EveryCat Health Foundation has been honored with the November 10^th Donation Award from the Cat Writers’ Association, in conjunction with the CWA’s 30th anniversary. They will be this year’s beneficiary of the CWA’s fundraising efforts. Read on to find out more about the foundation and how you can help support feline health research and change cats’ lives around the planet.

EveryCat Health Foundation has supported medical and scientific breakthroughs in improving cat health and treating critical diseases since its founding in 1968. The CWA produced a video to highlight all of EveryCat’s contributions:

CWA President Lynn Maria Thompson shared how proud they are to raise funds for the EveryCat Health Foundation. “[Their] investment in feline health research has had a profound impact on the lives of millions of cats. Looking back at our 30 years of dedication to excellence in cat-centric written, visual, and audio media, and our shared love of cats, we feel that EveryCat is a perfect fit for our fundraiser.”

“We’re absolutely delighted to be honored by The Cat Writers Association in this way,” said EveryCat Executive Director Jackie Ott Jaakola. “We’re so impressed with their efforts to engage cat lovers everywhere and they’ve been equally supportive of our mission to help all cats everywhere. You can really see their excellence and dedication in the fabulous video they produced for the fundraiser.”

About EveryCat Health Foundation

EveryCat Health Foundation is the world’s only nonprofit focused solely on funding feline health studies and improving feline healthcare. With nearly 400 million companion cats bringing joy to their families across the world, and cat ownership growing, feline health research remains underfunded compared to many other animals.

Their mission is to advance feline health by supporting groundbreaking research and education. “Every cat, every day benefits from our foundation.”

Founded in 1968 by The Cat Fanciers’ Association, EveryCat Health Foundation awarded its first grant in 1971, and since then has awarded more than $10 million in grants for groundbreaking cat health research at more than 30 partner institutions worldwide. Through the support of dedicated donors and partners, this funding is made possible. Research supported by EveryCat Health Foundation helps veterinarians by providing educational resources that improve the treatment of common feline health problems and prevent many diseases. Grants are reviewed and awarded with the help of the foundation’s expert Scientific Review Committee.

They are still dedicated to their original vision of promoting the health and welfare of all cats, worldwide.

For more information, visit: https://everycat.org/.

EveryCat Health Foundation Grants

Grants from EveryCat have helped veterinarians improve the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases and conditions and evolved the practice of feline medicine. Some of the most notable advancements EveryCat-funded research has made possible include:

How Can I Help?

Individuals and organizations can donate to the fundraiser here.  They are nearly halfway to their goal of $2500, but with the help of our Catsters, we’re sure we can help them exceed their goal, in the name of health for all cats!

To learn about the ways you can support the EveryCat Health Foundation outside of the fundraiser visit here.

As the world’s only nonprofit foundation with the sole mission of supporting feline health research, EveryCat Health Foundation’s collaborative work is made possible through the generosity of sponsors and donors.

The post EveryCat Health Foundation Honored Recipient of Cat Writers’ Association Annual Fundraiser in 2024 by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Vet visits have always been instrumental in promoting our pets’ health and longevity. But for most cats, the experience can be more stressful than anything. The strange setting and unwanted interactions with unfamiliar people make a perfect formula for anxiety, leading to aggression in many instances. Vets often can’t administer tests or treatments with uncooperative pets, making the experience frustrating and unfulfilling for the animal, the owner, and the veterinary staff.

Fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) at the vet have come into the spotlight in recent decades, spurring the Fear Free movement. Fear Free is an organized effort to educate experts and owners looking to make vet visits more accommodating and calming so pets can get the care needed to thrive. Discover what Fear-free vets are and what they can offer to make your anxious cat remain calm and have more productive trips to the vet.

How Does Fear-Free Veterinary Medicine Work?

Fear Free focuses on the anxiety pets often suffer at the vet. It supports veterinarians, vet staff, and owners with resources to make the clinical experience less stressful and frightening. Collaborations of companion-animal vets, behaviorists, veterinary specialists, trainers, and other animal experts create courses and certification programs to keep professionals and clients updated on best practices. The goal is to reduce stress and optimize the care cats and other pets receive.

Veterinarians can become Fear Free-certified by registering for certification programs on the Fear Free website. Individuals and multi-member practices can sign up for certification. Fear Free separates programs for general vet professionals, avian specialists, and equine specialists.

Fear Free can help reduce anxiety for pets in any stressful situation, including non-clinical settings. Certification is available for trainers, groomers, pet sitters, and boarding and daycare facilities. Even owners and shelter staff can gain support from Fear Free. A growing collection of free articles, guides, podcasts, and videos show them how to keep their cats happy, healthy, and safe.

What Do Fear-Free Vets Do?

Fear-free vets adapt their processes to suit each patient’s unique needs. The following are some of the methods Fear Free practices may use to help cats relax during their visit:

How to Get Fear-Free Certification

Fear-Free certification entails a one-time signup fee for everyone receiving the training. After purchasing the membership, members complete certification programs consisting of several modules. They must also take online assessments and complete a virtual visit to see Fear-Free practices in action. By completing an extra 35 hours of CE (continuing education), professionals can earn an “Elite” status to showcase their commitment to advanced education.

Membership requires annual renewal, which comes with a fee. To maintain a Fear-Free certification, vets must complete 4 hours of Fear-Free CE annually.

Fear-Free members enjoy access to all certification programs. They can check out other CE courses and an expansive resource library of articles, podcasts, and webinars to stay updated on best practices. Additionally, Fear Free offers marketing materials and a toolbox. Vets can use these in their practices to advertise and implement their training. Members also earn a spot in the directory, helping them gain more clients looking for low-stress vet options.

Why Is Fear-Free Important?

Fear Free began in 2016 when “America’s Veterinarian,” Dr. Marty Becker, sought to expand awareness of FAS and how pet professionals and owners can take action. Most cats experience some anxiety at the vet. A German study found over 88% of cats showed stress signs, while roughly 50% of owners likewise felt stress, often stemming from their pets’ anxiety.¹

Cats have shown a white-coat effect similar to humans entering a doctor’s office.² Blood pressure rises as cats feel stress from the clinical environment. While this may decrease with time, the effect often doesn’t disappear entirely.

Vet visits are stressful for many animals. The “fight or flight” response is an inherent survival trait cats can display when they feel pain or illness and must interact with a stranger in an uncomfortable environment. Poor experiences can make future visits more challenging as cats associate each step with stress, starting with getting in the carrier at home.

Overly anxious pets complicate routine exams and other procedures by being agitated and uncooperative. Many cats become aggressive, putting workers in harm’s way and limiting the quality of care. In some cases, more involved procedures are often challenging due to the reduced efficacy of sedation and anesthesia associated with stressed animals.

The challenges stress creates can make owners less likely to seek medical care. Over a quarter of cat owners limit their vet visits because they cause too much anxiety for their pets.³ By implementing Fear-free practices, veterinarians can create a calmer environment and offer more thorough and effective care. Clients subsequently gain more confidence in bringing their pets in for checkups.

Where Is It Used?

Since Fear Free began, thousands of professionals worldwide have taken advantage of its teachings. With programs for virtually any pet professional, Fear Free offers owners the chance to seek out groomers, dog walkers, pet sitters, and boarding facilities that use Fear Free techniques, ensuring the highest quality care wherever their cats go.

Advantages of Fear-Free Vets

Fear Free empowers owners to give their cats the care they deserve regardless of their anxiety issues. Trained vets prioritize emotional and mental health by considering how they should assess and handle stressors. They monitor the pet’s body language, responding with grace and patience to ease stress as it appears and never forcing procedures on an unreceptive animal.

Disadvantages of Fear-Free Vets

The primary drawback to the Fear Free certification program is the cost. Upfront costs for certification run a couple of hundred dollars, and annual dues are needed to maintain membership. Some criticize it for pushing training that uncertified vets may already apply for. To them, Fear Free can seem like an unfair advantage reserved for those willing and able to spend money on the certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Is Fear Free Beneficial for the Veterinarian?

Fear-free certification supports success. By applying Fear-Free principles, vets can improve client experiences, build return business, and increase customer scores. The certification also helps with marketing, allowing vets to attract clients with anxiety-prone cats.

Meanwhile, the staff enjoys more efficient and positive client interactions. With burnout a growing industry concern, the reduced conflict that comes with Fear-Free philosophies can make veterinary work feel less stressful and more fulfilling for everyone in the clinic.

How Can Owners Assist Fear-Free Vets?

Owners can start the process of calming their pets before they bring them to a Fear-Free clinic. While your vet can offer advice to manage your cat’s particular FAS struggles, the following are a few helpful steps to prepare your pet:

Contact your vet to discuss your cat’s stress before visiting a Fear Free clinic so they can plan and prepare for your pet’s needs. Clients can set their cats and the clinic for an efficient, more productive visit with these at-home steps.

Conclusion

The Fear-Free initiative centers on building trust and showing respect to pets as unique individuals with feelings that deserve recognition. Cats may enter the clinic stressed, but they’ll exit feeling calm, confident, and ready for their next appointment. Certified vets and animal experts provide critical peace of mind to owners, ensuring their pets get the care they need without sacrificing their mental or emotional well-being.

