Pet-friendly destinations are a big part of Raleigh, NC’s charm. From Millbrook Exchange to Dorothea Dix Park, you’ll find fenced-in fields where dogs can run, romp, and make friends while their owners unwind.

However, not every dog enjoys the dog park — and not every park visit is without risk. While these spaces offer great opportunities for exercise and socialization, they can also pose behavioral and health challenges. Understanding the risks can help you keep your pet safe if you choose to visit an off-leash play area.

The Dog Park Dilemma

Urban-dwellers have to be especially intentional about making sure their pets get enough exercise, and there’s no doubt that off-leash play has its benefits. Dogs get a chance to burn energy, develop social skills, and move their bodies in a way that promotes a healthy weight and supple joints. For confident, well-socialized dogs, Raleigh’s dog parks can offer safe, enclosed spaces to run and explore. 

That said, the experience depends heavily on the other dogs (and owners) who show up to share the space. Even well-run parks can be stressful or dangerous when dogs are improperly supervised, ill, or mismatched in size, temperament, or energy level.

The Risks of Off-Leash Parks

Dog parks bring together unfamiliar dogs in a stimulating, high-energy environment. That combination can lead to problems if owners aren’t paying close attention or if one of the dogs isn’t comfortable with group play. Here’s what Raleigh dog parents should know to make the best choice for their pet. 

Behavioral Risks

Not all dogs are naturally social. Some are nervous around new dogs, others are territorial, and some simply prefer human company. When these personalities mix, conflicts can happen.

Watch for signs your dog might be uncomfortable:

• Tail tucked or body crouched low
• Lip licking, yawning, or turning away from other dogs
• A stiff body or intense stare

If you notice these behaviors, it’s time to leave before a scuffle starts. Overstimulation can quickly turn friendly play into aggression.

Dogs with anxiety, reactivity, or poor recall (not coming when called) should generally avoid dog parks. Forced socialization rarely benefits these dogs, and it can exacerbate their fears.

Owner Negligence

Many park incidents are caused not by dogs, but by inattentive owners. Common mistakes include:

• Letting dogs “work it out” instead of intervening early
• Bringing food, toys, or treats that trigger resource guarding
• Failing to watch play dynamics closely

Stay engaged and alert. Keep your phone in your pocket and your eyes on your dog. It’s up to humans to manage energy levels and intervene before situations escalate.

Unspayed and Unneutered Dogs

Hormones play a huge role in canine behavior. Unneutered males may be more likely to challenge other dogs, and females in heat can create chaos at the park.

For everyone’s safety, dogs should be spayed or neutered before visiting off-leash areas. It helps prevent fights, unwanted mating, and hormonal tension that can make group settings unpredictable.

Health Concerns

Dog parks are shared environments — and that means shared germs. Common illnesses that can spread at dog parks include:

• Intestinal parasites like roundworms or hookworms
• Kennel cough (Bordetella)
• Canine influenza
• Fleas and ticks

Don’t rely on others to immunize their pets. Before heading to the park, make sure your pet’s vaccinations and parasite prevention measures are up to date. 

How to Stay Safe at the Dog Park

Dog parks aren’t inherently unsafe, but they do require preparation and vigilance. A few proactive steps can make a big difference in your dog’s experience and mitigate risks. 

Prepare Before You Go

Before you set out for the dog park, take some time to do a bit of research. Look for well-reviewed facilities that have separate areas for large and small dogs, and plan to visit when the park is less crowded, if possible. 

Leave any toys that could trigger resource guarding behind, but bring your own water bowl to help minimize your dog’s exposure to germs. 

Monitor Your Dog’s Body Language

Once you’re inside, stay focused. Dogs communicate through posture, movement, and facial expression.

Friendly play looks loose and bouncy and often involves “taking turns” chasing or wrestling. Tense, still postures, pinned ears, or intense staring are signs of stress or brewing conflict.

