Listen, Your White Cat Really Can Get Sunburned (And Other Pet Stuff I Wish More People Knew)

By HOAR Team 5 July, 2025 6 mins read 106 Views

God, I can't believe I'm writing about cat sunscreen, but here we are.

My neighbor Paul texted me last week asking if his white cat Truffles could get sunburned. I laughed at first – then remembered that time back in 2019 when my friend's pale terrier ended up with a nose so red it looked like Rudolph. Turns out this stuff is actually serious business, and most pet owners have no clue.

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Your Pale Pets Are Basically Walking Sunburn Magnets

White and pale-colored cats and dogs? They're screwed in the sun department. Their ear tips, noses, and the area around their eyes are like little UV magnets just waiting to get fried. And it's not just about a little redness that goes away – we're talking potential skin cancer here. Squamous cell carcinoma, to be exact, which sounds as nasty as it is.

I spent way too much money ($47, to be precise) on pet-safe sunscreen after learning this the hard way. Your cat's gonna hate you for it initially. Mine gave me the stink eye for three days straight. But slap on a thin layer, then immediately distract them with treats or that stupid feather toy they love.

Pro tip: keep pale pets indoors during peak sun hours. Revolutionary, I know.

Kennels vs. That Pet-Sitting Thing Everyone's Talking About

Sandy from Swansea asked about leaving her Lurcher Brandy at a kennel for the first time. Poor Sandy – I remember that anxiety.

Sure, you can do the whole familiar bedding and pheromone collar routine (and you should). But honestly? I tried this pet-sitting service called TrustedHousesitters last month, and it was a game-changer. Some lovely retired couple looked after my neurotic rescue while I was away, and he was infinitely happier than he'd ever been in a kennel.

The dogs I've sat for through the service were basically living their best lives in their own homes instead of stressed out in some unfamiliar concrete box. Just saying.

African Greys Are Basically Feathered Toddlers

Jacob wants to teach his African Grey parrot Teddy some tricks. Here's what I wish someone had told me years ago: these birds are scary smart. Like, toddler-level intelligent, which is both amazing and slightly terrifying.

The real tragedy? Most people keep them alone with zero social interaction from their own kind. If you're not getting Teddy a friend, you better be prepared to become his entire social world.

YouTube is your best friend here. Start there, and prepare to be amazed (and maybe a little unsettled) by what Teddy can learn.

Fire That Behaviourist. Seriously.

Ella's dealing with a dog named Monkey who lunges at other dogs, and some so-called "behaviourist" recommended a spiked collar. I'm not even kidding.

That advice is about as outdated as flip phones. Find yourself a real, accredited animal behaviourist – one who's actually certified through APBC, ABTC, or CCAB. They'll work on habituation, response substitution, and counter conditioning instead of just punishing your dog for having feelings.

Good behaviourists are worth their weight in gold. Bad ones... well, they give advice like using medieval torture devices on anxious dogs.

Meet Pluto: The Pig Who Might Break the Internet

Okay, this is just adorable. There's this tiny pig named Pluto at Kew Little Pigs Farm who's potentially the world's smallest adult boar at just 38cm tall. He's currently waiting for Guinness World Records verification, which honestly sounds like the most British thing ever.

Owner Olivia says he's done film work and starred in a vodka ad campaign. A pig with a better resume than most humans – I respect that.

Hot Cars Kill Dogs (And People Still Don't Get It)

This one makes me genuinely angry.

Nearly half of dog owners would leave their pet in a car on a warm day, according to an RSPCA survey. HALF. What is wrong with people?

Even on a mild day, car temperatures can hit over 40C within ten minutes. Your dog can literally die while you're grabbing a coffee. The RSPCA says if you see a dog in a hot car, call 999 immediately – they don't have powers of entry and need police backup.

It's never worth the risk. Ever. I don't care if you're "just running in for a second" – that second can kill your dog.

Seriously, just leave them at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the definition of money?

Money is a medium of exchange that facilitates transactions for goods and services. It serves as a unit of account, a store of value, and a standard of deferred payment, allowing individuals to compare the value of diverse products and services.

What is the importance of financial literacy?

Financial literacy is essential for making informed decisions about budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. It empowers individuals to understand financial concepts, evaluate risks, and navigate complex financial products, leading to better financial stability and long-term wealth building.

What are the different types of money?

The main types of money include commodity money, which is based on physical goods like gold or silver; fiat money, which is government-issued currency not backed by a physical commodity; and digital currency, which exists electronically and is often decentralized, such as cryptocurrencies.

How can I start saving for retirement?

To start saving for retirement, begin by establishing clear retirement goals and determining how much you need to save. Contribute to employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as a 401(k), and consider opening an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Regular contributions and taking advantage of compounding interest can significantly boost your retirement savings over time.

What are the risks associated with investing in the stock market?

Investing in the stock market involves several risks, including market volatility, economic downturns, and company-specific factors that can lead to losses. Investors may also face liquidity risk, where they cannot sell an investment quickly without incurring a loss. Diversification and thorough research can help mitigate these risks.

What are the benefits of having an emergency fund?

An emergency fund provides financial security by offering a safety net for unexpected expenses, such as medical emergencies or job loss. It helps prevent debt accumulation, reduces stress, and allows for better financial planning, ensuring that individuals can navigate unforeseen circumstances without significant hardship.

How does inflation affect the value of money?

Inflation refers to the general rise in prices over time, which erodes the purchasing power of money. As inflation increases, each unit of currency buys fewer goods and services, meaning that the value of money decreases in terms of what it can purchase.

Statistics

According to the World Bank, around 1.7 billion adults worldwide remain unbanked, lacking access to basic financial services.
In 2020, the average retirement savings for Americans aged 60 to 69 was approximately $195,000, according to Fidelity.
A survey by the American Psychological Association found that 72% of Americans reported feeling stressed about money at some point in the past month.
A report by Bankrate indicated that only 29% of Americans have a written financial plan.
The average return on investment for the S&P 500 over the past 90 years is about 10% per annum.
According to a survey by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), about 66% of Americans could not correctly answer four basic financial literacy questions.
As of 2021, the average student loan debt for recent graduates was approximately $30,000, according to the Federal Reserve.
Research by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that individuals who receive financial education are 25% more likely to save than those who do not.

External Links

How To

How To Develop a Good Saving Habit

Developing a good saving habit begins with setting clear financial goals. Determine what you are saving for, whether it’s an emergency fund, a vacation, or retirement. Start by automating your savings; set up a direct deposit from your paycheck into a savings account. Aim to save at least 20% of your income, gradually increasing this amount as you become comfortable. Track your spending to identify areas where you can cut back and redirect those funds to your savings. Regularly review your savings progress and adjust your contributions as necessary to stay motivated and achieve your goals.

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