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Category: Cat Tips

  • Introducing Your Cat To Your Newborn Baby

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    I recently wrote an article about some of the myths that people have when it comes to babies and cats. If you haven’t had a chance to read it, you can check it out here.

    Since these are just myths, you can bring a new baby home to your furbabies. You just have to be prepared and be careful as you expand your family to include tiny human ones.

    So, what should you do before you bring your new baby home?

    Before you bring home your new baby, you have to get your cat (or cats) ready. Here are some things that you should consider doing as your pregnancy advances.

    Start using pheromone therapy. 

    This is a natural way to create happiness in your home for your cats. Cats give off pheromones throughout their home when it is a safe and happy environment. There is a synthetic version, which can be started a few weeks before you bring your baby home. You may want to use a plug-in diffuser or spray to reduce stress in your cats.

    Amazon offers both the plug-in diffuser and spray in the Feliway brand, which I have seen help cats that are stressed.

    Product Available on Amazon

    You may even want to look into stress-relieving toys for your cat. 

    There are many toys that are made to keep your cats happy and stress-free. These also help with boredom. This might include scratching posts or anything else that entertain your cat.

    It might be a good idea to change caregivers in the months prior to pregnancy and the new baby coming home. 

    If mom is always the one taking care of the cats, it is going to be a huge adjustment when she isn’t able to do so. So, your cat (or cats) need to see dad step up. He can feed, change the litter, and spend some extra time with your cat as everyone gets ready for the changes coming.

    Don’t make the baby’s room off-limits to your cat. 

    Cats are curious creatures, so by keeping him or her out of the room, you are just making it that more fascinating. Allow your cat in the room as you put together the baby furniture. If you are in the nursery putting things away, let your cat in with you. This gets him or her used to the new things that are going to be a part of his or her life.

    Introduce your cat to certain smells that they are going to have to get used to. 

    You may want to use baby lotion and powder in the months prior to the baby coming home so that your cat learns that there is nothing wrong with the smell.

    You may even want to get him or her used to baby sounds. 

    If you can find a way to play a recording of different sounds that your cat is going to have to get used to, this will really help your cat adjust. Make sure that your cat is used to crying and screaming, as well as giggling before you bring your new baby home.

    You may even want to play the toys that you get for the baby. You want your cat to be used to the sound of the mobile and any toys that your baby may love to listen to!

    If you have a cat that likes to jump on things, you may want to use sticky tape to discourage him or her from jumping on the baby’s furniture. 

    If you think that your cat is going to get in your baby’s crib or on the changing table, you may want to use sticky tape on it. Since cats hate sticky surfaces, he or she will quickly learn to stay off of these pieces of furniture.

    Once you have the baby, you are going to want to bring home something that smells like him or her. 

    If you use a blanket or towel, you are going to want to let your cat smell it so that, when you do bring your baby home, your cat is already familiar with the smell.

    When you do come home from the hospital, make sure that you spend some quiet time with your cat. 

    You are going to want to give your cat some undivided attention so that he or she knows that you are home and you haven’t forgotten about them.

    Then, make sure that you spend some time with your cat every day. 

    Though your focus is going to be on your new baby, you can’t forget about your cat. Make sure that you find time every day to spend time with your cat.

    When you find out that you are going to expand your family, your entire focus is going to be on your pregnancy and the new baby. Everyone’s life is going to change, including your cat’s! If you do it right, you can make this a seamless change.

    You may want to consider using pheromone therapy in order to keep your cat calm and happy. Then, make sure that he or she gets to see everything that you are doing in the nursery. You should not make it off limits, or you are just asking for trouble. Make sure that you get your cat used to the sounds and smells that your new baby is going to be bringing home with him or her.

    When you do have the baby, you are going to want to bring something home from the hospital so that your cat can learn the smell of his or her new sister or brother. When you come home, make sure that you spend some quiet time with your cat and find time every day to make sure that your cat still feels special!

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    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    It is also important that you understand that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Even though I am a veterinary professional, this blog is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.

  • Myths About Cats and Babies

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    I recently wrote an article about why cats are better than babies. If you haven’t had a chance to read it, you can check it out right here.

    However, the truth is that most people will have children, even with their beloved furbabies! Most people won’t choose between having one, they will happily start a family with their pets by their side.

