Pets

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

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