Parade Pets

When the days are longer, and the temperature rises, we spend more time outdoors with our animals. Unfortunately, this also means our pets are more likely to encounter unwelcome bugs, like fleas and ticks. While there may be a host of toxic products available to keep them at bay, they also come with a long list of side effects.

Thankfully, there are also natural options available. Even better, you can make this spray using only one ingredient you likely already have at home. Not only is it effective, but you don’t have to worry about what it’s doing to your cherished animals!

Watch this video from April 25 to see how easy it is to prepare!

🍋 Easy home remedy, natural tick (flea & mosquito) repellent for dogs 👏. Product solution (with discount coupon) included as well👍‼️#tick #ticks #ticksdog #dogtick #tickseason #tickseasonishere #lemon #homeremedy #homeremedies #nomorefleas #fleas #fleasonthedog #fleaseason #fleasandticks #naturalfleaandtickrepellent #dogfleas #mosquitoes #mosquitos #mosquito #mosquitorepellant #mosquitorepellent #naturalsolutionsfordogs #flea #dogwellness #doghealthtips #doghealth #microinfluencer #dogfluencer #pupfluencer #microinfluencertips #dogmom #dogdad#dogparents#dogparent#dogowner#dogowners#tiktoktaughtmethis#educational#value#coupon#dogcaretips

Not only is this simple to make, but it will also make our pups smell terrific. John’s (@johnspetsolutions) effortless recipe uses only one ingredient: lemons! Even better, pet parents don’t have to worry about any potential adverse side effects from using this natural spray. 

Related: The Best Ways to Keep Pets Safe from Fleas and Ticks

I can personally attest to the dangers of many of these chemical repellents. Years ago, before a warning was placed on them, my 10-year-old Rottweiler experienced acute and severe neurological side effects that included backend paralysis. Thankfully, with the help of many experts, she regained use of her hind end once again with only a few lingering effects, and I was lucky enough to spend another two years with her. Since that terrifying experience, I have never again put another flea and tick pesticide on my animals.

He first quarters a lemon to make this repellent and then places the pieces in a jar. He showed us that he used a leftover pickle jar to make his. That’s smart! Then he poured enough boiling water to cover them and placed the lid on. He then allowed this mixture to sit overnight, which he strained into a spray bottle the next day. He cautions that if reusing an old spray bottle at home, be sure that it doesn’t have any residual product from whatever was inside.

When applying to your dog, always protect their eyes. Spray it behind the ears, around the head, at the base of the tail, and in the armpits. Not only will this repel ticks, but it will repel fleas. It should be used once or twice daily, depending on how much time your pup spends outside. If you don’t want to make your own, you can always purchase his natural remedy or others. In addition to using natural sprays like this, I’ve discovered that sprinkling diatomaceous earth on my area rugs and dog beds and vacuuming it up also helps keep unwanted critters away.

I’m looking forward to trying this all-natural alternative. There’s nothing more important than keeping our cherished pets safe from harm.

If you thought dogs were the only domesticated animals able to steal, you're sorely mistaken. In fact, if there's one domesticated animal species that has the real stealth and desire to steal things, it's cats!

That's not just slander, it's true. If you don't believe me, just take a look at this video from Thursday, April 25th. Not only does this cat manage to steal a bag of Doritos, but he steals a car, too! They'll never catch him now:

that has to be the least inconspicuous getaway car ever

Loki Does Tricks, sure, but he also Commits Crimes. You an't even eat those, dude! What are you doing?!

Related: Cat Begging to Wear His Lion Mane Costume Is Just So Human-Like

Loki is a TikTok star. He has managed to get himself about 350,000 followers on TikTok - and a whopping 525,000 on Instagram. Both platforms get to see his antics all the time, and they're always hilarious: from stealing chips to demanding to wear his silly little costumes all the time, there's always something he wants. 

Loki actually made it to the final round of this year's Cadbury Bunny contest - he was almost the face of the famous Creme Eggs brand for the season! In the end, he ended up losing out to a raccoon named Louie, but it was a really close call. Since he didn't win that prize money, apparently, Loki had to turn to a life of crime. He's lucky he's adorable!

Unfortunately, cats will always find something to steal, and it's not their fault that they do it. It's in an animal's nature to build a "nest" of sorts, especially during pregnancy. If they start to feel like resources are scarce, they may start hoarding their things in a hiding place. It's a concerning behavior, but there are ways to help. You can try:

1. Locking things up (like chips, small packaged goods, fruits, etc).
2. Keep cats out of rooms that are unsupervised.
3. Redirect them when you notice them getting ready to steal. 
4. Offering them more enrichment. 

If a cat is stealing things, it might be because they don't have enough things to be interested of their own. Shiny things and things that crinkle are very enticing to a cat, especially a bored one. To combat this, make sure you're devoting time to playing with them and try switching up their toys every once in a while to keep things interesting for them!

Loki does this all the time: there are many videos of him sneaking into the cabinets or onto the counters to steal snacks. Locks on your cabinets may help prevent grubby paws from sliding inside. But honestly, I'm glad Loki's house doesn't have those - this is so entertaining to watch!

Some dogs might be easygoing in all aspects of their lives, but I've yet to meet any who are totally chill about everything. All dogs have their quirks, whether it's about their favorite toys, where they sleep at night, or which parks are their favorites to take a walk in. And usually, the food they eat (and when they eat it) is a topic that a dog will have an opinion on. My dog always eats the same flavor of food from the same brand, because nothing else will do... and if she's not fed exactly on time, she will make it everyone's problem. These pups don't mess around when it comes to dinner! 