    That being said, there are some myths that you may have heard about cats and babies.

    Cats steal the breath of babies.

     I have no idea where this came from. It sounds silly, but the truth is that many parents believed this myth for many years!

    That being said, cats can smother your babies, so it is important that you always supervise your baby when your cat is around.

    In fact, many believe that cats can harm unborn babies. 

    Though this sounds silly, there is some truth to this myth. Cats can spread toxoplasmosis through their feces, which can be harmful for pregnant women. For this reason, they shouldn’t be handling the feces of cats while they are pregnant. Instead of getting rid of the cat, the father can scoop out the litter boxes for nine months!

    So, what can you do to prevent injury from your cat?

    You should always supervise your cat when he or she is around your baby. 

    Your cat may enjoy cuddling up to your baby, but this could lead to accidental suffocation.

    You should close the door of your baby’s room when he or she is sleeping.

     If you are like most parents, you try to make the most of your baby’s naps. Since you don’t want to have to worry about whether or not your cat is climbing in the crib with your new baby, you should just close the door for peace of mind.

    It is also a good idea to give your cat safe places to sleep. 

    Parents (and any other cat owners) need to make sure that their cats have a way to get away from babies, children, and even themselves.

    Crates, pet igloos, cat trees, and other climbing toys can allow cats to get away when they need to be by themselves. Instead of scratching your baby (or even you), they can get away and be left alone!

    To prevent toxoplasmosis, pregnant women shouldn’t handle cat litter or feces. 

    Another person in the family can scoop out the litter box for a few months. If that isn’t possible, make sure that you wear gloves when handling litter.

    However, you also need to worry about babies.

     It is important that they can’t get near the litter boxes, especially when they start crawling and exploring. The first thing babies do is put things in their mouths, so it is very important that you make sure that they can’t get near your cat’s feces.

    You can also prevent this disease by keeping your cat indoors and away from other cats.

    This disease can be spread in the wild, so you are going to want to make sure that your cat stays at home by himself or herself.

    They can also get toxoplasmosis by eating raw meat, so it is important that you feed your cat a formulated diet. 

    Not only is this healthier for your cat, but it will make sure that he or she doesn’t get toxoplasmosis and spread it to you and your family.

    Though people used to think that cats could steal a baby’s breath away and hurt them, the truth is that cats and babies can get along great, as long as you supervise them. You should never allow your cat to be alone with your baby, because they could accidentally suffocate them. For this reason, you need to make sure that you close the door when your baby is napping.

    You also need to think about toxoplasmosis. This disease can hurt an unborn baby and a newborn one too! For this reason, you need to ask someone else to handle the litter box when you are pregnant. If that isn’t possible, use gloves. Then, when your baby is older, make sure that you keep him or her away from the litter box!

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    It is important that you understand that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Even though I am a veterinary professional, this blog is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Three Easy Fixes for Messy Pet Food and Water Bowls

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    If you’ve ever stepped in a puddle next to the water bowl or found kibble flung halfway across the kitchen, you know the struggle. Some pets are just messy eaters—whether they splash, drool, knock things over, or think food bowls are toys. It’s frustrating, especially when you’re constantly wiping the floor or picking up soggy crumbs.

    The good news? There are some smart, affordable products that can make mealtime a whole lot cleaner (and save your sanity). Here are three pet-parent-approved solutions  to try:

    Non-Slip, Spill-Proof Mats

    Product Available on Amazon

    A waterproof mat under your pet’s bowls is a game-changer. Look for one with raised edges to catch spills and a non-slip bottom to keep everything in place. It helps contain water splashes and dropped kibble and keeps your floors clean and dry. Bonus: most are super easy to wipe down or toss in the dishwasher.

    Weighted or Non-Tip Bowls

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    Some pets love to push their bowls around—or accidentally tip them over while eating. A heavy ceramic or stainless steel bowl with a non-skid base can help keep things still. You can also find specially designed “non-tip” bowls that stay firmly in place no matter how excited your pet gets at mealtime.

    Mess-Control Food Bowls

    Product Available on Amazon

    If your dog eats like they’re in a race or your cat bats food out just for fun, a mess-control bowl might be your best bet. These bowls are shaped to reduce spills and slow down enthusiastic eaters. Some are even slightly elevated, which can help with posture and digestion, especially in older pets.

