Category: Petland

As pet owners, we’re constantly being lectured by our vets about the importance of setting yearly vaccination appointments. So what’s the big deal, anyway? Well, over 5,000 dogs are infected with rabies each year in the U.S.; that’s just one of the dozens of contagious diseases that your pet could come in contact with throughout their life.

Vaccines are just as necessary for our dog’s longevity as they are for us, and since it’s Vaccination Awareness Month, we’ll tell you why!

Why Should You Vaccinate?

You already know that rabies is highly infectious, but were you aware that the disease can spread from species to species? It’s also incurable, and unmercifully painful to the host once symptoms begin to show.

In addition to the rabies vaccination, there are 3 other “core” shots your dog needs:

• Distemper (DA2P)
• Canine Hepatitis (DHPP)
• Parvovirus (DA2PP)

Parvovirus is a highly-contagious and dangerous virus, especially with puppies. So, if you’re a puppy-parent the DA2P and DA2PP should be the first items on your vaccine list. 

Owners of younger dogs might also want to consider vaccinating their pet against Bordetella and Leptospirosis. The first year of adolescent canine’s life is crucial for socialization, but dog parks and playgrounds can be hotspots for these infections. Bordetella is otherwise known as kennel cough, and can sometimes be found in places like boarding facilities and pet hotels. 

Lepto is a bacterial infection that likes to hide in standing water and is usually picked up when your dog walks through or accidentally drinks another canine’s urine. The long-term effects of Leptospirosis are quite serious, so keep that in mind when socializing your pup!

What About Side Effects?

Dogs receive inoculation in two ways, a shot through the muscle, or by spraying through the nose. In addition to some light soreness around the point of muscular injection, it’s typical for some pets to appear more tired and less hungry than usual. Vaccines mimic the behavior of a foreign threat, and the body responds by turning up the heat. This usually results in a minor fever. 

If your pup receives a vaccination through the nose, they might sneeze or cough a bit afterward.

The good news is that they should be feeling better within a couple of days! If symptoms worsen, your pet struggles to breathe, or experiences any kind of swelling, hit the vet ASAP. Anaphylaxis is life-threatening but can be managed with an anti-inflammatory shot…if administered quickly.

Scheduling An Appointment

Not only is it recommended for your pet’s well-being, but regular inoculation is also required by law in most states by 8 to 12 weeks of age. The frequency will depend on the type of shot given by your vet. For example, the booster for rabies can last anywhere from 1 to 3 years, whereas the canine flu vaccine only lasts for up to 2 years.

If you know your dog is due for a checkup but unsure of when just check with your vet! They keep your dog’s records and usually send out reminders for you to set an appointment when the time comes.

If you own a pet, eventually you will have to bathe him. Dogs can be challenging to bathe, but cats can be near impossible. But all of them like to roll in stinky substances, hide in dirty places, or occasionally get a condition (fleas, maybe?) that requires putting them in water and soaping them thoroughly before rinsing them clean and toweling them dry. But the question remains, “How do I do that?”

Well, the answer is the same, whether you’re bathing a dog or a cat. I’ll give you some tips that will help you make bath time as pleasant and effective as possible for either species. Here are the steps.

1. Gather everything you need. You’ll need the right shampoo, but even baby shampoo has the wrong pH for your pet. Petland carries a wide variety of shampoos and conditioners. You also might want to get a bathing tool like a shampoo dispensing brush or a rubber curry comb. You’ll also need several towels, a slip-proof mat (or more towels), something to use to rinse the shampoo out (a cup will do but a sprayer hose is better), a mild eye ointment to prevent the sting of shampoo, and small cotton balls to keep water out of the ears.
2. Put everything you’ll need near the tub or sink, block the drain with a steel-wool pad (to catch hair) and stopper,  and fill with warm water before you bring a puppy or kitty into the bathroom. The sound of rushing water just adds to his anxiety if he doesn’t already love baths. (You may also want a bucket of water for rinsing your pet  if the water running from the tap scares him.)
3. Brush your animal thoroughly. Work out mats in his coat before you get him wet, or you may have to resort to scissors after his bath.
4. If Fido or Fluffy fights you, don’t yell! A harsh voice only makes him more nervous. Have an extra person help you hold him in the water.
5. Wet your pet by pouring water from the tub over his body. Emulsify the shampoo by rubbing it between your hands before you apply it to his wet coat. Then, massage it into his coat gently. If he loves being petted, this will be like a day at the spa to him.
6. Open the stopper (but leave the steel wool inside) and let the water drain out. The steel wool will prevent your drain from clogging with hair.
7. Dipping fresh water from the bucket or opening the tap (make sure the water is still warm), pour water over him as many times as necessary to completely rinse the shampoo from his coat. Leaving soap on him can cause itching and drying out the skin, leading to more problems.
8. Throw one towel over his back and use another to dry his face, head, and feet. Then if he’s short-coated, rub him dry. If he has a long coat, gently squeeze the water out of his coat but don’t rub. Putting him in a wire crate to dry will prevent him from rolling and getting carpets wet and don’t—I repeat: DON’T—let him outside until he’s thoroughly dry. If you do, you’ll be right back in the bathroom in short order!

