Pets

The smartest dog breeds are considered smart because they easily learn to be obedient to humans.

By Jesslyn Shields

What could be better than the sound of a cat purring in perfect contentment, but have you ever wondered why cats purr?

By Jesslyn Shields

Who doesn't love a dog you can carry in your pocket?

By Laurie L. Dove

As much as we love to spoil our furry little friends with treats from the table, dogs are not human and there are much better food options for them.

By Patty Rasmussen

One day, Larry was a humble stray cat. The next, he was 'Chief Mouser' at the British Prime Minister's residence. Unlike the revolving door of PMs lately, Larry has staying power. But is he any good at catching mice?

By Laurie L. Dove

Turnspit dogs were a distinct breed of working dogs in the late 15th-18th centuries. Their job was to run on a wheel designed to turn meat roasting over a fireplace spit. And they had to do it all day.

By Cristen Conger

It's never easy to lose a pet. But it's even harder when you have to make the decision when that time comes. Is there any way to make it easier?

By Laurie L. Dove

We have less time with our Great Danes than we do with our Yorkshire terriers — but why?

By Jesslyn Shields

If you've owned cats for a while, you may think you know exactly where they like to be touched. But a study found that cat lovers are the folks most likely to pet felines in places they dislike.

By Dave Roos

A first-of-its-kind study out of Japan set to find out, and the results were surprising to everybody.

By Laurie L. Dove

Brushing your dog's teeth might be a bit unpleasant for both of you, but it will keep your furry friend healthier longer.

By Jesslyn Shields

It's after midnight. Do you know where your cat is?

By Kristen Hall-Geisler

Ugliness, like beauty, may be in the eye of the beholder. A 17-year-old dog with tumors and a sweet disposition won the annual contest.

By Patty Rasmussen

The energetic and friendly Swedish Vallhund was originally bred more than 1,000 years ago and was saved from extinction in 1942.

By Laurie L. Dove

Dogs lick humans for all types of reasons. But do they really lick us to tell us they love us?

By Sharise Cunningham

When that sandpaper tongue gets going on your face, does it mean your cat loves you, or simply likes the way you taste?

By Jesslyn Shields

If you want to prevent a "whoopsie" litter of puppies but you're not quite ready to spay or neuter your dog, try a dog chastity belt. A no, we're not kidding.

By Allison Troutner

Buckle up Fido! That's right. Your furry friend should be wearing a seat belt in the car. Not just for their safety, but for yours, too.

By Allison Troutner

Wolves do it. So is howling just an inherited trait dogs have kept through the eons, or is there more to why our furry friends still vocalize in this manner?

By Stephanie Parker

Although a bit shy, lionhead rabbits do make great pets. After all, who wouldn't want a cuddly little lion hopping around the house?

By Laurie L. Dove

Tigers love to swim in the wild. So why do most housecats act like coming in contact with water will use up a several of their nine lives?

By Kristen Hall-Geisler

Dog owners know: Their four-legged friends are stuck to them like Velcro. But why? Are they afraid of being left behind, or is it something else?

By John Donovan

Not much could be better than coming back in your next life as a house cat (OK, maybe a dog, but we won't go there). But if you had the chance, you'd better think hard about where you'd live first.

By Kristen Hall-Geisler

Cats howl for a lot of reasons: They want you to buy them things; they want more food (better food). But as they age, they howl a lot more. Are they trying to tell us something else?

By Kristen Hall-Geisler

Some love to do it; others find it gross. But is there a health reason not to kiss your furry friends?

By Alia Hoyt