Why have you changed the recipe? The previous Friskies range was made in the USA. The new Friskies range is now made at our Blayney factory in Australia. This means we can ensure a more consistent supply of our Friskies products to our key retailers. Nestle Purina Petcare have manufacturing sites all over the world, and it now makes sense to bring our manufacturing closer to where our consumers are located and where we sell our products. Due to the sourcing and availability of raw material ingredients being different in the US to Australia (eg: corn is a commonly grown grain in the US, wheat is a more commonly grown grain in Australia), we have had to change our recipes to reflect this change to Australia now being our place of manufacture. At Nestle Purina Petcare, with every reformulation, we ensure that we deliver a variety of 100% complete and balanced foods made with high quality ingredients for your cat’s needs, taste and preference. How is this recipe different Vs the previous recipe? In terms of recipe, the key differences are: • Non-artificial colours – In 2016, we made a commitment to remove all artificial colours from our pet foods, which we have begun the transition on: by the end of 2022 all Purina dry pet foods will have no added artificial colours in our recipes. However, rest assure that this does not affect the nutritional value or quality of the product. Neither does it affect the delicious taste that your cat loves about Friskies! • Switch to Australian grains - previously the recipe from the US was more corn-based as corn is the most widely available grain grown in the US. However, as we have now moved our sourcing to Australia, we are using grains that are more commonly grown in Australia. Common grain crop grown in Australia include wheat and barley. Grains provide an important source of carbohydrates for energy for your cat, as well as delivering protein, vitamins, minerals and fibre. I noticed that the product used to come from the USA and now it comes from Australia. Why is that? The previous Friskies range was made in the USA. The new Friskies range is now made at our Blayney factory in Australia. This means we can ensure a more consistent supply of our Friskies products to our key retailers. Nestle Purina Petcare have manufacturing sites all over the world, and it now makes sense to bring our manufacturing closer to where our consumers are located and where we sell our products. Will I need to transition feed my cat from the old Friskies to this new Friskies? Yes, we know some cats can be sensitive to even the smallest changes. If you do find that your cat no longer appears to enjoy their Friskies dry cat food, then we would recommend you to introduce the new Friskies dry cat food gradually over several days, mixing it in with something they do like. You may refer to the feeding guide on our packaging. Why do the kibbles look different compared to the current? The new formula uses non-artificial colours, hence the kibbles look different from the current kibble products. We are continuously monitoring consumer trends and know that trends continue to evolve, and we know that in the same way that people tell us they don’t want artificial colours in their food, they also tell us they don’t want them in their pet’s food either. We are responding to this consumer feedback and will remove artificial colours from all Purina products end 2024 without compromising on quality or taste. Does the difference in kibble colors affect the nutritional value of the product? ​The difference in kibble colours does not affect the overall nutritional composition or quality of the product. I have been giving my cat the old Friskies range, and I notice that the new pack has stated "no added artificial color and preservatives“. Does it mean that it's harmful for my cat which they have been consuming the previous Friskies recipe with colors and preservative? No, we use both nature-identical and artificial colours in very small amounts in some of our products. Like in the human food industry, colours are used to give it a more appealing and appetising appearance, and these colors are completely safe for pets. Consumer trends for foods are evolving and in the same way that people don’t want artificial colours in their food, they don’t want them in their pet’s food either. We are responding to this desire and will remove artificial colours from food by 2024 without compromising on quality or taste. Why are you changing the packaging look and feel? We made changes to help cat owners easily identify and choose between the different Friskies dry cat food flavours available. We have also taken the opportunity to improve how key information is laid out on pack, including improved visibility of flavour variant and nutritional information to make it easier for consumers to find the right product for their cats’ preferences both in store and online. My cat developed gas / soft stools / diarrhea after eating the new Friskies. What caused this and what should I do? We know some cats can be sensitive to even the smallest changes. If you do find that your cat no longer appears to enjoy their Friskies dry cat food, then we would recommend you to introduce the new Friskies dry cat food gradually over several days, mixing it in with something they do like. You may refer to the feeding guide on our packaging. What meat is used in poultry by product meal, and poultry oil? All poultry products used in Friskies are primarily by-products of chicken processing. My cat is not willing to eat the new formulation and what other cat food is suggested on this case? We know some cats can be sensitive to even the smallest changes. If you do find that your cat no longer appears to enjoy their Friskies dry cat food, then we would recommend you to introduce the new Friskies dry cat food gradually over several days, mixing it in with something they do like. You may refer to the feeding guide on our packaging.

