ArcaMax

Dear Cathy,

My wife and I are both retired and are able to begin traveling – something we were never able to do very much due to our work schedules. We are also the proud parents of a five-year-old Golden Retriever named Murphy. He is the love of our lives.

We do not like to be away from him even for one overnight. When we are away, we do ...Read more

Bringing home a new puppy is a life-changing decision. Even for experienced pet owners, raising a new puppy is a challenge. Being a responsible dog owner is about finding the balance between providing a safe environment and not overprotecting your pup.

The American Kennel Club offers these tips for raising a happy and well-adjusted dog.

...Read more

NEW YORK — Two cats in different households in New York City were infected with bird flu, the city’s health department announced.

Officials did not disclose the cats’ conditions and are still investigating how they contracted the virus, but urged pet owners not to let their felines roam outdoors or feed them raw food or raw milk — ...Read more

A Michigan resident in the western part of the Upper Peninsula recently discovered something not seen in Michigan for more than a century — cougar cubs in the wild.

State biologists on Wednesday confirmed the sighting of two spotted cubs, believed to be 7 to 9 weeks old. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources said a resident, who wished...Read more

Dear Cathy,

I recently adopted a five-month-old Pomeranian. He’s fully trained to use a wee-wee pad, making him the perfect apartment dog. However, I can’t get him to go outside for a walk or play.

I’ve tried different approaches and rewards, but he refuses. When I pick him up, he trembles uncontrollably and digs his nails into me. He ...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

If your pup tends to urinate when you enter the room or gets overly excited when someone new arrives, you are not alone! Excitement urination is a common issue among puppies that occurs when situations are socially stimulating or even during active play.

The American Kennel Club offers the following tips if this happens to your canine ...Read more

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Bird flu isn’t just affecting chickens and cows; it’s hitting pet cats.

An estimated 11.6 million households in California own 23.3 million cats. A growing number of these and an unknowable population of free-roaming “community cats” have been contracting avian flu, or H5N1.

According to the U.S. Department of ...Read more

Dear Cathy,

We recently adopted a seven-year-old Shih Tzu/Poodle mix from a shelter. He is great with people, but not good with other dogs. He gets aggressive around other dogs, and we know he would get in a fight, as his reaction shows it.

Is there any type of training we can do to stop his aggressiveness towards other dogs? He is a sweet and...Read more

Dogs are natural diggers. Whether they are trying to bury a bone, hunt for small critters or simply create a cool spot to lie down, the urge to dig is deeply ingrained in many breeds. While some owners may find this behavior amusing or tolerable in specific areas, excessive digging can become a serious problem, leading to destroyed lawns, torn-...Read more

For many people, pets provide unconditional love, companionship and a sense of security. But not all human-pet relationships are beneficial, and some may contribute to stress and anxiety rather than relief.

Psychologists have been studying attachment theory for decades. This framework explains how people form emotional bonds, seek ...Read more

Dear Cathy,

I have two cats – a 14-year-old male cat and a two-year-old female. Both are fixed. Things were fine for the first year, but for the past year, there has been a "dust-up" every six to eight weeks, and they hiss, snarl, and fight very aggressively.

We separate them for a minimum of two days and then reintroduce them to each other ...Read more

Finding a stray cat can be both a heartwarming and challenging experience. Whether the cat is lost, abandoned or feral, taking the right steps ensures its safety while preventing potential issues for your household and other pets.

The first step is to determine whether the cat is truly a stray or belongs to someone. A well-fed, friendly cat may...Read more

Feline diabetes is a growing concern among pet owners, as more cats are diagnosed with the condition each year. Recognizing the signs, seeking prompt veterinary care, and understanding treatment options can significantly improve a cat’s quality of life. Diabetes in cats occurs when the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot ...Read more

The Scottish Fold cat, known for its distinctive folded ears and round, expressive eyes, has become a beloved breed among pet owners. With a calm temperament and affectionate nature, these cats can thrive in a suburban environment, offering companionship and unique charm to their owners.

Scottish Folds are known for their adaptability and can ...Read more

Dear Cathy,

I have two sibling cats, one male and one female, who have been with me since they were eight weeks old. They are now nine years old. During my recent week-long vacation, my male cat stopped drinking water, leading to dehydration and constipation. He also had a bowel movement outside the litter box and vomited.

My vet prescribed ...Read more

Cats are known for their fastidious nature, which makes it all the more frustrating when they start peeing outside the litter box. This behavior can be a sign of an underlying issue, ranging from medical conditions to environmental stress. Understanding the cause is key to resolving the problem and restoring harmony in your home.

Medical ...Read more

Dear Cathy,

I have a three-year-old Shih Tzu mix who has brought tremendous joy to our household. The one major issue is her anxiety when traveling in a car. She pants incessantly throughout the ride but is fine as soon as it’s over. It doesn’t matter if it’s a 5-minute trip or a longer drive.

We’ve tried over-the-counter and ...Read more