What starts as itching and scratching can quickly escalate into infection, discomfort, and costly medical bills. Like people, dogs develop allergies and sensitivities to a variety of environmental and food-based reasons. According to a report published by Banfield Pet Hospital, dog allergies are always in season.

Allergens can vary by a pet parent’s climate and region, but many common triggers are found in the home where your dog resides. Common triggers include:

• Dust and storage mites
• Food
• Pollen
• Dander
• Fleas
• Molds
• Fabrics
• Feathers
• Medications
• Cleaning solutions

The good news is there’s a diverse range of dog allergy tests available on the market these days. These at-home tests are designed to pinpoint the potential triggers of your pet’s symptoms.

Within this article, you’ll learn which dog allergy tests are best, how they work, and the difference between a dog allergy and a dog intolerance or sensitivity.

Best Dog Allergy Tests At Home: Our Top Picks

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the Vetstreet editorial team and do not reflect a direct endorsement by the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

• Overall Best Dog Allergy Test At Home: 5Strands
• Best Dog At Home Allergy Test for Food Allergies: My Pet Health Store
• Best Veterinarian-Developed Home Antibody Test: NutriScan
• Best At-Home Dog Allergy Test with Consultation Option: Glacier Peak Holistics
• Best Dog Home Allergy Test Using ELISA Method: DNA My Dog Allergy Test

5 Best Dog Allergy Tests At Home

When you’re ready to test your dog for allergies, intolerances, or sensitivities to foods or environmental factors, here are our favorites to consider.

Best Overall Dog Allergy Test at Home

Our pick: 5Strands

Pet parents who wish to focus sensitivity testing solely on food intolerances should consider the 5Strands Pet Food Intolerance Test. Each kit tests for over 275 commercial pet food ingredients from your dog’s hair sample. Some of the things tested include proteins, grains, food dyes, dairy, fruits, additives, and probiotics. Results are sent to you via email.

According to the company, following their analysis as a guideline, pets should start feeling better within 60 to 90 days. The easy-to-understand report is designed with the colors of a stop light. For example, a green dot by a food item means mild intolerance, while red indicates severe intolerance. 5Strands touts their technology as holistic to get to the “root cause of any dietary discomforts.”

Highlights

• No saliva sample required; instead collect 10 to 15 strands of your pet’s hair as the sample
• 5Strands guarantees results within seven days of receiving your sample
• Over 274 unique pet food ingredients are tested
• Testing is available on both dogs and cats
• Pets do not need to stop any allergy medication prior to testing

Things to Consider

• 5Strands offers nearly one dozen different tests for a variety of pet issues
• Multiple tests may be costly for some budgets
• 5Strands does not claim to nor test for true allergic reactions
• 5Strands testing is bioresonance, which tests for intolerances or temporary imbalances

Best Dog At Home Allergy Test for Food Allergies

Our pick: My Pet Health Store

My Pet Sensitivity gives pet parents the opportunity to learn if their dog is sensitive to 300 commercial pet food ingredients. This includes things like meats, vegetables, seafood, preservatives, grains, additives, and more. Once receiving your kit, you’ll register it online using a unique reference code. The only task you perform is clipping 5 to 10 strands of your pet’s fur as close to the root as possible. Mail the hairs to the company and all future communication takes place through email.

We received a 32-page PDF sent via email outlining our Cocker Spaniel’s sensitivity results. These included foods, additives, environmental, nutrition, metals, and mineral sensitivities. You’ll also receive the next steps, a possible elimination diet, and potential meat sources to try. What’s really nice about My Pet Sensitivity results is the attention to detail with a breakdown by category.

Highlights

• The test is very easy to perform and does not require a saliva sample
• The turnaround time is three to five days once the lab has a chance to review your sample
• All communication takes place through email, thus eliminating the wait time with snail mail
• The final report is incredibly detailed with actionable steps pet parents can consider
• Any additional questions can be answered via the My Pet Sensitivity team
• Overall positive reviews from satisfied pet parents on Trustpilot
• Also available in advanced pet sensitivity testing, basic cat sensitivity testing, and basic puppy and kitten sensitivity tests.

Things to Consider

• Some pet parents claimed it took longer than 3 to 5 days to receive the results
• This test focuses on sensitivities and not allergies
• It is best to consult with your veterinarian for further questions or comprehensive allergy testing

Best Veterinarian-Developed Antibody Test

Our pick: NutriScan

This patent-protected test was developed by renowned veterinarian Dr. Jean Dodds. The salivary-based food sensitivity and intolerance test is touted as an alternative to food trials, serum-based food allergy testing, and skin patch testing. It does not test for true food allergies, but it measures antibodies to 24 primary foods and a total of 112 related food ingredients in your dog or cat’s saliva.

NutriScan’s saliva test may reveal pre-clinical issues before they actually appear in your pet. The test can be easily performed at home or in conjunction with your veterinarian. Unlike hair tests, this saliva test measures two types of antibodies. Pet parents receive a complete summary with results within a few weeks of the lab receiving the sample.

Highlights

• Developed by Dr. Jean Dodds, who has spent more than five decades as a clinical research veterinarian
• NutriScan was developed in 2011, making it one of the longest-running tests on our list
• Measures IgA and IgM antibodies on the bowel’s mucosal surface, which correlates more to symptoms of bowel or gastrointestinal disease
• HemoPet, NutriScan’s parent company, completed two double double-blind clinical studies to validate the NutriScan test.
• Pet parents receive a complete report of ingredients to which their pet is reactive and how weak or strong each reaction is

Things to Consider

• It may be a bit tricky to get 0.5 mL of saliva from your dog
• The test should be repeated every 12 to 18 months in healthy pets, and every 4 to 6 months in food-reactive pets.
• This test is on the costly side
• Pets should not eat for at least eight hours prior to testing

Best At-Home Dog Allergy Test with Consultation Option

Our pick: Glacier Peak Holistics

Glacier Peak Holistics offers a cheek swab/hair sample test for overall pet wellness. Like the other tests on our list, pet parents mail the samples to the company using the form and pre-paid box provided. Within two weeks in the United States, the results are sent to your email.

In addition to dietary testing, Glacier Peak’s process includes over 300 common and uncommon environmental stressors for dogs and cats like insects, grasses, pollens, and chemicals. They use an energetic analysis with an SCIO (Scientific Consciousness Interface Operations System) biofeedback device. It is touted as a non-invasive therapeutic device that combines bioresonance and biofeedback fields for energy balance and body analysis.

Highlights

• Within a few weeks, pet parents receive a detailed analysis featuring energetic imbalances and recommended Glacier Peak products
• The final report includes items your pet should avoid
• Customer service is very helpful with any questions
• Not considered to be an allergy test, but rather a life stress wellness scan using hair and saliva samples
• Phone consultation is included as part of the kit purchase

Things to Consider

• Glacier Peak’s testing is not scientifically proven
• Pet parents are offered a consultation and Glacier Peak products to consider in the report

Best Dog Home Allergy Test Using ELISA Method

Our pick: DNA My Dog Allergy Test

Using an oral sample, DNA My Dog Allergy uses an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method to measure your dog’s sensitivity to over 100 allergens. These include food, environmental, and household-based things. After swabbing your dog’s cheek for a saliva sample with the provided kit, pet parents send the sample in and receive results within two to three weeks.

The results feature a detailed analysis outlining items your dog has a strong intolerance to plus a care guide with actionable tips. Your report also includes items your dog did not react to. The company was formed in 2008 with a canine DNA test. The cost of the kit is reasonable and is touted as an “alternative to expensive testing and harmful medication.”

Highlights

• Easy-to-follow process and pre-labeled envelope is provided
• Some pet parents complained of a longer wait time than 2 to 3 weeks
• One of the only companies that uses the ELISA technique for antibody detection
• Company also offers a DNA test for separate purchase price
• In addition to testing for glycoproteins, the sample is also tested for hormones, proteins, and other measurements of allergy sensitivity

Things to Consider

• Process may take some time
• A saliva sample is required

How At Home Dog Allergy Tests Work

After purchasing your dog allergy test kit, you’ll receive a box with everything you need to test your dog. Home allergy tests use your dog’s hair or fur samples or a saliva sample.

Once you’ve collected the sample, you mail it back to the company in a provided envelope or container. Within a few weeks, which varies by company, you receive results via email and/or snail mail.

The kits are not intended to replace a veterinary visit or allergy testing performed by your veterinarian. However, they can be incredibly helpful to get to the bottom of your dog’s symptoms.

What Can Dogs Be Allergic To (Causes)?

There are a whole host of things your dog could be allergic to. These include:

• Flea allergies: Caused by flea bites
• Dog food allergies: Could be one ingredient or multiple ingredients
• Environmental allergies: Pollens, molds, dust, mites
• Seasonal allergies: Things that pop up during particular seasons
• Human food allergies: Dietary and skin issues from eating ‘people’ food
• Contact allergies: Things that irritate the skin, such as detergents, shampoos, chemicals, fabrics
• Medication allergies: Whether to human medications, prescription drugs, or over-the-counter products, dogs can have mild to severe reactions.

Dogs can also be allergic to things that touch their skin, such as carpet fibers, flea and tick repellants or treatments, laundry detergent or fabric softener, and plants.

Dog Allergy, Sensitivity, or Intolerance

There are so many terms being used interchangeably or in the wrong context. Dr. Jean Dodds, founder of HemoPet and NutriScan, states, “Confusing food allergies with food sensitivities (or intolerance) is a common mistake, not only among dog guardians, but also among veterinary professionals.”

Food allergies in dogs are more immediate according to Dodds. Signs include rashes, hives, swollen hives, and sometimes life-threatening reactions. She likens food allergies to the anaphylactic shock some people get when they eat peanuts.

A food sensitivity or intolerance is a chronic condition that builds up with time. Common signs of food sensitivity include gastrointestinal issues, chronic itchy or scratching of the skin, chronic burping or gassiness, or chronic skin/ear/paw infections, especially with yeast.

How To Tell If Your Dog Has Allergies

Coping with a dog who is uncomfortable can be very frustrating for you and your pooch. Constantly itching or chewing themselves can lead to infections, sores, and bigger problems.

Some of the more common signs your dog has an allergy, intolerance, or sensitivity to one or more things include, but are not limited to:

• Itching
• Scratching
• Sores or hives on the skin
• Hot spots
• Sneezing
• Ongoing ear infections
• Licking incessantly
• Biting or chewing their paws
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Watery, itchy eyes
• Scooting

People have many of the same symptoms when it comes to allergies. According to the Veterinary Information Network, while people with allergies may sneeze or have asthma, dogs tend not to exhibit those symptoms. Instead, they will have red and itchy skin, hair loss, and recurring skin or ear infections.

How We Chose Our Best Dog Allergy Tests

In order to select the very best allergy tests for dogs to use at hone, we focused on these aspects:

Ratings/reviews. We want to ensure a broad range of reviews are given for each of our dog allergy tests. We looked closely at pet parent reviews and what they liked and disliked.

Number of allergens tested. Making sure your dog is tested for more than a few allergens is very important. No one wants to repeat a test or have to purchase multiple tests to get a true picture of their dog’s immune response to allergens. We included a variety of options that offer food, environmental, and other allergens tested.

Reputation. We examined each of the brands included on our list. We dove in to find out how long they’ve been in business, what is said about them on social media, and who endorses them.

Ease of use. Convenience is key when it comes to testing your dog for allergies at home. No one has time to chase their dog around, wait, hope they get a good sample, and then have to try again. There’s something for everyone on this list, and all of the tests can be performed from the comfort of home.

Dog Allergy Test Sample Tips

When attempting to get a saliva sample that requires more than a swab, here are some tried and true ways to make it happen:

1. Make sure your dog has not eaten before collecting the saliva. Read the package instructions closely because some kits require your dog not to eat for at least eight hours before collection.
2. Hold a tempting piece of food or treat in front of your dog but don’t give it to them. Get it close to their nose so they can smell it, and this will induce drooling or salivating.
3. Don’t contaminate the sample by touching it with your fingers or allowing it to get close to other pets in the household.
4. Follow the packing and mailing instructions closely for the most accurate results.

Dog Allergy Kits At Home FAQs

The post Best Dog Allergy Tests At Home: 5 Options To Consider appeared first on Vetstreet.

You can find just about any type of cat Squishmallow to cuddle with, play with or collect – and you don’t have to feed it or change its litter box! But you may have to do some searching and pay a pretty penny to find certain high-demand Squishmallow cats that are sold out or rare collector’s items. Here’s what to know about cat Squishmallow plush toys, plus of our 10 favorites.

Our Picks

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the Vetstreet editorial team and do not reflect a direct endorsement by the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

• Cam the Cat Squishmallow
• Felton The Siamese Cat Squishmallow
• Lizette The Caticorn Squishmallow
• Hello Kitty Squishmallow
• Disney Alice in Wonderland Cheshire Cat Squishmallow
• Tahoe the Tortoiseshell Cat Squishmallow 
• Corinna the Lemon Cat Squishmallow
• Calio the Halloween Cat Squishmallow
• Gigi the Tabby Cat Squishmallow
• Squishmallows Official Kellytoy Plush Marie

10 Best Cat Squishmallow Plush Toys 

Here are 10 purrfect kitty Squishmallows for feline fans to consider.

Cam the Cat Squishmallow

This is one of the most popular Squishmallow cats and a fan favorite of the collection. Also known as Cameron, he is an adorable Calico cat with brown and black patches. Cam the Cat is fun, playful, and always up for an adventure! He loves going to the beach, building forts with his friends, and taking cat naps. Whether you’re an avid collector or new to the scene, Cameron the Cat is a must-have. Cam is also available in other versions as well, such as an adorable Christmas cat Squishmallow.

Felton The Siamese Cat Squishmallow

Felton is a lovable female grey cat Squishmallow with blue eyes and an adorable little face – and she’s got a sweet tooth! Felton loves fruity treats and anything sweet. She’s training to become a pastry chef and her specialty dessert is fruit tarts. But don’t worry, she bakes with organic and seasonal fruits so her desserts are guilt-free!

Lizette The Caticorn Squishmallow

Meet Lizette, a cheerful caticorn! She’s a beautiful hot pink Squishmallow with bright rainbow accents and a colorful pom behind her horn. Lizette’s grandmother is an avid traveler and regularly sends home exciting packages with souvenirs from her adventures. In fact, this sweet cat would be the perfect travel buddy to take on your own excursions!

Hello Kitty Squishmallow

Hello Kitty fans, meet the must-have member of any Squishmallows Squad. This Squishmallow is designed to look like the iconic Hello Kitty herself, adorned with a pink bow and pink shorts. The Hello Kitty Squishmallow is sweet, cheerful, and loves her family. She also adores baking cookies, reading, and listening to music – and she’s highly approved by Hello Kitty fans, according to the customer reviews.

Disney Alice in Wonderland Cheshire Cat Squishmallow

The Cheshire Cat is one of the main characters in the 1951 Disney classic, Alice in Wonderland. He’s mischievous and unpredictable, and wears a permanent grin on his face. The Cheshire Cat is a guide for Alice throughout her adventures in Wonderland, and this Cheshire Cat can be your cutest companion – just don’t let his mischievous nature get you into trouble!

