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Cats can be curious and restless. That's why indoor playgrounds like cat trees are so important for keeping kitties entertained. However, no two cats are the same. Aware that each feline has different needs, Petlibro created the Infinity Cat Tree, which allows cat parents to build a custom paradise for their pet.

With this design, Petlibro aims to address some of the most common concerns regarding cat trees. For example, the company knows that a lack in adaptability can make cats lose interest in cat furniture over time. To make up for that, the Infinity Cat Tree can be reassembled in many ways to prevent boredom and to adapt to an older cat's needs. On top of that, worn-out pieces can be easily replaced. To ensure the safety of cats of all sizes, each platform supports 35 pounds without wobbling.

But it's not just about felines' needs. Since cat trees can take up a lot of room, their design boasts a space-saving base. Whether you go with a cat wall or a corner turn configuration, its sleek design won't stick out whatever your living room aesthetic is. Even putting it together is fairly easy. Petlibro states that the soft furnishings can be installed in just two seconds, while setting up the cat tree can be done in 10 minutes.

The Petlibro Infinity Cat Tree is available in three models: loft, villa, and castle; each larger and taller than the other, but all of the models can easily be mixed and matched to create your own massive cat jungle. For further customization, you can also add a wide array of cat toys, beds, and scratch boards.

You can order your Infinity Cat Tree on Petlibro's website.

Aware that each feline has different needs, Petlibro created the Infinity Cat Tree, which allows cat parents to build a custom personal paradise for their pet.

The Infinity Cat Tree can be reassembled in many ways to prevent boredom and to adapt to an older cat's needs.

Whether you go with a cat wall or a corner turn configuration, its sleek design won't stick out whatever your living room aesthetic is.

Petlibro states that the soft furnishings can be installed in just 2 seconds, while setting up the cat tree can be done in 10 minutes.

For further customization, you can also add a wide array of cat toys, beds, and scratch boards.

Petlibro: Website | Instagram | TikTok

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Petlibro.

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Photo: gudkovandrey/123RF (Not a photo of the actual whale.)

We've heard about people being rescued by dogs and dolphins, but one lucky scientist was rescued by a hero that was much, much larger. Biologist Nan Hauser was filming off Rarotonga in the Cook Islands when she came across two large sea creatures, one of which was a humpback whale. It turned out that the startling encounter was a blessing in disguise, as the whale whisked Hauser away from the other animal—a massive tiger shark.

Hauser recalled the incredible story during a 2021 interview with BBC Earth. While whales are not known to be aggressive with humans, they are obviously dangerously large and powerful. When Hauser saw the humpback whale charge at her, she didn't know what to expect. Even stranger, the whale apparently tucked her under its pectoral fin, as though shielding the scientist, before transferring her onto its back and carrying her toward the boat.

After Hauser was finally able to find safety and gain distance from the situation, she realized what had occurred. The whale that swept her away was fighting with the other sea creature from earlier, and it was only at that point that Hauser was able to identify the other animal as a large tiger shark. “I've spent my entire life underwater and I've seen plenty of tiger sharks,” she said. “This was like a truck. This was a huge tiger shark and it was coming right for me.”

From that point, Hauser came to the conclusion that the humpback whale was on a mission to protect her. “I still to this day can't believe it happened and being a scientist it's even harder,” she continued. “If someone told me this story, I wouldn't believe them.” Even so, Hauser had all of the evidence in front of her. Then, a second miracle happened. She was reunited with the humpback whale a little over a year later.

Hauser was informed that a whale had moved into the area, and being a whale expert, she went to check it out. At once, Hauser noticed the two notches in the tail fluke. “And then next I knew the whale came up next to the side of the boat,” Hauser said. “He ignored everyone else on the boat and he stared directly at me… I looked at him and I saw a scar on his head and I just screamed, ‘He's back! I can't believe he's back!' And sure enough there he was.”

With no time to waste, Hauser put on her wetskin and jumped into the water so that she could swim beside the giant whale. As they traveled together, the animal stared at her and even nudged her. “It was like seeing a dog that you haven't seen in six months,” Hauser adds. “I miss him. I mean, who misses a whale?” Hopefully, the scientist and her heroic whale have not seen the last of each other.