    A few small changes can go a long way in cutting down the daily cleanup and making mealtime more pleasant for everyone—furry and human. Try one of these simple fixes and reclaim your clean floor!

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    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Three Tricks to Give Your Dog or Cat a Pill Stress-Free

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    If you’ve ever tried to give your pet a pill, you know it can turn into a full-blown battle. They somehow know it’s medicine before you even open the bottle. Whether it’s spit out, hidden in a pile of drool, or flung across the room mid-chew—getting a pill down can feel like an Olympic sport.

    The good news? There are some seriously helpful products out there that make this daily struggle a whole lot easier. Here are three go-to solutions that can actually help:

    Pill Pockets or Treat Wraps

    Product Available on Amazon

    These are soft, flavorful treats with a built-in space to hide pills. You just pop the pill inside, pinch the treat closed, and hand it over like a normal snack. Most dogs—and many cats—have no idea there’s medicine inside. I’ve had the best luck with Greenies Pill Pockets, but there are plenty of options depending on your pet’s favorite flavors.

    Pill Dispensers (aka “Pill Guns”)

    Product Available on Amazon

    If treats don’t fool your furry friend, a pill dispenser can help. These handy little tools let you place the pill at the back of your pet’s mouth without risking your fingers. They’re especially helpful for cats or dogs who are quick to spit pills out. Just follow up with a treat and a cuddle, and you’re good to go.

    Pill Crushers or Splitters

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    Some medications can be crushed and mixed into food—but always check with your vet first. If it’s safe, a pill crusher helps you grind the tablet into a fine powder you can stir into wet food or a treat. A pill splitter is also useful if your pet needs a smaller dose and you want clean, accurate halves (without the crumbled mess).

    At the end of the day, the best tool is the one your pet will actually tolerate. Try a few and see what works. With a little trial and error, giving meds can go from a nightmare to no big deal.

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    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • The Secret to Slowing Down Fast-Eating Cats

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    If you’ve ever noticed your cat gobbling down their food in seconds, you’re not alone. While it might seem cute or funny at first, fast eating can actually cause some real issues—like vomiting, indigestion, or even obesity. Cats who eat too quickly often don’t give their bodies enough time to signal fullness, which can lead to overeating and discomfort.

    That’s where slow feeders for cats come to the rescue. These specially designed bowls have ridges, bumps, or mazes that make your cat work a little harder for each bite. This naturally slows down their eating pace, turning mealtime from a quick gulp into a more relaxed and engaging experience.

    Product Available on Amazon

    Using a slow feeder can help your cat digest better and avoid common tummy troubles like throwing up after meals. It also encourages healthier eating habits, which can support weight management and overall well-being. Plus, some slow feeders double as puzzle feeders, providing mental stimulation that keeps curious cats entertained during mealtime.

    Most slow feeders are made with safe, durable materials that are easy to clean—an important bonus for busy cat parents. They come in a variety of fun shapes and sizes, so you can find one that suits your cat’s personality and eating style.

    If your cat tends to eat too fast or gets stressed during meals, a slow feeder might be just what you need to create a calmer, healthier feeding routine. It’s a simple change that can make a big difference in your cat’s comfort and happiness.

    Give your kitty the gift of slower, smarter eating—it’s a win for both of you!

    ***

    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Make Feeding Time Easy: Why a Canned Cat Food Self Feeder Is a Must-Have

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    If you’re a cat parent, you know how picky and particular our furry friends can be—especially when it comes to feeding time. Unlike dry kibble, canned cat food is often the preferred choice because it’s fresher, more flavorful, and better for hydration. But feeding canned food on a schedule can be tricky. You don’t want to leave opened cans sitting out, and portion control is a real challenge. Plus, cats tend to get impatient (and vocal) when it’s time to eat but no one’s around to open the can or scoop the food.

    If you’ve ever had to rush home to feed your cat or been woken up by early morning meows, you’ll appreciate the convenience of a canned cat food self-feeder. This handy gadget is designed specifically to store, portion, and serve canned cat food automatically—so your kitty can enjoy fresh meals on a schedule, even when you’re busy or away.

