Can You Use Dog Flea Products on Cats?

by Britt

Published: April 12th, 2024

Photo credit: goodluz / Shutterstock.com

Are dog flea prevention products safe to use on your cat? It’s a common question for multi-pet households. If you’ve ever reached for your dog’s flea medication in a moment of pet-parent panic after seeing your cat scratching, only to hesitate at the last minute and change your mind, you’re not alone.

While the urge to banish those pesky parasites as quickly as possible is strong, using the wrong product can have serious consequences.

This post will explain why dog flea treatments are a no-go for your cat, explaining the potentially life-threatening dangers of these products and what to do if your cat has been exposed. We will also offer safe flea prevention options to keep your kitty healthy and itch-free.

Let’s get started…

Are Dog and Cat Flea Medicines the Same?

No! While dog and cat flea medicines both aim to keep fleas away from our furry friends, they use different formulas based on what is safe for each species. This means formulations designed to be more effective and safer for each species.

Many dog flea prevention products contain insecticides that are safe for dogs but highly toxic to cats. One of the most common examples is Permethrin.

This synthetic compound is often used in spot treatments, collars, sprays, shampoos, and more due to its effectiveness in paralyzing and killing fleas and ticks. But cats are unable to break down the toxins, causing them to build up and cause severe and often life-threatening internal damage.

What if I Put the Wrong Flea Medicine on My Cat?

As just mentioned, dog flea prevention can be incredibly toxic for cats. If you have accidentally applied a dog-specific product to your cat or suspect your cat may have had contact with your dog’s flea prevention, you must act quickly. This can occur even if your cat was grooming your dog after they were treated and ingested the product, which is why many products aren’t recommended, even for use on dogs with cats in the same household.

Permethrin Toxicity is fast-acting and can quickly turn life-threatening. Warning signs of toxicity include:

Panting
Drooling
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Skin irritation
Ear flicking or twitching
Facial twitches
Muscle tremors
Loss of coordination
Lethargy
Hyperthermia
Seizures

While it is less common, some cats also experience vision loss or difficulty breathing.

You must act quickly if you notice any of these symptoms in your cat. The faster you seek medical treatment, the better your cat’s chances of survival.

If toxicity occurs from accidentally applying the incorrect product, wash the area with soap and water to remove as much of it as possible from your cat’s skin and fur. This will stop them from absorbing even more of the toxic chemicals. Prevent them from licking or grooming the area.

Get your cat to your veterinarian’s office or a local emergency vet clinic as soon as possible. Permethrin toxicity will usually require hospitalization so your cat can receive IV fluids and other medical support.

While this condition is serious, the prognosis for most cats is good if they receive prompt treatment from a veterinarian.

What Dog Flea Medicine is Safe Around Cats?

If you have a multi-pet home, you may be left wondering which dog flea prevention products are safe for your pups without risking your cat’s health and safety. Depending on the type of flea prevention you prefer to use, there are several cat-safe options to choose from.

Oral treatments are a great solution as, once your dog has ingested the chew, your cat cannot come into contact with anything that may not be cat-friendly. These products are available through your veterinarian and come in different formulas for dogs of all sizes, as well as products that include protection against heartworm.

Some flea and tick sprays, both conventional and natural, are safe for cats and dogs. A favorite in our home is Flea + Tick Prevent! from Kin+Kind. Another option to consider is Wondercide Natural Flea, Tick & Mosquito Spray.

Ask your vet for recommendations that are safe to use in your multi-pet household.

However, be warned. Even a cat-safe product can be dangerous if a cat overdoses. Keep all flea-prevention products stored safely out of your cat’s reach in a closed cupboard or drawer. If you suspect your cat has gotten into a product and may have been exposed to a high level, follow the steps above for toxicity and get your cat to a vet for treatment as quickly as possible.

Do Indoor Cats Still Need Flea Treatment?

One comment we often hear from cat parents is that their cat doesn’t need flea prevention as they are an indoor-only cat. While this may seem to make sense, the theory breaks down when you consider that fleas can be carried into the home on other pets or even people.

If you are walking through a grassy area with fleas present, they are actively searching for a host. Often, these pests will jump onto your socks, shoes, or pant legs before searching for a place to “settle in,” just as they do when they jump onto a dog’s fur before crawling to the skin's surface.