Biologist Nan Hauser was saved from a tiger shark by a helpful humpback whale. A year later, Hauser was reunited with her hero.

h/t: [IFL Science]

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READ: Scientist Reunites With the Humpback Whale That Saved Her From a Shark

 

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Una publicación compartida por John C. (@seumas326)

Orcas are fascinating animals. They are huge in size, highly intelligent, and quite social. But for all their interesting features, a particular whale has stood out for not following the status quo. Known as Old Thom, this particular orca has caught the attention of both scientists and fishermen for being a loner. And when he has been spotted with  company, it's never his fellow whales, but rather a group of white-sided dolphins.

Old Thom was first spotted over 20 years ago in the waters of the Bay of Fundy, in Canada, where he has returned to almost every year. States-side, the whale was observed in the Roseway Basin in New England in August 2010, and he has also visited Cape Cod in 2016, 2022, and 2023.

“Old Thom is an unusual observation,” Lyne Morissette, CEO of marine consulting firm Expertise Marine, told CBC. “Usually they are really social animals that are organized in pods or families.” And while the fact that he is on his own is even more strange than dolphins being his choice of species to hang out with, the researcher adds that this shows Old Thom's adaptability, as well as his ability to decode the dolphin's language quickly.

While those who have encountered Old Thom are quick to recognize him due to his odd company—or lack thereof—the whale also boasts some unique marks. For example, he has a distinct notch a third of the way down the posterior side of his dorsal fin. Additionally, Old Thom is believed to be 25 to 30 feet long, with an estimated weight of 8 tons.

Orcas are usually associated with the West Coast, with the local indigenous communities having centuries-old insights into these creatures. However, Atlantic orcas are not as well known, but researchers are hoping that Old Thom's sightings can help them better understand these animals. “Old Thom means everything for future research,” added Morissette. “The first step in establishing a program on orcas for the northwest Atlantic is to understand where they are, when they are here, and why.”

An orca known as Old Thom has caught the attention of both scientists and fishermen for being a loner. And when he has been spotted with  company, it's never with his fellow whales but a group of white-sided dolphins instead.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Becky Joseph Scala (@becky_scala)

States-side, the whale was observed in the Roseway Basin in August 2010, and it has also visited Cape Cod in 2016, 2022, and 2023.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Lambert Family Adventure Tours (@lambertfamilyadventuretours)

Watch as Old Thom swims with his dolphin friends:

@sablestable once in a lifetime experience #orca #whalewatching #grandmanan #oldthom #dolphins ♬ Paradise – Bazzi

h/t: [CBC]

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Hachikō with Dr. Hidesaburo Ueno statue at University of Tokyo, Todai campus, Japan (Photo: cowardlion/Depositphotos)

One hundred years ago, on November 10, 1923, a special Akita Inu pup was born. He was adopted by Hidesaburo Ueno, an agricultural professor at Tokyo Imperial University (modern-day University of Tokyo), and called Hachikō. Though it has been almost a century since his passing, the story of Hachikō's unwavering loyalty to his owner continues to inspire dog lovers around the world.

Two years after adopting Hachikō, Ueno passed away unexpectedly from a cerebral hemorrhage at work. The young, white-colored pup was then rehoused several times, ultimately settling in with Ueno's former gardener Kikusaburo Kobayashi. However, Hachikō remained unaware of the fate of his owner. Believing that he would someday return, or perhaps just hopeful that he would, the faithful canine walked to the train station Ueno used to commute to work and waited for his return.

“In the evening, Hachi stood on four legs at the ticket gate and looked at each passenger as if he were looking for someone,” writes Professor Mayumi Itoh. This steadfast loyalty to their human is characteristic of the Akita dog breed, who are known for developing strong bonds with their owner while remaining wary of strangers. Hachikō's determinedness is still astounding though, as he waited through rain or shine, and suffered from abuse from train station employees, children, and other bystanders—all to see his owner again.