Know When to Skip the Dog Park

Some dogs just don’t enjoy dog parks, and that’s okay. You may want to consider other activities if your pet: 

• Is fearful or anxious around other dogs
• Plays too roughly or guards toys and space
• Gets overstimulated or ignores your recall command

Dog parks are not a requirement for good socialization. Your dog can still live a happy, well-adjusted life without them.

Safe Dog Park Alternatives Around Raleigh

If the dog park scene isn’t ideal for your canine companion, Raleigh offers plenty of quieter alternatives for exercise and enrichment.

Dog-Friendly Trails and Greenways

Enjoy one-on-one adventures on scenic, on-leash walks out in nature:

• Miles of paved greenway with water views at Neuse River Greenway Trail
• A mix of shaded paths and boardwalks at Lake Johnson Park
• Forest trails for hiking and exploring together at William B. Umstead State Park

These spots allow your dog to enjoy fresh air, new smells, and bonding time with you without the chaos of an off-leash dog park. 

Home and Backyard Enrichment

Does your dog prefer to stay in their own space? You can also create social and mental stimulation at home:

• Bring out puzzle toys or food-dispensing games
• Try backyard agility equipment
• Organize small, controlled playdates with familiar dogs
• Practice obedience or scent games to challenge your dog mentally

You don’t have to leave your familiar environment to provide exercise and enrichment that suits your dog’s comfort level and personality.

Make the Right Choice for Your Dog

Dog parks can be a wonderful outlet for some dogs, but for others, they may be overwhelming or simply too risky. Fortunately, there are many ways to meet your dog’s needs while keeping them safe and happy. 

If you’re unsure whether your dog is ready for dog park play or if you’d like to discuss vaccines, parasite prevention, or behavioral concerns, reach out to your vet. Together, you can explore ways to reduce your dog’s risks and enjoy your time outdoors. 

When you bring a cat into your life, you want her to be as healthy and happy as possible for as long as possible. One of the most important health decisions you can make for your female cat is choosing to spay her. 

While you’re probably already aware that spaying is the best way to prevent unwanted litters and reduce the number of unhomed cats on streets and in shelters, you may not know how much the procedure contributes to your cat’s quality of life. Spaying significantly reduces cats’ risk of serious diseases, particularly reproductive cancers.

Spayed cats live an average of 39% longer than their intact counterparts. This very safe, low-cost procedure doesn’t just give you peace of mind as a responsible pet parent; it can add years to your cat’s life and prevent painful, costly health problems.

Understanding Reproductive Cancers in Cats

Like humans, cats can develop cancers that affect their reproductive organs. The most significant include:

• Mammary gland tumors: These tumors are the feline equivalent of breast cancer. Unfortunately, mammary tumors in cats are malignant in 85–90% of cases, meaning they often spread to other organs and can be life-threatening.
• Ovarian cancer: Though less common, this cancer can occur in cats whose ovaries are left intact.
• Uterine cancer: Cats with an intact uterus are at risk for uterine cancer, as well as a dangerous infection called pyometra, which can quickly become fatal if untreated.

Because these cancers are often aggressive and difficult to treat successfully, prevention is by far the best protection.

How Spaying Prevents Cancer

The connection between spaying and reduced cancer risk primarily stems from the impact of hormones. Estrogen and progesterone, which are produced by the ovaries, drive the growth of reproductive tissues. Unfortunately, they can also fuel the growth of cancerous cells.

When a cat is spayed, her ovaries and uterus are surgically removed. Without these hormone-producing organs, the risk of developing mammary, ovarian, or uterine cancers is dramatically reduced. The earlier the spay is performed, the greater the protection it provides.

Spay Early to Reduce the Risk of Mammary Tumors

Mammary tumors are the third most common cancer in cats, and because they are malignant most of the time, survival rates are low once diagnosed. 