    Product Available on Amazon

    Here’s how it works: you load the feeder with your cat’s favorite canned food, and the machine keeps it fresh until it’s time to serve. At the pre-set meal time, the feeder automatically opens a portion of canned food and places it in the bowl. Some models even let you schedule multiple feedings a day, perfect for cats who do better with smaller, frequent meals. No more worries about food drying out or mealtime delays.

    One of the biggest benefits is portion control. Overfeeding is a common issue with canned food because it’s easy to give too much, which can lead to weight gain and health problems. A canned cat food self-feeder takes the guesswork out by serving consistent portions every time. This helps your cat maintain a healthy weight and supports their digestion.

    Another huge plus: many models come with easy-to-clean parts and airtight compartments to keep the food fresh and tasty. And if you have a shy or nervous cat who prefers to eat when no one’s watching, this feeder allows them to stick to their routine without any stress.

    If you’ve struggled with feeding canned food on time, or if your schedule keeps you away from home during mealtimes, a canned cat food self-feeder could be a total game-changer. It takes the hassle out of feeding, reduces stress for both you and your cat, and ensures your furry friend gets the fresh, delicious meals they deserve—right on time, every time.

    So, if you want to simplify your cat’s feeding routine and make sure they never miss a meal, consider investing in a canned cat food self-feeder. Your cat will appreciate the consistency, and you’ll appreciate the extra peace of mind.

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    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.

  • Robot Vacuums for Pet Messes: Affordable vs. High-Tech Option

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    If you have pets, you probably already know how fast fur and dirt can pile up. That’s why robot vacuums are so popular—they do the cleaning for you while you focus on more important things (like belly rubs or playtime). Today, we’re looking at two robot vacuums from Amazon that pet owners often compare: the Dreame L20 Ultra and the Dreame X50 Ultra. One is a solid mid-range pick, and the other is more high-tech with extra features. Let’s see which one fits your home best.

    The Dreame L20 Ultra is great if you want something simple but strong. It has good suction power, can mop too, and includes a dock that empties itself. This means you don’t have to empty the dustbin every day. It’s great for pet owners who have a smaller home or just a few furry friends. It handles daily messes like fur, crumbs, and dirt really well without being too expensive or complicated to use.

    Product Available on Amazon

    Now, the Dreame X50 Ultra takes things up a notch. It has even stronger suction and a special brush that helps keep pet hair from getting tangled. One of its coolest features is that it can lift itself to go over bumps, like moving from hardwood to a rug, and it can reach under furniture more easily. It’s also really quiet, so it won’t scare your pets while it cleans. If you have more than one pet, thicker carpets, or just a lot of daily mess, the X50 Ultra is built to keep up.

    Product Available at Amazon

    So, which one should you go with?

    If you’re looking for a vacuum that’s easy to use, cleans well, and doesn’t cost a ton, the Dreame L20 Ultra is a smart pick. But if you want something that handles heavy shedding, works well on carpets, and gives you more cleaning power and control, the Dreame X50 Ultra is worth the upgrade.

    Either way, both of these robot vacuums will save you time and help keep your home cleaner—so you can spend less time sweeping and more time hanging out with your pets.

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    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • How a Self-Feeder Can Simplify Your Pet’s Mealtime Routine

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    If you’ve ever been woken up by a hungry cat yelling in your face or a dog pacing by the empty food bowl like it’s a crime scene, you’re not alone. Feeding pets on a consistent schedule can be tricky. Life gets busy—early meetings, late workdays, weekend trips, or just the occasional much-needed sleep-in. But your pet doesn’t know any of that. They just want to know why breakfast isn’t served at exactly 7:02 a.m.

    That’s where a self-feeder seriously saves the day. It’s one of those simple products that makes you wonder why you didn’t get one sooner. Automatic pet feeders are designed to keep your pet’s mealtime on track, whether you’re home or not. You can pre-program feeding times and portion sizes, so your pet gets exactly what they need—no more, no less—right on schedule.

    Product Available on Amazon

    This is especially helpful if your pet has specific dietary needs or if you’re trying to manage their weight. For grazers like some cats or small dogs, you can set multiple small meals throughout the day. For pets who like to scarf their food in seconds, portion control helps slow things down and avoid those dreaded post-meal tummy issues.

