Many years ago (in dog years, I should be dead!) I began this journey to guide pet parents by writing about dogs and cats. Basically, I created dog lover guides and cat lover guides to help folks make informed decisions about their fur kids’ health, care, fun, and partnership. Can you say, “peace of mind?”
I rely on experts from around the world, colleagues who have become friends, and legends in the dog and cat care field. My blog offers lots of edu-tainment for cat lovers and dog lovers, but wait…there’s more! Asking “Dr. Google” for answers sometimes proves hazardous to pet health. So here are some of my go-to trustworthy and credentialed resources—fun stuff, too—you and your furry wonders will love.
Dog & Cat Behavior Sources
You’ve probably heard of Dr. Marty Becker, but I’m not sure if you’ve ever checked out Fear Free Pets—it’s a MUST. He’s a nationally known veterinarian, just back from a humanitarian trip to Ukraine, and the founder of Fear Free Pets. The blog provides free edu-tainment focussed on reducing pet fear, anxiety, and stress. I’ve known Dr. Marty for years and co-wrote two of the Chicken Soup books with him—and also contribute to the Fear Free Happy Homes blog. You and your pets really need to check this out.
Pet Products & Blogs & Fun, Oh My!
Anyone who shares their heart with critters knows about this pet products company. Did you know Chewy also shares free cat and dog edu-tainment in a blog? I love this company, and you’ll notice I sometimes share product recommendations as an affiliate. It goes beyond that, though. When my Bravo-Dawg passed away from cancer, they honored him with a memory candle and paintings of his pet friends. What other company does that?! The Chewy blog covers all kinds of fun information, from breeds to behavior, and more. Find the blog here.
Natural Dog Healing
I’m a huge proponent of natural and holistic approaches, and the Whole Dog Journal provides terrific, researched information. While writing my book on natural healing, many of my sources recommended this publication or contributed articles—and when experts recommend a source, I listen! Many of my colleagues from the Dog Writer’s Association of America contribute to the magazine. You can find out more on the Whole Dog Journal Facebook page here.
Catster: Cat Lifestyle & More
Equal time for the cats! A cat-astic resource for lifestyle, silly, and serious cat edu-tainment, Caster is the top cat. I’ve been interviewed as an expert for their articles by colleagues in the Cat Writers’ Association. You’ll find work from award-winning feline journalists like Sandy Robins, Debbie DeLouise, Catherine Holm, JaneA Kelly and Deb Barnes and so many more. Learn more about Catster here.
Dogster: Canine Lifestyle Plus
The companion publication, Dogster, offers the same edu-tainment as the cat version, but focused on dogs. You’ll find breed information, care advice, and even celebrity profiles, like my colleague “the pet guy” Steve Dale. He’s got a radio program, and is top dog in the field. Learn more about Dogster here. And be sure to check out award-winning journalist Steve Dale on his facebook community page here.
American Kennel Club
Whether you have a purebred or a mutt, the AKC blog offers terrific dog edu-tainment about more than breeds. You’ll find behavior, health, and doggone fun lifestyle treats on their blog. These days, I write for several pet-centric companies that require credentialed citations—and the AKC blog tops their list. The AKC often shares recent blog posts on Facebook here.
Cat Fanciers Association
For those who love pedigreed cats, the CFA provides all the must-knows about feline breeds. I’ve attended countless CFA cat shows to swoon over these beauties. I rely on the organization as an expert resource for breed information. My colleague Teresa Keiger edits the organization’s terrific and award-winning CAT TALK magazine. Learn more about the CFA here.
Don’t Forget the Community Cats
Community cats, also called feral cats, or sometimes lost strays, have special needs and requirements. Cat caretakers help re-home them or keep them healthy in their community. These two organizations are the go-to experts for these needy felines. I’ve met the founders, too. Both are caring, passionate professionals who have spoken at Cat Writers Association events in the past. For those who love cats and want to help furry waifs who don’t yet have a home, learn more about Alley Cat Allies here. And keep Alley Cat Rescue on your go-to resource list.
Know of an awesome dog-lover’s or cat-lover’s edu-tainment resource I missed? Please SHARE in the comments so I can build this list bigger and even better. I’m always looking for new expert sources to check out.
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter.
Stay up to date with the latest book giveaways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE! Amy Shojai, CABC is a certified cat & dog behavior consultant, a consultant to the pet industry, and the award-winning author of 35+ pet-centric books and Thrillers with Bite! Oh, and she loves bling!
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4 Comments
Andrea
on May 29, 2022 at 7:51 am
Hi, Amy, I just wanted to let everyone know about another organization that believes in education. I believe it is their core purpose. https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/?mc_cid=e44bcebb53&mc_eid=14d5c56f5d. Not only do they have an educational podcast they also, along with Neighborhood Cats, provide certification opportunities for those in the field of helping feral or community cats. If someone is interested in getting more involved in the field there is a certification program. I believe it would help advocates to be heard in the community if they have these credentials. These are great resources to have.
