Cat News Archives - iHeartCats.com https://iheartcats.com/category/cat-news/ Fri, 05 Jul 2024 00:53:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://iheartcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/favicon.png Cat News Archives - iHeartCats.com https://iheartcats.com/category/cat-news/ 32 32 Cat And Dog Food Recall Sparks Nationwide Warning To People And Their Pets https://iheartcats.com/viva-cat-and-dog-food-recall-raw-issues-voluntary-recall/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=viva-cat-and-dog-food-recall-raw-issues-voluntary-recall Fri, 05 Jul 2024 00:53:22 +0000 https://iheartcats.com/?p=807572

Viva Raw Issues Voluntary Recall of Dog and Cat Food ... Read more

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Viva Raw Issues Voluntary Recall of Dog and Cat Food Including Select Viva Turkey Recipes (Lot 21244) Due to Potential Listeria Monocytogenes Health Risk to People and Pets

Company Announcement Date: FDA Publish Date: Product Type: Animal & Veterinary, Food & Beverages, Animal Feed, Foodborne Illness
Reason for Announcement: Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name: Viva Raw, LLC
Brand Name: Viva
Product Description: Raw dog and cat food

Product Photos:


Ground Turkey:

Turkey:

Chunked Turkey:

Beef & Turkey:

Turkey:

Company Announcement:

July 1, 2024 – Viva Raw LLC, Hillsborough, NC is voluntarily recalling dog and cat foods, including the Viva Turkey for Dogs Ground, Viva Turkey for Dogs Chunked, Viva Turkey for Cats, Viva Pure Turkey, and Viva Beef & Turkey for Puppies all manufactured under Lot 21244 because this lot, which includes these five products are contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes and is a potential health risk to people and pets.

Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in pets eating contaminated products. People can become exposed to this pathogen through multiple routes such as handling the contaminated products, contact with pets that have eaten contaminated products and/or contact with surfaces that have touched contaminated food, such as bowls, utensils, or countertops. Risk of human illness from Listeria monocytogenes contaminated pet food increases if people do not thoroughly wash their hands after handling the food or having contact with their pet, or by not thoroughly cleaning contaminated surfaces.

Healthy people infected with Listeria monocytogenes may experience some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, aches, fever and diarrhea. Listeria monocytogenes infections can spread through the bloodstream to the nervous system (including the brain), resulting in meningitis and other potentially fatal illnesses. Pregnant women are especially susceptible to Listeria infection, which can result in miscarriage. The young, the elderly, and people with weak immune systems are more vulnerable to infection. People exhibiting signs of Listeria monocytogenes infection after having contact with recalled product(s) or a pet that has eaten recalled product(s) should contact their healthcare providers.

Listeria monocytogenes illnesses in pets are rare, and infected pets may display symptoms such as mild to severe diarrhea, anorexia, fever, nervous, muscular and respiratory signs, miscarriage, depression, shock and death. Pets exposed to contaminated food can be infected without showing symptoms. Infected pets, even if they do not show symptoms, can act as carriers and transfer L. monocytogenes through their feces and saliva into the home environment and to people and other pets in the household. If your pet has eaten the recalled product(s) and has symptoms of Listeria monocytogenes infection, please contact your veterinarian.

The products were distributed directly to consumers in all fifty states and the District of Columbia.

Only products from Lot 21244 are affected, Viva Raw is notifying all customers who were shipped any Turkey or Beef & Turkey for Puppies products between May 16th and June 28th, 2024.

No illnesses related to this lot have been reported to date.

The product is distributed as frozen 1 lb bricks in clear vacuum packaging. Please see the attached example of product labels. There are no expiration dates for these products.

Products matching the specific lot number below are being recalled:

PRODUCT:

LOT#

Viva Turkey for Dogs Ground 21244
Viva Turkey for Dogs Chunked 21244
Viva Turkey for Cats 21244
Viva Pure Turkey 21244
Viva Beef &Turkey for Puppies 21244

The issue was discovered during a facility inspection conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and The North Carolina Department of Agriculture (NCDA). The FDA tested samples of Viva Turkey for Dogs and found samples from Lot 21244 were positive for Listeria monocytogenes. All products produced in Lot 21244 were slated for destruction. However, we have since learned some of the product from this lot was inadvertently released from the warehouse.

