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Frequently Asked Questions – LumaPaw

Welcome to the LumaPaw FAQ page — your quick guide to common questions about pet care, product choices, and how our site works.

Product Selection Help

For Dogs

What are the best salmon dog treats for my dog?

We’ve reviewed the top salmon dog treats for training, allergies, and overall health. Read our full guide here.

We recommend starting with our Cat Food Guide or Dog Food Guide, which break down food options by age, breed, and dietary needs.

See our guide on [Top Air Dried Dog Foods for Health and Nutrition]

We reviewed the [Top 10 Dog Hoodies to Keep Your Pet Warm and Stylish].

Bully sticks are popular natural chews, but they’re not risk-free. While they can help with dental health and satisfy chewing instincts, they may pose a choking hazard if swallowed in large pieces. They’re also high in calories, so moderation is key. If you want safer long-lasting options, check out our full guide on the best dog toys for durable alternatives.

A martingale collar is designed to prevent dogs from slipping out of their collar while still offering gentle, safe control. It tightens slightly when the dog pulls, giving better security than a regular flat collar — especially for dogs with narrow heads like Greyhounds, Whippets, and mixed breeds that can easily back out of standard collars.

For a full guide on how martingale collars work, when to use them, and our top recommended options for 2025, check out:

Yes — high-quality leather collars are safe for dogs when made from durable, non-toxic materials. Leather is strong, comfortable, and softens over time, making it a great choice for everyday walks. It is especially good for dogs with sensitive skin because it reduces irritation compared to nylon or synthetic collars.

To help you choose a safe and long-lasting option, we reviewed the best leather collars available on Amazon and Chewy.

  • Leather collars are safe when:
  • They fit properly (two-finger rule)
  • They’re well-maintained and not cracked
  • They are made from genuine or padded leather

Always replace any collar that becomes worn or damaged to keep your dog safe.

No dog toy is 100% indestructible, but some toys are far more durable and designed specifically for aggressive chewers. Brands like KONG, Goughnuts, and West Paw use heavy-duty rubber and reinforced materials that can withstand intense chewing better than regular toys.

If your dog destroys toys quickly, choosing the right material is key. We tested and reviewed the toughest toys for aggressive chewers in 2025, including rubber rings, chew bones, and floating toys designed for maximum durability.

  • These toys work best for aggressive chewers when:
  • They are made from solid, non-hollow rubber
  • They have no weak seams or fabric parts
  • The toy is the correct size for your dog
  • The toy is designed for power chewers

While no toy lasts forever, high-quality durable toys can give your dog long-lasting, safe playtime.

The safest small dog harness is one that provides gentle chest support, prevents neck strain, and fits securely without slipping. Look for models with padded straps, adjustable points, and a sturdy back or front clip to improve control during walks.

Some harnesses are specially designed for tiny breeds that need extra comfort and confidence. In our 2025 guide, we reviewed the top harnesses for safety, comfort, and durability — including options perfect for Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Pomeranians, Dachshunds, and other small breeds.

  • To ensure maximum safety, choose a harness that:
  • Fits snugly without rubbing
  • Has a padded chest panel
  • Uses breathable materials
  • Includes secure buckles or no-pull features

A well-fitting harness keeps small dogs safe, secure, and confident on every walk.

Yes — dog seat belts are safe when they are crash-tested, made with strong hardware, and used with a well-fitted harness (never on a collar). A good seat belt prevents your dog from being thrown forward during sudden stops, keeps them from distracting the driver, and helps reduce injuries during accidents.

Some dog seat belts are even designed with car-grade materials and tested to meet safety standards. In our 2025 guide, we reviewed the safest and most comfortable options for dogs of all sizes.

  • A dog seat belt is safest when:
  • It attaches to a harness, not the neck
  • It’s crash-tested or made from strong nylon
  • The buckles are metal, not plastic
  • It’s adjusted to keep your dog secure but comfortable

Using the right seat belt makes car travel much safer and calmer for your dog.