So I'm not surprised to see that the dog in this viral TikTok video feels a certain way about how his dinner is served... but I will admit that his dining request is definitely a unique (yet relatable) one! 

Okay... this is getting ridiculous. I made the mistake of putting a small packet of Parmesan on his food one day and now we're at the point I have to buy a container for his food. He will come to me and stare me down, paw my leg and refuse to eat unless he sees and smells the cheese on his food. I've created a cheese loving monster 🤦‍♂️ I should change his name to Montery Jack at this point. #goldenretrieverlife #spoileddog #cheeseaddict #Zeno #monteryjack #rescuerangers #cheese #parmesan

On Tuesday, April 30, @zenogolden — a TikTok account dedicated to a beautiful Golden Retriever named Zeno, of course — shared a video of what happens when a dog's dad doesn't serve his dinner exactly to his specifications. But his specifications are parmesan cheese sprinkled on top of his dry dog food. What?! 

In the caption, Zeno's dad explained, "I made the mistake of putting a small packet of parmesan on his food one day and now we're at the point I have to buy a container for his food. He will come to me and stare me down, paw my leg and refuse to eat unless he sees and smells the cheese on his food. I've created a cheese loving monster." 

That's really funny... and also, I feel like I can relate to Zeno on a spiritual level. If you're eating a food where you can add cheese, you absolutely should. And like we can see in this video, he really does refuse to eat it until the cheese has been sprinkled on.

Has Zeno ever been to Olive Garden? I think he'd really like it there.  

Clearly, Zeno is just fine after eating parmesan cheese (at least, as far as I can tell from this video)... but do the experts believe this is a good idea? 

It's not necessarily good for them, but it's not an unsafe food for dogs, either. The advice is to offer it in small quantities occasionally if you're going to offer it to them at all (don't tell Zeno) and to be sure that your dog is not lactose intolerant before you do! It's also not safe at all for puppies, since their little bodies haven't developed enough to digest it yet. 

The positives is that it's delicious, but the bad side is that it could cause stomach upset and even weight gain, if they're eating enough of it. 

But with that little sprinkle on his food, Zeno's likely just fine. He can take it! 

There's nothing worse than muddy paw prints on your freshly cleaned floor. Unfortunately, that's just the reality of having a furry friend; unless you have boots for them that you're ready to put on every time they go outside, they're going to get a little bit of dirt in the house.

Unless, of course, you train them to wipe those little paws off before they walk inside. For one Pomeranian, her trick was completed, but not without a little bit of grumbling. Her mom posted the evidence on Tuesday, April 30th:

The queen of sass 💃🏻 #pomeranian #dogtok #funnydog #fyp #funnydogvideos #sassy

Lola the Pom has very little interest in wiping her feet, but she obliges anyway. Her mom is lucky!

Related: Funny Pomeranian Appears to Speak His Own Language While Chatting with Mom

Lola, a TikTok sensation with nearly 100,000 followers, is quite the personality. She does actually have a pair of rain boots, but she prefers just to wipe her feet when she goes inside. Boots can be a little irritating, especially if they're too small or the dog's nails are a little too long. 

It was the "wiping her feet" trick that made Lola go viral once before: a video of her in 2021 exploded when her mom posted about how she'd accidentally taught her dog to breakdance. The video got over 18 million views and 4.3 million likes! Since then, Lola is still breakdancing away, and it's just precious - even when she grumbles about it!

Lola may know how to wipe her feet, but even that's not foolproof, especially with a longhaired dog like a Pomeranian. There could be mud hidden in between their toe beans or even in the crevices of the skin. It's not their fault, so it's important not to get mad at them. When they get wet, dogs often get the zoomies, so your clean home could quickly become stained if you're not careful.

Luckily, there are a few easy ways to clean mud up after a dog has a good time playing outside:

1. Keep a spray bottle with equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water by your front door to grab when you come back in. 
2. Spray stained surfaces immediately when you notice and dab, don't rub, with a washcloth. 
3. Within an hour of the paws touching the furniture, get the covers or fabric into a vinegar soak for at least a few hours, but preferably overnight. 
4. If you can't remove the covers (like on mattresses or some couch cushions) you can steam clean them.

At the end of the day, it's just stuff. Muddy paw prints are reminders of quality time in the rain. If your dog doesn't know how to breakdance like Lola, don't sweat it!

Just like people, all dogs are different when it comes to kids. Some absolutely love them — after all, who else can keep up with their energy quite like a kid can? — while some just aren't into the small, loud people who run all around the house and sometimes steal their toys. Feeling either way is totally understandable, of course. And then, there are the dogs who seem to have been meant to be big brothers and sisters to tiny humans. I had that exact experience with our dog when my daughter was born, and four years later, they're still best friends.

I predict the same will happen with the dog in this TikTok video as well after watching this adorable footage. This pup was made for the big sister life.

She’s never far away 🥹 #minidachshund #dachshundsoftiktok #puppy #dachshunds #bigsis

On Monday, April 29, @george.and.remi shared this sweet footage of their Mini Dachshund interacting with their little boy, and it looks like this kid definitely has a friend for life in Remi.

Over the lyrics, the video says, "when your Dachshund is the most involved, sweetest, patient big sister," and the clips really prove that statement to be true. Wherever the baby is, she's sure to follow, whether they're playing in the yard or Remi's busy supervising bath time. 

You can really see that patience shining through when Remi's little brother is sitting next to her on the floor, touching her paws. Some dogs really hate that, but Remi doesn't even move a muscle.

And according to the comments, this isn't the only member of the breed who behaves this way. One fellow Dachshund parent wrote, "My girl had a new purpose in life when my daughters were born. Abby never left their side. So patient and loving." 