Tahoe the Tortoiseshell Cat Squishmallow 

No mountain is too big for this Squishmallow cat. Tahoe starts off every morning with a five-mile bike ride to the tallest hill that overlooks the whole neighborhood! If you love to hike, climb, or ride bikes, this might be your favorite new kitty pal. Tahoe is a beautiful calico cat with orange and brown markings that is looking for a buddy that can keep up!

Corinna the Lemon Cat Squishmallow

She may be dressed in a lemon costume, but Corinna the Cat Squishmallow is seriously sweet, not sour! Corinna has a vivid imagination and loves looking up at the clouds and creating her own adventures. She’ll totally brighten any day in her cheerful fruit getup.

Calio the Halloween Cat Squishmallow

Nothing represents Spooky Season better than black cats and pumpkins. This festive toy features Calio, a black Halloween cat Squishmallow, all decked out in the sweetest pumpkin costume. Calio is ready for trick-or-treating and can’t wait to collect tons of chocolate candy – her favorite! She could be a perfect addition to your Halloween decor as well as to your Squishmallow collection. 

Gigi the Tabby Cat Squishmallow

Gigi is an orange cat Squishmallow with soft peachy fur and dark orange stripes on her head and sides. She has dark eyes with cute black lashes and two whiskers on each side. If there’s one thing to say about Gigi, it’s that she is fast. And what’s her secret? Apple juice! Yes, she loves apple juice and can’t get enough of it, so take a sip yourself and see if you can keep up with her! 

Squishmallows Official Kellytoy Plush Marie

This 14-inch Squishmallows Kellytoy is officially licensed by Disney. Meet Marie from the Disney movie The Aristocrats. Marie is the only female kitten of house cat, Duchess, and she makes her mark. Named after the queen of France, Marie Antoinette, she’d be a perfect snuggle buddy OR study buddy! 

What Is a Squishmallow?

Squishmallows are plush, squishy round toys that are designed to be cuddly, soft, and huggable. The collection has a variety of adorable characters, all with their own characteristics. Each one comes with a unique cat Squishmallow name and bio written on the tag describing their personality and backstory. These fun stuffed toys come in a range of sizes, colors, and animal types. So how many Squishmallows are there? Believe it or not, there are over 1,000 different Squishmallows, with new characters constantly being created, so you’ll never run out of options for your collection!

Kelly Toys Holdings launched Squishmallows in 2017. By early 2020, the company had sold a whopping 50 million Squishmallows. They continued to gain popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially with the help of social media influencers. In October 2021, the company announced it had surpassed 100 million units sold, making Squishmallows one of the most popular toys on the market. 

So why are Squishmallows so popular? First of all, they’re adorable. Kids and adults love the soft, huggable nature of them. And they’re fun to collect! Squishmallows come in a wide variety of cute, unique designs, ranging from animals to fantasy creatures and even food items. They’re made of ultra-soft polyester and spandex, which is durable and easy to clean. Cat Squishmallows can be played with, decorated, dressed up, or used as cuddle buddies and stress relievers. And giant cat Squishmallows can even be used as pillows. Collections of Squishmallows also make for fun home or office decor displayed on a desk or bookshelf. 

Cat Squishmallow Buying Guide

Picking out the right Squishmallow cat isn’t too difficult and should be fun. Here are some tips for purchasing the best one for you or the Squishmallow fan in your life.

Think About What You’re Looking For in a Cat Squishmallow

First, see what options are available (many end up selling out) and which little lovable buddy draws your attention. Be sure to consider not only the appearance but also the bio of the Squishmallow cat to learn about its personality. That’s part of the fun! Also, these toys are spot clean only, so keep that in mind if you are looking to purchase a white or light-colored cat Squishmallow. 

Check Availability

Squishmallow cats can be purchased from numerous retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and even some grocery stores and pharmacies. 

Pick a Price Point

Cat Squishmallows are priced depending on their size and availability. There are several different sizes ranging from 3.5-inch clip-ons to 24-inch oversized options. But not all are available in all sizes; some may only come in one. For a mid-sized cat Squishmallow, you can expect to pay about $20-$25, as long as it’s not a limited edition or rare collector’s item. For rare cats, prices could reach into the hundreds and even thousands! One of the most expensive is the 500th Jack the Black Cat Squishmallow. As you can guess, this was the 500th Squishmallow to be created, and the company only made 500 of them total. 

Choose to Collect or Cuddle

Once you select your Squishmallow cat, and the size you want, decide whether you’ll be saving it as a collector’s item (keeping it in mint condition without removing the tag) or buying it as a cuddle buddy. Either way, Squishmallow cats are fun, loveable stuffies that also make for excellent gifts.

The post 10 Cute Cat Squishmallows You Can’t Help But Cuddle appeared first on Vetstreet.

Although the options for dog collar cameras are still limited, we’ve rounded up our favorites out there today.

What is a Dog Collar Camera?

A dog collar camera is a device that attaches to your pet’s collar and takes video or photographs. Each has different functions, like live streaming and motion sensing, and they can differ in quality and best use cases.

The closest we can get to viewing the world through our dog’s eyes, dog collar cameras can provide tons of entertainment value. They can capture memories and provide a heartwarming way to look back on a fun day with your pet. But besides supplying cute snapshots of life as your dog sees it, a pet collar camera can be incredibly useful. The footage can show you what your dog is up to in situations where other cameras can’t reach. Wonder where your dog runs off to every morning? Or what they get into when you’re gone? A dog collar cam gives you a glimpse into your dog’s habits when you’re not around.

More traditional stationary cameras can always be set up to watch your pet’s activity, but unless you have several around their area, you’ll miss what happens when they run off frame. This makes a dog collar cam especially helpful for pups who roam from your view, especially when outside. (Keep in mind that it’s never a good idea to let your dog out without a leash in situations that can be dangerous for them, or in areas with leash laws.)

Types of Dog Collar Cameras

The type of dog collar camera you choose will depend on how you plan to use it. Dog collar cameras are perfect for capturing footage from adventures with your pet, or for keeping tabs on your pet’s activity and safety.

A few types of dog collar cameras and their features include:

High-Definition Dog Collar Cameras

Cameras with high-quality video and photos are great for capturing clear, professional looking footage. If you want to create videos to watch back in the future, this type of camera is ideal. It can be used to monitor your pet’s activity, too. Just keep in mind that these cameras are usually the most expensive.

Hidden Cameras for Dog Collars 

These cameras are typically not designed for dogs, but they can be fitted to your pup’s collar to capture video and photos. Hidden cameras are usually very small, and the quality of the footage can vary greatly, as can the features. They are generally less expensive but hold less data and have smaller batteries.

Night Vision Dog Collar Cameras

If seeing what your dog is up to at night or in a dark house is important, choose a camera with night vision. Many cameras have this feature, but double check before purchasing if you’ll be using it in low light conditions.

Cameras with Microphones for Audio 

Audio isn’t usually the most important feature of a dog collar camera, but it’s a welcomed addition, especially if you need to use the footage in videos, hear your dog’s surroundings, or listen for a bark. (Heads up: all of our top picks record audio.)

How We Chose Our Top Dog Collar Camera Picks 

We looked for the best dog collar cameras based on the following: 

Quality. Since each pet collar camera can vary in terms of video quality, we made sure to note which are better for producing footage you’ll want to watch later and which should probably just be used to keep an eye on your pup’s activity.

Added features. While all of the picks on our list provide the basic video functionality, we tried to call out the extra features of each one as well, including things like waterproof housing, sensors, night vision, and more.

Reviews. We scoured the review sections in order to get a clear idea of what other pet parents and consumers thought of each camera.

Price. For a device like this, you’re going to see a wide range of prices. We included some less expensive picks, as well as one that’s definitely a splurge.

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the Vetstreet editorial team and do not reflect a direct endorsement by the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Our List

• Overall Best Dog Collar Camera: Mr Petcam HD Collar Mounted POV Camera
• Best Waterproof Dog Collar Camera: GoPro HERO11 Black Mini
• Best Hidden Dog Collar Camera: Sharper Image Discreet Day/Night Vision Camera
• Best Dog Collar Camera for Night: KSADBOSSBO Mini Body Camera

4 Best Dog Collar Cameras   

The best collar cameras for dogs not only capture photos and/or video, but also meet your individual needs. These cameras all have different specialities and features, which we’ve spelled out so you can pick out the best one for your situation.

Overall Best Dog Collar Camera

Our pick: Mr Petcam HD Collar Mounted POV Camera

Delivering quality video at a reasonable price, the Mr Petcam Camera earned the top spot on our list. The small pet collar camera is surprisingly packed with features. It’s light enough for most dogs (and even suitable for cats) and can be clipped onto any collar with the supplied attachment straps. For larger dogs, the included mounting bracket allows you to attach the camera to the back of your pet’s collar so it films over their head. The video and audio quality is clear, with HD 1080p and 720p recording, and the removable memory card stores 16gb of footage (around 3 hours). There’s even a motion-activated mode so you can set the camera to record only when your pet is moving. 

The camera itself isn’t waterproof, but it comes with waterproof housing that can keep it safe in wet conditions. Overall, this camera packs in every necessary feature at an affordable cost.

Pros

• Attaches to any collar (top-mounting bracket included)
• Includes waterproof housing 
• High-definition recording with motion-activated mode
• Night vision option

Cons

• SD card and battery have limited space and life 
• Camera doesn’t pair with iPhones (Androids only), but it can work with both Apple and Windows computers

Best Waterproof Dog Collar Camera

Our pick: GoPro HERO11 Black Mini

For a more professional approach, a GoPro is our number one pick. While there are many models to choose from, we went with the HERO11 Black Mini, which is small in size but packs a big punch in quality — plus, it’s waterproof! The point-and-shoot design makes it simple to use, and it features HyperSmooth stabilization to help keep the footage smooth, no matter how much your pup moves. 

This is by far the most expensive camera on our list, and you’ll need to purchase a specialty GoPro harness separately in order to attach it to your pup, which is something to keep in mind if you’re working with a tighter budget. But if you’re looking for top-notch video with added features like live streaming capabilities, an automatic highlight reel, and unlimited cloud backup, this is the camera for you.

Pros

• Waterproof design
• HyperSmooth stabilization
• 5.3K60 + 2.7K240 video quality
• One-button functionality
• Automatically generated highlight reel
• Compatible with the padded, dual-mountable GoPro Fetch Dog Harness, which fits dogs 20 to 120 pounds 
• Other harness-compatible GoPro models include: HERO11 Black, HERO10, BlackHERO9, BlackMAX, HERO8 Black, HERO7 Black, HERO7 Silver, HERO7 White, HERO (2018), GoPro Fusion, HERO6 Black, HERO5 Black, HERO5 Session

Cons

• Very high price point
• Harness sold separately

Best Hidden Dog Collar Camera

Our pick: Sharper Image Discreet Day/Night Vision Camera

A small, high-quality camera can help you keep tabs on your pet’s location throughout the day without getting in the way or being too obvious to others. While it won’t be as clear as our GoPro pick, this camera films in high quality HD 1280x720P, captures audio, and has night vision capabilities — without being too costly. Plus, it not only records video (SD card sold separately), but you can also stream footage from either an iPhone or Android while on Wifi. The rechargeable battery lasts around 90 minutes on a full charge.

Just keep in mind this camera attaches magnetically, so you’ll need to modify your pet’s collar and determine how to connect it.

Pros

• Small, non-intrusive camera
• High-quality video and audio
• Includes night vision
• Live streaming option

Cons

• A MicroSD card will need to be purchased separately
• Requires some modification to attach to collar

Best Dog Collar Camera for Night

Our pick: KSADBOSSBO Mini Body Camera 

This camera is designed for joggers, but it’s also perfect for keeping an eye on your pet at night. However, instead of just relying on night vision to record in low light, this small, wireless 1080p camera comes equipped with multiple bright lights. This feature adds an extra layer of safety by making your dog highly visible in situations where it might be difficult to see them. It comes with a 64 GB memory card but is compatible with cards up to 128 GB. The device is waterproof, too, and it can be attached to any collar either by using the clip (which provides the steadiest footage) or by using the top ring holder. 

Plus, it has a long battery life compared to other pet cameras, at around 5.5 hours (when the light feature isn’t engaged).

Pros

• Integrated LED lights keep your dog visible at night
• Waterproof
• Battery lasts around 5.5 hours without light (approximately 2 hours with light)
• Can be clipped onto your dog’s collar
• Includes a 64 GB SD card

Cons

• Not ideal for small dogs

Dog Collar Camera Buying Guide

The quality of dog collar cameras and how they work varies greatly, which can make choosing one challenging. However, narrowing down what you need in a dog collar camera and determining the importance of features like video quality, battery life, price, and live streaming, allows you to choose the best one for you.

Video quality. Whether you’re creating content to share on social media or making videos for your own personal collection of memories, choosing a dog collar camera with high-quality video is ideal. 

Battery life. Most cameras won’t have the storage or battery power to record all day long, but if this is an important feature for you, check to make sure you choose one with a long battery life and large storage capacity.

Added features. If your dog will be wearing the camera outside, choose a waterproof camera that can withstand rain and water. If you’re planning on doing some night filming, you’ll need a camera with night vision. 

Live streaming capabilities. How cameras store and transmit footage can differ, too. Some can only take and store continuous footage for a couple of hours, while others can live stream.

Safety. Safety is also extremely important to consider. If the camera comes with a collar, make sure it isn’t too tight or too loose. Either can cause issues, especially if the collar is on your pet when unsupervised. You also want to ensure your dog can’t chew the camera, either, as they contain small parts that can cause choking and create intestinal blockages.

Dog Collar Camera Tips for Success 

It may take some time to learn how to get the best footage from a dog collar camera, but they aren’t too difficult to use if you have experience with cameras in general. However, each one functions differently, so take the time to learn the best practices for your individual device.

Most cameras attach to your dog’s current collar and are lightweight enough to stay nearly undetectable, but if your dog seems uncomfortable with a new collar or camera, some gentle training can help them become used to it. Always create positive associations with the camera, and give your pet lots of treats or playtime while they get used to wearing it.

A dog collar camera can be used as often as needed as long as it remains comfortable for your dog — most likely, you’ll be limited by the device’s battery power or storage capacity. But if your dog is small, make sure the camera isn’t too heavy for them to wear it comfortably. If you notice any issues, reduce the amount of time your pet has the camera on, or choose a different, lighter camera entirely.

The post 4 Best Dog Collar Cameras for a Pet’s Eye View appeared first on Vetstreet.

Of course, the cat dad in your life may never love anything more than his cat — or cats — but these unique cat lover gifts are sure to let him know just how much he’s appreciated. Whether you’re looking for something personalized or a touch sarcastic, we’ve found a collection of shirts that will make any cat dad purr…or, at least, smile! 