When you return to the house, if you or your dog are carrying fleas and don’t realize it, they may drop off inside the home. Unfortunately for all of us, these pests have incredible survival skills. Adult fleas can live in the house for up to 100 days. Any risk of encountering fleas outdoors could be far behind you, but the problem continues to linger in your home, where they have access to your untreated cat.

Fleas can transmit several diseases to your cat, including:

Tapeworms
Bartonellosis
Tularemia
Feline Infection Anemia
Murine Typhus
Rickettsia

Some of these diseases are not only risky to your cat but can also be transmitted to the human members of your family. The longer fleas are present in your home, the higher the chance you will have further complications.

While this scenario is dependent on several factors all falling in line for the flea to reach your cat, it’s a very real risk that experts don’t recommend taking.

Photo credit: Inga Gedrovicha / Shutterstock.com

Which Flea Treatment is Best for Cats?

Now that we have established why dog flea treatment products are not a safe option for your cat (in any condition) let’s look at what you can do to keep your cat safe. The following flea prevention options include conventional products and natural treatment alternatives to help keep these nasty pests away.

Even if you choose to use a natural approach, we recommend doing so under the direction of a veterinarian. If your current vet won’t discuss the pros and cons of natural options, consider seeking a second opinion from a vet better aligned with your preferences and approach to pet parenting.

Our cats, Pippen and Jinx, are not only at risk as indoor cats, but they are also leash-trained and join us often when we head out on our local hiking trails. This increases the risk of exposure to fleas and ticks. For this reason, we prefer to use a vet-recommended convention flea prevention product combined with natural options as an added level of protection.

Topical Flea Treatments

Topical preventatives or “spot-on treatments” are products that come as liquids in small tubes. You must apply the liquid directly to your cat’s skin at the base of the neck, where it will absorb through the skin into the bloodstream. Unfortunately, application can be difficult if you have a cat that dislikes being held. But if your cat is comfortable with the treatment being applied, most products (like Advantage II or Frontline Plus for Cats) are highly effective and will last for approximately a month before needing to be reapplied, making them incredibly convenient.

Oral Flea Treatments

Do you have a cat that is a master at taking treats and medications? If so, this may be easier than using a topical treatment. Oral medications are generally tasty flavored tablets (according to our feline friends) that allow your cat to ingest the medication, releasing it internally into the bloodstream. A popular cat-safe example is Capstar Fast-Acting Oral Flea Treatment.

Flea Collars

This is an easy solution for cats that are comfortable wearing collars. Flea collars are specialized collars that contain the flea prevention medication in the collar itself, slowly releasing it to your cat’s skin at the point where it makes contact. Simply put on the collar and change it based on the timeline recommended by the manufacturer to ensure it is still active.

Flea Sprays

As we already shared above, flea sprays are available as conventional and natural treatment options. They are simply sprayed onto your cat when you enter a situation where they may be at risk, such as taking your cat for a walk outdoors or after returning home from a hike with your dog, where you may be introducing fleas inadvertently to the home. Our go-to flea spray is the Flea + Tick Prevent! from Kin+Kind.

Flea Powders

These products kill and repel fleas. Flea powders can be sprinkled directly onto your cat’s fur or used to treat areas of the home where you may be concerned about a flea infestation, like your cat’s bedding or the carpet. You can also sprinkle it along the windowsills and doorways if you are dealing with a high flea presence in your yard to keep them from entering your home.

Diatomaceous Earth

For those who prefer natural treatment options, diatomaceous earth is often recommended as a natural flea powder. However, it warrants a conversation with your vet before using it, as the substance can be incredibly irritating to your cat’s lungs, mouth, eyes, and even skin. It’s not a good solution for cats that may have respiratory problems or sensitive skin problems.

DIY Flea Solutions

Whether you’re trying to add a layer of protection on a budget or simply trust home remedies better because you have complete control over what you are exposing your cat to, there are several options for creating a flea spray at home.

One common ingredient many report is effective in repelling fleas is apple cider vinegar (ACV), as the fleas dislike its strong smell. A simple DIY flea spray is a mix of 50/50 ACV and water. Place this in a spray bottle and spritz it over your cat’s fur. Be careful when spraying near the face, as the acid in ACV can be painful if it gets into your cat’s eyes. Not only does ACV help to repel fleas, but it can also help relieve any itchiness your cat may experience while clearing up a flea infestation due to its antiseptic qualities.

