A recent Ipsos and Mars survey found that about 43% of U.S. pet owners plan to include their pets in Halloween festivities this year. Embracing this trend, Mars—the maker of more than 40 well-known brands including M&M’S®, SNICKERS®, Ben’s Original™, PEDIGREE®, and TEMPTATIONS™—has launched its first-ever limited-edition Mars Tails & Treating Packs. These special packs pair classic Mars candies for people with Mars treats for dogs and cats.
“As a family-owned company, we know holidays are better when celebrated together,” said Tim LeBel, Chief Halloween Officer and President of Sales at Mars Wrigley North America. “With Mars Tails & Treating Packs, we’re thrilled to help Americans include their pets in spooky season fun through a one-of-a-kind product innovation only Mars could deliver.”
To mark the launch and support its mission of creating A Better World for Pets™, Mars is donating $10,000 to the PEDIGREE Foundation, which helps adoptable dogs find loving homes.
Each Mars Tails & Treating Pack includes five Share Size Milk Chocolate M&M’S, five Full Size SNICKERS bars, and five SKITTLES® Original Fruity Candy share size bags for humans. Pets get one pack of GREENIES™ Dental Treats for dogs (size selectable), one pack of GREENIES™ Cat Dental Treats, three PEDIGREE Drizzlers™ Savory Sauce packs for dogs, and one box of TEMPTATIONS Lickable Spoons treats for cats. The pack also features a Spooky Seven Layer Dip recipe from Ben’s Original with a discount code for its products. Human and pet treats are packaged separately for easy, safe storage.
“Mars products are enjoyed by millions of people and pets each year,” said Anton Vincent, President of Mars Wrigley North America & Global Ice Cream. The Mars Tails & Treating Packs are available now for $10.31 at www.marstailsandtreating.com, while supplies last.
The family safety app Life360 is venturing into pet tech with the launch of its new tracking device, the Pet GPS. Designed to attach to a collar or harness, this new device aims to offer pet owners peace of mind by delivering real-time location updates for their dogs and cats.
The launch of the Pet GPS feels like a natural evolution for Life360, particularly following its acquisition of the tracking device company Tile in 2021. Since then, the company has integrated Tile’s item-finding capabilities into its app, including the ability to assign a Tile tracker to their pet.
Retailing at $49.99, Life360’s Pet GPS stands as the priciest offering in its lineup. However, it comes with a range of features that pet owners may find worthwhile.
Image Credits:Life360
Key features include geofencing (virtual boundary alerts), escape alerts, and access to a Pet Finder Network. Pet owners can set up safe zones, and if a pet runs off, an escape alert will be triggered.
Users can also alert the nearby community about a lost pet. When issuing a lost pet alert, the app shares important information with nearby members, such as the pet’s name, image, breed, and emergency contact details.
Life360 says its network comprises over 88 million members, providing users with a substantial community to help locate their missing pet.
Image Credits:Life360
The pet tracker combines cellular, GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth to provide the most accurate location, updating every 2 to 4 seconds when the pet is away from home.
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Other helpful features include a built-in light, which can be activated through the app to help find a pet in the dark. The device also features a chime noise function, allowing owners to call their pets when needed — as when they are taking too long to relieve themselves in the yard or they’re hiding under the couch.
With an IP68 rating, Life360 says the device is water-resistant, dustproof, and resistant to pet bites.
The device includes a charger with a battery life lasting up to 14 days. There’s also a “Bluetooth Reserve Mode,” which extends battery life to keep a pet locatable for up to six months.
Life360’s Pet GPS comes in three colors: pink, navy, and black. It’s available for purchase in the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand at Life360.com. To access all features, users need a Gold ($14.99/month) or Platinum ($24.99/month) subscription.
NATIONWIDE — There’s no need to spook your pets this Halloweekend.
“Halloween can be the spookiest night of the year, but keeping your pets safe doesn’t have to be tricky,” the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said.
ASPCA released these safety tips ahead of the holiday:
Hide the candy
Pet owners need to keep candy and other Halloween treats away from their pets. A lot of Halloween goodies, such as anything with chocolate, are toxic to pets. Remind your little ones not to share their candy haul with their four-legged siblings.
“Chocolate in all forms — especially dark or baking chocolate — can be very dangerous for cats and dogs, and sugar-free candies containing the sugar substitute xylitol can cause serious problems in pets,” ASPCA said.
If your furry friend accidentally gets into the candy bowl or eats something toxic, call your vet immediately.
Kitty- and puppy-proof your decor
Keep an eye on those pretty pumpkins. While pumpkins and corn are not likely to be fatal toxins to your pet, they can cause upset stomachs. Plus, pets could knock over lit jack-o’-lanterns and start a fire.
“Curious kittens are especially at risk of getting burned or singed by candle flame,” ASPCA said.
If there are cords, sockets, inflatables, lights or other yard decor, pet owners will need to make sure their furry friends aren’t nibbling on any wires, too.
Costume considerations
No human would want to wear something uncomfortable all weekend, and the same goes for animals. Make sure any pet costumes are comfortable and safe. Pet costumes should not impair breathing, vision, hearing, ability to “speak” or mobility.
“Check the costume carefully for small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that could present a choking hazard,” ASPCA said. “Ill-fitting outfits can get twisted on external objects or your pet, leading to injury.”
Wisconsin Humane Society suggested having pets wear something simple first, such as a bandana, so they get used to dressing up over time. Then, add more elements as they work their way up to their full Halloween attire. WHS said positive reinforcement, like treats and toys, can help make the experience more of a “treat” for your pet.
ASPCA said pets should try their costumes on before Halloween, just like people. If the animal seems “distressed or shows abnormal behavior” it may be best to ditch the costume this year.
(Amy Sussman/AP Images for PetSmart)
Keep calm
If your pet gets stressed around people in costumes, either inside your house or elsewhere, don’t force them to get in on the fun. WHS said a “safe, quiet space inside your home” to make them comfortable is a perfect place for them to hangout for Halloween.
“All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours,” ASPCA said.
ID, please
Make sure your pet has a collar with their ID tags and is micro-chipped.
ASPCA explained the constant stream of activity and strangers trick-or-treating brings to your home is scary and stressful for pets. When you open the door, make sure your pet doesn’t scamper outside.
If your pet does manage to spook you and get outside, having them properly ID’d and easily identifiable can be a lifesaver.
Charges have been dropped against a Hillsborough County man who was accused of leaving a dog tied up as Hurricane Milton approached
Trooper’s new owner, Frank Spina, said he is “disgusted” to learn that the charges have been dropped
The charges were dropped due to insufficient evidence
“Trooper’s Law” makes it a third-degree felony for anyone to restrain or abandon a dog during a declared disaster or evacuation
The dog, “Trooper,” was found attached to a fence in rising floodwaters while Hurricane Milton approached last year. A new family later adopted Trooper.
Trooper dealt with some health issues within the past year but is now doing “fantastic”, Trooper’s owner, Frank Spina, said.
Giovanny Aldama Garcia of Ruskin was facing charges of aggravated animal cruelty after he admitted to leaving his dog on the side of the road. The charges were dropped after State Attorney Suzy Lopez’s office said that there is not enough evidence to prove that Trooper was intentionally tied to the fence.
Frank Spina adopted Trooper after the storm. (Spectrum News)
Spina told Spectrum News he was “disgusted” to hear that the charges had been dropped.
“To find out a year later that they’re going to withdraw the charges because they lack evidence? There’s clearly something wrong with this picture,” he said.
A spokesperson said that the FHP trooper who found the dog recently said during the deposition process that he found the dog stuck to the fence by its collar.
With nothing found at the scene, like a rope or chain, that Trooper would’ve been tied up with, the office could not legally move forward with the case.
As a result of Trooper being abandoned during the storm, “Trooper’s Law” was made. “Trooper’s Law” makes it a third-degree felony for anyone to restrain or abandon a dog during a declared disaster or evacuation.
LANSING, Mich. — LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Dogs dressed up as everything from Elvis Presley to Scooby Doo’s Mystery Machine went trick-or-treating in Michigan’s capital Friday as part of the annual Howloween event organized by a local pet store.
The costumed canines made a loop through Lansing’s Old Town arts district, stopping outside restaurants, gift shops and jewelry stores, where owners were waiting to provide treats and a scratch behind the ears.
Wendy Beck’s pooch, Bella, “got filled up on biscuits” and had to stop along the route for a power nap.
It was the 9-year-old St. Bernard’s first Howloween, but Alicia Town’s dog, Mojo, is a veteran in more ways than one. The 13-year-old Pomeranian was a tank driver, rolling around in a little green tank – an ode to Town’s husband serving in the Army.
“There are so many dogs and so many people. You see the cutest things,” Town said. “People go above and beyond on their costumes, and you get everything. It’s amazing.”
Makenzie Smith-Emrich accompanied her pit bull, Sadie, who was dressed up as a kissing booth pumpkin.
“This is something we wait for all year, because it’s something that we can do with our dogs that they absolutely adore,” the Lansing resident said. “And they get to dress up, and people give them attention.”
The event is organized each year by Preuss Pets, an Old Town fixture. The number of dogs is capped at 200, and their owners have to preregister. It is all part of an effort to keep the numbers down for safety’s sake.
General manager Kirbay Preuss said Howloween is “joyous” and “a very good thing.”
“I think right now with everything going on in the world we need more joyous events, and that’s what this is,” she said.
Nestlé is cutting 16,000 jobs globally as the Swiss food giant cuts costs as part of its efforts to revive its financial performance.
