Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for evaluating the appeal of a litter or the litter box environment to a cat and also provides a behavioral diagnostic method for assessing risk of urinary health issues. The methods involve the use of the duration of the elimination sequence to diagnose if the cat has a healthy (enriched environment) or unhealthy (standard environment) elimination behavior. The duration can be measured by an apparatus that determines the time of residence of an animal in a litter pan (i.e., the difference between time of entrance and time of exit from the pan). The apparatus can determine the time of residence of the animal in the litter pan using one or more of a motion detection device attached to the litter pan, an accelerometer attached to the litter pan, or a weight scale balance under the litter pan.

Abstract: Some embodiments can include a device for detecting heart rate. In a number of embodiments, the device can comprise at least one capacitive displacement sensor coupled to a strap. In many embodiments, the at least one capacitive displacement sensor can comprise two electrodes. In some embodiments, the two electrodes can comprise an outer transmitting electrode and an inner receiving electrode. In various embodiments, the at least one capacitive displacement sensor can detect a pulse by producing a signal associated with a distance change between a skin of a wearer of the device and the at least one capacitive displacement sensor. Other embodiments of related apparatuses, methods and systems are also provided.

Abstract: L-Felinine (2-amino-7-hydroxy-5,5-dimethyl-4-thiaheptanoic acid) can be used to attract a cat to eliminate in a litter box. The present disclosure provides litters containing L-Felinine, litter boxes containing L-Felinine, compositions containing L-Felinine that can be added to a litter and/or a litter box, and devices for adding L-Felinine to a litter and/or a litter box. In an embodiment, the L-Felinine can be applied to a litter and/or a litter box as an aqueous solution comprising at least about 0.2 wt % of L-Felinine, for example by spraying the aqueous solution of L-Felinine from a bottle or applying the aqueous solution of L-Felinine using a dropper pipette.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for evaluating the appeal of a litter or the litter box environment to a cat and also provides a behavioral diagnostic method for assessing risk of urinary health issues. The methods involve the use of the duration of the elimination sequence to diagnose if the cat has a healthy (enriched environment) or unhealthy (standard environment) elimination behavior. The duration can be measured by an apparatus that determines the time of residence of an animal in a litter pan (i.e., the difference between time of entrance and time of exit from the pan). The apparatus can determine the time of residence of the animal in the litter pan using one or more of a motion detection device attached to the litter pan, an accelerometer attached to the litter pan, or a weight scale balance under the litter pan.

Abstract: A method of providing a pet with a benefit relating to effective assimilation of a lipid is described wherein the pet is administered, as a part of, or in addition to its regular diet, an edible composition that contains an ingredient that maintains, promotes or enhances the capacity of the pet to digest lipid efficiently. The invention extends to compositions for use in promoting lipid assimilation in pets, particularly senior or elderly pets. The compositions include pancreatic, liver and intestinal mucosa function-promoters. In embodiments, the liver function-promoter may be selected from taurine, emulsifiers, vitamins, minerals, glutathione and glutathione promoters.

Abstract: A method of providing a pet with a benefit relating to effective assimilation of a lipid is described wherein the pet is administered, as a part of, or in addition to its regular diet, an edible composition that contains an ingredient that maintains, promotes or enhances the capacity of the pet to digest lipid efficiently. The invention extends to compositions for use in promoting lipid assimilation in pets, particularly senior or elderly pets. The compositions include pancreatic, liver and intestinal mucosa function-promoters. In embodiments, the liver function-promoter may be selected from taurine, emulsifiers, vitamins, minerals, glutathione and glutathione promoters.

Abstract: A method of providing a pet with a benefit relating to effective assimilation of a lipid is described wherein the pet is administered, as a part of, or in addition to its regular diet, an edible composition that contains an ingredient that maintains, promotes or enhances the capacity of the pet to digest lipid efficiently. The invention extends to compositions for use in promoting lipid assimilation in pets, particularly senior or elderly pets. The compositions include pancreatic, liver and intestinal mucosa function-promoters. In embodiments, the liver function-promoter may be selected from taurine, emulsifiers, vitamins, minerals, glutathione and glutathione promoters.

Abstract: Products as well as methods for reducing plaque in a domestic animal are provided. The product comprises retorted milk.

Abstract: Methods for preparing dog food compositions adapted for dogs with certain body conformation types by categorizing a dog for which the food composition is intended as a robust or athletic body conformation type and formulating a dog food composition to contain feed ingredients beneficial for the categorized dog. Typically, the protein and fat content of the food composition will be adjusted based upon the robust or athletic category for a particular dog or dog type.

Abstract: Products as well as methods for reducing plaque in a domestic animal are provided. The product comprises retorted milk.

Abstract: Products as well as methods for reducing plaque in a domestic animal are provided. The product comprises retorted milk.

Abstract: Methods for preparing dog food compositions adapted for dogs with certain body conformation types by categorizing a dog for which the food composition is intended as a robust or athletic body conformation type and formulating a dog food composition to contain feed ingredients beneficial for the categorized dog. Typically, the protein and fat content of the food composition will be adjusted based upon the robust or athletic category for a particular dog or dog type.

Abstract: A method of providing a pet with a benefit relating to effective assimilation of a lipid is described wherein the pet is administered, as a part of, or in addition to its regular diet, an edible composition that contains an ingredient that maintains, promotes or enhances the capacity of the pet to digest lipid efficiently. The invention extends to compositions for use in promoting lipid assimilation in pets, particularly senior or elderly pets. The compositions include a pancreatic and either a liver or an intestinal mucosa function-promoter or both. In embodiments, the liver function-promoter may be selected from taurine, vitamins, minerals, glutathione and glutathione promoters.

Abstract: A method of providing a pet with a benefit relating to effective assimilation of a lipid is described wherein the pet is administered, as a part of, or in addition to its regular diet, an edible composition that contains an ingredient that maintains, promotes or enhances the capacity of the pet to digest lipid efficiently. The invention extends to compositions for use in promoting lipid assimilation in pets, particularly senior or elderly pets. The compositions include pancreatic, liver and intestinal mucosa function-promoters. In embodiments, the liver function-promoter may be selected from taurine, emulsifiers, vitamins, minerals, glutathione and glutathione promoters.

Abstract: A method of providing a pet with a benefit relating to effective assimilation of a lipid is described wherein the pet is administered, as a part of, or in addition to its regular diet, an edible composition that contains intestinal mucosa function-promoters in an effective amount to maintain, improve or enhance the capacity of the pet to digest lipid efficiently. The invention extends to compositions for use in promoting lipid assimilation in pets, particularly senior or elderly pets. The compositions preferably include pancreatic, liver and intestinal mucosa function-promoters.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for improving the longevity, activity, and health of elderly pets are provided. The method includes in an embodiment administering a nutritional composition including an oil blend, an antioxidant, and a source of linoleic acid.