Like I said earlier, all dogs are different. But some dogs are instinctually protective of the babies in their families, and that's called a "pack drive." 

As dog behaviorist Alexandra Bassett told the American Kennel Club, those "den instincts" are going to be what encourages your dog to get to know (and protect) your baby right off the bat, and the more time they spend together, the stronger their connection will be. 

Dogs will also know that your baby is harmless to them and is a vulnerable creature. Of course, they should always be supervised when together, but your dog should be able to tell that this tiny creature means no harm, even if they've never been around a baby before! 

This is a mutually beneficial relationship for them. The babies get the joy and the love from growing up with a dog, while the dog is getting more attention from another human, which is never a bad thing in their eyes! 

Hanger is not an easy thing to manage, especially for a big dog. When hunger sets in, you have about ten minutes to do something about it before it becomes total hanger. Whether you're a person or a dog, this window is very real, and those around you will suffer the consequences!

On Tuesday, April 30th, one Cane Corso's hanger set in while she was actually waiting for her special treat at McDonald's. Her complaining was so cute that it went viral:

#shapoppinwithshannon #fyp #shapoppinwithquinnie #mcdonalds #chickennuggets #dogsoftiktok #quinniechronicles #doglife #doglover #quinniebowers #gentlegiant #bigdog #canecorso #dogmom #dogtok #animalsoftiktok #furbaby #adoptdontshop #rescuedog #spoileddog @McDonald’s

Unfortunately for Shannon Bowers, there's nothing she could do about this. What did Quinnie want her to do, go and cook the nuggets herself?! 

Related: Cane Corso Mama Gently Shares Her Toy with New Litter of Puppies

Quinnie is totally a drama queen - she's gone viral a few times, and every time, it's because there's something displeasing her. For example, another video posted a few days before that showed her battling it out with a dancing cactus. The cactus claimed the victory!

Regardless of her antics, Quinnie is a very sweet girl. Cane Corsos may be huge (up to 100 pounds), but they're some of the most playful, kind-hearted pups you'll ever meet. Just don't try to mess with their humans, or you might get the claws! For her waiting efforts, she was given 4 McDonald's chicken nuggets and a ton of love from adoring fans!

Some people might argue that dogs should definitely not eat McDonald's, and neither should humans. Technically speaking, McDonald's is not good for dogs. Almost everything a dog would eat there is fried in oil, and if it's not, it's still very salty. Dogs are not equipped to handle that much sodium. Still, most of it is not toxic, so they can safely eat small bites.

The quality of the food itself is also not great for the dogs, considering no one is actually sure of the exact quality of the food. In the grand scheme of things to feed your dog, McDonald's (and every fast-food chain) should probably be avoided.  

Quinnie got 4 chicken nuggets for a treat, and as a big dog, she'll be fine. For smaller dogs, a half or one whole nugget is plenty, and you should peel the breading off so they're only getting the meat. When you're feeding your dog fast food, make sure it's:

1. Only the meat portion (no whole burgers or sandwiches).
2. Plain and not dipped in anything. 
3. As "healthy" as possible (go for the grilled chicken if you can!)
4. In small quantities so they don't get a stomachache.

An underrated hero at fast food restaurants when you're bringing your dog is the apple slices. They really do go crazy for them - fast food apples tend to be very sweet. Maybe Quinnie can try that next time!

If you’ve ever wondered if dogs have a sense of humor, this video might help to clarify the issue. It’s hard to imagine that this adorable Pit Bull was not aware that he was making everyone around him smile, which may be why he remained in this silly position.

This certified therapy dog is a true professional. He’s a funny boy who brings joy to everyone he meets, and his commitment to the job makes him a strong contender for Employee of the Year.

Watch this video from April 28 to see how he started everyone’s day off right!

A post shared by Cole The Deaf Dog and Christopher Hannah (@colethedeafdog)

This beautiful boy was born to bring joy into the world! Even better, he found the perfect human to help him spread his happiness: a teacher. Cole (@colethedeafdog) isn’t acting lazy while lying on his back as he’s pulled through the school’s hallways; he’s working hard! This certified therapy dog, who was born deaf, was also born to make everyone around him smile. That’s what he does when he goes to work each day. After getting all those tummy rubs from the students, he remained comfortable on his blanket and lying on his back, even an hour later. LOL! He is a character!

Related: Dad of Deaf Therapy Dog Gives Emotional Speech After Pup Named 'ASPCA Dog of the Year'

It’s understandable that after providing everyone around you with love all day, every day, you might sometimes need to take a rest. Most of us might struggle to do this job, so if he needs a little wagon ride to make his day easier, why not take one?

As per Certified Therapy Dog Inc., a nonprofit organization endorsed by the AKC, certified therapy dogs play a crucial role in bringing smiles, comfort, and joy to those in need. They visit various places like schools, hospitals, assisted-living facilities, the VA, airports, and more. These dogs, regardless of breed, must be at least one year old and undergo testing to demonstrate basic obedience and good manners.

Pet lovers came to Cole’s defense. Viewer @leigh_karen responded, “Oh, Cole. It’s exhausting being so loved. You should take it easy and let the masses come to you.” Why not? Viewer @lilyoftheville remarked, “It’s tough being that adorable. Great job, Cole. Get all your naps in!” He’s napping and working, and it’s the perfect combination. Viewer @paredbird responded, “Love this! With all the hard work he does, he deserves to be spoiled and catered to!” He sure does!

This beautiful dog is one of the best boys. We should all strive to bring this much happiness to those around us. The world would be a better place if we did.

Orange cats are notorious for being absolutely insane. Their dramatics are truly unmatched, and it's one of the things that makes having an orange cat so fun and exciting. 