Fresh lemon juice is another option that works like ACV to repel fleas. Cut one whole lemon and cover it with boiling water. Allow this to sit overnight. In the morning, strain the mixture, and you will have a safe lemon-based flea spray.

Another natural flea repellent that you may choose to use for your cat is rosemary. This can be included in a spray, but it is most often used to create a natural flea dip. To make this, steep 2 cups of fresh rosemary in boiling water for 30 minutes before straining it and throwing the herb away. Add this solution to a warm water bath and allow it to cool until the temperature is comfortable. Pour it over your cat, soaking the coat before allowing it to air dry.

Final Thoughts – Safe Flea Prevention for Cats

While flea prevention is an important step to keep your cat safe and healthy, you must ensure that the products you are purchasing are made for use on cats. Many dog flea prevention products include highly toxic chemicals to cats, making them potentially life-threatening.

If you suspect you have recently used the wrong flea treatment on your cat, wash the area immediately with soap and water to remove as much of the product as possible. Call your vet for an immediate emergency appointment or make your way to the nearest emergency clinic. These products can be lethal, and time is of the essence.

For those concerned about the risks of fleas and flea-transmitted diseases, highly effective products are available that are safe for your kitty. When shopping, read the packaging carefully to ensure it says it is made for use on cats. If you are still unsure, ask your veterinarian for recommendations.

Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Indiana and Lucifer – and their 2 cats – Pippen and Jinx. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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Cold weather affects our pets even more than it does us – dogs are much more sensitive to harsh weather elements and can be especially affected by the freezing winter cold. Depending on their size and the thickness of their coat, dogs can be more or less endangered when the scales go way down below zero, and for some dogs, going out in subzero temperatures can be quite risky. So much so, that they can even get frostbite. While frostbite in dogs can range from mild to severe, it’s a condition you can’t ignore – you need to know how to quickly spot signs of frostbite in dogs and make sure to provide first aid ASAP to prevent any permanent damage. How Do I Know If My Dog Has Frostbite?Exposing your dog to extremely cold temperatures is always risky. While there are certain breeds, like  huskies, who are adapted to extreme weather conditions, dogs are generally not ideally suited for freezing temperatures and as such are at risk of getting frostbite. Frostbite is a result of skin and tissues freezing, and it usually affects the most exposed parts of the dog’s body, like the paws, ears, nose, and tail. However, it can’t always be easy to spot frostbite in the earliest stages – usually, pet owners realize they’re dealing with frostbite when the damage is already done. Try and keep an eye out for the following symptoms if your pet has been out in the cold:Swelling:When frostbite sets in, the affected area will often swell. This happens when the top layers of the skin and tissue become gradually frozen. Likewise, the swollen area could feel firm or hard to the touch.Coldness:The areas that are frostbitten will feel much colder to the touch than the rest of the body. This can be the first and the most obvious sign of frostbite.Skin Ulcers and Blisters:These nasty growths can appear when frostbite has really taken hold of an affected part. As the frostbitten flesh begins to thaw, it also blisters. Limping:When your dog limps in cold weather, it can be the first indication that something is wrong. This is usually due to the soft tissue on the paws being exposed to freezing ground. Discolored Skin:Another tell-tale sign of frostbite is the discoloration of the skin on the affected area. The main cause of this is the reduced blood flow to the area. The skin in this case will appear gray, pale, or bluish.  It goes without saying that frostbite is very dangerous. If you suspect it in your dog, please seek the help of a veterinarian at once. It is paramount that you leave professionals to take care of your pet, rather than to attempt to fix the situation on your own. Things like hot water, direct heat, and other attempts to reheat the flesh quickly will only lead to more damage. Also, keep in mind that the signs of frostbite can take several days to appear. This is mostly true for small areas of flesh being affected, such as the tip of the tail, or the ears. 