Each heat cycle that passes before spaying increases a cat’s overall exposure to hormones and raises their risk of developing mammary cancer later in life. For this reason, cats spayed before their first heat cycle gain the strongest defense against mammary tumors. While it’s still very beneficial to spay an older cat, performing the procedure before her first heat reduces her risk of developing mammary cancer by up to 91%

Other Health Benefits of Spaying

Cancer risk reduction isn’t the only reason why spayed cats typically live longer. Without intact reproductive organs, the possibility of other painful health problems like ovarian cysts, hormonal imbalances, and uterine infections is completely eliminated. 

Spaying also prevents the laundry list of health complications that can arise from carrying and birthing kittens. In a world of overcrowded shelters and ecological destruction caused by feral cat colonies, taking steps to avoid adding unwanted kittens to the population is good for both your cat and your community. 

Behavioral Benefits

Beyond disease prevention, spaying can also make day-to-day life more comfortable for your cat. 

The stress of heat cycles can cause female cats to yowl incessantly, pace, and spray urine. Spayed cats tend to be more relaxed and content, making them easier to integrate into multi-pet households and better able to adapt to changes within your home. 

With no heat cycles, cats have less desire to roam. This means they are less likely to escape your home and risk being injured in fights, hit by cars, or exposed to diseases like feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). 

When to Spay Your Cat

Veterinarians typically recommend spaying cats around five to six months of age, though in some cases it can be done earlier.

While spaying before the first heat is optimal, adult and senior cats may still benefit from the procedure. If your cat is older and still intact, it’s never too late to talk to your veterinarian. Though the protective effect against mammary cancer lessens over time, removing the uterus and ovaries at any age will prevent pyometra and other painful reproductive diseases.

Myths About Spaying

Despite its many benefits, misinformation about spaying persists. Get the facts about common concerns: 

• “Spaying makes cats fat.” Weight gain is more closely tied to diet and exercise than spaying. With proper nutrition and playtime, a spayed cat can stay fit and healthy.
• “Cats should have one litter first.” There’s no medical benefit to allowing a cat to go through a pregnancy before spaying. In fact, it increases health risks.
• “Surgery is too dangerous.” Spaying is one of the most common and safe veterinary surgical procedures. With modern anesthesia and pain management, cats typically recover quickly and comfortably.

Supporting Your Cat After Spay Surgery

Spaying usually requires only a short recovery period. Most cats are back to their usual selves within a week or two. Help your cat heal quickly by:

• Keeping her indoors and quiet during the recommended recovery period.
• Monitoring the incision site for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge.
• Using an e-collar or surgical suit to prevent her from licking or pulling at her stitches.
• Following your veterinarian’s instructions for pain management and follow-up care.

If you notice any concerning changes, such as lethargy, vomiting, or incision issues, contact your veterinarian right away.

Add Years to Her Life and Life to Her Years

Spaying is more than a way to prevent unwanted kittens. It’s a proactive step that protects your cat from painful, life-threatening diseases, reduces cancer risk, and improves her quality of life. By choosing to spay, you’re giving your cat the best chance at a long, healthy, and happy life.

Whether you have a newly-adopted kitten or an adult cat with several litters behind her, reach out to your vet for advice on how spaying can manage health risks and help your cat feel her best. 

With so many parks, breweries, and restaurants that welcome pets, Raleigh, NC, is an ideal place to enjoy life to the fullest with your dog or cat. 

Although Raleigh only seems to get more pet-friendly as time goes on, sadly, it’s also known for its high shelter intakes. Every year, thousands of pets in Wake County wait for an adoptive family and a second chance at life.

If you’re considering adding four new paws to your home, beginning your journey with a rescue and shelter (rather than a breeder) does a world of good for the local community, other shelter animals, and your new companion. Here’s what future pet parents in Wake County need to know to get started. 

Why Adoption Matters in Raleigh

North Carolina has one of the highest shelter intake rates in the country. In 2023 alone, state shelters took in nearly 120,500 animals, and more than 14,000 were euthanized due to overcrowding and lack of resources. Wake County Animal Center, which serves the Raleigh area, often operates near or at capacity, especially during kitten season. 

