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.
Recent Kinship articles by Jodi Helmer
![Man wearing pink headphones playing with dog on sofa with plants and a painting in the background]()
Should You Do a Trial Run Before You Adopt a Pet?
Some animal rescues allow trial runs for interested adopters. Get the scoop on how foster-to-adopt programs work.
![Girl sitting on couch hugging her playful dog with the window open to outside]()
7 Myths About Rescue Animals—Debunked
For starters: No, they’re not all traumatized and yes, you can find a purebred puppy at a shelter.
![Cat walking outside on the grass]()
Heartworm in Cats: Do They Get The Disease and What to Know
Dogs are the natural target for these worms, but that doesn’t mean your cat isn’t at risk.
![cat coming out of litter box]()
What to Do When Your Cat Refuses to Be (Litter) Boxed In
An expert explains why kitties are so particular about where they pop a squat.
![A cat staring at a peeled banana]()
Can Cats Eat Bananas?
Gwen Stefani taught us how to spell it, but can we feed this fruit to our cats?
![A kitten sniffing a ripe half of an avocado in a bowl]()
Can Cats Eat Avocados?
Just don’t get out the guacamole bowl.
![Hand holding food bowl peeks into frame as a cat looks up expectantly]()
The 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.
![A woman eating peanut butter toast with her cat laying on the table]()
Can Cats Eat Peanut Butter?
The sweet-and-salty treat is OK in moderation.
![Grey cat eats a strawberry]()
Can Cats Eat Strawberries
Yes, strawberries are a nutritious treat for dogs.
![A woman feeding food to her cat at a dining room table]()
Is Homemade Cat Food Good for Your Kitty?
The best ingredients to include when considering a home-cooked diet for your cat.
![cat with cone after vet visit]()
Doctor’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.
![A hand reaching towards a cat peaking out of a cage.]()
10 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.
![Cat asking for human food from counter]()
What Can Cats Eat Besides Cat Food?
Good news for your begging cat: Some of your favorite snacks are safe to share.
![Cat sitting in a teal litter box]()
How 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).
![grey and white cat with tongue sticking out]()
Why Does My Cat Keep Throwing Up?
Here’s when you should worry.
![cat meowing]()
Why 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.
![Cat eating out of metal bowl]()
Top 10 Foods That Are Toxic to Cats
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]()
Is Your Cat SAD?
Four ways cats can combat seasonal depression.
![cat being offered a treat or vitamin]()
The Best Supplements and Vitamins for Cat Health
Not your mama’s multivitamin.
![A woman staring at her computer while holding her dog close.]()
10 Things to Consider Before Adopting a Pet
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.]()
Keeping Cats Cool in Summer: Essential Safety Tips for Your Feline Friends
And other summer safety tips.
![White kitten with tongue out next to slices of watermelon]()
Can Cats Eat Watermelon and Watermelon Rind?
Yes, watermelon is a nutritious treat for cats.
Why Is My Cat Hiding?
No, they’re not on the lam. Here are four reasons your cat might be MIA.
![kittens licking woman's hand]()
Curious Cat Behavior: Why Does My Cat Lick Me?
Hey, everybody’s got their thing.
![Curly afro woman stroking her bonded cats on the couch in living room]()
Should I Adopt a Bonded Pair?
Some besties are inseparable, and that’s not always a bad thing.
![Woman petting her cat]()
Don’t Come For Us, But Is Your Cat Overweight?
We love a chonky cat, but here’s what you should know.
![overweight orange cat]()
How Much Should You Actually Be Feeding Your Cat?
If they’ve lost their hourglass figure, then not that much — according to a veterinary nutritionist.
![Cat playing and jumping with a rubber band]()
What’s the Deal with FIV in Cats?
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]()
Gut 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.
![black cat doing zoomies on a bed]()
Your Cat’s Erratic Zoomies — Explained
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]()
You Should Not Invite Your Cat to Your Fancy Cheese Party
Save the charcuterie for the humans.
![Cat eating from a plate of raspberries and blueberries]()
Can Cats Eat Blueberries?
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]()
You 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).
![cat biting person's hand]()
How 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.
![A frenchie dog waiting for food as a woman bends down to pour food into a dog bowl.]()
You’re Probably Not Washing Your Dog’s Bowl Enough
And according to a new study, it’s putting their health at risk.
![A fat cat lounging on a shelf.]()
How Tech Helps Cats Lose Weight
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]()
Can Cats Eat Apples?
Yes, but the fruit might not hold much a-peel.
![Dark grey cat eating two slices of break laid on top of a wooden railing of an outdoor deck]()
Can Cats Eat Bread?
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.]()
10 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.
![Woman's hands massaging the head of a Persian kitten]()
Does Your Cat Need a Massage?
Pets deserve some self care, too.
![orange cat being stroked by man]()
Why You Need a Cat Sitter in Your Inner Circle
Pssst… Your cat’s cool loner persona is all an act.
![brown cat in grass]()
Hairballs: A Tangled Web
What to do when your cat hawks one up.