More And More Pets Are Having Allergies, Trupanion Reports

The time when spring blooms and summer comes to the doorstep is an idyllic period for most, but a lot of people dread this time of the year because of seasonal allergies that cause s lot of sneezing, headaches, and all-around discomfort. Now, it seems, it’s not just us humans that can experience nasty spring allergies – data indicates that our four-legged best friends are also affected by them. Dogs, in particular, are very susceptible to  spring allergies and are increasingly treated for their symptoms, such as itchy skin.Are All Dogs At Risk for Spring Allergies?It is important to be aware that the trees and flowers that bloom in spring can be a source of allergies for your pet. Not only are spring allergies very uncomfortable for dogs, but they can potentially lead to many secondary issues, the most dangerous of which is a skin infection.And if you think that chances for a spring allergy affecting your dog are low, consider a recent report issued by the pet insurance company Trupanion. They claim that there was a 45% increase in allergy claims for insured pets over the course of four years since 2019. This means that allergies are on the rise, both for pets and their owners. In fact, as  Axios reports, according to the insurer Nationwide, spring allergies are at the top of the list of health conditions that end in vet visits. Another key fact is related to allergy drugs. Since two of the major allergy drugs were released in 2013 and 2018, more than 20 million dogs have been treated by them, in an effort to battle spring allergy effects. Of course, if you suspect that your pet is suffering from a spring allergy, it is key to visit your vet as soon as possible. Depending on the effects, your vet can prescribe topical, injectable, or chewable treatments that help reduce  itchiness and other issues. And, considering that such allergies are seasonal, be ready for them with the arrival of spring and the blooming of trees. Learn to spot the symptoms such as itchiness, and to react quickly!

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World’s Oldest Dog Posthumously Stripped of His Title

Last year, the world’s oldest dog was thought to be Bobi – who was reportedly  31 years old. However, a recent investigation into this claim led to him being posthumously stripped of the title by none other than Guinness World Records. The lofty title was suspended this January, as doubts rose about the dog’s reported age. Bobi lived in Portugal and sadly passed away last fall, and according to his owner, at a grand age of 31 years. However, a recent review by Guinness World Records revealed that they didn’t have the necessary evidence to support that claim."Without any conclusive evidence available to us right now, we simply can't retain Bobi as the record holder and honestly claim to maintain the high standards we set ourselves," Guinness Director of Records Mark McKinley said. "Of course, as with any record, we'll gladly assess any new evidence should we receive any."Before Guinness World Records actually grants a world record, they require ample evidence of a claim. Pictures, videos, statements from witnesses, documents, and anything similar are all required. And when pets are concerned, microchip data can also be examined. "Central to Bobi's evidence was microchip data sourced from the Portuguese government database, the SIAC, which it transpires, when chipped in 2022, did not require proof of age for dogs born before 2008," McKinley said. "With the additional veterinary statement provided as evidence for Bobi's age also citing this microchip data, we're left with no conclusive evidence which can definitively prove Bobi's date of birth."So, who is the real oldest dog in the world? Well, before Bobi’s lofty claim, there was the famous Bluey, an Australian cattle dog who held the record, being 29 years and 5 months old. But with these recent events, the future of this record will certainly change. McKinley claims that microchips need to be widely adopted around the world for serious claims to be made."Until that time, we'll require documentary evidence for all years of a pet's life, we'll continue to ask for vet and witness statements and we'll also consider microchip data as well where available," he added. "It's for this reason that we're not yet in a position to confirm a new holder for the record, although we certainly hope that the publicity around the record title encourages pet owners from around the world to get in touch."Sadly, Bobi died in October 2023, just months after celebrating what was reportedly his 31st birthday. He was a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, a native Portuguese dog breed that is known for its ability to protect livestock. These magnificent dogs have an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years, and it was thought that Bobbi managed to live twice the time expected – but we’ll never know if that’s actually true or not.