Nestlé, which makes Nescafé, KitKats, pet foods and many other well-known consumer brands, said Thursday that the job cuts will take place over the next two years. The Swiss company also said that it is raising targeted cost cuts to 3 billion Swiss francs ($3.76 billion) by the end of next year, up from a planned 2.5 billion Swiss francs ($3.13 billion).
It has been a turbulent year for the company, based Vevey, Switzerland. Last month, Nestle dismissed CEO Laurent Freixe after an investigation into an undisclosed relationship with a subordinate.
Freixe had only been on the job for a year. He was replaced by Philipp Navratil, a longtime Nestlé executive.
Shortly after Freixe was ousted, Chairman Paul Bulcke stepped down early.
Nestlé is also fighting a host of external headwinds like other food makers, including rising commodity costs and U.S. imposed tariffs. The company announced price hikes over the summer to offset higher coffee and cocoa costs.
President Donald Trump has implemented a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods like coffee and orange juice. The Trump administration imposed a 40% tariff on Brazilian products in July, which was on top of a 10% tariff imposed earlier. Coffee habits in the U.S. are almost exclusively fueled by imports. Official U.S. government data shows Brazil, the world’s top coffee producer, supplies about 30% of the American market, followed by Colombia at roughly 20% and Vietnam at about 10%. Tariff negotiations are ongoing.
The price of cocoa soared to record highs last year after inclement weather in areas where it is grown constrained supply and hit companies like Nestlé hard. While cocoa costs began to fall in 2025 as supply increased, cocoa is vastly more expensive than it was just two years ago.
Nestlé said Thursday that it will eliminate 12,000 white-collar positions in multiple locations. The job cuts are expected to achieve annual savings of 1 billion Swiss francs ($1.25 billion) by the end of next year. The company will cut 4,000 jobs as part of ongoing productivity initiatives in its manufacturing and supply chain.
“The world is changing, and Nestlé needs to change faster,” Navratil said in a statement.
Shares of Nestlé rose nearly 8% on the SIX Swiss Exchange. The company’s stock, which trades over the counter in the U.S., jumped by about the same level at the opening bell Thursday.
Cats are beautiful, interesting, weird creatures. They’re also very picky. Finding cat toys that they’ll actually play with is tough, especially with the sheer oversaturation of the pet market today. Cats require a specific environment to play, scratch, and relax. Based on years of testing with our cats, these are our favorite WIRED-approved, techy cat toys (and furniture). Even if our cats rejected a particular product, we still examined overall construction, design, and value to determine whether it may be useful for other kitties.
We have tested everything on this list with our own cats. All of these toys have an element to engage their natural instincts, like an interactive mat that mimics the movements of prey, or a puzzle toy so your cat has to use their pecan-sized brain to get rewarded with delicious treats. Plus, increasing vertical space with cat furniture is a great way to provide passive enrichment.
Updated October 2025: We’ve added The Purrgola, Mau Reiya, and Mau Ivy 3, and removed the 5Strands Intolerances & Imbalances Test. We’ve updated prices and links throughout.
Cat Toys
Photograph: Molly Higgins
Sofolor
Interactive Cat Toy
This feline crowd pleaser is the cat toy I recommend everyone buy. My extremely spoiled cats rarely interact with a toy for more than five minutes, but they play with this interactive cat toy for hours on end. It has three modes so cats never get bored: Normal, Active, and Interactive, and it shuts off automatically after a period of time not being used. It has a simple USB charger (but lasts on a charge for about six days), and a button that controls everything, plus it comes with a replacement wand in case your cats are as rough-and-tumble as mine. Although this is a bit more than I like to spend on cat toys, it was the best purchase I’ve made this year.
Photograph: Molly Higgins
Viwik
Interactive Cat Toy Mat
My cats go bonkers for interactive play mats, and although this one didn’t keep their attention as much as the play mat above, it’s still a solid choice and provides them with options when it comes to human-free play. The rechargeable rolling ball lights up and moves erratically inside the mat, which held my cats’ attention for probably half an hour. I put this one away for a few days before bringing it back out to keep interest. You can even use the rolling ball as a toy outside the mat, but beware that it easily rolls under furniture and in hard-to-reach corners. My biggest gripe is that the rechargeable ball has a short battery life and needs to be charged after each play session.
Photograph: Molly Higgins
Valonii
Motion Activated Cat Laser Toy
There’s some controversy in the cat-owning community about whether lasers are too frustrating for cats, who may feel like they can never “catch” the “prey” (aka pouncing on the laser dot without actually being able to get it). My cats are both obsessed with laser toys, and it’s a great way for them to get exercise and keep themselves entertained; I just always give them treats after to reward them for a job well done. This toy has three interactive modes and motion sensor activation to further keep cats’ attention, and it lasts about a day before needing to be recharged.
Photograph: Molly Higgins
Catstages
Interactive Cat Treat Puzzle
One of my cats is an extremely intelligent, high-energy cat who’s also very food motivated, so it is a continual challenge to find things to keep him entertained—not to mention, I also have to make sure he doesn’t inhale his food. With this toy, you can cover up the treats with the leaves or put them only in the cups for an extra challenge—I love that this puzzle toy is totally customizable based on your cat’s intelligence level. I have both the Melon Madness and Buggin’ Out models, and even years later, my cats are still entertained by them. I call that a good investment.
Photograph: Meowbox
If you can’t figure out which kind of toy your cats will like, or you just want them to be refreshed every so often, Meowbox is a great subscription. You can choose to get deliveries every one or two months, and they include both treats and incredibly cute toys with an equally cute theme. Plus, for every box sold, the company gives food to a shelter.
Photograph: SnugglyCat
Snuggly Cat
The Ripple Rug
Former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano‘s cats went nuts for this Ripple Rug. The bottom piece stays in place while the top can be configured into different shapes for playing (or hunting), and you can reshape it as often as you wish. The material feels like felt, but is made from 24 post-consumer plastic bottles and can withstand sharp claws.
Courtesy of Amazon
Photograph: Simon Hill
All three of our cats love the Kong Kickeroo, and it has been one of the most long-lived cat toys we have ever bought. Bodhi is our eldest cat and rarely plays with toys anymore, but even he can’t resist the Kickeroo. It’s the perfect shape to grab and claw at with his back paws, and it has a tail, mixed textures, and crinkly material inside with a touch of catnip. We also tried the smaller model, but it was quickly chewed through, while the larger one has lasted for years. —Simon Hill
Photograph: Amazon
Bawan
Silvervine Chew Sticks
My overactive cat Basil is one of roughly 40 percent of cats that don’t react to catnip, which is a bummer because he gets FOMO watching his sister go wild. Luckily, both of my cats go crazy for these simple sticks. It helps them engage with natural kicking instincts and redirects aggressive chewing from my iPhone cord. I’d recommend that anyone with cats who don’t react to catnip or have aggressive chewing tendencies give these a try.
Photograph: Amazon
I’ve had seven cats over the past 20 years, and every single one of them has been obsessed with this interactive toy. And not just any wand toy, this one specifically and its original feather attachment, which uses the same swivel mechanism as a fishing lure to create movement through the air that registers as 100 percent authentic to cats. There are other attachments available, like fur “mice,” but nothing hits quite like the original feather cluster. Make sure you stock up on refills, in case your cat finds the wand in the middle of the night and has its way with it. (Speaking from experience.) —Kat Merck
Photograph: Molly Higgins
Courtesy of Petcube
This pet camera has the ability to control a laser via app, so you can engage in play with your cat even when away, and it aims to auto-engage when motion is detected (but very often it didn’t). Although I wish the motion sensors were a bit more sensitive to engage in play more often while I’m not home, it consistently kept my cats entertained, plus it was fun to be able to play with them through the app from afar.
Photograph: Molly Higgins
Enabot
Rola PetPal Robot Pet Companion
Is it a toy? Is it a security camera? Is it a treat dispenser? There’s no need to decide! While my cats were more curious than excited to play with this li’l robot pet camera, it did keep their attention, which is a win in my book. My cat Basil was obsessed with the toy attachment and loved finding different ways to proudly pull it off and bring it to me. The app can be a bit glitchy, and the robot is by no means smart, but it is a camera you can move about your house while you’re away, and it’ll roll, slam into objects, and shoot treats out at your confused cats. At the end of the day, the robot was great at keeping their attention, which is all we really want in the end.