Hi Amy, here in Southern New Hampshire there is an organization that captures feral cats, spays them and if they feel that the cat can be rehabilitated they will work with the cat to find them a forever home. The cats that can’t be rehabilitated are brought back to the neighborhood where they picked them up. This organization is called Kitty Angels. I don’t know how far into the New England area they are. They are a non profit organization and rely on volunteers.
It’s that time of year here in N. Texas for storms, rain, hail and (eeek!) tornadoes. Today we’re under a weather alert with forecast for lots of rain and possible hail and wind. That could turn into a might big wind that could cause Dorothy to shake in her ruby slippers.
When I grew up in North Indiana, we also had tornadoes, and those events were exciting times for us kids. It meant camping out in the basement…with our parents! How fun is that?
Well… maybe fun for clueless kids. But don’t be clueless. Protect yourself and your pets. Here’s how.
Yikes! It’s hot-hot-hot here in Texas. Shadow-Pup is NOT happy. He misses his ZOOMIES in the back garden, but I’m afraid to let him overdo too much. It’s time for hot weather games for pets and keeping cats and dogs cool in hot weather.
Hot weather pet safety around here is a matter of life and death for cats and dogs. I live in N. Texas where it’s not unusual for weather to have everyone hot under the collar. Just imagine how pets feel with a fur coat. Older dogs have more sense and aren’t as prone to overdo. But our rescue pup Shadow acts clueless, and we have to physically confine him or he’d never stop playing even in 100-degree weather.
These tips can help you prevent problems, or even save your pet’s life.
Snakebites are common in pets, especially dogs, because dogs are often curious and try to play with moving critters. In fact, about 150,000 dogs and cats are bitten by poisonous snakes each year in the United States alone. Learn about the top villains and what to do in this post.
I adore the golden oldie pets. My Seren-Kitty lived to nearly 22 years old, my first shepherd made it to just over 13 years old, and Magical-Dawg lived large and loud until 11 years old. Seren just wouldn’t give up, despite her arthritic clawed paws click-click-clicking as she tottered along. When Karma arrived, he acted like the fountain of youth and gave her a boost. Here are some tips for fun things to do with your golden oldie…
Here’s an update on the next thriller… along with some fun podcasts, a cello experience, and a “thrilling” (NOT!) medical emergency. All is well… read on for details.
Dogs use their mouths like people use our hands. That means nearly everything goes into the puppy’s mouth as he explores the world, and teething pups chew to relieve the discomfort. Dogs never outgrow the gnawing habit, though, and that can get them in trouble.
Here’s why they target your favorite things…and what you can do to reduce the risk.
Cat and dog dehydration refers to the excessive loss of body water. Pets are prone to dehydration when the weather gets very hot, and they don’t have access to enough water. As a result, they can develop heatstroke. More often, though, dog and cat dehydration happens from vomiting and diarrhea.
Here in Texas, we’ve had weeks of triple-digit temperatures. I worry about the outside pets, but even indoor cats and dogs can suffer from dehydration. Normal water loss occurs in the pet’s bathroom deposits, through moisture exhaled with the breath, and through sweat. These fluids get replaced when the cat and dog eat and drink.
Any illness may prompt pets to stop eating and drinking, and prolonged fever increases the loss of body fluid. Specific disease conditions or injuries like diabetes or kidney disease may cause excessive urination that also causes of dehydration.
Cats evolved as desert creatures and have an amazing ability to conserve water, but cat dehydration can still kill. Even though cats seem to prefer to drink water in the weirdest places (the sink? your glass? the TOILET?!) they most often just don’t drink enough water. Here’s what you need to know.
Do you know how perform Pet Rescue Breathing and pet CPR? You can save your dog or cat’s life by knowing how to do pet CPR and how to perform rescue breathing. Pets suffer brain injury and death if oxygen is cut off for only a few minutes. When minutes count, rescue breathing can save your pet’s life.
July is National Lost Pet Prevention Month. More pets disappear over the July 4th holiday than any other time, because they get so scared about the noise. But pets get lost all the time. Both Karma-Kat and Shadow appeared as lost babies. Please bookmark this site for tips how to find lost pets.
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Hi, Amy, I just wanted to let everyone know about another organization that believes in education. I believe it is their core purpose. https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/?mc_cid=e44bcebb53&mc_eid=14d5c56f5d. Not only do they have an educational podcast they also, along with Neighborhood Cats, provide certification opportunities for those in the field of helping feral or community cats. If someone is interested in getting more involved in the field there is a certification program. I believe it would help advocates to be heard in the community if they have these credentials. These are great resources to have.
Thanks, excellent resource.
Hi Amy, here in Southern New Hampshire there is an organization that captures feral cats, spays them and if they feel that the cat can be rehabilitated they will work with the cat to find them a forever home. The cats that can’t be rehabilitated are brought back to the neighborhood where they picked them up. This organization is called Kitty Angels. I don’t know how far into the New England area they are. They are a non profit organization and rely on volunteers.
That’s terrific.