Like all cats, orange cats love mealtime. They don't want it to be a second late, and when it is, they might as well be done for. Without snacks in between, their hunger will totally swallow them up. On Friday, April 26th, one orange cat nearly withered away to nothing:

Everyday occurrence 😅 #indoorcat #life #mygirl #orangecatsoftiktok #catsoftiktok #supper #kittycat #funnycat #cat

This is so dramatic. That's how I feel whenever my snack is late, too. I hope @rypeacock remedied the situation!

Related: Orange Cat Discovers a Disco Ball and Becomes a Real Party Animal

This kitty is just too much. She's not actually dead, of course, but she's definitely feeling like she might be soon. When you get super hungry, you start to feel a little faint. She just takes it one step further and actually pretends to faint so that she can get a treat.

The first time this happened, it must've been a little scary! Imagine finding your cat belly-up like this just to discover that they're actually totally fine and just begging for food. At this point, though, it's not even close to the first time - just a few days before this, Rylie had posted a video of this same cat "dying" over a chicken shortage at her house!

People with super hungry cats may notice nearly constant meowing and pestering. A hungry cat will beg for food, even going so far as to jump up on the table or counter sometimes just to swipe a bite. They can pick up this behavior at any time, but it typically gets worse before their regularly scheduled mealtimes.

Like humans, cats like to eat when they're bored. If your cat seems to always be hungry, it could be a lack of enrichment causing the problem. Look around: what do they have to do all day? Do they just lie around doing nothing? Cats are often thought to be more "independent" than dogs, and that often leads to them being left alone most of the day. 

However, cats also need playtime with their humans, and many of them can be trained to go on walks. Getting them exercised and out of the house can do wonders to solve a "hunger" problem.

If your cat is constantly hungry even though it's definitely getting enough enrichment, you should consult your vet. Insatiable hunger could be a sign of worms or a deficiency that needs to be addressed!

There's only one problem with raising a cat from a kitten: They're grow up so fast, which can be a little bittersweet. The tiny kitten phase is such a short one, and before we know it, they're rapidly changing — it's almost as if they look like a different cat from week to week. So many exciting developments happen in the first year of their lives, between everything they learn and how quickly they grow to be big and strong, looking closer and closer to a fully grown, adult cat every single day (even if we cat parents wish we could keep them small forever). 

The transformation is even more staggering when you see it happen in quick succession, like you can in this TikTok video. This kitty's growth was well documented, and though it's totally adorable, it did practically happen in the blink of an eye.

He’s growing up way too fast 😩#mainecoonkitten #cat #mainecoonsoftiktok #kittens

This sweet video was shared by a TikTok account dedicated to an orange Maine Coon named Meatball (found @meatballthemainec), and oof — seeing how much Meatball changed in just a matter of months is punch to the gut, but in a good way.

In the beginning of the video, this little one is just eight weeks old. At first, Meatball is just a small ball of fluff, and then gradually becomes a larger ball of fluff. He just keeps getting taller (and longer). 

By the end, he's five months old and obviously thriving, but so much bigger than he was in those first photos. He must have one proud mom! And even though he is looking a bit more grown up these days, he's still just as cute as he was when he was a kitten. What a handsome cat!

Considering the fact that Maine Coons are among the largest cat breeds, the easy answer to this question is "pretty big." 

But in more technical terms, the actual answer is between 18-22 pounds if they're male, and 12-15 pounds if they're female, according to Catster. Of course, these are averages; there are Maine Coons out there who are going to fall outside of the range on both sides.

They also happen to be some of the tallest (or longest, depending on how you look at it) domestic house cats, topping out at about 16 inches tall. That's why, so often, when someone shows off their larger than normal kitty online, it's usually a Maine Coon. There's a lot to love! 

I can't wait to see how Meatball continues to grow. He's already off to a great (and very cute) start.

A sweet cat is having a conversation with the birds outside the window, and it's so precious that everyone should see it.

On April 29, TikTok user Hattie and Rue (@hattieandru) shared a video of their sweet cat holding an entire conversation with the bird outside the window. Take a look.

Rue, talking to birds. #talkingcat #kangaroocat

Rue, who has Twisted Leg Syndrome, is standing on the couch and looking outside the window, and he can't stop chirping. Take a look!

Related: 'Unadoptable' Cat's Pure Adoration for New Mom Is a Thing of Beauty

Rue can't keep her eyes off the bird that's flying just outside the window. But the way Rue is chirping makes it seem like she's talking to the bird as if it were her best friend and she's giving the bird the rundown on what happened at the club last week, and less like she wants to capture the bird.

"Rue, talking to birds," the video description reads. In the comments, people were clearly very smitten by Rue and her conversation skills.

"Love the chatters of cats watching birds," one person wrote.

"She's gorgeous," another wrote.

"You are the cutest cat," someone else declared.

"I love Rue. she's such a doll," wrote another.

"I just love Rue. She's such a dollypooh," one fan wrote.

"I haven't seen Rue for a while. Love You Rue, talk away with the birds," another shared, clearly hoping to see Rue again soon.

"Well, hello, you beautiful precious baby," said another. "Oh, how I love this kitty to the moon and back."

According to American Pets Alive, twisted leg syndrome is a rare mutation in cats that causes the legs to twist, as they have for Rue.

"This is a congenital or hereditary trait the cat was born with. Radial Hypoplasia (RH) or Femoral Hypoplasia (FH) causes the bones of the leg to be shortened to varying degrees along with twisting due to abnormal growth," the site explains. "It disrupts the development of the toes, causing duplication of digits."

American Pets Alive says the condition doesn't necessarily hurt, which is good, but it can depend on your cat's unique circumstances.

