ArcaMax

Dear Cathy,

We adopted a two-year-old boxer/hound mix. I've had dogs before but not like this one. She stares at me for long periods. I have never seen anything like it. She has a nice-sized yard to run in, and we take her for a 40-minute walk (daily), weather permitting. Is there a reason for this behavior?

— Emilio Ridge, New York

Dear ...Read more

It is that time of the year when people are starting to tend to their gardens again. While we love filling our homes with our favorite plants and flowers, some of them can be dangerous to our furry friends.

To help keep your garden dog-friendly, the American Kennel Club offers the following advice.

Pick your plants carefully. From ...Read more

Watching a beloved pet fall seriously ill can be heart-wrenching, especially if Fluffy or Fido becomes unresponsive. But did you know you might be able to save your dog's or cat's life by administering CPR?

"When pet owners or bystanders initiate life support, we have seen successful outcomes and the pet may go back home with a good quality of ...Read more

Dear Cathy,

I have three budgies: two in one cage; one in another. I want to paint my room with Emulsion on the walls and the doors sanded down and painted. Would my birds be safe in a spare bedroom, if so for how long.

— Sheila, Redruth, Cornwall, England

Dear Sheila,

It’s great that you’re considering your parakeets' safety before ...Read more

Dear Cathy,

Our Harry is a four-year-old Labradoodle. He is smart, loving, and generally well-behaved as in following basic commands like sit, stay, down, and heel. My husband has even taught him to "speak." We adore our Harry, but there is one problem that has always bothered us.

He is too friendly and demanding of attention from people who ...Read more

A happy cat may not always purr like a motor or dance around your feet, but there are subtle signs that point to feline contentment—and others that suggest something might be wrong.

When a cat is relaxed and comfortable in its environment, its body language reflects it. A gently swishing tail, slow blinks, and a soft, upright posture are ...Read more

Dear Cathy,

I adopted a now 50-pound, one-year-old mixed breed rescue six months ago. She’s a sweet cuddler with lots of energy. She has plenty of toys, full backyard access, frequent play time with my other dog, and two 40-minute walks a day.

Overall, she’s well-behaved and growing out of puppy behaviors – except for one. I call them �...Read more

A cat’s purr is one of the most familiar and comforting sounds in the animal world, a soft, rhythmic vibration that often signals contentment. But the true nature of the purr remains something of a mystery to scientists, even as it continues to charm cat owners around the globe.

Cats begin purring as early as a few days old, thought to be a ...Read more

Indoor cats can be affectionate companions, but without enough stimulation and structure, they can also become surprisingly destructive. From shredded furniture to overturned water glasses and relentless nighttime zoomies, even the most charming feline can develop habits that frustrate their owners. The key to reducing this behavior lies in ...Read more

A jealous dog can be both endearing and frustrating. While their clingy behavior might seem cute at first, it can quickly escalate into disruptive habits that affect the harmony of your home. Dogs, like people, are emotional creatures, and jealousy is often a sign of insecurity or confusion about changes in their environment.

The most common ...Read more

Dear Cathy,

Our almost five-month old Dalmatian has accidents in the house yet always goes outside to defecate. He is walked every half hour, but will urinate immediately after coming inside, in his pen, and when he’s being held.

While outside, he will urinate while walking back inside. He has completed vet prescribed antibiotics with no ...Read more

Adopting an elderly dog can be a deeply rewarding experience, but it also comes with unique challenges that require patience, compassion, and understanding. Unlike puppies or younger dogs, senior dogs often come with a full history—some of it unknown. They may arrive with health concerns, emotional scars, or habits formed over a lifetime. ...Read more

Taking care of a house cat’s claws is an important part of keeping both your pet and your home comfortable and safe. Although indoor cats don’t need their claws for hunting like their wild relatives, they still rely on them for balance, stretching, climbing, and playing. Claws are also a natural way for cats to express their instincts and ...Read more

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a majestic and gentle giant, known for its tricolor coat—jet black, rust, and white—and its calm, affectionate nature. Hailing from the Swiss Alps, this breed was developed to be a versatile working dog for farmers in the region of Bern. Historically, they pulled carts loaded with dairy, guarded homesteads, and ...Read more

Dear Cathy,

I am on oxygen 24/7 and have two cats who have fun chewing holes in my tubing. I have used so much duct tape to patch it; it's crazy. Do you have any suggestions?

— Holly, Omaha, Nebraska

Dear Holly,

To discourage them from chewing, use a pet-safe deterrent spray like Bitter Apple (available at pet stores or online) to make the...Read more

Pit Bulls have long been the subject of controversy, often portrayed as dangerous and aggressive dogs unfit for family life. However, this reputation is largely a myth, shaped by misinformation, media sensationalism, and a misunderstanding of the breed’s true nature. In reality, Pit Bulls can be loyal, affectionate, and well-behaved companions...Read more

Cats are known for their unique and sometimes perplexing behaviors, which can leave owners wondering about their meaning. Understanding these actions can help strengthen the bond between humans and their feline companions and ensure their needs are met effectively.

Kneading is a common behavior in which cats push their paws alternately against ...Read more

For many people, pets provide unconditional love, companionship and a sense of security. But not all human-pet relationships are beneficial, and some may contribute to stress and anxiety rather than relief.

Psychologists have been studying attachment theory for decades. This framework explains how people form emotional bonds, seek ...Read more

Finding a stray cat can be both a heartwarming and challenging experience. Whether the cat is lost, abandoned or feral, taking the right steps ensures its safety while preventing potential issues for your household and other pets.

The first step is to determine whether the cat is truly a stray or belongs to someone. A well-fed, friendly cat may...Read more