Yes — dogs can develop food allergies, and they’re more common than many owners realize. Allergies often show up as itchy skin, ear infections, hot spots, paw licking, vomiting, or digestive issues. In most cases, dogs react to proteins such as chicken, beef, dairy, wheat, or soy.
The best way to manage symptoms is to switch to a food made for allergies, using limited ingredients, novel proteins, or sensitive-stomach formulas.

If you’re unsure what to feed your dog, we reviewed the best allergy-friendly options for skin and stomach issues, including grain-free, hydrolyzed, and sensitive-skin diets.

A vet may also recommend an elimination diet to identify the exact trigger.

The best low-fat dog food for pancreatitis is one that contains high-quality protein, easily digestible ingredients, and strictly controlled fat levels (usually under 10% on a dry-matter basis). These diets help reduce pressure on the pancreas, support digestion, and prevent flare-ups.

  • Veterinarians often recommend formulas with:
  • Low to moderate fat content
  • Lean proteins like turkey, chicken, or whitefish
  • Simple, gentle carbohydrates (rice, sweet potato)
  • No added fats or heavy oils
  • Digestive support (prebiotics, fiber)

If you need help choosing, we reviewed the best low-fat dog food options for pancreatitis and sensitive stomachs, including both wet and dry vet-approved picks.

Always consult your vet before switching foods, especially during or after a pancreatitis episode.

For Cats

What are the best healthy cat treats for my cat?

If you’re looking for safe, nutritious options, we’ve created a full guide: Best Healthy Cat Treats in 2025

Discover our picks in [Best Cat Beds for Comfort, Health, and Better Sleep].

We reviewed it in detail here → [Farmina Cat Food Review].

Place the post in an area where your cat already scratches, such as near furniture or by a window. Sprinkle catnip on the post or use a toy to attract your cat. Praise or reward them when they use it to encourage the habit. For more tips and product ideas, check out our full guide on the best cat scratching posts.

The best catnip toys are ones that stimulate natural hunting instincts, encourage movement, and keep your cat mentally active. Cats usually prefer soft toys filled with high-quality catnip, kicker toys they can grab with their paws, and interactive toys that move or make sounds.

If you want to see safe, fun, and vet-recommended options, check out our full guide here:

These toys are perfect for playful, energetic cats and indoor cats that need more enrichment.

Yes — Pretty Litter can work in some automatic litter boxes, but not all. Because Pretty Litter is a lightweight silica crystal litter, certain auto-cleaning systems may struggle with tracking, dust, or clogging. That’s why it’s important to choose a model specifically compatible with Pretty Litter.

We tested the top options from Amazon and Chewy and found the models that clean properly without getting jammed.

  • Pretty Litter works well in an automatic litter box when:
  • The rake or cleaning paddle can handle light silica granules
  • The base has good weight sensors
  • The cleaning cycle doesn’t rely on clumping litter
  • The box allows the litter to fully dry after urine absorption

Choosing the right model prevents odor, sticking, and sensor issues.

High-quality stainless steel cat litter boxes do not rust. Stainless steel is naturally resistant to moisture, urine, and corrosion, which makes it one of the most durable materials for litter boxes. Unlike plastic, it does not absorb odors, stain, or degrade over time.
However, cheaper or low-grade stainless steel can show discoloration or minor corrosion if exposed to harsh cleaners or if the metal is extremely thin.

To help you choose the right option, we reviewed the best stainless steel litter boxes and compared them to top-entry, disposable, and furniture-style models:

  • Stainless steel litter boxes stay rust-free when:
  • The material is true 304 or 316 stainless steel
  • Harsh chemical cleaners are avoided
  • The cleaning cycle doesn’t rely on clumping litter
  • The box is rinsed and dried occasionally

Overall, they are one of the longest-lasting and most hygienic litter box choices.

Cats technically can eat a small amount of tofu, but it is not recommended as part of their diet. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means their digestive system is designed for animal protein — not soy or plant-based foods. Tofu won’t poison your cat, but it can cause stomach upset, gas, or diarrhea in some cats.

If you’re interested in tofu as litter (not food), we reviewed the safest, low-dust, and eco-friendly tofu cat litter brands that work well for odor control and everyday use.