Things got a little better for Hachikō after a Tokyo newspaper wrote a piece about him in 1932. This prompted people to send donations to the train station to feed the unwavering pup, and inspired many to make trips to see Hachikō in person. The admiration and love for this dog even led to a fundraising event for a statue of his likeness, which drew a crowd of 3,000 at its unveiling in 1934 (the original statue was later replaced in 1948).

Eventually, nine years and nine months after Uena's death, Hachikō passed away from cancer at the age of 11 in 1935, and was given a memorial service outside of Shibuya Station. “In retrospect, I feel that he knew that Dr. Ueno would not come back, but he kept waiting—Hachikō taught us the value of keeping faith in someone,” wrote Takeshi Okamoto in 1982, who watched Hachikō daily as a high school student.

On what would have been his 100th birthday, Hachikō was honored with a week of celebrations. A video of his life was also shared on YouTube. Many have remarked how incredible it is that Hachikō's loyalty continues to be remembered. Eietsu Sakuraba, author of a book about Hachikō, says: “Even 100 years from now, this unconditional, devoted love will remain unchanged, and the story of Hachikō will live on forever.”

In 1925, a Japanese agricultural professor named Hidesaburo Ueno died unexpectedly at work.

Hachikō with Dr. Hidesaburo Ueno statue at University of Tokyo, Todai campus, Japan (Photo: phurinee/Depositphotos)

His dog, an akita named Hachikō, spent almost 10 years waiting at the train station for his owner's return. He remained loyal until his death in 1935.

Hachikō dog statue outside of Shibuya Station, Tokyo, Japan (Photo: pio3/Depositphotos)

Watch this video to learn more about Hachikō's life and story:

h/t: [NextShark]

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READ: Hachikō the Dog Who Waited 10 Years for His Owner To Return Would Be 100 Years Old Today

 

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While was kayaking along the windswept shores of Sutherland—a highland Scottish county—and eyeing the beautiful shores, Jillian Turner spotted something unusual at the bottom of the tall cliffs. Roving beneath the rock was a sheep, wool coat vastly overgrown. It was totally alone, far away from its flock and trapped at the bottom of the cliff. Despite Turner's attempts to find a rescuer, the sheep—dubbed Fiona—remained isolated at the bottom of the cliff for two years. At last, Britain's loneliest sheep has now been rescued by a devoted motley crew of farmers in the rural area. Fiona is now shaved and comfortable, destined for a life of greater comfort.

Turner told The Guardian that the sheep followed her along the shore as she rowed, vocalizing a need for help. Human-priority rescue services were unable to act without authorization from proper channels, while the SSPCA (Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) denied the sheep was in danger. Thankfully, Cammy Wilson, a sheep shearer from Ayrshire and a BBC presenter, became aware of the problem. Joined by a team of farmers, the crew hauled Fiona up the steep cliffs using machinery. On the team was Ally Williamson, whom Wilson described as an expert in getting sheep out of similar situations on the Isle of Lewis, where apparently sheep do this all the time.

After retrieving Fiona, the next step was shearing the poor creature who was drowning in her own wool. Sheep need regular shearing or their wool becomes matted and bad for their health. Fiona currently resides at Dalscone Farm where she has been receiving much love and media attention. She and her rescuers have been praised for their fortitude. What is certain is that, surrounded by visitors to the farm and her fellow barnyard creatures, Fiona will not be lonely again.

Fiona, who spent two years roaming the bottom of a steep cliff alone, has at last been rescued by intrepid farmers.

 

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A post shared by Dalscone Farm (@dalsconefarmfun)

 

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A post shared by Graeme Parker (@thehoofgp)

h/t: [The Guardian]

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READ: Britain’s “Loneliest Sheep” Stuck at Bottom of Cliff for Two Years Is Finally Rescued

Every day, dogs help humans in multiple ways. Not only do they fill our days with their love as pets, but they also work as service animals or join first responders to literally save our lives. But sometimes, it's humans who have to come to the aid of dogs, and many would do anything to help. Recently, two New York Police Department (NYPD) officers sprang into action to save a blind border collie that had become trapped in a freezing pond. Without delay, the policemen jumped into the water and brought him to safety.

