ArcaMax

The house is quiet, the windows have gone dark, and my cat is asleep in the kind of curled, perfect circle that seems older than civilization. Her paws twitch. One whisker gives a tiny shiver. Somewhere deep in that small, warm body, something is happening.

Perhaps she is chasing a moth across the kitchen floor. Perhaps she is remembering the ...Read more

Dear Cathy,

I am writing about my 11-year-old Maine Coon who has become increasingly aggressive toward house guests. We’ve had Scout since he was 10 weeks old. The breeder told us he shouldn’t be around visitors during his first few months because of possible disease exposure. Being my first purebred cat, I followed that advice but now ...Read more

As a responsible pet owner, it's crucial to be prepared for any unexpected accidents or emergencies that may arise. Just like humans, pets can experience injuries or illnesses that require immediate attention. Having a well-stocked pet first aid kit on hand can make all the difference in providing prompt care and ensuring your furry friend's ...Read more

Dear Cathy, A rescue dog has recently joined our family. The problem? One minute a sweetie and the next, a terror. Any recommendations for a positive reinforcement trainer would be greatly appreciated.

— MaryAnn, Hampton Bays, New York

Dear MaryAnn,

It’s not unusual for some dogs to be sweet one moment and reactive or overwhelmed the ...Read more

Creating an indoor garden is a wonderful way to bring the beauty of nature into your home. However, for pet owners, it's crucial to ensure that the plants you choose are safe for your furry companions. Many common household plants can be toxic to pets if ingested, leading to harmful consequences. To strike the perfect balance between greenery...Read more

Some dogs throw themselves into affection. They leap, wiggle, lick, whine, wag and collapse into their favorite person’s lap as if every reunion is a homecoming parade.

Other dogs are more reserved. They follow quietly. They sleep nearby. They accept a scratch behind the ears, then wander off. They may not gaze lovingly into your eyes or ...Read more

Cats and dogs can live together peacefully, but it usually does not happen by accident. A calm mixed-pet household depends less on luck than on planning, patience and a clear understanding that cats and dogs often read the world in very different ways.

Dogs tend to be social, direct and curious. Cats are often more territorial, cautious and ...Read more

The White House has housed generals, diplomats, first families, visiting monarchs, schoolchildren, reporters and the occasional political crisis. It has also housed cats.

Presidential pets are often remembered as dogs: Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Fala, George H.W. Bush’s Millie, Barack Obama’s Bo and Sunny, or the Biden German shepherds. Dogs...Read more

A kitten is not a pet so much as a tiny weather system with claws.

One moment it is asleep in a sunbeam, impossibly soft and innocent. The next, it is climbing the curtains, attacking toes under a blanket, chewing a phone cord and launching itself sideways off the furniture as if gravity were a rumor. Kittens are adorable, but they are also ...Read more

Dalmatians are among the most recognizable dogs in the world, thanks to their spotted coats, athletic build and long association with firehouses, carriages and popular culture. But behind the striking appearance is a breed with specific needs, a strong personality and a history that helps explain why these dogs are not the right fit for every ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: Would you please do a much-needed public service for those of us who have a service dog? Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks for their handlers. Tasks can include smelling dangerously high or low glucose levels, smelling mood swings, anxiety and depression, smelling an impending seizure and many other tasks.

Service ...Read more

Q: I am about to adopt a cat, my first. I want to understand what my new cat is trying to tell me through meowing and body language. Please educate me.

A: Congratulations on adopting your new family member and learning how to communicate with your kitty. Feline vocalizations, body language, scent communication, visual signals and tactile ...Read more

As the Fourth of July approaches, many pet owners are already bracing for what can be one of the most stressful nights of the year for animals.

While fireworks may be festive for people, for many pets they can sound frightening and unpredictable, triggering panic, trembling, pacing, hiding, barking, destructive behavior, or even attempts to ...Read more

Chewing is one of the most normal things a dog can do. It is also one of the most expensive, frustrating and occasionally dangerous habits a household can face.

A dog that chews is not necessarily being stubborn, spiteful or “bad.” Dogs use their mouths to explore the world, relieve stress, soothe sore gums, burn energy and entertain ...Read more