  • Tofu litter is safe for cats when:
  • It’s unscented and food-grade
  • It doesn’t contain added chemicals
  • It’s used strictly as litter — not food

So while tofu litter is great for your home, your cat should not eat tofu as a meal.

Maine Coons are one of the largest and heaviest cat breeds, so they need a tall, wide, and extremely stable cat tree. The best size for a Maine Coon is typically at least 60–70 inches tall, with extra-wide platforms (14–20 inches), thick scratching posts, and a heavy base to prevent wobbling.

Cat trees made from solid wood or reinforced materials work best because they support a Maine Coon’s weight during climbing, jumping, and scratching. We reviewed the top 2025 models specifically built for large and heavy cats, including Maine Coons, Ragdolls, and Norwegian Forest Cats.

  • For maximum safety and comfort, look for a cat tree that features:
  • A wide base (no wobbling)
  • Thick posts (3"–4" diameter)
  • Large platforms your cat can fully stretch on
  • Strong materials like wood or reinforced plywood
  • High weight capacity (30–40+ lbs)

These features ensure your Maine Coon gets a stable, comfortable climbing experience.

Canned cat food is often considered better than dry food because it contains higher moisture, fewer fillers, and more animal-based protein. The extra moisture helps support kidney health, urinary tract function, and overall hydration — especially important for cats that don’t drink enough water.
That said, both wet and dry cat food can be healthy depending on the ingredients and your cat’s needs. Many cat owners feed a mix of both for balanced nutrition and convenience.

If you’re looking for healthy, high-quality wet cat food options, we reviewed the top canned recipes for 2025, including protein-rich, grain-free, and sensitive-stomach picks.

  • Wet food is often the better choice when:
  • Your cat needs more hydration
  • Your cat has urinary or kidney concerns
  • You want higher meat content
  • Your cat prefers softer textures

Dry food is helpful for convenience and portion control, but wet food offers stronger nutritional and hydration benefits.

Yes — many cat doors for windows are 100% renter-friendly because they don’t require drilling, cutting, or permanent modifications. Most window-mounted cat doors simply sit inside the window track and secure in place using pressure or adjustable panels. This means you can install and remove them without damaging the frame, walls, or glass.
These designs are ideal for renters who want to give their indoor cat safe outdoor access without risking their security deposit.

If you want safe, easy-to-install options, we reviewed the top renter-friendly window cat doors for 2025 — including adjustable, no-drill, and slide-in models.

Tip:
Always check your lease for rules about removable fixtures, but window-mounted designs are almost always allowed since they don’t alter the property.

Essential cat grooming tools include a slicker brush, a deshedding tool, a wide-tooth comb, and nail clippers. These cover the basics: removing loose fur, preventing mats, reducing shedding, and keeping nails at a safe length.
For long-haired cats, add a dematting comb; for short-haired cats, a gentle rubber grooming brush works great. Grooming wipes and ear-cleaning pads are also helpful for quick touch-ups.

To make choosing easier, we reviewed the best cat grooming tools for 2025, including top-rated brushes, dematting tools, and professional-quality kits recommended by vets and groomers.

Regular grooming helps prevent hairballs, improves coat health, reduces shedding, and keeps your home cleaner.

General Pet Care

Can I mix wet and dry food for my pet?

Yes! Many vets recommend this for added hydration and variety. Just keep an eye on portion control. Visit our Nutrition Tips page for feeding guides.

Brushes: every 6–12 months depending on coat type and usage. Clippers: when they dull, rust, or crack nails instead of cutting cleanly.

Litter boxes: scoop daily, deep clean weekly. Crates: wipe down weekly or after accidents, and wash any bedding regularly.

About LumaPaw & Using the Site

Do you sell products directly?

Nope! We’re an affiliate content site. We earn a small commission when you buy through our links, but at no extra cost to you.

Never. LumaPaw is independently operated and 100% editorial. Our goal is to help pet parents, not advertisers.

Absolutely! Head over to our Contact Us page and share your suggestion. We love getting feedback from fellow pet lovers.

Still Have Questions?

We’re here to help. Reach out to us here or explore our Product Guides to dive deeper.

Note: This FAQ is for general guidance and should not replace professional veterinary advice.

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