Featured Image Credit: Prostock-studio, Shutterstock

The post Fear-Free Vet: Vet-Verified Advantages, Disadvantages & FAQ by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

The Far North District of New Zealand (situated in, you guessed it, the far north of the country) is set to debate a significant change in animal regulations, with a proposed bylaw that would require all cats over the age of four months to be both microchipped and desexed.

The new rules, if adopted, would be the first animal regulations in the district since 2019, when the previous bylaw lapsed. As a result, pet management has become an increasing challenge, especially for cats, which are not covered by any current regulations. While the bylaw would regulate desexing, there would be no limit on the number of cats per household. The bylaw also proposes restrictions on other animals, including bans on roosters and pigs in urban areas.

New Zealand has been in the international news for its view on feral cats in the past when the announcement of a feral cat-hunting contest for kids went viral. The public anger led organizers to withdraw the event, though they maintained that the junior hunting tournament to kill feral cats was about “protecting native birds and other vulnerable species.”

So, where do feral cats fit in societies, especially in Island nations like New Zealand or Australia, where the expanding populations are threatening and endangering native animal species?

While house cats are popular and beloved in New Zealand, a country with only 5.2 million people, there are an estimated 2.4 million feral cats. Thus, seeing new bylaws proposed that are ‘fences at the top’ instead of ‘ambulances at the bottom’, like hunting competitions, could hopefully be the way of the future and give the cats and the public a chance to align.

The issue of feral cats has been a tense topic for many years between animal lovers and authorities globally, due to the impact they have on other wildlife. In New Zealand, one such species threatened by feral cats (but not limited to) is the kiwi, the country’s currently endangered national bird. Kiwi birds have an estimated population of 68,000, which is decreasing by 2% each year – roughly 20 kiwis per week.

A Gap in Pet Management

The lapse of the previous bylaw in 2019 left a regulatory gap, meaning the district has had no formal control over pet populations other than dogs, which are regulated under a separate bylaw. The absence of rules has made it difficult for the Far North District Council to respond effectively to residents’ complaints about nuisance or stray animals, and animal welfare organizations have been stretched incredibly thin trying to manage issues caused by the uncontrolled breeding of stray cats.

Under the proposed new bylaw, the council would gain tools to manage not only the behavior of pet owners but also the environmental and community impacts of unregulated animal populations.

Key Provisions for Cats

The proposed “chipping and snipping” requirement for cats over four months of age is one of the bylaw’s central features. This new rule is designed to tackle the growing population of stray and unowned cats, a pressing issue in the Far North District, which has a mild climate that enables nearly year-round breeding for cats.

Animal rescues, like Coast to Coast Cat Rescue based in Kerikeri, are flooded with kittens and stray cats. As of September 2024, Coast to Coast has taken in nearly 2,100 cats and kittens since 2021 alone. According to Sam Stewart, the founder of the organization, very few of these animals were desexed or microchipped when they arrived, and many were either strays or had been abandoned by their previous owners.

Microchipping and desexing are seen as crucial steps in both managing the cat population and ensuring the animals’ welfare. Microchipping provides a permanent form of identification, increasing the chances that lost or stray cats can be returned to their owners and reducing the number of unidentified strays ending up in rescues. Desexing helps reduce unwanted litters and inhumane treatment of them, which is especially important in regions where mild climates make for long breeding seasons.

Exceptions would be made for registered breeding cats or if a veterinarian certifies that desexing would be harmful to the cat’s health. In addition to microchipping and desexing, the bylaw leaves out a cap on the number of cats per household, under the reasoning that cat hoarding only becomes a problem if the animals are not managed responsibly.

Protecting Native Bird Populations

With animal welfare in mind, one of the most urgent reasons for this bylaw is the impact of stray and feral cats on New Zealand’s native wildlife. Cats, whether owned or feral, are natural predators of birds, and they pose a serious threat to New Zealand’s unique bird species. With some species already endangered, hunting cats add significant pressure to these fragile populations. The tūī, kākā, fantail, and aforementioned kiwi are among the vulnerable species that roam or nest in areas frequented by cats. The hunting instinct of even well-fed domestic cats can harm native bird numbers, especially in regions like the Far North, where many birds are ground-dwelling and thus more accessible to predators.

Cats have been introduced to an environment where native species evolved without land-based mammalian predators, making them especially vulnerable. For example, the kiwi bird is flightless and nocturnal, aligning their wake time with the feral cat population. One of their main adapted defenses is ‘freezing’, which isn’t fine against predatory birds who use sight to hunt, but not so helpful against cats, who use scent.

In the video below you can see the kiwi ‘freezing’. The feral cat was too busy eating to worry about the kiwi on film.

The bylaw’s focus on desexing and managing stray cats could reduce these risks, helping to create safer environments for New Zealand’s birds and supporting broader conservation efforts.

Community Impact and Moving Toward Responsible Pet Ownership

Those proposing the bylaw hope it will be a turning point and have a lasting positive impact on pet ownership behaviors in the Far North region, aiming to educate and encourage responsible pet ownership. By requiring basic steps like microchipping and desexing, the bylaw could help reduce the number of stray and unwanted animals and lead a cultural shift in how pets are managed.

The bylaw proposal excludes the need for a limit on the number of cats per household, as long as they are desexed, microchipped, and cared for responsibly (responsible care being the key phrase). Hoarding situations only become an issue when the number of animals a person keeps exceeds their ability to care for them responsibly, so those would still be addressed by the SPCA, mental health services, or council inspectors.

Consultation and Next Steps

The public has until November 18 to submit their views on the bylaw, with consultation open since September. If passed, the Far North District would join other districts in the country in enforcing compulsory microchipping and desexing to reduce cat overpopulation and its impacts.

• What are your thoughts on compulsory chipping and desexing?
• Do you believe this bylaw will help protect New Zealand’s native birds? How important is this for conservation?

We’d love to hear from you in the comment section below (beneath the feedback stars, keep scrolling down!).

The post New Bylaw Proposes Mandatory “Chipping & Snipping” for Cats in New Zealand Which Could Protect Native Birds by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

There are plenty of reasons our pets can suffer from anxiety or stress. If you have a very skittish or stressed cat, you can buy supplements to help them alleviate their problem. These supplements don’t require a prescription, so you don’t have to worry about refills, and you can administer them as needed, but you should always contact your vet before you start giving them to your cat.

We rounded a list of the top home supplements to soothe any negative feelings. Hopefully, these reviews can help you decide what the best remedy is for your nervous kitty.

The information about the following products has been fact-checked by one of our licensed veterinarians. However, the views and opinions expressed are not necessarily their own. We highly recommend contacting your pet’s veterinarian if you think your cat is suffering from stress or anxiety and before purchasing any product from this list.

A Quick Comparison of the Favorites in 2024

	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		Rescue Remedy Pet Stress Relief	Vet recommended Natural Easy to administer	CHECK PRICE
Best Value		Nutramax Solliquin Cat Calming Soft Chews	Long-term care Helps with sleep Promotes overall behavioral changes	CHECK PRICE
Premium Choice		Vetoquinol Zylkene Cat Behavior Support	For more serious anxiety issues Non-drowsy No lactose	CHECK PRICE
		Pet Naturals of Vermont Cat Calming Chews	Chewable form Non-drowsy Added colostrum complex	CHECK PRICE
		LICKS Pill-Free ZEN Calming Cat Supplement	Great pill alternative Chicken flavored Sourced in the USA	CHECK PRICE

The 7 Best Cat Calming Supplements for Anxiety & Stress

1. Rescue Remedy Stress Relief Pet Supplement – Best Overall

We think that you will love Rescue Remedy Stress Relief Pet Supplement for your cats. It’s our personal favorite overall because it is natural and effective—plus, it’s vet recommended.

There are five flower combinations, called bach flowers, used in the recipe to calm your stressed cat: the star of Bethlehem, rock rose, cherry plum, impatiens, and clematis. Each one has been linked to soothing properties that can help your cat.

These drops are taken orally but should not be given directly into their mouth. You just add four drops to water or food and offer it to your kitty. And it also doesn’t end with your cat. You can give this to virtually any household pet, and it’s safe. Depending on the severity of your cat’s anxiety, it may not work for all felines.

2. Nutramax Solliquin Calming Cat Soft Chews

Nutramax Solliquin Calming Cat Soft Chews are a great option for their calming effect and the fact that they come in a 75-count bag. This bag can last over two months for an average-sized cat. These chews contain l-theanine, magnolia, and Phellodendron extract to promote ultimate stress relief, so always make sure to check the label or ask your vet before administration to make sure they’re the best choice for your feline.

Unlike some other stress relievers, these chews promote sleep—so it does affect their overall schedule. They’re safe enough for daily use and should ideally be used in combination with behavior modification in consultation with your veterinarian.

These chews are meant to work with an actual behavioral plan to treat anxiety with your vet’s help. They take up to 45 days for ultimate effectiveness, so you shouldn’t give these chews to your cat expecting to see immediate results.

3. Vetoquinol Zylkene Behavior Support Supplement – Premium Choice

If you don’t mind spending a little extra for ultimate effectiveness, Vetoquinol Zylkene Behavior Support Capsules Small Dog & Cat Supplement may work wonders. Zylkene’s active ingredient, alpha casozepine, has proven efficacy in cats to deal with stressful events.