Cat Trees and Furniture
Photograph: Kat Merck
Omlet
Freestyle Indoor Cat Tree
More than just a cat tree, the modular Freestyle lets you customize your own indoor or outdoor cat jungle gym from a series of bamboo platforms, beds, ramps, hammocks, and scratchers. The platforms are sturdy enough to support cats of any size or activity level, and the poles can accommodate ceilings up to 14 feet. The system is not inexpensive or especially easy to put together, but my cats Circe and Scylla spend every single day on theirs, making it worth the investment. —Kat Merck
Photograph: Kat Merck
Photograph: Kat Merck
This is one of the most popular items I have ever tested with my cats. Neighbors love it, delivery people comment on it, and, of course, both my cats adore it. It’s super easy to assemble and install, provided you have a vertical sash window—just close the window on it, and raised acrylic stakes in the back will keep it in place. (You also have the option to screw the Purrgola to the window frame, which is recommended, and/or secure the window in place with window locks.) The thick, weatherproof acrylic—which is seriously thick; it even survived a tumble out of a first-story window during our test—is load-tested to 90 pounds, and the cushion inside has a soft, minky, machine-washable cover. The screens on either side are stainless steel mesh to prevent any funny business. It’s got an acrylic door on the room side that pulls out and down to close, but this part is fragile; I’ve now broken it twice taking it in and out of the window, but it glues back just fine. I wouldn’t recommend using a Purrgola during a very rainy season, as a little heavy rain will come in the side screens (though not a lot!), or where there are lots of bugs, as it’s not an airtight fit in the window. However, if your cats are indoor-only (and they should be!), this is a fun and stylish way for them to interact safely with the outdoors. Also note that it may take cats a while to get used to it—it took both of mine about a week, but after that, they were both in it every day. —Kat Merck
Photograph: Kat Merck
Photograph: Kat Merck
No one does high-end cat furniture quite like Mau. WIRED has tested several of Mau’s cat trees over the years, and every one has been a banger: objectively beautiful, sturdy, well made, and beloved by cats. The solid-oak Reiya isn’t one of Mau’s flashier designs, and in fact, I’m surprised by how unassuming it looks online—in person, it reads as a midcentury work of art, Hans Wegner-esque with rounded edges and a glowing oak finish. Everyone who visits our house has commented on it. I admit I was a little worried about the baskets being clawed or unraveled, but they’re plastic rattan. The woolly Oeko-Tex cushion covers zip off for washing, and for younger, more playful kitties, there are rings on the underside of the top platform for dangling white, green, or pink optional pom poms ($12). The scratching pad is the hard kind of sisal material, which my cats don’t love, but they quickly warmed up to it with some training. In any case, a Mau cat tree is an investment, but you get what you pay for, and this is likely the last cat tree you will need to buy in your lifetime. If you’re not sure, Mau offers a 45-day trial period and one-year warranty. —Kat Merck
Photograph: Molly Higgins
It’s pretty clear that the WIRED reviews team loves Mau furniture. It’s sleek, well made, and looks like a high-end piece of furniture rather than the ugly, cheaply-made cat trees of yesteryear. This piece is solid, with a heavy wood base, two sturdy sisal-rope-lined trunk pieces that screw together, three woven baskets that screw into place, and three super-soft fur pillows. Plus, all of the pieces are replaceable, so that if something succumbs to wear and tear over time, you won’t have to throw away the entire tree. The fur cushions are machine washable too, but make sure you read the cleaning directions to ensure they last as long as possible. Mau has free shipping (in the contiguous US and Canada), a 45-day return policy, and a one-year warranty. My cats use this tree every day, and I’m happy to have this stylish piece proudly on display in my living room.
Photograph: Mau
Cats like to jump and climb whatever they can, so a cat tree should help keep them occupied and off your mantel or breakable glassware. Our favorite cat trees are made from materials that can be scratched up. (We also have a guide to the fanciest cat furniture we’ve tried if you really want the full scoop.) When you live in a small apartment, everything you decorate with matters because it’s all on display—nothing gets hidden when you only have one to three rooms. Some of us want our cat’s furniture to match, too. Mau’s Cento is one of former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano‘s favorites. If you can afford it, your cats will thank you.
Photograph: Kat Merck
Mau
Kona End Table Scratcher
Mau is known for its high-end and tasteful cat furniture (including our Mau picks above), and its Kona side table fits right into the lineup with a midcentury mod vibe and scratching pad discreetly tucked into the back. The solid-wood table is very heavy and well-made, with options for an oak or walnut finish. It didn’t dissuade my cats from scratching the chair it’s next to, but it does come with a bag of catnip to help with encouragement. This table is popular and often sold out, but you can sign up on Mau’s website to be notified of the next restock. —Kat Merck
Photograph: Medea Giordano
K&H Pet Products
Kitty Sill Cat Window Perch
Our favorite window perch lets cats responsibly interact with the outside world. Former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano loved these window seats because they are a great way for cats to bask in the sun and keep a watchful eye on the neighborhood while safely indoors. They’re easy to install too, with sticky strips that attach to your windowsill that can hold up to 40 pounds. You can also nail the base into the window frame, and there are even heated seats for super-spoiled kitties. The covers are removable and can be machine-washed. Heads up, you’ll need a windowsill at least 2 inches deep to properly support it.
Photograph: Molly Higgins
Courtesy of Knead
This cat bed has a memory foam sculpted-contour mattress base with a super cozy (removable and washable) nano heating and volcanic-particle-infused cover. It has a button on the side with different heat settings, including timed heatings. It has optional self-heating natural herb pad attachments for further pain relief and to help reduce arthritic inflammation, which is especially ideal for senior cats. The sculpted bed is specially contoured to provide orthopedic support for the cat’s joints. Pro tip: Put the bed on a higher surface or somewhere the cats already lounge. Cats love to be off the ground, and once I moved this on top of my side desk, both of my cats lay in it constantly.
Photograph: Molly Higgins
I’ve been getting Instagram ads for this stylish bed that attaches to your desk for so long, I had to cave and see if it was worth the hype. Especially since I have a very needy cat who loves to lounge on my laptop while I WFH. This bed is easy to assemble, with an arm that screws into the wooden base and a screwed vise to keep the bed in place on the desk. It has adjustable vertical height, and the base also rotates. Just make sure you measure the surface you want to attach it to before you buy. My desk was too thick, and my side table was too thin—luckily they sent additional planks to add into the screwed vise to make it sturdier, but I haven’t found the purrfect spot for it yet.
Playology Feather Mice for $17: Did you know there are “bird” cats and “mouse” cats? Most cats actually prefer to hunt specific types of prey, and I’ve seen this play out in my own house. Even though they’re litter mates, one of my indoor cats clearly prefers to leap at flying things (birds) and the other likes to hide and leap out at things down low (mice). They both enjoy these toys—they’re fuzzy like mice but feathered like birds, with some catnip for added interest. I recommend putting them away when playtime is finished to keep interest fresh, and to remove the bell if you don’t want to hear jingling in the middle of the night. —Kat Merck
Cat Dancer Interactive Cat Toy for $4: This absurdly simple toy is a cheap crowd pleaser. It’s just some rolls of cardboard that weigh down a springy steel wire. The erratic movements are similar to bugs flying, and my cats always actively play with it.
Lick Mat for $8: A lick mat is a great way to add enrichment and stimulation—plus, it helps them promote slow eating (and less throwing up). I also have this set of two cute fish-shaped lick mats ($17) for each of my kitties, and it’s a fun way to give them a treat while promoting slow feeding and stimulation. I put Churu puree with some added water to help sneakily add more hydration to their snacks.
When Wright first reached out to Hall, Hall was nervous about working with the shelter. “A place that was managing eight hundred dogs with twelve kennels and one employee?” she said. “I was afraid that I was going to be super fucking sad.” Hall lives off the grid on a dirt road in Terlingua, at the edge of Big Bend National Park, around two hundred miles south of Pecos—a place so remote that she sometimes calls it “the worst place in the world to run a dog rescue.” At the time, she was working for a public-defense association and saving dogs in her spare time. “I used to, like, throw twenty-five dogs in my car and drive them to Colorado,” she said. In 2019, Hall began working with a shelter in Presidio, Texas, which is just across the border from Mexico. Hall sent dogs to two rescues she’d come to know over the years, One Tail at a Time PDX and One Tail at a Time Chicago. They shared a commitment to keeping animals in foster homes instead of in kennels; there they’d be socialized and happier, and therefore more adoptable. Previously, the Presidio shelter had euthanized around eighty per cent of dogs that came in; that year, it didn’t euthanize a single healthy pet.
Hall has an understated manner that belies her ability to catch people up in the gravitational pull of her mission. Last year, she left her job in public defense, started a West Texas branch of One Tail at a Time with seed funding from the other locations, and devoted herself to dog rescue full time. Last year, thanks, in part, to funding from Best Friends, OTAT – West Texas formalized partnerships with six shelters spread across an area the size of South Carolina. Many were even worse off than the one in Pecos. In Van Horn, ninety miles southwest of Pecos, the shelter consisted of four outdoor cages bolted to a concrete pad. In most municipalities, the shelter was run by the police department; Van Horn was too small for a police department, so the public-works department was in charge.
Rescue organizations sometimes position themselves as the good guys, swooping in to save animals from certain doom in shelters. But the moral accounting is not quite so clear, according to Cathy Bissell, the founder of the Bissell Pet Foundation, a nonprofit that supports shelters and rescues. For one, as municipal services, shelters have some level of public accountability, while rescues do not. “Just because it says it’s a rescue doesn’t mean it’s going to save that animal’s life, or that animal is going to be better off, because I can tell you what I’ve seen and it’s not great,” Bissell said. “We have moved so many dogs out of failed rescue operations that, for a while, I was, like, That’s all we do. People start with good intentions, they want to save lives, and then they get overwhelmed.”
Some rescues focus on finding homes for a shelter’s most adoptable dogs—“young dogs, cute dogs, small-breed dogs, different-looking dogs,” according to Hall. “But, when you go into a shelter and you pull out all their Chihuahuas and poodles and you leave them all their pit bulls and German shepherds, you’re actually hurting the shelter.” As Hall saw it, her job was to build capacity in the regional-shelter system, not just to save individual animals. OTAT – West Texas provided shelters with staff, medications, veterinary supplies, microchips, and animal-tracking software. It taught them how to list animals on the OTAT adoption portal and facilitated transportations. Within a year, all six shelters qualified as no-kill. “If you throw resources and effort at it, you can change everything quickly. You don’t have to plod along for a generation like public defense—man, I did that for twenty-five years, and I don’t even know if we ended up in a better place than we were when we started, to be honest. But to be able to go into these shelters and just change things . . .” Hall said. “I think we all want to live in communities where we don’t have to see a lot of suffering.”