Our Top Cat Dad Shirt Picks

• Overall Best Cat Dad Shirt: Cat Button-Down Shirt
• Best Cat Dad T-Shirt: The Original Cat Dad T-Shirt
• Best Custom Cat Dad Shirt: Embroidered Custom Cat Sweatshirt`
• Best Value Cat Dad Shirt: Arm the Animals Tell Your Cat 3/4-Sleeve Shirt
• Best Father’s Day Cat Dad Shirt: Best Cat Dad Ever Fist Bump T-Shirt
• Funniest Cat Dad Shirt: Nathan the Cat Lady Ew, People T-Shirt
• Best Shirt for New Cat Dad: Cat Daddy Snuggle Buddies T-Shirt 

How We Chose Our Selections

With so many great cat shirts to choose from, we selected the best-of-the-best by looking at the following:

Design. Of course, our number one consideration was the design of each shirt, so we put on our cat dad caps to make sure to select options that any feline father would love.

Fabric/care. We also checked out the fabric of each, noting any special care instructions, but rest assured that since most of the selections on our list are T-shirts, you won’t find anything that requires crazy-complicated cleaning.

Reviews. Especially when you’re shopping online, there’s no better way to determine the quality of a product than by seeing what real customers have to say about it. We did the heavy lifting for you, scouring reviews to get the inside scoop on what other cat parents liked or didn’t.

Price. As always, we kept price in mind while narrowing down our list, providing a range of options to fit a range of budgets.

7 Best Shirts for Your Favorite Cat Dad  

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the Vetstreet editorial team and do not reflect a direct endorsement by the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Here’s our list of a-meow-zing shirts for any cat father in your life. 

Overall Best Cat Dad Shirt

Our pick: Cat Button-Down Shirt

Who said cat shirts can’t be office appropriate? Thanks to the button-down design and fun kitty pattern, this stylish button-down is the epitome of business “cat-sual”! It’s also available in a variety of sizes (and two fits for the larger sizes) and made with stretch-woven fabric for added comfort. So, just like a cat snuggled up in their favorite spot, cat dad will feel completely content in this shirt all day long.

Pros

• Great for day or night (or even work!)
• Inclusive sizes from S to 4XL; looser or standard fits available for sizes 2XL-4XL
• Made with a blend of polyester and spandex
• Machine washable
• Great reviews

Cons

• On the pricier side

Best Cat Dad T-Shirt

Our pick: The Original Cat Dad T-Shirt

You can’t go wrong with the tried-and-true original cat dad tee. The unique design for this popular pick is screenprinted onto responsibly sourced shirts, and the seller is recognized as a Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production member, which means they adhere to sustainable fashion practices and ethical production standards. Bonus: if you’re the lucky cat mom, you can get a matching tee that says so. 

Pros

• Reviewers say the screenprint tee comes true to size. 
• Made with a blend of Airlume combed, ring-spun cotton and polyester
• Available in a few other colors: black and navy
• Free shipping from Eureka, CA
• Returns accepted within 14 days of purchase

Cons

• It’s a popular option, you might run into other cat dads sporting the same feline attire!

Best Custom Cat Dad Shirt

Our pick: Embroidered Custom Cat Sweatshirt

What’s better than a cat dad relaxing with his favorite feline? Relaxing with his favorite feline in a personalized shirt featuring Fluffy’s adorable face, of course! Just send a high-resolution photo featuring his cat’s most lovable expression along with personalization details, like their name, and you’ll receive the cutest custom cat dad shirt in return.

Pros

• The realistic embroidered pet portrait will look just like a favorite feline friend
• You’ll have a chance to see and approve the proof before the shop begins embroidering
• Up to three pet portraits can be embroidered
• Available as a sweatshirt, T-shirt, or hoodie in sizes S to 5XL
• Free shipping from Sparta, TN

Cons

• While this shirt is pricier than our other shirts, seeing your favorite feline father light up when he opens this gift will be priceless
• Customizable gifts can take longer to create and ship than other options
• Because it’s personalized, returns and exchanges aren’t accepted

Best Value Cat Dad Shirt

Our pick: Arm the Animals Tell Your Cat 3/4-Sleeve Shirt

Cat dads clearly know how to speak a cat’s language, and this hilarious shirt proves it. Not only is it a cool addition to any cat dad’s wardrobe, the shirt has value beyond the price tag. Arm the Animals is a not-for-profit organization that donates its proceeds to organizations such as The Blind Cat Rescue, House Rabbit Society, and Southern California Bulldog Rescue, among others. 

Pros

• Sporty baseball-style T-shirt
• Proceeds from this purchase go to reputable animal organizations 
• Available in sizes S to XXL and in several color choices 

Cons

• The shop prints to order, so they say it may take 8 to 10 days for your shirt to ship after ordering
• No free shipping 

Best Father’s Day Cat Dad Shirt

Our pick: Best Cat Dad Ever Fist Bump T-Shirt

He’s clearly the world’s best cat dad, so get him a shirt that boldly proclaims his well-deserved title, complete with an image of a fist-bumping cat! But be warned, this shirt may inspire him to teach his own cat to do the same. For step-by-step instructions and all the tools he needs to turn his kitty into a furry fist-bumper, pair this shirt with Cat School’s Cat Clicker Training Toolkit. 

Pros

• Available in sizes S to 5XL and a wide variety of colors
• Made of super-soft, pre-shrunk cotton 
• Free shipping on orders of $80 or more
• Free returns and exchanges

Cons

• Some T-shirt colors may not match as well with the design

Funniest Cat Dad Shirt

Our pick: Nathan the CatLady Ew, People T-Shirt

The shirt, created and worn by Nathan the CatLady, is sure to crack a smile for the cat dad as aloof as his cat. There are a bunch of colors to choose from, and the combed, ring-spun cotton comes pre-shrunk, so you can shop true-to-size. Want an extra laugh? Say this gift is from the cat!

Pros

• Available in sizes XS to 4XL and many different colors
• Made of super-soft, pre-shrunk cotton or cotton-blend fabrics (depending on the color)
• Other shirts with the same design available
• Free 3-day return policy 

Cons

• No free shipping

Best Shirt for New Cat Dad

Our pick: Cat Daddy Snuggle Buddies T-Shirt

If there’s a new cat dad in your life, chances are he can hardly pull himself away from his sweet snuggle buddy. So, why not get him a tee shirt that perfectly captures his new favorite activity? This pre-shrunk cotton and polyester-blend shirt is made by a cat father, who values the fight against gender roles and celebrates the special connection between man and cat. Plus, it’s semi-customizable, from fur color and pattern to the human’s skin tone. 

Pros

• Available in sizes XS to 3XL, plus kids’ sizes
• Choose from a variety of color options 
• Semi-customizable

Cons

• No free shipping
• Since the shirt is made to order and semi-customizable, returns and exchanges are not accepted. 

Cat Dad Shirt Buying Guide

Giving a gift to a cat father doesn’t need to be complicated, but it might take a little extra thought. Simply put, a gift like this should celebrate the best parts of being a cat dad, as well as hit all the go-to features we love about a good shirt.  Before clicking “add to cart,” take these shopping tips into account.

Don’t forget essential features

The perfect shirt has a flattering fit, is made from quality fabric, and usually doesn’t require a trip to the dry cleaner. Cotton is a great choice for everyday tees since it’s soft and easy to care for. If a button-up is more his style, consider polyester blends, cotton, or linen. Pro tip: choose a color that best hides his cat’s fur!

Consider customization 

Personalized and customizable gifts, while not necessary, can show a certain thoughtfulness. Some gifts are personalized using a photo of your actual pet, while others are customized with a cat of a general breed or color. If you’re hoping for a replica of cat dad’s favorite floof, a fully customizable shirt might be your best option.

Question quality 

As the trend of personalized gifts continues to grow, so do opportunities for less-than-quality sellers and brands. While there are many quality brands, like the ones we’ve highlighted above, reading reviews and asking the seller questions can help weed out products not worth the spend.

Look at personal style and lifestyle

Is cat dad practical, sarcastic, or sensitive? Does he prefer bold colors, or is his closet full of neutrals? Does he typically wear button-down shirts, or are casual tees more his vibe? Be sure to think about things like this as you’re shopping.

The post 7 Best Cat Dad Shirts to Show Your Love appeared first on Vetstreet.

With ongoing advancements in technology, DNA testing doesn’t stop at analyzing your cat’s genetic makeup; some tests even screen your cat for bacteria responsible for common oral diseases.  

But at-home feline DNA testing might not hold all the answers, experts say. Here’s the realistic scoop on what you can learn about your favorite feline through home DNA testing, plus how to choose the right cat DNA test kit based on the information you’re searching for. 

Our Picks

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the Vetstreet editorial team and do not reflect a direct endorsement by the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

• Best Overall: Basepaws Breed + Health Cat DNA Test
• Best Cat DNA Test for Breed Analysis: Wisdom Panel Complete for Cats
• Best Cat DNA Test for Health Risks: Orivet Health Screen & Life Plan
• Best Cat DNA Test for Gut Health: KittyBiome by AnimalBiome
• Best Budget-Friendly Cat DNA Test: My CatScan 
• Best Cat DNA Test for Breeders and Purebreds: CatDNATest.org

6 Best Cat DNA Tests of 2025

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the Vetstreet editorial team and do not reflect a direct endorsement by the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

The best cat DNA test for you and your feline friend depends on what information you’re after. Here are six at-home cat DNA tests to consider.  

Best Overall

Our pick: Basepaws Breed + Health Cat DNA Test

Basepaws earns our top-rated spot for at-home cat DNA testing for their commitment to research and their robust health, trait, and microbiome reports. To test cat DNA, they collect cheek swabs, which means they have a lot of oral microbiome data at their fingertips, Dr. Bell explains. Instead of throwing away the information, Basepaws extracts the bacteria for useful percentage reporting on common oral diseases. And that’s just a small portion of the complete DNA report; pet parents also unlock breed composition, 43 genetic diseases based on 64 genetic markers, and 25 traits based on 50 markers. 

Basepaws is widely trusted and recommended by veterinarians, including Dr. Bell, who describes the company as being at the forefront of cat DNA testing and research. To further their research goals, Basepaws asks pet parents to participate in citizen research and has partnered with reputable veterinary clinics and universities. 

Pros

• Veterinarian recommended
• Easy to use, submit, and read results 
• Analyzes 21 pedigree breeds within four regions, and checks for 43 genetic diseases based on 64 genetic markers, 25 traits based on 50 markers, and 3 oral diseases
• Pet parents receive automated updates to their cat’s original genetic report as Basepaws’ database and reference list expand, at no additional cost 

Cons

• Priced at $159 for one test, Basepaws is the priciest cat DNA test on our list 
• Basepaws says the results of the test will be delivered in four to six weeks, but some pet parents note that it can take longer

Best Cat DNA Test for Breed Analysis

Our pick: Wisdom Panel Complete for Cats

It’s no secret that when it comes to cat breeds out there, it’s a real mixed bag. That’s why, if you’re specifically looking for a cat breed test, it’s important to choose one that has access to the largest breed database. The Wisdom Panel Complete kit screens for 70+ breeds and population types, providing the most robust look at your cat’s potential breed composition. Plus, the test provides helpful health information, like blood type and testing for 45 genetic health conditions and 25+ traits. 

Pros

• Analyzes over 70 reported breeds and population types
• Utilizes a cheek-swab sample
• Easy-to-use companion application 
• To ensure quality control, Wisdom Panel processes their tests in a USDA-accredited laboratory

Cons

• Results can take three weeks or longer 
• At-home DNA kits offering a look at your feline’s family tree are fun, but experts say that analyzing a cat’s breed makeup isn’t as straightforward as reporting a mixed-breed cat

Best Cat DNA Test for Health Risks

Our pick: Orivet Health Screen & Life Plan

According to Dr. Bell, testing your cat’s DNA for health risks is only the first step in taking a hands-on approach to their health. “We need the veterinarian in the loop,” he says. We love that Orivet seeks to partner with veterinarians by developing a personalized LifePlan. Based on your cat’s genetic results, age, gender, weight, and geographic location, Orivet’s LifePlan lays out recommended care intended for you and your veterinarian to put into practice together. For cat parents seeking a collaborative approach to care, this is the cat DNA test for you. 

Pros

• Checks for 40+ genetic diseases and traits
• Comes with a personalized LifePlan for a hands-on approach to cat wellness
• Uses a cheek-swab sample

Cons

• Breed analysis isn’t included in the test. According to the company, the test is designed for purebred cats, domestic short-haired cats, and domestic long-haired cats only 
• Dr. Bell notes that Orivet doesn’t conduct their own research, but they do utilize the results and research of other companies and universities  

Best Cat DNA Test for Gut Health

Our pick: KittyBiome by AnimalBiome

Instead of testing your cat’s DNA, this at-home kit uses fecal matter to test the DNA living inside your cat’s gut. It provides valuable information about the bacteria in your cat’s system. And according to experts, an imbalance or the wrong type of bacteria could contribute to gastrointestinal disease, poor oral health, allergies, diabetes, difficulty managing weight, and other conditions [4]. 

Results of the microbiome test include a breakdown of the types of bacteria in your cat’s sample, along with how the values compare to a healthy reference set, which was established in 2015. Over 1,500 feline fecal samples were collected from cats of all breeds who consumed a range of commercial diets and varied in age and living conditions [5].

Plus, if your cat’s results indicate an imbalance, AnimalBiome has their own line of prebiotics and probiotics to get your kitty back on track — just be sure to talk to your veterinarian before adding any supplements to your cat’s diet. 

Pros

• Tests bacterial DNA for gut microbiome composition
• Compares sample to an established healthy reference set
• AnimalBiome has a line of cat prebiotics and probiotics available if needed

Cons

• Requires at-home fecal sample collection

Best Budget-Friendly Cat DNA Test

Our pick: My CatScan 

Choosing a budget-friendly cat DNA test kit doesn’t mean sacrificing results. The My CatScan at-home kit screens for 80+ genetic diseases and traits for under $100. The test won’t identify what breed of cat you have. But it can be used for all cats, regardless if you know their breed or not (just select “domestic cat” when placing your order). The best part? Results are delivered straight to your online portal in two weeks or less. 

Pros

• Screens for 80+ genetic diseases and traits
• Available for under $100 
• Uses a cheek-swab sample 
• My CatScan employs on-staff geneticists, veterinarians, and technicians, including a board-certified geneticist certified by the American Board of Medical Genetics
• Test results are delivered to your online account within 14 days of the lab receiving your sample 

Cons

• My CatScan can be used for any breed of cat, but it isn’t a breed identification test. If you’re looking to learn more about your cat’s ancestry, this isn’t the cat DNA test for you 

Best Cat DNA Test for Breeders and Purebreds 

Our pick: CatDNATest.org

This DNA test for cats isn’t for the everyday curious cat parent. Instead, CatDNATest.org, powered by Neogen labs and in partnership with the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), offers an uber-specific (and affordable) DNA test for breeders and cat fanciers. It focuses on specific inherited diseases, parentage, and probable traits. It won’t tell you what breed your cat is; that’s for you to tell them. But “you will know what mutations are specific for your breed,” Neogen’s on-staff veterinarian explains. Plus, there are a few extra breed-specific mutations available for a small upcharge, including polycystic kidney disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and color points.