28-pound Cat Named 'One Frosty Too Many' Finds a Forever Home

A morbidly obese cat found wandering the streets in Virginia has found a forever home after Richmond Animal Care and Control shelter posted a funny adoption ad on their Facebook page.Tipping the scales at 28.5 pounds the shelter named the chubby feline ‘One Frosty Too Many’ or Frosty for short, after Wendy’s frozen treats. “You know we love a cat with a belly, and lord almighty this one has the best belly in town. Meet One Frosty Too Many,” wrote the shelter on its Facebook page. The shelter described the cat as 28.5 pounds of pudge with a side of crankiness. “As long as you let him do what he wants when he wants, everything is fine; still we recommend you proceed with caution.”The person who brought Frosty to the shelter said he found the chubby cat roaming the streets of Richmond, shared shelter director Christie Peters. The cat was morbidly obese but was otherwise in good general health. “We put him on a strict low-calorie diet and he wasn’t too happy about that,” said Peters, estimating that Frosty is about two years old. “Because he was cranky, we kept telling him he’ll feel a lot better when he loses weight.”Frosty’s adoption ad garnered a lot of attention, and many were interested in adopting the chubby tabby. However, one woman beat everyone to it and took Frosty home. Maggie Thompson, her husband, and two sons were on the way home to Stafford when she saw the Facebook post about Frosty. “I thought, ‘Oh, I want that cat,’” said Thomson, who owns a pet-sitting business, according to The Washington Post. She persuaded her husband, Mike, to stop in Richmond so they could visit the shelter and ask about adopting Frosty.As soon as she met Frosty, she knew that she couldn’t go home without him. “He got on my lap and started purring,” said Maggie. “With animals, they pick you. You just know when it’s right, and they do, too.”Thomson’s sons, Mickey and Andy, were ecstatic they’d be taking home a chubby cat. The family already has two cats, Rose and Wolfie, which are around one year old. “They are under seven pounds each - less than 14 pounds together,” said Thompson. “But I had a feeling they’d all get along just fine and become friends.”After Thompson filled out adoption papers, the shelter staff explained to her that Frosty would need to follow a strict diet and eat low-calorie cat food twice a day until he’d dropped half his body weight. The shelter didn’t have a large enough carrier for Frosty, so they placed him in a dog crate. “We put him in the back of the car, and he didn’t protest at all. He was a good rider and was pretty quiet the whole trip,” said Thomson. When they arrived home, Thomson placed the family’s newest addition into a spare room for a few days to gradually introduce him to their other two cats.Thomson decided that their new cat deserves a new name, one that won’t be associated with desserts. “We’ve decided to call him Gus. That’s what he looks like to me. I now call him Gussie, and he responds well to that.”Gus has adjusted nicely to his new home and loves lounging on the bottom level of a cat tree. Thomson plans to start a weight-loss journey page for Gus on Facebook to track his progress.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Why is My Dog Vomiting White Foam?

Sometimes, our dogs can exhibit behavior that can cause great panic in any owner. After all, they can’t talk to us and tell when something is hurting them, or when they feel ill, scared, or angry. So they let their bodies do the talking. One of these scary behaviors is vomiting white foam. It can happen all of a sudden, and frighten you to no end. But is it really a reason to panic? And what causes a dog to vomit white foam in the first place? Let’s find out more.Why Do Dogs Vomit White Foam?The reasons for white foam vomiting can be many, and the cause might not be clear to you immediately. What’s even more frustrating, there are several possible causes for this occurrence. In some cases, the reason for the vomiting can be complex, but often enough it is super simple. It could end up being a sensitive tummy irritated by a new brand of food on the menu, or just a passing belly ache that’s nothing to stress over. However, you should always consult with a vet to eliminate any underlying health issues, as there are many conditions whose symptom is vomiting. One of the conditions that manifests as vomiting foam is bilious vomiting, which is caused when a dog's stomach is empty for an extended period. This leads to the production of gastric acid, so the stomach contents may include a foamy, white substance. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day may help prevent this.  Gastritis, or the inflammation of the stomach lining can also cause vomiting. This condition may be triggered by various factors, such as dietary indiscretion, changes in diet, ingesting foreign objects, or infections. The vomit can likewise be white and foamy. The same can happen in the case of gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, which is often caused by infections, dietary changes, or the ingestion of inappropriate or spoiled food. Be careful of the expiration dates and the quality of food you give to your dog, as an innocent mistake can cause a lot of digestive issues for your four-legged bestie. Another possible reason for white foam vomit can be the  ingestion of foreign bodies. Dogs may ingest non-food items that can cause irritation or blockages in the digestive tract, leading to vomiting. If you notice them dry heaving, this could be the reason why. The same goes for the ingestion of  toxic materials. Ingesting toxic substances can lead to white foamy vomiting. Common toxins include certain plants, human foods (like chocolate, xylitol, or onions), and household chemicals.