With all the excitement of your new puppy coming home, there’s lots to think about. Remember that regular vet check-ups are vital. You can discuss things like vaccinations, de-worming, address any worries you have and ask about any aspects of puppy health you’re not sure about. Vaccinations also play an important role in the first stages of your puppy’s life. If you notice any of the symptoms below, take your puppy to the vet right away instead of waiting for the next check-up. Even between visits, keeping an eye on your puppy’s health can do the world of good. In between visits to the vet, a quick check of your puppy’s appearance and overall mood is easy to do, and it’s a great way to monitor overall dog health. Here are some things to look out for: Nose • Healthy -Generally a healthy puppy’s nose is cool, clean, slightly moist, and free of discharge. • Consult your vet- If there are any scabs or rashes or if their nose is running with mucus or other discharges. Eyes • Healthy - Your puppy’s healthy eyes should be clear and bright. They shouldn’t look irritated, and your puppy won’t try to rub them with their paws or on the carpet. • Consult your vet -If your puppy’s eyes are red, tear stained, or have discharge, consult your vet. Ears • Healthy -A puppy’s ears should be pink and clean, and free from any discharge and odour. • Consult your vet -If your puppy’s ears have dark wax resembling dried coffee grounds in the ear canals, if their ear canals are hot or inflamed, have pus or odour, or if they try scratching their ears or shakes their head regularly. You can check your puppy’s ears weekly as part of your puppy health care routine. Skin / Coat • Healthy -Healthy puppy skin is free from lumps, fleas, flea dirt and ticks. It should be pink and clean, and their fur should be thick, shiny and silky (depending on their breed). His skin is a good overall indicator of their health, so make checking it part of your puppy care routine. • Consult your vet -Redness of the skin, bald patches, greasy coat, lumps, fleas, flea dirt or ticks, or Itchiness. Mouth • Healthy -In general, when you’re checking your puppy’s mouth you should notice pink gums, fresh breath, and white teeth. • Consult your vet -Your puppy’s mouth shows signs of redness or swelling at the margins of their teeth, inflamed gums, breath odour or dirty teeth. Regular dental care and a healthy, balanced diet can help maintain their dental health

When choosing a food for your pet, it’s important to consider many factors, from your dog’s age to his size to any special dietary needs he might have – and that’s just the beginning. Consider Your Dog's Life Stage Puppy At this key developmental stage in a dog’s life, your pet needs special nutrient blends that include DHA to support proper vision and brain development. Adult Dog Our foods contain nutrient and energy levels designed to help keep your dog in ideal body condition when fed properly, with a glossy coat and plenty of energy. Senior Dog Your senior dog may require a special nutrient formula to maintain lean body mass and help keep his mind bright Feeding Adult Dogs A balanced diet is essential in full-grown dogs to ensure they remain in peak health and condition. What a Dog Needs Once your dog reaches maturity, it’s time to settle into a regular feeding routine. To maintain an optimal body condition, your dog’s diet needs to include the right balance of the six major nutrient groups: • Proteins; • Fats and oils; • Minerals; • Vitamins; • Carbohydrates; • Water. Any good-quality, manufactured, complete pet food should provide your dog with this basic nutritional balance. Whether you serve canned or dry, or a mixture of the two, is really a matter of personal preference – yours, and your dog’s!

Diabetes Diabetes is caused by a lack of insulin, the hormone that regulates how sugar is absorbed and used by cells and tissues in the body. It most often afflicts dogs between the ages of five and seven, and female dogs are more susceptible to it than males. If you notice your dog is suddenly extremely thirsty and urinates more than usual, consult your veterinarian, as these behaviours may be signs of diabetes. Allergies and Intolerances Environmental contaminants, such as dust and mould, can cause allergies in a dog. So can his food, although it takes time to make that diagnosis. Usually, a veterinarian will put a dog on a food elimination diet to determine if he has a food allergy. That means the dog spends eight to ten weeks on a special hypoallergenic diet. If his clinical signs improve on the hypoallergenic diet, he is then challenged with his original diet. If the dog is truly allergic to his food there is likely to be an increase in clinical signs, such as itching and inflamed skin. If these appear, further testing will be needed to determine which specific ingredients trigger the allergy symptoms. Digestive Health Digestive upset is one of the most common reasons dogs are brought to the veterinarian. There are many causes for digestive problems in dogs, including dietary indiscretion, infections, and allergies. Some dog digestive problems may resolve once the dog’s digestive system is given a chance to rest, but more serious conditions could result in weight loss, dehydration and debilitation. If your dog has a digestive problem, contact your veterinarian and they can determine the appropriate treatment.

