Tag: pet
The best handheld vacuums for tackling pet hair
Living with pets is great. Whether you have a cat or a dog, your life is all the better for having them. But there’s one big downside: pet hair. On everything. All the time.
It’s in your car, on your clothes, on your sofa, and collecting as little dust bunnies on your wood floor. There’s probably even a pet hair circle on your bed, a lasting reminder of their favourite sleeping spot right next to you.
Of course, you love them anyway, but that doesn’t mean you need to give up and accept a house full of pet hair. You have options, like buying a good handheld vacuum.
Why are handheld vacuums best for pet hair?
Traditional and robot vacuum cleaners are great, but let’s be honest, they don’t let you really get down into small corners or the small, dark crevices of your sofa.
Handheld vacuums are ideal for pet hair because they’re generally small and lightweight, allowing you to walk around the house and attack any hairy spots you find without having to drag a heavy vacuum around with you. A small handheld vacuum will get to work on your stairs, in your bedroom, or in your car.
Some pet vacuums are also modern and stylishly designed so that you won’t even mind leaving them out around your home and can grab them whenever you need them. This is especially true if you get a handheld vacuum with a docking station. Handheld vacuums are also quieter than traditional vacuums.
Best of all, most handheld vacuums are cordless and cost way less money than traditional cordless vacuums. This makes them even more convenient for your home and car. It also means you can use them on your clothes, too, because let’s be real: A handheld vacuum is way better at getting pet hair off your coat than a lint roller.
What makes a vacuum cleaner good for pet hair?
If you’re shopping for a handheld vacuum that’s built to tackle pet hair, there are a few features you’ll want to consider:
Ergonomic design — You hold a handheld vacuum in your hands, which means you want to buy one that you can hold easily. Look for one that has an ergonomic handle so that you can hold and control it easily as you vacuum up your home.
Weight — The whole point of a handheld vacuum is portability, so when you’re shopping for a handheld vacuum, you want to make sure it’s lightweight and fits comfortably in your hand. Of course, everyone has a slightly different definition of what “lightweight” means, but in general, you want to make sure your arm doesn’t tire out faster than the battery.
Battery life — Most handheld vacuums are designed to be small, so they don’t hold a charge for long. And if your handheld vacuum loses battery quickly, you’ll have to constantly recharge it, which can get frustrating very quickly. Look out for a model with decent battery. Some vacuums even come with removable batteries, allowing you to swap out the battery if it starts to die.
Suction power — It goes without saying, but a vacuum with weak suction is pretty useless, especially if you’re trying to clean up pet hair. So when you’re looking for a handheld vacuum, make sure you look for one with strong suction power.
Attachments — A good handheld vacuum will come with a variety of specialised tools to help you easily clean specific fabrics, crevices, or material types. Look for handheld vacs with motorised brushes to pull pet hair up off fabric surfaces, crevice tools for your sofa cushions or crevices in your car seats, or pet hair brushes.
Storage — Some of the smaller handheld vacuums come with convenient charging docks so that you can easily store and keep them charged all in one place. The best docking stations will also have spots to stash all your vacuum attachments and accessories.
You’ll also want to think about things like price and design, but keeping these things in mind is a good place to start.
What is the best handheld vacuum for pet hair?
There are lots of vacuums on the market right now, so it can be tough to find “the one.” That’s why we’ve done the research for you and rounded up the best of the best.
These are the best handheld vacuum cleaners for pet hair in 2022.
The best vacuum cleaners for picking up pet hair
There’s nothing like being a proud pet owner. You know what’s not awesome, though: Pet hair all over your home. Every corner, every piece of furniture, every minute of the day.
Anyone with a cat or dog (or both) knows that staying on top of pet hair is a tough cleaning job. Even top-of-the-range vacuums struggle to take care of it. What you need is a vacuum cleaner that’s specifically designed to suck up pet hair.
But choosing a vacuum isn’t as easy as it sounds. Modern vacuums cleaners are so high-spec that there’s a lot of technical details to get your head around — not to mention all the different brands to consider. Luckily, we’ve done the hard work for you.
