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Top 10 Accounts That Made a SPLASH on the Internet This Summer!

Posted on September 21, 2018December 16, 2020 by Above1 Support

This summer was hot but these accounts were hotter! From impressive dock jumps to internet challenges, these dogs sure left their “mark” on the internet!

eyebrows

10. Madame Eyebrows: Our #10 spot goes to Instagram’s most frumpy pooch: Madame Eyebrows! Her uniquely marked face is furever stuck in Monday-mood and everyone can relate. Sure, she may wear that frown pretty convincingly, but make no mistake she is living her best life!

logan

9. Logan the Shepherd: #9 goes to Instagram’s most stunning dog model, Logan! Rescued from a Craigslist ad, Logan came from humble beginnings but quickly climbed the ranks with his beautiful split-face markings and longing eyes. He’s since captured the eyes of millions and stolen the hearts of many more! Sure, he may be “two-faced” but he’s certainly no Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde!

8. Walter Geoffrey the Frenchie: Our #8 spot goes to Instagram’s most gifted singer, Geoffrey! When he’s not lounging around at the house, getting sassy with his mom, or ordering Puppuccinos at Starbucks, he likes to dust off the old pipes and sing a few tunes. Remember, if you run into Geoffrey at a karaoke bar, don’t even try to challenge him to a sing-off! He’ll steal your pride and your girl!

7. Golden Retriever Jill: Our #7 spot goes to Instagram’s most famous underwater fetcher, Jill! What surfaced as an unbelievable video of a dog swimming underwater quickly led to a massive treasure chest of unseen diving videos buried in the account! This pooch must have been a submarine captain in a past life because she’s one incredible sub-woofer! If you ever drop your phone or sunglasses in a lake or pool, you know who to call!

6. Winston Moose: #6 goes to Instagram’s most famous scaredy-cat, Winston! During the dog days of August, a video of him getting adorably spooked by an ocean wave blew up. His reaction was priceless, sending waves across the internet! A true service dog at heart, Winston has done us all a public service and brightened each of our days with his hilarious, playful, and easily-spookable personality!

5. Ringo Swiss Alot: Our #5 spot goes to Instagram’s most gifted dock diver, Ringo! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! Nope, it’s Ringo! Whether he’s jumping after his toy or challenging his mom to a diving competition, this pooch hits the water with grace and style! Every jump is a chance for Ringo to SEND IT and he never disappoints!

4. Kirk the Border Collie: Our #4 spot goes to Instagram’s most lovable Border Collie, Kirk! A video of Kirk reacting to herself winning the 2017 Incredible Dog Challenge captured the hearts of millions. Bouncing and spinning with each obstacle, Kirk didn’t miss a beat as she watched her run on tv. Although the video was posted last year, it didn’t go viral until this summer proving once again there’s a goldmine of viral content just waiting to be discovered!

3. Maya Polar Bear: This spot goes to Instagram’s most happy cloud, Maya! She loves borking to some Spotify tunes, giving makeup tutorials, riding the escalator with her mom, and creating food ASMR videos! She’s become such a staple in the Instagram dog community that anything she touches turns to gold. One could say she has the Midas “fluff’!

2. Siberian Husky Jax: Our #2 spot goes to Instagram’s most viral Husky, Jax! Remember the What The Fluff Challenge that popped up earlier this summer? Well, this account started it all! The goal of the challenge was to fool your pet into thinking you disappeared by throwing a blanket up into the air and running into another room. What began with a simple homemade video led to a massive internet sensation leaving millions of pooches bamboozled or laughing at their owners for attempting such a cheap trick!

1. Long Coat Max: Our #1 spot goes to Instagram’s most loved German Shepherd, Max! His coat may be long but there’s certainly no long-face to match! With Max, there’s never a boring minute! He’s made us laugh, cry, and laugh some more with his hilarious internal-voice videos, adorable throwbacks, and goofy memes! Max has put the GSD gang on the map by growing quicker than any other dog in the Instagram community! Max gained almost 100K followers in the span of a few weeks after one of his videos went viral on an international scale. Max’s dad has shared so many adorable moments that it feels as though we’re right there with them for every swim, lick, bamboozle, and happy accident on the kitchen floor!

