Basepaws

Happy 🥰 What's your cat's preferred hugging style?

Did you know that cuddling your cat can boost oxytocin, the "love hormone," in both you and your feline friend? 😻 Hugs and snuggles can also help you stay in tune with your cat's health by making it easier to notice any new lumps, bumps, or changes.

Of course, not every kitty is a hugger, and that's perfectly okay ❤️ Every cat has their own comfort level when it comes to affection. If your cat prefers treats, playtime, or simply sitting nearby, those are expressions of love, too! Just be sure to watch for signs they need space, like flattened ears, crouching, or hiding, and always let them go when they're ready.

Do these hug styles match your kitty's purrsonality? 🐱👇

Happy Birthday to the incomparable Marilyn Monroe 🎂

Nearly a century after her birth, Marilyn remains one of Hollywood's most enduring icons ✨ From her unforgettable performances in films like Some Like It Hot and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes to her influence on fashion, beauty, and pop culture, her legacy continues to inspire generations. But behind the glamour was a compassionate woman with a deep love for animals 🐾

Throughout her life, Marilyn shared her heart with many dogs, including Tippy, her beloved childhood companion; Muggsie, a collie gifted by her first husband; Hugo, a basset hound she adored during her marriage to Arthur Miller; and perhaps most famously, Maf (short for Mafia Honey), a little white dog gifted to her by Frank Sinatra.

Marilyn once said, “Dogs never bit me, just humans,” a quote that perfectly captures the comfort and unconditional love she found in animals ❤️

Known for her kindness, empathy, and gentle spirit, Marilyn was especially sensitive to animal welfare and often rescued or cared for animals in need. Those who knew her frequently spoke of her warmth, generosity, and desire to help others, both human and animal alike.

Today, we remember not only the legendary actress and cultural icon, but also the devoted animal lover whose compassion left paw prints on countless hearts. Happy Birthday, Marilyn!

Dalmatians may be one of the most recognizable dog breeds on the planet, but their iconic spots don’t actually show up right away 🖤

Dalmatian puppies are born with completely white coats, and their famous markings begin appearing around 10 to 14 days later as pigment-producing cells activate after birth. Even though the fur starts solid white, the underlying skin often already contains the pigmentation map for where future spots will emerge.

Their distinctive pattern is created through interactions between several genes. A gene linked to extreme white spotting keeps most of the coat pigment-free, while other genetic loci, including the Ticking and Flecking loci, help determine where melanin appears later as spots across the coat.

The spots continue developing, darkening, and spreading over the first several months of life, with a Dalmatian’s full adult pattern sometimes taking up to 18 months to fully mature. And just like fingerprints, no two Dalmatians have the same spot pattern ✨

Happy ! 🧡

Did you know the same fascinating gene mutations that create beautiful red hair in humans also give our feline friends their gorgeous ginger coats? It all comes down to pheomelanin – the pigment responsible for yellow & red coloring! 🧬

In cats, there's a special red gene (O/o) located on the X chromosome that determines whether a cat will have any orange coloring. This gene controls the production of orange pigments – when the dominant version is present, it overrides the usual black or brown pigmentation and creates those beautiful ginger tones instead. Additional genetic variations can enhance this effect, producing the incredibly vibrant oranges and warm yellows we see in some cats!

I'm honored 🥹

Meet Maya, our gorgeous California queen! 👑✨

This beautiful girl knows she's stunning and isn't afraid to show some attitude when things don't go her way – we love a cat with personality! 😸 As Maya enters her golden years, her loving parents wanted to stay ahead of any potential health concerns, so they chose Basepaws to get insights into her genetic health 🧬

Head to our 🔗 in bio to shop our Cat DNA tests!

When thunder rolls, some pups unravel 🌩️🐶

If your dog turns into a nervous little storm cloud at the first rumble, this Zoetis Petcare blog has calming tips, safe spaces, and simple ways to help them feel secure through the noise. Share the love + tag a friend who needs this in honor of :

Managing Your Dog’s Thunder Anxiety While you may think that your dog's response to thunder is normal, it’s actually a medical condition that has a significant emotional impact on your dog.

Why is your cat suddenly acting as if they’ve never been fed a day in their life? 🤔

As the days get longer, your cat’s body shifts out of winter mode and into go mode. More daylight = more activity, more zoomies, and a metabolism that’s ready to spend energy instead of conserve it ⚡

In winter, cats tend to slow down and nap like it’s their full-time job (honestly… it is). But spring flips the switch. They’re hunting shadows, chasing sunbeams, and burning more calories, which means… yep, bigger appetites.

Have you noticed a change in your cat's eating habits? 😸