Here’s everything you need to know to help you choose the right model.
What makes a vacuum cleaner good for pet hair?
There are some key features that are especially effective for cleaning up after pets. These include good suction power — around 200 airwatts is ideal — plus filters that prevent allergens and pet dander escaping again. Look out for HEPA or multi-level filtration systems. Another feature is a hard-working brush roll for agitating and loosening embedded pet hair. Some vacuums may also come with specialised pet cleaning attachments.
Is Dyson the best vacuum brand?
Dyson is still the standard to beat when it comes to high-power, high-tech vacuums, but it’s not the only option. This will come as a relief if you don’t want to pay Dyson prices. You’ll find great alternatives to Dyson on this list — all effective and more affordable.
Corded vs. cordless vacuums — which are the best?
The kind of power you need for a pet vacuum is more commonly found in upright corded vacuums. But cordless vacuums pack increasing power and higher-spec features. It’s more a case of which vacuum best suits your needs and lifestyle.
Corded vacuums — the classic style vacuum that plugs into the wall — provide more suction power and have a larger capacity. That means they’re better for larger homes and houses, and — of course — homes with pets. The downside is that they’re heavier. Dragging them around the house takes a lot more effort.
If you’re after something lighter and more portable, a cordless vacuum might be the best bet. They can also get into overhead areas and hard-to-reach spots under the furniture more easily. But with a smaller capacity — usually between 0.5 and 1 litre — they’re better suited to smaller homes and smaller pets.
What types of vacuum cleaner are available?
There are plenty of vacuum types out there, with something for everyone:
Upright vacuums — The classic vacuum. They’re good for covering large areas and use motorised brushes for a deep clean — even on thick carpets. The downside is that they’re clunky and hard to store. Usually best suited if you have under-stairs storage space.
Canister vacuums — These are good for hardwood floors and less-demanding carpets. Once again, they can be tricky to store, thanks to both the canister and sometimes-cumbersome wand. But the easily manoeuvred wand and brush head makes these good for curtains, blinds, and overhead spots. Not to mention reaching under furniture.
Handheld vacuums — If you need something that’s lightweight and always-to-hand, this is a great option. Perhaps best as an additional vacuum rather than your main machine. They tend to have less power than other vacuum styles due to their compact size, but handheld vacuums are great for quick pick-ups.
Robot vacuums — A robot vacuum does the cleaning for you, while you can just sit on the sofa and catch up on Netflix. Robot vacuums use sensors, lasers, and motherboards to move around your home. They don’t have the power or capacity of traditional vacuums, but they truly are a cleaning revolution. Some can even double as mops.
The right option for you will depend on your lifestyle and budget.
Bag vs. bagless — which are best?
Once again this comes down to preference and lifestyle but if you want a vacuum purely for cleaning up pet hair, a bagged vacuum is usually better — they have a bigger capacity than bagless vacuum bins and also seal in dust and dirt more securely. That doesn’t mean bagless vacuums don’t have plus points too — especially from hi-tech brands.
What is the best vacuum cleaner for pet hair?
We’ve scoured the internet, done the research, and read the reviews to select the best vacuums for tackling pet hair. Whether you’re looking for an upright bagless model, a cordless option, or even a robot vacuum, we’ve got the best options to keep you and your pet living together in hair-free harmony.
These are the best vacuum cleaners for pet hair in 2022.
Dolly Parton’s New ‘Doggy Parton’ Pet Line Includes a Big Blond Wig – CNET
Trendy pet brand Fable is having a Labor Day sale
TL;DR: As of Aug. 31, Fable is having a site-wide Labor Day sale on all of their most popular (and aesthetically pleasing) pet products. Save 10% with code LABORDAY22 through Sept. 5.
If you’re like us, you’re a total sucker for good branding. Minimalist aesthetics, meticulously manicured product photos, fonts that make you go “wow, that’s really nice.” You’ve bought the trendy air conditioner, you’ve bought that pan that isn’t even very good, but now it’s time to bring your pet in on the fun.
