the clinic to observe their standards of care firsthand. Identify the nearest 24-hour emergency hospital. Save their contact information and address in your phone. Having a plan for a medical crisis at 2:00 AM prevents panic and ensures your puppy receives immediate attention when every minute counts. In addition to medical care, choosing a professional trainer who uses positive, science-based methods will play an important role in your puppy’s early development. Enrolling your puppy in a high-quality “puppy kindergarten” style training class will ensure you have expert guidance to navigate this critical socialization window. Doing this will help prevent behavioral issues before they start and strengthen that special bond between you and your puppy. The First 24 Hours The first day a puppy spends in your home can be overwhelming for their developing nervous system. While it’s tempting to invite friends and family over to meet the new arrival, the most responsible choice is to keep the environment calm and predictable. Your puppy has just been separated from their mother and littermates; they need time to decompress and learn that their new surroundings are safe. Limit the activity in the house and allow the puppy to explore a confined area at their own pace rather than forcing interaction. The First Outdoor Introduction Before you even step through the front door of your home, take your puppy directly to the specific area in your yard or near your building where they want them to do their “business.” This sets a clear expectation from the very first minute. If they go, offer praise calmly and reward them with a treat. This immediate positive association will help lay the foundation for your puppy’s potty training. Introduction to the “Home Base” Once inside, introduce the puppy to their designated safe zone or crate. Place a piece of clothing that smells like you or a comforting blanket inside to help them settle. Keep the initial explorations limited to one or two rooms. You can do this by closing doors or using safety gates and exercise pens to block off restricted areas. By limiting their access early on, you prevent them from becoming overwhelmed and make it much easier to supervise them for safety and house-training purposes. As they become comfortable in their new space, you can slowly introduce new rooms and areas.

What To Look For In a Pet Camera

A pet camera will make it possible to monitor your pets throughout the day and night, whether you’re checking in on them in real time or reviewing recorded footage. This can give you peace of mind both while you’re at home and away from home, as you’ll be able to see what your pets are doing and if they need anything. These days, there are a range of pet cameras on the market. The key is choosing the one that will meet your expectations and fit your budget. So, what should you look for in a high-quality pet camera? Here’s a list of features you can focus on as you shop.

Maryland County Scraps Pit Bull Ban

Latest county to join a rising number of cities and states now putting responsibility back on the owner.

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.

These Are The Top 3 Mistakes New Puppy Owners Make

Bringing a puppy home is exciting, but it can also be a challenge. They need plenty of guidance, patience, and consistency, and even the most well-meaning owners can slip up. Here are the three most common mistakes new puppy parents make and how to avoid them.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

3 Tips to Keep Kittens Away From Your Curtains

Kittens are playful, curious, and a little mischievous. One of the common problems new kitten owners face is them climbing or scratching curtains. While it’s part of their natural instinct, it’s definitely frustrating when your curtains get torn or tangled. Here are three practical tips to help keep your kittens away from your curtains without hurting their curiosity or playful spirit.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article at no cost to you.

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