When it comes to cat food, there are so many options. Loving cat owners must choose from a variety of different flavours, decide between wet and dry, among many other considerations. If you’ve wondered whether wet or dry cat food is better – good news, they’re both excellent choices! While some cats (and cat owners) prefer one over the other, the best option may be to feed your cat both – just make sure the food you select is 100 percent complete and balanced for your cat’s age and life stage. Wet vs Dry Cat Food Wet Cat Food You’re probably familiar with wet food in cans, but wet food is also found in pouches. Purina Veterinary Nutritionist Dr Dorothy Laflamme said that both come in small sizes, making it easy to provide a variety of different flavours. “For some, smaller sizes may make portion control easier,” Laflamme said. Wet cat food has at least 65 percent or more moisture content. As a result, “wet food should not be left out for more than 30 to 60 minutes at a time to prevent bacterial growth,” according to Laflamme. Wet cat food offers many benefits, including: • Textures and ingredients cats love • Easier for cats to chew • More variety in diet • Helps increase total water intake Although feeding wet food to your cat seems special or indulgent, it’s more than a snack or treat. Wet cat food is 100 percent complete and balanced and can be an essential part of any cat’s diet. Dry Cat Food Dry kibble is popular among many cat owners because it’s convenient. It comes in larger bags, and because its moisture content is less than 20 percent, it has a longer shelf life, even after opening. This makes it more cost effective. There’s less risk of bacterial growth with dry food, so you can leave it out all day for your cat to graze on while you’re at work. While dry cat food may be harder for older cats to chew, crunchy kibble helps reduce plaque and tartar build-up on cats’ teeth/ Is wet or dry food better for cats? While your cat may ultimately prefer dry or wet food, Purina nutritionists recommend feeding a combination of both. This helps ensure she gets plenty of moisture in her diet, the dental benefits of dry food, and the variety to keep her interested. Cats are neophiliacs, meaning they appreciate trying new things, and may get bored eating the same food the same way day in and day out. Mixing wet and dry cat food for a meal or feeding them at separate meals is a good way to give your cat the variety she not only wants, but needs. Catering to your cat’s needs and desires also strengthens your emotional connection. One reviewer wrote: “My kitties love Fancy Feast already and they quickly gobbled up the Creamy Delights! Received extra kitty lovin’ after this awesome treat!” Shop wet cat food If you’ve never tried feeding wet cat food, explore the wide variety of options Purina offers. You may need to try several brands until you find a couple your cat likes. Fortunately, Laflamme reminds, “there are hundreds—if not thousands—of good quality cat foods available at grocery stores, pet specialty stores, online and through veterinarians.” Try some different serving methods too: some cats prefer their wet food “fluffed” and served on a flat plate or wide, low-edged bowl, while others will eat from the can. Once you find a food and serving method your cat loves, she’ll enjoy eating a mix of wet and dry cat food on a regular basis. Check out our cat food range here.

