Articles by Jodi Helmer
Jodi Helmer
Jodi Helmer is a North Carolina-based freelance writer who shares her home with an embarrassing number of rescue dogs and relies on four feral cats to patrol the barn. When she isn’t refilling food and water dishes, Jodi writes about animals for Scientific American, Sierra, WebMD, AKC Family Dog, Living the Country Life, and Out Here.
![A kitten sniffing a ripe half of an avocado in a bowl]()
Just don’t get out the guacamole bowl.
![Hand holding food bowl peeks into frame as a cat looks up expectantly]()
nutritionThe Ultimate Puzzle: Picking the Right Cat Food
Four veterinary nutritionists pick apart the claims so that you can choose the right food for your kitty.
Four veterinary nutritionists pick apart the claims so that you can choose the right food for your kitty.
![A woman eating peanut butter toast with her cat laying on the table]()
nutrition | Can My Cat Eat This?Can Cats Eat Peanut Butter?
The sweet-and-salty treat is OK in moderation.
The sweet-and-salty treat is OK in moderation.
![Grey cat eats a strawberry]()
nutrition | Can My Cat Eat This?Can Cats Eat Strawberries
Yes, strawberries are a nutritious treat for dogs.
Yes, strawberries are a nutritious treat for dogs.
![A woman feeding food to her cat at a dining room table]()
nutritionIs Homemade Cat Food Good for Your Kitty?
The best ingredients to include when considering a home-cooked diet for your cat.
The best ingredients to include when considering a home-cooked diet for your cat.
![cat with cone after vet visit]()
healthDoctor’s Orders: Cat Vet Visits Are Essential
Get thy cat to a vet, even if it’s a struggle to get them out the door.
Get thy cat to a vet, even if it’s a struggle to get them out the door.
![A hand reaching towards a cat peaking out of a cage.]()
lifestyle10 Questions to Ask a Shelter About an Adoptable Cat
From medical history to adoption fees to litter preferences, here is everything you need to know.
From medical history to adoption fees to litter preferences, here is everything you need to know.
![Cat asking for human food from counter]()
nutritionWhat Can Cats Eat Besides Cat Food?
Good news for your begging cat: Some of your favorite snacks are safe to share.
Good news for your begging cat: Some of your favorite snacks are safe to share.
![Cat sitting in a teal litter box]()
behaviorHow to Train a Cat to Use a Litter Box
If you do nothing else, teach your cat to poop in their litter box (not your shoe).
If you do nothing else, teach your cat to poop in their litter box (not your shoe).
![Girl sitting on couch hugging her playful dog with the window open to outside]()
lifestyle7 Myths About Rescue Animals—Debunked
For starters: No, they’re not all traumatized and yes, you can find a purebred puppy at a shelter.
For starters: No, they’re not all traumatized and yes, you can find a purebred puppy at a shelter.
![grey and white cat with tongue sticking out]()
Here’s when you should worry.
![cat meowing]()
behaviorWhy Does My Cat Meow So Much? Reasons Your Cat Meows Excessively
How to decode your cat’s love language when one meow has many meanings.
How to decode your cat’s love language when one meow has many meanings.
![Cat eating out of metal bowl]()
nutritionTop 10 Foods That Are Toxic to Cats
Sharing isn’t always caring. Keep your cat safe by keeping these human snack staples to yourself.
Sharing isn’t always caring. Keep your cat safe by keeping these human snack staples to yourself.
![Woman in a white sweater hugging her cat next to a window]()
Four ways cats can combat seasonal depression.
![cat being offered a treat or vitamin]()
Not your mama’s multivitamin.
![Man wearing pink headphones playing with dog on sofa with plants and a painting in the background]()
lifestyleShould You Take an Adoptable Pet For a Test Drive?
Some animal rescues allow trial runs for interested adopters. Get the scoop on how foster-to-adopt programs work.
Some animal rescues allow trial runs for interested adopters. Get the scoop on how foster-to-adopt programs work.
![A woman staring at her computer while holding her dog close.]()
lifestyle10 Things to Consider Before Adopting a Pet
It’s a big decision, so check these boxes before you sign on the dotted line.
It’s a big decision, so check these boxes before you sign on the dotted line.
![Young woman smiles while standing outside wearing a sunhat and holding up her big fluffy cat.]()
lifestyleKeeping Cats Cool in Summer: Essential Safety Tips for Your Feline Friends
And other summer safety tips.
And other summer safety tips.
![White kitten with tongue out next to slices of watermelon]()
nutrition | Can My Cat Eat This?Can Cats Eat Watermelon and Watermelon Rind?
Yes, watermelon is a nutritious treat for cats.
Yes, watermelon is a nutritious treat for cats.
- behavior | Why, Cat?!
Why Is My Cat Hiding?
No, they’re not on the lam. Here are four reasons your cat might be MIA.
No, they’re not on the lam. Here are four reasons your cat might be MIA.
![Cat walking outside on the grass]()
healthYes, Cats Can Get Heartworm. Here’s How to Prevent It
Dogs are the natural target for these worms, but that doesn’t mean your cat isn’t at risk.
Dogs are the natural target for these worms, but that doesn’t mean your cat isn’t at risk.
![kittens licking woman's hand]()
Hey, everybody’s got their thing.