Thirty tablets come in each bottle, and you can get an auto-ship option, so you don’t have to go through the hassle of reordering. This formula is non-drowsy, so you won’t have to worry about making your pet sleepy or throwing off their schedule.

The product’s effective ingredient is a stress-relieving component found in cow’s milk, without the lactose. These capsules can be helpful for short and long-term use under your vet’s guidance.

4. Pet Naturals of Vermont Calming Chews

These Pet Natural of Vermont Calming Chews are a simple fix to a bigger problem. They are in chewable form, but some cats may not be fooled so easily. You may still have to put them into some wet food or another snack to hide the fact you’re giving them medicine.

These supplements use L-theanine and vitamin B to gently ease your troubled cat without making them drowsy or sedating them.

These chews also have a calming complex added in the form of colostrum. Colostrum has natural properties to calm your cat without changing their personality, making it ideal for everyday stress. These chews contain brewer’s yeast, which some cats may be sensitive to, so always check the label before giving it to them.

5. LICKS Pill-Free ZEN Calming Cat Supplement

If your cat says “absolutely not” to pills, LICKS Pill-Free ZEN Calming Cat Supplement is a terrific alternative you can try for your fuzzy buddy. These licks are appetite-inducing and designed to attract your cat with yummy flavors.

These licks come in packs of 10 and have a roasted chicken flavor to woo your cat’s taste buds. They aren’t just flavored like chicken, either. It actually contains real, all-natural chicken-based formula.

Since these licks are absorbed through the mouth, they have up to 98% effectiveness. These licks are made with ingredients that are safe for human consumption, so you know it’s okay for your kitty, too. The ingredients are sourced in the USA, so you don’t have to worry about where they came from.

Some cats may have sensitivities to specific protein sources—like chicken. If yours is, you may want to steer clear of this supplement and pick something more compatible.

6. ThunderWunders Calming Cat Chews

ThunderWunders Calming Cat Chews can be taken on an as-needed basis to alleviate any immediate stress from present situations. They are the perfect bite-size with irresistible chicken flavor, so your cat will be fooled—they’ll think they’re getting a tasty treat instead.

These chews have calming chamomile and L-tryptophan added so you could give your kitty a sense of calm and ease sleep—if needed. You should never give more than the recommended dose because it can be harmful to your cat if they have too much.

There are 100 chews in all, so one container can last quite a while. This supplement isn’t meant to be used as an everyday anxiety treatment, so if you’re looking for a constant calming agent, you may want to look for another option.

But if you need quick help during a vet visit or a new pet introduction, these little chews can really go a long way. Plus, they are made right in the USA with ingredients you can trust. These chews aren’t meant for pregnant or nursing cats, so it’s best to consult with your vet for alternatives.

7. Vet Classics Stress Away Calming, Anxiety Aid

Vet Classics Stress Away Calming, Anxiety Aid might help your anxious kitty by helping them calm down in stressful situations. These chews are intended for as-needed use to be given 30 minutes before the stressful event, making them perfect for trips or momentary troubles.

These chews contain chamomile and passion flower, thiamine, ginger, and tryptophan. There is also melatonin in this supplement, which is a natural chemical produced in the brain that helps cats to to sleep.

There are 65 chews per container, so you can stretch them out as you need. However, you might find that they dry out a bit over time once you open them up.

These chews aren’t for everyday anxiety, and they probably won’t help a cat who has an anxiety disorder. Instead, they’re meant to provide relief for temporary situations.

Buyer’s Guide: Select the Best Calming Supplements for Cats

All cats have different personalities and will respond to situations in their own way. If anxiety is a problem, it can present itself as a chronic condition or just a situational reaction. Regardless of the reason, you will want to book an appointment with your vet if you suspect your cat is suffering from any form of anxiety or stress to reduce its effects as best as you can.

Here we will discuss possible causes of stress and anxiety so you can determine where your cat falls on the scale and the best course of action to take.

Situational Anxiety in Cats

Some kitties may be fine on an ordinary day until something tips the balance of things around the house. The good news is, environmental factors are sometimes the easiest to treat because you can accommodate your cat to make them most comfortable.

Many times, you can pinpoint the root cause of anxiety or stress. A majority of the time, it spikes from noticeable changes that you are well aware of.

Anxiety Caused by Past Events

Sometimes, anxiety and stress aren’t environmental at all. There is a chance your cat can have anxiety that stems from preexisting abuse or neglect. If you have a cat who has had a less than favorable past, it’s only expected that some residual emotion can follow them. To calm them down, you might have to put them on a long-term behavioral transition plan with the help of your vet.

Many over-the-counter supplements can help to take the edge off of your cat, so they aren’t so excited all the time. The ability to relax and feel safe in their environment is something every animal should have, no matter what you have to put in place to accommodate them.

Signs of Anxiety

Cats can exhibit a wide spectrum of behaviors that point to anxiety. Some might be extremely apparent, while others may stay under the radar for a while. You might think your cat just has certain quirks or traits that make them act the way they do without realizing the underlying factors at hand.

While these behaviors can no-doubt be a challenge for owners, it’s up to you to implement a plan to reduce the struggle for your cat. If they have any of these unwanted behaviors, the likelihood of an underlying issue is almost definite.

Consult with your veterinarian so you can select the right plan for your cat. If you proactively handle this situation, you can ease the symptoms and reduce anxiety—and everyone in the home will be a lot happier when you do.

Speak To a Vet Online From the Comfort of Your Couch!

If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

Click to Speak With a Vet

Finding Helpful Supplements

Once you have a plan in place, you’ll want to get ideal supplements that serve the needs of your cat. There are lots of options on the market, and you’ll probably not have much of an issue with selection. Circle back to our reviews if you’re having trouble landing on the right one for your kitty.

Long-Term Treatment

Some medicines are designed for long-term use, meaning that they don’t always work immediately. They have to get into their system and slowly kick in over the course of several weeks before they reach ultimate effectiveness. These treatments are best for cats who have continual anxiety.

Short-Term Treatment

Other supplements are designed to work right away. About a half-hour after you give them the treatment, you’ll start to notice a reduction in anxious behavior. These methods work better with cats who get flustered about outside influences—and not so much an overall sense of anxiety.

Different Forms of Administration

Cats will have varying tastes and preferences. Some cats won’t resist medication, while others will fight you tooth and nail. That’s why the market has so many options for cat owners to pick from.

Some may work better than others, and some are easier to give to your cat. It will totally depend on the individual feline.

Active Ingredients in Supplements

You can also make a decision based on natural ingredients versus synthetic ingredients. Ultimately, it will depend on your cat’s sensitivities and the severity of the anxious behavior.

How We Selected Our List of Cat Calming Supplements for Anxiety & Stress

Catster has an experienced, expert team of writers, editors, and veterinarians who carefully consider a wide range of parameters when choosing the cat calming supplements. This includes but is not limited to customer reviews, brand reputation, veterinary experience, hands-on testing, and of course, our cats have a say in the process too! We aim to select and review only the best products available, to help you make the best possible choice and most informed decision for your and your cat’s needs.

Why Trust Catster?

A trusted online brand since 2001, Catster has a lot of experience with cat calming supplements. Our team of cat-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians is dedicated to helping you make the best decision for your precious cats. Our aim is to provide the best information available for cat owners to help cats live their best life possible. To do this, we scour reviews from the most trusted sources available and this, combined with our veterinary team’s experience and expertise, helps us gather the best options available to readers. Our team is deeply invested in the health and welfare of cats the world over, and believes that expert knowledge and veterinary guidance will help you make the right choices—for you and your cats!

Conclusion

Each cat will have a different reaction to any supplement, and success is never a guarantee, but it is worth speaking to your vet and trying one of the ones we’ve listed. You may love the Rescue Remedy Stress Relief Pet Supplement. It’s all-natural and easy to administer. Your cat won’t even know you’re giving it to them, so it works for even the pickiest cats.

If you are watching your money but want results, you may want to check out Nutramax Solliquin Calming Cat Soft Chews. It’s the best supplement we could find for the money—and it can be a great help.

If you have any questions about the safety of a product, always consult your vet to determine the best course of action to calm your anxious kitty.

Featured Image Credit: Iryna Imago, Shutterstock

The post 7 Best Cat Calming Supplements for Anxiety & Stress in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Anxiety may not make sense to a lot of people, but it is a very real struggle for those who suffer from it. It can afflict humans and pets in varying degrees and can cause both physical and behavioral reactions. Many cats have anxiety about driving in the car, thunderstorms, unfamiliar visitors, or going for their annual veterinarian checkup.

When they don’t understand what is going on and find themselves in unfamiliar environments or situations, they can become overwhelmed, and their anxiety can skyrocket. This will cause them to protest, fight, and cry when they’re faced with the things that stress them out most.

It’s important to find the cause of your cat’s anxiety and deal with it because if left untreated, it can worsen and even develop into stress cystitis. Thankfully, there are several ways to reduce anxiety in cats, so keep reading to find out more.

What Is Anxiety?