But with their legs, it's important to keep a close eye on the health of the legs that are affected.

"Watch their legs carefully for any signs of sores and abrasions. If this occurs, protective covering

can be fashioned," the experts suggest. "Although skin toughens up as a kitten becomes an adult, it’s best to keep up inspections."

It's also important to lift your cat down if they get into a high place, and having ramps with carpet may help make those places a little safer.

All parents need others they can count on to step in when they need a break from their kids, and that's true for dogs, too.

Thankfully, one Great Dane stepped up to babysit 6-month-old puppies, and they were absolute perfection. Take a look!

adorable hahahha #greatdane #silverfoxfarmandkennel #greatdanepuppies

TikTok user Leshelle (@silverfoxfarmandkennel) shared a cute video of a Great Dane who stepped in to help babysit.

Related: Great Dane Being Woken Up by Toddler Sibling Is the Gentlest Giant

In the 38-second clip, we meet a beautiful Great Dane who is doing another dog a big solid by babysitting and entertaining her litter while she takes a break.

She stood her ground, watched the puppies sleep, and entertained another pup who didn't want to participate in nap time.

"She’s just babysitting for Mama," one commenter said.

"She said I’m babysitting," another TikTok viewer wrote, knowing they were totally right.

"She says, listen, if the babies are safe, that means I'm safe from the scary vacuum. She's just a baby, too," joked someone else.

"Omg, what an adorable moment," another viewer shared.

If you're looking for a dog who will love you for everything you are and show their loyalty each day, a Great Dane might be the dog for you. 

According to the American Kennel Club, Great Danes are described as "friendly, patient, and dependable," according to the American Kennel Club. But it's equally important to be aware of the other things that come with Great Danes.

For example, these dogs are "a total joy to live with," but you really need to think about how a dog like this, who needs a lot of exercise and space, will fit in with what you're working with at home.

It's a good thing, though, that this breed is known for being "people pleasers," especially if they want something out of you. 

It's also important to know that giving your pup early socialization and going through puppy training would be the perfect way to start. 

"Great Danes are sociable, friendly, and eager to please, and they respond well to firm, consistent training methods. They need to have human contact, affection, and socialization with other people and animals." the zoo shares

Maine Coons are big cats, no matter how you slice it. Even when they're mixed with a different breed, that size almost always comes through. But because Maine Coons get mixed with so many other breeds so often, a real, good quality Maine Coon can actually be kind of hard to come by!

On Monday, April 29th, one vet tech showed off the real, thoroughbred Maine Coon that came into her office, and he really is a thing of beauty:

🥰🥰🥰🥰 the sweetest #vetmed #mainecoon #vettechlife

I like that his head is just about as big as @aunnnaaaleee's. That must've been trippy to see in person!

Related: Maine Coon Cat 'Making Biscuits' with His Big Paws Has Everyone In Awe

This cat is so big and everyone loves him so much that he has gotten over 13 million views and 2.5 million likes. He's a star! I wonder if his family knows. If there's one thing that I think gives him a real edge, it's those eyes: they're so huge! His ear fluffs help, too.

As a vet tech, Aunna probably sees a lot of improperly labeled pets, especially when it comes to rescues. Unfortunately, DIY DNA tests are expensive and shelters often can't afford to have them done for every animal, so they have to go on what the previous owner says, and if they're not sure, they usually go off of looks. For dogs, it's a little easier, but cats can be hard. 

Maine Coons are a highly coveted cat breed. They're beautiful, gentle giants who are receptive to training and relatively easy to please. However, they're also expensive cats: if purchased from a cattery, a single Maine Coon kitten can run you $1,000 or more - definitely more if it's a "rare" color. 

Some indicators that your cat is at least part Maine Coon are:

1. A square-looking mouth
2. An excess of "neck fluff" that looks a bit like a scarf
3. Ear fluff
4. A Maine Coon cat's eyes are usually green or a yellowish amber color
5. A strange love of water
6. Their size

Often, Maine Coons are confused with other longhaired cats like Ragdolls, Turkish Angoras, or British Longhairs. Those are also the breeds that are often mixed with Maine Coons to create cross-breeds. Before you purchase a cat, ask to see DNA tests from the parent pair to be sure that they are what they say they are.

Without a DNA test, you'll never be able to be sure that a cat is 100% one breed or another. Though, looking at this big guy, I doubt he's anything but 100% Maine Coon - and as a Maine resident myself, I will proudly claim this beautiful cat breed!

A group of orange cats wagging their tails with excitement while looking at the birds out the window is the funniest scene.

On April 29, 2024, five beautiful orange cat siblings had the best time watching the birds outside. Take a look!

The wagging tails get me every time😹😹😹 #orangecat #orangecatbehavior #cats #catlovers #bird #fyp

TikTok user OrangeCatLady (@lizstratman) shared a quick 12-second clip of her family of orange cats, and they're hilarious.

Related: Orange Cat Discovers a Disco Ball and Becomes a Real Party Animal

Five orange cat siblings are in a room full of large windows, and something out there has caught their attention.

"The bird has been keeping them busy for hours," the text on the screen reads.

As the birds move about outside the window, the five cats are more than ready to pounce, often jumping over each other to get the best view.

Of course, the cats are indoors, so there's no real harm potential to the birds. But watching how much these cats wish there was no glass is funny. And it's their tails that drive this point home so well.

"The wagging tails get me every time," the text on the screen reads. In the comments, people joked about how in sync the cats were with their tails.

One person joked, "The three that jumped at the same time are currently sharing the brain cell."

Someone else shared, "One of our cats had a tail that wagged CONSTANTLY," unless she was sound asleep. She was the funniest cat ever."