Pros

• Trusted and in partnership with the CFA
• Offers specific results for cat breeders and fanciers: genetic health testing for already-known breeds and provides information on a breed’s physical traits, inherited diseases, and parentage (to avoid inbreeding) 
• $45 for the basic test makes it one of the most affordable tests on the market 

Cons

• This test won’t tell you what breed of cat you have
• The test results are limited, but there’s the option to add spinal muscular atrophy ($15) and/or polycystic kidney disease, blood type, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or color points ($5 each) to the basic test 
• Sample collection supplies don’t come with the kit. Instead, the company provides instructions for gathering materials including cotton swabs and paper envelopes

Cat DNA Test Kit Buying Tips

There are no federal regulations or established quality controls for feline DNA testing [6]. By considering these factors when purchasing, you can feel confident the company is doing what they say they will in an ethical manner. 

Privacy protection. Privacy protection is a huge question when it comes to DNA testing in humans. And as small pet DNA testing companies are being bought by big names like Zoetis and Mars, pet parents should be asking what’s happening with their pet’s DNA, too. So, look for a clear privacy policy and an option to opt in or out of future research using your cat’s DNA. 

Collaboration with universities, colleges, and other veterinary research institutions. By purchasing a cat DNA test that is associated or collaborates with reputable institutions, “you’re helping to put money back into the research,” Dr. Lyons says. 

Cat DNA Test FAQs

Pet DNA testing is a relatively new field that’s growing rapidly. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to familiarize yourself with the process.

How accurate are cat DNA tests?

According to Dr. Bell and Dr. Lyons, to be accurate means to correctly analyze and report the traits (phenotype) or diseases associated with a genetic sequence. The accuracy of DNA testing is very high, they say. “However, the large panels have an error rate because the technology has an error rate,” Lyons adds. The laboratory itself might be doing everything correctly, but the technology has about a 5 percent error margin.

For pet parents like you and me, we might ask if a DNA test can accurately predict if a cat will develop a flagged hereditary disease during their lifetime. This is called penetrance and is a genetic counseling question that pet parents should be asking their veterinarian and/or the genetic testing company, Dr. Bell says.  

As for correctly assessing the breed composition of our beloved felines, that’s not so straightforward. “People think they’re going to get an answer that my cat is a bunch of mixed breeds, and that’s just absolutely not true,” Dr. Lyons says. “Random-bred cats are truly random.”

“Cats are not small dogs,” adds Dr. Annette Louviere, DVM at Wisdom Health Genetics. And while that might seem obvious, the difference in ancestry between dogs and cats might not be. Dogs have been selectively bred for thousands of years, while the breeding of cats was left up to natural selection. “Cat breeding as we know it today didn’t really begin in earnest until roughly 150 years ago. And much like their breeding history, ancestry testing for cats tends to be in its early stages when compared to dogs.”

How much do cat DNA tests cost? 

The price for at-home cat DNA test kits ranges from $45 to upward of $159. Basic tests detect genetic traits and a handful of common genetic diseases, while more elaborate tests screen for 40+ genetic diseases and provide a breakdown of breed composition. 

The most expensive DNA kit for cats on the market is the Basepaws Whole Genome Sequencing, priced at $499. This test offers a look at your cat’s entire genome sequence and a one-hour consultation with a Basepaws veterinarian and genetics advisor. Dr. Lyons notes that the advancements in feline genetics are exciting, but to proceed with caution—scientists haven’t yet defined the error rate for commercially available whole genome sequencing. 

How do you interpret the results of a cat DNA test?

Working with your veterinarian is the most effective way to interpret the results of your cat’s DNA test and develop a health plan that suits her needs. Whichever test you choose, share and discuss the results with your veterinarian. 

If a genetic disease pops up in your results, get a second opinion. “That’s what we do in human medicine and that’s what we should do in veterinary medicine, too,” Dr. Lyons says. She recommends seeing your veterinarian for a targeted DNA test or purchasing an at-home DNA test unrelated to your first results. 

Cat DNA: Understanding the Basics 

In 2004, the Human Genome Project set out to create what cat lovers didn’t know we wanted: a genetic map of the domestic cat. Three years later, we met a 4-year-old Abyssinian named Cinnamon — and about 80 percent of her genetic sequence [1]. 

According to Dr. Jerold Bell, DVM, adjunct professor of genetics at Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, your cat is one-of-a-kind, but her genetic makeup varies very little compared to other cats. “About 90 percent of all domestic cat DNA is exactly the same,” explains Bell. This means that Cinnamon paved the way to understanding all domestic felines better. 

The DNA of your cat isn’t so different from yours, either, adds Dr. Leslie Lyons, Ph.D., a Gilbreath-McLorn endowed professor of comparative medicine at the University of Missouri. “Cat DNA is so structurally similar to humans, we basically have all the same genes,” she says. “They have slight DNA differences because one is a cat and one is a human, but we have all the same genes that make our eyes, face, and body.” 

What is a Cat DNA Test?

Cat DNA (and human DNA) is made up of four “bases”: A, G, C, and T. The order of the bases determines how genes behave or indicates mutations. Basically, they’re the blueprint for your cat; they determine anything from fur length to the number of toe beans to the chances of a genetic disease popping up during their lifetime [2]. 

Cat DNA tests use a sample collected from your cat to discover the order of these bases; a process called sequencing. To sequence DNA, genetic material is extracted from cells within the sample. Once extracted, it’s cut into smaller pieces and mapped [3]. Then, it’s compared to an in-house database of other DNA sequences and/or to publicly available DNA sequences, like Cinnamon’s.

Not all DNA tests for cats look for the same information or provide the same results. Most tests on the market ask for a swab of saliva and in return, they’ll provide a glimpse into your cat’s ancestral roots, genetic traits, and/or potential health conditions. Others aren’t interested in your cat’s DNA; they’ll sequence the DNA of the bacteria in your cat’s poop or saliva for valuable information. 

Dr. Lyons says that genetic testing at your veterinarian’s office is like at-home tests — they’ll typically collect a cheek swab and test the DNA using the same methods commercial labs do. Blood DNA tests are typically reserved for bacteria-free whole genome sequencing, which isn’t likely in a clinic setting. Instead of running an entire panel like commercial tests, geneticists look at particular locations for a specific disease or two. When asking my local clinic about genetic testing for cats, they noted it wasn’t common practice. 

How to Use a Cat DNA Test Kit

At-home cat DNA tests typically come with the supplies needed to gather, preserve, and send the sample to the lab. Most cat DNA test kits utilize easy-to-use oral swabs, and the steps for sample collection are generally the same:

1. Register your test tube’s serial number. 
2. Remove the swab, avoiding touching the collection tip. If your cat has recently eaten, it’s recommended to wait 30 minutes to an hour before collecting the sample.  
3. Rub the inside of your cat’s cheek, tongue, or gums with the collection end of the swab for about 10 to 15 seconds. Rather than prying a cat’s mouth open, most swabs can slide into the cheek pouch. 
4. Secure the swab in the provided test tube, bag, or container. Seal and ship it to the testing company. 

Unless otherwise noted, samples remain stable when shipped. If the test collects other forms of samples like fecal matter, you’ll want a pea-sized amount that hasn’t been in the litter box for long.  

How We Selected Our Top Picks

I considered several important factors and sources when compiling our list of the best cat DNA test, including:

Expert opinions. I asked the experts in feline genetics for their thoughts, opinions, and expertise, including Dr. Lyons and Dr. Bell. I also went straight to the source, gathering insight from the cat DNA companies themselves. 

Personal experience. I’ve used cat DNA tests on my own cats, so I took the knowledge I gained during each process into consideration as well.

Reviews. Lastly, I scoured the internet for cat DNA test reviews and testimonies from other pet parents in order to ensure a well-rounded view of each option.

The post 6 Best Cat DNA Tests of 2025 appeared first on Vetstreet.

Simply select a favorite picture of your canine companion and upload it to one of these sites, and they’ll print it onto your own customized dog T-shirt. Oftentimes, you get to choose between different backgrounds and custom text options with your pet’s name or a fun personal phrase. 

Customized dog shirts for humans can range from simple T-shirts or tank tops to high-end embroidered sweaters and everything in between. For colder days, you can even have your pet’s face adorned on a warm hoodie or a pair of cozy pajamas. Nothing will show your love and appreciation for your canine more than an adorable custom shirt. (Bonus — they also make great gifts for other pet parents!)

Our Top Custom Dog Shirt Picks

• Best Overall Custom Dog T-Shirt: Custom Dog Vintage Shirt
• Best Custom Dog Sweatshirt: Custom Pet Embroidered Sweatshirt
• Best Stylish Custom Dog T-Shirt: Vintage Retro Photo Shirt
• Best Value Custom Dog T-Shirt: Custom Pet T-Shirt with Photo
• Best Funny Custom Dog T-Shirt: Custom Photo Shirt for Dog Lovers
• Best Art Custom Dog Art T-Shirt:  Custom Pet Art Women’s Crew
• Best Long Sleeve Custom Dog T-Shirt: Personalized Custom Long Sleeve T-Shirt
• Best Custom Dog Sweaters: Full-Body Pet Custom Sweater

Our Ranking Criteria

To find you the best custom dog shirts for humans, we focused on several important factors:

Retailers/reviews. First, we searched out the highest rated online retailers with the best customer reviews and prices. 

Quality. With a dog shirt custom-made for you, the quality of the material and the print is of utmost importance, so we made sure to zero in on things like material, graphic application, etc.

The fine print. Lastly, we considered the details that can make or break a custom online order, such as turnaround time, shipping costs, warranty, and return policy.

8 Best Custom Dog Shirts

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the Vetstreet editorial team and do not reflect a direct endorsement by the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Ready to shop our selection of the best dog shirts for humans? From funny custom dog T-shirts to fancy custom dog sweaters, we’ve got you covered. All you need is a favorite photo of your beloved canine!

Best Overall Custom Dog T-Shirt

Our pick: Custom Dog Vintage Shirt

Etsy has some of the best custom dog T-shirts for humans out there. We love this one for its vintage look and amazing 5-star customer reviews. The vintage style makes it look like a T-shirt you’ve had for years — just be prepared for people to stop you and ask where you got it!  Besides a custom photo, you get to add your own text and choose the font, and it’s available in multiple colors and sizes. Plus, you can’t beat the price. 

Pros

• Includes custom text and image
• Excellent customer reviews. Pet parents raved about the quality of the print and the fast delivery
• Comes in a variety of different colors and sizes
• Great price point

Cons

• 100% cotton often shrinks 
• This store only offers free shipping for orders over $35
• Returns not accepted 

Best Custom Dog Sweatshirt

Our pick: Custom Pet Embroidered Sweatshirt 

Looking to transform your pet’s photo into a custom embroidered portrait on a comfy sweatshirt? This option is right up your alley! After ordering, you will receive a proof within 1-2 business days to approve or request a revision before it’s embroidered onto the shirt. This means you can feel satisfied knowing that the design will look like your dog. Made of cotton and polyester, this high-end custom dog sweatshirt is sure to turn some heads.

Pros

• Custom embroidery for one or two pets
• Great reviews; customers said this made an excellent gift
• Returns accepted
• Variety of colors to choose from

Cons

• More expensive than most custom dog sweatshirts (shipping isn’t included)
• Takes about 4 weeks to arrive after proof approval
• Not available to ship outside of the U.S.

Best Stylish Custom Dog T-Shirt

Our pick: Vintage Retro Photo Shirt

Show off your pet with some style. This retro-fitted custom dog T-shirt is made of 100% jersey knit cotton, which is lightweight, soft and comfortable. It’s available in many different sizes with six different background choices, as well as custom text. You can even choose your own font for your pet’s name. 

Pros

• Stylish/fitted custom dog face shirt
• Excellent reviews from over 2,500 customers. People raved about the quality.
• Custom photo and text; choose between six backgrounds
• Fitted, pre-shrunk cotton jersey knit 
• Available as a T-shirt, hoodie, or V-neck in men’s, women’s, or kids’ sizes 
• Quick turnaround time

Cons

• 100% cotton can shrink
• No free shipping
• Returns not accepted unless the shirt is damaged, defective, or misspelled

Best Value Custom Dog T-Shirt

Our pick: Custom Pet T-Shirt with Photo

Many custom dog shirts for humans can get pretty expensive, especially if they are of higher quality. Supported by great reviews, this unique custom tee delivers a top-notch design at a great price. It features a pencil sketch of the photo you provide printed onto the shirt, which gives it a cool, artsy vibe. Made of soft, durable Airlume combed and ringspun cotton, the tee is personalized with your pet’s name and available in a variety of colors, styles, and sizes for all ages. You can even get it as an adorable baby onesie!

Pros

• Unique sketch design
• 5-star reviews. Customers commented about the quality of the drawing and comfort of the shirt
• Good price point
• Quick turnaround

Cons

• Customers suggest picking a light color for the shirt. The sketch doesn’t show up as well on darker colors.
• 100% cotton can shrink 
• Free shipping only for orders over $35
• Returns not accepted 

Best Funny Custom Dog T-Shirt 

Our pick: Custom Photo Shirt for Dog Lovers 

Let’s face it — everything we do, our pet watches us, so why not embrace it with this funny dog shirt? A perfect gift for a pet parent who’s also a music lover, this funny custom dog T-shirt is a play on the song lyrics from The Police’s famous hit, “Every Breath You Take” with a photo of your pet watching your every move. It’s made of comfy material and available in a variety of different sizes and colors — or as a hoodie. 

Pros

• Funny design is a perfect conversation starter at parties
• This seller gets great reviews
• Can personalize with up to 6 pet images
• Available in 100% cotton (solid colors) or 90% cotton, 10% polyester (heather colors)

Cons

• No personalized text or pet’s name printed 
• Returns not accepted (though seller says to contact them if there’s a problem with the order)

Best Art Custom Dog Art T-Shirt 

Our pick: Custom Pet Art Women’s Crew

Nothing will show your love for your pet more than a personalized portrait of your canine on a stylish T-shirt. Based on the photo you send in, an artist will draw a beautiful custom portrait for you to first approve, then have it printed onto a shirt. You can even choose the art style, such as Pop Art or Renaissance. These customized dog shirts for humans feature a stylish slim fit and a longer length. And guys, don’t worry — they’re available for men as well! 

Pros

• Very unique look/design
• Custom pet portrait by a real artist
• 5-star reviews
• Available in both men’s and women’s sizes
• Free shipping

Cons

• T-shirt only available only in black or white
• The shirts are slim fit, so the seller recommends ordering up 1-2 sizes
• No custom font or text available (unless it’s already on the uploaded photo)

Best Long Sleeve Custom Dog T-Shirt 

Our pick: Personalized Custom Long Sleeve

For the devoted pet parent, this long sleeve tee reads, “This human belongs to” and then has the name of your pet below. With this shirt, you get to pick out artwork of your pet’s breed rather than uploading a photo. It’s made of a comfy cotton/polyester blend and comes in three colors — black, blue, or green. 

Pros

• High-quality material and embroidery 
• 5-star reviews
• Less expensive than custom photo shirts
• Also available as a sleep shirt, tote bag, sweatshirt, etc.

Cons

• Only available with stock artwork; no custom photo of your pet
• No returns unless damaged or defective
• No free shipping

Best Custom Dog Sweaters

Our pick: Full-Body Pet Custom Sweater 

For a fancier option, you can have a photo of your pet custom knitted onto a beautiful sweater by a team of artists. After ordering and uploading your pet’s photo, you’ll receive a proof to approve. The artwork, along with your pet’s name, is then knitted into a jacquard sweater directly, without screenprinting or embroidery. There are a bunch of different sweater color options, and they come in men’s, women’s, and youth sizes.