In Pecos, a shelter employee named Luis gave me a tour while Wright was waylaid by a man in a black pickup truck who wanted to surrender four pit bulls. The facility was basic but clean, and dogs pressed themselves against the metal grates at the front of the kennels, eager for attention. The former euthanasia room is now a space for medical treatment; a small fridge full of vaccines sits in the corner. Feral cats used to be immediately euthanized, because the shelter had no space for them; now there’s a dedicated cat room, where Wright joined us. “We flew eleven cats last week,” she said.
Petkit Eversweet Max for $90: This techy automatic fountain can be either cordless or battery-powered (lasting up to 83 days), and the drinking bowl is made of stainless steel, but the reservoir is plastic. Because of the shape of the basin with the chunky battery and reservoir bowl, it’s a little awkward to clean. The app logs every time a pet drinks and compares it over time to determine whether your cat’s drinking habits have changed. The app also keeps track of when the filter needs replacing and when you last added water. However, it doesn’t monitor or show you how much water is left in the basin; you have to check manually. The design also made it a bit difficult to clean and refill easily.
Enabot Rola Smart Pet Water Fountain for $50: This automatic fountain is cordless and runs on a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 60 days (although it can stay plugged in too). It has a wireless pump that uses magnetic induction—this pump was one of the easiest and most hassle-free to clean of all I tested. The fountain has a stainless steel top that holds a decent amount of water even when not running. Although the tank is plastic, and I’m wary of plastic now because of its propensity to harbor bacteria (plus it doesn’t keep water as cold). The app gives reminders of when the water’s low, the fountain needs cleaning, or the filter needs replacing, plus it automatically stops dispensing water and sends you a reminder to refill via app. It also logs the number of times your pet drank and for how long, monitoring hydration patterns over time and comparing the stats to average time used. A complaint I had is that this fountain wouldn’t stay on Continuous stream mode, even when plugged in, instead automatically switching to the Sensing stream.
Homerunpet Wireless Pet Fountain for $60: This cordless fountain can be used as a traditional fountain plugged in on its base, or can be detached and moved around the house with 30 days of battery life. I don’t love that this fountain is all plastic, but it’s easy to see water levels from the outside, the top and filter layers are super easy to remove, clean, and replace, and the wireless (basically silent) pump makes it a whole lot easier to clean. Plastic doesn’t keep the water as cold or clean as stainless steel, so you’ll have to clean it a lot more often. The fountain only begins bubbling when a cat (or human) approaches to save battery power, and there’s no option to control the flow (and no connected app). I like the wireless pump, but I’m really over plastic at this point.
Photograph: Kat Merck
Wonder Creature Cat Fountain for $20: My two cats have cycled through several water fountains over the past few years, but this no-nonsense version has been a stalwart. The inside is lit by a blue LED (bright enough to glow in the dark), and a clear viewing window on the side makes it easy to monitor the water level from afar. I also like the dishwasher-safe metal bowl and the fact you can remove parts of the yellow and white “flower” to create a fountain configuration your cat likes (waterfall, low bubble-up, tall bubble-up). The only major downsides are the fact it requires very frequent cleaning and filter changes due to the plastic body, and that there is no reservoir to hold water in case of power outage or pump malfunction. When I go on vacation I have to swap it out for an old-school gravity dispenser. —Kat Merck
Happy & Polly Gothic Cat Drinking Fountain for $60: If you prefer gothic decor to neutral blandness, this ghostly ceramic cat fountain from Happy & Polly may tempt you to bite. The water bubbles up out of the top of the ghost and pools on the ceramic top. It’s fairly quiet at around 35 decibels, but it gets loud when the water is running low, and I worry about the motor burning out, as the 1.5-liter capacity can run dry fast. While the ceramic finish is easy to clean, it is fiddly to take apart. You will want to clean it once a week to prevent it from becoming slimy, and you must change the filter once a month. —Simon Hill
Petkit Eversweet Solo 2 for $45: I love three key features of this fountain: The bowl sits on top of a wireless charging base, so you don’t have to fiddle with cables, it is super easy to clean, and it’s very quiet at around 25 decibels. A flashing light warns you when the water is running low, and you can check when the filter needs to be changed in the app. There’s an optional smart mode that pumps intermittently and a night mode to turn the light off. Pleasingly, all three of our cats drink from this fountain, though that does mean I have to refill it often, as it only holds 2 liters. —Simon Hill
Photograph: Simon Hill
Oneisall Stainless Steel Pet Fountain for $50: This drinking fountain is about as simple as they come. As it’s designed for cats or small dogs, it has a large bowl, but some cats will prefer that. I love the mostly stainless steel construction, as it’s easy to keep clean and less prone to dirt and bacteria buildup. You can even stick parts into the dishwasher to clean. This fountain can also hold up to 7 liters of water, so you don’t have to refill as often. It’s fairly quiet at around 35 decibels, but it gets louder when the water is running low (a red light warns you when it needs a refill). You should clean once a week and rinse the filter. The filter packs are relatively affordable at $15 for a pack of eight, and you need to swap them once a month. —Simon Hill
Petlipo Cordless Cat Water Fountain for $57: This all-plastic pet fountain sits on dock for easier tank cleaning and is rechargeable for up to 60 days of cordless power, has a wire-free pump, a large 2.6 liter capacity, and three customizable water flow modes (induction, timer, and continuous flow). The heavy duty filter is encased in a plastic cage and only needs to be replaced every 4 to 5 weeks. I had no issues while using this fountain, but at nearly $60, thats egregiously expensive for being made out of cheap (and bacteria-harboring) plastic. Although it’s a solid fountain, I’d spend less and grab one of stainless steel picks.
Not Recommended
Photograph: Molly Higgins
Petcube Ceramic Pet Water Fountain for $90: I really wanted to love this fountain; although its basin is plastic, it had a ceramic top, which is more hygienic than plastic (and I had never tested a ceramic model before), and the brand makes some of my favorite pet cameras. However, setup was a bit confusing, it took a long time to get the base charged to power the fountain’s water flow, and the sensor to begin water flow is only triggered from one side, making placement awkward. After a few days, it would only run while plugged in, soon its stream was barely strong enough to reach the top, and after just over a week it stopped working altogether. Also, it’s egregiously expensive for a pet fountain.
Photograph: Molly Higgins
Cat Mate 3-Level Pet Fountain for $28: This tall automatic Cat Mate fountain sets itself apart with three tiers for cats who like to drink at every level. Cleaning the motor requires disassembly using tools and extended soaking. Because of the long distance the water has to travel, evaporation caused the water to need to be refilled about every other day. Plastic also harbors bacteria, and previous plastic models I’ve owned have had mold issues. The basin is quite large and sits flat. Because of this, some debris would sit in the bottom and front of the large basin rather than moving back to the filter system behind. The plastic material and lack of ergonomic gravity design caused this fountain to be dirtier than others.
Whisker City Free Fall Cat Fountain for $30: This huge fountain is better suited for dogs—with a large 150-fluid-ounce bowl and a waterfall design. Although the basin has a small splash pad to help offset the waterfall noise, this was one of the loudest fountains I tested. The evaporation from the waterfall-like system also caused me to refill it every other day. Because of the structure of the fountain, my cats had to bend their head at an awkward angle. They tended to avoid drinking from the basin because of that, and their heads got slightly wet from the splatter of the waterfall. The basin is also not angled so crumbs and debris sit at the bottom of the bowl.
Petkit EverSweet Solo SE for $26: This very simple, straightforward fountain has a square-shaped body, is translucent to easily see water levels from he outside, and has a nearly silent 25-decibel cordless pump to circulate water from the basin to the top level, where 60 milliliters of water is always available for drinking, even in case of power failure. The basin sits on a base and all parts easily detach, making it easier to clean. This fountain doesn’t have multiple modes or an associated app—you’ll have to check water levels manually. I noticed this fountain wasn’t as cold as some of the others, and because of the design of the top, debris often pooled in the dipped areas, which made me clean it often.
I used each of these for a week as my cats’ main source of water. As mentioned, I noted the ease of setting up, evaluated parts and filters, and generally compared the various types of water fountains—spigot, bubbling, or waterfall. Some flows were continuous and some were intermittent (my cats didn’t prefer intermittent). Cats may also be intrigued and want to play with the machine rather than drink, so be sure to give them time and keep another water source around until they are fully adjusted to the new gadget.
Cats sometimes struggle to consume enough water, which can lead to potentially lethal UTIs and blockages in male cats especially. This is one of the reasons vets are moving more toward encouraging owners to give their cat at least a partially wet food diet, as this helps them consume more moisture, especially since cats don’t naturally consume as much water as dogs. Unlike dogs, cats are generally quite particular in their likes and dislikes, and cats can see stagnant water as potentially harmful. (If the cat was in the wild, stagnant water has more potential for harmful bacteria). Cats are more drawn to moving water in nature, and these fountains help encourage them to drink more by emulating what they’re naturally drawn to.
While automatic water fountains are better for your cats’ overall water consumption, they do require a bit more work and money. Rather than refilling a bowl, these take a little more elbow grease—but it’s worth it for your cat’s health. Along with routine refilling and cleaning, you’ll need to disassemble the fountain to clean all parts, including using a brush for the bowl and tubes. You may also have to disassemble the motor to deep-clean because of mineral buildup. These also have different types of filtration cartridges in specific shapes for the brand’s fountains, which require you to buy and change out filters, usually monthly but sometimes more often.
