July 15/2026

                                 

Can You Hurt Your Cat’s Feelings?

By Hannah Hart, DVM

Published Sep. 4/ 2025

Cats are often portrayed as aloof, independent creatures who are primarily concerned with their own needs & don’t form powerful bonds with humans or other cats. However, evidence contradicts this belief, showing that cats feel a wide range of emotions. 

For example, a 2023 study found that cats can produce 276 different facial expressions, & a 2020 study discovered cats use visual & sound cues to detect how both humans & other cats are feeling so they can respond in kind. 

To have the best possible bond with your cat, it’s important to understand feline emotions & set up your cat’s home environment to promote feelings of contentment & to prevent anxiety, fear, & depression. 

Do Cats Have Feelings?

Yes, cats do have feelings. While we don’t have enough data yet to fully understand how complex a cat’s feelings may be, we do know that they’re capable of feeling at least a few simple emotions, such as:  

Fear 

Anxiety 

Depression 

Boredom 

Contentment 

We can also impact cats’ emotions. Research from the 2020 study indicates that cats may become more anxious when their trusted humans show signs of anger rather than happiness, demonstrating that cats can feel upset when their human family members are.  

The 2023 study also found that cats use hundreds of facial expressions to either associate positively or show feelings of aggression toward other cats. These different facial expressions demonstrate that cats do have emotions that influence their body language and behavior.  

Can You Hurt a Cat’s Feelings?

Yes. Because cats are so keenly aware of our emotions & sensitive to changes in their surroundings, it is possible to hurt your cat’s feelings, so to speak.  

Common ways we might make our cats feel anxious, afraid, or depressed include: 

Loud noises or raised voices 

Sudden changes in routine 

Moving their litter box to a new location 

New people or pets at home 

Changes in their feeding schedule or in the amount of food they receive 

Physically punishing your cat, such as using a spray bottle or yelling at them, can similarly make a cat feel afraid & want to avoid you.  

Additionally, being too aggressive with affection can also make your cat feel scared & anxious, such as picking them up if they don’t like to be held or trying to pet them when they want personal space.  

Cats do often crave connection with us through play & quality time when they’re in the mood. Thus, cats who don’t get enough play & mental stimulation can become bored & may stop seeking out human companionship. 

Signs You’re Hurting Your Cat’s Feelings

When your cat is feeling anxious, bored, or neglected, you may notice some changes in their overall activity level & behavior.  

For example, when your cat is feeling negative emotions, they may: 

Hide more 

Sleep more 

Play & interact with you less 

Pee & poop outside the litter box 

Eat & drink less 

Experience vomiting & diarrhea 

Groom themselves less 

Become aggressive 

Vocalize more 

Change their body posture (become tense, with flattened ears, wide pupils, & a puffed-up tail with lips pulled back to bare teeth & whiskers flattened or splayed out in multiple directions instead of curved downward in a relaxed posture).

How To Bond With Your Cat

Once you know what hurts your cat’s feelings, you can make changes to prevent that negativity in the future. Here is what you can do to best support your cat’s feelings. 

1. Stick To a Routine

Establish a daily routine. This routine may include: 

Playing 

Feeding 

Scooping the litter box 

Brushing 

Going to bed at the same time every day 

2. Maintain a Consistent Environment

Keeping your cat’s food & water bowls, litter box, & cat trees in the same location is also helpful.  

Additionally, make sure they have access to their favorite toys, views of the outdoors, & comfortable bedding at all times. 

Keeping noise levels to a minimum can also keep your cat happy.  

3. Spend Time Together, But Respect Their Boundaries

Some cats may enjoy your company, like sitting on your lap or next to you on a favorite couch or chair.  

However, know when your cat needs their space. Don’t force petting, cuddling, or quality time when they’re not in the mood for it. Always offer an area for your cat to decompress when needed, such as a comfortable hiding spot with access to a litter box, food, & water, perches, & toys. 

4. Play More Often

Most cats benefit from at least 10–15 minutes of interactive play with their humans every day, & some highly active cats may need 2 or 3 additional sessions spaced throughout the day. 

Some good options for interactive play include wand toys, catnip, or toys that mimic hunting prey. 

You can even turn play sessions into training sessions with a clicker & high-value treats, such as Temptations. Training gives them a mental workout while improving their bond with you. 

5. Use Calming Products

There are also several calming products you can use to improve your cat’s mood & help them feel more relaxed around you. These include calming pheromone diffusers such as Feliway Multicat & calming supplements like Purina Calming Care probiotic powder, Vetoquinol Zylkene capsules, & Nutramax Solliquin chews.  

