Sarah Lipoff
Contributing Editor, LilSugar
Sarah Lipoff

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summer

Summer Fun: Cats on Leashes

Let's be honest — the idea of a cat being happy about donning a leash and heading out for a walk seems impossible.

Let's be honest — the idea of a cat being happy about donning a leash and heading out for a walk seems impossible. While images of screaming cats with their claws firmly rooted in the ground (or cement!) flash through your head, we've found a few proud feline owners that have mastered the art of walking the cat. Click through for a collection of cats on leashes.

Eco

Homemade Eco-Friendly Ant Killer

Keep pesky ants away with this easy DIY ant killer that's sans harsh chemicals.


Keep pesky ants away with this easy DIY ant killer that's sans harsh chemicals. This ant hitman attracts pests with its sweet flavor, keeping them away from the rest of your home, but eventually wipes out whole colonies thanks to borax. A natural mineral that is often used as a cleaning booster, borax not only smacks down ants, but it is also safe to use in your home.

Read on for the directions.

Eco

Supercute! Easy DIY Bottle-Cap Candles

Save your bottle caps and candle ends for making these adorable minicandles.

Save your bottle caps and candle ends for making these adorable minicandles. Pick up candle wicks at your local craft store for only a few bucks, which makes this DIY just about free. Personalize the set by using tops from your favorite beverages, and you've got a unique gift that's fitting for any occasion. Perfect for lighting cozy outdoor areas or packing for camping, these bottle-cap candles burn for about an hour before running out of wick.

Read on for the directions

Cats

Homemade Organic Spinach and Chicken Cat Treats

If your kitty loves a crunchy treat, then try making these easy and healthy organic goodies that will have her purring.

If your kitty loves a crunchy treat, then try making these easy and healthy organic goodies that will have her purring. Filled with healthy spinach and chicken, these cat treats also include organic catnip, which ensures your fur-ball will go crazy for these indulgences. And you'll love knowing exactly what she's noshing on.

It's as simple as steaming organic boneless and skinless chicken thighs and letting a blender or food processor do the rest of the work. The result is a bountiful supply of tasty cat treats that are sure to become your kitty's new favorite snack.

Cats

Silly Pet Video of the Day: Dog Can't Catch a Break

We know pets sometimes tussle, which makes this pet video of the day even sillier.

We know pets sometimes tussle, which makes this pet video of the day even sillier. Here's an unflustered pup that simply wants to chew on his bone — but his cute kitten companion isn't having it. And this clever feline doesn't give up easily. Watch as she attacks over and over, with a few pretty stealthy strikes, while this smart dog simply continues chomping away.

Eco

Homemade Drain Buster For Clogged Pipes

If your drain isn't flowing as easily as it should, then it's probably a bit clogged.

If your drain isn't flowing as easily as it should, then it's probably a bit clogged. Instead of paying big bucks for chemical-filled concoctions, try fixing the problem yourself with a homemade drain cleaner.

This eco-friendly DIY costs basically nothing to make and can be used weekly to help prevent buildup. Safe to use in the bathroom or kitchen, the drain-buster will have your sink or tub flowing freely in no time. Have a really plugged pipe? We've even found the solution for seriously stopped drains.

Keep reading for the directions.

summer

The Cheapest and Coolest Airbnb Rentals in the USA

From big-city living to cabins tucked in the mountains, these unique Airbnb finds are some of the cheapest and coolest rentals in the USA.

From big-city living to cabins tucked in the mountains, these unique Airbnb finds are some of the cheapest and coolest rentals in the USA. Some are luxurious, a few are off the grid, but all are less than $100 per night, making them budget-friendly destinations for Summer travel. Click through to find a fun place to stay during your next vacation.

Dogs

Pet of the Week: Happy Rescue Pup

There was stiff competition this week when selecting which pet pic to feature, but this happy pup captured our attention thanks to her beaming smile and that bright flower tucked behind her ear.

There was stiff competition this week when selecting which pet pic to feature, but this happy pup captured our attention thanks to her beaming smile and that bright flower tucked behind her ear. Instagram user laurenkl shared that her happy canine is a rescue dog, which makes this adorable pup even sweeter. Here's what she had to say about the snap:

"Happy 2nd Birthday to Sophie Monster!"

We're so happy that Sophie found a forever home!