Let’s be honest, a lot of these fountains are pretty much the same. I looked especially for the overall design—I am a fiend for stainless steel because of the potential of porous plastic harboring harmful bacteria. I also favor a wide reservoir without high sides to help reduce the chance for whisker fatigue. I prefer fountains that have a small basin reservoir of water available at all times, in case of low water levels or power failure. I took into account ease of setting up, refilling, and cleaning, as well as overall design. And of course, there were some that my cats took to straight away, and some they didn’t seem to favor as much.
After prolonged testing, I now look for these three things and encourage you too as well: a cordless pump for easier (and safer) cleaning, constructed from stainless steel so it’s more hygienic, and a window to monitor water levels (especially if it’s not connected to an app).
Tineco Go Pet Cordless Vacuum for $219: As when I tested the Tineco Go Mini ($110) for my handheld vacuums guide, I was a bit underwhelmed by this vacuum specifically for pets. It has a slot for easy brush removal if hair gets stuck around the bars, which is a helpful thing to have when you’re dealing with pet (and human) hair. The lever and the angle of the lid for emptying are counterintuitive, and the first few times I emptied it, the debris went everywhere. It’s hard to distinguish between eco and power modes, and the vac blinked red and the brush stopped rotating when transitioning between surfaces. (It especially had a hard time on my thin runner rug.) It felt a bit heavier and clunkier than others as well. But, it does have handy lights to illuminate debris and comes with attachments to make handheld cleaning a breeze.
Photograph: Molly Higgins
Mova P50 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum for $999: This robot vacuum-mop combo has extendable side brush and mop pads to reach tight corners, a self-emptying dock station that empties dust and debris, and self-cleans and dries mop pads. It also uses an RGB camera and “intelligent dirt detection system” whose sensors identify messes to clean deeper and avoid objects on the ground. The robovac generates 3D maps of your home, and identifies things like furniture and even pets. Through the app, you can customize cleanings, and there’s also synced video and voice interaction to allow you to talk to your pets, schedule cleanings, and more, and it is compatible with smart home devices Alexa and Google Home. When first mapping my small apartment, the vac didn’t want to go past certain rooms, and it took several days to get it to create a complete cleaning map. It has a hard time going over small thresholds, eventually avoiding cleaning the rooms altogether, and has thrown itself off my stairs twice, causing the mop pads to pop off. Despite having intelligent object detection, it still often tried to suck up or roll over small objects on the ground, like shoes and pet toys. I love that this combo vac-mop self-cleans and empties, but for nearly $1,000, I wish the smart features were smarter and the mapping was more accurate.
Dyson Car + Boat Handheld Vacuum for $280: While the Humdinger is still my favorite handheld vacuum, it seems to be dwindling in availability and is being replaced with this new model. Former WIRED reviewer Brenda Stolyar liked this handheld vacuum, designed specifically for sucking up dirt and debris from your car and boat, plus bedding, furniture, and other awkward spaces. (Read our full review here).
Hoover HL4 Pet Upright Vacuum Cleaner for £219: While it is only available in the UK, Hoover’s HL4 successfully removed lots of cat hair from my home. I live with a trio of cats, two of them long-haired, so a powerful vacuum is essential. The HL4 is sadly corded (7.6 meters), but at around 240 air watts it was powerful enough to lift dust and hair that my lightweight cordless vac and robot vac had missed. The smart design easily converts into a portable vacuum, and it comes with a pet tool and crevice tool. The pet tool proved adept at lifting hair from the couch, stairs, and cat beds, though it didn’t quite have the grunt to remove every strand. There’s a handy vent to reduce suction for mats and blankets. The 1.2-liter bin is easy to remove and empty, though not without releasing a dust cloud, and the Anti-Twist floor head seems to collect considerably less tangled hair than other vacuums. —Simon Hill
Not Recommended
Photograph: Molly Higgins
Eufy RoboVac 11S Max for $160: Our esteemed competitors at places like The Strategist and Wirecutter loved this cheap robovac, so I bought one for myself before moving into my new apartment with two cats. And I have to say, I don’t agree with them. Yes, this robovac is significantly cheaper than most others and has generally good ratings, but I have nothing nice to say about it besides that it is able to go under furniture and suck up pet hair I otherwise wouldn’t be able to. Its navigation system is random, it doesn’t have an app (but it does come with a remote control to direct it to a specific spot or schedule cleanings), it’s loud, and it tends to be attracted to cords. It has extreme difficulty traversing even minor height differences, like the small panel of wood between the hallway and bathroom door. But most of all, it is needlessly hard to empty the bin, and nearly impossible to detangle all of the hair and fur from the bar or spinning brush beneath. There’s gross hair that will probably still be wrapped around the mechanism until the day I am put into the ground. This cursed thing will outlive us all, I fear.
I tested these pet hair vacuums for a week if not more (I’ve been using both the Dyson cordless and handheld for months now), and I’ve used them on nearly every surface in my house—including the cat trees and behind my two cats’ litter box. When testing began, I lived in a large house with three cats and a dog (more hair in a larger area), and for the latter half of testing, I lived with two cats in a small apartment (slightly less hair in a smaller area with less places for hair to hide).
I also tested every attachment on problem areas like carpeted stairs, crevices of air vents, a high-pile rug, and hardwood floors. Not all pet hair vacuums are created alike, and they vary quite a bit in their effectiveness on different surfaces and with different attachments. I set these up, charged ’em, and vacuumed with them until they died, noting run time, power, effectiveness, and ease of emptying the bin and cleaning the filter.
It seems like a lot of brands will slap the words “pet hair” onto a product and market it as such without really specifying why or how it’s effective for pet hair. Of course, I tested those to see if they put their metaphorical vac mouths where their money was. On the flip side, I also tested some that were well rated for overall efficacy but not marketed toward pets—like the Roborock Saros 10R, a pricey robovac that uses AI mapping and can identify pets nearby and quiet its motor.
Speaking of, vacuums and pets are inherently antithetical. Vacuums are a necessary evil to combat pet hair, but your pets will likely be scared of them. If my cat Basil had opposable thumbs, I know he’d be leaving hate comments on this article. Aside from the robovac picks (which for some reason my cats don’t mind), my cat Basil had a mild cardiac event each time I tested the other vacs on this list. So along with effectiveness and suction, I also took into consideration loudness, as well as how easy the product is to handle.
Generally though, when shopping for a pet hair vacuum, look for suction power, bin capacity, attachments, and type of bristle or Motorbar—figure out what’s going to be doing the actual picking up of dust, dander, and pet hair. I found that conical bars like the ones on certain Dyson models work well to not get tangled, and dual brushes like on the Ryobi work together to effectively pick up more. Also read reviews from real people with real, furry pets, but know that no two pets are alike. Take into consideration what kind of shedder you live with, and what type of space needs cleaning; a robovac may not be best for a house with multiple flights of carpeted stairs.
Many pet owners want to protect their cats without harsh chemicals, but choosing the safest and most effective flea collars for cats can feel confusing. Natural cat flea collars offer gentler protection and use ingredients like essential oils to help keep fleas and ticks away. However, not all collars deliver the same results or safety, so knowing what to look for matters.
A good natural cat flea collar protects cats from fleas using plant-based ingredients while avoiding harsh substances. Important features include long-lasting protection, a comfortable fit, and materials that work well for the cat’s lifestyle – especially for indoor and outdoor cats. Checking for common essential oils in the collar’s ingredients list, as well as waterproof and adjustable designs, helps pet owners choose wisely.
Cat owners who understand these key details can make the best choice for their pet’s comfort and health.
How to choose a natural flea collar for your cat
Choosing a safe and effective flea collar helps protect cats from pests without risking their well-being. Knowing the differences between types, checking for safe ingredients, and considering the home environment keeps both pets and families comfortable.
Understanding natural vs chemical flea collars
Natural flea collars use plant-based oils or extracts to deter fleas and ticks. Chemical collars often contain synthetic pesticides designed to kill pests directly. Natural collars, like those made from cedarwood, peppermint, or eucalyptus oils, attract owners who want to avoid harsh chemicals.
Natural collars may not kill fleas instantly, but they can help prevent bites and reduce pest numbers over time. Chemical collars typically provide longer-lasting, fast-acting results but could cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive cats. Some natural options, such as the Fur Life flea collars for cats, claim long protection – up to 8 months – while using only natural substances.
Evaluating active ingredients in natural collars
Active ingredients in natural flea collars often include essential oils like cedarwood, citronella, geraniol, or lemongrass. These oils act as natural repellents by masking the scents that attract fleas and ticks to cats. However, not all essential oils are safe for cats, and products should always specify ingredients and concentrations.
Labels must list all active compounds, and safer collars avoid artificial additives. It’s crucial to read product instructions closely to prevent allergic reactions. Some cats react poorly to certain oils, so monitoring is important after first use. Scientific evidence shows mixed results, but many owners report fewer fleas after switching to collars with only natural oils.
Safety considerations for cats and households
Cat collars should be adjustable and lightweight to avoid choking or causing discomfort. They must fit snugly, leaving enough room for two fingers between collar and neck. Cats with sensitive skin or known allergies may need collars with milder ingredients.
Strong smells from some natural collars can bother cats or people with scent sensitivities, so choose a collar with a mild aroma if possible. Always watch for skin redness, scratching, or changes in behaviour in the first days of use. Replace the collar if any side effects appear or if it shows signs of wear.
Maximising protection: flea control and prevention strategies
Natural flea collars use plant-based ingredients to target fleas while avoiding harsh chemicals. Understanding how these collars fit into a broader flea protection plan can help keep your cat healthier year-round.
How do natural flea collars work?
Natural flea collars usually contain oils and extracts such as neem, lemongrass, or rosemary. These ingredients block fleas’ ability to feed and breed on cats. Oils often create an environment that feels unpleasant to fleas and ticks but remains gentle for felines.