It can take about 6 to 8 weeks to see a noticeable effect from these products, but they can be a good long-term investment in your cat’s emotional well-being.  

https://www.petmd.com/cat/general-health/can-you-hurt-your-cats-feelings?utm_source=NewsletterSubscribers&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=Newsletter&utm_campaign=Newslett

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July 8/2026

                                

Meet Casper The Owl, A 'Natural Mother' To 500 Rescued Babies

By Katy Kroll  

May 21/2026 

Meet Casper, the amazing great horned owl who made headlines as an international news story on CBC News after helping raise hundreds of orphaned owlets at a wildlife rehab center in British Columbia. Since winding up at the facility in 1999 after being caught in a trap, which left her unable to survive in the wild due to the loss of talons, the unlikely foster mom has helped over 500 fledglings learn the skills they need in order to be re-released into the wild.

In the video, we see Casper in her special enclosure at the Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society in Delta, where she has taken all those orphaned owlets under her wing to feed & teach critical skills like flying, catching prey, & being wary of humans. "She's got a little edge to her," laughs one rehab worker in the video, noting that that "edge" gives the babies she fosters the best possible chance at survival. Casper's enduring commitment to the cause proves there's nothing like a mother's love, even in the animal kingdom.

The typical habitats of the great horned owl

Great horned owls are one of the most prevalent & adaptable birds of prey in North America, living anywhere from forests & wetlands to suburban backyards & city parks. They don't build their own nests, so they often repurpose abandoned nests, roost in trees, or find shelter in artificial structures. Once there, they take up permanent residence, usually staying in the same territory year-round.

While you can often hear them, they can be hard to spot, despite their impressive size. The best time of day to look for them, though, is at dusk, when they wake up & start hunting, & the best season to spot them is winter, when there's less foliage, allowing for a better view.

That said, these owls often wind up at wildlife rehab facilities for various reasons, mainly due to human-caused trauma like poisoning, vehicle collisions, or entanglements. So, if you're ever really itching to see one up close, research nearby wildlife facilities that are open to the public that may have some on display. 

Read More: https://www.cuteness.com/2175383/casper-the-owel-deemed-natural-mother-to-500-rescued-babies-video/

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July 1/2026

                             
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Apples?

Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP

Published Mar. 19/2026

Guinea pigs can eat apples, but only in moderation as an occasional treat.

A healthy guinea pig diet should primarily consist of hay, grasses, & leafy green vegetables, which provide the nutrients needed for proper digestion & overall health. Fruits can be offered occasionally, but they should not replace staple foods.

Are Apples Good for Guinea Pigs?

Apples can be a nutritious treat for guinea pigs when fed in small amounts.

They contain beneficial nutrients such as:

-Vitamin C

-Fiber

-B vitamins

-Antioxidants (flavonoids)

However, apples are also high in natural sugar, which can be harmful if fed too frequently or in large quantities. For this reason, apples should never become a regular part of your guinea pig’s daily diet.

The foundation of a healthy guinea pig diet should remain:

-Timothy hay (primary food source)

-Leafy green vegetables

S-mall amounts (1–2 tablespoons) of timothy-based guinea pig pellets

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Apple With Skin?

Yes, guinea pigs can safely eat apple skin, & it contains many of the fruit’s key nutrients.

The skin is especially rich in fiber & potassium, which contribute to the overall health benefits of apples.

However, some guinea pigs may not like the texture or taste of the skin. In these cases, peeling the apple is an option—but keep in mind that doing so removes much of the fiber & reduces some of the nutritional value.

If your guinea pig refuses apple with the skin, you can try offering a small peeled piece, but leaving the skin on is generally the more nutritious choice.

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Apple Seeds?

Apple seeds should be removed before feeding apples to guinea pigs.

Seeds can pose a choking hazard & contain small amounts of cyanide, which can be harmful in large quantities. While accidentally ingesting a small, well-chewed seed is unlikely to cause problems, it is safest to remove all seeds before offering apples to your guinea pig.

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cooked Apples?

Cooked apples are safe for guinea pigs if no added ingredients are included.

Apples that are baked or stewed can be offered as long as they are plain & free of sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, & other additives.

However, cooking reduces the nutritional value of apples. For this reason, cooked apples should be considered an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your guinea pig’s diet.

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Wild Apples?

Guinea pigs can eat most varieties of apples, including wild apples, with a few precautions.