Keep taking pictures of your adorable pets, uploading them to Instagram, and remembering to tag them with #POPSUGARPets, and next Thursday we'll share another fave from the week. And, of course, follow POPSUGAR Pets on Instagram for pet inspiration and cute pictures of our favorite pets.

Quiz

What Do You Know About German Shepherd Dogs?

Everyone's seen a German Shepherd at some point, either on duty or as a beloved pet, but did you know the animal is actually the German Shepherd Dog?

Everyone's seen a German Shepherd at some point, either on duty or as a beloved pet, but did you know the animal is actually the German Shepherd Dog? It's one of the few breeds (like the American Eskimo Dog) that have this word in the official name. These loyal and lovable pups are easily recognizable and excellent working dogs. You might be surprised by what you learn about this sweet and smart pooch after taking our quiz!

Take the Quiz
Father's Day

DIY Gift For Dad: Aftershave Made From Leftover Rum and Orange Peels

Give a gift that will have the guy in your life smelling awesome and will also make use of that last shot of rum hiding in your liquor cabinet.


Give a gift that will have the guy in your life smelling awesome and will also make use of that last shot of rum hiding in your liquor cabinet. Mix together this fragrant concoction with the help of the ends of seasonings and orange peels, ensuring that absolutely nothing goes to waste. And this aromatic balm costs hardly anything to toss together, making it a really unique and memorable gift for any handsome fellow. Use a repurposed glass bottle, and your aftershave looks like you picked it up from a chic boutique.

Read on for the directions!

budget tips

Budget-Friendly and Unique Flea-Market Finds

Along with finding basic home essentials at your local flea market, you might be surprised by the other unique items that you can pick up for a steal.

Along with finding basic home essentials at your local flea market, you might be surprised by the other unique items that you can pick up for a steal. We headed to our favorite local fair and couldn't believe the cool finds that were all budget-friendly. From vintage glasses frames to tailored suits, get ready to haggle for the best price around with these unique flea-market finds. Click through to find out what we were willing to pay for items!

cute animals

Cute Kitty: Sweet Cat Collars From Etsy

Your little kitty will love wearing one of these adorable cat collars.

Your little kitty will love wearing one of these adorable cat collars. From ornamental accessories to ones that are perfect for outdoor cats or attaching to leashes, each of these cat collars is all handmade by Etsy sellers especially for your pet. With a variety of colors and styles, you're sure to find the right cat collar for your favorite kitty.

Father's Day

Father's Day Gifts For Animal-Loving Dads

If your dad loves critters, then take note: we've got a collection of adorable and unique gifts, all from Etsy, that are perfect for Father's Day.

If your dad loves critters, then take note: we've got a collection of adorable and unique gifts, all from Etsy, that are perfect for Father's Day. From seriously cool animal artwork to toad ties, this collection of tokens for showing your appreciation will definitely leave a lasting impression. Click through to find just the right gift for your animal-loving dad.

Father's Day

Perfect For Vino-Loving Dads: Wine-Cork Key Chain

Don't toss that wine cork!

Don't toss that wine cork! Use it for making a simple key chain that makes a great gift. And this quick DIY costs hardly anything to make. With Father's Day right around the corner, this cork key chain would make the perfect gift for vino-loving dads. Here's how to make one:

  1. Purchase 1 3/16-inch screw eyes and key rings for a few bucks at your local home goods store, and you're ready to get started.
  2. Simply center the screw eye at one of the ends of the wine cork and twist until it is secure.
  3. Thread the key chain through the round, and you're finished. And what's really cool about this key chain is that it floats!
Cats

Grumpy Cat Gets a Movie Deal: Celebrate With These LOL Memes

With excitement buzzing around Grumpy Cat's recent movie deal, we can't stop talking about who will be voicing the cheery princess herself.

With excitement buzzing around Grumpy Cat's recent movie deal, we can't stop talking about who will be voicing the cheery princess herself. Tardar Sauce (aka Grumpy Cat) quickly became the outrageously popular base for the silliest pet memes and will be the center of a movie from the studio responsible for films such as Paul Blart: Mall Cop and Jack and Jill. In celebration of the upcoming flick, we've rounded up our favorite Grumpy Cat memes. Who do you think will be chosen to vocalize Grumpy Cat's curmudgeonly thoughts? Tell us in a comment below!

budget tips

10 Free Wedding Announcement Printables

We all know trying to stick to a wedding budget is tough.

