Pets

Pinpointing Bombay cat vs. black cat characteristics can be tricky if you don't know exactly what to look for. How closely are you looking at a cat's whiskers, nose and paw pads?

By Ada Tseng

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but some breeds tower above the rest, in both height and heart. These gentle giants have been companions, protectors and working partners to humans for centuries.

By Kimberly Olson

Thinking about adding a scaly friend to your family? The best reptile pets are low-maintenance and generally docile. Whether you're intrigued by the mysterious allure of a snake, the quirky personality of a gecko or the slow-and-steady charm of a turtle, there's a reptile out there to suit just about every personality.

By Karina Ryan

The calupoh is as fascinating as it is rare. Known as the Mexican wolfdog, the calupoh combines the mystique of the wolf with the loyalty and intelligence of domesticated dogs.

By Yara Simón

The sheer size of the Aksaray malaklisi turns heads. Colloquially known as the Turkish mastiff, this breed has roots in Turkey, where it is primarily a livestock guardian dog.

By Yara Simón

Let's talk about a delightful and often overlooked member of the feline family: the Scottish Straight cat. These charming, medium-sized cats are closely related to the Scottish Fold breed but come with their own unique twist: Their ears remain straight instead of folding forward.

By Talon Homer

Let's talk about a feline that's small in stature but big on charm: the Minuet cat. Also known as the Napoleon cat, this domestic hybrid breed is a delightful mix of two existing domestic breeds: the Munchkin and Persian cat groups.

By Talon Homer

Maine coons are the official state cat of the northernmost U.S. state and are known for their easygoing temperaments. It's no wonder why many a Maine coon owner will profess their love for their affectionate feline friend.

By Ada Tseng

The Toyger was bred to resemble a miniature tiger, combining the elegance of a domestic cat with the bold, wild look of big cats.

By Desiree Bowie

When identifying the most dangerous dog breeds, it's important to rely on numbers and statistics rather than stereotypes. All dogs can become aggressive if not trained or treated properly, but certain breeds tend to be more frequently involved in serious dog attacks and even human fatalities.

By Mitch Ryan

When you think of snakes, vibrant shades of green, brown or even black might come to mind. But there's something uniquely captivating about a pink snake.

By Marie Look

Thinking about getting a pet snake but not sure which one won't turn you into a real-life Indiana Jones? Relax, there are plenty of species that make awesome beginner pet snakes without the dramatic escape attempts or venomous surprises.

By Desiree Bowie

If you're a cat person, you know that although they have an independent streak, most feline friends are not the easiest pets to take care of. Meanwhile, farm animals require acres of land and constant attention. And most dog breeds are social animals that survive on petting and positive affirmation almost as much as food and water.

By Mitch Ryan

Chickens typically live 5 to 10 years, which might be bad news if you have an undesired cock-a-doodle-doo alarm and are groggily wondering, "How long do roosters live?"

By Karina Ryan

Domesticated animals once served practical purposes, but now we determine the best animals to keep as pets based on how well they fit our individual lifestyles.

By Sascha Bos

The biggest cat breeds, like Maine Coons and Savannah cats, remind us of their (considerably larger) wild ancestors.

By Sascha Bos

The best lizard pets still require specialized care, so make sure to do your research before welcoming one of these reptiles into your home.

Size plays a role in the strongest dog bites out there, but so does the canine's morphology, aka snout shape.

By Sascha Bos

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

This quirky behavior known as 'making biscuits' is common in domestic cats. But why do cats knead and what are they saying when they're mixing dough?

By Kristen Hall-Geisler

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

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