Fable is the ultimate trendy, direct-to-consumer brand for pets out there (next to Wild One), and they’re currently running a sitewide sale on all of there best-selling products. From now until Sept. 5, you can save 10% on everything with code LABORDAY22. Our top picks from the sale are below, but you can check out the whole list of offerings on the Fable website.
The Crate — starting at $395
Mashable shopping reporter Jae Thomas reviewed The Crate and gave it super high marks for its looks, comfort, and space-saving garage door design. It can even double as a side table. Use code LABORDAY22 and save up to $59.50 during Fable’s sale event.
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The Game — $55
If you have a dog that constantly needs a distraction, The Game is the way to go. Doubling as a puzzle toy and a slow feeder, The Game is an effective way to keep your pup busy while you get some much-needed rest. Save $5.50 during the Fable sale with code LABORDAY22.
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The Magic Link — $65
Fable’s Magic Link is the ultimate dog walking tool. It can act as both a leash and a collar at once, and can be worn as a wrist strap, belt, or bandolier (by you). Pick one up during the Fable sale and save $6.50 with code LABORDAY22.
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The Bed — starting at $95
This waterproof, breathable bed is going to be your dog’s new happy place, and it pairs perfectly with The Crate. Snag one during the Fable Labor Day sale and save up to $12 with code LABORDAY22.
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Chewy (CHWY) lowers its expectations as pet owners lower their discretionary purchases
Shares of Chewy Inc. (NYSE: CHWY) were down 9% on Wednesday, a day after the company delivered mixed results for the second quarter of 2022. Inflationary pressures have impacted discretionary […]
The post Chewy (CHWY) lowers its expectations as pet owners lower their discretionary purchases first appeared on AlphaStreet.
Lynette Dawson IS dead, judge in Teacher’s Pet Chris Dawson trial rules
Petting dogs in games is old news: in boomer shooter Ripout, you can pet your gun
Ripout’s standout feature is not the retro-future 80’s aesthetic. It’s not the excellent gunplay, or the way little aliens that scurry around its industrial spaceships before attaching themselves to bigger aliens and coming to kill you. It’s not the looter shooter aspiration, nor is it the rogue-like setup of its levels. No, it’s the gun. Your gun. Your pet gun.
That’s right, your gun is alive – and it’s not something incessant and irritating like your Johnson in Shadows of the Damned, or those endlessly quipping lunatic firearms in High on Life. Your gun is better; more ‘man’s best friend’ than ‘obnoxious bellend’. In Ripout, you wield a little pet alien, resembling something somewhere between a shrunken-down xenomorph and gothic gargoyle, that fires bullets from its maw and snatches body parts off grotesque aliens. And you can pet it, if you feel so obliged.
This living weapon is at the center of everything Ripout is doing. The game, a self-confessed boomer shooter from a team of developers that take rich inspiration from 90s shooters, is a gameplay-first effort that has no cutscenes, no cinematics, and no “fluff” (per the creative director, Goran Rajsic). Instead, the 10-person strong development team has focused all its efforts on the shooting, the level setup, and – of course – your gun.
The 5 best automatic pet feeders for fur babies in 2022
The best automatic cat feeders to keep your pet fed while you’re away
If there’s one thing cats love, it’s food. Honestly, they probably love food more than they love us. However, we can’t always be at their side to feed them at mealtime, as much as we wish we could be.
But, we’ve got places to go and people to see, and our cats’ feeding schedule shouldn’t have to suffer for that. So if your cat has become accustomed to regular meal times throughout the day and your schedule doesn’t quite line up with that, an automatic feeder is a smart investment to keep your cat fed without creating a disturbance. While we can’t guarantee that an automatic feeder will help your cat be cool with you leaving them home alone, at least you can rest assured that they won’t go hungry while they miss your company.