Visit your local Petland for more advice and a great supply of grooming tools!

Summertime is the perfect time to throw a bash (and a frisbee or tennis ball) for Barkley. It can be the highlight of the warmer season if you follow some common-sense rules and dip into your imagination. (If you’re not that imaginative, check out Pinterest or Instagram for ideas.)

Basically, if you’ve ever thrown a birthday party for kids, you already know how to make things fun. Your dog’s birthday is an ideal occasion, but if you don’t know when he was born, the date you first met is a great alternative. (Besides, isn’t it anytime a good time for a party?)

Here are the simple steps and cautions.

1. Choose a date. As mentioned above, a birthday or adoption anniversary works well.  Keep in mind that most people work and may not be available during the day.
2. Think about your guest list. Will the party include Barkley’s best four-footed friends? Or will he be the center of attention of humans who are all dog-lovers but leave their own at home? If you’re planning to have doggy-guests, make sure that Barkley has met them before and gets along. An obedience group, a doggy-daycare group, or the pups in the dog park are good invitees. How many you want to invite and the size of the dogs will help you determine the next goal—
3. Choose a venue. If the dogs attending Barkley’s Bash are small like he is, an indoor party at your house might just work fine. A fenced backyard is ideal, as long as it’s a dog-proofed environment that can’t be escaped from. Other options are a park (you may have to get permission), a dog park, a doggy-daycare facility, or even a swimming pool. All of these offer their own advantages.
4. What refreshments should you serve? There are numerous dog-friendly recipes online if you want to bake a birthday cake or make pupsicles. Most Petland locations also sell puppy cake mixes, birthday cookies and ice cream mixes. Dogs also love people-food as treats, especially carrots and apples. Your veggie platter for humans will have a lot of options as well but steer the canines away from processed meats (and cheese, in case any are lactose intolerant). There’s too much sodium in lunch meat and tiny sausages to be good for Barkley and company. Lots of bowls filled with cool, freshwater is a must.
5. Activities to share with poochy friends necessarily include things to fetch, like tennis balls and frisbees. Put out tug-toys that the pups can play with as well. But keep Barkley’s favorite toys put away because he might not want to share them with his friends. If you have a pool in your backyard, you can have a splash party! Even if you don’t have a pool, a kiddie pool filled with water can be almost as much fun and some dogs totally love the sprinkler. Make sure you have a lot of old towels on hand for guests to dry off with after the water fun.
6. Decorations are fun but not absolutely necessary. The decorations are for Barkley’s human friends, actually, so have fun with a themed party or leave them out entirely. Dog-themed partyware is available at many retailers or online.

A backyard barbeque can be an ideal time to gather with friends and neighbors while celebrating the special relationship you have with Barkley, too!

So you’ve got a baby on the way, congratulations! This is such an exciting time period for moms, dads, and furry siblings. They can sense your joy and see that changes are being made to the home, but they’re not exactly sure of what’s to come next.

Instead of abruptly interrupting your pup’s established routine, keep the harmony by working to ease into the transition a few months prior to the arrival of your infant. This way, it’s not such a shock to the system when their schedule is altered and new boundaries are set in place.

What’s Yours Is Mine…Unless It’s the Baby’s

The funny thing about children’s toys is that they often resemble the ropes and balls your dog likes to play with. They squeak, rattle, they’re filled with stuffing, and have the perfect texture for chewing. However, the last thing you want is to walk into a room and find your pup gnawing on a bottle nipple like it’s a piece of Bubblicious gum. 