Caring for a Pet with Special Needs

Posted on September 21, 2018December 18, 2020 by Above1 Support

Mick Szydlowski is an author, marketing consultant and animal welfare advocate living in Seattle, Washington, with his wife, plus two young daughters and their “big brother,” Klaus the cat. Although Oskar is no longer around, Mick is patiently awaiting the arrival of his next special-needs shelter cat, which just happens to be another blind tabby!

What are some common special needs in pets?

If you’ve browsed social media over the past six or seven years, you have likely come across a number of accounts which feature pets with special needs. Animals with special needs are those that require additional daily care which is often quite specific, although not necessarily a lot of extra work in every case. The broad range of special needs may include varying degrees of blindness, deafness, loss of limbs or use of wheels for mobility, neurological issues, paralysis, behavioral problems, birth defects, plus a range of digestive disorders and chronic diseases that reduce organ function. The truth is that any pet that lives well into its senior years will likely develop a condition that would classify it as an animal with special needs.

klaus

How to care for a pet with special needs:

Frequently, the thought of caring for a pet with special needs discourages people from adopting the afflicted cat or dog, hence finding homes for these unique animals is a challenging task for shelters. However, an animal with special needs is not necessarily unhealthy or destined to live in a state of suffering. These assumptions come from unfounded biases and low expectations that society imposes on those with disabilities. With the right environment and daily attention and love, most of these pets can absolutely thrive. The key for those interested in adopting a “less than perfect” animal is to be armed with knowledge about the specific condition and a commitment to care which can include additional time and expenses. The rewards of caring for a special animal are immeasurable; you’ll be inspired daily and the bond of friendship will be something you’ll never forget!

Life with Oskar & Klaus

I am very lucky to have been blessed with two special needs cats in my life. The first cat, named Klaus, was adopted from a no-kill shelter in 2006. Klaus was already an adult cat when I brought him home after meeting numerous cats and kittens with every character trait from timid to wild. There was something special about this cat — the only adult — that was in a room full of kittens. His collapsed right ear, missing teeth and scars were a reminder of his previous life as a famished stray, but his elegant tabby coat, bright eyes and overall confidence were a clear sign that he would make a perfect spoiled indoor companion.

Klaus, however, came with digestive issues that required a fair amount of trial-and-error to control. He suffered from frequent bouts of colitis, which translated to recurrent diarrhea and responsive vomiting lasting a week or more. The key to eliminating the flareups ultimately came down to feeding him the right ratio of protein and carbs, portion size, mix of kibble and wet food and adding a daily probiotic supplement. With the right formula in place, Klaus’ digestive health is something that I don’t worry about and I certainly don’t miss cleaning up the messes that were part of the daily routine for many, many months!

klaus oskar

The second cat, Oskar, was an outdoor farm kitten discovered in 2011. Oskar was only eight weeks old when I found him, and although I was not actively searching for a second cat, I immediately fell in love with him and brought him home to Klaus. Oskar was born completely blind with a condition called microphthalmia; he technically had eyes, but they were never fully developed and thus stayed tucked far behind his eyelids. Instead of navigating his world visually, Oskar mapped out his environment using his senses of hearing, smell and touch and by utilizing detailed special memory.

Initially, however, I had serious misconceptions about how well he’d do in an indoor space. Would Oskar run into the walls and furniture? Would I have to put down padding along the base of the walls to keep his head safe? Would he be able to find his food or the litter box? Oskar began to prove that my fears were misguided on the first day! As long as I didn’t rearrange the furniture and kept the clutter to a minimum there were zero issues. As a matter of fact, Oskar never made a mess anywhere outside of the litter box and he was the first cat at the food bowl when breakfast was served! Like many blind cats, he was adventurous and quite fearless, plus exceptionally skilled at climbing on top of the tallest object in the room, which Klaus often couldn’t do!

klaus hiking

Should Your Next Pet be a Special Needs animal?

If you are prepared to offer the extra care and are ready to bring a unique special needs cat or dog into your home then talk to your local shelter about the animals that are in their custody that need that special someone. Shelters will often keep pets with special needs in their foster care program so you may not see them at the facility. Additionally, some shelters, such as Milo’s Sanctuary in California, specialize in caring for pets with special needs, so feel free to extend your search if you have no shelter locally. When you have finally brought home your special needs pet, share your experience on social media with others to inspire them to adopt the “less than perfect” cat or dog that ends up being absolutely extraordinary.