If you find that you have products from Lot 21244, please contact Viva Raw at info@vivarawpets.com for a refund on any remaining product—you should then destroy the food in a way that children, pets, and wildlife cannot access. Do not feed the recalled product to pets or any other animals.

FDA recommends humans do not touch the contaminated food product with bare hands. While wearing gloves or using paper towels, place the contaminated food in a sealed plastic bag and throw it in the garbage. Areas that may have come in contact with the contaminated product should be sanitized. Do not sell or donate the recalled products..

If you have any questions, please email us at info@vivarawpets.com or call/text us at (919) 371-8882 between 9:00 am – 5:00 pm EST Monday to Friday.

You can also read this release on the FDA website here

 


Company Contact Information:

Consumers:
 (919) 371-8882
 info@vivarawpets.com

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Golden Retriever Carried Stray Kitten Home To Keep As Her Own https://iheartcats.com/golden-retriever-carried-a-stray-kitten-home-to-keep-as-her-own/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=golden-retriever-carried-a-stray-kitten-home-to-keep-as-her-own Mon, 01 Jul 2024 22:38:03 +0000 https://iheartcats.com/?p=806647

You’d think dogs wouldn’t be able to surprise us anymore ... Read more

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You’d think dogs wouldn’t be able to surprise us anymore with their generosity and unconditional love, but they somehow keep finding new ways to one-up themselves.

In the video below, you’re about to see the time a Golden Retriever brought home a stray kitten to care for and befriend!

The struggling cat wouldn’t have survived much longer out there alone, and this dog seemed to know it. The owner helped out by bottle-feeding the little one, and now the two are inseparable with the Golden acting as a surrogate mother to the little kitty. How amazing is that?

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Cat Grabs A Leaf With Her Mouth, Presents It To Shop Owner To Buy Fish https://iheartcats.com/cat-grabs-leaf-shop-owner/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=cat-grabs-leaf-shop-owner Mon, 01 Jul 2024 22:27:12 +0000 https://iheartcats.com/?p=806639

This adorable kitty story was recently posted by @UnionRebelMs on ... Read more

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This adorable kitty story was recently posted by @UnionRebelMs on X (formerly Twitter). He wrote, “Seeing people come to buy fish and handing the owner money, this cat went out and got a leaf to pay for her fish. On the first day, the owner of the shop thought this was very cute, so he gave her a small fish. Now every day this cat comes in to buy a fish with a leaf.”

People responded to the post with a plethora of stories about their own clever pets, handing them leaves for treats. The video below states that the cat watched as people came to the market and handed money to the owner for the catch of the day. The kitty didn’t have cash per se, but she had her kitty wits.

The cat found a leaf on the ground and figured it might work. With the leaf in her mouth, she walked up to the owner, ready to trade the leaf for a beautiful, tasty fish. The owner laughed and gave in. Now, she proudly brings the market owner a leaf every day for a snack.

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*There’s some controversy surrounding the story as to whether this happened or not, but we had to share regardless!

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Pet Food Recalled Over Metal Contamination Fears https://iheartcats.com/pet-food-recalled-over-metal-contamination-fears/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pet-food-recalled-over-metal-contamination-fears Mon, 20 May 2024 18:00:52 +0000 https://iheartcats.com/?p=796718

Mars Petcare US, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls 315 Bags of PEDIGREE® ... Read more

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Mars Petcare US, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls 315 Bags of PEDIGREE® Adult Complete Nutrition Grilled Steak & Vegetable Flavor Dry Dog Food, 44 lb. Bag Size

Summary:

