ArcaMax

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

The time spent preparing to welcome a baby home is all-consuming. Even though it’s a busy time, it’s important to remember that your dog will also need time to adjust to this big change, especially if this is your first child.

Your dog is used to being the center of attention, and it can be difficult for your canine to give up that spot....Read more

Cats have long been a favorite companion for pet owners, offering a blend of independence and affection that appeals to many households. While the debate over whether to keep cats strictly indoors or allow them outside continues, pet owners in suburban environments may find that an indoor/outdoor lifestyle offers a balanced approach. Allowing a ...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

The urge for dogs to guard their food is natural. If you notice your dog is defensive of their toys or bed, it is important to take action to keep it from progressing.

To prevent your dog from food guarding, the American Kennel Club suggests the following tips:

Give your dog space during mealtime. Refrain from interacting with your pup ...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

More than 80 domestic cats, among many other types of mammals, have been confirmed to have had bird flu since 2022 — generally barn cats that lived on dairy farms, as well as feral cats and pets that spend time outdoors and likely caught it by hunting diseased rodents or wild birds.

Now, a small but growing number of house cats have gotten ...Read more

Valentine’s Day is coming up and many homes will be filled with chocolates and flowers. Most dog owners are aware of the danger of giving chocolate to dogs, but accidents do happen and every year thousands of dogs are still seen at veterinary emergency rooms for chocolate ingestion.

Here are some tips to identify, prevent and treat ...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

If your elderly dog has diarrhea, there are steps you can take to help manage their condition while keeping them comfortable.

Monitor for Other Symptoms

Diarrhea in older dogs can be caused by diet changes, infections, food allergies, stress or underlying health conditions like kidney disease. Watch for signs like lethargy, vomiting...Read more

The year has started fairly positively for the shelters and rescue facilities caring for homeless kitties. In most parts of the country, shelters recorded notably lower rates of cat surrenders in 2024 than in 2023 and 2022, with around 340,000 cats surrendered to shelters by December of last year, according to Shelter Animals Count's intake ...Read more

During the winter months, everyone is trying to keep the heat in and the cold out. The use of heating devices and candles, while effective, can be a serious fire hazard. Especially with a four-legged friend running around.

The American Kennel Club offers these tips to help prevent home fires and keep your pets safe:

Install smoke detectors...Read more

Dear Cathy,

I have two small dogs, neither of which are housetrained – a five-year-old “shorkie” I got four years ago, and a 10-year-old Shih Tzu mix that I just added to the family.

When I first got the “shorkie,” I tried to crate train him, but he would go berserk. He had been thrown out of a car, so was likely very traumatized. ...Read more