💡 INNOVATIVE INSIGHTS
Americans Don't Trust Their Neighbors With Their Pets

When it comes to who watches over their pets, Americans are picky, and neighbors rank at the bottom of the list. A recent survey by Talker Research for Newsweek revealed that while 66% of pet owners see their pets as part of the family, only 5% would trust their neighbors to care for them. This hesitancy stems from a variety of reasons, including the more transient nature of communities and the closer bonds people tend to have with family members.

Key Findings:

• Only 5% of the 1,000 participants said they would trust their neighbors with their pets.

• 0% of Gen Z and Silent Generation participants trusted their neighbors, with Millennials and Boomers at 6% and 7% respectively.

• Siblings (23%), parents (22%), and friends (19%) were the top choices for pet caretakers.

• Pet sitters ranked above neighbors, even though only 7% of participants selected this option, likely due to their professional expertise and potential insurance coverage.

• The increasing mobility of the population, including remote work and frequent relocations, has contributed to less neighborly trust and connection.

As families tend to stay under one roof more these days, there’s less of a need to lean on neighbors for pet care. Pet owners are clearly prioritizing family and professional sitters over the unpredictability of the person next door. So, who would you trust to watch your furry friend—family, friends, or would you still give the neighbor a shot?

🫂 CAT CULTURE
Five-week-old kitten saved from car engine

A five-week-old kitten named Ota had a lucky escape after getting trapped in a car engine. The driver, hearing the kitten’s cries, called West Yorkshire firefighters to the scene near Killinghall Road in Bradford. It took over an hour for rescue officers to strip part of the vehicle and free the tiny tomcat. Ota is currently receiving emergency care for what looks like fractures in his back legs, but he’s expected to make a full recovery. Bradford Cat Watch Rescue’s founder, Katie Lloyd, praised the firefighters, explaining how the car owner had been unknowingly driving around with the kitten trapped in the engine.

As colder months approach, it’s vital to be aware of cats seeking warmth under car hoods or in engines. Studies show that cats, especially strays, often hide in the warmth of vehicle engines during winter, leading to dangerous situations. According to a report by The Humane Society, tapping on your hood or checking underneath your car before starting the engine can help avoid such accidents. Cats have been found injured or killed due to vehicle engines, particularly in cold climates.

Here are the top 5 steps you should follow to safely remove a cat from a car engine:

• Tap on the hood: Before starting the engine, give the hood a firm tap to see if you can scare the cat out with noise. This will often cause the cat to flee on its own.

• Open the hood: If the cat doesn’t respond to tapping, carefully open the hood to locate the cat. Be cautious not to startle the cat too much, as it might retreat further into the engine.

• Use food as bait: Place some cat food or a strong-smelling treat near the cat or outside the car to coax it out. Cats are often lured by food when they feel safe.

• Call for help: If the cat is wedged deep in the engine and won’t come out on its own, don’t hesitate to contact a local animal rescue or fire department for assistance. They are trained to handle these types of rescues.

• Stay patient and calm: The more panicked you are, the more stressed the cat will be. Stay calm, be patient, and avoid making sudden movements to keep the situation as safe as possible.

🧑‍🔬 SCIENCE SCOOP
Cat videos are good for your health, studies find

Watching cat videos isn’t just a fun distraction—it might actually improve your mood and help you tackle life's challenges. A recent study published in the journal Computers in Human Behavior suggests that watching these playful feline clips can boost positive emotions and even prepare people to face difficult or unpleasant tasks. Researchers surveyed nearly 7,000 people about how watching cat videos affected their mood, and the results were striking. Participants reported feeling less anxious, annoyed, and sad after watching, with the emotional boost far outweighing any guilt over procrastinating.

The study found that the feel-good effects were significant, making cat videos more than just a guilty pleasure. With over 2 million cat videos on YouTube and an average of 12,000 views per video, it's no wonder these clips are one of the internet’s most popular pastimes. Researchers noted that watching these videos helped people experience a surge of positive feelings, leaving them better equipped to handle stress. It turns out, taking a few minutes to enjoy some lighthearted cat antics isn’t just entertaining—it’s good for your mental health.

So next time you’re tempted to dive into a cute cat video rabbit hole, remember, science says it’s doing you more good than harm! If you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, a dose of feline fun might be just what the doctor ordered.