Company Announcement Date: FDA Publish Date: Product Type: Animal & Veterinary, Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Potential Presence of Loose Metal Pieces
Company Name: Mars Petcare US, Inc.
Brand Name: Pedigree
Product Description: Adult Complete Nutrition Grilled Steak & Vegetable Flavor Dry Dog Food
Adult Complete Nutrition Grilled Steak & Vegetable Flavor Dry Dog Food

Product Photos:

Company Announcement:

FRANKLIN, Tenn., (May 17, 2024) – Mars Petcare US is voluntarily recalling 315 bags of PEDIGREE® Adult Complete Nutrition Grilled Steak & Vegetable Flavor Dry Dog Food in the 44 lb. bag size only, due to the potential presence of loose metal pieces in the bag.

The affected products have a Best By Date of March 4, 2025 and Lot Code 410B2TXT02. This is a limited voluntary recall only affecting 315 bags of product that were sold by Walmart in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas.

Product
44 lb. bag PEDIGREE® Adult Complete Nutrition Grilled Steak & Vegetable Flavor Dry Dog Food

Best By Date
March 4, 2025

Lot Code
410B2TXT02

Product Images (see below)

The Best By Date and Lot Code can both be found on the bottom seal of the back of the bag.

The potential presence of loose metal pieces in the bag could pose a health hazard to pets. If you believe your pet has consumed the affected product, you should monitor for unusual behavior and contact a veterinarian in the event of any concerns.

There have been no reports of pet injury or illness regarding the potentially impacted product. If you believe you have purchased this product, please stop using it. Contact Mars Petcare US consumer care to initiate a return or with any questions at 1-800-525-5273 from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Central Standard Time (CST) Monday through Friday and 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (CST) Saturday and Sunday or visit https://www.pedigree.com/updateExternal Link Disclaimer.

No other PEDIGREE® or Mars Petcare US products are affected or being recalled. Mars Petcare US is working with Walmart in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas to ensure that the affected products are no longer sold and have been removed from inventory.

###

About the PEDIGREE® Brand
The PEDIGREE Brand, proudly part of Mars, Incorporated, is the number one brand of dog food and treats in the world, feeding more dogs than any other brand. The PEDIGREE Brand offers a wide variety of products and formats for dogs at every life stage. The PEDIGREE Brand is built on an unwavering love for all dogs and a commitment to dog adoption. For more information, please visit www.Pedigree.comExternal Link Disclaimer.

 


Company Contact Information

Consumers:
Contact Mars Petcare US consumer care:  1-800-525-5273

For more information, see the read the full report on the US Food and Drug Administration site.

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Set Sail With Boat To Bowl & iHeartCats For A Delicious Giveaway! https://iheartcats.com/boat-to-bowl-giveaway/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=boat-to-bowl-giveaway Fri, 17 May 2024 19:50:45 +0000 https://iheartcats.com/?p=796057

Calling all feline enthusiasts! Get ready to treat your beloved ... Read more

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Calling all feline enthusiasts! Get ready to treat your beloved kitty to a purr-fect surprise. Boat to Bowl and iHeartCats are teaming up for an extraordinary giveaway that will take your pet care routine to the next level. From May 22nd to June 5th, 2024, you have the chance to win this fabulous prize package valued at OVER $200!

To enter, please complete and submit the entry form below. The winner will be announced on June 6th. Keep reading to find out which fabulous products are included in the giveaway.

Boat to Bowl Products Included in the Giveaway:

Revolutionize your cat’s mealtime with Boat to Bowl’s “Vitamin SEA” complete diets, premium pet food toppers, and supplements:

Crafted with human-grade quality seafood and premium ingredients, Boat to Bowl’s feline diets, food toppers, and supplements are sure to delight even the pickiest of eaters.

iHeartCats Items Included in the Giveaway:

Support your cat’s health and add a touch of charm to your home with these premium products from iHeartCats:

Enter Now for Your Chance to Win!

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to win the ultimate prize package for your beloved cat. Enter the giveaway between May 22nd and June 5th, 2024, for your chance to spoil your feline friend with these fantastic products. The winner will be randomly selected and notified via email. To be eligible to win, participants must be 18 years or older and located in the continental United States.