Pros

• Custom drawn and knit by an artist
• 5-star reviews
• Available in many sizes and colors 

Cons

• Higher price point (shipping not included)
• Can run a bit small
• No returns
• 3- to 4-week turnaround after ordering

Custom Dog Shirt Buyer’s Guide

Here are a few tips to remember when shopping for custom dog T-shirts:

Choose your photo wisely. The first thing to do before purchasing a custom dog shirt or custom dog sweater is find a good photo of your dog. It should be high quality and cropped beforehand so it’s exactly the way you want it to look on the shirt. 

Think ahead. Keep in mind that these are custom-made shirts which can be a bit pricier, and many of the retailers are smaller companies that don’t accept returns, so when you’re ordering, be sure that you’re happy with the preview and that you choose the correct size. Some retailers show the shirt dimensions or have a size guide. You can also search the reviews to see if the shirts are true to size or tend to run big or small.

Pay attention to reviews. It’s also important to check the reviews to see what customers are saying about the quality of the print, comfort of the material, turnaround time, and customer service. Many people who reviewed the custom dog face shirts on our list included photos of their purchases, which allows you to see how theirs came out as a preview of what yours could look like. Lastly, don’t forget to have fun with your shirt. Wear it to a party, on a fun outing, or just because!

The post 8 Best Custom Dog Shirts to Show Your Love For Your Pup appeared first on Vetstreet.

Whether you’re searching for a practical gift for a new cat parent or a fantabbylous gift for a true feline fanatic, you’re in luck. We’ve rounded up a sleigh-load of unique presents that your favorite cat fancier is sure to love. 

As a bonus, these are cat lovers’ gifts you can gift to yourself or any cat lover all year round.

Gift Ideas for Cat Lovers

These days, there’s such a wide range of gifts for pet lovers, it’s almost impossible to choose a dud. But the key to finding the best fit for your feline-loving recipient is to choose a gift that speaks to what they value most. 

Are they practical or playful? Sophisticated or sentimental? One-of-a-kind, just like their kitty? Once you’ve identified their style and preferences, here are s few categories to consider to ensure the perfect gift:

Custom cat lovers’ gifts – Generic gifts for cat lovers are a thing of the past. With the growth of on-demand printing and personalization services, as well as platforms like Etsy that specialize in hand-made goods, it’s easy (and surprisingly affordable) to find customized gifts for cat lovers. From everyday items like personalized mugs to custom artwork featuring a specific pretty kitty, you can find one-of-a-kind gifts that are sure to please.  

Cat-themed items for everyday use – Many of the top gifts for people with cats are those that can be utilized every day, bringing a touch of whiskered whimsy to just about every aspect of life. There are a host of cat-themed products ranging from the very practical, like desk and office organizers, to clothing and accessories that are stylish, comfortable, and feature cute cat designs. Because these are products that your gift recipient can make a part of their daily life, they’ll always be reminded of your thoughtfulness.   

Gifts to pamper cats and the people who love them – Some gifts can be used by cat parents and their pets. If you have a large budget, you might opt to get someone a self-cleaning litter box to make their life easier and keep their kitties happy. Or, you could go for a more affordable option, like a warm blanket that pet parents can use when snuggling with their furry companions. 

Our Top Gift Picks for Cat Lovers

Now for the fun part! We considered several things when deciding our picks for the top cat-themed gifts. First, we only chose gifts that tickled our cat-loving hearts. In addition to the price and quality of materials, we also took customer reviews and ratings into consideration. And we focused on finding products that are fun, stylish, and useful…but, most of all, make wow-worthy gifts!

Here’s what made the list: 

• Best Overall Gift for Cat Lovers: The Cat Ladies Cat Grass Growing Kit
• Best Gift for Cat Moms: Skechers BOBS Knitting Hearts
• Best Gift for Cat Dads: Best Cat Dad Ever Shirt
• Best Memorial Cat Ornament for Cat Lovers: Personalization Mall Personalized Photo Deluxe Heart Ornament
• Best Cat-Based Subscription Box: Meowbox The Subscription Box for Cats
• Best Gift for Multi-Cat Homes: Litter-Robot 4 by Whisker
• Most Useful Gift for Cat Lovers: Woven Cotton Rope Storage Basket
• Cutest Gift for Cat Lovers: Pusheen Perpetual Calendar
• Funniest Gift for Cat Lovers: Cat Rear Crocheted Table Coaster
• Best Practical Gift for Cat Lovers: ChomChom Cat Hair Remover
• Best Custom Pet Gift for Cat Lovers: Cuddle Clones Custom Pet Art Pillow
• Best Gift for New Cat Parents: Unifury Personalized Cat Mom & Cat Dad Mugs

12 Best Cat Lovers’ Gifts for 2025

Shopping for gifts for a cat lover is easier than you might think. With options ranging from personalized cat gifts that can be put on display to trendy products that can be used daily, there’s something for every pet parent on your list. To help you find the perfect present, check out our list of the best gifts for cat lovers.

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the Vetstreet editorial team and do not reflect a direct endorsement by the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Best Overall Gift for Cat Lovers

Our Pick: The Cat Ladies Cat Grass Growing Kit 

Sometimes, the best thing you can give a cat lover is something that will make their cat love them even more! For the friend who delights in spoiling their kitty (and who can blame them?) we suggest this adorable cat grass-growing kit from The Cat Ladies. It comes with everything you need to grow a tasty, organic, health-boosting treat for kitties. Simply drop the included seeds and soil in the pretty kitty planter and water according to the directions. Within 4-7 days, cats can enjoy a nutrient-packed cat grass blend of wheat grass, oat, barley, and rye. Best of all, this gift offers more than a delicious nibble for cats and a decorative accent for cat lovers. The GMO-free cat grass helps control hairballs and aids in healthy digestion. Plus, it can keep cats from nibbling on other household plants. A win-win for everyone!

Highlights

• Attractive ceramic cat planter can be reused with The Cat Ladies refill kits
• Includes an organic blend of wheat, barley, rye, and oat seeds
• A fun way to give cats a healthy treat
• No green thumb required 

Things to Consider 

• This planter is cute and compact, but larger sizes are available
• Lightweight, could be knocked over by aggressive kitties

Best Gift for Cat Moms

Our Pick: Skechers BOBS Knitting Hearts

Looking for cat mom gifts that are stylish, yet practical? These slip-on sneakers from Skechers are a great choice for cat moms who like to let the world know how much they love felines. In addition to the colorful design, they’re also built for extreme comfort and durability. Features include an elasticized scrunch-back, flexible rubber traction outsole, and Skechers Memory Foam insole. Plus, a donation is made with every sale of these shoes, so your gift also helps animals in need.

Highlights

• Memory foam provides comfortable cushioning
• Made of vegan materials 
• Available in women’s sizes 5 to 11 

Things to Consider 

• Only available in medium width 
• Must know recipient’s exact shoe size 

Best Gift for Cat Dads

Our Pick: Best Cat Dad Ever Shirt

What do you get the cat dad who has everything? Anything that tells the world what a great feline father he is, of course! The cat dads we know take a lot of pride in their parenting role, and this shirt captures and conveys all of that papa pride perfectly. He can wear his show off the fact that he’s the best cat dad ever, whether he’s heading to the gym, running errands, or spending time at home with his favorite feline. All you have to do is choose the style, size, and color that you think he’d like best so this Etsy seller can make and ship the product to you.   

Highlights

• Features a funny cat design on the front 
• Available in a range of colors and sizes 
• Made of soft cotton 

Things to Consider 

• You can choose from multiple styles, including V-neck and long-sleeve options 
• Items from this Etsy seller are made on demand, and returns aren’t accepted 

Best Memorial Cat Ornament for Cat Lovers

Our pick: Personalization Mall Personalized Photo Deluxe Heart Ornament

Personalization Mall is a massive online retailer that sells thousands of products that can be personalized. Pet parents can order products outfitted with their pets’ names and pictures. Products range from pillows to dog treat jars and pet bandanas. Just in time for the holidays, the company sent over two glass heart-shaped ornaments featuring one black-and-white and a color photo of my beloved Chihuahua Autumn. She passed away in 2023, and I miss her dearly. These ornaments seemed like a great way to honor her. 

They’re large, white hearts (Autumn had a big heart, and that’s why we picked the heart shape) ornaments and feel heavy and well made. The photos were made to fade into the white glass, and feature the words “Forever Loved” on the bottom. The black and white photo isn’t quite as vibrant as the color one, but it still looks good. The ornaments arrived in velvet bags that would make it perfect to give as a gift. At first, I didn’t see the top part of the ornament that you insert to make it hang on your tree. But I eventually found it. It did seem pretty flimsy as it’s only two thin wires, but it works well. Overall, I love these ornaments and feel that they’re a great way to pay tribute to lost loved ones. 

Highlights

• The opportunity to create a truly personal, custom gift for your pet. 
• The sheer variety is impressive, with a large variety of gifts guaranteed to please. 
• The turnaround time and shipping were both fast. 
• The white hearts are touching ways to honor a lost pet. 

Things to Consider

• The porcelain ornaments are best for homes without little kids, pets who might knock into them or clumsy handlers. They’re glass and can shatter. 
• The color photo on the white ornament looked sharp, but the black and white photo faded more.
• Although common, the wire inserted into the bulb is fairly thin.

Best Cat-Based Subscription Box

Our pick: Meowbox The Subscription Box for Cats

Cat parents will delight in anticipation of a monthly subscription to Meowbox. Save your recipient the struggle of finding the best toys and treats for their cats by having a box of goodies delivered to their doorstep. Each month, they’ll receive a themed feline box of toys made exclusively for Meowbox subscribers. Also included are handcrafted items and tasty treats made in the USA or Canada. Households with multiple cats can share the stash with all their feline friends. As a bonus, Meowbox makes a donation to shelter cats for each box purchased. So you can feel good about your gift and helping a cat in need when you give the gift of Meowbox. 

Highlights

• At least one toy in each box is handmade by a local artisan or small business.
• Treats have been taste-tested by Meowbox’s very own cats. 
• Finicky cats or those with special dietary needs can choose the “no food” option.
• Keeps cats happy and busy for hours.
• Some might consider the box itself to be a bonus item.

Things to Consider

• The subscription needs to be transferred to the recipient’s payment method after the first month if desired.
• Finicky or fussy cats may not enjoy every single item. 

Best Gift for Multi-Cat Homes

Our pick: Litter-Robot 4 by Whisker

Shop now and save $25 off your Litter-Robot purchase

For cat lovers who’ve been very, very good this year (or who have more than one kitty), here’s the ultimate gift…a super-smart robotic litter box that does the dirty work for them! The Litter-Robot 4 features a clean, sleek design and so many automated extras, they’ll barely have to lift a finger. Its patented sifting mechanism separates waste after every use, so scooping and bad smells are a thing of the past. Plus, the Litter-Robot 4 is wifi-enabled, so it offers ultimate control while requiring minimal effort. Best of all, up to 4 cats can safely use the box without issue, for a healthy and harmonious household. 

Highlights

• Automatic litter box sifts and removes waste after each visit
• Clumps are dumped into a sealed, oversized waste drawer
• Safe for up to 4 cats
• Optional OdorTrap system keeps home smelling fresh
• Available in white and black

Things to Consider

• Definitely a splurge, but worth it
• May not be appropriate for cats who are sensitive to sound or prefer open litter boxes
• May not work with all types of litter

Read our full Litter-Robot Review to get the full scoop on this great gift.

Most Useful Gift for Cat Lovers

Our pick: Woven Cotton Rope Storage Basket

If you’re looking for a gift that’s fun and functional for the practical cat lover on your list, this is it! Made from soft cotton rope coiled into a unique cat shape, this storage basket is purrfect for keeping cat toys or supplies out of sight. It can even be used as a cozy cat bed when paired with a soft cushion. Best of all, you can choose from a range of colors designed to suit any decor. 

Highlights

• Great for storing cat toys or supplies
• Built-in cat ear handles make it easy to move from room
• Soft and chic, yet incredibly sturdy
• Available in gray, white, or to room with built-in handles that form 

Highlights

• Measures 15.7″L x 11.8″ H
• Available in gray or white, as well as a beige option made out of jute
• Printed on one side only.

Cutest Gift for Cat Lovers

Our Pick: Pusheen Perpetual Calendar

Cat lovers adore Pusheen, the sweet, curious and snack-loving feline Internet sensation. This unique 3D perpetual Pusheen calendar provides a fun addition to any desk, home office, or bedroom. This figurine is both eye-catching and functional and will never expire. Because it is a perpetual calendar, the numbered cubes can be used over and over for years to come. Measuring 4.7″ x 3.9″ x 1 inches, the compact size makes for a fun stocking stuffer or anytime gift.

Highlights

• Made of synthetic resin and hand-painted for exquisite detail
• Comes with five interchangeable blocks to change the date and month as needed
• Perpetual calendars can be used and reused over and over since they never expire
• Has a nice weight to it so it won’t easily tip over
• Hip, trendy, and modern Pusheen character brightens up any workspace

Things to Consider 

• A bit on the pricey side for the size
• Cubes and monthly pieces must be stored separately

Funniest Gift for Cat Lovers

Our Pick: Cat Rear Crocheted Table Coaster

Here’s another thing most cat parents can relate to: For some reason, kitties seem to have no problem with putting their butts in your face. This coaster’s hilarious design makes it a great little gift you can give for laughs. And you can choose from a wide range of colors, making it easy to find a coaster that has the same coat color or pattern as your gift recipient’s kitty. 

Highlights

• Made of cotton yarn with plastic eyes 
• Available in multiple colors, and you can contact the Etsy seller to inquire about a custom order 

Things to Consider 

• If you buy more than one coaster, you can mix and match colors by leaving a note for the seller at checkout
• This item is handmade, so each one will be unique 

Best Practical Gift for Cat Lovers

Our Pick: ChomChom Cat Hair Remover

Even die-hard cat lovers probably don’t love all that fur felines often leave around the house. That’s where the ChomChom Pet Hair Remover swoops in to save the day. This reusable lint roller puts all other shed solutions to shame. Just slide ChomChom over furniture, upholstery, or anywhere stray fur gathers, then watch it disappear into a trash bin when you release it with the push of a button.

Highlights

• Quick, reusable, and easy to empty
• More effective than traditional sticky lint rollers
• No batteries required
• Works on clothing, furniture, upholstery, and more

Things to Consider 

• Also available in original design, as well as limited edition dog model  

Best Custom Pet Gift for Cat Lovers

Our Pick: Cuddle Clones Custom Pet Art Pillow

Custom cat gifts are easy to find these days, thanks to businesses that make everything from blankets to paintings that display a pet’s photo in creative ways. If you want to impress someone and give them a gift they’ll love, check out this custom pillow, which can show off their charming feline’s face. Made of faux suede, it can be placed on a bed or sofa and it’s sure to grab the attention of anyone who sees it.  

