Honestly? That’s kind of rude, pet parents. Luckily, one dog dad figured out a better way. He took what dogs already know how to do, instinctively, and used that to give his dog and at least one of its pals what they really want: tennis balls!

The viral video below shows a cleverly rigged piñata that only asks the dog (we’re guessing this pup is a standard black lab) to give a ball dangling from the bottom a tug. It’s a smart ploy: get the dog to use its instincts, and it’s rewarded with more of what it really wants.

After tugging on the ball, the piñata opens to reveal many more balls. After being stunned for a moment, the puppy and his pal (another lab?! Lucky!) each sniff around the room before grabbing a ball of their own to play with.

There’s nothing not to love about this video. Puppy parties, new tennis balls for playing fetch, dog friends, and happy parents. We hope somebody rigs something similar up for a terrier that’s a bit tougher to get into. We bet an American Staffordshire Terrier would just love that!

Why dogs like tugging on things

Dogs like tugging because it’s something they do as puppies during play time. Many experts believe dogs play tug of war to establish trust.

Experts also believe dogs don’t treat humans much differently than other dogs. They may view us as leaders of their pack, but they want to interact with humans the same way they do other dogs. That’s why it’s important to play tug of war with your dog and encourage them to follow their instincts.

To that, these puppy parents are doing a great job. The dog obviously wants to tug, trusts his humans enough to tug on the ball his dog dad tells him to, and is rewarded with so many tennis balls.

But good luck around the holidays and on birthdays, pet parents. That pup may think every gift-wrapped item is full of tennis balls and rip packages open! Guess you’ll have to hide the gifts, moving forward. Small price to pay for the pure joy those puppies are experiencing, though.

For a lot of people, Dyson is the go-to name in vacuums. But brand loyalty is expensive, and it can force you to miss out on some fantastic products and deals. Take this Shark cordless vacuum Prime Day 2022 deal, for instance. Right now at Best Buy, you can get the Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum for only $200, down $60 from its retail price of $260. This deal may only stick around during Prime Day, so take advantage while you can.

Should you buy this Shark cordless vacuum on Prime Day?

Once you try a cordless vacuum, you’ll understand why so many people love them. Easy to use and incredibly convenient, you can bring the vacuum into every room you need to clean without having to worry about how far your power cord will stretch. Maneuver the vacuum under tables, around sofas, and into deep nooks and crannies. Since cordless vacuums are so light, you can easily clean surfaces at or above eye level, such as bookshelves and ceiling fans. Take advantage of this Shark cordless vacuum Prime Day deal and make your cleaning routine less of a chore.

This Shark cordless vacuum holds its own against more lauded brands like Dyson. The Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum has a high-speed brushless motor that will suck up dirt, dust, and fine particles with ease. It works well on hardwoods and carpets and when you need to clean the car seats or dig into the cushions of a couch, you can turn the vacuum into a handheld beast. This model is only 7 pounds when completely assembled and lighter when in handheld mode! If you’re looking for something a bit beefier than this stick vacuum, check out our rundown of the best Shark vacuums of 2022.

This Shark cordless vacuum has a run time of 40 minutes on a single charge; more than enough time unless you’re a spring cleaning deep-cleaning machine and need to deep dive into every nook and cranny in your house. If you store the vacuum in its convenient charging station, it will always be charged and ready when you need it and takes merely three hours to charge fully — we’re sure you can find other cleaning projects to do while your new vacuum charges!

And, since the Shark is so easy to whip out and carry anywhere, you’ll find yourself cleaning up areas as messes arise rather than waiting for one painfully long day of cleaning.

This Shark cordless vacuum Prime Day deal is exclusive to Best Buy Prime Day deals, but it might not stick around past Prime Day. Best Buy is giving Amazon a run for their money when it comes to Prime Day deals this year. Grab this fantastic Dyson alternative while it’s still super cheap.

Finding a cozy spot

Your cat might be attracted to your computer because of its warmth. This is particularly true of laptops, which often vent heat out of their sides and can get toasty during use. Your laptop is also right in your lap, a prime spot for a cozy catnap.

Once your cat realizes your keyboard is a warm place to sleep, climbing onto it can become a habit. He might see your keyboard as his new bed, whether or not you happen to be using it at the time.

Getting attention

It’s also possible that your cat has figured out that when he sits on your keyboard, he gets what he wants — attention. If you’ve been working intently, you may have overlooked him walking by, rubbing against your leg, or looking up longingly at you from the floor. Getting on your keyboard is sure to get a reaction, even if it might not be the positive affection he’s after.

When you’re working on a laptop, it’s usually in your lap. Your cat might just want to cuddle, and stepping onto your computer is a good way to make you pick him up and to quickly capture your attention. You might notice that your cat pushes his head under your hands to get at your keyboard, which could be an effort to get you to pet him.

No matter how your cat manages to get onto your keyboard, it’s what you do in response that delivers him his reward. You’re sure to react, whether you laugh at him, pet him, or even pick him up and move him. In doing so, you’ve given him attention and he’s managed to get you away from your work, even if just for a moment. Don’t be surprised if he starts doing this again and again as a result.

