ArcaMax

Cats claw and scratch for reasons that are both instinctive and essential to their well-being. While many owners see clawing as misbehavior, for cats it’s a daily necessity, woven deep into their biology. Scratching helps remove the outer husk of their claws, keeping them sharp and healthy. It’s also a form of exercise — stretching the ...Read more

Ever had this happen? You silently think about taking your dog for a walk. You don’t say the word “walk.” You don’t touch the leash. You don’t even move toward the door. And yet, there they are—already waiting by it, tail swishing like a metronome, eyes sparkling as if they heard your thoughts. It feels magical.

It’s not. It’s ...Read more

Cats have impeccable manners—at least, according to cats. They float into rooms like royalty, acknowledge their audience with regal restraint, and disappear without apology when they’re done. Humans, by contrast, often bumble into conversations like overcaffeinated golden retrievers.

Luckily, you can upgrade your social diplomacy by ...Read more

Cats may be small, but their social world is full of complicated etiquette—and most humans stomp through it like elephants in muddy boots. We hug when they want space, grab when they want choice, and talk too loud when they just want quiet companionship.

The result? Confused cats, scratched arms, and baffled humans wondering why their furry ...Read more

Cats have a flair for mystery. They’ll snuggle up on your lap one minute and launch a full surprise attack on your ankle the next. It’s no wonder so many people assume their cats are mercurial little chaos gremlins who just happen to like napping on warm laundry.

But here’s the twist: many of the oddest, most unsettling things your cat ...Read more

Dear Cathy,

We’ve been having issues with our cat for years. She is aggressive with people. No one can pet her or go near her without her either swiping at them and scratching them or hissing at them. We have to lock her up when people come to our house.

We have put on a pheromone collar on her for a very long time. We change it every month....Read more

Dear Cathy,

Our children and grandchildren have a female golden retriever who is about 2-1/2 years old. She’s a sweet, normally friendly dog who has in the past greeted us quietly at the door with her tail wagging.

Recently, she has begun to walk away and cower when we arrive and has twice urinated when my husband tried to pet her. ...Read more

Dear Cathy,

I need help. I have a four-month-old male cocker spaniel who insists on biting and nipping. I’ve tried telling him “no biting” and “leave it.” He went to puppy school where the instructor said to give him toys and hard chews. I have been doing all that since he came home.

He’s sociable with both humans and other dogs....Read more

Dear Cathy, I adopted a three-year-old longhaired dachshund mix about nine months ago. She came from a rescue after a traumatic start to life. She had been found chained to a tree with puppies and arrived fearful and sick. Over time, she adjusted and became very affectionate, and we even overcame her initial fear of walking and pottying outside....Read more

Dear Cathy,

Our sweet and intelligent two-year-old Himalayan cat, Felix, is driving my wife around the corner. He follows her everywhere because he’s begging to get more Laxatone as a treat. He is very affectionate to us both and often sleeps in bed with us. He almost always obeys my instructions. However, during the day, he jumps on my ...Read more