10 Signs You Have a Happy, Healthy Cat

Posted on September 18, 2018December 17, 2020 by Above1 Support

With so many different personality types among them, it can be difficult to read your cat’s mood and overall wellness; however, studies have shown that happy, healthy cats (regardless of personality) all exhibit similar physical and vocal cues to indicate that they are happy and healthy.

Good Grooming

A happy healthy cat will keep himself well-groomed. Not only that, but he might also feel inclined to groom other pets or even you. Some pet owners call licks from their cat “kisses”. They’re not wrong as your cat’s attempt to groom you is a show of trust in your bond.

Lifted or Twitchy Tail

You can tell a lot about your cat by her tail. When a cat holds her tail high in the air, it’s a show of confidence, and when she twitches the tip of her tail, it means she’s happy with who is around her.

Gets Comfortable

comfortable calico cat
When cats are on the defense, they arch their backs, and their ears flatten. Happy cats will indicate they are such by being relaxes in their movements and sleeping positions. They will tuck their paws under when watching the world go by, for example.

Dilated Eyes

cat with dilated pupils
While your cat’s eyes won’t be dilated 24/7, a sign of happiness is a sudden dilation of the eyes—most people think it means their cat is about to go wild, but it’s not.

Forward-Facing Ears

striped cat
When cats are upset, they will fold their ears back against their heads. Happy cats’ ears are forward-facing as if to say they’re interested in what you have to say.

Hearty Appetite

Healthy cats enjoy eating and will show enthusiasm at meal times by rubbing against your legs and guiding you to where food is typically served.

Playful Patterns

As cats age, their playing habits might change, but a sign of a happy cat is a playful spirit. Whether it is chasing a toy or just jumping and running around, happy cats are playful pets.

Good Sleeper

long haired grey cat sleeping in plant
Cats can nap anytime, anywhere and for any length of time—that’s surely why they call them “cat naps”; however, a happy cat will want to sleep with someone…on your lap, with a fellow pet, in your bed, etc. What is more, a happy cat will sleep but not in excess as that is a sign of an unhappy cat.

Likes to Chat

talking cat
Happy cats can be chatterboxes. Their high-pitched “talks” are signs that they are happy, happy, happy.

Purrs Like a Motor

Photo by Michael Sum on Unsplash

Happy cats purr when they are feeling content. Often, this happens while they are getting a back scratch, but sometimes, a happy cat will purr just because. If this describes your cat, then rest assured, he is one happy, healthy kitty.

Happy and healthy cats are ones that feel good. Keep your cat health (and happy) by giving him or her all-natural (yet very yummy) snacks, treats, and meals. Wellness Pet Food cares about your cat’s health and happiness and shows it through a complete line of wet and dry foods, snacks, and treats designed especially for felines.

How to Include Pets in Your Hurricane Preparation Plan

Posted on September 10, 2018December 18, 2020 by Above1 Support

At the height of hurricane season, please remember that our pets rely on us to get them ready for the next big storm so it’s important to include your dog and cat in your preparedness plan. Here are my best tips on how to prepare your pets for the next inevitable hurricane.

Make Sure Your Pet Is Prepared for a Hurricane

Have an evacuation plan:

We all create a plan in case of an evacuation, but it is important to make sure that pets are allowed wherever you are headed. Many motels, hotels and shelters do not allow for pets. Be prepared and make sure your evacuation plan includes your pets.
If your evacuation location does not allow for pets, choose designated caregivers that can care for your pets. Keep a list of friends, relatives, boarding facilities, animal shelters, or veterinarians who you know can care for your animals in an emergency. Be prepared with a list of phone numbers.
Many times in emergencies, we need to separate pets. Be prepared to designate more than one place for your pets to go.
Include your pets in evacuation drills so that they become accustom to traveling in their carriers comfortably.

Have emergency supplies and travel kits ready:

Have leashes, harnesses and/or carriers ready to transport pets safely and ensure that they cannot escape.
Make sure to have enough supply of food, drinking water, bowls, and cat litter. Don’t forget a can opener if you pet eats canned food.
Remember all medications and keep copies of medical records stored in a waterproof container.
Make a hurricane first aid kit which includes the following:
- Identification (current color photo of your pet, ID tag including owners name, current address, contact phone number).
- Keep medical records and information of any medical conditions, or behavior problems handy.
- Keep information on feeding schedules, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.
- Always keep a list of veterinarians and 24-hour emergency animal hospitals that are close to your destination if you need to evacuate.
- Make sure to include pet beds and toys, or something that provides your pet with comfort during what can be a difficult time.