"Beautiful cats, beautiful windows and environment," added another.

"The bird is actually playing with the cats," another viewer summarized.

According to Psychology Today, Orange cats are special in many ways, and they have fun personalities.

They noted a survey that found that most people feel Orange cats are more affectionate. Of course, it could be "a self-fulfilling prophecy, with cat owners looking to support their own stereotypes," but there is something to it.  

Wag! noted the same thing: Orange cats are often said to be extremely friendly.

"There’s no universal consensus on this, and you’re bound to get some gingers who are grumps," they report, "but if you’ve got a big fluffy orange cat, there’s a good chance you’ve got a charmer."

The reason isn't fully understood, but it's believed to be because Orange cats are all boys. "This is partly explicable thanks to research that says that male cats tend to be slightly friendlier than female cats (you may disagree); if around 80% of all orange cats are male, it would stand to reason that there would be a higher chance of orange cats being more sociable than the average cat," they explain. 

We could watch these fluffy tails all the time. It's so adorable.

I will be the first to admit that I often catch myself watching my pets sleep — is that weird?! They're just so cute when they're peacefully curled up and snoozing, and sometimes, they do funny things, like when my dog barks in her sleep and I know she must be having a crazy dream. Even my cats are funny sleepers sometimes... and one will snore so loudly while taking her afternoon naps in her favorite patch of sun on the stairs that you can hear her from the other side of the house.

If you also have a cat who snores, just know that it's not that uncommon... and there's one cat going viral on TikTok for doing exactly that. Whatever is going on in this video, I don't think I've ever slept as hard as this cat is!

#cat #cattoktok #maincoonsoftiktok #maincooncat #snore #snoringcat #kitty #cat #tom #sweetdreams #fyp #crazycatlady #cazycat #snoringcatsoftiktok #snoringcats

On Monday, April 29, Maylin Matheny shared this video of her Maine Coon, whose name is Tom, taking what appears to be a very good nap. Not only does he seem to be out cold, but whatever he's dreaming about is intense. Those are some of the loudest snores I've heard from a cat or a person. 

Then, when you pair it with the little paw movements, it's really just too much. OMG! 

Some commenters were concerned about Tom's health, so in another post, his mom addressed some of their questions. The good news: This cat goes to the vet regularly and he's doing well.

"He is only 2/3 years old. He was born with birth defects in his nasal cavity and respiratory system," she said, alongside another video of Tom being Tom. 

He's a little different than other cats, but he's definitely unique. I would advise anyone sleeping in the same room with him to invest in a good pair of ear plugs, though.

When humans snore loudly, it's usually due to congestion or, in some cases, sleep apnea. And while cats are certainly less likely to snore than humans (and dogs), it does happen.

According to PetMD, hearing your cat snore isn't always a cause for concern. Sometimes, it just happens because of the position they're sleeping in restricting their airway, or the cat breed they are — some snore more than others, including Persian cats.

So how do you know if their snoring is a problem? The website advises that if it comes on suddenly, it's a good idea to make a vet appointment so you can find out what happened to cause it, and if they're awake and their breathing patterns change,  it's time to seek medical attention, too. 

But if your cat has always snored, they're likely just fine... though a bit noisy! 

Family is always there for each other, whether you've got hands, claws, or talons. Everybody is always willing to help out, especially when it comes to raising kids. That is easily the toughest time in a family's life, and if a new mom has to do it on her own, she's in for a tremendous struggle. 

It can be done, but that doesn't mean it should have to be. On Sunday, April 28th, we got to see one cat's sister stepping up to the plate, even if it meant swiping a kitten for herself:

#dog #dogs #dogsoftiktok #funny #funnyvideos #dogsoftiktok #goldenretriever #goldenretrieverlife #goldenretrieverpuppy #daisy #daisymae #funnyanimals #animalvideos #kittens #kittensoftiktok #kittenseason

Courtney Taylor is definitely in for a fun ride with these two. I hope they get on well with the coparenting!

Related: Spayed Cat Keeps 'Stealing' Kittens in the Hopes of Being a Surrogate Mom

Daisy, the Golden Retriever, has swiped one of her cat sister Luna's kittens. She managed to get it up on the bed with her, which I think is just hilarious. Both dogs and cats "scruff" their young to carry them around: did she scruff the kitten? Did the kitten even care? Has crazy aunt Daisy done this before?

If there's one thing this video makes clear, it's that Daisy does not want to hurt the kitten. She just wants to be with it! You can tell by the way she's fully alert and wagging her tail that she's having a good time, even if she's simultaneously getting "scolded" for being the most adorable thief in the world. The kitten doesn't seem to be scared, either. She's just eager for a playmate!

Golden Retrievers are huge and kittens are small, so it's not your fault if you're anxious to let the two meet. However, if you plan on keeping kittens from a litter your cat has and you also have a dog, it's inevitable that the two animals will cross paths. Your focus should be on making sure both parties are safe, not keeping them apart. 

Generally, your dog won't want to hurt your kittens, especially if they're introduced to each other young enough. The dog will see that the kitten can't hurt it - for the first few days, they can hardly move. You can let the dog get close enough to see the kittens, and if mom isn't reacting badly, then you can introduce them physically. Even with the gentlest of dogs, this should be done under heavy supervision. 

Contrary to popular belief, another animal's scent (or a human's scent, for that matter) will not cause a cat to abandon her kittens. As long as she can still groom and breastfeed them, a mama cat hardly cares of her siblings are wanting a turn!

Some dogs were built to hunt things down. Scent hounds, rat dogs, and badger dogs were made for it, for example. But, many "hunting" dogs have never had a lick of real hunting experience, especially not tiny puppies!