Unlike fear, which enhances survival and gives cats the instincts to keep themselves safe from danger, anxiety is the anticipation of danger. The thing about anxiety is that it often arises when there is no real threat of danger, and yet the body reacts as though it is in danger. It is present in various species, and is often caused by a traumatic event, such as being bitten by a dog, kicked by a person, or hit by a car, or by big changes in your cat’s life, such as moving homes, a new baby or puppy, or loud fireworks.

Anxiety can develop quite early on. However, depending on the cause, it can develop at any age. Stepping in to reduce stressors in your cat’s life and treat the anxiety early is important, as it can worsen over time.

Signs of Anxiety in Cats

Anxiety can manifest itself differently from one cat to another. Some cats may seem fine behaviorally but won’t be able to eat, while others may tremble or act aggressively. Any changes to your cat’s eating patterns or behavior should be watched.

If your cat has any of the symptoms above or is frequently ill, take them to their veterinarian to rule out any other health issues. They will be able to diagnose your cat with anxiety and help you with ways to manage and treat it.

Speak To a Vet Online From the Comfort of Your Couch!

If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

Click to Speak With a Vet

Common Causes of Anxiety in Cats

Anxiety can be different for different cats. They can experience it differently, and different things can trigger anxiety in different cats.

The 10 Tips for a Life That’s Free of Anxiety

1. Reduce or Remove Anxiety Triggers

For cats with severe anxiety, determining what the cause is can be challenging because they could be anxious about many things. It’s important to watch your cat’s behavior and how they respond to different things to determine what triggers their anxiety. If they show any signs of anxiety after a particular event or situation, you will be able to put a list together of what their stressors are. This insight is important because it will help you reduce or remove those triggers from their environment.

For example, if your cat is scared of dogs and the neighbor’s dog barks at them whenever they leave the house, they might be happier being kept inside. In the same way, it might be better for your cat to keep them indoors on New Year’s Eve and other occasions when fireworks are set off if they’re afraid of loud noises. (In fact, this is highly recommended, regardless of noise anxiety!)

2. Desensitization

Although we just discussed removing things from your cat’s environment that trigger anxiety, it may be helpful to expose your cat to those triggers—but in a controlled way. Before doing so, this should be discussed with your vet and a veterinary behaviorist. Desensitization involves repeatedly exposing your cat to the things they’re scared of but at such a low level that they don’t react fearfully to it.

For example, if your cat is anxious when in their cat carrier, you can start off by leaving their cat carrier open in their environment. You can place treats and toys inside and make it appealing. Once they are confident enough to go inside on their own, you can shut the door briefly.

By repeatedly exposing your cat to their carrier in a gentle and controlled way, they will become desensitized to it and will eventually be able to go inside with the door closed for longer periods without feeling anxious.

This method will not work if you repeatedly expose your cat to something that triggers their anxiety, and they react fearfully to it. By exposing them to it over and over, their anxiety will worsen and not resolve.

3. Set Up a “Safe Space”

If your cat has a place of their own where they can hide out when they feel anxious, it may reduce their anxiety. Their hideout can be made of cardboard boxes, be in a large cupboard, or a quiet room. It’s important that this space be away from noise and other pets. It should also have a litterbox, some food and water, and a comfortable place to sleep.

If you don’t have the space to create a full hideout for your cat, getting them a cat tree with perches and an enclosure where they can “get away” when they feel anxious will help calm them down.

Those caring for anxious cats understand the struggles and discomfort that their companions feel on a daily basis. The innovative bowl shape of the Hepper Nest Bed provides nervous pets with support and its high sides offer a sense of security, diminishing stress and worry. To learn about how to the Hepper Nest can provide solace to your cat, click here.

Hepper Cat Nest - Washable Cat Bed with Removable...

• HAPPY COZY CATS - Your kitty will bask in luxurious sherpa-lined comfort while feeling warm, safe,...
• MODERN DESIGN - Contemporary styling with upholstered fabric construction; just like your human...
• WARM FLEECE LINER - Self warming, thick sherpa fleece with microfiber trim.

Check Price on Amazon

At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

4. Don’t Leave Your Cat Alone in Silence

If your cat becomes anxious when they have to be at home alone, adding some soft music or white noise can make a difference. There is music that has been created for cats with the help of scientists that is on their frequency range and may help to reduce anxiety. There are hours and hours of this type of music that you can leave playing for your cat all day long.

If you have a white noise machine, your cat might benefit from that. Sound machines drown out other noises—noises that might trigger your cat’s anxiety such as barking dogs or hooting cars—and help your cat remain calm when you leave for work or other appointments.

5. Add Exercise to Their Routine

A well-exercised cat will often feel calmer and happier. You can exercise your cat physically and mentally by taking them for walks on a harness, using food puzzles, adding scratching posts to their environment, getting interactive toys for them to play with, and setting aside time each day to engage with your cat.

Adding mental and physical stimulation to your cat’s day will help them focus on something other than their anxiety.

6. Give Them the Space They Need

It’s normal to want to be there for your cat when they’re anxious, cuddle them, and let them know that they’re going to be okay. However, sometimes, this can do more harm than good, if you are reinforcing this anxiety unintentionally, or being overbearing with the attention, when they would prefer to be alone. If they want your attention, give it to them in appropriate amounts, but if they don’t, give them the space they need.

7. Feed Your Cat Away from Other Pets

Some cats feel anxious around mealtimes when they have to share bowls or eat near other pets. Their anxiety may stem from when they were younger and had to fight their littermates for food because there wasn’t enough for all of them.

If your cat is anxious around mealtimes or shows aggression towards other pets when they have food near them, make sure that you feed them in a separate area so that they can eat calmly and not have to be on high alert.

8. Add Litter Boxes to Your Home

If your cat is urinating and pooping outside of their litter box, it might be because they feel anxious using their litter box. Some cats don’t like to pee or poop where another cat has done their business, so if you have two cats, you will need at least two litter boxes, preferably three.

Anxious cats may not like to feel confined, so make sure to place their litter boxes in places that are open and have various entry points. Placing it in a corner will keep it out of the way, but it might make your cat feel trapped and deter them from using it.

9. Use Calming Products

There are many calming products in pet stores and online that can help reduce anxiety in your cat. They can be a big help when visitors stay over, when you bring home a new pet, or when moving homes. Pheromone sprays, diffusers, collars, and wipes are a drug-free option that are safe to use around all your pets. They contain pheromones and can be purchased without a prescription from your veterinarian.

Cats communicate by smelling and releasing pheromones. By placing products that contain pheromones around your home, your cat will be receiving positive, happy messages which will reduce anxiety and create a feline-friendly environment for your cat.

10. Consider Anti-Anxiety Medication

If your cat has severe anxiety, nothing is helping, and it is starting to affect your cat, your other pets, and your family negatively, you should reach out to your veterinarian for help. They can discuss anti-anxiety medication options with you. Depending on your cat, they may advise you to give this medication to your cat every day to help them cope. Otherwise, they may advise you to give your cat short-term medication that will help them cope during triggering events, such as fireworks or an appointment at the groomer.

It’s important to give your cat the medication exactly as it is prescribed by your veterinarian. If it doesn’t work for your cat, be sure to inform your veterinarian so they can try a different option that may affect your cat better.

Conclusion

Anxiety is in part the anticipation of danger, and it can cause your cat to react physically and behaviorally. Thankfully, there are ways to help a cat live with lessened or no anxiety, and it can be done by removing things from a cat’s environment that trigger anxiety, desensitizing your cat, setting up a safe space, adding exercise to their day, giving them the space they need, playing cat music when you leave the house, feeding them separately, adding more litter boxes, using calming products and giving them medication.  Veterinary help is crucial to the process, so don’t forget to include your cat’s vet in the process!

Featured Image Credit: Maistet, Shutterstock

The post How to Reduce Anxiety in Cats: 10 Vet Verified Tips by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Choosing a cat bowl might seem as simple as picking the first cute dish you find—but any cat parent knows that finding the one is a serious and specific business. Is your feline a dainty sipper, a spill-prone splasher, or a high-speed snacker who gobbles like it’s a race?

From whisker-friendly designs to bowls that recognize your cat’s microchip, picking the perfect bowl can be a jungle—but the following reviews of our favorite cat bowls will meet your cat’s quirkiest mealtime needs. Get ready to elevate your kitty’s dining experience and maybe, just maybe, reduce a little cleanup, too!

Note: Our veterinarian has verified the information about the products presented in this article. However, the products themselves are not selections made by the veterinarian.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		Hepper NomNom Whisker Relief Bowl	Whisker-friendly design Stylish modern design Elevated lip prevents spills	CHECK PRICE
		Van Ness EcoWare Cat Dish	Budget-friendly Non-skid base Eco-friendly and BPA-free	CHECK PRICE
		Necoichi Tilted Stress-Free Raised Cat Food Bowl	Ergonomic, raised design Whisker-friendly shape Durable, microwave and dishwasher-safe	CHECK PRICE
		Dr. Catsby’s Whisker Relief Bowl	Made from durable stainless steel Non-skid base	CHECK PRICE
		PetRageous Designs Frisky Kitty Oval Ceramic Bowl	Cute, hand-painted design Durable ceramic material	CHECK PRICE

The 10 Best Cat Bowls of 2024

1. Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl – Best Overall

The Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl is without a doubt our favorite cat bowl. The Hepper team designed the NomNom bowl to be both functional and stylish, offering your cat an all-around fabulous mealtime experience.

