In this installment of guinea pig blogs, I’ll have a look at the different breeds.

Photo credit: Yerlin Matu Are you wondering if you should get a feline for a pet? Maybe we can help you make up your mind. Although all pets are adorable, cats are a favorite pet choice for many Americans.  According to the 2021-2022 APPA National Pet Owners Survey, 45.3 million US households have a feline as a live-in companion, and with good reason. For starters, these wonderful furry animals are adorable and cuddly which is why we can’t get enough of those cute cat Insta photos. They are also independent self-groomers making them purrrrfect if you’re looking for a low-maintenance furry friend. Not to mention that they’re fiercely loyal and make wonderful and safe playmates for both children and adults. Still looking for more reasons to own an adorable cute kitty? Read on.   1. Multiple Health Benefits Photo credit: Pietro Schellino Did you know that owning a furball is good for your health? According to a 2009 study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Neurology, owning a cat can lower your stress levels. This can further help lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. Further, your feline purring has been shown to improve the healing of injured bones, muscles and tendons. The frequency of your furball purring falls between 25 and 140 Hz and studies show that vibrations in the frequency of between 20 and 140 Hz help repair injured and swollen muscles. Cats are also great stress relievers. Think about it, there is nothing better than coming home to your fuzzy pet after a long stressful day. Besides, curling next to your snuggle friend or just petting your feline is enough for your body to produce feel-good hormones. And if you didn’t know, even just watching cute YouTube cat videos can help lower stress levels according to one study.   2. They Make the Perfect Apartment Pets Do you live in a small space, or maybe you’re worried that Fido’s barking will be too much for your quiet neighbours? Well, get a cat! Cats are quiet and they don’t need to live in big open spaces, unlike large dogs. Besides, you don’t have to take your cat out for regular walks as felines are pretty independent. Further, if you live in a high-rise apartment you don’t have to worry about taking your kitty outside to pee or relieve herself. And oh, cats have retractable claws meaning no damage to your favorite carpet or sofa. Using a natural cat litter such as okocat wood clumping litter will ensure your apartment always smells fresh and taking care of the litter box is a breeze. Plus, it's lightweight and easy to carry.    3. Reduced Allergies for Your Kids  Photo credit: Prince Abid Exposing your child to a cat from an early age can help keep allergies at bay in their later years. According to Science Daily, a study published by the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology suggests that early exposure to cats can reduce the risk of asthma and allergic symptoms in children. The good thing is that this early exposure does not only have a protective effect on pet allergies but other allergens as well.   4. Cats Are Lifelong Companions Cats make wonderful companions. They are loyal and offer unconditional love to their owners. Cats are also clean which means they make the perfect cuddle buddies if you’re feeling lonely. Also, cats have a long life span as their average life expectancy is between 10 and 15 years. Some domestic cats live up to 20 years when they’re well-taken care of. So, if you’re worried about losing your pet after a few years, you can rest easy knowing your furball may live to his early twenties.   5. Cats Teach Kids Useful Life Lessons  In addition to helping improve your little one’s immune system, cats also have lots to offer your kid. Cats are wonderful playmates as they’re gentle and patient. During play, children can learn that they need to have respectful etiquette when it comes to playing with a feline. And if you’re worried about clawing and biting when it comes to your cat and child’s play, consider adopting a senior furball or a calmer cat breed such as Ragdoll, Persian, Birman, or a British Shorthair. Having a cat as a pet can also teach your little one to be responsible, especially if you give them the responsibility of taking care of their pet’s litter, water, and food needs.   6. They Are Low Maintenance Compared to Fido, your pussy in boots is low maintenance. You don’t have to take her for multiple walks a day. Besides, cats love to clean themselves meaning you’ll only need to take them to the groomers occasionally. Cats also don’t need lots of attention. So long as you have your kitty food and litter box ready, your feline will be quite happy to be left alone. Overall, as noted by ASPCA compared to dogs, cats are low maintenance not only in terms of time but also when it comes to food, grooming costs, routine medical costs, treats, and the number of toys they require.   7. They Keep Pests Away From Your Home   Cats are one of the most efficient natural pest control animals. Cats are natural predators, and they love to hunt. They prey on bugs, mice, rats and other rodents. In addition to feeding on these pests, they also deter them from invading your home as they often mark their territories with their scent. Cats are so efficient at keeping rodents at bay that several US organisations including the Lodi Animal Shelter in California and the Voice for the Animals Foundation have started cat programs. These programs encourage the adoption of barn and feral cats to help control rodents and other pests on the cat owners’ properties. There you have it, seven good reasons why cats make the best pets! Hopefully, you’re now ready to adopt an adorable furball to be your lifelong companion.    

Looking for eco-friendly holiday gifts for your cat? This list has 10 natural, biodegradable products to delight your furry friend this season, like catnip toys and scratching posts.

Is your cat’s coat dull? Hairballs galore? Don’t worry - in this article, we’ll outline everything you need to know about keeping your cat's coat healthy!

The battle between paper and plastic packaging is ongoing, but for eco-conscious consumers, paper often comes out on top. Here are seven compelling reasons why you should consider opting for paper packaging for your cat litter.    1. Environmentally Friendly:    - Paper is biodegradable and compostable, making it a sustainable choice.    - Plastic takes hundreds of years to decompose, contributing to environmental pollution.   2. Reduced Plastic Pollution:    - Choosing paper helps reduce the demand for single-use plastics.    - Plastic waste, especially in the oceans, poses a significant threat to marine life and ecosystems  3. Renewable Resource:    - Paper is made from trees, which can be replanted and harvested sustainably, and so is okocat natural litter!    - Plastic production relies on fossil fuels, a finite and environmentally damaging resource.  4. Energy Efficiency:    - The production of paper packaging consumes less energy compared to plastic.    - Lower energy consumption results in a smaller carbon footprint.  5. Recycling Ease:    - Paper is highly recyclable and widely accepted in recycling programs.    - Plastic recycling is more complex, and not all types are equally recyclable.  6. Versatility:    - Paper packaging can be adapted for various products, from food to cosmetics and more.    - Plastic packaging often faces limitations due to its non-biodegradable nature  7. Aesthetic Appeal:    - Paper packaging offers a natural, rustic, and eco-friendly appearance.    - Many consumers are drawn to the eco-conscious image conveyed by paper packaging.  In summary, choosing paper packaging over plastic is a small but impactful step toward a more sustainable future. It reduces plastic pollution, encourages the use of renewable resources, and supports energy-efficient production methods. Moreover, it's easy to recycle and offers versatility, making it a practical choice for a wide range of products such as natural cat litter. So, next time you're faced with a packaging choice, consider the positive impact of paper packaging on the environment and make the eco-friendly choice.