Most natural collars release their ingredients slowly for ongoing flea and tick prevention. The scent and chemical properties act as a barrier. Some collars may include breakaway safety features to prevent injury if the collar gets caught.
Natural collars focus on deterring fleas and ticks from landing on or feeding from cats. Unlike some chemical products, they do not kill pests on contact. Their main purpose involves keeping pests away and limiting bites that can cause discomfort or infection.
Effectiveness against fleas and the flea life cycle
Natural collars mostly prevent adult fleas from biting and living on cats, but they don’t always disrupt flea eggs or larvae. Flea protection works best before an infestation occurs, as natural collars focus on stopping new insects from choosing a host.
Fleas have a complex life cycle:
Egg: Laid on the cat, then falls into the bedding or carpet
Larva: Hatches in carpets or cracks
Pupa: Forms a cocoon, tough to remove
Adult: Jumps onto cats to feed
As flea collars do not treat carpets or bedding, owners should combine collar use with regular vacuuming and hot water washes. For cats living or playing outdoors, frequent fur checks and collar inspections will help you spot reinfestation early.
Using natural collars with other flea control products
Pet owners often ask if they can pair natural collars with topical flea treatments, tablets, or sprays. Combination use can help, especially during outbreaks or in areas with heavy flea activity. Topical products target adult fleas and sometimes larvae directly on the skin. Oral flea tablets may kill adult fleas quickly and break the flea life cycle.
However, it’s important to avoid using two products with similar active ingredients to prevent skin irritation or allergic reactions. Always consult a veterinarian before deciding on a flea control regime for your pet.
Natural collars provide ongoing protection, and adding other products only as needed helps limit exposure to chemicals while increasing overall flea control. For homes with multiple pets, treating the environment and each pet stops fleas from returning.
Natural flea collars offer a gentle way to protect cats without unnecessary chemicals. These collars often use essential oils to help keep fleas away. Choosing one with a long-lasting, water-resistant design and safe ingredients can make a real difference in a cat’s comfort. Make sure you monitor your cat for any signs of irritation after putting on a new collar. Reading labels, checking for safety features, and following product instructions can help keep your pet happy and protected.
Losing a pet is the first time many children encounter death. The experience can become an opportunity for profound emotional learning and influence how young people understand and process grief when they are adults, according to psychologists and pet bereavement specialists.
Parents and guardians therefore have important roles to play when a family pet dies. Along with helping children accept the painful permanence of death, caregivers can guide kids through a healthy and healing mourning process that provides a foundation for coping with an inevitable part of life.
“People are so adverse to talking about death and grief, but it is the one thing that is guaranteed: We are all going to die. We need to be open to talking about that,” said Deirdra Flavin, CEO of the National Alliance for Children’s Grief.
Here are some things to consider when talking with children about death and supporting them through pet loss.
Children respond to death in different ways
Depending on how old they are and their individual circumstances, children vary in their ability to comprehend the concept of death. The way they process grief, how long they mourn and the impact of the loss is also unique to each child, just as it is for adults. Experts say sadness, anger and other overwhelming emotions associated with grief may be more difficult for younger children to navigate, so having support is crucial.
Psychologists and bereavement counselors say some people feel the heartbreak from a pet’s death as intensely as the loss of any other loved one, reflecting the potential depths of human-animal bonds. In the case of children, their relationship with a pet, and whether the death was sudden or not, are other factors that may shape individual responses.
Colleen Rolland, president of the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement, says parents usually know how intellectually and emotionally capable their children are of processing death.
Children as young as 4 years old might have been exposed to death through fairy tales and other stories but may struggle to understand its finality, Rolland said. Older children, who will know their loss is forever, may need more emotional support from friends and family, she said.
Elizabeth Perez said she learned quickly how differently her three children processed the death of their dog, Zoe, who was hit by a car nearly a year-and-a-half ago in front of their second daughter. The other two children were inside the family’s home in Pullman, Washington.
“Carmen would talk about how the images kept replaying in her head, she was having nightmares and couldn’t sleep,” Perez said, adding that her daughter hasn’t worn the dress she had on that day since.
Perez recalls she and her husband spending a lot of time with Carmen, now 11, and asking her questions about her feelings. Even their youngest child, who did not see the car hit Zoe and had spent the least amount of time with the dog, still tears up thinking about the April 2024 accident.
“It was really hard for the whole family. Everybody was feeling it differently and at different times,” Perez said. “We, as parents, did not feel prepared.”
Using clear language and avoiding euphemisms
Experts say it’s important to be honest and use clear language when discussing death with children. Adults often are inclined to protect children with euphemisms, such as a pet went to sleep, got lost or was put down.
“That can be alarming for children and cause a lot of confusion and fear. So, saying ‘The fish went to sleep’ might create concerns for the child when they are going to sleep,” Flavin said. “Particularly with younger kids because they are so literal in terms of the way that things are expressed to them.”
When Leah Motz’s daughter was 2 years old, she told her their 15-year-old dog, Izzy, had a “good life but his body is broken and it won’t be able to fix itself.” Motz recalled that before taking him to be euthanized near their home in Renton, Washington, she further explained they were going to “help Izzy die.”
Support children through deep feelings
Sometimes adults have a hard time recognizing the impact that losing a pet instead of a person might have on children. Rolland says child grief tends to be trivialized in general, and that people who are very devoted to their pets can produce as much stigma as sympathy.
“But pet loss is a very real form of grief,” she said.
Raquel Halfond, a licensed clinical psychologist with the American Psychological Association, says children’s behavior often indicates how they are feeling even if they are not expressing it verbally.
“Maybe you notice your child is having more tantrums. Suddenly there’s stuff that they used to love doing, they no longer want to do. Maybe they start to refuse to go to school. It’s really normal to have these for a while,” Halfond said.
Other signs to look for include uncharacteristic sadness, tears, anger and even silence, she said. A child’s emotional response is often independent of their willingness to talk about death, but she said it might be time to seek professional help if their emotions or behavior affect their ability to function.
It’s OK for adults to grieve with children
Much like they do in other situations or developmental stages, children often learn how to handle grief by watching their caregivers. The way adults respond to loss is likely to set an example for their children.
“Parents, or caregivers, must be confident in how they deal with pet loss,” Rolland said, adding that parents who are unfamiliar with grief or display unhealthy behaviors might teach children to act in the same manner.
Two of Meaghan Marr’s dogs died in Euharlee, Georgia, when her two children were young. The first to go, Sadie, had ongoing health issues, so Marr was able to have continuous conversations and prepare her then-7-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter.
“My son definitely understood what was going on. While my daughter was sad, it didn’t quite reach her as deeply,” Marr said. She said it seemed like a lot of the children’s’ emotions were in response to her own grieving for a pet she refers to as her “soulmate dog.”
Halfond advises parents not to hide their feelings from their children.
“If you’re feeling sad, it’s OK for the child to see you feeling sad. In fact, it could be confusing if something sad happened and they don’t see that emotion reflected in their parents,” she said.
Leave room for closure and lifelong memories
One way to help children come to terms with the death of a pet is by memorializing the lives of the late companions through activities such as raising money for animals in need, drawing pictures, holding funerals or doing the things their pets loved to do.
Before their dog Sadie died, Marr said many of the conversations with her kids centered around how dogs don’t live forever and would one day go to heaven. The difficult part for her was explaining that was true of every pet.
“We talked about if they still wanted animals even though they are not going to last as long as we do,” she said. “It hurts to lose them, but they make your life so much better while they are here.”
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Another episode of the WCSX Rescue Pet Project features 4 loveable pets looking for forever homes
In a recent visit to one of my favorite places, Macomb County Animal Control. Got a tip from my friend Lori about four loveable pets in need of a forever home. A Few that have been at the shelter for a while.
Along with my trusty cameraman, Will Spurrier, I went to Mt Clemens to take a look for ourselves.
Macomb County Animal Control
Just off the path of 21417 Dunham Rd, Clinton Township, Groesbeck Hwy.
Here’s The Starting Line of Our Featured Pets
Say hello to Sara, a lovely 6-year-old black and white pit bull mix with a heart as big as her smile.
If you’re looking for a loyal, mellow best friend who will be happy just to hang out with you, Sara is your girl!
Lupe is a 4-year-old Pit Bull spayed Female. A sweet, smart, and playful girl looking for a forever home. Full of love and belly rubs!
Very eager to please, especially if you have treats and toys.
Lupe gets along with other dogs and is a great companion at dog parks or walks.
Abe is a smart cookie who is incredibly treat-motivated. ( will do anything for a snack.)
Do you have a fenced-in yard where he can run and play and burn off a case of the zoomies? He loves other dogs and is ready to play. Abe just might be your perfect match.
A one-of-a-kind beauty with a heart of gold!
A 4-year-old white pit bull mix with a unique spotted coat. Penny is affectionate and adorable.
This loving girl is spayed, up to date on all vaccines, and ready for her fur-ever home.
Come meet Penny today and her friends – she might just be your perfect match!
Interested in Adopting?
If you are interested in adopting any of our pets featured on the Rescue Pet Project or another homeless pet.
Visit the Macomb County Animal Control.
Walk-in adoption hours are Monday -Friday from 10 am -4 pm
21417 Dunham Rd, Clinton Township, MI, United States, 48036
animalcontrol@macombgov.orgEmail
Websites and social links
Born in Mt Clemens, Screamin’ Scott has been a part of the Detroit airwaves for 30-plus years. With 40 years of experience in radio. When he’s not out on the streets for WCSX, you can find him devoting time to local charities with his, “Screamin Angels”; and for 16 years with Rock 4 Tots charity. And last 10 years with his local band, “Chit!.” Screamin Scott likes to write about nostalgic Detroit area memories, classic rock, and local metro Detroit topics.
