Pets

Whether you prefer cute little puppy dogs or furry baby kittens, new pet owners should always consider longevity when selecting a new companion. Even with proper nutrition, consistent activity and top-notch veterinarian care, few pets will survive more than a decade or two.

By Mitch Ryan

What's special about smaller cats? Well, in addition to being extra cute, the smallest cat breeds can often be stealthier than bigger cats.

By Ada Tseng

In 1986, Himmy the cat set a record no cat will ever be able to beat — at least not in the eyes of the Guinness World Records. The organization named Himmy the fattest cat in the world. About a decade later, in 1998, Guinness decided it would no longer award this record as it didn't want to encourage pet owners to overfeed their cats in hopes of dethroning Himmy.

By Yara Simón

Cats have gotten a reputation for not being friendly, especially when compared to those extroverted, tail-wagging dogs. But cats, especially many of the friendliest cat breeds, might just be misunderstood.

By Ada Tseng

Do you love cats, dream about having cats, but know that these adorable felines often trigger your allergies?

By Ada Tseng

One of the most enjoyable steps of adopting a new dog is giving them a moniker that makes them a part of the family. The most common dog names are straightforward, two-syllable names that are easy for canines to recognize, with other trending dog names meandering into the silly or absurd.

By Mitch Ryan

When you think of the biggest dog in the world, you probably picture a massive, powerful creature — a dog that towers over its owners and may seem intimidating at first glance. However, despite their imposing size, many canine giants are known for their gentle nature, earning them the affectionate title of "gentle giants."

By Karina Ryan

When choosing a new cat, you might find yourself wondering if you should adopt a male or female cat.

By Ada Tseng

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.