For BONUS entries, follow Boat to Bowl and iHeartCats on social media. Each action will earn you an extra entry, increasing your chances of winning. Enter now for a chance to win big!

This giveaway ends on 06/05/24. A winner will be randomly chosen and notified via email. To win, you must be 18+ years old and located in the continental U.S.

Get ready to pamper your pet like never before with the Boat to Bowl and iHeartCats giveaway.

Boat to Bowl Instagram
Boat to Bowl Facebook
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Giveaway Terms and Conditions

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Stray Kitten Chooses Yorkie To Follow Home And He Encourages Her Every Step https://iheartcats.com/yorkie-stray-cat-story/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=yorkie-stray-cat-story Wed, 15 May 2024 00:46:26 +0000 https://iheartcats.com/?p=795571

Dogs are well known for their loyalty. Some pups show ... Read more

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Dogs are well known for their loyalty. Some pups show their faithfulness instantly, while others gradually develop that kind of commitment. Yorkies make wonderful dogs. They are playful, energetic beings who love to keep their humans company. Because of their devotion, they are also known to be excellent protectors. In this heartwarming story and addictively adorable video posted below, we meet a Yorkshire Terrier who is a very good boy! He’s so good, in fact, that he shows his true nature to a friend in need.

While on a walk with his mom on a rainy day, a Yorkie suddenly has a strangler approaching close behind. The pup isn’t deterred by this new acquaintance. In fact, he’s quite pleased. The pup turns around to see a teeny-tiny kitten on his trail. It’s obvious that the kitten chose him for a reason. The fluffy, young Calico kitten is homeless and desperately needs a place to stay warm and dry.

She’s so small that she struggles to keep up with the dog. But the Yorkie doesn’t allow her to suffer. He stops walking, turns back to look at her, and encourages her to keep up. He slows his pace to match hers, and the duo continues on their way. The pup’s human, in awe of this new relationship, accepts the kitten, too. It’s time to head home!

With the rain falling, they cross the street to get to the Yorkie’s house. The kitten must jump up a curb to reach the front porch. She struggles again, but the patient and already loyal dog waits for her again. He cheers her on as she uses all her might to climb up.

Now it’s time to get inside and warm up! But there’s another hurdle: the front porch has a step, and the doorway has a threshold. OY! The kitten has to climb again. The dog watches closely as the little cat successfully enters the house. The swoon-worthy video below will make your day. We promise! Don’t ya just love dogs?!

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Study Finds People With High Emotional Reactivity Are Typically Drawn To Cats https://iheartcats.com/study-finds-people-high-emotional-reactivity-are-typically-drawn-to-cats/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=study-finds-people-high-emotional-reactivity-are-typically-drawn-to-cats Fri, 26 Apr 2024 15:27:06 +0000 https://iheartcats.com/?p=790595

If a cat owns you, you know felines can calm ... Read more

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If a cat owns you, you know felines can calm stress and bring tranquility to the people who love them. One recent study concentrates on this power, revealing people with high emotional drives tend to be drawn to cats, and these strong feelers would better benefit from their inclusion in animal therapy programs.

In the journal Anthrozoös, the study points out that most of these “Pet Your Stress Away” events only include dogs. Researchers found those with high emotionality expressed interest in attending animal assistance therapy if cats were included. The study also concluded a greater number of people could be reached by adding cats to these stress-release events. And helping more people find better mental health is always a win.

Emotions and Cats Seem to Mix

When lead author Joni Delanoeije of the Belgian university KU Leuven and co-author Patricia Pendry, a professor at Washington State University’s Department of Human Development, set out to learn if more people would attend animal therapy programs if cats were involved, the pair found cats were indeed something that would draw more interest.

Delanoeije and Pendry surveyed over 1,400 university students and faculty from 20 universities for their study, finding that those who are highly reactive to emotions tend toward cats more than dogs. It’s also these emotional people that would benefit the most from visiting with cats.