While you’re hanging out at home, set out a couple of baby items in obvious locations. When your dog shows interest, begins to lick, or attempts to pick up the toy or object, give them a stern “shh!” or “no!” 

When they turn away, use positive reinforcement by reminding them of their own toy through light play and praise.

Through repetition, your dog will be able to make out the difference between what belongs to them, and what belongs to the baby just as they did with your belongings. This subtle, crucial step will not only prevent infant and pup from swapping saliva, but it’ll also prevent confrontation.

What’s That Sound

The sound of a baby crying can be rather unnerving to a canine that has never really heard it before. Heck, it’s unnerving to most parents! All your dog knows is that this little creature you’ve brought home makes a sound that’s unfamiliar, and repetitive…almost like the meow of a cat. Only, it’s a distressed cat that hollers at all hours, and at random times of the day.

Help manage your pup’s confusion by getting them adjusted with a video or recording of a crying baby. Start by playing short segments a couple of times each day, and gradually increase the frequency and length of time. Be sure to place the device in the baby room and areas that you know your child will be sleeping, playing, and living in.

It’ll be a daily reality in just a few short weeks; the sooner your pup gets used to it, the better. 

Making New Friends

Look for opportunities to socialize with young children, and consenting parents, of course. Babies are one thing, but soon enough they’ll be walking, talking, touching, and interacting with the world around them. Your dog will be eye-level with this growing toddler, so it’s important that they are gentle and tolerant.

We want our fur babies to understand that children sometimes shriek or make sudden movements, but they don’t always require a reaction or response. It’s just what kids do.

Obviously this last step is dependent upon your dog’s comfort level and your ability to gauge how much stimulation is too much. As your child gets a bit older don’t forget to teach them that Fido has boundaries, too. It hurts when you pull on his ears or tail, but it feels good when you rub his belly.

Safety should always be the number one priority!

Celebratory seasons and fireworks sure go hand in hand, don’t they? During the months of July and December, Americans are celebrating Independence Day and ringing in the New Year. The awe-inspiring light shows may be entertaining for us, but they’re terrifying for Fido.

Here are a few tips on keeping your pup safe and relaxed through the festivities!

Secure the Room

It’s completely understandable that you’d want to let your dog roam the house as he normally does. However, it’s not a risk worth taking under these special circumstances. Instead, set up a cozy “panic room” for them to take refuge in. Stockpile the space with soft blankets, their favorite toys, and something that smells like you.

The garage is not a good idea as the door will vibrate and mimic the sound of rolling thunder when fireworks are set off nearby. Canines will tear through metal and break through glass in order to escape a perceived threat, so it helps to secure the outside of the exit with a solid, heavy barrier.

If you have a friend or trustworthy neighbor who’d be willing to babysit, set up a playdate in advance. Your dog will at least have some company, and you’ll have some peace of mind. At the very least, exchange information with someone who lives nearby in case there’s an emergency.

Relaxation Methods

Even if you plan on staying home, your dog may need some extra assistance in managing the fear associated with the explosive noise of fireworks. The good news is, lots of owners have found success with CBD treats and oils as a means of dealing with nervous canines. It’s also been shown to help with arthritic pain and physical discomfort without causing the drowsiness or lack of appetite that prescription medications like Valium do. Check your local Petland for CBD products.

If you’re not sure where to find CBD or you live in a state where it’s not legal yet, Benadryl is another safe choice. Veterinarians recommend administering 1 milligram of Benadryl per pound of body weight, depending on your dog’s specific health requirements, of course.

Hopefully, it helps them close their eyes and take it easy for the rest of the evening.

Update Tags and Identification

Even if your dog never wears a collar, they most definitely should have one at any time that there’s a flight risk. In addition to a rabies tag, you should include two separate tags with your name, address, phone number, and a secondary number if possible.

When animals escape in a panic, it’s not uncommon for collars to get snagged on fences and gates. Be prepared for this by getting your dog chipped. It’s usually only about $20-$30 and ensures that if a good samaritan finds your pet without any contact info, they can still get a hold of you.

In fact, dogs are 2.5 times more likely to be returned to their owners when chipped, and cats are 20 times more likely! 

If your best friend ends up being one of the hundreds of found animals during the fireworks season, they won’t be lost for long.

