12 Curious Facts About White Cats to Know Before Adopting One

If you’re pondering adding a sweet, snow-colored ball of fuzz to the family, there is a lot you need to know. And we’re not just talking about the most popular white cat breeds, although that’s certainly a consideration. After all, you might want to go for a rare, expensive kitty (like the Khao Manee), or maybe a super fluffy Felix (hello, Turkish Angora), or one that’s known for friendliness (Persians, for example, are nowhere near as grumpy as they look). But there are other things about white cats you should be aware of, including some that impact their health.

For example, did you know that many white cats are deaf, and, according to Dr. Ashly Smith, Regional Medical Director for Small Door Veterinary, may need to learn visual cues? Even more surprising, “White cats have less melanin in their skin, which makes them more vulnerable to sunburns as well as certain skin cancers,” says Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, Veterinary Medical Advisor for Rover. “The risk of these cancers is greater in cats who spend more time sunbathing, so be sure to limit your cat’s exposure to harmful UV rays, especially on their more sparsely-haired faces, ears, and bellies.”

How Do I Keep My Cat Out Of The Christmas Tree?

Getting ready for the holidays and about to put your Christmas tree up? Keep in mind that the tree makes a tempting target for many curious cats. Here are some tips on how to pet-proof your Christmas tree.

When it comes to buying a Christmas tree, I prefer and love real trees. After all, they fill our house with the holiday smells of evergreen. However, keep in mind that if you have cats, real trees are much more tempting. Not only are real trees fragrant and the pine needles more fun to chew on (thankfully, rarely poisonous) but the tree trunk is perfect for scratching and climbing. Consider an artificial tree (after all, less trees are cut down and thrown away, right?). If you do get a real tree, avoid one that is very tall, as a tall tree would be more likely to topple.

Jane Goodall, Pioneer Who Discovered Chimpanzees Use Tools, Dead At 91 During U.S. Tour

Jane Goodall, the trailblazing primatologist who taught the world about chimpanzees and their striking similarities to humans, has died at the age of 91.

Her death was announced by her foundation, the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), on Wednesday. 

According to the organization, Goodall passed away earlier that morning "due to natural causes."

To read more on this story, click here: Jane Goodall, Pioneer Who Discovered Chimpanzees Use Tools, Dead At 91 During U.S. Tour

Meet the Black Barn Alpacas at a Fall Festival in Finksburg, Maryland

A Maryland alpaca ranch is holding a fall festival, where attendees can meet and feed alpacas along with other fall activities. News4’s Tommy McFly met some of the furry friends that will be there.

Black Barn Alpacas Ranch

 

 The animal-loving couple Travis and Yussy McManus owns Maryland’s Black Barn Alpacas Ranch. Travis was raised on a cattle ranch, and Yussy grew up riding horses—cementing their love of farm life from a young age. The couple lives on the ranch and looks forward to greeting the alpaca herd every morning with nose boops (and an extra handful or two of food). 

Travis manages the farm team, and Yussy leads the Y Interiors design team, dreaming up home goods made with genuine alpaca fleece. Together, they intend to expand Black Barn Alpacas, delivering well-bred animals, quality fleece products, and unforgettable experiences. Take it from the experts; there is nothing more rewarding than being able to snuggle up to an alpaca every day!

Black Barn Alpacas

2401 Bollinger Mill Rd.

Finksburg, MD 21048

Hearing Loss in Senior Dogs: What to Know

 

Many senior dogs suffer from hearing impairment as they age and become less responsive to you and the world around them. Your ability to communicate with your dog becomes hampered when they can’t hear what you have to say. This lack of communication can be frustrating for you and stressful for your dog. But luckily there are steps you can take to help your senior dog cope with hearing loss.

Symptoms of Hearing Loss in Senior Dogs

There are many causes of hearing loss in dogs. For elderly dogs, the cause is often degenerative changes in the nerves found inside the ear. This is similar to the hearing loss seen in older people. The changes will likely be gradual. Symptoms will creep up slowly, and you may not notice them right away.

To read more on this story, click HERE: Hearing Loss in Senior Dogs: What to Know

Animal Shelters In The D.C. Metropolitan Area (DMV) Are Overcrowded And Need Your Help

Animal shelters in the D.C. metropolitan area (DMV) are overcrowded due to increased pet surrenders, reduced spay/neuter services, and informal breeding, leading to high numbers of dogs and cats needing homes. Shelters like the 

Montgomery County Animal Shelter, DC's Humane Rescue Alliance Humane Rescue Alliance and The Prince George's County Animal Services Division are experiencing capacity issues, necessitating urgent calls for community support through adoption and fostering. 

                                                 Why Shelters Are Overcrowded

Increased Surrenders:

A significant increase in pet surrenders has been noted across the DMV, partly due to economic hardships and people returning to work after the pandemic. 

COVID-Related Trends:

The pandemic saw a surge in pet adoptions, but this was followed by a period where people returned to work, impacting their ability to care for their pets, and now shelter numbers are rising. 

Reduced Spay/Neuter Efforts:

A decline in spay and neuter activities during the COVID years contributed to the current spike in animal populations. 

