ArcaMax

Dear Cathy,

After we adopted our 12-year-old dachshund mix three years ago, we realized he had been only partially housetrained. He had been removed from an abusive owner who had often kept him outside for days on end in bad weather.

He was also disciplined not to bark, kiss, or willingly get on people's laps. We established a routine with ...Read more

Environmental emergencies and disasters affect all areas of the country and world. Hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and wildfires are the most common ones among others such as chemical and water breeches.

Every household should have a plan of action in case of an emergency for both you and your pets. The American Kennel Club offers tips on ...Read more

NEW YORK — A small white Maltese found struggling to stay afloat in the East River six weeks ago has a new owner — one of the NYPD Harbor Unit cops who plucked him from the water.

Police Officer Jared Desalvo opened his home to the small dog, now named Hudson, after picking up the adorable pooch at the Animal Care Centers of NYC’s Queens ...Read more

The bond between a dog and its owner can be so strong that a loving owner might do things that aren’t healthy for their dog out of a desire to please their pup. For instance: A common way we get overweight dogs is from overfeeding them, whether through putting too much in their bowls or handing out too many treats, because that bond is even ...Read more

I may be barking up the wrong tree, but as a human who has been owned by several canines, I am in a good position — standing, running or being yanked in several directions at once — to pass along my expert tips on walking a dog.

Tip No. 1: You do not walk a dog. The dog walks you.

I have been reintroduced to this pet project since Opal, a ...Read more

Dear Cathy,

We adopted a two-year-old boxer/hound mix. I've had dogs before but not like this one. She stares at me for long periods. I have never seen anything like it. She has a nice-sized yard to run in, and we take her for a 40-minute walk (daily), weather permitting. Is there a reason for this behavior?

— Emilio Ridge, New York

Dear ...Read more

Dear Cathy,

I have three budgies: two in one cage; one in another. I want to paint my room with Emulsion on the walls and the doors sanded down and painted. Would my birds be safe in a spare bedroom, if so for how long.

— Sheila, Redruth, Cornwall, England

Dear Sheila,

It’s great that you’re considering your parakeets' safety before ...Read more

Dear Cathy,

Our Harry is a four-year-old Labradoodle. He is smart, loving, and generally well-behaved as in following basic commands like sit, stay, down, and heel. My husband has even taught him to "speak." We adore our Harry, but there is one problem that has always bothered us.

He is too friendly and demanding of attention from people who ...Read more

A happy cat may not always purr like a motor or dance around your feet, but there are subtle signs that point to feline contentment—and others that suggest something might be wrong.

When a cat is relaxed and comfortable in its environment, its body language reflects it. A gently swishing tail, slow blinks, and a soft, upright posture are ...Read more

Dear Cathy,

I adopted a now 50-pound, one-year-old mixed breed rescue six months ago. She’s a sweet cuddler with lots of energy. She has plenty of toys, full backyard access, frequent play time with my other dog, and two 40-minute walks a day.

Overall, she’s well-behaved and growing out of puppy behaviors – except for one. I call them �...Read more

A cat’s purr is one of the most familiar and comforting sounds in the animal world, a soft, rhythmic vibration that often signals contentment. But the true nature of the purr remains something of a mystery to scientists, even as it continues to charm cat owners around the globe.

Cats begin purring as early as a few days old, thought to be a ...Read more

Indoor cats can be affectionate companions, but without enough stimulation and structure, they can also become surprisingly destructive. From shredded furniture to overturned water glasses and relentless nighttime zoomies, even the most charming feline can develop habits that frustrate their owners. The key to reducing this behavior lies in ...Read more

A jealous dog can be both endearing and frustrating. While their clingy behavior might seem cute at first, it can quickly escalate into disruptive habits that affect the harmony of your home. Dogs, like people, are emotional creatures, and jealousy is often a sign of insecurity or confusion about changes in their environment.

The most common ...Read more

Adopting an elderly dog can be a deeply rewarding experience, but it also comes with unique challenges that require patience, compassion, and understanding. Unlike puppies or younger dogs, senior dogs often come with a full history—some of it unknown. They may arrive with health concerns, emotional scars, or habits formed over a lifetime. ...Read more

Taking care of a house cat’s claws is an important part of keeping both your pet and your home comfortable and safe. Although indoor cats don’t need their claws for hunting like their wild relatives, they still rely on them for balance, stretching, climbing, and playing. Claws are also a natural way for cats to express their instincts and ...Read more

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a majestic and gentle giant, known for its tricolor coat—jet black, rust, and white—and its calm, affectionate nature. Hailing from the Swiss Alps, this breed was developed to be a versatile working dog for farmers in the region of Bern. Historically, they pulled carts loaded with dairy, guarded homesteads, and ...Read more

Pit Bulls have long been the subject of controversy, often portrayed as dangerous and aggressive dogs unfit for family life. However, this reputation is largely a myth, shaped by misinformation, media sensationalism, and a misunderstanding of the breed’s true nature. In reality, Pit Bulls can be loyal, affectionate, and well-behaved companions...Read more

Cats are known for their unique and sometimes perplexing behaviors, which can leave owners wondering about their meaning. Understanding these actions can help strengthen the bond between humans and their feline companions and ensure their needs are met effectively.

Kneading is a common behavior in which cats push their paws alternately against ...Read more