![Curly afro woman stroking her bonded cats on the couch in living room]()
lifestyleShould I Adopt a Bonded Pair?
Some besties are inseparable, and that’s not always a bad thing.
Some besties are inseparable, and that’s not always a bad thing.
![cat coming out of litter box]()
behaviorWhat to Do When Your Cat Refuses to Be (Litter) Boxed In
A cat behaviorist explains why they are so particular about where they pop a squat.
A cat behaviorist explains why they are so particular about where they pop a squat.
![Woman petting her cat]()
nutritionDon’t Come For Us, But Is Your Cat Overweight?
We love a chonky cat, but here’s what you should know.
We love a chonky cat, but here’s what you should know.
![overweight orange cat]()
nutritionHow Much Should You Actually Be Feeding Your Cat?
If they’ve lost their hourglass figure, then not that much — according to a veterinary nutritionist.
If they’ve lost their hourglass figure, then not that much — according to a veterinary nutritionist.
![Cat playing and jumping with a rubber band]()
healthWhat’s the Deal with FIV in Cats?
The most common questions about feline immunodeficiency virus, answered. Good news: most cats live long, happy lives.
The most common questions about feline immunodeficiency virus, answered. Good news: most cats live long, happy lives.
![Woman sitting at the kitchen table eating breakfast with her cat eating next to her]()
healthGut Reactions: Pets Have Shockingly High Levels of E. Coli
A new report finds that one in three dogs and one in seven cats have unhealthy levels of E. coli present in their gut microbiome.
A new report finds that one in three dogs and one in seven cats have unhealthy levels of E. coli present in their gut microbiome.
![black cat doing zoomies on a bed]()
behaviorYour Cat’s Erratic Zoomies — Explained
Fast, furious, and officially normal — according to a cat behaviorist.
Fast, furious, and officially normal — according to a cat behaviorist.
![Two grey cats eating swiss cheese off of slices of bread while sitting on a table]()
nutrition | Can My Cat Eat This?You Should Not Invite Your Cat to Your Fancy Cheese Party
Save the charcuterie for the humans.
Save the charcuterie for the humans.
![A cat staring at a peeled banana]()
nutrition | Can My Cat Eat This?Can Cats Eat Bananas?
Gwen Stefani taught us how to spell it, but can we feed it to our cats?
Gwen Stefani taught us how to spell it, but can we feed it to our cats?
![Cat eating from a plate of raspberries and blueberries]()
nutrition | Can My Cat Eat This?Can Cats Eat Blueberries?
Go ahead and serve up the superfood — with a couple caveats.
Go ahead and serve up the superfood — with a couple caveats.
![An angry and hissing Siamese kitten standing on top of a laptop computer in the living room]()
behaviorYou Don’t Have to Live Like This—You Can Get a Trainer For Your Cat
Tips to help you find a legit behaviorist (according to a veterinary behaviorist).
Tips to help you find a legit behaviorist (according to a veterinary behaviorist).
![cat biting person's hand]()
healthHow to Make Your Cat’s Oral Care as Stress-Free as Possible
Your cat’s oral hygiene is essential to their health. Take things slow and figure out what works best for your kitty’s pearly whites.
Your cat’s oral hygiene is essential to their health. Take things slow and figure out what works best for your kitty’s pearly whites.
![A frenchie dog waiting for food as a woman bends down to pour food into a dog bowl.]()
healthYou’re Probably Not Washing Your Dog’s Bowl Enough
And according to a new study, it’s putting their health at risk.
And according to a new study, it’s putting their health at risk.
![A fat cat lounging on a shelf.]()
healthHow Tech Helps Cats Lose Weight
A study found that smart feeders and digital scales are successful tools in cat weight-loss programs.
A study found that smart feeders and digital scales are successful tools in cat weight-loss programs.
![A gray Sphynx cat sniffing an apple slice held out by her owner while standing on a table next to a glass of wine]()
Yes, but the fruit might not hold much a-peel.
![Two grey cats eating dog food from a plate while a brown dog looks on with jealousy]()
nutrition | Can My Cat Eat This?Can Cats Eat Dog Food?
Dog food is safe for cats in small amounts, but it shouldn’t be their main course.
Dog food is safe for cats in small amounts, but it shouldn’t be their main course.
![Dark grey cat eating two slices of break laid on top of a wooden railing of an outdoor deck]()
nutrition | Can My Cat Eat This?Can Cats Eat Bread?
Go ahead and give your carb-loving cat a few bites, but don’t hand over the bread basket.
Go ahead and give your carb-loving cat a few bites, but don’t hand over the bread basket.
![A dog at a shelter looking up at the camera.]()
lifestyle10 Questions to Ask a Shelter About an Adoptable Dog
From exercise needs to medical history to compatibility with kids, here is everything you need to know.
From exercise needs to medical history to compatibility with kids, here is everything you need to know.
![Woman's hands massaging the head of a Persian kitten]()
Pets deserve some self care, too.
![orange cat being stroked by man]()
lifestyleWhy You Need a Cat Sitter in Your Inner Circle
Pssst… Your cat’s cool loner persona is all an act.
Pssst… Your cat’s cool loner persona is all an act.
![brown cat in grass]()
What to do when your cat hawks one up.
Most Popular
- nutritionCan a Kitten Eat Adult Cat Food?
- behaviorHow Far Can Dogs Hear?