We all know trying to stick to a wedding budget is tough. But you can keep costs down by personalizing and printing your own wedding announcements. With so many cute templates to pick from, you'll save tons of money declaring your special day. From formal to whimsical, we've found 10 free printables to chose from.

Dogs

Pet of the Week: Looking Over the Land

Here's a pup that knows how to regally look over the land.

Here's a pup that knows how to regally look over the land. With a comfortable stance and a crisp blue scarf adorning his neck, we couldn't resist selecting this snap as our pet pick for the week. Instagram user amschrader shares this comment about her dog pic:

"Protecting the land."

This Labradoodle knows how to make you feel safe.

Keep taking pictures of your adorable pets, uploading them to Instagram, and remembering to tag them with #POPSUGARPets, and next Thursday we'll share another fave from the week. And, of course, follow POPSUGAR Pets on Instagram for pet inspiration and cute pictures of our favorite pets.

Eco

Eco-Friendly Bug Spray For Indoor and Outdoor Plants

Keep bugs away from your favorite indoor or outdoor plants with this eco-friendly spray that won't hurt your vegetation.

Keep bugs away from your favorite indoor or outdoor plants with this eco-friendly spray that won't hurt your vegetation. Warmer weather attracts all kinds of pesky insects to fauna, which you don't want buzzing around your home. Keep your favorite flowers free of unwanted pests with simple ingredients that you have on hand. And this spray costs basically nothing to make and safely keeps cats and dogs from munching on your pretty plants too.

Read on for the directions:

consumerism

Unique $15 Father's Day Etsy Finds

Treat your father to a really unique gift this Father's Day with a handmade offering from Etsy.

Treat your father to a really unique gift this Father's Day with a handmade offering from Etsy. He'll love showing off his new personalized cigar cutter or sweet stirring spoon. And all of these presents ring in at $15 or under, which lets you stick to your budget while picking out a special something for Dad. Click through for a distinctive collection of gifts that are perfect for the favorite patriarch in your life.

pet Advice

To the Rescue: Choosing the Right Shelter Cat

Getting a new pet is an exciting time, but choosing the right kitty can be overwhelming.

Getting a new pet is an exciting time, but choosing the right kitty can be overwhelming. It's hard not to get caught up in the "awwwwww" factor before considering the reality a new cat will bring to the family. When one of our beloved cats passed away last year, we weren't sure if a new kitty was a good idea. But when our other cat became overwhelmingly depressed, it was decided that adopting a shelter cat was the right decision. Before adopting, set a timeline for selecting your new pet, because bringing home kitty should never be an impulse decision. With June being National Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, here are a few tips for making educated choices:

  • Check your shelters: If your town has several adoption centers, take the time to check them all out. Talk with staff, ask about adoption fees, and find out how pets are treated while at the shelter. It's also a good idea to discuss what happens if the kitty you select isn't the right fit. Most will happily take your adopted cat back within an allotted amount of time if things don't work out at home.
  • Adult cat or kitten? While kittens are adorable, adult cats are often calmer and already trained. Check with the staff to see if the kitty is litter trained and spayed or neutered. If you're choosing an adult, it helps to ask about the cat's background, as well, especially if you've already got a pet at home.
  • Check her stats: It's not just about beauty — make sure the cat appears healthy. Look for bright, clear eyes; clean noses and ears; and nice, unmatted fur. Ask for a chance to hold any cats you're interested in, and give your potential furball a good once over, listening to the cat's breathing as well.
  • Plaything: We spent hours playing and holding cats before we found the right one. If the shelter doesn't have cat toys on hand, pick some up and donate them to the shelter. If you have children, bring them along to check out the cats. Pay close attention to the kitty's response to being held, active play, and petting.
  • Think about it: Take the time to really think about your decision before bringing home kitty. Consider your work hours, space, lifestyle — and your budget. Regular vet visits, pet food, and cute cat toys can be costly, so it's important to think things through.
  • Go with your gut: In the end, the cat that's caught your fancy is probably the right one to adopt. After spending a month checking out prospective kitties, our new cat walked right up to us in the group petting room at our local shelter. And, a year later, we are so happy she's part of our home.

Do you have shelter-cat adoption tips or success stories? Share them in comments!