Choosing adoption doesn’t just save the life of the pet you bring home — it also allows shelters to remove feral animals from the community streets and control disease epidemics by making room for another dog or cat in need. 

Choosing the Right Pet for Your Family

Once you make the decision to adopt, it’s time to consider what kind of pet will be the best fit for your lifestyle, home, and family. 

The amount of space you have to offer, how much time you have to dedicate to training, and your personal enjoyment of high-energy activities can help you choose the perfect companion. 

For example, a quiet, child-free home may be ideal for a senior cat, while a family that loves the outdoors might be open to a new puppy. Visiting a shelter in person will allow you to connect with the animals and ask questions about each pet’s personality, health history, and ideal living situation.

Fostering is another great way to explore how a new pet fits into your family while benefiting your community. By temporarily housing pets awaiting adoption, you may discover that a particular age, breed, or temperament is a good match for your needs.

Raleigh Rescues and Animal Shelters

If you’re ready to begin the search for your new best friend, Raleigh offers several trusted organizations:

• SPCA of Wake County: A no-kill shelter with dogs, cats, and small animals available for adoption.
• Wake County Animal Center: The county’s primary intake shelter, offering adoptions and fostering opportunities.
• SAFE Haven for Cats : A dedicated no-kill cat shelter and spay/neuter clinic.
• Freedom Ride Rescue: A foster-based rescue that matches pets with their forever homes. 

Supporting Your Pet’s Health After Adoption

While many shelters and rescues spay and neuter animals in their care and administer certain vaccinations prior to adoption, it’s important to prioritize a wellness visit for your new dog or cat. 

Establishing a relationship with a veterinarian early will make it easier to identify and treat any health conditions that are common in communal living, like parasites and kennel cough. Your vet may also recommend additional vaccines and preventative care so that your new relationship has the healthiest possible start. 

Not Ready to Adopt?

Even if you decide that adoption isn’t possible right now, there are other ways that you can make a difference for Raleigh’s shelter pets.

• Volunteer your time. Local shelters and rescues often depend on the help of volunteers. Reach out to explore opportunities to help socialize animals and organize adoption events.
• Foster a pet. If you aren’t ready for a long-term commitment, you can provide a temporary home for a dog or cat while they wait for adoption. This reduces shelter crowding and helps animals adjust to family life.
• Donate. Shelters are always in need of food, supplies, and financial contributions.
• Spread the word. Share adoptable pets on social media to help them reach more potential families.

Every small act supports better outcomes for animals in our community. Wherever you are in your adoption journey, you can still take steps to improve the lives of cats and dogs in Wake County. 

Has your cat ever enthusiastically finished a meal only to throw it up a few moments later? The occasional incident is almost an inevitable part of life for cat parents, but it’s a myth that frequent vomiting is normal cat behavior. 

If you’ve noticed a pattern of post-meal vomiting, your cat needs your help to find a solution. Let’s explore common reasons why cats may struggle to keep food down, and how you can help support better digestion. 

Why Cats Vomit After Eating

As obligate carnivores, the feline gastrointestinal tract is optimized to break down proteins quickly. Because this fast digestive process begins while cats are still in the act of eating, it’s not uncommon for their bodies to reject incoming food immediately after (or even during) a meal. 

Eating that’s frequently followed by vomiting is a sign that something is preventing your cat from fully digesting their food. 

Swallowed Air

Cats who quickly slurp down wet food or gobble up kibble may be inadvertently filling their stomachs with air in the process. Swallowed air causes the walls of the stomach to stretch, artificially signaling to your cat that they’ve overconsumed and need to purge. 

Overeating

Similarly, too much food can produce an overfull feeling that leads to vomiting. Cats are generally good at moderating their intake, but certain behavioral and medical conditions can lead to overeating. 

Cats who free-feed might overconsume food out of boredom, but serious conditions like thyroid disease, parasitic infections, and feline diabetes may also cause an increased appetite. 