    Some models even let you record your voice, so your pet hears a familiar “Come eat!” even when you’re away. Others come with app control, so if your plans change, you can update their schedule from your phone. Pretty amazing, right?

    Not only does it make feeding more consistent and stress-free, but it also adds a little peace of mind. No more racing home to feed the dog. No more guilt when your cat gives you the side-eye because dinner was five minutes late. It’s one less thing to worry about—while keeping your pet happy, healthy, and well-fed.

    So if you’re juggling a full schedule, managing a picky eater, or just want to make life a little easier, a self-feeder is 100% worth it. You’ll save time, reduce stress, and give your pet the reliable routine they love.

    Go ahead—make mealtime automatic. You deserve the break, and your pet deserves the consistency. 🐾

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    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Struggling with Pet Hair? Here’s a Robo Vacuum for Every Budget

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    If you have pets, you already know that keeping your floors clean can feel like a never-ending chore. Pet hair, litter bits, and food crumbs seem to show up out of nowhere. That’s why a lot of people turn to robot vacuums—and two popular options people often compare are the AIRROBO and the Dreame L40 Ultra. One is budget-friendly, and the other is a high-end model with extra features. But which one is right for you?

    Let’s start with the AIRROBO. It costs about $100 and is great if you’re looking for a basic vacuum that gets the job done. It has strong suction for everyday messes like pet hair, dust, and food crumbs. It works well on hard floors and low carpets. It doesn’t have fancy features like smart mapping or self-emptying, but it’s easy to use, quiet, and a good choice if you live in a small home or apartment with one or two pets.

    Product Available on Amazon

    Now let’s look at the Dreame L40 Ultra, which costs about $600. This one is built for homes with a lot of pet mess. It has much stronger suction and a self-cleaning base that empties the dustbin for you. That means less work on your end, especially if you have multiple pets that shed a lot. It also has advanced features like smart room mapping, mop mode, and better obstacle detection—so it can clean around water bowls, toys, and furniture without getting stuck. It’s a good pick for busy pet owners or anyone with a larger space.

    Product Available on Amazon

    So, which one should you choose?

    If you just want a simple robot vacuum that keeps the pet hair under control without spending a lot of money, the AIRROBO is a great value. But if you’re tired of cleaning up after your pets all day and want something that does most of the work for you, the Dreame L40 Ultra is worth the higher price.

    Both are solid choices—it really depends on your home, your pets, and your budget.

    ***

    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • The Best Pet Hair Hack You Didn’t Know You Needed: A Robo Vacuum

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    If you’re a pet parent, you already know the mess is real. One minute your floors are clean, and the next? It looks like your dog exploded in a cloud of fur. Or maybe your cat took a joyride through their litter box and tracked tiny granules from room to room. Whether it’s tumbleweeds of fur, crumbs from treat time, or a mysterious trail of fluff, cleaning up after your pets can feel like a full-time job.

    Most pet parents complain that they spend way too much time vacuuming—like, daily. Most have multiple dogs and cats, who shed all over the floor. You may feel like your floors are never clean for more than an hour.

    Enter: the robo vacuum.

    Poduct Available on Amazon

    Many pet parents are skeptical at first. Could a little robot really keep up with the chaos of pet life? But after just one week, you will be sold. These smart little machines are designed to do the dirty work for you, and they’re surprisingly good at it. Most will quietly zip around picking up fur, dust, kibble crumbs, and even those rogue litter bits that somehow end up in the hallway. It maps the room, avoids furniture, and even scoots under the couch where I never want to reach.

    Even better? Some of them allow you to set it on a schedule. So while you are out walking the dog or grabbing groceries, the vacuum is at home doing its thing. You can come back to clean floors with zero effort. And the best part—it’s quiet. Like, sneaky quiet. Cats barely flinches anymore when it starts its round.

    If you’re someone who’s constantly vacuuming, sweeping, or apologizing to guests for the “dog glitter” on your rug, a robo vacuum might be the upgrade you didn’t know you needed. It’s not just about cleaner floors—it’s about getting some of your time (and sanity) back.

    Product Available on Amazon

    So go ahead, give your broom a break and let a robot handle the mess. You deserve it.

    ***

    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.