The bowl features two shallow stainless steel dishes, perfect for holding food and water, and its elevated edge prevents spills. This makes it ideal for cats that like to push their food around (which is most of them, right?). The shallow design is also whisker-friendly, ensuring that your cat eats without their whiskers touching the bowl’s edges.

The NomNom Bowl is also made from BPA-free materials. It’s safe, looks great, cats love it, and it’s easy to clean, making it a favorite for cats and their parents.

At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

2. Van Ness EcoWare Cat Dish

The Van Ness EcoWare Cat Dish offers an eco-friendly, budget-conscious choice for cat owners who want a safe, durable dish.

This bowl is made from renewable bamboo, making it lightweight yet durable. It features a non-skid base to prevent sliding, which is great for cats who tend to push their bowls around (again, most of them, right?).

This bowl is microwave-safe and free from harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates. For smaller cats at this price, it’s hard to beat, making it an excellent everyday dish that doesn’t compromise on quality.

3. Necoichi Tilted Stress-Free Raised Cat Food Bowl

The Necoichi Tilted Stress-Free Raised Cat Food Bowl is ideal for cats who prefer to eat in a more elevated position. Raised at an angle, it allows your cat to eat without bending down too much, reducing the strain on their necks. This feature is potentially useful for older cats or those with arthritis.

Made from high-quality ceramic, it’s also microwave and dishwasher-safe, and its wide design is appealing to pet parents. The cute paw-print design is a bonus for pet owners who like aesthetic appeal.

4. Dr. Catsby’s Whisker Relief Bowl

Dr. Catsby’s Whisker Relief Bowl is a stainless steel option specifically designed for cats who enjoy eating out of wide bowls instead of narrower ones. The bowl (which looks like something out of a sci-fi movie), is wide and shallow, ensuring that your cat’s whiskers don’t brush against the sides while eating.

As a bonus, this bowl is also non-skid, making it stable for even the most enthusiastic eaters. The high-quality, food-grade stainless steel is resistant to bacteria and easy to clean. However, some users have noted that it may scratch easily, and soupy foods can spill over the shallow edge.

5. PetRageous Designs Frisky Kitty Oval Ceramic Bowl

Sometimes we want funky over clunky, and the PetRageous bowl gives us exactly that. This ceramic bowl is a solid choice for cat owners who want something both functional and decorative.

The hand-painted designs add a playful touch to any home, and the sturdy ceramic construction ensures durability. The bowl is microwave- and dishwasher-safe, making it convenient for feeding and cleaning. Its oval shape makes it more appealing for cats that enjoy eating from wider dishes, preventing any discomfort during mealtime. However, it can be a bit heavy, and like all ceramic products, it’s prone to breakage if dropped.

6. IRIS Slow Feeding Cat Bowl

Have a cat who likes to hoover down their food? The IRIS Slow Feeding Cat Bowl is a potential choice for cats that eat too quickly.

It features raised bumps and grooves within the bowl that encourage your pet to slow down while eating, reducing the risk of bloating and improving digestion. The bowl is made from BPA-free plastic and features a non-slip base to keep it secure during mealtime. This is especially useful for cats that are prone to scarfing down their food. However, it’s made from plastic, so it may not be as durable or long-lasting as other materials.

In addition, do note that rapid eating can be associated with some underlying issues in pet cats (such as hormonal diseases). While a slow-feeding bowl may circumstantially help such cats, you should definitely have your cat looked over by a vet if you suspect that they do indeed eat very rapidly, as a bowl alone will not curb underlying health issues.

7. Neater Feeder Deluxe Cat Bowl

The Neater Feeder Deluxe is perfect for cats who like to decorate the kitchen while they eat. For messy eaters, this two-tiered design catches spilled food and water, preventing messes on your floor.

The elevated bowls also promote better digestion, making it a great option for older cats or those with health issues. With its anti-tipping design, this bowl is built for stability. However, it takes up more space than a traditional bowl and may be overkill for neat eaters.

8. Petkit Fresh Nano Adjustable Elevated Cat Bowls

For those cats who prefer eating from an elevated surface, these bowls feature an ergonomic, 15-degree tilted design that reduces neck strain and helps with digestion. Made from dishwasher-safe and rust-resistant stainless steel, they are durable and easy to clean. The anti-slip base ensures stability, even for enthusiastic eaters. The modern design makes it a great fit for any home, and since launch, Petkit has increased the size of these bowls which some users are finding may be too big for smaller cats.

9. SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder

Perfect for multi-cat households, the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder ensures that each cat only eats their allotted food. It uses your cat’s microchip or an RFID tag to open, preventing food theft and ensuring correct portion sizes.

This feeder is ideal for cats on special diets or in homes with food competition or aggression. However, it’s more expensive and requires batteries for operation. In addition, do note that inter-cat aggression may still ensue once the food is dispensed!

10. PetSafe Healthy Pet Water Station

For cats that need a constant supply of fresh water, the PetSafe Healthy Pet Water Station is a top pick. It features a large, gravity-fed reservoir that automatically dispenses water as needed. The stainless steel bowl is durable and easy to clean, and the large capacity means fewer refills. It’s perfect for busy pet owners or multi-cat households, though it takes up more space than a standard bowl and there are reports of rambunctious cats tipping the water reservoir over.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Cat Bowl

Choosing the right cat bowl may not seem like a monumental task, but for pet parents, it’s akin to finding the Holy Grail of pet supplies. Cats can be… well, you know… difficult at times. They have unique eating and drinking habits, and selecting the perfect bowl can streamline the entire mealtime experience while (hopefully) keeping your home mess-free.

In this guide, we’ll explore the factors to consider when choosing a cat bowl and provide insights into various options available in the market.

Quick Recap: Here is Our Favorite Bowl For Cats

Hepper 360 Cat Feeder, Stainless Steel, Anti-Chew...

• NO MESS - The 360° tray on this cat food and water bowl set has a raised design to catch and...
• WHISKER FRIENDLY - Shallow and wide metal containers with flat bottoms ensure your kitty can enjoy...
• CHEW-SAFE MATERIALS - Kittens and cats love chewing on silicone and soft rubber - but it's a choking...

Check Price on Amazon

At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding products of this cool pet company!

Important Considerations When Choosing a Cat Bowl

When shopping for a cat bowl, consider the following factors to find the perfect match for your furry friend:

Material

Cat bowls come in various materials, including plastic, ceramic, and stainless steel. Each has its pros and cons. For instance, while plastic bowls are lightweight and affordable, they can scratch easily and as such they may harbor bacteria. Ceramic bowls are more durable and stylish but can break if dropped. Stainless steel bowls are rust-resistant and easy to clean, making them a popular choice.

Size and Capacity

The size of the bowl should match your cat’s needs. A small bowl may not hold enough food or water for larger cats or multiple pets, while an overly large bowl may be cumbersome for smaller cats.

Shape and Design

The shape of the bowl can affect how comfortable your cat is while eating. Most (but not all) cats prefer shallow, wider bowls. Likewise, elevated designs may be the preference of other cats. The design can also enhance your living space with sleek and modern bowls or can add a bit of cute, kitschiness if that’s what you’re looking for.

Cleaning and Maintenance

By choosing a bowl that’s easy to clean and dishwasher-safe you can make mealtime less stressful for all. Bacteria can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas, so smooth surfaces are preferable. Bowls that are designed for easy cleaning ensure your cat’s feeding area remains hygienic.

Non-Slip Features

If your cat tends to push their bowl around, look for non-slip options. Alternatively, you can buy non-slip mats to put your cat’s bowl on if you’re set on a design that doesn’t offer non-slip features. This feature helps keep the bowl in place and reduces mess during mealtime.

What Makes a Good Cat Bowl?

A good cat bowl balances functionality, comfort, and aesthetics. Key characteristics include:

What About Whisker Stress?

A growing concern among many pet parents is that their cats would experience discomfort when their whiskers touch the side of a narrow bowl while eating. This concern is often referred to as “whisker-stress”. In recent years, many products have flooded the market claiming to help combat or prevent this condition.

This is a new and controversial topic, as there is not currently enough research into the claims to support or negate the validity of the condition. However, in one study that had cats purposefully tested for the potential of whisker stress, it was found that when given the choice, most cats tended to prefer wider dishes over narrower ones.

As such, we recommend accounting for possible whisker fatigue or stress. Whether a documented condition or not, it’s true that a cat’s whiskers are sensitive, so erring on the side of caution and comfort will not cause your cat any harm. But, if your cat prefers a narrow bowl, then using such a bowl would be perfectly safe for their whiskers.

Evolution of Cat Bowls

Cat bowls have evolved significantly over the years. Early models were often basic and utilitarian, lacking thoughtful design elements. Modern bowls now feature innovative designs, materials, and technology to cater to various feline needs (like using microchip recognition to prevent food theft or overeating among multiple pets). This advancement not only improves convenience but also ensures that each cat gets the appropriate food they need.

