ArcaMax

Dear Cathy,

We got our two tabby cat sisters when they were three months old. They’ve always been very close – snuggling, sleeping and grooming each other. Two weeks ago, they were sitting together in our basement window around 11 p.m. when my son heard them hissing and slapping at the glass. There must have been a cat or raccoon outside ...Read more

CHICAGO — At a quiet street intersection in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood, the imposing figure of a pine tree is only outweighed by the massive collection of sticks and twigs carefully placed on its branches. It’s a huge communal nest for monk or Quaker parakeets, who have called the structure home for the last 25 years or so.

...Read more

Dear Cathy,

I saw your column in the Albany Democrat Herald and have a question. In March of last year, we adopted two-year-old male brothers from a foster home. Five weeks later, we adopted a three-year-old female from the same foster home. We were told they used to snuggle together, but honestly, we feel there were things we weren’t told �...Read more

Female dogs prefer the competent person when opening a food container, researchers say.

“Dogs are highly sensitive to human behavior, and they evaluate us using both their direct experiences and from a third-party perspective,” researchers at Kyoto University wrote. “Dogs pay attention to various aspects of our actions and make judgments ...Read more

WASHINGTON — Purple and green tutus, boas and sparkles sprinkled the atrium of the Hart Building on Wednesday for what has become one of the most popular events on Capitol Hill: a bipartisan costume dog “pawrade.”

While this year’s celebrated Mardi Gras, the event is typically Halloween-themed — but last fall’s was canceled due to ...Read more

Dear Cathy,

We rescued a dog several years ago. He was about two years old at the time and is now 10. He’s part Lab and Shepherd and is a great dog – very calm, friendly, and affectionate. His name is Charlie, but we call him Charlie Romeo because he loves everyone. He has never shown aggression toward people and even allows strangers to ...Read more

Dear Cathy,

I was moved by your response to “Bob, Greensboro,” that I wanted to thank you immediately. As a long-time reader, I’ve always appreciated your kindness as much as your wisdom. It may surprise you to know that your response to a very opinionated “Bob” has made such a difference in my life.

For a long time I’ve been ...Read more

It is one of the least glamorous parts of pet ownership, but keeping an animal’s nails properly trimmed is an essential part of routine care. Long nails can cause discomfort, alter the way an animal walks and even lead to joint problems over time. For many pet owners, however, the simple task of trimming nails can feel intimidating.

...Read more

NORFOLK, Va. — For generations, the standard image of walking a pet involved a leash clipped to a collar. But in recent years, harnesses have quietly become one of the most popular pieces of pet gear on the market. From energetic dogs to adventurous housecats, more animals are heading outdoors wearing harnesses designed to make walking safer ...Read more

NORFOLK, Va. — One of the quiet realities of loving a dog for a long time is that eventually their bodies begin to change. The energetic puppy that once bounded across the yard can become a slower, greyer companion who needs more patience and care. Among the most common challenges owners face with senior dogs is incontinence — the loss of ...Read more

In many households, furniture follows an unspoken hierarchy. Certain chairs become “yours.” Specific corners of the couch feel familiar. A particular spot at the end of the bed becomes routine. And yet, the moment you step away, your dog often claims that exact location. When you return, it looks perfectly settled, as if it has always ...Read more

Across cultures, climates, and species, young mammals engage in a remarkably similar activity. They chase, wrestle, tumble, stalk, and retreat in patterns that resemble conflict but lack real danger. Puppies pounce on littermates. Kittens ambush imaginary prey. Young primates swing and spar. Even human children invent games built around pursuit ...Read more

In many households, the first sign that something is wrong does not come from a conversation or a visible argument. It comes from a dog that refuses to leave someone’s side. A cat that suddenly sleeps on a pillow it has ignored for years. A normally playful pet that becomes quiet and watchful. Long before humans articulate distress, animals ...Read more