On Halloween morning, NYPD Officers Branden Williams and Marc Esposito responded to an emergency call about a dog in danger at Baisley Pond park in Queens. Pointed to the dog by the caller, they struggled to see the dog in the brush, but they could definitely hear him. “It was honestly really sad to hear,” Esposito told CBS News. “We called our Emergency Service Unit. They said they were coming, but just by listening to the dog, we knew we had to do something.”

With no time to lose, the officers got into the cold water to save the dog. As the video captured by Esposito's body cam shows, even reaching him was no easy task. “Stepping on the floor, it was so uneven. Everything was soft. So you'd step, you'd be fine. You'd take another step, and you'd drop in all the way, six feet. Like, right up to my neck,” Esposito explained.

Luckily, they were able to safely retrieve the dog. Once they were out of the water, they took a couple of seconds to catch their breath. Then, the officers carried the dog to their patrol car, where they blasted the heat and covered him with one of their jackets. They later took the pup to the precinct, before Animal Care and Control (ACC) took him to the animal hospital to make sure he was ok.

With their help, they not only learned the dog's name—Sparky— but also discovered that the blind 8-year-old border collie had been reported missing by his owner a day earlier. Now, Sparky is recovering at home after being safely returned to his family. “In the moment you think, if this was my dog, I wish somebody would help,” Esposito told ABC7NY. “It's a really good feeling knowing that we saved the dog and it got reunited with its family.”

Two NYPD officers sprang into action to save a blind border collie that had become trapped in a freezing pond. Without delay, the policemen jumped into the water and brought him to safety.

 

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Una publicación compartida por NYPD (@nypd)

h/t: [CBS News]

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READ: Watch Officers Rescue a Blind Dog Trapped in a Freezing Pond

Photo: EcoPic/Depositphotos (Not a photo of the actual tortoise.)

Runaway pets are sadly all too common, yet many families don't give up hope to be reunited with them one day. In Florida, against all odds, a long lost pet tortoise made a miraculous return home. After escaping in 2020, the animal was recently recovered five miles from where she used to live.

The pet tortoise's homebound turn began almost by accident. During one of their rounds, deputies from the Putnam County Sheriff's Office noticed an odd looking turtle trying to cross a highway. After fetching her, they reached out to Florida's Wildest Animal Rescue. The team determined that she was an African Sulcata, a species native to the southern edge of the Sahara Desert. The tortoise also seemed to enjoy being around people and getting head pats. This reaction led them to believe the reptile once had a home, and so they decided to share some pictures in case someone was looking for her.

As luck would have it, the tortoise did have a family. “After the post was shared hundreds of times, one of our followers sent us a post from April 2020 of a sulcata tortoise that looked similar, that went missing from the same area!” the Florida's Wildest Animal Rescue wrote. “I was able to compare photos I took to the original post, and It turns out it was the same tortoise! She was missing for 3 1/2 years and found 5 miles away from where she originally escaped.”

Now, the tortoise has finally been reunited with her human family; however, there’s still long way to recovery. “She is in a little bit of rough shape from spending so many cold winters here without heat, but she will be okay, and we recommended a trip to the vet,” Wildest Animal Rescue shares. “What a happy ending! We are so happy we were able to assist in reuniting her with her family!”

A tortoise that escaped from home in 2020 was recently recovered five miles from where she used to live. After being spotted by Putnam County Sheriff's Office, she has been reunited with her family.

h/t: [WPTV]

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Photo: pekosman/123RF

Many cat owners are used to their pets communicating through meows and purrs. But beyond these sounds, kitties seem to be aloof, at most blinking or occasionally nudging their ears. However, they are much more expressive than we thought. A recent study found that cats have nearly 300 facial expressions that they use to communicate with other felines—from sweet smirks to hostile hissy faces.

The study was carried out by Lauren Scott and Brittany N. Florkiewicz, who caught footage of a colony of 53 cats living at a cat cafe in Los Angeles. They put special attention to the faces made by kitties to communicate with other felines once the cafe had closed up for the night, hoping to unravel cat-to-cat communication.

Over the course of 10 months, they recorded 276 different expressions among the cats. Each of these combined an average of four of 26 unique facial movements, which include parted lips, dilated or constricted pupils, blinking, nose licks, and ear positions. Following their observations, Scott and Florkiewicz determined that 45% of the expressions were friendly, while 37% came across as distinctly aggressive. The remaining 18% was ambiguous or simply could be read both ways.