That doesn't mean that those instincts are totally gone, though. In fact, on Monday, April 29th one Yorkie pup showed off his amazing ability to "catch" a squirrel, and it was a seriously impressive feat. Just watch:

Foxy don’t share 🤪 yorkie dogsoftiktok sister

Foxy is @spikeymichaeltheyorkie's baby sister, and just as a baby sister would, she causes a lot of trouble. That squirrel, as it turns out, belongs to their brother, Freddie!

Related: Teacup Yorkies’ ‘Ramp Rage’ To Get the Spot Closest to Mom Is Everything

Unfortunately Spikey Michael himself has passed away, but his brother, Freddie, and sister, Foxy, are committed to carrying on his chaotic energy. Freddie and Foxy get into many fights: they're siblings, which means they're stuck sharing lots of things, and Yorkies famously don't love sharing. 

What they do love, though, are squeaky toys. Yorkies (government name: Yorkshire Terriers) were bred for hunting down rodents in their home and getting rid of them. Yorkies are nippers, and they much prefer soft, squishy toys that they can sink their teeth into. That's why Foxy's tiny squirrel toy is so perfect for her!

Hunting dogs in particular lose their ever-loving minds over squeaky toys. They love the squishy texture, which is both satisfying to chew and usually good for their teeth. More than that, though, they love the squeaky noise it makes when they're chewing it. With the rubbery ones, the toy still squeaks as they chew even if the squeaker has died out. 

Experts suggest that there are two main reasons dogs enjoy toys that squeak more than toys that don't:

1. The sound of the squeaks is high-pitched, and high frequencies are intriguing (as long as they're not so high it's painful).
2. The squeaking noise mimics the sound of their prey being caught. 

In a Yorkie's case, the most common prey they were meant to catch was indeed rats, and rats squeak like crazy, especially when they're feeling threatened. Thus, a serious love of squeaky toys was born and has yet to fizzle out. Luckily, Foxy only caught a toy squirrel. Speaking from experience, a dog getting a hold of a real animal is not fun. 

My Boston Terrier got hold of a rat once, and unfortunately, the poor little guy didn't make it. When it comes to Terrier breeds, they love to lock on and shake their heads vigorously - a different approach to hunting their prey than Retrievers. Their goal is not to puncture or contaminate the meat. I hope Foxy's squirrel toy will be enough to satisfy her!

Some dogs tend to have more manners than others, no matter what they're doing — and it doesn't always reflect on the humans who are raising them! Depending on their personality, some dogs are more demanding than others, and some will even interrupt their parents' conversations to be heard. Other times, their lack of manners has to do with the breed; seeing a dog drool all over the place isn't always ideal or what's seen as "proper," but certain breeds can't help it! 

That applies to the dog in this TikTok video, who gets called out for all the table manners he doesn't have... but that doesn't keep him from getting spoiled anyway, so does it really matter in the end?

#grandmasoftiktok #grandma #bowsersworld #dogsoftiktok #funnydogvideos #doggo #fyp #dogs #bigdogs #mastiffs #bigdogsoftiktok #begging #mastiffsoftiktok #doglife #cute #giantdog #gentlegiant #vlog_category_mu

On Monday, April 29, the account dedicated to sharing the adventures of Bowser, a very adorable Mastiff (found @bowserthemastiff), shared this clip of an interaction between him and his grandma that is just too classic.

Here, Bowser's grandma is sharing her bread with him, and he's clearly loving it (what dog wouldn't?) but there's just one problem: While he's chowing down, he's getting drool all over the place — the couch and on grandma! 

This prompts Grandma to say, "your mom's gonna have to teach you some table manners!" LOL! 

And of course, what she shared absolutely wasn't enough for Bowser. When she was done sharing, he just kept looking at her with the saddest eyes. For the record, it worked — she let him have the rest of her bread. Well played, Bowser! 

Some dogs don't drool at all, but being drooly is, unfortunately, a fact of life for many different dog breeds, so it's always important to do some research before adopting a pup to make sure you can handle that aspect of having them in your life (and near your furniture)! 

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Mastiffs are one of the drooliest breeds, along with Saint Bernards and Bloodhounds. It all comes down to the way their heads and mouths are formed — they simply aren't built to hold in the saliva they produce.

There's not much that can be done about it, but you can make sure that your home is as drool-proof as possible, and keeping a cloth nearby to wipe their mouths can help. The AKC also recommends wiping their mouths when they're done drinking water, since water can get trapped in the folds of their face and drip all over the place! 

These dogs might be full of drool, but they're also full of love... and hunger for table scraps. Just ask Bowser! 

Some dogs just love swimming, which makes summer their thrive season. If you get them into the ocean, the odds that you'll be able to get them out of the water in a timely manner are not in your favor. 

For one Golden Retriever, taking a trip to the beach is basically clocking in for a full shift as a clammer. He loves to search, and he loves to bring up what he found. On Monday, April 29th, his mom posted a video from a day on the job, and it's honestly hilarious:

The story of how my dog learned to go clamming!! He is a self-taught fisherman for sure 🙈 and some might even think he was a dolphin in his past life 🌊 #dogsoftiktok #clamming #oceanlife #fishtok #goldenretriever #fishing

Drake the Pup Star is absolutely hilarious for this. He's braver than me, I think clams are scary (but delicious!).

Related: Golden Retriever's Impromptu Nighttime Swim Is Giving People Life

Drake, like all Golden Retrievers, loves the water. It's in their bones: they were bred to be waterfowl hunters. Of course, that meant swimming out to catch ducks and geese that had already been subdued, not diving into water and grabbing clams from the bottom. That's something Drake has decided to do on his own.