Highlights

• Choose from several backgrounds 
• Measures 16”x16” 
• Features faux suede for softness and style

Things to Consider 

• Follow the guidelines for submitting the right type of photo to get the best results 
• Because this is a custom product, it can take a while to ship, so keep that in mind when ordering 

Best Gift for New Cat Parents

Our Pick: Unifury Personalized Cat Mom & Cat Dad Mugs

Do you know a couple who has recently added cats to their family? Then consider getting them this delightful pair of mugs – one for the new cat mom and the other for the new cat dad. The design is customizable, so you can select the people and cats that resemble your gift recipients, and you can add all of their names, too. Plus, these ceramic mugs are dishwasher-safe and microwave safe.   

Highlights

• Set of two mugs for cat parents 
• Choose from multiple design options
• Customizable drawing makes it easy to create a one-of-a-kind product 

Things to Consider 

• Higher price point 
• Because these mugs are personalized, be sure to allow for production and shipping times 

How to Choose the Perfect Cat Lovers’ Gifts 

When shopping for cat lovers’ gifts, here are a few tips to keep in mind to guarantee your gift will be absolutely unforgettable!

Focus on quality and price. In addition to considering your budget, select products that are durable and made of pet-safe materials. This is especially important if you’re giving a gift that could be used by someone’s cat. 

Customized gifts may take time and involve extra steps. When ordering customized gifts for cat people, submit high-resolution images, and ask if you can review proofs to ensure the finished product will meet your expectations. Also, confirm the amount of time it typically takes to receive a personalized product. Some manufacturers or artists might need weeks while others might only need days to create and send your order. If you’re shopping for Christmas gifts for cat lovers, place your orders before the holiday cutoff to be sure they’ll arrive on time.  

Check return and exchange policies. Even if you shop carefully by reading product features and customer reviews, you might receive an item that isn’t what you expected. Or, perhaps your recipient already has that gift and doesn’t need a duplicate. In such cases, you might want to return or exchange it. Unfortunately, this isn’t always possible, especially when it comes to customized products, so ask about return policies before ordering.  

The post 12 Best Cat Lovers’ Gifts for Giving in 2025 appeared first on Vetstreet.

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or buying a gift for your favorite cat lover, one of these adorable cat mugs is sure to be a welcome addition to any kitchen.

10 Best Cat Mugs

If you want to show your appreciation for your feline friends, the following are some of the cutest cat mugs available today.

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Best Overall Cat Mug

Our Pick: InFLOATables Orange Cat Mug & Coaster Set

This cat mug and coaster set is both functional and adorable. The 12-ounce ceramic mug features a sweet orange tiger cat playing with a ball of yarn, and its tail becomes the mug’s handle. The design is also available with a black cat on it. Plus, it comes with a matching coaster that reads “Home is where the cat is” and will help protect your table against any rogue spills. 

Highlights

• Includes mug and matching coaster
• Two design options
• Holds up to 12 ounces
• Dishwasher and microwave safe

Things to Consider

• Handle isn’t the most comfortable to hold

Best Cat Mom Mug

Our Pick: Our Name is Mud “Cat Mom” Porcelain Mug

You can show how much you love your fur babies with this “Cat Mom” mug—it would also make a perfect gift for anyone who’s obsessed with their pet! The porcelain mug can hold up to 16 ounces, and it’s safe to put in the dishwasher and microwave. On the front, it reads “Cat Mom” in a quirky, colorful font, and the reverse side reads, “The perfect child has four legs and fur.” 

Highlights

• Colorful design
• Holds up to 16 ounces
• Dishwasher and microwave safe
• Non-toxic materials

Things to Consider

• Some reviewers say that the rim chips easily

Best Cat Dad Mug

Our Pick: Best Cat Dad Ever Mug

This mug is a must-have for all the cat-loving men out there. The white mug comes in either 11- or 15-ounce sizes, and it has a large, easy-to-grip handle. Both sides of the mug are printed with the phrase “Best Cat Dad Ever,” and the sublimation imprint is vibrant and can be cleaned in the dishwasher. This mug is especially great as a gift, as it comes in a sturdy and easy-to-wrap box. 

Highlights

• 11- and 15-ounce sizes available
• Dishwasher and microwave safe
• Comes in a gift box
• Lead-free materials

Things to Consider

• Some reviewers say the design fades over time

Best Crazy Cat Lady Mug

Our Pick: Our Name is Mud “Decorate With Cats” Stoneware Mug

If you’re a self-proclaimed crazy cat lady, this is the mug for you. It’s bright red and decorated with paw prints, and on the front it has “Crazy Cat Lady” in bold black letters. The mug can hold up to 16 ounces of liquid, and it’s made from dishwasher-safe stoneware. The backside reads “I decorate with cats,” and if you look closely, you’ll notice the paw prints are made from hearts to show your love for your pets. 

Highlights

• Bright print with multiple sayings
• Holds up to 16 ounces
• Comes in a decorative gift box
• Dishwasher and microwave safe

Things to Consider

• Some reviewers say that the cup chips easily

Best Cat Paw Mug

Our Pick: InkPopCo Toe Beans Mug

There’s nothing cuter than cat paws, and this fun mug celebrates your kitty’s adorable toe beans. It comes in either 11- or 15-ounce size, and you also have the option between an all-white mug or one with red accents. On both sides of the mug, there’s an illustration of a cat paw surrounded by flowers, and it reads “Toe Beans” underneath the design.

Highlights

• Two color option
• 11- and 15-ounce sizes available
• Dishwasher and microwave safe
• Printed in the USA

Things to Consider

• Return period is only 14 days

Best Cat Shaped Mug

Our Pick: Koolkatkoo Cute Ceramic Cat Coffee Mug

This mug isn’t just decorated with pictures of cats—it’s actually shaped like one! The design comes in three different colors, and the mug features a cat face and pointy ears that stick up from the rim. It can hold up to 12 ounces of your favorite drink, and when you get down to the dregs, you’ll find a sweet little kitty figurine staring up at you.

Highlights

• Cat-shaped mug
• Multiple colors available
• Holds up to 12 ounces
• Surprise cat in the bottom of the cup
• Dishwasher and microwave safe

Things to Consider

• Cat ears can make it hard to drink from

Best Personalized Cat Mug

Our Pick: WuvPup Custom Cat Mug

Your cat will be the star of the show with this custom cat mug from WuvPup. The design is made using a photo of your pet, which is turned into an illustration and then printed on the side of the mug. You can also have their name and/or your name printed on the mug, which holds up to 11 ounces. If you want to see the design before it’s printed, the seller will send you a proof, but keep in mind it may not ship as fast as other mugs since it’s being made custom. 

Highlights

• Personalized with your cat’s photo

• Free proof before printing
• Holds up to 11 ounces
• Dishwasher and microwave safe

Things to Consider

• Longer shipping time due to custom nature

Best Cat Travel Mug

Our Pick: S’ip by S’well Stainless Steel Takeaway Mug

You can take this cat mug from S’ip on the go, using it to carry either cold or hot beverages. It’s made from double-layered, vacuum-insulated stainless steel, and it can hold up to 15 ounces of liquid. The exterior is a pretty shade of blue that’s decorated with cats of all colors, and the mug will keep hot drinks warm for two hours and cold drinks chilled for up to 10 hours. 

Highlights

• Holds up to 15 ounces
• Made from premium food-grade stainless steel
• Double-layered, vacuum-insulated construction
• Condensation won’t form on the exterior

Things to Consider

• Not dishwasher safe—hand wash only

Best Cat Mug Set

Our Pick: Bico Cartoon Cat Ceramic Mugs, Set of 4

Why settle for one cat mug when you can have a whole set? This collection of four mugs features all different cat shapes, and the cups are orange, blue, white, and beige. All the pieces are safe to put in the microwave and dishwasher, and the brand also offers matching plates, utensil holders, and more, allowing you to decorate your whole kitchen.

Highlights

• Includes four mugs
• Each cup holds up to 10 ounces
• Dishwasher and microwave safe
• Other matching kitchen accessories available

Things to Consider

• Cat ears can make it hard to drink from mugs

Best Artisan Cat Mug

Our Pick: SusanAltenauPottery Cat Mug

You can have this homemade cat mug customized to your pet’s likeness, making it an extra-special addition to your kitchen. You can choose between five different cat colors, as well as eight different background shades, and you can even have your pet’s name added onto it. The mug holds around 13 ounces of liquid, but keep in mind that slight variations are possible since each item is made to order. 

Highlights

• Handmade
• Many customization options
• Holds around 13 ounces
• Dishwasher and microwave safe

Things to Consider

• Slight variations possible due to handmade nature

Cat Mugs Buying Guide

As you look at different cat mugs, there are several factors you’ll want to keep in mind.

• Size: Most mugs can hold between 8 to 12 ounces of liquid, but you’ll want to take your personal habits into account when selecting a size. If you tend to drink larger servings of coffee or tea, you may want to look for a mug that can hold 14 or 16 ounces.
• Material: For everyday mugs, you’ll want to look for pieces made from ceramic or stoneware. This material is durable and easy to care for, making it a popular choice for drinkware. If you’re looking for a travel mug, you’ll likely want to select a cup made from food-grade stainless steel, as this material is extremely durable and will help to insulate your drink.
• Care: Before you buy a mug, it’s important to take into account how it needs to be cleaned. Many mugs can be put into the dishwasher, but others must be washed by hand, which can make them less convenient to use. 
• Design: Arguably the most important consideration when buying a mug is whether you like the design! In addition to any colors or print, you’ll want to look at the shape of the handle and any other features that might make the mug easier to use. 

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Although the market for rat-specific food puzzles is somewhat limited, toys designed for other animals, like birds or ferrets, can easily be used. Make sure the toy is the right size: It should either be small enough that your rat cannot crawl inside and get stuck, or large enough that he can easily maneuver around once he’s inside.

Supervise all interactions with food puzzles to ensure your rat’s safety. Only use foods recommended by your veterinarian, and be sure to measure portion sizes. To get a rat interested in a toy or food puzzle, you can coat the outside with an edible and appealing spray or spread. Cream cheese, spray cheese and yogurt can be used, in small quantities, to entice a rat to play with a toy. Keep in mind, though, that these foods lack nutritional value and should not make up any substantial portion of your rat’s actual diet.

Finally, remember that edibles served in a food puzzle need to be counted as part of your rat’s daily intake, in order to keep him at a healthy weight.

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the Vetstreet editorial team and do not reflect a direct endorsement by the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Rat-Friendly Food Puzzle Options for Your Pet Rat

The Hay & Treat Dispenser is designed for bunnies and guinea pigs, but it works nicely for rats as well. The wheel can be stuffed with a smorgasbord of rat food and a few treats. In addition, the holes around the outside of the wheel have plastic coverings that can be opened to reveal hidden treats.

A hanging basket-style bird feeder is another good option for your rat. The basket can be filled with a variety of fresh foods, like rat-friendly veggies, while the design encourages your rat to pull the contents from the inside out.

A Ka-Bob can be strung with rat-friendly veggies and fruit. To make your rat’s meal more challenging, string other items in between the food, such as pieces of cut up cardboard, wood and loofa toys.

Small food puzzles for dogs can be filled with your rat’s normal meal.  Puzzles like the Kong Classic Biscuit Ball can be stuffed with healthy dog biscuits for added chewing challenge.

Cat food puzzles like the SPOT Doc and Phoebe’s Cat Hunting Feeder offer a different type of challenge for your rat. Includes three mice and a scoop which can be filled with your rat’s favorite food or snacks. They are easy to fill and ideal for mental stimulation and to prevent boredom. 

Rats also enjoy chewing wood; wooden block toys like the Chew ‘N Cube with food inside can serve as inviting puzzles for even hesitant rats. More complex versions of the block toy, like the Nut Knot Nibbler, have wooden pieces strung together in complicated shapes, which offer a significant challenge for your rat.

Create Your Own Challenges for Pet Rats

You don’t need to purchase fancy toys to keep your pet rat busy. Use items from around your home to enrich your rat’s environment.

Hide treats in paper cups, bowls and boxes; start with these items partially overturned for easy access. As your rat becomes more advanced, turn the items upside down and place treats under them. You can also create your own food puzzle: Fill an empty toilet paper roll with food and block off both ends with crumpled paper.

Make your rat’s cage more stimulating by hanging and hiding food in different spots. To encourage exercise, consider a multiple-level high-rise like the with treats available on each level. You can also use cardboard boxes to create your own exploration and climbing areas.

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But when you live with cats, these festive frills can pose serious hazards, so it’s smart to keep your furry family members in mind when considering your holiday decorations.

You aren’t alone if you want to be stylish and have chic holiday decor, but worry about your cat’s safety. At least 71 percent of pet parents get special gifts or treats for their cats during the holiday season.

If you love going all-out with holiday decor, don’t despair; you can still have a beautifully decorated home that’s also relatively cat-proof. You just need a little creativity and imagination and cat safety in mind. Here’s some inspiration, tips, and cat-friendly holiday ideas to get you started. 

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the Vetstreet editorial team and do not reflect a direct endorsement by the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Do’s and Dont’s of A Cat-Friendly Holiday Home

Creating a cat-safe home for the holidays need not be a laborious task. Here are some of our favorite do’s and don’ts to ensure the holidays are memorable and don’t include any emergency veterinary visits.

Do:

• Consider hanging strings of lights vertically on your wall in the shape of a tree
• Create a fabric or felt tree as a standalone decoration
• Decorate with wreaths on doors that are made of artificial greenery
• Use window decor such as festive decals, clings, or window stickers
• Decorate your home with cat-safe holiday plants like cat grass
• If you have a spare room to decorate, consider this and keep the door shut

Don’t

• Avoid tinsel and garland which cats love
• Use non-toxic decorations
• Hide electrical cords as cats may chew on them
• Provide your cat with a cozy safe retreat in the home
• Supervise the use of candles and consider flameless LED candles instead
• Put treats or chocolates out where curious cats may indulge

Rethink the Christmas Tree

Of course, the most enticing holiday decoration for some cats is the Christmas tree. How can you expect kitty not to be intrigued?

You just presented her with the very best possible cat tree she could ask for! You could try securing the tree to the wall, removing all the tempting decorations, and doing everything you can think of to cat-proof the tree, but you may still spend your whole holiday season worrying about it. Avoid that nightmare altogether with a creative substitute for the traditional Christmas tree.

Here are a few of our favorite holiday alternatives to a Christmas tree:

Wall-Mounted Christmas Tree

From Jobar’s IdeaWorks, this wall-mounted Christmas tree stands three feet tall and comes with 50 white pre-hung lights. It is a space saver and can’t be knocked out of a base like a typical tree. It is easy to use and hang and requires three AAA batteries to light it up. Add your decorations, block the area off from the kitty, and you have a viable alternative.

Decorative Wall Decals

Consider a decorative wall decal that’s easy to install and remove once the holidays are over. Bonus: No pine needles to vacuum. There are many gorgeous vinyl wall decals to choose from, including the Build-A-Christmas Tree Wall Decor, which measures 24″ x 21″ and is made in the United States.

Take it up a notch with the Funnlot 57 Piece Peppermint Floor Decals. Each decal adheres to clean and smooth surfaces like hallways, plastic products, glass walls, windows, and more.

Skip the tree idea and opt for quotable Christmas designs. The Outus Christmas Decal Stickers are affordably priced and contains two styles of Christmas decals. Tear off the protective film from the back and stick it on when using. Simply remove with no residue left behind.