Dog Ran A Mile to Her Doggy Daycare Center for Help After A Car Crash

A frightened dog ran a mile through heavy traffic to its doggy daycare to get help after she and her owner were in a car crash. Melisa Fickel, the dog’s owner, said that Aries, a three-year-old pit bull mix has always been a smart pooch. The pup, who was adopted in 2020, learns tricks quickly and loves to play in the park. Aries recently got a chance to show exactly how smart she is. The pooch and her owner were heeded to a local park in Detroit, Michigan when another car hit them from behind. Luckily, no one was injured, and both vehicles sustained only minor damages. However, the car accident spooked Aries, prompting her to jump out of the car’s window and run off into traffic. “I had the windows down because Aries likes to hang her head out,” said Fickel to a local TV station. “As soon as there was that smack, as soon as I felt and heard it, almost instantaneously, she was out the window.”Fearing the worst, Fickel was concerned about her pup’s safety. While dealing with the police and her insurance company, her mind was preoccupied with all the ways Aries could be in danger,“I can’t really think about it because so many things could have happened,” she added.What Fickel didn’t know is that Aries ran about a mile down the road, to the safest place she could be in - the Hounds Town Metro Detroid, the doggy daycare she frequently visits. Security footage recorded at the daycare showed Aries arriving at the center during the staff’s noon break when employees usually shut down the lobby to clean and catch up with other tasks. According to Dominic Pace, the daycare’s general manager, he and another employee were in the lobby when they saw something outside. “We noticed something dart past the front door,” said Pace. “It was like a black blur that just went past.”Thinking that they might have seen a dog, Pace went outside and found Aries standing by the sidewalk leading to the daycare’s front door. The pooch was panting and looked scared. Once inside the daycare, Aries has calmed down. Pace thought the dog looked familiar, so he called Travis Odgen, the daycare’s owner. At first, Odgen thought that it might be a stray dog, but as he got a better look, he instantly recognized Aries. “I was like, ‘Oh, that looks like Aries’ and then she walks closer and I’m like ‘That is Aries!’” he said. “I start to pet her and she gives me kisses, and she rolls over for me, recognizing me.”Although happy to see Aries, Odgen was confused to see the pooch without her owner. He immediately called Fickel to find out what was happening and to tell her that her dog was in the daycare.Everything made sense once Odgen learned about the fender bender and Aries’ escape. He assured the pup’s owner that she was safe and sound, minus a small cut on her paw. The staff promised to look after the pup until her owner sorted out everything and was able to pick her up.According to Pace, Aries is a very friendly and sweet dog who loves to flop on her back, expecting belly rubs from anyone nearby. “Dogs do have an intuition of knowing where they are and where they can be safe,” he said. “She knows that she’s safe here, that she has people here that will take care of her and dogs are pretty intuitive when it comes to that kind of thing.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Jack Russell Terrier Adopts and Nurses Six Abandoned Kittens