Many wild apples are more tart & acidic, which may be less appealing to guinea pigs & cause mouth irritation if eaten in excess.

If you have access to a sweet, pesticide-free apple tree, you can safely offer small amounts of fruit.

Apple tree branches are also beneficial for guinea pigs. They provide chewing enrichment, support dental health, & offer mental stimulation.

Leaves can remain on the branch & may be eaten as an additional snack.

Can Guinea Pigs Be Allergic to Apples?

Allergies to apples in guinea pigs are very rare, but food intolerance is more common.

Instead of a true allergy, some guinea pigs may have difficulty digesting apples. This can lead to:

-Upset stomach

-Bloating

-Diarrhea

If your guinea pig shows any of these signs after eating apple, stop feeding apples (& other fruits & vegetables) immediately & increase their intake of timothy hay, which helps support digestion.

Mild digestive upset often resolves quickly with this adjustment. However, if diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours or your guinea pig appears lethargic or unwell, contact your veterinarian right away. Diarrhea in guinea pigs can be life-threatening.

If your guinea pig does not tolerate apple well at first, you may be able to try a smaller portion in the future to see if it is better tolerated.

How Much Apple Can a Guinea Pig Eat?

Guinea pigs should only eat small amounts of apple as an occasional treat due to its high sugar content.

A typical serving is about one ½-inch cube, up to twice per week, as long as your guinea pig tolerates it well & does not develop diarrhea.

Guinea pigs benefit from a variety of fresh foods, but these should be introduced gradually. Fresh fruits & vegetables can total about ½ cup per day, but only after your guinea pig has adjusted to them.

To keep your guinea pig healthy:

-Introduce new foods slowly

-Monitor for digestive upset

-Remove any uneaten fruit after 24 hours

-Always provide fresh replacements

-Remember, the foundation of your guinea pig’s diet should always be timothy hay & grasses.

How To Safely Feed Apples to Your Guinea Pig

The safest way to feed apples to your guinea pig is to offer small, fresh, plain pieces.

Before feeding your cavy apples, be sure to thoroughly wash them.

Some guinea pigs—especially those that are ill—may enjoy a small amount of homemade applesauce, but it must not contain sugar, spices, or flavorings.

Another fun option is to make a small “apple salad” by combining leafy greens (such as spinach or kale) with small pieces of apple & other safe vegetables like carrots or celery.

Just be sure to keep fruit portions limited & avoid overfeeding.

What To Avoid

Guinea pigs should not be fed:

-Baked goods (such as muffins or cakes)

-Dried apples or dried fruit (choking hazard & high sugar content)

-Store-bought applesauce, canned apples, or pie fillings (often contain additives)

-Frozen or processed apple products with added ingredients.

What Other Foods Can Guinea Pigs Eat?

Guinea pigs are herbivores & require a diet primarily made up of hay & high-fiber plant foods.

In the wild, guinea pigs eat grasses & other fibrous vegetation, & their digestive systems are not designed to handle large amounts of sugar, carbohydrates, or even excessive pellets.

For optimal health, your guinea pig’s diet should consist mainly of timothy hay & grasses.

To provide balanced nutrition, you can also include:

-Small amounts of timothy-based pellets

-Fresh vegetables & fruits (introduced gradually)

If your guinea pig is not used to fresh foods, introduce them slowly over several weeks, working up to about ½ cup per day of fruits & vegetables combined.

Leafy greens can be fed in larger quantities, including:

-Kale

-Romaine lettuce

-Green a& red leaf lettuce

Other safe foods include:

-Blueberries

-Green pepper

-Pumpkin

-Tomato

-Squash

-Broccoli

-Cauliflower

-Endive

-Carrot tops

-Beet greens

-Kiwi

-Pear

-Mango

-Strawberries

-Asparagus

-Melon

-Cilantro

-Zucchini

-Oranges

Offering a variety of vegetables & fruits helps support a well-balanced diet, but high-sugar foods should always be given in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apples & Guinea Pigs

Can guinea pigs eat apples every day?

No, guinea pigs should not eat apples every day. Apples are high in sugar & should only be given as an occasional treat, about 1–2 times per week in small portions.

What happens if a guinea pig eats too much apple?

Too much apple can cause digestive upset, including diarrhea & bloating. If symptoms occur, stop feeding fruit & increase hay intake. Contact a veterinarian if symptoms persist beyond 24 hours.

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Apples? Safe Feeding Guide | PetMD

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