Taking a walk is always fun, but here are some fun games to keep your dog physically enthusiastic as well as sharpening up their grey matter…

“Treasure hunt.” Take along his favorite treats and as soon as he gets distracted from you, toss one and tell him to “find the treat.” You might have to guide him the first few times, but this game is learned easily and teaches him to stay focused on you.

 “Pathfinder.” If you’ve gotten in a rut taking the same walk every day, chances are Fido’s as bored as you are. Vary your route and make it challenging. Climb stairs, walk on curbs, jump over small barriers, or even splash through some water. Keep his attention by abruptly changing direction and he’ll soon be keeping his eye on you!

“Red light, green light.” You played it as a kid. Now teach it to your dog! As you walk, stop suddenly and say “red light!” (or whatever word you want to be the command). Sometimes go as soon as he sits at your side, and sometimes wait for a bit. Keep him off balance, never knowing what you’ll do next, and you’ll sharpen his attention right up.

“Follow the leader.” Do you have a dog that insists on being out in front? This game will teach him who the leader is. Each time he heads out in his own direction, immediately change directions so he has to turn to catch up with you. Keep moving, but keep him following you.

“Come!” While walking with your dog, suddenly reverse direction, running backward and calling his name. He’ll decide coming when called is a fun game, and it’s one of the most important things you can teach him.

“Push-ups.” At varying intervals, stop your walk and quickly have your dog sit, down, and sit again. Then break into a run or give him a treat. Soon he’ll be watching you closely to see what you’re up to next.

“Dribbling.” Take along a soccer-ball when you walk your dog. Push it with your feet and let him push it around, too. Just be careful you don’t step on the ball or on Fido, either!

“Flirt-pole.” A flirt pole is a long pole with a lure at the end. You dangle and dance it in front of him as you walk. He’ll love trying to grab the lure and you are always in control due to the length of the pole.

“Parkour for dogs.” This urban agility training is so much fun for both you and your dog, it will turn the way you walk your dog on its head. Parkour combines dog agility with your daily walk to make his world (and yours) exciting and stimulating. He’ll jump, climb, balance, crawl under, and go around obstacles you see every day one every street in town. For detailed information, check out the International Dog Parkour Association website.

In 1999, when Pet Sitters International (PSI) suggested National Take Your Dog to the Office Day, it might have been a bit of a hard sell. After all, our fur babies do demand attention, particularly if they are young or not well socialized. But people around the nation agreed that our canine companions should have a special day and the first Friday after Father’s Day was set.

Even though having your pal beside your feet might hinder your tasks a bit, there are three solid reasons for following this nationally recognized day. Perhaps pointing these out to your boss will make him (or her) a believer, too.

1. The most obvious, of course, is that most people love dogs. They are often cute and winsome and their tails wag and eyes laugh whenever someone even looks their way. Her soft, fluffy coat or his silly expression draws people in and just makes them feel a bit happier. Naturally, you are filled with pride when others see your beloved pooch and make sweet remarks about him.
2. This reason is the one that might win your boss. Positive interaction among coworkers has ratcheted up a notch when Fido breaks the ice with that shy colleague you’ve been unable to draw into a conversation. The team member you’ve thought you had nothing in common with shows her delight in your dog and introduces you to her own fur baby. Better communication and teamwork are surely tradeoffs for having your pup at work with you once a year.
3. Another reason is that more and more frequently employers are allowing pets in the workplace. Why you ask? Well, it makes for a fun, happier environment as well as lowers stress levels of employees and creates an environment that is more flexible and creative. 
4. Dogs in the workplace nurture productivity. When employees are less stressed and happier, they have a better chance of being productive and allows for the creative juices to flow. Dogs can create a camaraderie that may not have happened before and those relationships at work can spark new ideas. 
5. Healthcare benefits abound! When people have dogs, they are shown to take more walks which reduces stress and obesity. Other health benefits are that with lower stress levels and healthier lifestyles, that reduces the amount of time that people spend at the physician’s office. Less time at the doctor means more time being productive and happier. Who doesn’t like happier, healthier employees? Plus, when pet parents are more proactive in their pet’s care, they also tend to be more proactive in their own health as well. 2 birds, 1 stone. Well, in this case, 2 dogs, one ball. 

