Weekly News Roundup 3/3 – 3/9

Study finds chemicals in blood of household cats

Researchers from Stockholm University published a study in Environmental Science and Technology detailing their findings that domestic cats have high levels of brominated flame retardants in their bloodstream from dust in their homes. This is the first time the connection has been verified. Researchers took paired samples of dust from the home and blood from the cats at the same time, which they said gave them greater insight into the cats’ environments. Flame retardants are added to household items like textiles, furniture, and electronic equipment and leach from products to become part of the dust in the household. These results are of interest because small children put objects in their mouths frequently, and could have exposure on similar levels as cats.

Evanger’s and Against the Grain expand recall

Evanger’s Dog and Cat Food expanded its voluntary recall of products that are potentially contaminated with pentobarbital. The recall encompasses all 12 ounce cans of three products manufactured between Dec. 2015 and Jan. 2017. The products and the second half of the barcodes are as follows:

  • Evanger’s Hunk of Beef: 20109
  • Evanger’s Braised Beef: 20107
  • Against the Grain Pulled Beef: 80001

This voluntary recall affects only Hand Packed Beef Products, where the meat is placed into the cans by hand, not a machine.

More people are adopting older dogs

A growing number of organizations, like the Thulani Program and Grey Muzzle Organization, are focusing on adopting out older dogs, typically seven years or older. Programs usually commit to covering the cost of the dog’s medical and dental care, which might otherwise keep them from finding homes. New campaigns tout the benefit of owning older dogs, like the fact they are already housetrained and are less demanding than puppies.

Lost cat takes 400-mile ride under semi-truck

Paul Robertson, a trucker, thought he had lost his cat, Percy, for good when he made a stop in Ohio. While he was sleeping off food poisoning in the bed of his truck, Percy found a way to open the automatic windows and slip out. After searching for nearly 24 hours, Robertson left the stop to finish his delivery and 400 miles later, Percy came walking out from underneath the truck. He had an eye infection and needed a bath, but was otherwise unharmed. Robertson has since made sure Percy cannot operate his window switches in the future.

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