Be prepared to Travel with Your Pets:

Make sure that your pet’s vaccinations are current and that they are wearing collars with up-to-date identification (many pet shelters require proof of current vaccinations).
Stock up on any medications your pet requires, along with a copy of their medical records.
Many pets get lost or displaced during natural disasters. Make sure your pet is microchipped and that their microchip is registered and current.
If your pet exhibits anxiety and stress during storms or travel, have your veterinarian prescribe a sedative if needed. Always consult with your veterinarian before giving your pet any medications.

Rescue Sticker Alert

The ASPCA recommends this sticker be displayed so that people know there are pets inside your home.
Make sure your sticker is visible and includes the number of and type of pets in your household.

With all the nervousness and busy preparations for hurricanes, please make sure to keep your pets in mind. They rely on us to ensure their safety and well-being. As always, your pets’ health and well-being are always my top priority.

Originally published on Forever Freckled.

Hello everyone! My name is Alison Streit and I am Forever Freckled’s veterinarian. Being a veterinarian has been my dream job since I could barely speak. Over the past six years, I have dedicated my life to building, opening, and running an animal hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, accomplishing a life long goal of mine. It has been an amazing journey turning my passion for animals into a career. I know pets are our family and nothing brings me more joy than to help pets and their parents with wellness and healthy living. In addition to being a veterinarian, I am a wife to my amazing husband Rob, and a mommy to my greatest accomplishments and the most unbelievable joy for me, my children Luke, Leah and Hayden. Everyday I feel so lucky to have pursued my dreams to take care of animals, and become a wife and mother. I am so proud to have started Forever Freckled with my sisters and develop a platform to help people and pets on their life journeys.

6 Ways to Beat Dog Separation Anxiety During Back-to-School Season

Posted on September 6, 2018December 18, 2020 by Above1 Support

All the kids are headed back to school, mom and dad are getting back to their regular schedules at work, but what about the dog? The change in routine this time of year isn’t just an adjustment for the humans, but it can cause separation anxiety in your dog. Here are

6 ways you can help with your dog’s separation anxiety this back-to-school season:

Acclimate them to more and more time home alone in their safe spot, whether that be their dog bed, a crate or other area. Instead of taking Fido with you on errands and to the beach, get him used to spending a few hours alone at a time.
Get a dog walker! A full work day home alone is a long time for a dog to have to “hold it”, especially if they get used to being let out several times a day over the summer. There are plenty of wonderful dog walkers available, check out who is in your area and make sure they are reliable, bonded and insured.
Provide them with puzzle toys and food enrichment toys which will provide them with mental stimulation during the day. This will keep their day from being so boring. There are many brands to choose from, and freezing them a special treat will help keep them busy longer.
Get up early and take your dog for a walk or jog. Although you’ll have to skip the snooze button, this ensures Rex is well exercised and tired before you leave, and will help prevent your dog from getting overly excited when you come home.
If your dog is the type to enjoy it, doggy daycare could be a good option! The kids are going back to school, why not send Rover to “school” too? He won’t have to be alone during the day, he can play with his friends and come home tired. Just be sure to do your research on doggy daycare locations near you and make sure you feel comfortable with their policies.
Did you know that Spot can be an excellent study buddy? Especially for kids learning how to read, your family dog can be a non-judgmental pal to practice reading aloud to. Who doesn’t like snuggling with their dog and a good book after a long day at school or work?

In addition to the above suggestions, it can help to get your dog used to the “cues” that you are leaving. Does he now associate the sound of you picking up the car keys with him going with you for a ride? Does tying your shoes mean that you are all going on a walk? Take the time to desensitize him to these triggers by picking up and putting down your keys several times a day, or sitting down and putting on your shoes, wearing them around the house and then taking them off. It will make these cues that you are all going some where less predictable, and there for less stressful for your dog when you leave without them!

We wish you all a happy and successful school year!

