Pets

Pets make wonderful companions. Learn how to take care of pets, read about common pet behavior issues and injuries and pick up general pet care tips.

Topics to Explore

Can owning a pet help you live longer?

Amazing Water Dogs to the Rescue!

5 Ways Cats Teach Responsibility to Children

ThunderShirt Helps Fido Face Fear

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How to Give Your Dog CPR

It's one of your worst nightmares. Your dog isn't breathing and you can't find his pulse. Do you know what to do to save his life?

By Wendy Bowman Dogs / Dog Care

What's the Best Way to Leash Your Dog?

Retractable leashes, martingale collars, slip leads, harnesses, choke chains – this dog walking business is way more complicated than you thought. So, with all the options out there, what is the best way to leash your dog?

By Patty Rasmussen Jan 23, 2020 Dogs / Dog Care

Bengal Cats Are Mini Leopard Hybrid Housecats

A hybrid cross between a small Asian leopard cat and a domestic cat, the Bengal cat will keep you busy with its intelligence and active personality. It may even shower with you.

By Mark Mancini Jan 7, 2020 Cats / Family Cats

Why Dogs Love Belly Rubs, Cats Not So Much

The way to a dog's heart is definitely through a belly rub, but just touching a cat's belly will probably get you a back-leg rabbit kick and a painful vise of teeth and claws.

By Laurie L. Dove Dec 31, 2019 Dogs / Family Dogs

How Did the Goldfish Become Everyone's First Pet?

Goldfish may seem like an easy starter pet, but they do require some basic care so they don't end up in the toilet a few weeks later! We talk with an expert about the three steps every goldfish owner should take.

By Alia Hoyt Dec 11, 2019 Pets / Aquarium Fish

Exotic or Exploited? The Controversial Savannah Cat

What do you get when you mix a domestic cat with a wild African serval cat? You get a Savannah cat, which turns out to be a very beautiful but very controversial kitty.

By Mark Mancini Dec 6, 2019 Cats / Family Cats

The Battle of the Big Cats: Maine Coon vs. Norwegian Forest

The Maine Coon and the Norwegian Forest are both plus-size breeds of cat, but what are the differences between these feline behemoths?

By Mark Mancini Nov 12, 2019 Cats / Family Cats

Do Dogs Have Belly Buttons?

The belly button is pretty obvious on a human. But what about a dog? Do they have one and if so, where in the world is it?

By Meg Sparwath Nov 7, 2019 Dogs / Family Dogs

Can You Be Allergic to a Hypoallergenic Dog?

Any dog lover with allergies knows that the two just don't mix. So which dog breeds are best if you're allergic and still want a four-legged friend?

By Stephanie Vermillion Nov 5, 2019 Dogs / Family Dogs

8 Facts About Persian Cats, Kings of the Lap-Nappers

Persians are famous for their long hair and snub noses. But this is no aloof kitty – they're so friendly, breeders refer to them as "dog cats."

By Dave Roos Nov 5, 2019 Cats / Family Cats

12 Regal Facts About Siamese Cats

Affectionate and haughty at the same time, the Siamese cat exudes an air of mystery. But it still loves to follow you around.

By Mark Mancini Oct 31, 2019 Cats / Family Cats

The British Shorthair Is a Round-faced 'Teddy Bear Cat'

According to some sources, Lewis Carroll based the smiling Cheshire Cat from his 1865 novel "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" on the British Shorthair.

By Mark Mancini Oct 29, 2019 Cats / Family Cats

What's the Difference Between an Alaskan Malamute and a Husky?

There are two types of huskies and they both look an awful lot like malamutes, so it's no wonder people can't tell them apart.

By Tara Yarlagadda Oct 28, 2019 Dogs / Family Dogs

Munchkin Cats: The Wiener Dogs of the Feline World

The most remarkable feature of a Munchkin cat is its short legs, though most litters have both normal-legged kittens and short-legged kittens.

By Laurie L. Dove Oct 10, 2019 Cats / Family Cats

Ferrets Are Mischievous, Loyal, Affectionate Pets

Be prepared to ferret-proof your house! These guys are smart and creative little explorers requiring serious adult supervision.

By Meg Sparwath Sep 27, 2019 Pets / Other Pets

How the Shar-Pei Got Its Wrinkles

The Shar-Pei is one of the most unusual looking dogs around — that is, if you can find the dog under all those adorable wrinkles.

By Patty Rasmussen Sep 24, 2019 Dogs / Family Dogs

Maine Coon Cats: Gentle Giants of the Feline World

Known as the dogs of the cat world, Maine Coons are intelligent, eager to please and love water.

By Laurie L. Dove Sep 19, 2019 Cats / Family Cats

The Joys of Living With Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs are small, social and way better than hamsters.

By Kristen Hall-Geisler Sep 12, 2019 Pets / Other Pets

Tuxedos, Tabbies and Torties: How to Tell These Housecats Apart

The ordinary housecat never seems to get the credit it deserves, even though 95 percent of cats in the U.S. are not purebred. Still these cats have distinctive markings to distinguish them from each other.

By John Perritano Sep 11, 2019 Cats / Family Cats

7 Lovely Facts About Lovebirds

Lovebirds make great pets either alone or in pairs and flourish when they're shown lots of affection.

By Laurie L. Dove Aug 27, 2019 Pets / Other Pets

A Calico Cat Wears a Coat of Many Colors

Kittens inherit their coats from their mothers, and no two calico cats look alike. Not even twins.

By Patty Rasmussen Aug 26, 2019 Cats / Family Cats

Hamsters Aren't Jerks. Here's How to Stop Them From Biting

These wee and fluffy creatures have a bad rap for biting, but you can nip that behavior in the bud with a little training.

By Kristen Hall-Geisler Aug 8, 2019 Pets / General Pet Care

Who Ya Gonna Call? The Dogs of R.A.T.S.

In rat-infested New York City, the Ryders Alley Trencherfed Society – R.A.T.S – is on the job and prowling the streets with dogs bred and trained to flush out and dispose of pesky rodents.

By Kristen Hall-Geisler Jul 12, 2019 Dogs / Family Dogs

They Don't Breathe Fire, But Bearded Dragons Make Cool Pets

That's mainly because they are low-maintenance and surprisingly lovable.

By Kristen Hall-Geisler Jun 11, 2019 Pets / Other Pets

Cat Declawing: The Painful Truth

Scratching is a normal feline behavior. That's why many experts advise against putting your cat through a painful and unnecessary declawing procedure.

By John Perritano Jun 10, 2019 Cats / Family Cats