Hairballs 

If your cat is prone to hairballs, the digestive activity triggered by eating may be prompting your cat to throw up around meal times. 

The hair that cats swallow during grooming is indigestible, and what doesn’t pass through in their stool must eventually come up as vomit. When digestion is stimulated, your cat may choose that moment to empty their stomach of both food and accumulated hair. 

Food Sensitivities and Preferences

Pet food allergies are more likely to cause dermatitis than upset stomachs, but it is possible that an unknown food sensitivity is to blame for post-meal vomiting. 

Even if your vet is able to rule out a true allergy, cats may still respond to abrupt changes in the brand, flavor, or formula of their food by throwing up. If you need to make changes to your cat’s food, it’s best to do so gradually. Mixing a bit of the new food into their existing diets and slowly changing the ratio can help your cat accept the change without getting an upset stomach. 

When to Worry About Vomiting

Because there is such a broad range of reasons your cat may vomit after eating, it’s important to start by ruling out serious medical issues. Head to the vet if you notice: 

• Blood, bile, or foam in the vomit
• Changes in weight or appetite
• Lethargy
• Diarrhea 
• Vomiting that increases in frequency over time 

Once your vet has eliminated explanations like gastrointestinal disease, parasites, or pancreatitis, you can start looking for ways to support your cat’s digestion through lifestyle changes. 

Healthy Digestion Tips for Cats 

Comfortable digestion means less vomiting and a better quality of life for your cat. Here are a few small changes that can make a big difference. 

Slow Down Frantic Eaters

If your cat tends to scarf down food, a puzzle bowl or timed feeder can help them slow down and ensure that less air gets mixed into each bite. Social dynamics in multi-cat households can also lead to panicked eating, so you may notice that separating cats during meals allows anxious pets to take their time. 

Prioritize Hydration

Cats who don’t drink enough water are more likely to struggle with hairballs and poor digestion. Some cats prefer moving water (from a fountain-style dish), while others may avoid drinking from containers that are made from certain materials, the wrong shape, or placed too close to their food dish. Experimenting with preferences is the best way to motivate your cat to drink. 

Try a Sensitive Stomach Diet 

Your vet may recommend cat food with more easily digestible proteins or added fiber. As with any dietary change, introducing the new food slowly will help your cat adjust. 

Stick to a Routine

Adhering to a schedule and offering predictable meals at predictable times is important for good digestion. Cats thrive on routine, so uncertainty about when and what they will eat next can trigger anxiety or overeating. 

Adding playtime before meals is a great way to stimulate your cat’s appetite while tapping into their natural instinct to hunt, then eat. Make sure your feline friend has access to a perch or other quiet spot to retreat after eating so they can digest in peace away from household noise or other pets. 

Once you rule out underlying health concerns, attention to your cat’s needs and preferences can greatly improve digestion. Work with your vet to establish a diet and feeding schedule that works for your feline friend. 

If your aging dog hesitates before climbing stairs or needs a boost getting into bed, joint discomfort is probably to blame. 

As dogs get older, the cartilage that prevents their bones from rubbing together during movement can start to break down. Without enough cartilage for cushion, friction inside joints may lead to painful inflammation, or osteoarthritis.

Some amount of wear on the joints is a natural part of the aging process, but that doesn’t mean that pet parents should accept painful movement as inevitable. Here are a few strategies to help your dog enjoy being active well into their golden years. 

Signs of Joint Pain in Dogs

Compared to other tissues in the body, cartilage has very slow cell turnover. Because it takes cartilage such a long time to regenerate, it’s important to address joint pain as soon as you notice it. Keep an eye out for: 

• Limping or favoring one leg
• Difficulty getting up from lying down
• Reluctance to jump onto surfaces that used to be accessible. 
• Irritability when touched around the hips or legs
• Decreased interest in walks or play

Even subtle changes in your dog’s mobility could indicate stiffness or discomfort, so don’t hesitate to mention these signs at your next veterinary visit.

