What’s Making News Around the World this Month, for Cats and Dogs?

🌍 Pet News: Global Stories Worth Wagging About

Austria / Europe, The Guardian, 9 October 2025, “’Ball junkie’: some dogs show signs of addiction, study finds (Full URL: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/oct/09/some-dogs-may-be-addicted-toys-study)
Researchers in Vienna found that a subset of dogs may exhibit addiction-like behaviour toward toys — craving them, ignoring food, showing signs of frustration when toys are withheld. Terrier and shepherd breeds were disproportionately represented. The study raises questions about how play behavior and reward systems contribute to compulsive habits in dogs.

Australia, The Guardian, 6 October 2025, “Valerie the dachshund: VIP life after 500 days lost” (Full URL: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/oct/06/valerie-the-dachshund-kangaroo-island-lost-dog-vip-appearances)
Valerie, a dachshund lost for over 500 days on Kangaroo Island, has become a media celebrity. After her dramatic drone-assisted rescue earlier this year, she now stars in media, raises funds for pet adoption, features in books and even inspires a craft beer. Her story spotlights rescue innovation and public engagement.

USA, MarketWatch, 9 October 2025, “Higher costs, smaller dogs and more cat adoptions are all hitting Freshpet’s sales” (Full URL: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/higher-costs-smaller-dogs-and-more-cat-adoptions-are-all-hitting-freshpets-sales-analysts-say-9066a8e9)
Freshpet Inc., a premium fresh pet-food supplier, is facing headwinds as pet owners shift toward lower-cost options and more cat adoption. Analysts downgraded its stock, citing reduced demand for fresh dog food and competitive pressures. The trend underlines changing pet food economics and shifting pet preferences.

UK, The Scottish Sun, ~9 October 2025, “I’m an experienced vet — the ten signs your dog could have gut problems” (Full URL: https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/15420658/vet-ten-signs-dog-gut-problems/)
A practicing vet outlines ten digestive symptoms in dogs to watch for, including repeated lip licking, prayer posture, vomiting, diarrhea, and reluctance to jump. With only 19% of owners confident in spotting gut issues, the piece underscores vet education and early detection.

USA / global, (via press release) PR Newswire, ~October 2025, “New Synchrony Study Finds Nearly 8 out of 10 Pet Owners Underestimate the Cost of Care” (Full URL: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-synchrony-study-finds-nearly-8-out-of-10-pet-owners-underestimate-the-cost-of-care-reaching-up-to-61-000-during-a-pets-lifetime-302470666.html)
The 2025 Pet Lifetime of Care Study shows many owners vastly under-estimate lifetime pet care costs: dog care over 15 years now averages AUD ~$22,125–60,602; for cats ~AUD $20,073–47,106 (an increase of ~10–20% over prior studies). Financial planning is increasingly critical for pet parenting.

China / global, arXiv preprint, 16 May 2025, “Driving Mechanisms and Forecasting of China’s Pet Population — ARIMA-RF-HW Hybrid Approach” (Full URL: https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.11269)
Researchers developed a hybrid forecasting model combining ARIMA, random forests and Holt-Winters smoothing to analyze drivers of dog and cat population trends in China. Key influences include urban income, pet policy, aging and urbanization. Cats are forecast to grow more steadily than dogs.

Global / veterinary, dvm360, “New global cat report released as feline medicine continues to lag” (Full URL: https://www.dvm360.com/view/new-global-cat-report-released-as-feline-medicine-continues-to-lag-behind-its-canine-counterpart)
Hill’s Pet Nutrition published the 2025 World of the Cat Report, detailing global cat demographics, diagnostics trends, and gaps in feline veterinary care compared to dogs. The report maps cost pressures, innovation, and regional discrepancies in cat health investment.

