ArcaMax

As the seasons change, so do the risks facing household pets. From sweltering summer heat to icy winter sidewalks, cats and dogs depend on their owners to anticipate hazards and protect their health. Veterinarians say the key is preparation — and a willingness to adjust routines to keep animals comfortable and safe in any weather.

Summer Heat...Read more

When it comes to caring for a beloved cat or dog, one of the most debated questions among pet owners is whether their furry friend should live primarily indoors, roam freely outdoors, or enjoy something in between. While dogs and cats each have their own needs, temperaments, and instincts, the choice between indoor and outdoor lifestyles has ...Read more

Dear Cathy,

I have a 30-week-old female Bengal cat named Luna, and another kitten named Jinx. They quickly bonded and now play, sleep, and cuddle together.

Jinx is male and the alpha. Luna is shy but loves attention. She still hisses at my eight-year-old son, though.

The problem is Luna urinates all over the house – on the carpet, towels, ...Read more

Dear Cathy,

Some friends of mine have two dachshunds. They are no longer puppies and still potty in the house. The owners say dachshunds cannot be trained. I don't believe it. What recommendation do you have for this situation?

— Colleen, Missoula, Montana

Dear Colleen,

Well, I have heard this many times from dachshund owners over the ...Read more

Dear Cathy,

About four years ago, we started domesticating a young cat we named Grey. We installed a cat door with a plastic flap and placed a barrier over it at night. Grey comes in to eat and sleep and sometimes spends the night indoors. While she would occasionally bring in a dead mouse or bird, this spring the hunting has ramped up.

What ...Read more

As a syndicated pet columnist, I usually spend my time writing about everyday animal issues – litter box avoidance, anxious pups, and barking dogs.

But this week, I’m writing as a resident of Kerrville, Texas.

My hometown is grieving. A catastrophic flood tore through our community, claiming the lives of young girls at a summer camp, ...Read more