Design Choices and Their Effects

The design of a cat bowl can greatly impact user experience. For example, shallow shapes may help minimize the risk of mess. However, do note that kittens are notoriously bad at using shallow bowls or dishes and often crawl into the entire dish while eating, usually ending with cat food stuck all over their bellies! Elevated heights of bowls may anecdotally help reduce strain for older cats, making mealtime more comfortable.

The quest for the perfect cat bowl involves considering material, size, design, and your cat’s unique habits. With options like our top pick leading the pack for its stylish design and practicality, you’re sure to find the right fit that enhances both your cat’s dining experience and your home decor. After all, every cat deserves a dining experience that’s as special as they are!

How We Selected Our List of the Best Cat Bowls

Catster has an experienced, expert team of writers, editors, and veterinarians who carefully consider a wide range of parameters when choosing the cat bowls. This includes but is not limited to customer reviews, brand reputation, veterinary experience, hands-on testing, and of course, our cats have a say in the process too! We aim to select and review only the best products available, to help you make the best possible choice and most informed decision for your and your cat’s needs.

Why Trust Catster?

A trusted online brand since 2001, Catster has a lot of experience with cat bowls. Our team of cat-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians is dedicated to helping you make the best decision for your precious cats. Our aim is to provide the best information available for cat owners to help cats live their best life possible. To do this, we scour reviews from the most trusted sources available and this, combined with our veterinary team’s experience and expertise, helps us gather the best options available to readers. Our team is deeply invested in the health and welfare of cats the world over, and believes that expert knowledge and veterinary guidance will help you make the right choices—for you and your cats!

Conclusion

Our top five picks for cat bowls include the Hepper NomNom Bowl for its stylish and mess-free design, as well as its whisker-friendly shape, the Van Ness EcoWare Cat Dish as a budget-friendly eco option, and the Necoichi Raised Cat Food Bowl for its ergonomic benefits. The Dr. Catsby’s Whisker Relief Bowl is likely to be popular with cats who prefer wider bowls, while the PetSafe Healthy Pet Water Station ensures a constant supply of fresh water. These products, highlighted in our reviews, cater to diverse needs, making mealtime enjoyable and stress-free for both you and your furry friend.

Featured Image Credit: Rimma Bondarenko, Shutterstock

The post 10 Best Cat Bowls in 2024 – Reviews and Top Picks (Vet-Verified) by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

The adorable feline phenomenon of ‘biscuit-making’ has taken social media by storm over the past few years, with some owners even going so far as dressing up their kitty in a baker’s hat and coat and filming them during their process. It’s adorable, and watching the cats go into their trance as they paw at blankets, couches, pillows, or stuffed animals (often shaped like baked goods), brings so much joy to parents and viewers alike.

Recently, it was discovered that this habit is not specific to our modern-day housecats. A 1200-year-old jug fragment was found in Jerusalem by archaeologists, that has an imprint of a small cat’s biscuit-making endeavors, making it the oldest evidence we have of this behavior.

The markings were noticed on the pottery fragment during post-excavation work in the laboratory by the lab director Gretchen Cotter.

Dr. Shimon Gibson, an archaeologist at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, who co-directed the Mount Zion excavation that revealed the finding, shared that the team believes the print represents kneading rather than just a resting paw because the “claws were extended and left deep marks in the clay surface. We can only [imagine] that it was purring as it soaked up the Jerusalem sun.”¹

It is suspected that the relaxed cat left its prints in a freshly made jug before it was kiln-fired and used to carry liquids such as water, wine, or olive oil. It appears that the jug’s surface was still wet and malleable at the time of the ‘biscuit-making’.

A Claw-some Discovery

The jug fragment with the kitty print was recovered from near the summit of the traditional Mount Zion on the southwestern hill at a site of an ancient residential quarter. Dr. Gibson explained that the archaeologist team was able to roughly date the jug fragment to the ninth century based on other findings of pottery that they reliably dated to be from the Abbasid period (A.D. 750 to 1258).² This is not the first time archaeologists in the area have found evidence of cats in their excavations. Feline remains have been discovered dating back over 9000 years, and they have even found sculptures of cats dating back 10,000 years.

“Pawprints exist in abundance,” said Dr. Gibson, “but not with evidence of claws and kneading.”

The archaeologists also discovered numerous small fingerprints on pottery fragments, likely left by the potter’s children, who often helped attach jar handles, at the Mount Zion site. The jug fragment bearing the cat’s kneading print is currently being processed and will soon be handed over to Israeli authorities for further decisions on its preservation and display.

Kneadless to Say, Humans Have Always Kneaded Their Kitty Companions

There are many suggested reasons why a cat kneads, from comfort to showing love, with instinct generally being the top-inferred explanation. In discovering this 1200-year-old ancient paw print, we’re reminded that some of our favorite feline behaviors are in fact rooted in their history, transcending time and place. Kneading is more than just an adorable habit, it connects our beloved cats to their ancient ancestors and connects us to ours. Ultimately, these traces remind us of the timeless bond between humans and their biscuit-making kitty companions.

Featured Image Credit: Shimon Gibson/Mt Zion Expedition, Sourced from Live Science, All rights reserved to the copyright owners.

The post 1,200-Year-Old ‘Biscuit-Making’ Paw Prints Found by Archaeologists Suggest the Habit is Not Just for Modern Cats by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Choosing a cat bowl might seem as simple as picking the first cute dish you find—but any cat parent knows that finding the one is a serious and specific business. Is your feline a dainty sipper, a spill-prone splasher, or a high-speed snacker who gobbles like it’s a race?

From whisker-friendly designs to bowls that recognize your cat’s microchip, picking the perfect bowl can be a jungle—but the following reviews of our favorite cat bowls will meet your cat’s quirkiest mealtime needs. Get ready to elevate your kitty’s dining experience and maybe, just maybe, reduce a little cleanup, too!

Note: The information about the products presented in this article has been verified by a veterinarian. However, the products themselves are not selections made by the veterinarian.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		Hepper NomNom Whisker Relief Bowl	Whisker-friendly design Stylish modern design Elevated lip prevents spills	CHECK PRICE
Budget Buy		Van Ness EcoWare Cat Dish	Budget-friendly Non-skid base Eco-friendly and BPA-free	CHECK PRICE
		Necoichi Tilted Stress-Free Raised Cat Food Bowl	Ergonomic, raised design Whisker-friendly shape Durable, microwave and dishwasher-safe	CHECK PRICE
		Dr. Catsby’s Whisker Relief Bowl	Made from durable stainless steel Non-skid base	CHECK PRICE
		PetRageous Designs Frisky Kitty Oval Ceramic Bowl	Cute, hand-painted design Durable ceramic material	CHECK PRICE

The 10 Best Cat Bowls of 2024

1. Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl – Best Overall

The Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl is without a doubt our favorite cat bowl. The Hepper team designed the NomNom bowl to be both functional and stylish, offering your cat an all-around fabulous mealtime experience.

The bowl features two shallow stainless steel dishes, perfect for holding food and water, and its elevated edge prevents spills. This makes it ideal for cats that like to push their food around (which is most of them, right?). The shallow design is also whisker-friendly, ensuring that your cat eats without their whiskers touching the bowl’s edges.

The NomNom Bowl is also made from BPA-free materials. It’s safe, looks great, cats love it, and it’s easy to clean, making it a favorite for cats and their parents.

At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

2. Van Ness EcoWare Cat Dish – Budget Buy

The Van Ness EcoWare Cat Dish offers an eco-friendly, budget-conscious choice for cat owners who want a safe, durable dish.

This bowl is made from renewable bamboo, making it lightweight yet durable. It features a non-skid base to prevent sliding, which is great for cats who tend to push their bowls around (again, most of them, right?).

This bowl is microwave-safe and free from harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates. For smaller cats at this price, it’s hard to beat, making it an excellent everyday dish that doesn’t compromise on quality.

3. Necoichi Tilted Stress-Free Raised Cat Food Bowl

The Necoichi Tilted Stress-Free Raised Cat Food Bowl is ideal for cats who prefer to eat in a more elevated position. Raised at an angle, it allows your cat to eat without bending down too much, reducing the strain on their necks. This feature is potentially useful for older cats or those with arthritis.

Made from high-quality ceramic, it’s also microwave and dishwasher-safe, and its wide design is appealing to pet parents. The cute paw-print design is a bonus for pet owners who like aesthetic appeal.

4. Dr. Catsby’s Whisker Relief Bowl

Dr. Catsby’s Whisker Relief Bowl is a stainless steel option specifically designed for cats who enjoy eating out of wide bowls instead of narrower ones. The bowl (which looks like something out of a sci-fi movie), is wide and shallow, ensuring that your cat’s whiskers don’t brush against the sides while eating.

As a bonus, this bowl is also non-skid, making it stable for even the most enthusiastic eaters. The high-quality, food-grade stainless steel is resistant to bacteria and easy to clean. However, some users have noted that it may scratch easily, and soupy foods can spill over the shallow edge.

5. PetRageous Designs Frisky Kitty Oval Ceramic Bowl

Sometimes we want funky over clunky, and the PetRageous bowl gives us exactly that. This ceramic bowl is a solid choice for cat owners who want something both functional and decorative.