How to Support Your Older Dog’s Joints

The best time to start considering the health of an aging dog’s joints is before they start to experience discomfort. Here are a few ways to keep osteoarthritis at bay.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

One of the most impactful things you can do for your dog’s joints is to keep them at a healthy weight. Excess body weight places additional stress on the hips, knees, and spine, which accelerates joint degeneration and contributes to pain.

If your dog is carrying a few extra pounds, your veterinarian can help create a safe weight-loss plan. Even a small reduction can make a big difference in their mobility. 

Incorporate Low-Impact Exercise

Gentle movement is great for aging joints. Exercise keeps the surrounding muscles strong and improves circulation — just take care not to let your dog overdo it. 

Vigorous runs and challenging hikes may be too much for

 your senior pet, so pay attention to signs of soreness or tiredness. Focus on short, consistent walks (on soft surfaces if possible), gentle play, and low-impact activities like swimming. 

Make Changes at Home

As your dog ages, a few simple accommodations can make day-to-day movement much more comfortable. You might consider:

• Adding non-slip rugs or runners on slick floors for better traction
• Using a pet ramp to help your dog get onto furniture or into the car
• Elevating food and water bowls so your dog doesn’t have to bend down as far
• Switching to a supportive orthopedic dog bed to reduce pressure on the joints while resting

Ask Your Vet About Laser Therapy

Many dogs with chronic joint disease or hip dysplasia respond well to supportive therapies, especially when combined with weight management and proper nutrition. 

Laser therapy works by encouraging cell activity and can help speed up the regeneration of cartilage. Unlike home red light therapies, veterinary lasers target specific treatment areas and don’t produce heat, ensuring the experience is comfortable for your pet. Your vet can help you determine whether laser therapy is a good option to treat your pet’s joint pain. 

Keep Up With Wellness Visits

Routine veterinary checkups are key to catching joint issues early and staying ahead of progression. Your vet can assess your dog’s mobility and body condition score, and perform diagnostic imaging so you have a clearer picture of their current joint health. 

Never give your dog ibuprofen or Tylenol for joint pain. If your dog is showing signs of discomfort, your vet can prescribe medication and help you make informed decisions about dietary changes and supplements that support comfortable movement.  

Gingivitis is one of the most common dental issues in cats, but it’s also one of the most preventable. Early-stage gum disease may start with a little redness or bad breath, but if left untreated, it can progress to more painful conditions like periodontitis, tooth loss, and infections. 

While regular home care is missing from the majority of pet parents’ routines, cat owners are only about half as likely as dog owners to brush their pet’s teeth. Here’s why oral care is such an important part of your cat’s overall health. 

What Is Feline Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup along the gumline. It’s a precursor to dental disease, and unfortunately, nearly 70% of cats exhibit signs of it by age three. 

Untreated gingivitis can affect your cat’s comfort and appetite, but the issues don’t end with their teeth. Over time, dental disease can cause heart, liver, and kidney problems as an overgrowth of infectious bacteria taxes other body systems.  

The good news? Early-stage gingivitis is usually reversible with proper care. 

Know the Signs of Gingivitis in Cats

Catching gingivitis early makes a big difference, so it’s important to recognize the signs. Healthy gums should be firm and pale pink with no swelling or bleeding.

Head to your vet if you notice:

• Inflammation or swelling along the gum edges
• Bad breath (even in young cats)
• Drooling or pawing at the mouth
• Avoiding food, especially hard kibble
• Subtle behavior changes like irritability

Make a habit of gently examining your cat’s gums during playtime and petting sessions so you will notice changes if they happen. 

How to Care for Your Cat’s Teeth at Home

Just like humans, cats are more likely to form good habits if they start them early. If you have a kitten, now is the perfect time to get them used to having their mouth gently handled. Try lifting their lips during cuddle time so they become more comfortable with oral care and examinations, and slowly work your way up to a more thorough cleaning using a pet-safe toothpaste. 