5 Reasons Why Ginger Cats are So Special

Posted on September 5, 2018December 18, 2020 by Above1 Support

Ginger Cat Appreciation Day takes place in September, but any day to recognize these cute, adorable, yet often overlooked fur babies is a reason to celebrate!
Most Americans remember such iconic ginger cat characters like Garfield with his funny, quirky, fun-loving attitude, and Hobbes of Calvin and Hobbes, who embodies playfulness and feline instincts. Ginger cat fans may know some of these already, but let’s take a look at these 5 Reasons Why Ginger Cats (also known as Orange Tabby Cats) are So Special:

Their coloring:

Photo by Christin Hume on Unsplash

Just like humans, there are different shades of ginger between cats. They can have an orange, red, or yellow-colored fur. Pheomelamine is the pigment responsible for the ginger color in cats. The amount of this pigment reflects how intense the ginger color of the cat is.

Their gender:

Ginger cats are more likely to be male than female.

*This is because the “ginger gene” which produces the orange color is on the X chromosome. Females have two X chromosomes and so need two copies of this gene to become ginger, whereas males need only one. This means there are roughly three males to one female ginger cat. Ginger tom cats father tortoiseshell or ginger females. If both parents are ginger, then they will have all ginger kittens as well.

Their personalities:

Photo by Tony Wang on Unsplash

Although early socialization plays the biggest role in an adult cat’s personality, there is some anecdotal evidence that says cats’ personalities vary between different colors. Male Ginger cats have a reputation of being assertive, vocal and active. Female Ginger cats are known to be calmer and quieter.

Their coat patterns:

The ginger coat comes in 5 types, classic (swirled), mackerel (striped), spotted, ticked and patched. Learn more about the specifics of each pattern here.

Example of a ticked pattern orange Tabby cat

They are all considered Tabby cats:

All ginger cats are tabbies as they all have the “agouti” gene, but all tabbies are not orange. One characteristic to look for in tabby cats is an “M” marking on their forehead. Tabbies are also often referred to as “tigers” for obvious reasons.

Notice the “M” marking on this orange kitty’s forehead.

*Via Science Focus

Do you have a ginger cat? We’d love to hear from you! On Instagram, tag @wellnesspetfood and #Wellnesspetfood for a chance to be featured on our social communities or website!

The Surprising Number of Cats Who Aren’t Taken to the Veterinarian

Posted on August 21, 2018December 16, 2020 by Above1 Support

Take Your Cat to the Vet Day is only recognized one day a year in August, but routine wellness visits and checkups with your veterinarian are imperative for detecting disease early and ensuring your cat is healthy.

Unfortunately, cat parents do not bring in their pets for veterinarian checkups nearly as often as dog parents do for a variety of reasons, including stress on the cat, the independent personality of cats and the assumption that they are healthy. Cats rarely show obvious signs of sickness, making detecting illness in cats extremely challenging. Often times, people do not realize their beloved cat is sick or something is wrong until they are at the end stage of a disease and treatment options are limited.

So, today I would like to discuss why pet parents are reluctant to bring their cat to the vet, helpful tips for bringing your cat to the vet and most importantly, why routine wellness visits and checkups are so important.

Why is it so important to have your cat evaluated routinely for wellness visits with your veterinarian?

Pets cannot always show us when they are not feeling well, especially if they are feeling mild ailments. In addition, cats hide sickness and pain as a survival tactic, as they do not want to show signs of weakness. Far too often, cat owners will bring their cat into the veterinarian hospital for an evaluation when they are noticing that something is “off” or their cat is not acting like themselves. Many times, when a cat is acting “sick”, they are at the end stages of a disease and there are not many treatment options available. This reason more than any is why it is imperative to have your cat evaluated yearly with your veterinarian, and have full bloodwork performed.

Veterinarians and veterinarian technicians are trained to detect abnormalities on physical examination that pet owners may not see.In addition, bloodwork allows us to detect disease early (well before your cat may be showing signs of sickness) and is crucial in treating and maintaining a long life for your cat.

Photo via @le_chat_nikita

Why do pet parents not bring their cats into the veterinary hospital for routine checkups?

More than half the domesticated cats in our country have not been evaluated in the past year by a veterinarian.