A big part of my job as a pet tech writer is setting up automatic litter boxes and observing my cats, ahem, do their business. It’s not glamorous work, but someone’s gotta do it. After testing over a dozen, I’ve learned that not all are created equal.
I’ve been impressed with all of the automatic litter boxes that I’ve tested from Petkit, but the PuraMax 2 is the litter box that I recommend to most people. (For more Big Deal Days bargains, be sure to consult our guide to the Absolute Best Prime Day Deals for October 2025 and check in on our Prime Day liveblog, where we’re tracking deals and trends all event long.)
Photograph: Molly Higgins
Photograph: Petkit
It’s the fairest price point for the quality of all I’ve tested. Regularly $500, it’s $150 off right now, making it well below the price point of many comparable models, like the Litter-Robot 4, which is regularly $700.
I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but the PuraMax 2 actually smells good. This box has triple odor control, a sealed waste bin, an odor eliminator attachment that sits in the waste bin, and a citrusy deodorizing spray that goes off after every cleaning and randomly throughout the day to ensure the litter box stays fresh.
The design of the large, forward-facing hole feels familiar to most cats, and both of my cats (including my large 17-pound tabby) took to this litter box easily. When it’s time to refill, the box rotates and the hole faces up to make litter filling easy with no awkward bending or refilling with smaller containers.
When the cat enters the box, their weight is displayed on the front, and the app logs every time it was used, for how long, when the cleaning cycle begins, ends, and when the deodorizing spray was emitted. Owners can also change settings manually via the buttons on the front.
Imagine the heartbreak of a missing pet. For Sharon, a senior living in Ridgefield, Washington, that fear became reality when her beloved Louie, an indoor-only cat who had never ventured outside, slipped out of a window. For 11 long days, she searched everywhere. But thanks to a free tool called Love Lost and the kindness of a good neighbor, Louie is back home safe and sound.
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Sharon and Louie’s happy reunion
Louie, a bright orange Maine Coon who had just turned two years old, was adopted by Sharon and quickly became part of her family. When Louie disappeared, Sharon and her family knocked on doors and checked with their local shelter, the Humane Society for Southwest Washington. Staff there suggested she upload Louie’s photo to Love Lost and create a free profile.
Sharon’s beloved cat, Louie, slipped out of a window and went missing for 11 days.(Petco Love)
Eleven days later, Sharon received a message through the Love Lost chat from a neighbor who spotted a cat perched on a roof near a vet’s office. The good Samaritan went straight to Love Lost, saw Sharon’s post and reached out using the built-in chat feature. This tool lets pet parents and finders connect directly without sharing personal contact information. Together, they tracked Louie down in a storage lot behind the building. After 11 stressful days, Louie was finally back in Sharon’s arms.
“We were just thrilled. When I posted on Love Lost, it was easy to use. If it had not been simple, I probably would not have finished it,” Sharon said. “Thank you, thank you, Love Lost, for bringing Louie home.”
Love Lost, powered by Petco Love, is a national database driven by artificial intelligence that matches lost and found pet photos. Sharon joked that if she could figure it out, anyone could.
The emotional reunion shows how simple tech and community can bring pets home.(Petco Love)
What makes Love Lost powerful
Love Lost works by using AI photo-matching. When you upload a picture of your pet, the system compares it to images from nearly every major shelter across the U.S., plus photos posted on platforms like Nextdoor and Ring’s Neighbors app. The platform also includes a secure chat feature, which was used in this case, allowing finders and pet parents to connect without sharing personal phone numbers or emails, making communication safe and simple.
This fall, Love Lost is rolling out a new feature called Search Party. It lets pet parents quickly rally their community by printing flyers, sharing posts on social media and coordinating search areas. This structure helps reduce stress when every second counts.
A good neighbor used the Love Lost chat feature to help Sharon track Louie down.(Petco Love)
Alternatives to consider: pet trackers
While Love Lost is an excellent safety net, pet parents may also want to consider pet trackers. These small GPS devices attach to your dog or cat’s collar and let you follow their location in real time on your phone.
CyberGuy has reviewed some of the best pet trackers for peace of mind, whether you’re dealing with an adventurous cat or a dog who slips out of the yard. Using both a tracker and Love Lost gives you double protection if your pet ever goes missing.
Check out our list of the best pet trackers at CyberGuy.com.
If you own a pet, now is the time to prepare. Uploading a photo of your furry friend to Love Lost takes just a minute, and it could save days of panic later. You’ll be ready to report them as lost with one click, and the system will instantly scan for matches. Pairing Love Lost with a pet tracker ensures you’re covered on both fronts: community-powered recovery and real-time location tracking.
Additionally, be sure to check out our comprehensive pet guide to keep your pets happy, healthy and entertained with these innovative solutions at CyberGuy.com/.
The bright orange Maine Coon had just turned 2 years old when he disappeared.(Petco Love)
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Sharon’s reunion with Louie is a reminder of the bond we share with our pets and how technology and neighbors can help keep that bond unbroken. By taking a few minutes now, you can set yourself up for success if the unthinkable were to happen.
If your pet slipped out tonight, would you have a plan in place to bring them back home quickly? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.
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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.
Looking for a fun way to share the festivity of fall with your favourite furry friend? Look no further than this 3-ingredient pumpkin dog treats recipe This healthy snack will not only provide your pup with protein and fiber, but it helps with digestion issues too.
Pumpkin is a healthy source of fiber and nutrients for dogs. It helps them digest meat and bones, especially when they are on a raw food diet.
Moreover, pumpkin is also a natural remedy for, well, flatulence in dogs. It’s not a pretty subject to read about, but it’s even less pleasant to experience in person.
So if you have a Windy Mindy who loves to cuddle with you on the couch, then perhaps these 3 ingredient dog treats will make TV time more tolerable (and her tummy will feel better, too).
Benefits of Homemade Pumpkin Dog Treats
I feed my dog a raw food diet, which consists mostly of ground-up raw meat, bones, and offal. It’s full of nutrients and very close to the diet of wolves.
My pampered pooch isn’t much of a hunter and, as such, he needs a bit of roughage added to his diet. That’s how this simple pumpkin dog treats recipe was born.
Not only are they easy to make, but they are great for your pup too! Pumpkin is so good for your dog. Here are just a few of the benefits pumpkin provides for dogs.
Adds Fiber
The reason I made these treats in the first place was to infuse my pup with a healthy dose of fiber. Canned pumpkin is an easy, economic way to help ease upset stomach and constipation.
While digesting, the fermentation process of the fiber creates fatty acids that help to lower the acidity in your dog’s large intestines. Pumpkin also contains prebiotics to help keep the important bacteria in the digestive tract.
Helps with Runny Stools
For stomach troubles on the opposite end of the spectrum, pumpkin is still an invaluable tool for your dog. In fact, many people recommend adding a bit of canned pumpkin to your dog’s food if they have diarrhea.
It has the added bonus of adding hydration back into their diet too, which can be essential during bouts of upset stomach.
Reduces Flatulence
Here’s the other reason I wanted to make these pumpkin dog treats. My little buddy was rather gassy from the raw food diet he got, and these treats helped our cuddling sessions to be much more pleasant.
Helps Promote a Shiny Coat
If your dog’s fur is looking a bit dull, I highly encourage you to whip up a batch of these 3 ingredient dog treats! The high water content within pumpkin as well as the vitamins within it will make your pup’s coat gleam and shine.
Just like kale or blueberries are a superfood for humans, pumpkin for dogs is their version of a powerful snack. By eating pumpkin, dogs will get plenty of micronutrients and fiber. It contains Vitamins A, C, E as well as potassium and iron.
How Much Pumpkin Should I Give My Dogs?
Like any food, you want to use pumpkin for dogs in moderation. Too much fiber can be a bad thing after all! It’s recommended that dogs have anywhere between 1-4 tbsp of pumpkin a day. Dogs should start off small while they get used to the pumpkin. 1 tbsp for a large dog and 1-2 tsp for a small to medium dog is best.
These 3 ingredient dog treats contain a total of 1 cup of pumpkin. There are 16 tablespoons in 1 cup. Depending on how big your treats are, they will contain different amounts of pumpkin. Either way, a few of these treats a day should be no problem.
Pumpkin Dog Treats Recipe
I originally developed these to add a little healthy fiber into my dog’s diet. And I was completely surprised at the response! At first, I thought my pup would just sort of tolerate them enough to eat them and get some much-needed fiber. I didn’t expect him to love them!
I didn’t add any flavouring or strong-smelling ingredients like peanut butter or bacon, and yet he went absolutely crazy for these cookies! It’s a treat just being given a biscuit that is made with simple, real ingredients.
Here is how to make them for your favourite four-legged friend.
Ingredients
There are just three simple ingredients needed for this dog treat. You probably even have most of these at home already!
Make it!
First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F, and get your ingredients ready.
This pumpkin dog treats recipe uses 1 cup of cooked and pureed pumpkin. If you choose to use canned pumpkin, be sure to get an unsweetened pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie mix that has added sugar and spices. Measure out the pumpkin and add it to a mixing bowl.
Next, beat the egg and add it to the pumpkin. Mix together well. Add in the flour, stir, and then transfer the mixture onto a non-stick surface.
Then, use your (clean) hands to kneed the pumpkin dog treat mixture until just mixed. Use a rolling pin to make it ½” thick.