“Anecdotally, we’ve always been told that cat people are different from dog people, and that most students are not interested in interacting with cats,” Pendry explained. “Our results revealed that students are interested in interacting with cats and that this interest may be driven by personality traits.”

RELATED: Study Proves What Cat Lovers Already Know About Slow Blinks & We Can’t Help Smiling

Researchers learned people, whether students or staff, exhibiting the Emotionality personality trait were those that responded positively about adding cats to therapy events. And most of these people were also ones who identified as cat parents and females.

“Emotionality is a pretty stable trait; it doesn’t fluctuate and is a quite consistent feature of our personalities,” said Pendry. “We found that people on the higher end of that scale were significantly more interested in interacting with cats on campus. Given that prior research has shown that such individuals may be more open to forming strong attachments to animals, it makes sense they would want cats to be included in these programs.”

Adding Cats Means More Stress Release

More than eighty-five percent of stress-release events include only dogs. And that’s been due to “a perception that dogs exist to please people,” while cats seem to not give a fig for humans.

“While I may describe cats as ‘discerning,’ they are often perceived as unpredictable, aloof, or finicky — traits that can be difficult for some to be around,” said Pendry, a cat and dog lover.

But those who love cats know the truth! And Pendry explained cat people were easy to spot in previous studies where species info wasn’t divided as they “made an immediate beeline for cats.”

“I was pleasantly surprised by how many people were interested in interacting with cats, which made me interested in learning more about why they made those choices.”

RELATED: New Study Suggests Your Cat May Not Be As Aloof As He Seems

“Our study shows that we may be able to reach a larger audience by offering interventions that include dogs and cats. People who are on the higher end of the emotionality trait may be more likely to participate and benefit from these interactions,” Pendry said. “We’re looking for ways to help more people reduce their stress levels. Adding cats may be another way to reach a broader audience.”

With this study, cat lovers have another source of proof that shows felines are complex creatures with a magical ability to bring peace to the soul.

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Couple Adopts Rescue Before Meeting Him. When The Door Opens To Reveal Him They ‘Lost It’ https://iheartcats.com/couple-adopts-rescue-before-meeting-him-when-the-door-opens-to-reveal-him-they-lost-it/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=couple-adopts-rescue-before-meeting-him-when-the-door-opens-to-reveal-him-they-lost-it Fri, 26 Apr 2024 15:18:25 +0000 https://iheartcats.com/?p=790590

In case you missed it: After adopting a dog online, without ever even meeting him, the couple was told to meet at the PetSmart parking lot. Now, watch when the trailer pulls up and the door swings open...

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Every day, countless dogs find themselves in high-kill shelters, facing bleak prospects for adoption. Recognizing this dire situation, Tracy Whyatt took matters into her own hands, driven by her deep compassion for these unloved animals. She founded Tracy’s Dogs, a company dedicated to rescuing and providing a second chance to these vulnerable canines. Through her unwavering commitment and determination,

Tracy strives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of these deserving animals, offering them hope, love, and the opportunity to find forever homes where they will be cherished and valued.

 

Image/Story Source Credit: Only Good TV via YouTube Video

 

racy and her husband, Scott, embark on life-saving journeys, transporting dogs from overcrowded euthanasia facilities in a 32-foot trailer to different states where forever homes await them. They have collaborated with PetSmart, utilizing its locations as rendezvous points for the dogs and their prospective families.

The scene when families meet their new canine companions for the first time is profoundly touching and heartwarming. Crowds form around the trailer in anticipation, and as its doors open, emotions overflow. It’s a new beginning for these fortunate dogs!

Image/Story Source Credit: Only Good TV via YouTube Video

 

Since launching their initiative in 2011, Tracy and Scott have successfully found homes for more than 3,700 dogs! Without their efforts, the majority of these dogs might not have made it. They’ve established something truly remarkable with Tracy’s Dogs, which undoubtedly merits widespread acclaim and acknowledgment!

Click the video below to watch this incredible story!