While it's impossible to determine what cats were “saying” to each other, they found that cats tend to move their ears and whiskers toward other felines during friendly interactions, and to move them away during hostile encounters. Constricted pupils and licking lips were also determined to be signs of confrontation. The researchers pointed out a particular interaction, where a pair of kitties quickly went from cheerful to aggressive. After playing for a while, one of the cats suddenly crouched down and hissed at the other before running away.

For all the mystery surrounding their expressions, the researchers found that cats share “a common play face” with humans, dogs, and other creatures. This features the corners of the mouth being drawn back with the jaw lowered to form an open smile.

While many are now hoping for an app that could decode a cat's expression, Scott and Florkiewicz's findings could certainly be the first step to a deeper bond between cats and humans. Not only could owners know what their pet may need or feel, but it could also provide better matches when adopting a new cat. With a little luck, these findings may be the first step to better understanding cats in the future.

A recent study found that cats have almost 300 facial expressions that they use to communicate with other felines.

Photo: azalia/123RF

Over the course of 10 months, researchers recorded 276 different expressions among 53 felines living in a cat cafe in Los Angeles. About 45% of the expressions were friendly, while 37% came across as distinctly aggressive.

Photo: azalia/123RF

h/t: [Live Science]

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READ: Researchers Find That Cats Have Nearly 300 Different Facial Expressions

“Stop Your Motion” by Jacqueline Rüdiger. 1st Place, Action.
“Have you ever seen a dog, or even better, a sighthound, running in pure joy? You see the power, the play of the muscles, and the perfect anatomy for running fast. In this picture, I wanted to show the speed of this dog and capture it, but at the same time, freeze the motion to show the anatomy of this beautiful dog. To get it, you need a perfect timing of all components involved. The dog, the lights, and for sure, me as the photographer. The result is a stunning composition reduced to the only important thing, the dog.”

Since 2021, the Dog Photography Awards has honored the creativity of photographers who showcase the diversity of dogs in their work. For the 2023 edition, there were 1,440 entries from 50 different countries. Dog photographers were asked to enter their work into four different categories—Portrait & Landscape, Action, Dogs & People, and Studio. The winning photos are creative, heartwarming, and incredibly cute.

Whether it's Jacqueline Rüdiger‘s masterful photo of a jumping sighthound, which won the Action category, or the adorable tutu-wearing pinscher that won Anna Averianova the Studio category, the results are astounding. Anyone who is a dog lover will instantly fall in love with the work of the winners, which embraces all sides of pet ownership, from an adorable pile of puppies to a faithful companion who never leaves their owner's side.

“The Dog Photography Awards has once again showcased the remarkable talent within the world of dog photography,” shares Dog Photography Awards founder Audrey Bellot. “Witnessing emerging artists capture the essence of canine beauty with their stunning imagery remains the standout event of the year.”

Scroll down for some of our favorite winners and finalists, and then, when you head home, be sure to give your dog a pat on the head or belly rub to show them how much you care.

The winners of the 2023 Dog Photography Awards honor the photographers who showcase the diversity of dogs.

“Serene Snowfall” by Grace Fieselman. 2nd Place, Portrait & Landscape.
“Nala, the Australian Shepherd, relaxing on a quiet backroad in the beautiful snowfall.”

“Ballerina” by Anna Averianova. 1st Place, Studio.
“Ballerina in the studio.”

“Ascending Serenity” by Sanna Sander. 1st Place, Portrait & Landscape.
“In the right light, even the most mundane place emits magic. I had the idea of this image in my mind for quite some time, driving past the log stack every day on my way to drop the kids off at school. And finally, on our way home from school one day, I stopped the car and asked my Azawakh girl Soleil to hold the pose for a moment while I took the photo. Already in the camera, I saw that it had become something more than I had hoped for; a moment of clean stillness in the busy and messy everyday life, something more than a posing dog on a log stack. The image made me linger in the moment.”

