ArcaMax

Dear Cathy, We adopted an orange tabby, Wyatt, seven years ago and have been fighting all that time to keep him off our counters and tables. Initially, we tried things like spraying water at him when he jumped on counters and tables, but it had no effect, and nothing else we've tried has worked. I find it very unsanitary and upsetting to have a...Read more

Cats are graceful, agile and capable of leaping onto a narrow shelf without disturbing a single object. Yet many of those same cats appear completely unable to walk through a kitchen without weaving directly between a person’s ankles.

The behavior can feel especially dangerous on stairs, in dark hallways or while someone is carrying hot food....Read more

Hounds have a special way of winning people over. They often arrive with long ears, soulful eyes, big personalities and an almost comical determination to follow their noses wherever those noses lead.

They can be affectionate, gentle and deeply loyal companions. Many are relaxed in the house, patient with family members and content to spend ...Read more

A dog growls when a visitor reaches toward him. Another snaps when awakened from a nap. A third barks and lunges at unfamiliar dogs during walks but plays peacefully with dogs she knows.

To a worried owner, these behaviors may look like aggression. But aggression is not a personality type or a moral failing. It is behavior, and that behavior ...Read more

Dogs do not experience a walk the way people do. For us, the point may be exercise, a bit of fresh air and a chance to get around the block before dinner. For a dog, the walk is also a newspaper, a social network, a neighborhood bulletin board and a mystery novel written in scent.

That is why one of the simplest ways to make your dog happier is...Read more

Dalmatians are among the most recognizable dogs in the world, but the spotted coat can distract from the realities of living with one. They are athletic, clever, sensitive dogs with a long working history and a few breed-specific health concerns that prospective owners should understand before bringing one home.

Here are seven things to know ...Read more

Dear Cathy, My daughter's two-year-old Malamute bit my husband severely on his right hand while we were dog sitting. We had been playing catch back and forth with a new toy. We would say "drop it" and then pick it up to throw it for her to chase. She dropped it without the command and was panting heavily. My husband bent over to pet her, ...Read more

Ear mites are tiny parasites, but the discomfort they cause can be big. They are most often associated with cats, especially kittens and outdoor cats, but dogs, ferrets and other animals can get them, too. The usual culprit is Otodectes cynotis, a surface mite that commonly lives in the ear canal and spreads through close contact with an ...Read more

Poodles have a reputation problem, and it is not entirely their fault.

To some people, the word “poodle” still brings to mind a fussy show dog with a fancy haircut and an attitude. In reality, poodles are athletic, highly intelligent, people-focused dogs with working-dog roots and a surprising amount of versatility.

They can be wonderful ...Read more

Adopting an anxious or abused dog can be one of the most rewarding decisions a person makes, but it requires patience, humility and realistic expectations.

A dog with a hard past may not understand that a new home is safe. He may flinch at raised hands, hide from visitors, guard food, freeze on walks, panic when left alone or seem shut down for...Read more

Taking your cat for a walk can sound like a punchline until you meet the right cat.

Some cats are perfectly happy watching the world from a windowsill and would consider a walk an act of betrayal. Others are curious, confident and eager to sniff the breeze, investigate leaves and patrol the front yard like tiny lions with mortgage ...Read more

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