When it comes to being stuck inside, there’s no doubt that pets can make the time at home feel a whole lot more enjoyable. They’re there when we need to vent or just need a good cuddle, and their care provides a productive outlet that’s beneficial to both pets and people. But being stuck at home with your pet can also present its share of challenges. Our pet behaviourists offer some tips on how to keep your pet happy and engaged when you’re stuck inside. 10 Tips & Tricks for Keeping Pets Happy & Healthy Indoors 1. Stick to Their Routine Your routine has likely been disrupted in some pretty significant ways. In times like these, it can be tempting to let your pet’s routines fall to the wayside, too. Purina behaviourist Dr Annie Valuska warns against this: “It’s important to try to keep your pet’s routine as intact as possible. Feeding, potty, and walks should all happen when they normally do, and if your dog is used to going in the car, it’s not a bad idea to continue to take them for short drives.” She also reminds us that continuing to ask for good manners, like sitting before going through a doorway or not begging for table scraps, is another important way to maintain consistency in your pet’s routine. 2. Be Intentional About Rest Time Your pet may be used to having time to himself while the family is away, so try to give him plenty of rest time throughout the day. As Purina behaviourist Dr Francois Martin reminds us, “It is not a good idea to change your pet’s routine with a lot of socialisation. Pets are not kids. Owners don’t have to keep them busy with things to do all day.” Parents, breathe a sigh of relief—your kids may need activities to fill their days, but your cat or dog will be just fine, and will even benefit from having some quiet time. 3. Let Them Chew it Out For those conference calls, homeschooling sessions, or just moments when you need some rest, it can be helpful to give your pet a long-chew treat to help keep him entertained. If your pet has a tendency to scarf down his treats, Kongs and other sturdy toys can be filled with peanut butter and then frozen for a longer-lasting distraction. Dr Séverine Ligout, a Purina behaviourist, reminds us that while these treats can be a fun activity for your pet, it can also be easy to overfeed them. Keep calorie counts in mind, and compensate for extra treat calories by feeding a little less at mealtime. 4. Exercise, Exercise, Exercise Keep nerves in check and channel nervous energy into a productive outlet—exercise. Staying active during this time is as beneficial for you as it is for your pet. You may not be able to take your dog to the dog park for exercise, but you can still find ways to get his energy out. Even a trip to the mailbox can provide a little exercise. If you’re stuck inside, clear away some furniture to make room for a game of fetch or tug of war. Get out in the backyard if you have one and play a game of chase. Purina behaviourist Serena Juma recommends using exercise as another way to reinforce your pet’s schedule. “Have planned play sessions at around the same time each day,” she advises. “This will encourage your pet to follow routine, while also providing physical and mental stimulation, as well as promoting the human-animal bond.” 5. Play Some Mind Games Another great way to tire your pet out is with mental stimulation, like teaching them a new trick or two! Have you always wanted your dog to be able to roll over or for your cat to dance? Now is the perfect time for those lessons. “Just like people, pets experience what we call the ‘Eureka Effect,’ or the emotional response to problem solving,” Dr Ragen Mc Gowan, Purina behaviourist, explains. “That ‘ah ha’ moment when you finally figure something out. You feel a positive surge of emotions. Our pets experience this as well.” You can also use feeding time as a way to mentally enrich your pet’s day. Scatter their food around the house and let them use their sense of smell to find it, or incorporate a puzzle toy into feeding to give them a little mental challenge. 6. Be a Considerate Roommate Nobody appreciates a roommate who is always making noise, and your pet is no exception! Now that you and your pet are spending a whole lot of quality time together, be mindful that pets can hear a lot better than us—and try to keep excessive noise to a minimum. This will give them some time to rest. “If background noise is a must, consider subbing in some classical music (which studies show can help calm pets) for the TV, podcasts, or radio occasionally,” Dr Valuska suggests. 7. Get Kids Involved If you have kids in your home, get them involved in keeping your pet happy and healthy indoors. Now is a great time to reinforce good pet etiquette and help kids understand pet body language. It can also be fun to involve pets in your child’s learning. “Kids still need to learn, and pets have been shown to help children in some areas of learning (e.g., reading),” Purina behaviourist Dr Sandra Lyn shares. “If the pet is amenable, then implement and encourage reading-to-pets sessions as part of your child’s routine.” 8. Stick to a Healthy Diet You may be indulging in boxed mac and cheese and one too many brownies these days, but that doesn’t mean your pet can’t stick to their healthy diet. “Don’t start feeding table scraps just because your ‘table’ happens to be your couch these days,” Dr Valuska advises. Continue your pet’s feeding schedule and stick to providing their regular food as much as possible. If you’re feeding your pet more treats than usual to reward them for being such a great companion (because let’s face it, they deserve it!), keep in mind that no more than 10 percent of a pet’s daily calories should come from treats. 9. Create a “Safe Spot” Your pet may need some personal space to feel safe and comfortable during a time when there are suddenly more people around. This is especially true for cats, but dogs can benefit from having a designated “safe space” as well. “If you think your pet is overwhelmed by all the sudden ‘togetherness,’ make sure they have a safe space the whole family respects,” Dr Valuska says. “When they’re in there, they are off-limits—it can even help to consider them ‘invisible’ in that space.” This helps little pet lovers understand that pets who are in their special place are to be left alone until they are ready to play. 10. Get Creative! To keep pets occupied and happy during a time when venturing out for new toys isn’t feasible, Dr Mc Gowan recommends thinking outside the box with DIY toys and enrichment. “Provide fun toys that your dog or cat has permission to destroy,” she suggests. “This can be something like a cardboard tube with kibble hidden inside, or a plastic bottle they can chew through to get treats from within.” Having a productive way to get any destructive energy out can be beneficial—both for your pet and your leather shoes.