UK, The Guardian, 9 Oct 2025, ‘Ball junkie’: some dogs show signs of addiction, study finds (Full URL: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/oct/09/some-dogs-may-be-addicted-toys-study)
A Scientific Reports paper suggests a subset of dogs display addiction-like behaviors toward toys—ignoring food, vocalizing, and perseverating when a toy is out of reach. Terriers and shepherds featured prominently. Researchers say not all toy fixation is harmful, but owners should watch for stress indicators and compulsive patterns. 09/10/2025, The Guardian. theguardian.com

USA, The Washington Post, 5 Oct 2025, Dogs, bunnies and an 8-legged pet show up at beloved blessing event (Full URL: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2025/10/05/animal-blessing-national-cathedral-2025/)
Washington National Cathedral’s annual St. Francis “Blessing of the Animals” drew everything from wheelchair-using pups to cats and tarantulas. Beyond the charm, clergy highlighted the emotional support pets provide and offered prayers for sick or departed companions—capturing a growing cultural embrace of animals as family. 05/10/2025, The Washington Post. The Washington Post

USA (Global), DVM360, 9 Oct 2025, Pet Obesity Survey and new weight-management tools launched (Full URL: https://www.dvm360.com/view/pet-obesity-survey-and-free-resources-for-veterinary-teams-and-clients-launched)
The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention opened its 2025 survey and, with the World Pet Obesity Association, released new calculators and resources for clinics and owners. With prior data showing ~60% of cats and 59% of dogs overweight, the push targets nutrition, energy needs and client education. 09/10/2025, dvm360. dvm360.com

UK/Scotland, DVM360, 9 Oct 2025, Funding backs blood-based panel to detect canine osteoarthritis earlier (Full URL: https://www.dvm360.com/view/researchers-to-develop-blood-based-panel-to-detect-canine-osteoarthritis-earlier)
Diagnostics firm MI:RNA secured Scottish Enterprise support to advance a blood panel for early canine OA detection. With an estimated 20% of UK dogs affected (and ~14M in the US), earlier diagnosis could reshape pain management and mobility-care protocols in first-opinion practice. 09/10/2025, dvm360. dvm360.com

Global, World Health Organization, 28 Sep 2025, World Rabies Day 2025: ‘Act Now: You, Me, Community’ (Full URL: https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2025/09/28/default-calendar/world-rabies-day-2025)
WHO spotlighted dog vaccination and community engagement as the most cost-effective way to stop human rabies. The 2025 theme calls for shared responsibility across human and animal health systems—timely messaging as travel and pet movement rebound. 28/09/2025, WHO. who.int

Australia, Forbes Advisor Australia, 6 Oct 2025, Best Pet Insurance Policies in Australia (2025) (Full URL: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/au/pet-insurance/best-pet-insurance-policies-in-australia/)
A consumer audit names top comprehensive pet-insurance picks and underscores a broader spend trend: Australians are shelling out billions yearly on pet health. The comparison points to rising premiums and the importance of understanding exclusions and caps when budgeting for vet care. 06/10/2025, Forbes Advisor AU. forbes.com

USA (Global), DVM360, 10 Oct 2025, Weekly wrap: earlier arthritis detection and DOJ fine for drug diversion(Full URL: https://www.dvm360.com/)
DVM360’s news wrap flagged progress on early OA diagnostics alongside federal enforcement against veterinary drug diversion—reminding clinics to tighten controls while keeping pace with emerging diagnostics that could bring earlier interventions for mobility pain. 10/10/2025, dvm360. dvm360.com

Australia, ABC News, 18 Sep 2025, Airline receives mixed reaction to pets-on-planes pilot (Full URL: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-18/major-australian-airline-set-to-trial-pets-on-planes/105783886)
Virgin Australia’s pilot program for pets in cabin—limited routes, strict carrier rules—sparked debate over allergies, safety and customer experience. The trial signals rising demand for pet-inclusive travel and could shape airline policies across the region. 18/09/2025, ABC News (Australia). ABC