This statistic is startling and needs to be addressed. The most common reason why pet parents are not bringing their cats into the veterinarian is stress. Trips to the vet bring on stress for the cat, and stress for the parents in trying to catch and place their cat in a carrier, and transport them safely to the animal hospital. Cats do not like change, and can become very upset when forced to leave their home.
In addition to the high stress nature of cats, their independent nature tends to keep pet parents away from the vet hospital. Unlike dogs, cats do not demand the attention or require as much work. They can come across to us as not needing attention or care. Do not let this personality trait fool you. Independence should not equate to less attention or lack of wellness visits.

My top tips on making your trip to the veterinarian less stressful for your cat:

At home visits: Some vet hospitals will offer mobile services and come to your home to evaluate your cat. Inquire with your veterinarian. Removing the stress of transport can significantly improve your cats state of being for veterinary visits.
Keep the carrier away: Cats are very smart and know when the carrier comes out, they are leaving their home. They will find a great hiding spot and stay there all day to avoid the carrier. I always recommend keeping the carrier away until you are ready to go to the veterinary hospital.
Mild sedatives: Inquire with your veterinarian whether your cat is a candidate for a sedative. Many times, these medications may take the edge off and relieve some stress.
Enclosed carrier: Never assume your cat will do better without being in a carrier. When cats get scared, from a barking dog, or a new place, they tend to run away to hide. Often times the choice of a hiding spot is outside in a parking lot. Always bring your cat to the veterinary hospital in an enclosed carrier for their safety and yours.
Immediate examination room: Inquire with your veterinarian whether they can bring your cat into an exam room when you arrive at the animal hospital. A loud waiting room can cause undue stress and anxiety for your cat.

I hope this article inspires you to have your cat evaluated by your veterinarian. These cute little adorable guys rely on us to provide them with the best and most healthy lives they can have. The long-term health benefits for your cat far outweigh a day of stress and anxiety. As I always tell my pet parents, they may not think you are helping them, but you are providing them the best and longest lives you can. A moment of stress is worth a long life of health and wellness. As always, your pet’s health and wellness are my top priorities!

The Wellness CATalog: Decoding curious cat behaviors and finding food to fit each

Posted on August 16, 2018July 26, 2021 by Above1 Support

We get it, cat parenthood is hard to navigate! From decoding strange cat behaviors to finding that favorite recipe, you’re constantly solving puzzles to keep your cat happy and healthy. But we’re here to help! At Wellness Natural Pet Food, we know that no two cats are alike and what we choose to feed them not only nourishes them from the inside, but impacts how they look and behave on the outside. Our recipes fit the tastes of any personality or palate while providing the natural nutrition they need.

So whether your cat is always on the prowl, a couch potato who just likes to snuggle, or somewhere in between, we’ve got something for them, Catisfaction Guaranteed. Catisfaction Guaranteed means that Wellness stands by our products and guarantees you’ll find a tasty, healthy option your cat loves, risk-free. Love it or return it!

We’ve identified 8 unique personality types for our feline friends and the food we’d recommend for each. Read through to look for your cat’s personality and Wellness recipe suggestion, along with insight into cats’ behavior from Wellness veterinarian, Dr. Danielle Bernal. If your cat’s type is missing, post a note on the Wellness Facebook Community so we can provide a recommendation for you.

1. The Hunter

Is your cat always on the go? Does he run around the neighborhood or house, tiger-like, on the hunt for his next big catch?

Dr. Bernal Insight:
Though domestication for cats occurred 6,000 years ago, they’ve always had a high dependency on hunting to survive. Even today’s cats still show these hunting traits as it has only been 50 years since commercial pet food has been able meet their animal protein nutritional needs.

Try Wellness CORE 95%: Perfect for active cats in touch with their wild roots. CORE 95% is high in meat and protein to provide plenty of energy for adventurous kitties who need a re-fuel after scaling your curtains and “hunting” toy mice.

2. Persnickety Pete

Your cat is pickier than most kids. He sits, stares and paws at his food, unsatisfied no matter what you put in his dish.

Dr. Bernal Insight:
Fussiness is a trait that actually evolved out of a cat’s ability to protect themselves, helping them compensate for any nutritional deficiencies that may occur from only eating one thing and preventing them from eating foods that have the potential to make them ill.

Try Wellness CORE Simply Shreds: Stop your fussy cat from turning his nose up at nutritious, grain-free dry food by mixing or topping with CORE Simply Shreds, made with four simple, meaty ingredients. He’ll be meowing for more!