The hand-painted designs add a playful touch to any home, and the sturdy ceramic construction ensures durability. The bowl is microwave- and dishwasher-safe, making it convenient for feeding and cleaning. Its oval shape makes it more appealing for cats that enjoy eating from wider dishes, preventing any discomfort during mealtime. However, it can be a bit heavy, and like all ceramic products, it’s prone to breakage if dropped.

6. IRIS Slow Feeding Cat Bowl

Have a cat who likes to hoover down their food? The IRIS Slow Feeding Cat Bowl is a potential choice for cats that eat too quickly.

It features raised bumps and grooves within the bowl that encourage your pet to slow down while eating, reducing the risk of bloating and improving digestion. The bowl is made from BPA-free plastic and features a non-slip base to keep it secure during mealtime. This is especially useful for cats that are prone to scarfing down their food. However, it’s made from plastic, so it may not be as durable or long-lasting as other materials.

In addition, do note that rapid eating can be associated with some underlying issues in pet cats (such as hormonal diseases). While a slow-feeding bowl may circumstantially help such cats, you should definitely have your cat looked over by a vet if you suspect that they do indeed eat very rapidly, as a bowl alone will not curb underlying health issues.

7. Neater Feeder Deluxe Cat Bowl

The Neater Feeder Deluxe is perfect for cats who like to decorate the kitchen while they eat. For messy eaters, this two-tiered design catches spilled food and water, preventing messes on your floor.

The elevated bowls also promote better digestion, making it a great option for older cats or those with health issues. With its anti-tipping design, this bowl is built for stability. However, it takes up more space than a traditional bowl and may be overkill for neat eaters.

8. Petkit Fresh Nano Adjustable Elevated Cat Bowls

For those cats who prefer eating from an elevated surface, these bowls feature an ergonomic, 15-degree tilted design that reduces neck strain and helps with digestion. Made from dishwasher-safe and rust-resistant stainless steel, they are durable and easy to clean. The anti-slip base ensures stability, even for enthusiastic eaters. The modern design makes it a great fit for any home, and since launch, Petkit has increased the size of these bowls which some users are finding may be too big for smaller cats.

9. SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder

Perfect for multi-cat households, the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder ensures that each cat only eats their allotted food. It uses your cat’s microchip or an RFID tag to open, preventing food theft and ensuring correct portion sizes.

This feeder is ideal for cats on special diets or in homes with food competition or aggression. However, it’s more expensive and requires batteries for operation. In addition, do note that inter-cat aggression may still ensue once the food is dispensed!

10. PetSafe Healthy Pet Water Station

For cats that need a constant supply of fresh water, the PetSafe Healthy Pet Water Station is a top pick. It features a large, gravity-fed reservoir that automatically dispenses water as needed. The stainless steel bowl is durable and easy to clean, and the large capacity means fewer refills. It’s perfect for busy pet owners or multi-cat households, though it takes up more space than a standard bowl and there are reports of rambunctious cats tipping the water reservoir over.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Cat Bowl

Choosing the right cat bowl may not seem like a monumental task, but for pet parents, it’s akin to finding the Holy Grail of pet supplies. Cats can be… well, you know… difficult at times. They have unique eating and drinking habits, and selecting the perfect bowl can streamline the entire mealtime experience while (hopefully) keeping your home mess-free.

In this guide, we’ll explore the factors to consider when choosing a cat bowl and provide insights into various options available in the market.

Important Considerations When Choosing a Cat Bowl

When shopping for a cat bowl, consider the following factors to find the perfect match for your furry friend:

Material

Cat bowls come in various materials, including plastic, ceramic, and stainless steel. Each has its pros and cons. For instance, while plastic bowls are lightweight and affordable, they can scratch easily and as such they may harbor bacteria. Ceramic bowls are more durable and stylish but can break if dropped. Stainless steel bowls are rust-resistant and easy to clean, making them a popular choice.

Size and Capacity

The size of the bowl should match your cat’s needs. A small bowl may not hold enough food or water for larger cats or multiple pets, while an overly large bowl may be cumbersome for smaller cats.

Shape and Design

The shape of the bowl can affect how comfortable your cat is while eating. Most (but not all) cats prefer shallow, wider bowls. Likewise, elevated designs may be the preference of other cats. The design can also enhance your living space with sleek and modern bowls or can add a bit of cute, kitschiness if that’s what you’re looking for.

Cleaning and Maintenance

By choosing a bowl that’s easy to clean and dishwasher-safe you can make mealtime less stressful for all. Bacteria can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas, so smooth surfaces are preferable. Bowls that are designed for easy cleaning ensure your cat’s feeding area remains hygienic.

Non-Slip Features

If your cat tends to push their bowl around, look for non-slip options. Alternatively, you can buy non-slip mats to put your cat’s bowl on if you’re set on a design that doesn’t offer non-slip features. This feature helps keep the bowl in place and reduces mess during mealtime.

What Makes a Good Cat Bowl?

A good cat bowl balances functionality, comfort, and aesthetics. Key characteristics include:

What About Whisker Stress?

A growing concern among many pet parents is that their cats would experience discomfort when their whiskers touch the side of a narrow bowl while eating. This concern is often referred to as “whisker-stress”. In recent years, many products have flooded the market claiming to help combat or prevent this condition.

This is a new and controversial topic, as there is not currently enough research into the claims to support or negate the validity of the condition. However, in one study that had cats purposefully tested for the potential of whisker stress, it was found that when given the choice, most cats tended to prefer wider dishes over narrower ones.

As such, we recommend accounting for possible whisker fatigue or stress. Whether a documented condition or not, it’s true that a cat’s whiskers are sensitive, so erring on the side of caution and comfort will not cause your cat any harm. But, if your cat prefers a narrow bowl, then using such a bowl would be perfectly safe for their whiskers.

Evolution of Cat Bowls

Cat bowls have evolved significantly over the years. Early models were often basic and utilitarian, lacking thoughtful design elements. Modern bowls now feature innovative designs, materials, and technology to cater to various feline needs (like using microchip recognition to prevent food theft or overeating among multiple pets). This advancement not only improves convenience but also ensures that each cat gets the appropriate food they need.

Design Choices and Their Effects

The design of a cat bowl can greatly impact user experience. For example, shallow shapes may help minimize the risk of mess. However, do note that kittens are notoriously bad at using shallow bowls or dishes and often crawl into the entire dish while eating, usually ending with cat food stuck all over their bellies! Elevated heights of bowls may anecdotally help reduce strain for older cats, making mealtime more comfortable.

The quest for the perfect cat bowl involves considering material, size, design, and your cat’s unique habits. With options like our top pick leading the pack for its stylish design and practicality, you’re sure to find the right fit that enhances both your cat’s dining experience and your home decor. After all, every cat deserves a dining experience that’s as special as they are!

How We Selected Our List of the Best Cat Bowls

Catster has an experienced, expert team of writers, editors, and veterinarians who carefully consider a wide range of parameters when choosing the cat bowls. This includes but is not limited to customer reviews, brand reputation, veterinary experience, hands-on testing, and of course, our cats have a say in the process too! We aim to select and review only the best products available, to help you make the best possible choice and most informed decision for your and your cat’s needs.

Why Trust Catster?

A trusted online brand since 2001, Catster has a lot of experience with cat bowls. Our team of cat-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians is dedicated to helping you make the best decision for your precious cats. Our aim is to provide the best information available for cat owners to help cats live their best life possible. To do this, we scour reviews from the most trusted sources available and this, combined with our veterinary team’s experience and expertise, helps us gather the best options available to readers. Our team is deeply invested in the health and welfare of cats the world over, and believes that expert knowledge and veterinary guidance will help you make the right choices—for you and your cats!

Conclusion

Our top five picks for cat bowls include the Hepper NomNom Bowl for its stylish and mess-free design, as well as its whisker-friendly shape, the Van Ness EcoWare Cat Dish as a budget-friendly eco option, and the Necoichi Raised Cat Food Bowl for its ergonomic benefits. The Dr. Catsby’s Whisker Relief Bowl is likely to be popular with cats who prefer wider bowls, while the PetSafe Healthy Pet Water Station ensures a constant supply of fresh water. These products, highlighted in our reviews, cater to diverse needs, making mealtime enjoyable and stress-free for both you and your furry friend.

Featured Image Credit: Rimma Bondarenko, Shutterstock

The post 10 Best Cat Bowls in 2024 – Reviews and Top Picks (Vet-Verified) by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Pets Global, along with local college students, retailers, rescue organizations, and volunteers, have united and distributed over 120,000 lbs of donated cat and dog food to over 35 communities affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.

Ensuring that high-quality pet food is accessible to as many pet parents as possible is one of Pets Global Inc.’s main commitments, and as a part of this mission, they have stepped up in times of crisis, offering both hope and nourishment to animals in need.

Following the devastation caused by recent hurricanes across the Southeastern U.S., the company has partnered with rescue organizations, small businesses, and animal advocates to provide crucial relief to pet owners. They continue to support those still recovering from the storms’ aftermaths, with more than 120,000 pounds (over 60 tons) of premium pet food delivered to affected communities in North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, Georgia, and Florida.