If you are the boss at work and would like more information about celebrating Take Your Dog to Work Day, a free tool kit is available for you to download, full of tips and resources to help make this special day a success. So grab your briefcase and a doggy bag of treats and set the pace for your company!

It’s getting hot y’all, and it’s time to find some fun, easy ways to keep you and your pup cooled off and staying healthy. Here are 5 DIY summer treats that are sure to make everyone happy!

What’s your favorite treat? Lots of people dip into the cold stuff when the summer heat makes us long for cooler temperatures. If you like ice cream, your dog will, too. But don’t just scoop it out of the freezer and into his bowl! Ice cream for humans may contain additives and sugar that can make your pal really sick—or worse. Dogs can be lactose intolerant, too. But that doesn’t mean you have to leave him out of the fun.

●  Doggy ice cream. Purina® makes a product called Frosty Paws that’s sold in supermarkets and that dogs really love. It comes in two flavors, original and peanut butter. Or, make your own! Here’s a great recipe for frozen puppy treats that are as much fun to make as to watch him enjoy. Just combine a cup and a half of chopped strawberries with two mashed bananas. Melt about half a cup of coconut oil and then blend it all together. It should be about the texture of ice cream, but you can thin it out with water if necessary. Pour into paper cups and cover with plastic film. Top it with a dog biscuit standing on end to make a delightful, yummy “pupsicle!”

●  Peanut-butter bites frozen treats. Dogs absolutely love peanut butter! And what’s not to love? Blend some strawberries and blueberries together in a blender. Scoop a teaspoon of peanut butter into each well in an ice-cube tray and fill with the blended fruit. freeze until solid and then store in the freezer in plastic bags for on-hand snacking.

●  Greek yogurt. If your dog is not lactose intolerant, Greek yogurt is a great summer treat. Don’t overindulge your buddy, though, because dairy products can cause loose stools. A little bit is a great treat!

●  Starbucks® has a secret menu just for our fuzzy friends! When you’re getting your favorite drink, ask for a Puppuccino and the barista will promptly serve whipped cream in a cup for your little pal. (Again, this treat is only for dogs who tolerate dairy.)

●  Frozen chicken bone broth. Yep. That’s all there is to it. Pour some low-sodium chicken (or beef) bone broth in an ice-cube tray and give your buddy a cooling treat with ease.

Remember these important tips for summer fun with Fido.

1. Make your daily walks early morning and late evening to avoid the heat of the day.
2. Never, ever leave your dog in the car, even for only a few moments with the windows cracked. On a mild 75° day, your car can heat up to 100° in a mere 10 minutes. Brain damage, heatstroke, or even death can follow quickly.
3. Keep his water bowl fresh and cool. If you must be outside in the heat, offer him water every fifteen minutes.
4. Are your feet hot? If you find hot pavements uncomfortable, imagine how his feet feel. Booties are available, or you can pick him up and carry him across hot spots. He’ll love you for it!

The summer has arrived and brought warm temperatures with it. While you’re out enjoying the beaches and hiking trails with your best friend, make sure that you’re both staying nourished and hydrated.  Here are some treats that both you and your pup can enjoy!

Melon Berry Froyo Bones

This simple, mouthwatering recipe is brimming with vitamins, antioxidants, and sweet flavor. Imagine a yummy, berry popsicle with the tangy addition of frozen yogurt.

Ingredients:

• An ice tray (you can find custom molds on Amazon)
• 2 cups watermelon
• 1/4th cup of water
• Equal parts blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries (about 2 each) 
• 1 cup yogurt

What to do:

First, use a spoon to stir the berries into a cup of yogurt and place the mixture in the fridge to chill. Grab your ice tray and fill it about a quarter of the way up with the watermelon mixture. It takes about 2 to 3 hours to freeze.

Once the watermelon has frozen completely, take the ice tray out and fill the remaining space with your yogurt concoction and place it back in the freezer until solid. When you’re hanging out poolside, pop one of those babies out and break off a piece for your pup too. Cheers!

Baked Pumpkin Poppers

These tasty treats are more for our dogs than for us, as they don’t contain any added sugar. Even if you’re a beginner baker, you can’t mess these baked goodies up. Think of these as donut holes for pups!

Ingredients

• ½ a cup Flaxseed
• 1/4th a cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4th a cup peanut butter
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4th water
• 2 bowls, an oven, and a pre-sprayed baking sheet

What to do:

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees.