How to break the habit

While your kitty may just be looking for attention, having him climb all over your keyboard in the middle of a workday is far from ideal, and your cat can also activate commands and settings on your computer that you then have to figure out how to undo. Cat hair can also work its way down into your keyboard or into your laptop, which can lead to pricey repairs. It’s best to keep your cat off the keyboard entirely.

That’s easier said than done, but you’ve got ways to encourage your cat to choose more appropriate spots for settling down:

• Try placing a tempting box or cozy cat bed next to your computer, giving your cat an alternative space that you can place him into when he tries to settle down on your keyboard. Add some catnip to make the spot more enticing, or turn on a desk lamp to heat up that spot, so it’s irresistible to your cat.
• If your cat is actively seeking out your attention, then try to build plenty of breaks into your workday or your general computer use. Set yourself a timer and make sure to stand up and take a break every half-hour. During that time, play and engage with your cat. The more exercise and entertainment you can give him, the greater the chances that he’ll be happy to settle down next to you instead of crawling over you and your keyboard.

It’s all too easy to get distracted while you’re on a computer, and you might be ignoring your cat’s signals more than you think you are. Your cat’s climbing on your keyboard could be a bid for your attention, or he might just see it as a prime sleeping spot. While it’s not a behavior that you want to run unchecked, there are plenty of ways you can help ensure your cat’s needs are met. With a little time and effort, you and your cat can successfully and peacefully spend time together, even while you’re working on your computer.

When to feed a liquid diet

Your vet might recommend that you feed liquid cat food in several different instances:

• Orphaned kittens might need to be fed liquid milk replacer.
• More commonly, a cat who’s recovering from surgery or an illness might lose their appetite and need a liquid diet for a few days as they regain their strength.
• Some older cats who are unwell or in pain might also benefit from a liquid diet.

In most cases, a liquid diet for cats isn’t a long-term solution and is instead intended to get a cat through a rough period so they can regain their strength and return to their typical diets. However, cats who have cancer or kidney disease might benefit from a long-term liquid diet. Liquid diets should only be fed under your vet’s supervision and instruction since a cat who is unwell enough to require a liquid diet will probably require other treatments and careful monitoring.

Potential liquid diets for cats

There are many commercially available liquid diets for cats, and they’re formulated to ensure your cat gets the nutrition she needs. If you’re looking for a milk replacer for kittens, Whiskas Catmilk for Cats and Kittens is easy to digest and comes already formulated as a liquid.

Most liquid diets intended for adult cats require a prescription, and your vet will surely recommend the one they think is best for your cat.

You may also be able to create your own liquid diet for your cat. You can puree traditional wet cat food in a blender and add some water to create more of a broth. This is ideal because you retain the balanced nutrition that already exists in the cat food. Alternatively, your vet might recommend using low-sodium chicken broth as a short-term solution. If you’re considering making your own liquid diet, be sure to consult with your vet to verify that it will meet your cat’s nutritional requirements.

How to feed a liquid diet

In most cases, you may need to syringe-feed your cat a liquid diet, especially as she is just starting to recover. Your vet will provide you with a syringe and detailed instructions on how much to feed your cat and when. Syringe feeding will take time, and it’s a temporary solution that you might need to perform over a few days. You’ll also want to provide your cat with free access to water.

As your cat regains her strength, she may start to feel strong enough to eat on her own. Warming up her liquid food can make it more tempting, encouraging her to eat. A few seconds in the microwave will usually do the trick, but be sure to stir the food thoroughly and carefully check its temperature before giving it to your cat.

Feeding a liquid diet requires some extra time and patience, but it’s often a necessary aspect of caring for your cat when she’s unwell. If you ever have questions about the diet or your cat’s health, talk to your vet right away. A cat who doesn’t eat can quickly become dehydrated and lose strength, so it’s important to get your cat the care she needs. By choosing the right liquid diet and following your vet’s instructions, you may be able to give your cat all the care she needs right at home. However, in some cases, cats may need to return to the vet for IV treatments and other supportive care to get them through a tough health period.

But don’t let that put you off. Sphynx cats are some of the friendliest, funniest cats around. They’re fiercely loyal to their favorite humans, so much so that their personalities are commonly described as doglike. This breed is curious and loving, making them the perfect fit for those who don’t mind having a constant companion. If you have children or other pets, you’re in luck. Sphynx cats typically get along with the entire family, including dogs. 

Why do hairless cats require so much upkeep?

You might think a hairless cat is lower maintenance than other breeds, but their absence of body hair actually creates extra work. Because sphynx cats have only a fine layer of peach fuzz on their bodies, their natural oils accumulate on the surface of the skin. With other breeds, their hair absorbs the oils, creating glossy, healthy coats. Your sphynx, on the other hand, will need a bath once a week to shed the oils. 

Not only does a thick coat absorb oil, but it’s also essential in helping cats regulate their temperature. This means that, in addition to requiring weekly bath time, your sphynx needs help maintaining his body temperature. (Sphynx cats are notoriously cuddly in part because they’re trying to steal our body heat.) However, given their high metabolisms, sphynx cats can also overheat easily. 