Saving Lives and Providing Hope

Pets Global’s efforts are about much more than just food. They represent a lifeline for pet owners who are struggling to care for their beloved fur babies while trying to rebuild their lives. With the support of trusted partners such as Southeast Pet, Pet Source, and dedicated volunteers from Emory & Henry University, the company has managed to reach even the hardest-hit areas. By joining forces with local animal welfare organizations like the Smyth County Animal Shelter, Animal Shelter of Sullivan County, and Blue Ridge Humane, Pets Global has ensured that pet parents everywhere get the essential supplies they need to care for their furry companions.

The wake of these hurricanes has affected entire communities, and for many, pets have remained a constant source of love and comfort. “Our community has opened their hearts, wallets, and working hands to help us,” said Ericka Gamble of the Animal Shelter of Sullivan County, Tennessee (ASOSC). “This area was not prepared for the disaster that hit us. Many people lost everything, but this hurricane affected us all. For some people, their pet is all they have left.”

Pets Global understands the deep bond between pet owners and their animals, even more so during trying times. That’s why the company knew they needed to help. The sixty tons of pet food they provided included a variety of products for both dogs and cats, from kibble to wet canned food, and even treats. These came from some of their most trusted and limited-ingredient brands, including Zignature, Fussie Cat, Inception, and Essence.

A Giant Effort, From Coast to Coast and Across State Lines

The effort to distribute this food to the communities in need was no small task and required a coordinated effort between over 30 individuals across seven states. From its headquarters in Southern California, Pets Global worked tirelessly to ensure that these crucial supplies were transported and delivered efficiently.

“I am grateful that we at Pets Global are able to not only assist efforts in Western North Carolina but also the harder-to-reach rural towns in the Tri-Cities,” said Ellie Mosser, Community Relations Specialist at Pets Global and Emory & Henry alum. “We pride ourselves in supporting independent retailers, and assisting in local grassroots efforts is a natural extension of that commitment.”

For the independent, family-owned pet food company, the focus is always on helping people and pets thrive together. By providing relief to pet owners in these disaster-stricken areas, Pets Global is making sure that families can keep their pets safe and well-fed, even when times are tough. The hurricanes might have upended many lives, but the response from organizations like Pets Global has helped restore some normalcy and faith for pets and their parents in the affected regions.

About Pets Global Inc.

Pets Global Inc. is an independent, family-owned, holistic pet health company committed to pets and the people who love them, with a mission to help people help their beloved pets live longer and healthier lives. Founded on a passion for animal welfare, they aim to create the best possible foods and products for our furry companions.

Pets Global’s premium pet nutrition products are known internationally for providing accessible longevity. Learn more about their Zignature, Fussie Cat, Essence, and Inception brands by clicking on the names, or by visiting their main site at https://pets-global.com/.

Images provided by Pets Global Inc.

The post Over 120,000 lbs of Donated Pet Food Delivered to Hurricane-Affected Communities Thanks to Pets Global & Locals by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Pet parents are more cautious and attentive than ever nowadays, leading more of us to overreact when things seem amiss with our cats. While some issues genuinely demand immediate care, many concerns are minor, making us sometimes feel we wasted our time and our vets’ time, as well as stressing our cat out, with what probably could have been an email or phone call.

Thankfully, we now have a middle ground that saves us that effort while providing valuable peace of mind: pet telehealth. Virtual vet visits are growing in popularity, streamlining the healthcare process for everyone at home and in the vet’s office. Let’s explore how pet telehealth can work for your cat and why you may benefit from these cost-effective services.

How Does Pet Telehealth Work?

Many companies offer pet telehealth services, which connect users with veterinary experts through a virtual portal. Users set up an account for their pets and schedule virtual visits or connect immediately with a professional.

Some telehealth services use websites, while others have iOS or Android apps or a combination of all three platforms. Many provide 24/7 vet access to assist owners at any time of day, helping them potentially avoid emergency vet visits.

While televisits often involve video calls, you can usually also chat with vets or call or text them on the phone to exchange videos and pictures. Telehealth services give cat owners an easy route to answer medical questions by connecting them with vets, behavioral specialists, nutritionists, trainers, and other experts.

Typical pet telehealth offerings include:

Telemedicine, the branch of telehealth dealing with diagnoses and treatment, depends on the service and your state’s laws. Vets can sometimes prescribe certain medications without requiring in-person visits.

Many services add further convenience by connecting you with vets who write prescriptions and provide prescription shipping all in one place.

What Are the Different Types of Pet Telehealth?

Telehealth platforms vary in the services they offer and their payment structure. Individual visits can range from being completely free to costing a few hundred dollars. It all depends on the extent and quality of the service and the vet. Some platforms work on subscriptions, where a monthly or annual fee provides multiple virtual vet visits and account management features like personalized care plans, pet health trackers, and reminders.

You can use telehealth services to get general advice from a remote professional or connect with your usual local vet on a remote platform. Popular telehealth services include:

If your vet uses telehealth as part of their practice, you can schedule check-ins and ask questions from your home. You can enjoy many benefits of a regular visit, including refilling prescriptions. Pet telehealth is also popping up as a perk for membership with different groups.

Walmart, for instance, added a Pawp plan for its Walmart+ customers. Meanwhile, AirVet began specializing in working with businesses to make pet telehealth an employee benefit. As cat parents increasingly prioritize their pets’ health and quality of life, more organizations are leveraging offers like pet telehealth, paw-ternity leave, and pet insurance to entice customers and quality employees.

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Where Is It Used?

Pet telehealth services are widely available. Users can access them for general health help from anywhere, though telemedicine options are much more limited.

While vets can offer advice and information on a telehealth service without previously examining an animal, they can’t diagnose or prescribe medications if they didn’t establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) in an in-person appointment.

A VCPR is crucial for vets to become familiar with your pet, keep records, and supervise follow-ups and ongoing care. Remote VCPR through a telehealth platform is only legal in a handful of states, including:

Rules vary by state, and some prescriptions are unavailable through telemedicine visits. Laws have been evolving rapidly in recent years, and more states will likely ease restrictions to allow remote VCPR to expand pet treatment options outside the clinic.

Advantages of Pet Telehealth

Telehealth services are affordable solutions for cat owners who can’t pay for a vet visit or live too far away to make the trip. After hours, being able to contact an expert can also provide reassurance so you don’t have to make unnecessary trips to the emergency vet.

Telehealth helps clinics and pet parents. Owners get faster assistance and can schedule earlier appointments if their usual vet is booked out. Plus, cats avoid the stress of car rides and vet offices. As you use these services, you also reduce the number of patients waiting at the vet, helping them receive better, faster care for their cats in the clinic.

Pet telehealth can provide answers and advice for minor and severe health concerns, with some offering at-home care suggestions and OTC treatment options. With telehealth services, more cats can get better care, particularly those who wouldn’t typically go to the vet at all.

Disadvantages of Pet Telehealth

Though many have seen the benefits of pet telehealth following its wide use during the pandemic, some experts oppose expanding the power of telehealth vets. An essential issue is telemedicine and VCPR. The AVMA and other industry associations advocate for in-person visits before they can perform remote diagnosis and provide prescriptions.

The concern is that vets can only rely on an owner’s assistance and interpretation of health issues during remote visits. Cats can’t communicate their problems. Owners can easily misidentify an issue as a result, causing them to waste money and prolong their pets’ suffering.

With an in-person VCPR, vets can evaluate cats and meet their caretakers to understand unique challenges and formulate optimal treatment plans.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does Pet Insurance Cover Pet Telehealth for Cats?

Since pet insurance providers reimburse you after you pay the vet up front, coverage depends less on which telehealth service you use and more on which pet insurance you pick. Several companies provide coverage for telehealth visits up to a certain amount.

Others partner with telehealth companies or have in-house telehealth services they give customers free of charge. Meanwhile, some companies don’t cover telehealth at all. As more owners opt for telehealth’s flexibility, more pet insurance companies will look for solutions for their customers.

If you’re in a position where telehealth makes more sense for your cat, research which pet insurance companies offer the best value.

Which Medications Can Pet Telehealth Vets Prescribe?

Getting prescriptions through any telehealth service primarily depends on where you live and your relationship with the vet. Generally, vets can make remote prescriptions if they have already established a VCPR in an in-person appointment and have seen them in person in the last 12 months.

Since state laws differ, vets may be unable to offer certain medications or treatments without seeing the pet in their office. Your telehealth vet won’t prescribe medications if you don’t have a VCPR. A few states allow you to establish a VCPR through telehealth communication, but the laws vary and limit what your vet can offer.

For instance, telehealth vets can prescribe flea and tick or heartworm medications. Controlled substances, antimicrobials, and other more powerful or targeted drugs require in-person visits. Still, places like Idaho don’t allow any telehealth prescriptions with a remote VCPR, so it’s helpful to be aware of the legal details for your state.

Conclusion

Pet telehealth is creating a new era of customer convenience and improved pet welfare. Connecting with an expert who can assess your cat, provide information, suggest at-home care, and direct you to the most effective solutions takes minutes.

You save time, effort, and money while your cat enjoys a faster path to relief. Though they don’t replace the value of in-person vet visits, telehealth services fill the gaps to answer questions and promote a better quality of life for our pets.

Featured Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock

The post Pet Telehealth: How Does It Work for Your Cat? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.