Emotional Benefits of Pet Ownership • Boosts self-esteem • Fights depression by providing comfort and companionship • Contributes to psychological stability due to unconditional love and affection. • Gives meaning and purpose to the owner’s life • Provides entertainment and enjoyment • Strengthens social networks • 70% of families reported an increase in happiness and fun after adopting a pet Source: APPMA (2006), Fuller (2006), Hynes (2005), Cain (1985) Physical Benefits of Pet Ownership • Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol • Improves motor skills and coordination • Increases life span by an average of two to five years. • Decreases heart attack mortality by 3% • in the US, this translates to 30,000 lives per year. • Helps prevent heart disease • Increases the levels of endorphins (or ‘feel good’ hormones) • Strengthens immune system Source: APPMA (2006), Fuller (2006), Hynes (2005), Friedman (1980)

When we consider training, we automatically think of dogs. Dogs are trained for obedience, for work on farms or to detect drugs, illegally imported items, even cancers. Training does not generally bring up a vision of a cat obeying your every word. Yet, cats can be trained. What commands can cats learn? Cats can learn all sorts of commands – to sit, to roll over, to shake a paw. Cats like to do things in their own good time, so to train them we need to be really motivated, set aside some time and above all, be patient. Remember, cats are individuals and each one will react differently when training begins. Some will ignore you or look at you as if you are mad, whilst others will be very curious and eager. Teach one trick at a time. You can reinforce tricks your cat has mastered, but don’t confuse them by teaching more than one new behaviour at a time. How to train a cat Cats, like dogs, are motivated to do things in life that benefit them. Seeking tasty morsels of food or a cat game with a favourite toy are favourite activities. Usually it is the cat who demands these from their owners. So let’s turn it around. Use these motivators to your advantage. The sit and Hi 5 commands All cats sit, so teaching this is easy. As your cat sits, say “Sit”, then praise them, with a pat or treat. Also introduce a hand signal, such as your hand held vertically in a stop sign, to further help your cat learn. You can quickly extend this training to have your cat join in a ‘Hi 5’ with you, where they raise a paw to your hand. First, encourage any tiny movements of their paw by giving a cat a treat each time their paw moves off the ground. Then, with the treat wrapped in your fist, wait for her to use her paw to try to grab it, then give them the treat as a reward. Gradually lift your hand higher and when your cat touches your hand with their paw, reward them. Dog Tricks Everybody loves learning tricks – especially your dog! Teaching him some simple dog tricks and commands won’t just look impressive, it will give you the opportunity to spend some quality time together too. High Five! Tell your dog to sit, then give them a treat. Hold another treat out of reach (but close by), and say ‘high five’, touching one of their feet. They’ll probably paw at the treat in your other hand; when your dog does this, gently pick the paw up and let your dog have the treat, making lots of fuss of them at the same time. Repeat this sequence this until your dog associates the ‘high five’ command with touching your hand with his paw! Teach your dog to play dead For the more advanced canines, why not try and teach your dog to ‘play dead.’ It’s a great dog trick and is an easy party piece to teach your eager four-legged friend! Start by getting your dog to lie down. If you’ve moved on to this advanced trick then you’ll already have taught your dog the basics like ‘sit’, ‘stay’ and ‘down,’ so this first part should be easy. Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose and slowly pull it over to his side so he’ll have to roll over to get the treat. If your dog has already learnt how to roll over, he’ll already know how to perform this action too, making this step a walk in the park! When your dog is lying on his side, praise him and give him a treat. Then, repeat these steps several times until your dog is able to complete the action. Now add a cue word with a hand signal. Lots of people use the verbal command ‘bang’ with a hand signal in the shape of a gun pointing at your dog, although you might just want to use ‘sleep’ or ‘dead’ if you prefer, with any hand signal you like. Say your chosen command with your hand signal and repeat steps two and three. By practising this trick several times a day, your dog will soon be falling at your side and pretending to ‘sleep’ or ‘play dead.’