Keeping your sphynx cat clean

Cleanliness is a top priority with a sphynx. We recommend using fragrance-free, hypoallergenic cat shampoo when bathing your sphynx, as it’s much less likely to irritate his sensitive skin. Be sure to rinse your cat thoroughly to avoid leaving behind any residue, which can lead to itching and irritation. Because sphynx cats get cold easily, you should pat them dry as soon as bath time is over — rubbing is too harsh on delicate skin.

Did you know cats can develop acne? Pore-clogging oil can cause blackheads on your feline friend. If you notice that your sphynx has developed acne, you can treat it with gentle anti-bacterial soap. (Ask your vet for recommendations or an office visit if you’re stumped.)

Sphynx cats are also prone to waxy buildup in their ears because there’s not much hair present to help keep them clean, so you’ll also want to clean your kitty’s ears during bath time. But don’t worry; cleaning your cat’s ears isn’t a complicated process. A few swipes of a cotton ball soaked in specially formulated ear cleaner is all it takes to wipe away wax and dirt.

Protecting your sphynx cat

We often see cats contort themselves into funny positions to scratch an itch. Adorable, yes, but potentially risky for a sphynx. Because they don’t have a thick layer of hair, sphynx cats can easily scratch themselves too hard and leave an open wound. Just like our injuries, any open sore on your kitty can become infected. 

To prevent claw-related mishaps, we recommend keeping your sphynx’s nails trimmed or putting on nail caps, thin layers of nontoxic plastic that prevent scratches. (Some vets may be willing to put them on for you; it never hurts to ask.)

Helping your sphynx stay comfortable

As we briefly touched on earlier, this good-natured, mostly hairless breed needs help with temperature regulation. But wait just one second before you buy your sphynx an entire wardrobe of adorable sweaters. While some cats love wearing clothes, others turn into miniature, bald Tasmanian devils if you so much as attempt to clothe them. 

If your cat tolerates clothing, be sure to look for soft fabrics that won’t irritate his skin. We recommend keeping your sphynx indoors, but if you plan on letting him venture out into your yard, opt for clothing with sun protection to prevent uncomfortable sunburns. Lightweight fabrics help your kitty stay cool while providing SPF, but be prepared to wash his clothes frequently to remove oily buildup. 

Some cats hate wearing clothes with the flaming passion of 1,000 suns, but that doesn’t mean they can’t warm up when the temperature starts to dip. Heated cat beds make the perfect cozy spot for sphynx cats, and if you’re concerned your cat might get too warm, models with thermostats provide warmth without the risk of your cat overheating or getting burned. 

If it’s an option, you can also keep one part of your home warmer. And for those sweltering summer months, fans and cooling pads help keep your cat from overheating. Just make sure you have cozy blankets on hand in case he gets a little too cool. 

Despite the extensive upkeep required, we think hairless cats are worth the effort. Sphynx cats are playful, affectionate, and loyal companions. If you’re willing to do the work, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more loving, cuddly cat than a sphynx. 

Nacho — a Maine coon who is absolutely adorable — and his dad are introducing the appropriately named Made by Nacho line of cat food, which promises “better taste and high-quality nutrition” for the “modern cat.” As you can see in the video below, Nacho is not only gorgeous, he’s bemused at the prospect of following his dad’s steps into TV stardom:

Jokes aside, Made by Nacho is legit. Sustainably caught salmon, grass-fed beef, and cage-free chicken dominate the recipes, and all products are made in the U.S. “using the finest globally sourced ingredients.” In addition to animal protein, foods contain bone broth (“in every recipe”), organic grains, and prebiotics. You’ll also find kale, pumpkin, blueberry, and cranberry on the ingredients list.

Nacho’s vet, Dr. Katja Lang, says, “I’ve worked closely with Nacho to make sure that his menu is full of the premium ingredients that offer the specific nutrients to keep all kitties thriving.”

The triumvirate of dry cat foods (chicken, salmon, and beef) are joined by wet food formulas and freeze-dried protein treats with the same flavor profiles. The Made by Nacho website sells all items individually, or — like his dad — Nacho offers tasting menus. “The Works” is a sampling of dry and wet foods along with a few treat packages. “Best in Broth” cobbles together all three wet foods for your feline friend to sample. (There are six tasting menus altogether.)

Flay isn’t the first Food TV personality to venture into pet food. Rachael Ray’s Nutrish brand has both dog and cat foods, though Nacho’s lineup seems a bit more premium to our eyes. Much like beloved pet food lines Orijen and Acana, Made by Nacho offers responsibly sourced ingredients and what some would call a “prey” diet; that is, if your cat were somehow a true predator, they would eat a similar variety of foods in the wild. (But let’s be real: the “modern cat” isn’t interested in hunting.)

Nacho seems to have put together a great team to bring your cat his line of foods and treats. His dad’s a chef, he got a vet to back his claims, and he’s still doing cat things while people do all the work.

Made by Nacho is available for purchase on his website with free shipping on orders over $35. If you would rather pick it up in-store, Nacho has struck an exclusive agreement with PetSmart to carry his line starting April 19.