Aside from newborn kittens who haven’t been taught yet, almost all cats use a litter box daily. It’s one of the easy aspects of owning a cat—there’s no need to take them outside or clean up urine or feces messes. That is, as long as your cat uses the litter box as they should.

When we eat, our bodies break down food using a number of enzymes and microorganisms to extract nutrients. From there, the nutrients are absorbed by the body and transported for use in a wide range of bodily processes to keep us healthy. Without these macronutrients, vitamins and minerals, our bodies would not be able to function.

With so many brands and types available today, the options for kitty litter can seem overwhelming. Should you go for the cheapest option? What does the difference in particle size mean? What scents do cats like best? Your biggest question might be, “Does the type of litter I buy really matter?”

It’s not always easy to tell how healthy your cat is. Cats are very good at masking pain and illness without showing any symptoms at all, meaning a health problem could go undetected for weeks or even months before it worsens. Fortunately, one way cat owners can get clued in to their furry friend’s health is by paying attention to its litter box. 

Dog owners will have to manage a case of canine diarrhea at one point or another. Dog diarrhea is somewhat common and is usually a result of your dog eating something that disagrees with its stomach.

If your dog has diarrhea, or liquidy, unformed stools, you are undoubtedly interested in making it stop. There are two main types of canine diarrhea, and they are likely to require different types of treatment. However, only one poses serious health risks and needs immediate attention.

Because of our cats’ litter box habits, it is relatively easy to notice when they are not as “regular” as they should be. When daily scoopings turn up empty multiple days in a row, it is pretty clear that something is wrong.

If you’ve ever had food poisoning, you know how miserable the condition can make you feel. But did you realize that dogs can get food poisoning, too? If your pup gets into food that’s going bad or that doesn’t play nice with its stomach, it might experience an unpleasant bout of sickness.

Aside from the cuddles, playtime and trips to the dog park, one major component of dog ownership is something much less fun: picking up poop. Pet parents get all too familiar with their dog’s poop every day, whether it’s outside in the backyard or in the park during a walk.