“Moment of Entry” by Roberta Holden. 2nd Place, Action.
“I have become fascinated by the dynamic interplay between air, water, and light in turbulence as water is suddenly displaced at the moment of impact as a dock-diving dog enters the water. This split-second event conjured for me the feeling of falling through ice or being suddenly transported into an alternate realm.”

“Facing the Immensity Together” by Emma Gough. 2nd Place, Dogs & People.
“In a world where life can be immense and overwhelming, just like the vast nature of the ocean, we can turn to man's best friend for companionship and support to face the immensity together.”

“Caravaggio Today” by Mercury Megaloudis. 1st Place, Dogs & People.
“New and the old Inspired by Caravaggio the artist and new trends in steampunk with the love of dogs all in the studio.”

This year, photographers from 50 countries entered 1,440 photographs into the competition.

“Orange Highlights” by Melanie Rösen. Finalist, Portrait & Landscape.
“The colors of the labradors matched perfectly with the dark stair background. The orange highlights make the models shine.”

“Guess on fly” by Alessandro Grandoni. Finalist, Action.
“The flight of Guess, a fantastic dachshund puppy.”

“Puppy love” by Tuss Bennergård. 3rd Place, Studio.
“Three week old Great dane puppies. Photo is taken with studio lights at the breeder's home.”

“Seeing Double” by Katie Brockman. Finalist, Portrait & Landscape.
“Urban photography: Finding beauty in the mundane.”

“Let's dance!” by Carla Gea Perales. 2nd Place, Studio.
“Relying on spontaneity in photography allows me to experience positive surprises and unexpected results.”

“Yin and Yang” by Agnieszka Gulczynska. Finalist, Dogs & People.
“My son's childhood is my biggest inspiration. Photographing Igor, I admire the amazing and beautiful way you can catch things which are seemingly regular. An old bucket or umbrella are magical objects for children. That is why I appreciate the way my son uses this magic, regards and discovers the world, creates relations with children and animals which constantly fascinate him.”

“Vitamin ball” by Iulia Tulcinscaia. Finalist, Studio.
“When you're out grocery shopping for your family, maybe you can put a can of cat or dog food in your cart and bring it to an animal relief center. Rachael Ray”

Dog Photography Awards: Website | Instagram | Facebook 

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by the Dog Photography Awards.

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Bobi, the world's oldest dog, has passed away at the age of 31 years and 163 days. Rest easy, sweet boy. 14/10 ❤ pic.twitter.com/gwnO84j3xa

— WeRateDogs (@dog_rates) October 23, 2023

One of the most heartbreaking things about getting a pet is knowing that their lives are much shorter than ours. For a large dog, 12 years can be the average life expectancy; however, one good boy in Portugal named Bobi surprised his owners and the world by living to an astounding 31 years. This made him the oldest dog in recorded history. Sadly, Bobi has passed away, leaving behind a lot of memories and love for those that knew him and knew of him.

Bobi was a red and white purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo livestock guard dog born in 1992. His owner, Leonel Costa, was just 8 years old when he fell in love with the canine. Bobi was one of four puppies born on Costa's parents' property, and there were already too many animals to take care of. “Unfortunately, at that time it was considered normal by older people […] to bury the animals in a hole so that they would not survive,” Costa reveals. But when the time came, Bobi remained unseen by the parents, and Costa was able to raise Bobi in secret until he was grown.

Although it is unclear why Bobi lived twice as long as the average dog of his breed, his owner attributes it to his healthy lifestyle. Bobi grew up in the countryside of Conqueiros where he was allowed to roam off leash and mingle with many different animals. Additionally, he was never fed dog food, but instead ate human food that was soaked in water to remove seasoning.

Bobi's death at 31 puts him ahead of the previous record holder Bluey, the Australian cattle dog who died at 29 years and five months in 1939. The beloved dog has now crossed the Rainbow Bridge and lives on in memories those who loved him and through his title.

Bobi, a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo livestock guard dog, has passed away at the age of 31. He is the oldest recorded dog in history.

Bobi the world’s oldest dog dies at 31 pic.twitter.com/uoqOUsSQ6n

— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) October 23, 2023

h/t: [Wesh]

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READ: World’s Oldest Dog Passes Away at 31 Years Old