We know that spending time with pets helps reduce stress in people, but how can we de-stress our pets? Read on to find out! Pets offer amazing stress-reducing benefits to people. One study found that when people took care of dogs for just three months, they showed significant drops in blood pressure and reactivity to stress. Another study, conducted over a 20-year span, found that people who owned a cat were 40% less likely to die from a heart attack. Those are some pretty dramatic results! It’s only natural that we should give back to our pets. “Dogs and cats have broken down the walls of our hearts,” says leading veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker. He notes that when pets and people interact, there’s a corresponding release of oxytocin, prolactin, and dopamine, and a decrease in cortisol. “It’s a reciprocal biochemical spa treatment.” Signs of Stress in Pets Your pet’s body language can say a lot about how relaxed or stressed they feel. “We’re naturally attuned to stress in other people,” Dr. Becker says. “We know what a happy dog looks like, but what does a stressed pet look like? Stress increases cortisol, the fight or flight hormone, which over time can lead to long-term metabolic conditions.” Major indicators of stress to watch out for in dogs include: • Excessive yawning • Excessively licking lips • Shaking to dry off when there has been no contact with water • Trembling • Avoiding or hiding For cats, keep an eye out for these signs: • A drop in energy or activity level • Changes in sleep habits • A change in appetite • Withdrawal • Aggression • Inappropriate elimination or spraying • Trembling • Excessive grooming leading to loss of fur and excessive meowing Fortunately, some of the stress your dog or cat experiences is perfectly natural, like when they play, since it can keep your pet engaged and stimulated, allowing him or her to feel new sensations and learn new things. But chronic stress can lead to health issues. If you see any of the symptoms above, check with your veterinarian right away to eliminate any medical problems. De-stress Your Pets These Holidays Much of the stress pets experience can be reduced or avoided with a little TLC. Dr. Becker notes, “The key is to reduce anxiety triggers.” If you have a vet visit, for example, “Don’t get the carrier out the night before.” Give your pet a few days to get prepared. If they’re nervous alone or when travelling, play soothing music, or close the curtains. The less stimulus pets receive from the outside world, the less anxiety they’ll have about events outside their control. Here are some common causes of chronic stress, along with some ways to help manage your pet’s anxiety. Changes at Home Dogs and cats are sensitive to their environments, and constant changes in the home can make your pet feel like he or she is out of control. If you move, make repairs, or renovate, try to keep as many things as possible tidy and consistent. If you have a cat, make sure she has unobstructed access to food, water, and the litter box, as cats like to have convenient escape routes handy at all times. Changes to Social Circle Have you adopted a new pet or had a new baby, guest, or significant other join your household? The loss of family member, or even a child heading off to college, can also stress out your pet. You can help by adding more play and exercise to your pet’s day. When introducing pets and/or people, meet on neutral territory, where nobody feels territorial. With people, give them a treat to feed your pet. With other animals, time and patience are key. Seasonal and Temperature Changes Although your pet may live inside, he or she is still very in tune with the weather. Changes in the seasons — and temperature differences — can greatly affect your pet’s overall stress levels. It can be very helpful to increase the frequency of playtime during winter as pets are likely to be less active outside. Also, make sure your pet has blankets to snuggle in for warmth. On hot days, make sure they have plenty of fresh water and cool hideouts where they can relax. Boredom and Overstimulation Energy varies between breeds, says Dr. Becker. “Greyhounds, Labs, Golden Retrievers, Jack Russell Terriers, Border Collies, and other active breeds have unfathomable energy.” He continues, “Wolves spend 80% of their time awake, moving. With cats, there’s not such an exercise requirement,” but providing outlets for play at home is still crucial. For both cats and dogs, he recommends food-dispensing that “recreates the hunt,” and puzzle feeders that engage your pet’s “body and mind.” Boredom can be a big problem for cats, too, but so can overstimulation. Because cats have such sensitive hearing and skin, excessive noise and touching can cause a great deal of stress. If there are any signs of discomfort, give the touching a rest. Communicate with any children or other people in your home so they keep this in mind, too. Try to keep your TV and music at a volume that’s comfortable for your cat. Senior Pets Everyone loves a new puppy or kitten, but — like people — a pet’s needs change with age. They may be less active, preferring a leisurely stroll to a rollicking tug-of-war, so adapt to the changing needs of older pets as best you can. Keep up to date with their veterinary care, and ensure your old friend remains a healthy and happy member of your family. When looking for ways to de-stress your pet, always try to view things from his or her point of view. With a little work on your part, your pet is sure to reward you with a happy, wagging tail or contented purr!