Tabletop Christmas Tree

Another idea is to replace your traditional full-size Christmas tree with a stylish tabletop tree. These minimal, modern designs are less likely to be disturbed by a cat than a Frasier fir, and they look festive to boot.

The San Francisco Music Box Company offers a lighted musical tree that plays eight holiday songs. Measuring 9.5 inches high, it is adorned with happy festive cats ready for Santa Paws.

Consider a pre-lit Christmas tree if traditional artificial pine is more your feline style. From the folks at National Tree Company comes a 2-foot tall majestic fir ready to go. Each branch looks realistic and lush. Bonus for the lights that stay lit if one bulb burns out.

Consider Cat Friendly Ornaments

When we think of holiday ornaments, we usually picture delicate glass balls, shiny tinsel, garland, strings of twinkling lights and other items that dangle and sparkle.

Is it any wonder cats are intrigued by these decorations and want to play with them? Happily, there are plenty of festive holiday decorations that won’t smash or fall victim to curious paws.

Valery Madelyn offers a set of 100 shatterproof Christmas ornaments in reds, greens, and whites. Each ball is pre-tied with a cap and string after being blow molded and hand painted.

Say no to glass ornaments and yes to this wool-felt Christmas cat treasure. It is eco-friendly, handmade with felt, and made by Global Crafts, a member of the Fair Trade Federation.

Fill a plastic bowl with this six-piece catnip-filled holiday toy set. Each chew cat toy is made of tear-resistant plush and contains organically grown catnip inside.

Eliminate Toxic Plants and Flowers

Several popular holiday plants and flowers are toxic to cats, causing symptoms that range from mild stomach and mouth irritation to possible death.

These include holly, mistletoe, poinsettias, and even pine needles. If you have any of these in your home, make certain they are out of reach of your cat. And, remember, since cats are excellent climbers, even if you think a high shelf is off-limits, your kitty may find a way to get there.

Instead, substitute silk or plastic flowers and greens for fresh and try to avoid using any other decorations in your arrangements that could be a choking hazard, like small sticks, beads or thin ribbons.

Provide Toy Alternatives to Treats

Let’s not forget, the holidays are a time for indulging our taste buds with all kinds of tasty treats, but many of these foods are unhealthy or even toxic to cats.

So while you’re baking cookies, consider distracting your cat with a few fun, holiday treat-themed, nonedible toys.

Huxley and Kent’s 2-pack of Hanukkah cat toys will have your guests smiling. Each plush toy is filled with catnip and a bonus crinkle to keep kitty interested.

Keep your cat active with this holiday interactive 3-pack teaser toy from Pawskido. Each set includes three plush toys, two jingle bells to add sound, and a flexible 25-inch rod for special holiday fun.

You may want to hide some of those cat toys in a cat tree, much to the delight of your kitties in your cat-friendly holiday home.

By taking a few precautions, your holidays can be merry and bright and an utter delight. Here’s to a season of love, warmth, memories, and purrs of contentment.

The post How to Decorate a Stylish, Cat-Friendly Holiday Home appeared first on Vetstreet.

Of course, there’s a good chance your doggo doesn’t even know when it’s their birthday. But, in our opinion, that’s an even better reason to make a big deal out of the day. And a growing number of pet parents agree. According to one report, nearly half of surveyed pet owners said they celebrate their pet’s birthday or adoption day.

There are plenty of ways to celebrate your dog’s special day — a party, photoshoot, birthday gift…or all three! And, these days, pet parents have loads of great choices to delight their birthday boy or girl. 

From yummy handmade birthday treats to subscription boxes, toys, and gear, the options are just about endless. 

Deciding what to choose and how to celebrate is getting increasingly complex. So here’s some help to ensure your birthday pup enjoys the best bday ever. 

Dog Birthday (and Gotcha Day!) Celebrations

If you’ve never thrown a dog birthday party or surprised your pet with a birthday present, there’s no need to feel bad. The trend seems to have developed relatively recently, perhaps driven in part by increased spending on pets overall, and within certain age groups.

According to one study, about 60 percent of pet parents between the ages of 30-44 bought their pets birthday or holiday gifts, while 92 percent of millennial pet parents reported the same in another survey.

There’s also the issue of not knowing a pet’s specific birth date, which is often the case among rescue dogs. In this scenario, you can always celebrate “Gotcha Day,” instead — the date you brought your new pup home.

Whatever your history with dog birthday celebrations, there’s no time like the present to start thinking about the best type of present or celebration for your birthday pup. Some pet parents go all out, inviting friends, family, and pals from the dog park to a birthday party. Others simply celebrate with an extra special birthday meal or treat. Whatever you choose, as long as you pile on the extra love and pats, your birthday furball is sure to feel extra special. 

Our Top Dog Birthday Gift Picks

If you’re looking for the ultimate dog birthday present, we’re here to help. We’ve done some in-depth research on gift options, prices, and reviews from pets and parents alike to bring you eight dog-approved gifts that are sure to make your pet’s birthday bash a hit! 

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the Vetstreet editorial team and do not reflect a direct endorsement by the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Our List 

• Best Overall Dog Birthday Gift: Paint Your Life Custom Pet Portrait
• Best Dog Age Test Kit: Embark Dog Age Test
• Best Dog Birthday Toy: ZippyPaws Birthday Toy Set  
• Best Dog Birthday Box: BarkBox Monthly Subscription Box
• Best Dog Birthday Gift for Heavy Chewers: BarkBox Super Chewer Monthly Subscription Box
• Best Dog Birthday Treats: HoundsomeDogBakery Decorated Dog Treats
• Best Dog Birthday Bandana Gift: Personalization Mall Dog Bandana
• Best Dog’s First Birthday Gift: KONG Plush Play Pack Dog Toys
• Best Dog DNA Test Kit: Embark dog DNA Test
• Best Personalized Dog Birthday Gift: Custom Pet Gifts Personalized Fleece Blanket

10 Best Dog Birthday Gifts 

Choosing a birthday gift for your dog really is a whole lot of fun. From unique custom gifts featuring your very own pup to gourmet treats for your furry foodie, here are eight perfect gift ideas for your perfect doggo. 

Whether you’re celebrating your dog’s birthday or Gotcha Day, you’re sure to find something below to delight your dog. Our resident experts (and their humans) guarantee it!

Best Overall Dog Birthday Gift

Our Pick: Paint Your Life Custom Pet Portrait 

Sure, this may be more for the pet parent, but what better way to celebrate a precious pup than with a custom pet portrait? Paint Your Life makes it so easy, too! Just upload a pic of any dog, choose your medium and portrait style, and let the artist get to work! You can even select different backgrounds or combine multiple photographs to create a portrait of more than one dog or place a dog into another image. To ensure total accuracy and satisfaction, you’ll be prompted to approve the work at multiple stages throughout the process, and there are plenty of framing options available once your portrait is complete. The best part? The pet parent in your life will have a stunning painting of their pup to keep forever.

Highlights:

• Hand-painted by actual artists 
• Choose from a range mediums, styles, sizes, and other options
• Framing available
• Multi-step review/approval process
• Quick turnaround time 

Things to Consider: 

• Definitely on the pricier side

Best Dog Age Test Kit

Our Pick: Embark Dog Age Test

How much fun would it be to know your rescue or adopted dog’s age?! Surprise your gift recipient – or yourself – with this Embark Dog Age Test Kit. Everything you need is included in the box, which contains a swab tester to use inside your dog’s gums and mouth. That’s all it takes. Then, send the swab off in a prepaid box and wait (that’s the hardest part.) The Age Test from Embark will return a result within the range of 90 percent of the time. Now you’ll know how many candles to put on your doggo’s birthday cake. That’s something to sing about!

Highlights:

• Easy-to-use test kit with simple instructions provided
• Memorable gift that your recipient will thank you for
• Your recipient will know their dog’s life stage so they can plan and enjoy
• Gives you an idea of how long your dog has been on this planet
• Results take about 4 to 5 weeks, so not very long

Things to Consider:

• It isn’t 100 percent accurate, but 90 percent is pretty darned close.
• A bit on the costly side

Best Dog Birthday Toy

Our Pick: ZippyPaws Birthday Toy Set

What’s an essential part of any dog’s birthday? A photoshoot of course! And this birthday-themed dog toy set is the perfect accessory for any birthday pup. Set up the cute plush cake slice and balloon toy, pop the dog birthday hat on your pup’s head, and then just snap away! You’ll have a perfect memory of your dog’s special day for the gram. A festive, non-food way to celebrate if the birthday pup has allergies, food sensitivities, or is simply trying to limit calorie-laden treats. The balloon toy contains a squeaker that makes it perfect for a fun play session after your dog has finished posing for their photoshoot!    

Highlights:

• Choose from two colors 
• Includes three toys 
• Toys are well-made and durable 
• Perfect for birthday photoshoots 

Things to Consider: 

• Hat toy isn’t suitable for unsupervised play as it contains elastic 
• Hat may be too small for large breed dogs 

Best Dog Birthday Box

Our Pick: BarkBox Monthly Subscription Box

For the birthday gift that keeps on giving, this monthly subscription box is a wonderful way to make sure that your dog never runs out of treats or toys — even when it’s no longer their birthday! Each monthly box includes two toys, two bags of treats, and a long-lasting chew. The themed toys are made from high-quality materials with an interactive design. From chew toys to rope pulls, soft plushies, balls, and squeaky toys, half the fun will be opening this box with your dog every month to see what fun is inside! If your dog has allergies or specific dietary restrictions, BarkBox offers specific treats with these pups in mind. (Just note, you’ll need to contact their customer service team directly to request these.)   

We also love that you can gift BarkBox one time or as many times as you want with a recurring subscription — and you can even order it through Amazon!

Highlights:

• Choose from boxes designed for small, medium, or large dogs 
• Each box is created around a specific theme 
• Treats made using all-natural ingredients 
• High quality with thousands of positive reviews 

Things to Consider: 

• On the pricier end of the scale (though you’re getting multiple gifts, not just one)
• Price is the same for small dogs as it is for large 

Best Dog Birthday Gift for Heavy Chewers

Our Pick: BarkBox Super Chewer Monthly Subscription Box

The perfect gift for the canine who craves a good chew session? A BarkBox Super Chewer monthly subscription box, of course! Just like the original BarkBox, the Super Chewer box offers a completely customizable experience, allowing you to choose from a variety of themes and tailor your boxes to your pup’s needs and personality, including allergy-safe options. Each box includes two seriously tough toys and two full-size bags of treats for tons of chomp-happy fun. Choose from a 6- or 12-month subscription and let the chewing commence!

Highlights

• Designed for dogs that love to chew
• Each monthly box includes two heavy-duty toys and two bags of treats
• First box arrives within five days
• Allergy-safe and diet-conscious treats available

Things to Consider

• As BarkBox says, “no toy is indestructible,” so there’s a chance it may not hold up to the the heaviest of chewers
• Higher price point

Best Dog Birthday Treats 

Our Pick:  HoundsomeDogBakery Decorated Dog Treats    

What better way to celebrate your dog’s birthday than with a selection of delicious, personalized treats? Each birthday box contains nine yummy biscuits, featuring a range of designs including candles, bones, balloons, cupcakes, and presents. The biscuits and icing are made from a blend of dog-friendly, natural ingredients (all listed within the seller’s description) but if your dog has any allergies or sensitivities, it’s always worth checking these carefully. These treats get “paws-up” from thousands of dogs (and their pet parents),  with lots of positive reviews to check out before placing your order.       

Highlights:

• Choose from a range of designs and colors  
• Carefully packaged to minimize breakage and crumbling during delivery 
• Box contains nine biscuits 
• Shelf life of one month 

Things to Consider: 

• Not the best option for dogs with allergies, sensitivities, or specialized diets

Best Dog Birthday Bandana Gift

Our Pick: Personalization Mall Dog Bandana  

When it’s your dog’s birthday, cute photos are obligatory! Make those photos even more adorable by treating your dog to this sweet “first birthday” bandana. The design features colorful sprinkles and adorable cupcake, plus it can be personalized with your dog’s name for an extra special touch. If it’s not your dog’s first birthday, Personalization Mall also offers plenty of other birthday-worthy bandana options, which can all be customized with your dog’s name for a birthday they (and you) will never forget.

Highlights:

• Choose from two colors and three sizes 
• Great value for money 
• Machine washable 
• Can be personalized 

Things to Consider: 

• Even the small size may be too big for small breed puppies
• Some pups may chew the ends of the bandana 

Best Dog’s First Birthday Gift

Our Pick: KONG Plush Play Pack Dog Toys    

Puppies love to play, so this gift pack featuring a selection of fun new toys makes a great gift for your pup’s first birthday! The KONG brand is known for high-quality, durable designs that are created to satisfy a dog’s natural instincts. With four different toys to choose from, your pup can squeak, chase, chew, or thrash to their heart’s content.

Highlights:

• Contains four toys 
• High-quality 
• Tons of bouncing, rolling, squeaking fun
• Good value for money 

Things to Consider: 

• Best for light/moderate chewers

Best Dog DNA Test Kit

Our Pick: Embark dog DNA Test

One of the best gifts you can give a pet parent is the gift of peace of mind. Dog moms and dads want their pets to live the healthiest, longest life possible. Choose one of three DNA tests from a company founded by scientists with products developed by veterinarians: Embark. Choose from the breed ID test, the breed and health test, or the breed and health test two-pack. Each kit includes a breed breakdown and confirmation, ancestry and geographic origin, relative finder, and support from genetic specialists.

Highlights:

• These tests were developed by veterinarians with 99 percent breed ancestry accuracy
• Easy-to-use test kit requires swabbing your dog’s mouth
• Includes over 250 genetic health risks with the breed and health kit only
• Pet parents can talk to their veterinarian if any health risks are revealed for proper planning and screening if need be
• Ideal for mixed breed dogs to determine their breed mix
• Receive results within two to four weeks

Things to Consider:

• Price is higher for complete health testing

Best Personalized Dog Birthday Gift

Our Pick: Custom Pet Gifts Personalized Fleece Blanket 

If you and your dog love to snuggle up on the couch together, then a blanket is essential to keep you both feeling cozy on those colder nights. Upgrade your boring, regular blanket and wish your dog happy birthday by treating them (and yourself!) to this plush, personalized throw. Choose a size and color, send a photo of your dog, and you’ll receive a gorgeous soft blanket with a stylized image of your pup’s face — larger than life of course! For a little extra, you can have an image printed with multiple pets, or even a human face too!   

Highlights:

• Choose from three sizes and eight colors 
• Lots of positive reviews 
• Washable 
• Fast delivery 

Things to Consider: 

• Expensive 
• Not many neutral colors to choose from 

How to Choose the Perfect Dog Birthday Gift 

With so many dog gifts to choose from, how do you find the perfect one for your pup? Here are some tips to guide you to the best birthday gift for your dog.

If you’re buying food items like treats, it’s important to make sure they don’t contain any ingredients that your dog is allergic to. Any manufacturer will be able to let you know what ingredients they use, or if they offer low-allergy options. 

In terms of price, you can find gifts to suit all budgets! From a pack of birthday-themed toys to one-of-a-kind artwork, you’ll always be able to find the perfect option. If you are choosing personalized gifts like custom artwork or themed treats though, check out the reviews from previous customers, and read any instructions from the seller carefully before purchase, as most customized gifts are not returnable or refundable.    

