Reader-first decisions
Editorial conclusions are based on the usefulness and strength of the available evidence. A manufacturer, retailer, advertiser, or affiliate network cannot purchase a ranking, rating, recommendation, or favourable edit.
Honest evidence labels
We use three primary labels: Hands-on Tested, Research Guide, and Field Note. Their definitions and requirements appear in the testing methodology. Research Shortlists and Exact Product Records are Research Guide formats; a separate Marketplace Watch label identifies dated retailer-popularity snapshots. Research alone never earns a hands-on badge, and popularity is not presented as proof of quality.
Research Desk byline
The “Splintercat Research Desk” is the organizational byline for team-prepared research guides. It does not imply veterinary credentials. Sources and editorial limitations appear on each guide, and any qualified external reviewer will be named only with their permission.
Sources and claims
For health, welfare, behaviour, safety, and technical claims, we prioritize primary research, professional guidelines, standards, manufacturer documentation, and official sources. Important sources are linked where a reader can inspect them. We distinguish measured facts, manufacturer claims, direct observations, and editorial judgement.
Reviews and comparisons
A hands-on review identifies the exact item tested, how it was acquired, the relevant conditions, dates, methods, original evidence, drawbacks, uncertainty, and intended use cases. We do not fabricate observations, photographs, quotations, ratings, prices, or test results.
Samples and access
If a manufacturer provides a product, discount, travel, access, or another material benefit, that relationship will be disclosed on the relevant page. Provided samples do not guarantee coverage, timing, a link, or a positive result. Splintercat retains editorial control.
Affiliate relationships
Some retailer links may later generate a commission at no extra cost to the reader. Monetized pages will show a clear disclosure before the first affiliate link and a nearby paid-link label, and qualifying links will be marked for search engines. Ordinary retailer links are not described as monetized. See how Splintercat may make money.
Corrections and updates
Small spelling or formatting fixes may be made silently. Material factual corrections, test-method changes, or conclusions affected by new evidence will receive a visible note explaining what changed. Dates reflect real publication or revision work, not automatic freshness.
Send a correction
Include the page URL, disputed text, and a credible supporting source when possible. Email hello@splintercatgear.com. We will assess the evidence; a request does not guarantee a particular edit.
Last reviewed: August 30, 2026.