Backyard Breeding:

A rise in informal or "backyard" breeding has also contributed to the surplus of animals entering shelters. 

                                                            How You Can Help

Adopt:

Adopting an animal helps alleviate overcrowding and frees up space for other animals in need. 

Foster:

Fostering an animal provides it with a temporary home and helps the shelters manage their capacity. 

Volunteer:

Contributing your time to local animal shelters can help with dog walks, training, and other care duties. 

Educate:

Spread awareness about the issue of shelter overcrowding and the importance of responsible pet ownership, including spaying and neutering. 

Reunite Lost Pets:

Before bringing a found pet to a shelter, try to reunite it with its owner first, as this can help reduce shelter intake.

“ADOPT DON’T SHOP”

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Gladys Is A Mom See Photos Of New Baby After Cincinnati Zoo Gorilla Gives Birth

Gladys, a 12-year-old gorilla at Cincinnati Zoo, gave birth to a male baby gorilla at 8:32 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. Mom and baby are doing well, according to the zoo. This is Gladys’ first baby and the 51st gorilla born at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.

To read more on this story, click HERE  

Vomiting and Diarrhea in Cats

Cats often vomit or develop diarrhea, when should we treat? The reason for the vomiting or diarrhea may be simple, such as a hairball, however the cause could be more serious. Whether the symptoms stop on their own, or whether your cat needs to see a vet, will depend on how he or she is in themselves and what the vomit or diarrhea looks like.

To read more on this story, click here: Vomiting and diarrhea in cats

Man Spends Almost $23,000 on Realistic Costume to Fulfill his Dream of Becoming a Wolf

 

An unnamed man spent almost $23,000 on a wolf costume to fulfill his dream of becoming the carnivorous animal.

The man reportedly contacted Zeppet, a Japanese special modeling company, to create an ultra-realistic wolf suit, spending 3 million yen (approximately $22,700) to be transformed into the gray-furred canine.

“Because of my love for animals since childhood and some realistic animal suits appearing on TV, I dreamed of ‘being one someday,’” the man told Zeppet.

To read more on this story, click here: Man Spends Almost $23,000 on Realistic Costume to Fulfill His Dream of Becoming a Wolf

12 Best Urinary Cat Foods of 2023

Why would you move your kitty to a urinary cat food? How would you know that it might help with a problem, and what problem would that be!?

Well, are you noticing weird behavior in your cat lately? Has she been peeing around the house or refuses to use her litter box?

Cats do the most insane things and this makes them all the more lovable. But sometimes their strange behavior stems from underlying issues and one of the most common health scares is urinary health problems. But don’t panic, a simple diet change to one of the best urinary cat foods can fix this problem for your beloved moggy!

To read more on this story, click here: 12 Best Urinary Cat Foods of 2023 

Man spends almost $23,000 on realistic costume to fulfill his dream of becoming a wolf

An unnamed man spent almost $23,000 on a wolf costume to fulfill his dream of becoming the carnivorous animal.

The man reportedly contacted Zeppet, a Japanese special modeling company, to create an ultra-realistic wolf suit, spending 3 million yen (approximately $22,700) to be transformed into the gray-furred canine.

“Because of my love for animals since childhood and some realistic animal suits appearing on TV, I dreamed of ‘being one someday,’” the man told Zeppet.

If Your Dog Has An Upset Stomach, Try These Foods

At some time or another, most dog owners will have to deal with the occasional upset stomach in their pet.  Stomach upset can be caused by many things and when it happens, it can be miserable for both dog and owner.

Why do dogs get an upset stomach?

Dogs can get an upset stomach for many reasons and when symptoms are mild, most of the time it can be handled at home.  Some of the most common reasons a dog will throw up or get gas and diarrhea include:

To read more on this story, click here: If Your Dog Has An Upset Stomach, Try These Foods

Hair Loss on Hind Legs in Cats

A cat losing hair on its hind legs is cause for concern. It's normal for a cat to be shedding, but sudden loss or thinning of hair on the back legs is not. Hair loss in cats, also known as alopecia, can be caused by a variety of issues from fleas, allergies, a bacterial infection, or stress, all of which are problems that must be addressed. Know the difference between normal shedding and abnormal hair loss so you can react appropriately.

To read more on this story, click here: Hair Loss on Hind Legs in Cats

What Happened To Cesar Millan After His Show Dog Whisperer Ended?

Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan alum Cesar Millan's career is going strong since his famous series wrapped. Find out what he's up to now.

Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan alum Cesar Millan became famous for his connection with dogs, and how he helped their humans to understand what they wanted, and it's time to talk about what he's done since the show ended. Cesar first immigrated to the United States in 1990. He started grooming dogs, and became known for trimming and shaving canines that didn't want the treatments. Many YouTube channels reveal how some dogs are not fond of sitting still as electric razors go over their matted fur; however, Cesar was able to keep pooches calm. People took notice, and soon, he had his own show.

To read more on this story, click here: What Happened To Cesar Millan After His Show Dog Whisperer Ended?