Introducing a toothbrush or dental wipe while your cat is young can make future brushing much easier. However, if you’ve adopted an adult cat, it’s never too late to make oral care part of your routine, but take it slow. Start with short, positive interactions and use treats or affection as rewards. The goal is to make dental care part of a positive routine, not a struggle.

If your cat is very resistant to brushing, dental chews, mouth rinses, and water additives are less invasive ways to remove plaque and improve gum health between professional dental cleanings at your vet’s office. 

Schedule Your Cat’s Annual Dental Exam

Even with excellent home care, professional dental exams and cleanings are still essential. During wellness visits, your veterinarian will check your cat’s teeth and gums for signs of disease that may not be visible at home and remove plaque from under the gumline, where brushing can’t reach. 

These procedures are typically done under anesthesia to ensure your cat’s comfort and allow for a full evaluation of each tooth. Cats with early gingivitis may need more frequent cleanings, but the payoff is worth it: a healthier mouth and fewer long-term issues.

Gingivitis Prevention for Total Health

Great oral health (and total wellness, by extension) is about consistency. Regular brushing, routine monitoring, and annual dental exams are key to helping your cat lead a full and pain-free life. 

Not sure where to start? Reach out to your veterinarian for help choosing the right dental products and improving home care. With a little patience and practice, you can build a routine that works for you and your cat. 

If you aren’t familiar with the viral videos and training kits, toilet training your cat probably sounds absurd. Even so, the prospect of a life free from the hassle and expense of litter box maintenance is a compelling one for cat parents. 

It is, in fact, possible to teach some cats to use a standard bathroom commode. However, whether toilet training is a good fit for your feline friend will depend on their temperament, health, and the setup of your home. Here are some things to consider before changing up your cat’s bathroom routine. 

Yes, Potty Training Your Cat is Possible

Cats are intelligent and hygienic animals with the instinct to hide their waste, so some can adapt to using the toilet with a little patience and consistency. Younger cats are more likely to be accepting of an unconventional bathroom routine, but personality is the largest consideration. 

Just like some cats insist on unscented litter or an enclosed or uncovered box, their preferences will determine whether or not toilet training is an option. If your pet is resistant to the change, don’t force it — their discomfort will likely lead them to eliminate elsewhere in your home. 

How to Toilet Train Your Cat

If you want to test the waters, here is a guide for introducing your pet to the toilet:

1. Move the Litter Box Near the Toilet

If it isn’t there already, relocate your cat’s litter box to the bathroom you’d like them to use and let them get used to the new room before making other changes. 

2. Gradually Raise the Litter Box

Begin elevating the litter box a few inches every couple of days using a sturdy platform. The goal is to get your cat used to jumping up to use the bathroom. Do this until the litter box is level with the toilet seat.

If at any point your cat stops using the litter box, that’s a good indication they aren’t on board with the change due to mobility issues or personal preferences. 

3. Move to a Training Tray

Once the litter box is the same height as the toilet, replace it with a training tray or metal bowl that fits inside the toilet seat. Fill it with flushable litter. 

Gradually reduce the amount of litter and, if using a staged system, widen the hole in the middle so your cat gets used to eliminating directly into the water.

4. Remove the Tray

Eventually, your cat may no longer need the training device or litter. They will perch on the toilet seat and eliminate into the bowl.

Limitations to Consider

While it’s certainly possible for some cats, toilet training isn’t right for every feline or family. Keep in mind: 

• You’ll need a dedicated bathroom, at least initially. During training, your cat needs predictable access to the toilet. Ideally, you’ll have one bathroom reserved for them during this time.
• Not all cats will tolerate it. Older cats, cats with mobility issues, or those who are particularly sensitive to stress and change may never be comfortable using a toilet.
• Using the bathroom goes against innate behavior. Toilet training removes a cat’s ability to dig and bury waste. Being cut off from instinctual behaviors may cause anxiety. 
• It will be harder to monitor their health. One of the biggest drawbacks of toilet training is that you lose the ability to observe your cat’s waste. Changes in stool or urine are often early warning signs of health problems like feline UTIs.