People grow up believing that cats and dogs are mortal enemies. Phrases like “fight like cats and dogs" just reinforce that belief.But, is this really true? Is there no way for felines and canines to get along? As it turns out, dogs and cats can be more than friends.A Jack Russell terrier, named Teasel, has become a surrogate mom to six abandoned kittens. Sue Stubley, who lives in the Suffolk town of Newmarket, was contacted after a feral cat abandoned her litter. Ms Stubley, who runs Suffolk Hedgehog Hospital in Newmarket, primarily rescues hedgehogs but has agreed to take the abandoned kittens for the night and take them to the cat rescue center the next morning. However, Ms Stubley’s two-year-old Jack Russell had other plans. According to Ms Stubley, Teasel began lactating the same evening and the hungry kittens latched on to feed. “My dog decided that she was going to look after them. She’s lactating, she’s feeding them, she cleans them, she does everything. So it’s actually been quite easy for me,” said Ms Stubley.At first, Teasel wasn’t making enough milk, and Ms Stubley had to supplement the kitten’s feedings. However, the new mom managed to produce a lot of milk the following morning, and the more she nurses, the more she produces. Apparently, Teasel's maternal instinct kicked in quickly. “If anyone comes in that she doesn’t know and picks one of the kittens up, she’ll march over and go and pick them up and bring them to her back again. She’s adopted proper mum behavior.”Ms Stubley was initially worried about how Teasel might react and thought that she might go after one of the kittens. But that never happened.“By the time they were ready for their second feed, they were sat with her and cuddled up with her. Generally, she is a very gentle dog that loves and adores everyone. She loves children, she’s a great little dog. And apparently, her mum was very similar and was very nurturing so it’s obviously something that’s in her nature.” According to BBC, Dr Rachel Grant, a biologist at London South Bank University, explained that such interspecies adoptions are most likely the result of fixed action patterns in which the adopted animal is reacting to a certain trigger from the adoptee. “This sets off a cascade in the brain that elicits the pattern of behavior,” said Dr Grant. The closer the species are to one another, the higher the chances for cross-species adoption to happen. This means that it’s highly unlikely that you’ll ever hear about an alligator nursing a puppy.“In baby mammals, there will be certain features that mammals share with other mammals,” said Dr Grant. “Cats and dogs, for example, are both mammals and the cues that are driving maternal behavior are very similar. They will be responding to certain cues.”When it comes to baby mammals, they will act on an instinct too. In Teasel’s case, the kittens are instinctively “rooting” - like human babies or puppies - for a nipple to feed on. “These things aren’t under conscious control,” Dr Grant explained. The strong maternal instincts exhibited by Teasel show that she’ll be a wonderful mother to her puppies, in case she one day gives birth to a litter of her own. Ms Stubley has already found loving homes for the kittens to go to when they are old enough, but she says she’ll miss them terribly.“As for Teasel, I don’t know how she’ll feel when they’re gone but I think she’s their surrogate mum for life now.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Is Aquarium Salt Safe for Plants?

All those in love with the fascinating world of aquatics know how sensitive and (sometimes) demanding pet fish and  aquarium plants are. The aquarium plant life in particular can be very vulnerable, reacting to the smallest changes in the tank’s environment. Naturally, this begs the question: could adding salt to your tank potentially kill its plant life? Or is salt beneficial for your aquarium’s flora? These are the questions that need to be answered carefully, as there are different types of salt used, and not all have the same effects on the many different aquarium plants. Let’s dive deeper into the topic!Is Aquarium Salt Safe for Plants? Aquarium salt, when used properly, has many uses in an aquarium setting. It can help with certain issues like treating fish diseases and promoting electrolyte balance in fish. But what about plants? The key to using salt with aquarium plants is moderation and research. There are different types of salt on the market, so you should inquire about their properties and possible effects on fish and plants. Secondly, always use it in moderation. When used in the right amounts, salt can be beneficial. However, the excessive use of salt can be harmful to plants, as it can disrupt their osmotic balance and lead to dehydration or nutrient imbalances. In fact, put too much of it, and you can kill all the plants AND the fish in the tank!But what is the osmotic balance? Like all living organisms, plants maintain a delicate balance of water and salts within their cells. When exposed to high concentrations of salt, such as those found in aquarium salt products, plants can experience “osmotic stress”. This stress occurs because the salt outside the plant's roots creates a higher concentration of solutes in the soil than inside the plant cells. As a result, water is drawn out of the plant, leading to dehydration and potential damage – and even death.Excessive salt in the aquarium soil can also interfere with a plant's ability to absorb essential nutrients. Sodium ions, which are a component of salt, can compete with other positively charged ions like potassium, calcium, and magnesium that plants need for healthy growth. This competition can disrupt nutrient uptake and lead to deficiencies, even if those nutrients are present in the soil.Another confusing factor is that some aquarium plants are much more tolerant than others. Halophytes, for example, are plants that have evolved to thrive in saline environments and can withstand higher levels of salt in the soil and water. However, most freshwater aquarium plants are not adapted to high-salt conditions and can suffer greatly when aquarium salt is introduced to the tank. You should also consider the types of salt available. Sea salt, for example, is much different and more complex than ordinary table salt. It contains sodium chloride, and minerals like potassium, zinc, and calcium. As such, it is only suitable for use in aquariums that have marine fish and  invertebrates, and plants naturally occurring in salt waters. 

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