USA, MarketWatch (research feature), updated Oct 2025, Pet adoption statistics 2025 (Full URL: https://www.marketwatch.com/insurance-services/pet-insurance/pet-adoption-statistics/)
A data roundup on adoption and ownership costs shows how state-level trends and rising care expenses are influencing adoption rates and shelter flow. For brands and shelters, the piece offers timely context for pricing, fundraising and messaging. 10/2025, MarketWatch. marketwatch.com

USA, dvm360, 9th October 2025, 2025 Pet Obesity & Nutrition Survey Launches with New Tools (Full URL: https://www.dvm360.com/view/pet-obesity-survey-and-free-resources-for-veterinary-teams-and-clients-launched)
The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention opens its 2025 survey and rolls out resources to help clinics tackle weight management. With prior data showing ~60% of pets overweight, the push targets better calorie counseling, body-condition scoring and owner adherence. dvm360.com

USA, University of Pennsylvania (Penn Vet), 6th October 2025, New Clinic Aims to Save Sight in Dogs with Inherited Retinal Disease (Full URL: https://www.vet.upenn.edu/about/news-room/news-stories/article/penn-vet-launches-retinal-disease-clinic)
Penn Vet’s specialty clinic focuses on inherited retinal disorders in dogs, blending advanced diagnostics, counseling and experimental therapies. The initiative gives breeders and pet parents evidence-based options for early detection and care planning. vet.upenn.edu

UK, The Independent, 7th October 2025, Don’t Take Your Cat on the Tube, Charity Warns (Full URL: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/tube-cat-video-london-underground-tfl-b2840999.html)
After a viral “how-to” video, welfare experts caution that loud, unpredictable transport can startle cats, risking escape or injury. The piece outlines safer alternatives for vet trips and the gear and desensitisation needed if public transport is unavoidable. The Independent

India, Hindustan Times (Mumbai), 2nd October 2025, Paws, Claws and Prayers: Mass Pet Blessings in Andheri (Full URL: https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/paws-claws-and-prayers-pets-get-blessed-at-chakala-church-101759431607942.html)
Holy Family Church hosted its annual St Anthony pet-blessing, with dogs, cats and birds lining up for holy water. The photo-led feature captures India’s growing pet culture—and the role of faith events in normalising responsible ownership and vaccinations. Hindustan Times

Australia, ABC News (WA), 7th October 2025, Local Governments Urge Faster Cat-Law Reforms to Protect Wildlife (Full URL: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-07/native-animals-die-local-government-cat-laws-thrown-out/105794048)
Councils and carers argue roaming pet cats kill thousands of native animals, pressing for stronger containment powers. The story weighs biodiversity impacts against pet freedoms and explains how “catios” and curfews can reduce conflict. ABC

UK/Global, The Guardian, 9th October 2025, ‘Ball Junkies’: Study Finds Addictive-Like Toy Fixations in Some Dogs (Full URL: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/oct/09/some-dogs-may-be-addicted-toys-study)
A Scientific Reports study suggests a subset of dogs show compulsive, toy-seeking behaviors—ignoring food, whining and persevering when access is blocked. Trainers say structured play, scentwork and impulse-control games can channel drive without feeding obsession. theguardian.com

USA, American Journal of Veterinary Research (AVMA), 1st October 2025, October Issue: From Canine Osteosarcoma Markers to Vaccine Hesitancy (Full URL: https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/ajvr/86/10/ajvr.86.issue-10.xml)
AJVR’s October issue spans clinical updates relevant to dogs and cats—tumor prognosis markers, respiratory disease factors, dental surgery innovations and a “secret shopper” look at how vets handle vaccine-hesitant dog owners. A rich snapshot of current practice. avmajournals.avma.org

Global (USA-led), CDC, last week (early October 2025), Rabies in the U.S.: How Public Health Keeps Pets and People Safe (Full URL: https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/php/protecting-public-health/index.html)
CDC outlines how vaccinating ~91 million U.S. cats and dogs, shelter rehoming, and wildlife oral-vaccine programs suppress human rabies risk—timely reminders for pet owners traveling internationally with dogs or adopting abroad. cdc.gov

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