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The post Couple Adopts Rescue Before Meeting Him. When The Door Opens To Reveal Him They ‘Lost It’ appeared first on iHeartCats.com.

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10 Reasons Why Being A “Crazy Cat Person” Is A Good Thing https://iheartcats.com/10-reasons-why-being-a-crazy-cat-person-is-good-thing/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=10-reasons-why-being-a-crazy-cat-person-is-good-thing Tue, 23 Apr 2024 17:16:41 +0000 https://iheartcats.com/?p=790090

Being called a “crazy cat lady” used to be a ... Read more

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Being called a “crazy cat lady” used to be a negative thing, usually reserved for single women with a house full of cats. But it turns out there are plenty of good reasons to actually embrace being a “crazy cat person.” Where did that expression come from, anyway? According to NBC News:

“Besides medieval hysteria about witches and their trusty black sidekicks, some of this fear may have stemmed from the notion that toxoplasmosis — an infection caused by a parasite found in cat feces (along with undercooked meat and contaminated water) could cause people to lose their minds. People like cat ladies.

But a recent study published in the journal Psychological Medicine found no link between cat ownership and any sort of psychosis later in life.

“The Centers for Disease Control estimates that more than 60 million people in the United States may be infected with the Toxoplasma parasite through all means, including cats,” says David Haworth, doctor of veterinary medicine, Ph.D., and president of PetSmart Charities, “but very few people show symptoms because a healthy person’s immune system usually keeps the parasite from causing illness.”

In fact, it turns out that the cats in our lives are doing the opposite of making us crazy. They actually may be improving our health.”

Let’s take a look at all the ways that cats improve our lives.

#1 – Cat lovers are smart and sensitive

A 2014 survey found that cat lovers were more intelligent and more sensitive than dog lovers, who tended to be more outgoing and active. Psychoanalyst Steve McKeown, the founder of MindFixers and the owner of The McKeown Clinic, told vt:

“Cat people are more likely to possess university degrees than dog owners. Educated people tend to work longer hours and opt for pets that compliment their personal circumstances and lifestyle.”

Okay, so maybe owning a cat doesn’t necessarily make your smarter, but lots of intelligent people choose cats over dogs. That’s still a win for cat lovers!

#2 – They keep your heart healthy

A study published in 2008 by researchers at the University of Minnesota’s Stroke Institute followed nearly 4,500 people, of which 3 out of 5 people owned a cat for 10 years. They found that the cat owners were 30% less likely to die from a heart attack than people who didn’t own cats. A follow-up study published the next year confirmed that cat owners were less likely to die from any cardiovascular event, including a stroke, than people who didn’t own cats. This may be due in part to the next item on the list…

RELATED: Check out these PJs set made just for crazy cat people!

#3 – Cat purrs help reduce stress

According to MNN, studies have shown that cats are better at reducing stress and lowering blood pressure than any other pet. The frequency of their purr has been shown to have many medical benefits for both the cats themselves and their owners. According to Scientific American:

“Scientists have demonstrated that cats produce the purr through intermittent signaling of the laryngeal and diaphragmatic muscles. Cats purr during both inhalation and exhalation with a consistent pattern and frequency between 25 and 150 Hertz. Various investigators have shown that sound frequencies in this range can improve bone density and promote healing.”

#4 – They make you laugh

More research is emerging all the time showing the health benefits of laughing. One study showed that watching funny videos for 20 minutes significantly reduced people’s levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. It also helped them perform better on a memory recall test.

Another study showed that a sense of humor can protect against heart disease. Anybody who has ever spent any time on YouTube – or ever owned a cat – knows how hilarious the antics of a cat can be. So the next time your cat misses a jump, know that they’re doing their part to extend your life – and the quality of your life.


#5 – Cats can help people with autism communicate

A French study showed that children with autism who were introduced to a family pet at the age of 4 or 5 showed major improvements in the areas of sharing with others and comforting people in distress. Some people of every age with autism report feeling more strongly bonded to animals than other people. One theory is that since petting a cat releases oxytocin, or the “feel-good hormone,” people with autism start to feel more comfortable communicating with people.