The Bottom Line

Training trays have been around for many years, but the overwhelming popularity of traditional litter boxes and litter robots suggests that many cats reject the commode.  If you think your cat may be a good candidate for toilet training, there’s no inherent harm in giving it a try as long as you pay close attention to your pet’s feedback throughout the process. 

Pushing a reluctant cat to change their routine can lead to emotional distress and behavioral problems, so make changes gradually and stay flexible. If potty training disagrees with your pet, their sense of security is well worth scooping those clumps. 

Contagious and incurable, feline herpesvirus certainly sounds scary. In reality, the condition is extremely common and, when properly managed, need not impact your cat’s quality of life. 

Whether you’ve recently adopted a cat who’s showing signs of upper respiratory illness or you’re simply trying to protect your pet, understanding feline herpesvirus is an important part of keeping your cat healthy. Here’s what pet parents should know. 

What Is Feline Herpesvirus?

Feline herpesvirus, or FHV-1, is the virus that causes feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), a major contributor to upper respiratory infections in cats. 

Once a cat is infected, they typically carry the virus for life. Like the human cold sore virus, FHV-1 mostly lies dormant but can flare up during times of stress or illness. Many cats may appear healthy between flare-ups, with symptoms reappearing only when the immune system is compromised.

While FHV-1 is easily transmitted from one cat to another, it can’t be passed to humans or dogs. 

How Do Cats Catch FHV-1?

Without preventative care, feline herpesvirus is highly contagious.

It’s often spread through social grooming, when the saliva, mucus, or eye discharge of an infected cat comes into contact with another. Other common routes of transmission are shared water bowls or bedding, as well as airborne droplets from sneezes and coughs. 

Shelter kittens who have been living with other cats while their immune systems are still developing are especially at risk. Once infected, a cat remains a carrier and can shed the virus even without obvious symptoms.

Symptoms of Feline Herpes

Symptoms of FHV-1 can vary in severity, especially during flare-ups. Some of the most common signs include:

• Sneezing and nasal discharge
• Watery or inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Squinting or sensitivity to light
• Loss of appetite
• Fever and lethargy
• Corneal ulcers or cloudiness in the eyes
• Worsening symptoms during stressful events, such as travel or boarding

If your cat shows any of these signs (especially if they persist or worsen) contact your veterinarian.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Feline herpesvirus is typically diagnosed based on a cat’s history and clinical signs. In some cases, your vet may recommend laboratory testing for confirmation. 

While there is no cure for FHV-1, our vet can manage the symptoms, like eye inflammation and dehydration. They may also prescribe antiviral medications to suppress flare-ups and make it less likely that an infected cat will spread feline herpesvirus to others. 

Prevention

Vaccination is your best defense against feline herpesvirus. The FVRCP vaccine can be given to kittens and boosted in adult cats to protect against herpesvirus, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. While the vaccine doesn’t always prevent infection entirely, it can reduce the severity of symptoms and help protect your cat from serious complications.

In addition to preventative care, keeping your cat indoors is a great way to reduce their exposure to strays or cats with unknown vaccination status. Plan to quarantine any new cats or kittens for 10-14 days to monitor for signs of illness before introducing them to resident animals. 

Living With a FHV-1 Positive Cat

Many cats who carry feline herpesvirus live long, happy lives. The key is managing flare-ups and seeking treatment for symptoms as they arise. 

Keep feline herpesvirus at bay by

• Reducing stressors in your home
• Feeding your cat a nutritious, well-balanced diet
• Staying on top of vaccines and wellness visits
• Monitoring for changes in appetite, energy, or eye health

With the right support and veterinary care, cats living with feline herpesvirus can continue to thrive.