When buying for your own dog, you know what they love best! If buying for a friend and their pet, you might want to avoid food or toys and go for a personalized book, piece of art, or a gift voucher they can redeem later. Whatever gift you choose, making memories of a fun birthday with your dog is just one of the great things about being a pet parent. So make it count!      

The post 10 Best Dog Birthday Gifts appeared first on Vetstreet.

With a recent survey reporting that a whopping 70 percent of U.S. households own at least one pet (which works out to 90 million homes!), it’s no surprise that the market for custom gifts for pet lovers is growing, too.

Brands like Paint Your Life have made it easy to create custom gifts in your pet’s exact likeness, while individual sellers on marketplaces like Etsy offer a wide range of products that can be instantly customized with a pet’s name or likeness.

To find the perfect personalized gift for the cat or dog lover in your life, here’s a helpful overview of what’s out there. Spoiler…just about any kind of custom pet gift you can imagine! 

Types of Personalized Pet Gifts 

We all love our pets — which means that most pet parents will love nothing more than a personalized pet gift based on their beloved cat or dog. When it comes to the types of customization available, the sky is pretty much the limit. You’ll find gifts including:

Jewelry

If bling is the thing you’re looking for, you’re in luck. There are plenty of customization options to fit every style and budget, from charms that depict a certain breed to pendants that can be customized with a pet’s initials or even a laser-engraved portrait. (Or should we say paw-trait?) If you’re buying a gift in memory of a pet who has passed on, there are memorial necklaces, rings, and earrings, some of which are designed to hold a lock of pet hair or cremation ashes, to keep a beloved dog or cat always close.

Books

Books always make a great gift — and there’s nothing better than a book that features someone’s very own pet! This is a relatively new category in customized pet gifts, which makes it a great option if you’re looking for a unique, truly one-of-a-kind gift that’s impossible to forget. A customized book is a great addition to any cat or dog lover’s coffee table or bookshelf. And it makes an especially good gift for young pet-loving readers, too!

Artwork

Since most pet parents spend a good amount of time gazing lovingly at their pets, customized artwork is a great way to immortalize a beloved cat or dog. You can splurge on an impressive custom portrait that makes a dramatic statement. But there are also plenty of budget-friendly options that transform simple photos of a pet into a custom design that won’t break the bank. With so many styles and options to choose from, the only hard part is deciding which one to pick. 

Home Decor

From a stuffed animal of your dog or cat (yes, they’re a thing!) and cushions customized with a pet’s name or breed, to personalized leash hooks or stylish wine glasses, this gift category is almost endless. If you know someone who just can’t get enough of their adorable pet, customized home decor items are a great way to infuse a favorite furry family member into every room of the house.   

Clothing 

Go over the top with clothing emblazoned with a cute pet’s oh-so-smoochable face or opt for a more subtle approach, with apparel customized with a pet’s name, breed, or cartoon likeness. From pajamas to socks, aprons, and shirts, you can find almost any and every item of clothing available to personalize as the perfect custom gifts for cat or dog lovers. 

Our Top Custom Pet Gift Picks 

With so many great custom pet gifts on the market, the options can sometimes seem a bit overwhelming. And some gifts are definitely more likely to elicit ooohs and ahhhhs than others. So we’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up the best of the best for the pet lovers in your life. 

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the Vetstreet editorial team and do not reflect a direct endorsement by the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Our List

• Best Custom Pet Gift for Dog Lovers: Pop Your Pup Custom Art Dog Bed 
• Best Custom Painting for Pet Lovers: Paint Your Life Custom Art From Photos
• Best Custom Pet Gift for Cat Lovers:  GlassArtStories Stained Glass Cat Suncatcher
• Best Funny Personalized Pet Gift: TinyFluffyPaws Custom Pet Portrait
• Best Custom Dog Gift for New Pet Parents: Personalization Mall Leash Hook
• Best Memorial Personalized Pet Gift: Custom Pet Gifts Personalized Angel Photo Necklace
• Best Matching Customized Pet Gift: Matching Dog & Owner T-Shirts
• Most Unique Customized Pet Gift: Cuddle Clones Custom Plush 
• Best Value Custom Pet Gift: MyPhotosSocks Custom Face Mash Dog Apron 
• Best Custom Pet Gift Book: If My Dog Could Talk Personalized Pet Book

10 Best Custom Pet Gifts for Cat and Dog Lovers

From adorable personalized books to one-of-a-kind art and jewelry, here are the eight best custom pet gifts for everyone on your list, as evaluated and chosen by our resident pet lovers. As an added bonus, they make great gifts if you’re looking to treat yourself, as well!  

Best Custom Pet Gift for Dog Lovers

Our Pick: Pop Your Pup Custom Art Dog Bed  

Plenty of companies will print your cute digital pet pix onto a product and call it a day. But Pop Your Pup turns your favorite pet photo into a truly distinctive, gift-worthy work of art. And we’re not talking about an artistic filter here. Pop Your Pup works with real artists who use real-life painting techniques to digitally transform your image into a wide range of art styles, from Pop Art to Renaissance, Modern Chic to Pop Culture inspired.

Once you have your masterpiece, you can choose from a wide range of stylish pet products or home decor items. But we especially love Pop Your Pup’s fun and functional custom dog beds as the ultimate gift for both dogs and dog lovers, alike. Featuring a removable cover that can be tossed in the wash, the beds are available in super soft fleece or durable weather-resistant fabric that’s mildew and mold resistant, to boot.          

Highlights:

• Choose art style and background 
• Easy to upload pic, review design and add notes for your artist
• Available in three sizes (18″ x 28″, 30″ x 40″, and 40″ x 50″)
• Can feature multiple pets for an additional charge  

Things to Consider:

• A bit on the pricey side, but high quality according to reviewers    

Best Custom Painting for Pet Lovers

Our Pick: Paint Your Life Custom Art From Photos

One of the most meaningful gifts a pet parent can receive is that of personalized custom art. Paint Your Life works with real professional artists who hand-paint cherished works of art. Whether for a Christmas gift, birthday present or to remember pets who have crossed the rainbow bridge, there’s something for everyone. Choose from several styles and mediums (i.e., oil, watercolor, acrylic, color pencil, etc.) and upload your image. An artist will create a digital mockup of your image for approval. Nothing moves forward until you give the final okay.

Next, the magic begins. Your artist will begin creating your portrait, take a photo of it, and send it to you for approval. Pet parents can also choose to have the artist videotape the portrait creation. You’ll receive a fast-frame video of the process from blank slate to masterpiece. Imagine your recipient’s face when they receive this ultimate gift of art and the making of video. Choose a frame or canvas style and eagerly wait for your shipment to arrive.

Highlights

• Very simple and user-friendly interface
• Reasonably priced with a 100 percent money-back guarantee
• After paying 20 percent, you don’t pay anything else until the order is complete
• Ability to send multiple portraits to combine subjects into one piece
• Choose a recommended background or suggest one to your artist
• Free shipping in the United States
• Most older or damaged photos can be restored to use for paintings
• Finished artwork can be rolled in an art tube or framed to hang on a wall

Things to Consider

• May take 2 to 3 days before you hear back from artist with answers
• Add-ons can be a bit pricey (i.e., more ornate frames, video add-on)

Best Custom Pet Gift for Cat Lovers

Our Pick: GlassArtStories Stained Glass Cat Suncatcher

If you have a friend who thinks their cat is a ray of sunshine, then this stained glass suncatcher is a wonderful choice as a special gift. Provide a high-quality photo, then choose from a range of sizes, designs, and colors, and a custom stained glass portrait will be handmade for you using the L.C. Tiffany method. This seller has a huge number of positive reviews, plus plenty of photos from previous buyers showing examples of what you can expect.  

Highlights:

• Beautifully handcrafted 
• Available in a range of sizes 
• Makes a very unique gift 
• Choose the colors to accompany the portrait 

Things to Consider:

• Expensive 
• Fragile 

Best Funny Personalized Pet Gift

Our Pick: TinyFluffyPaws Custom Pet Portrait

This humorous portrait is bound to make any pet parent laugh out loud. Transpose the head of any pet onto a range of portraits — from Renaissance royalty, to the poster from the movie Stepbrothers, or the classic 1930s American Gothic painting. Just choose an image and upload an appropriate photo — human and pet faces are accepted! If you don’t see a portrait that’s a perfect fit in the company’s catalog of choices, you can suggest any image you like and ask for this to be used instead.         

Highlights:

• Choose from a digital file or a range of printed canvas sizes 
• Lots of portrait options to choose from 
• Create a truly unique gift 
• Review before purchase 

Things to Consider:

• Most portraits are for multiple pets, not singles 
• Expensive 

Best Custom Dog Gift for New Dog Parents

Our Pick: Personalization Mall Leash Hook

While the proud new pet parents of a puppy have probably already got a bed, collar, and leash sorted they might not have thought about where they’re going to store all of their new dog’s accessories. Custom dog gifts like this personalized leash hook are the perfect choice. This rustic, farmhouse design comes complete with five hooks, plenty of space for leashes, harnesses, and the obligatory bag of treats! You can personalize this by adding the dog’s name within a cute bone motif.   

Highlights:

• Plenty of space for puppy accessories
• Customize with pet’s name 
• Choose from five colors  
• Fast delivery 

Things to Consider:

• Needs some home assembly
• Made from MDF not real wood  

Best Memorial Personalized Pet Gift

Our Pick: Custom Pet Gifts Personalized Angel Photo Necklace

If you’re looking for a beautiful memento, this personalized angel photo necklace is a wonderful way for a pet parent to keep a beloved dog or cat close to their heart. The heart and angel wings add a special touch for a departed pet. Simply choose a design, upload a good-quality photo and your jewelry will be custom crafted to your specifications. Choose the length of the chain and whether you want your design on stainless steel or sterling silver. You can even add an engraved message on the reverse of the pendant for an extra-special touch.   

Highlights:

• Comes in a gift box
• Other designs also available
• Good value for money 
• Fast delivery 

Things to Consider:

• Make sure to follow the photo rules closely
• Some detail may be lost 

Best Matching Customized Pet Gift

Our Pick: Matching Dog & Owner T-Shirts

If you’re looking for an unforgettable gift that celebrates the bond between a pet and their parent, then this pet parent and pet t-shirt combo should tick all the boxes! Choose your dog’s tank size and the human’s t-shirt size to start. Once the order is placed, attach your images in the ‘Message Seller’ section on Etsy, and that’s it. The human t-shirt will be printed with the pet’s face, while the tank arrives with the human’s face. Talk about a head-turning, gift-winning combination!

Highlights:

• One affordable price for one unforgettable gift duo
• Reviewers rave about the super soft t-shirts and tanks
• One of the best customized sets we’ve seen 
• Customizations can be requested when ordering
• DTG printing means the design is less likely to peel or crack like screen printed images

Things to Consider:

• Only white t-shirt and tanks available at this time
• A bit pricey

Most Unique Customized Pet Gift

Our Pick: Cuddle Clones Custom Plush  

Nothing’s better than a snuggle with your favorite furball. But a cuddle with an incredibly detailed plush pet handcrafted to look just like your dog or cat could come pretty close! Cuddle Clones are made to capture every nuance of a specific cat or dog (or even rabbits and horses!), down to the tiniest detail, making them an absolutely stunning gift for any special occasion or pet-loving friend. Simply select a species and breed before uploading details of their characteristics including eye color, markings, and more. Cuddle Clones get rave reviews and there are plenty of examples from happy customers on their website.       

Highlights:

• Handcrafted 
• 100% satisfaction guarantee
• Other items (like slippers and mugs) also available 
• Great customer reviews 

Things to Consider:

• Expensive 
• Wait time can be up to eight weeks 

Best Value Custom Pet Gift

Our Pick: MyPhotosSocks Custom Face Mash Dog Apron 

Most dogs love to hang out in the kitchen when it’s time to cook dinner. And this apron is the perfect custom gift to remind whoever’s cooking to save some scraps for their canine taste tester! Printed with a repeating image of a pet’s face, this apron can be made in washable cotton, a waterproof fabric, or a basic budget fabric. If an apron isn’t quite the right gift, there’s plenty of other dog customization gifts to choose from, including socks, pajamas, blankets, and more.         

Highlights:

• Good value for money 
• Quick delivery
• Available in three styles 
• Other matching items available  

Things to Consider:

• Needs a good quality photograph 
• Non-waterproof version may become stained 

Best Custom Pet Gift Book

Our Pick: If My Dog Could Talk Personalized Pet Book

Designed for children or adults, this personalized story is the ‘ulti-mutt’ present for dog lovers. It comes in both a dog and a cat version so everyone can share in the personalized joy. Written by Maia Hagg and gorgeously illustrated by Susan Batori, you can choose from 10 illustrated dog styles and many colors. This book makes the perfect bedtime story or adult coffee table book as a conversation piece. Your dog’s name is included throughout the book, along with your choice of two people who are a part of the dog’s life (children or adults.) Personalize it with the recipient’s name on the cover, too!

Highlights:

• Available in hardcover or softcover
• Choose from over 10 dog styles and multiple colors
• Includes 20 fun-packed pages 
• Printed in the USA 
• Measures 8.5 x 8.5 inches
• Choose from dog or cat

Things to Consider:

• We wish there were more breeds or dogs from which to choose

How to Choose the Perfect Personalized Pet Gift 

Choosing a personalized pet lovers’ gift takes a little more consideration than selecting a regular gift so before you press “buy now,” make sure you take the following tips into account: 

Price

Customized pet gifts are a little bit more expensive than an off-the-shelf option, but when you consider that many are either completely handmade, hand-finished, or require a considerable amount of time from the designer to create — they’re completely worth it!  

Quality 

Personalized gifts have exploded onto the market in recent years, and some sellers are not as reputable as others. Guard yourself against dodgy storefronts by taking the time to read reviews (or choose one of our recommendations above!) and contact the seller to see how quickly they respond to your questions. If you get a bad feeling, it’s best to avoid it and choose an alternative.  

Type of customization 

Some gifts allow you to customize for a specific dog or cat breed, while others are a faithful recreation of a specific pet or image. Make sure you know which type you’re choosing so you’re not disappointed by the result. If a pet is an unusual breed or coloring, then you might only find the perfect match with a fully customized option.

Type of gift 

If you’re choosing a gift for a close friend, you probably have a good idea of their personal preferences. But for items like home decor, clothing, and jewelry, it can be harder to choose the right option. If you like the idea of buying someone a personalized gift but are worried about getting it wrong, consider a gift voucher or simply ask them their thoughts. It might spoil the surprise a little, but you know they’ll end up with a gift they truly love. 

Returns or refunds 

Many customized gifts are non-returnable, so be sure to follow any instructions provided by the manufacturer very closely. If you need to send a photo, ensure it’s a quality, high-resolution image showing exactly what the manufacturer requested (e.g., full body or simply a close-up of a pet’s face). Some (but not all) manufacturers will share a digital proof of your product so you can approve it online before it’s made and sent to you. If you don’t have that option, select a gift with lots of images from other customers, so you can get a better idea of what to expect.  

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