#6 – They can help you fight the demon of depression

There are a variety of ways in which pets in general, and cats in particular, can help people with depression. The responsibility of keeping something alive is a great way to promote positive mental health. Hiding from the world isn’t as much of an option when something relies on you for all of its needs to be met. Touch has many proven health benefits, and petting an animal seems to be just as helpful as getting a hug from a friend or a 45-minute massage.

Pets can also help distract us from our emotional pain. They also offer unconditional love and acceptance. And all this is on top of the other health benefits of owning a cat.

#7 – Owning a cat helps you feel less lonely

Pets have been shown to help reduce feelings of loneliness. They can fulfill people’s social needs as well as another human. They’re the perfect listeners who will never interrupt as you talk about your bad day. There’s also always someone who’s excited to see you come home.

#8 – They may help prevent allergies in kids

It’s been shown that kids who are exposed to pets in the first year of their lives are significantly less likely to develop allergies when they grow up. It’s thought that giving the immune system something natural to work on helps it develop normally and not react to things that aren’t actually dangerous.

#9 – Cats are cheaper to care for than dogs

According to the ASPCA, cats are cheaper to own than dogs. Owning a cat rather than a dog could save you anywhere from $300 to $800 a year.

#10 – They’re experts on the benefits of napping

Napping may be perceived as lazy, but there are actually many health benefits to taking a short nap in the middle of the day. Who better to model the benefits of napping than a cat? According to Huffington Post:

“These serious snoozers not only value the importance of sleep but also look adorable doing it! Studies have shown that indulging in a little midday shut-eye can work wonders for your alertnessmemorycreativityproductivity and overall mood. So if you won’t make time for a nap solo, maybe the opportunity to curl up next to your furry friend will convince you to take a cozy 20-minute rest today.”

(H/T: Huffington Post, NBC News)

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Man Jumps In And Swims Toward Bear He Sees Struggling In The Water https://iheartcats.com/man-jumps-in-and-swims-toward-bear-he-sees-struggling-in-the-water/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=man-jumps-in-and-swims-toward-bear-he-sees-struggling-in-the-water Sun, 21 Apr 2024 17:19:42 +0000 https://iheartcats.com/?p=789786

A huge black bear wandered into a residential area in Alligator Point, ... Read more

The post Man Jumps In And Swims Toward Bear He Sees Struggling In The Water appeared first on iHeartCats.com.

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A huge black bear wandered into a residential area in Alligator Point, Florida. Wildlife officers knew they would have to remove the bear quickly, but this is where things went terribly wrong.

The safest and easiest way to remove the bear from the residential area would be to tranquilize and relocate it.

 

But the dart made the bear panic and it headed toward the ocean.

 

As he swam into to Gulf, he became drowsy and started to drown.

 

Adam Warwick, a biologist with the Wildlife Commission, saw what was going on and knew he had to do something.

 

He swam to the bear and stopped it from advancing.

 

“It was a spur-of-the-moment decision. I had a lot of adrenaline pumping when I saw the bear in the water.”

 

 

The bear came at Adam to try and stay afloat on top of him. But the bears legs were becoming too weak.

 

He grabbed the bear by the scruff of the neck keeping its head above water.

 

Adam stayed calm and didn’t give up.

 

He then dragged the 400 lb bear about 25 yards to land!

 

Here they are finally making their way out of the water.

At this point, other team members came to help.

 

They were able to use a tractor bucket to lift the bear and transport it back to its home in the Osceola National Forest.

 

The bear was now safe and sound. Call me crazy, but I think that’s a look of appreciation on his face. 

 

This is more like it! He’s happy to be home.

 

I’m exhausted just reading this! I can’t imagine holding its head above water and dragging it back to land. What a hero!

The post Man Jumps In And Swims Toward Bear He Sees Struggling In The Water appeared first on iHeartCats.com.

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