Drake has amassed 1.4 million followers, and it's legitimately because he does crazy stuff like this. He loves to swim and there are several videos about that, but he also loves to bring his mom his favorite toys, and he recently went to a baseball game! Given that the ocean is what calls him, though, it's his real passion. Not only does he dive for clams, he also comes up with mussels and even crabs. 

Drake isn't just going for a swim on the ocean: this boy is fully submerging himself, and more than that, he's actively opening his mouth to catch the clams. As adorable as it is and as hard as it may be to stop them, everyone is probably wondering... is this even safe?

Letting your dog swim in the ocean isn't technically dangerous, as long as it's done safely. The saltwater is kind of drying, so you'll want to give them a bath when you get home with a good shampoo and conditioner. In addition, you should have lots of water ready - ocean water is salty, and that can lead to dehydration. The biggest risk the ocean poses is the hazardous waves: if it looks rough out there, don't let the dog go in, and never take your eyes off them. 

As for the actual clams, most clams aren't dangerous. When they sense something nearby, they typically close right up anyway. Even if he were to actually manage to get the clam out of the shell and snack on it, it would just be a tasty treat, though eating raw shellfish is always a risk. Happy clamming, Drake!

Let's face it: Many of us are parents to dogs who have stronger opinions than some humans. I have experienced this first hand with my own pup, who has never been shy about letting us all know how she's feeling about anything and everything that comes up during the day. If she's hungry, we know. If she wants to play outside, we know. If her bed is in a different spot and she's not pleased about it, we definitely know. I do love that she makes sure that her feelings are heard... but sometimes, there's nothing that can be done (like when she's disgruntled about being in her crate while I vacuum so she doesn't chase it!). 

Unfortunately, the dog in this TikTok video seems to be going through something similar. The housekeeper is cleaning up his toys, and he just has one question: How dare she?

Replying to @Counterweight He is ready to fire the housekeeper 😅#funnydog #goldenretrieverlife #dogtiktok #tiktokdogs #goldenretriever #dogtok #viraltiktok

In this video from @nycgolden, a sweet four year old Golden Retriever named Bowie is witnessing his family's housekeeper do the unthinkable: gather up his dog toys and put them in the basket, where they belong, instead of leaving them all over the house where Bowie has scattered them! 

We can see Bowie whimpering, and as his human explained in the video, he seemed to think that his toy basket was being blocked from his use — something he certainly wouldn't stand by and watch! 

His relief when he was finally reunited with all of his toys at the end of the video is palpable. He really thought they were all going away forever!

Unfortunately, it seems like the housekeeper's efforts may have all been for naught, because there's no doubt Bowie is about to scatter those toys around the house all over again, just the way he likes it! 

In earlier videos, Bowie's love/hate relationship with the housekeeper has definitely been explored... and let's just say he's never been a fan of the way she does things.

For example, in this video, we can see his reaction when he discovers that his blanket was folded and put away and is not laying flat on the bed, the way he prefers it. He even tries to fix it himself and then gets frustrated that he can't do it himself! It's because you don't have thumbs, buddy. That's not your fault! 

And it's not just the housekeeper, either — from the other videos on the account, it looks like Bowie is unhappy when anything isn't done exactly the way he likes it, no matter who is to blame! 

I do have to appreciate a dog who knows what he wants and isn't afraid to speak up about it. Good for you, Bowie! 

Some dogs see their toys as toys, but others tend to get really attached. My dog enjoys playing with toys, but she doesn't seem to love them the way other dogs do — they don't get carried around the house; they usually just stay where she last played with them until she remembers they exist and wants to play with them again. For others, they become like additional family members, and it can be so cute to see pups dote on their little stuffies. 

The dog in the video below is one of them, and not only does he seem to care for his toys as if they were truly his friends, but he also seems to want them to enjoy the sunshine we've all been seeing a lot more of these days just as much as he does.

Waldo brought out all sorts of animal friends in the porch this morning 🤭♥️ #fy#fyp#dachshundmix#dachshundsoftiktok#bassethoundmix#bassethoundsoftiktok#cute#cutedog#cutedogs#cutedogsoftiktok#morningsun#adorabledog#adorabledogs

Recently, @waldosmyname1 shared the cutest video of their Dachshund, whose name is Waldo, and his morning activity. He was ready to lounge in the sun... but he was going to make sure everyone was invited.

One by one, Waldo totes each of his toys out to the porch, going in and out of the house until everyone has been accounted for. He started with his blanket, and then continued with his stuffed animals. When he's finally satisfied, he lays down on top of all of his toys to enjoy his sunbathing to its fullest extent. 

Listen, the fact that he's so inclusive really does say a lot about his special brand of unconditional love... and I really do have to give him props, because this set up looks far comfier than just laying on the porch alone! 

Commenters seem to agree, with one person writing, "We’re laughing but who is the genius sunbathing on a comfy stuffy bed? Waldo!" 

Though it seems that Waldo has formed an attachment to all of his toys, some dogs pick a favorite and refuse to be separated from it. But why?

According to Pride Bites, it's similar to the way young children get attached to a certain toy or stuffed animal: It brings them comfort. It's familiar, which means it might help them stay calm when they're scared of a storm or the sound of fireworks or when they're feeling stressed out. 

The toy may also be connected to a special memory for them, like the feeling of being rewarded for something when they were given the toy, which brings back all of the warm and fuzzy feelings! 

And if your puppy is teething, their favorite toy might just be the one that feels the best on their sore gums if you notice them carrying it around and chewing it a lot — it's all about texture. 

Clearly, Waldo has plenty of favorite toys... and he doesn't seem to mind bringing them anywhere they need to be to keep them close to him. Too cute!