Tip: use a little extra flour on the non-stick surface and the rolling pin to prevent sticking. This will make rolling out the dough so much easier!
Transfer the dough onto a cutting board and cut it into a grid of biscuits that are approximately ¾” square for a small dog or 1” square for medium and large dogs. I found it easiest to cut with a pizza cutter, but a knife works fine a well.
Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until golden brown. These biscuits will be a bit hard for your human teeth, but pooch will love the crunch!
How to Store These Pumpkin Dog Treats
Store these dog treats in an airproof container, and they will last for about a week on your countertops.
If you want to make a double batch or need these to last longer, store the airtight container filled with the pumpkin dog treats in your freezer, where they will keep for six months. Just make sure to let them thaw before giving them to your pup!
Gift these Treats
Another fun thing to do with these dog treats is to gift them to fellow puppy parents. I added a few scoops into a kraft food bag. You can even make a personalized label as I did in the first image above!
More Dog-Friendly Posts
Simple 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Dog Treats
Pumpkin provides so many benefits for your pup including digestive health, a shiny coat, and an infusion of vital minerals and vitamins. This simple recipe has just three ingredients. Your dog will thank you!
Prep Time5 minutesmins
Cook Time30 minutesmins
Total Time35 minutesmins
Course: Dog treats
Cuisine: Pet food
Keyword: dog treats, pumpkin
Servings: 30treats
Calories: 33kcal
Cost: $2.50
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Put 1 cup of pumpkin in a large mixing bowl.
In a separate bowl, whip the egg. Then, add it to the pumpkin, and mix well.
Add in the flour, stir, and then transfer to a non-stick surface.
Knead the dough with your hands until well mixed. Then, roll it out on a floured surface until it is 1/2″ thick.
Cut the dough into squares using a pizza cutter or knife. I recommend a 3/4″ square for small dogs, and a 1″ square for medium to large dogs.
Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Let cool before allowing your dog to enjoy a few treats!
Serving: 1treat | Calories: 33kcal
A city girl who learned to garden and it changed everything. Author, artist, Master Gardener. Better living through plants.
Get to the root of unwanted pet behaviors with animal communication and EFT!
Does your dog or cat vocalize excessively? Resource guard? Destroy furniture? Often, unwanted behaviors stem from an underlying cause that must be addressed before the behavior will stop. With a combination of animal communication and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), you can discover and address the emotions at the root of the problem. Let’s explore EFT with the help of Joan Ranquet, one of the world’s leading animal communicators!
Why we see unwanted behaviors in our animals
Dogs and cats sometimes demonstrate unwanted behaviors like aggression, destructiveness, or excessive grooming. However, what we’re really seeing is an animal’s reaction to an internal or external stimulus. Common causes of these behaviors include:
Lack of exercise
Separation anxiety
Lack of training or socialization
Trauma
Environmental stressors
Reaction to change
Inadequate litter box management
Boredom or lack of enrichment
Medical conditions
Using EFT to address the root cause of unwanted behaviors
With Emotional Freedom Technique, you can address a dog or cat’s emotional state, relationships with humans and other animals, behaviors, and performance. Joan describes EFT as:
“A modality where you lightly tap on an animal in specific acupressure points. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, there are calming, tonifying, and stimulating points, and tapping in a certain sequence can change the nervous system from fight or flight to rest and digest.”
Once you use animal communication to understand how the animal feels, you can employ EFT to alleviate the trigger emotions — like fear or anger –and stop the behavior.
Resources to help you master EFT
Joan is the founder of Communication with All Life University and has been North America’s foremost animal communicator for over 30 years. She’s also an author, TEDx speaker, and educator with an extensive collection of Emotional Freedom Technique resources that help dog and cat parents heal the root causes of unwanted behaviors. Her EFT books and digital classes include:
Emotional Freedom Technique for Animals
Energy Healing for Animals
Emotional Freedom Technique digital class
Emotional Freedom Technique virtual immersive
Visit Joan’s website to learn more and gain access to the largest database of resources dedicated to animal communication, Emotional Freedom Technique, and energy healing!
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Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.
Most of us consider our pets to be a part of our families. In fact, nearly half of all homes have a dog and about one-third have a cat.
That can mean a lot of cuddles and kisses, but is the old saying true? Is a pet’s mouth really cleaner than our own?
Fred Miller is a proud cat dad who takes Willie on daily walks.
“He’s 8, and he’s a cat who was born to be outside,” Miller said. “I’d like to just kiss him on the head like that because he’s a sweet boy.”
And when it comes to pets and their people, kisses often abound. With Clark the dachshund, his human Mikayla Kincart says she reluctantly allows kisses.
“I mean, I can’t say no, obviously,” Kincart said. “Like, if he snuck one right now I’d give him a couple, but then that’s it.”
And Freida, a mixed-breed, also gets kisses from dad Robert McElroy.
“She tries to, she licks my wife’s face,” McElroy said. “I avoid it, but she sneaks ’em in.”
Dr. Viviam Pignone works at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and performs oral surgery on dogs. She said dogs, cats and their humans all have mouths full of bacteria. It’s just pets and humans have different kinds.
“It is important that you know a few things. For example, we have some bacterias that they can transfer to humans, like salmonella from the food and Pasteurella,” Pignone said.
Pets can also transfer rabies to humans via saliva and, of course, bites.
“If they have good home care and don’t have periodontal disease, that’s the most common disease in our dogs or cats, it is OK,” she said. “If [your pets have] vaccines and all preventatives, then it is safe to do it.”
Pignone suggests brushing your pets teeth daily and getting a professional cleaning yearly.
She also said if you’re already sick, pregnant or have a weakened immune system, you could be more susceptible to catching a disease from your pet.
But again, if your cat or dog is healthy, kisses are encouraged.
Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield loves sharing the good news. She hosts a show on Sunday mornings based on local “positivity and empowerment,” leading right into CBS Sunday Morning.
The Baldwin family is mourning the loss of their beloved dog, Dama, Hilaria Baldwin has announced.
“Rest in peace, sweet Dama 💔. You brought so much joy to our lives…you were that dog that slept on my pregnant belly 😭🩷,” she captioned a carousel of photos of the family’s sweet dog shared via Instagram on Saturday, September 27. “Your life was long and happy. I know you are running though fields and eating all the cookies you want. We are sad but grateful that we had you in our lives ✨.”
The first photo in the series featured Hilaria’s husband, Alec Baldwin, with both Dama and a second pet. Other photos showed Dama curled on Hilaria’s shoulder or in the crook of her arm.
The news comes as Hilaria, 41, continues to battle it out on the 34th season of Dancing With the Stars. While speaking exclusively to Us Weekly on Tuesday, September 23, Hilaria admitted that “it’s hard” to balance competing on the show with her robust home life. (Hilaria and Alec, 67, share 7 children together: Carmen, Rafael, Leonardo, Romeo, Eduardo, Maria, and Ilaria. )
“One of my friends came out here. I have my two nannies out here that are really helping me, and that’s incredible,” Hilaria told Us of how she managed it all with the help of family and friends. “[My husband] Alec [Baldwin] is doing a movie somewhere, so he’s coming and going, and I have a great community here.”
Having help, paid or unpaid, doesn’t mean she’s not a hands-on mom. In fact, Hilaria also admitted she was up with her 7-year-old at 1 a.m. due to a nightmare — only hours before she earned a 21 out of 30 on Tuesday’s One-Hit Wonders Night.
“It’s show day, but it doesn’t matter. I have to go into the room and bring him in,” she told Us. “We’re balancing all of this, but ultimately I’m mom No. 1.”
Alec BaldwinCourtesy of Hilaria Baldwin/Instagram
Though maintaining the balance can be tough, Hilaria also said that she hopes her children are inspired by her work ethic and the joy she gets from appearing on the series.
“I think it’s a really good example for them to learn that they can follow their dreams,” she explained. “I’m happy that they’re able to see me happy. It’s been a hard past few years, and I think that they need to see their mom with this kind of joy.”
Hilaria also recently got a lot of public support from her stepdaughter, Ireland Baldwin. On September 4, Ireland, 29, defended Hilaria from detractors.
“I wanted to take a second to talk about my step mom @hilariabaldwin. I think if people actually knew her the way I do, they would be quite surprised,” Ireland, 29, wrote via Instagram. She added that despite what some people online think and say, she was not “playing nice so I can secure my inheritance.”
“C’mon, people. I see the comments. I’m not getting an inheritance. I have 7 siblings 😂,” she joked.
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“These thoughts have been on my mind since I last visited her on the east coast. Hilaria has had a far more complex and chaotic upbringing than she lets on and I think that’s why we’ve maybe bonded in some ways?” Ireland continued. “She didn’t always feel safe and seen. Sometimes, she is too loyal to a fault. She is eccentric and totally bat s*** crazy (in a fun way) but she saved my dad’s life. She turned his health around and has shown him the forgiveness and kindness that he needed.”
Hilaria Baldwin and stepdaughter Ireland Baldwin have had a special relationship over the years. Hilaria became Ireland’s stepmother following her 2012 wedding to husband Alec Baldwin. Alec was previously married to Kim Basinger. The exes welcomed Ireland in October 1995. Ireland and Hilaria only have an 11-year age gap, which Hilaria believes makes their dynamic […]
Dancing With the Stars airs on ABC and Disney+ Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET.
Prove your DWTS fandom with Us Weekly andBracketology.tv! Compete against other fans and Us editors in the BracketologyDWTS fantasy league this season to predict which pairs will make it to the finale for season 34. Get access to exclusive content, stats and a chance to win prizes.Join the league for free today!