Mix the flour and whole wheat flour in one of your bowls. Use the second bowl to thoroughly stir the flax seed into the water. It’s important not to skip this step! Mixing the wet and dry ingredients too soon will make it difficult to merge them later on.

Add the peanut butter, pumpkin puree, and cinnamon to the wet ingredients. Once you’ve got a thick paste going, you can slowly begin mixing in the flour. Take your time and be sure not to rush this step; by now, you should have almost a cookie-dough texture. Use your hands to knead out any dry patches of flour.

Roll your dough into small, donut-hole sized balls and place them onto your baking sheet. Since there isn’t any baking soda included, you don’t have to set them very far apart as they won’t expand.

Depending on your oven, these treats could take 15-21 minutes to cool, so continue to keep an eye on them during that timespan. If you’ve got a senior pup, you can take them outright at the 15-minute mark for a softer, easier to chew option.

Coconut Carob 

Something about the taste of chocolate and bananas is just so satisfying, isn’t it? Our dogs can’t eat cocoa derivatives, but carob is the next best thing. You and your best friend can eat this recipe frozen or chilled.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 bananas
• 3/4th a cup of peanut butter
• 1-2 TBSP of carob for flavor
• An ice tray
  
  

Start by mashing up your bananas and stirring them into the peanut butter, if you have a hand-mixer, go ahead and use it for this step. However, you can also use a fork or spoon. Then, add the carob; this part is really at your discretion. If your dog has never had it before, consider making your first batch with one tablespoon and see how it goes.

Place the mixture into an ice mold and allow them to freeze. If you don’t have one, you can always allow the blend to chill in the fridge for a few hours so that it’s not completely frozen. Once cold, add it to your dog’s breakfast, and throw a spoonful into your oats for a yummy wake-up meal!

Spoiler Alert! There’s no easy way to say this, but there’s no such thing as a hypoallergenic cat. Feline saliva and skin glands contain a naturally occurring enzyme called Fel D1. Fortunately, there are quite a few breeds out there that produce less of this protein and are considered allergy-friendly.

The Siberian Cat

These frisky, independent kitties have multi-colored coats that are less prone to tangling than other long-haired breeds. Although there is a bit of seasonal shedding with the Siberian, they don’t create as much dandruff. Less shedding means less skin flaking on your furniture and clothes!

The owner of a Siberian Cat should be fine if their allergies are on the lighter side. Those with more severe issues may want to consider a short-hair or naked breed.

The Balinese

If you don’t fall in love with their cream-colored coat and brown booties, you’ll definitely fall into a trance when staring into the big blue eyes of a Balinese. These talkative kitties love to greet their family members with a sweet “meow!” 

They do have longer fur similarly to the Siberian, but the Balinese lack an undercoat. So, owners can expect to see very little Fel D1 exposure with these cats. Balinese felines are especially sweet, playful, and make great companions for children. If your child wants a furbaby of their own but lives with an allergy, this may just be the right breed for your family.

The Sphynx

For those who get the worst of the coughing, sneezing, and overall irritation that comes with having a cat allergy, meet the Sphynx. These interesting felines are completely hairless! Donning only their soft, wrinkly skin, this gentle breed gets a little chilly from time to time.

They love to cuddle and don’t mind wearing a light, non-abrasive sweater for warmth and protection. These cats are a bit of a double-edged sword; no fur means no shedding, but it also entails far more grooming. The Sphynx produces quite a bit of oil due to being hairless, which means they’ll also need to be bathed every couple of weeks, at least.

While there are some very short-haired Sphynx varieties, they’ll need the same kind of care as their naked counterparts.

Devon Rex

Imagine a Sphynx with a fuzzy, curly, thin coat of fur. That’s the Devon Rex breed in a nutshell! Their skin, and their fur are both incredibly delicate, and it’s not necessary to brush them out. Rather than regular bathing, the Devon Rex benefits from being wiped down with a damp cloth or unscented wipe every so often.

These cats have a rather strange personality, owners have described them as being accepting of petting and attention. However, they want to be treated like royalty, and they let you know it! Your kitty may appear to be standoffish at times, but when you want a cuddle buddy at night, the Devon is happy to curl up…right next to your neck and face. The good news is that they’re one of the top choices available for people with really terrible cat allergies.