What to consider when buying an automatic cat feeder
Whether you’re looking for a no-frills, basic gravity feeder, or a full-fledged product to program perfectly timed and portioned meals, we’ve found the best automatic cat feeder options to fit your (and your kitty’s) needs. Here are some things to keep in mind:
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Wet or dry food: Which food type does your cat usually eat? Wet dispensers will require daily cleaning and more attention than dry food feeders.
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Your cat’s needs: While automatic feeders should never be a replacement for human interaction, consider your and your cat’s routines. Would the feeder be useful for days when you’re busy in meetings, or are you planning to go out of the house for a while? If it’s the latter, your feline friend could develop separation anxiety so it’s important to pick one that best suits their needs (like one that allows you to leave voice recordings).
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Overall functionality: If you’ll be using the feeder often and have a dishwasher, look for dishwasher-safe containers or bowls so you aren’t stuck hand-washing each week. If you’re someone who often mixes up times, pick a programmable feeder that will remember for you. If your cat will continue to snack all day long, opt out of a gravity feeder and go for one that dispenses a specific amount of food.
How to train your cat to use an automatic pet feeder
The younger a cat is, the easier it will likely be to train them to get used to an automatic cat feeder, but a cat of any age should acclimate relatively well. It’s food, after all, so even if they’re apprehensive of the fancy new robot hanging out in their feeding area, they will eventually eat when they get hungry enough. That said, there are a few tips and tricks to help the process move along smoothly:
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Remember that cats love routine and familiarity, so don’t be surprised if your cat turns up their nose at the new device. Give them time to get used to the automatic feeder’s presence — especially if it makes noise — and let them sniff and examine it for as long as they need to get comfortable.
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If your cat is not already adjusted to a regular feeding schedule, try getting them into that routine first. If they’re used to having a bowl of food available to them at all times, an automatic cat feeder with timed food disbursement will come as quite a shock.
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Don’t remove your cat’s current food bowl from the area; keep it near the automatic feeder so they can still get some food even if they’re a little skittish around the new device. Leave out both the old bowl and the new feeder for a few weeks, decreasing the food in the old bowl while increasing the food in the automatic cat feeder.
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Keep as close of an eye on your cat’s behavior around the food bowls as you can. When they are eating primarily from the automatic feeder, you can start to take away their old pet food bowl for good.
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A surefire way to coax your cat to the automatic feeder is by placing some of their favorite treats in it.
Can you leave your cat alone with an automatic feeder?
The most important thing to remember as you train your cat to eat from an automatic cat feeder is that you can’t expect to plop the automatic feeder in front of your cat and immediately run off for a weekend away. This process will take a little time and patience, so be sure to plan ahead and give them lots of reassurance and cuddles along the way.
While these automatic pet-food dispensers are sophisticated, they’re still no substitute for human interaction. It’s not in your pet’s best interest to be left alone for an extended period of time. Even with the best automatic cat feeders, you should still hire a pet sitter or boarding facility to keep an eye on your four-legged friend if you’re jetting out on vacation.
What kind of food can you put in an automatic feeder?
The best automatic cat feeders are ideal for dry cat food, and are typically sealed pretty well to keep the dry food from getting stale over time. Kibble of just about any size or shape should fit well inside and dispense properly from the feeder without clogging or overflowing.
Since the nature of an automatic pet feeder relies on the fact that cat food will be sitting out for a while, most automatic cat feeders are not designed to house wet food or semi-moist food, both of which can spoil easily in a few hours’ time. However, some pet feeders are designed with a cooling mechanism to make wet food delivery possible. Be sure to take note of the type of food your automatic cat feeder is designed for — and consider your cat’s preferences — before you make your purchase.
So, which automatic cat feeder is best?
Imagine being able to sleep in late without cats pawing at your face because they’re hungry, or working overtime without feeling guilty about missing kitty’s mealtime. With one of the best automatic cat feeders, you can make that a reality, and your cat will most certainly thank you for it.
To help you figure out which option is right for you, we researched the internet’s favorite models and broke them down based on the features cat owners care about most. Find the best automatic cat feeder for you and your cat in 2022 right here.