3. The Golden Girl (or Boy!)

Your cat has been there, done that—and now she wants to relax on the back of the couch and enjoy the life of leisure that she’s earned throughout the years.

Dr. Bernal Insight:
Age-related changes can alter an animal’s daily energy needs, change the amounts and type of protein and fat needed, and modify levels of minerals and vitamins required. For older cats, look for functional nutrients such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate for joint health, prebiotics for healthy digestion and L-carnitine to help maintain weight.

Try Wellness Complete Health Senior: For wise, mature cats enjoying their retirement, Complete Health Senior features the WellFlex system to keep hips and joints limber, and fiber and L-Carnitine to support a laid-back lifestyle.

4. The Social Butterfly

Does your cat walk all over your laptop when you’re trying to work or crawl under you when you’re working out in the living room? He can’t leave you (or your guests) alone until he gets some well-deserved attention.

Dr. Bernal Insight:
Cats are often called solitary creatures stemming from their preference to hunt alone, but overall, cats are social and show it in different ways. For some, that means hours of being petted while others prefer walking past you for a stroke or two.

Try Wellness Complete Health Paté: Just like the friendly companion who greets you at the door each day, Complete Health Pate is the perfect choice for your cat. Smooth and soft, Complete Health is tasty nutrition in a wide flavor variety.

5. The Bottomless Pit

When other cat parents complain about their picky eaters, you have no idea what they’re talking about. Even though you feed him twice a day, your cat acts like he’s starving, always ready for the next meal.

Dr. Bernal Insight:
Cats can show signs of excessive hunger if something is upsetting them, like worms or hyperthyroidism. If they’re healthy, it may be time to check that they are eating their recommended amount of food, or look into food dispensing cat toys that mirror their instinctual hunting activities and make the meal last longer.

Try Wellness CORE Indoor dry: Voracious kitties stay satiated with filling CORE Indoor. And with 10% less calories than Original, CORE Indoor will help keep your cat at a healthy weight (even if you add a little more to their dish).

6. The Unlikely Pairing

You have, two, or three, or four cats – which also means many competing personalities. It’s nearly impossible to figure how to satisfy them all!

Dr. Bernal Insight:
While your cats may socialize throughout the day, they often prefer to eat alone in a low-stress environment since cats are solitary hunters. Consider different feeding times or potentially different rooms to make sure each cat is getting their fill.

Try Wellness Complete Health Grain Free Adult: In a multi-cat home, this recipe is a crowd pleaser! This grain-free diet is highly-digestible in both young and old cats. Even if your cats have different personalities, they’ll agree on this.

7. The Foodie

If your cat was human, would she be the first in line to test out the most popular dish at a hot new restaurant, ready for that Insta-worthy snap of her meal? She‘s a feline foodie who won’t accept anything other than the perfect combination of taste and texture.

Dr. Bernal Insight:
Cats preferentially eat foods with a 50/50 ratio of protein to fat. Temperature and texture can also contribute to food acceptance, so look for their preferred flavors and forms from a premium brand of cat food.

Try Wellness CORE Indoor Salmon & Herring: This recipe is a fan favorite among cats that savor the highest quality meals. Gentle on stomachs and a popular recipe that a lot of cats do well on, it’s grain- & poultry-free.

8. Confident

Your cat has that one spot on the couch he loves, refusing to sit anywhere else. He only plays with that one toy, everything else gets left aside. And when it comes to his food? He know exactly what he likes.

Dr. Bernal Insight:
While domestic environments give cats a plethora of choice, for some cats, their wild ancestor traits still shine through, allowing them to know exactly what they need and like.

Try Wellness Complete Health Gravies: For headstrong, stubborn kitties who know what they like—gravy, and lots of it! Grain-free, healthy nutrition in an absolutely indulgent form that will make even the most discerning cats feel spoiled.

Contributor: Dr. Danielle Bernal

Dr. Bernal has over a decade of experience in veterinary medicine, specializing in animal nutrition. In her role as on-staff veterinarian with Wellness Pet Food, she educates pet parents on the importance of natural ingredients like wholesome meats and nutrient-rich superfoods. She passionately believes that proper nutrition helps pets lead happier, healthier lives. Dr. Bernal has been featured in radio, TV and print stories in numerous countries.