Pet Behaviour & Body Language UK · Kinship

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Pet behaviour & body language UK

Tail wagging? Ear pinning? It all means something. We’ll show you how to understand your pet (and communicate with them) with guides to decode the weirdest body language and behaviour.

person using a phone and holding a dog

The habit could be backfiring

kittens playing on a bed

A behaviourist’s guide to reading the signs

Young girl hugging a puppy of a maltipoo

What those early months really need from you

Dog smiling upside down with stuffy

Sometimes walks just aren’t enough

a cat sitting in a funny position on a sofa

Malicious or adorable?

Aggressive domestic cat sitting on a window sill

The label could be masking real suffering

tan cockapoo looking at the camera in front of a field of sunflowers

From herders to hunters – here’s what your dog really needs

a rear view of a boxer dog looking at a cow through a fence

What you need to know to avoid your dog being seized or an ‘unlimited’ fine

a beagle looks uncomfortable while a woman in a yellow coat strokes him

Would you mind awfully if um, could you just, please can you... STEP AWAY FROM MY DOG

A woman in her forties cleaning shelving in a modern living room, while a robot vacuum cleans a rug in front of her. Pet dogs are watching.

How to tidy without the tail-tuck

dalmatian dog hiding behind a red curtain

Boost memory, recall and mental health – no equipment needed

a picture of a cool woman with curly hair leaning against a brick wall and holding the lead of black poodle

Ditch the impossible standards and start having fun again

kitten playing with hands

Cute now, costly later

Free to roam, free to thrive?

Scared tan dog against brick wall background

Remember, dogs have more than one emotion

Dog on leash barking with hair standing up

Weirdly, this is what it’s called when your dog raises their hackles. And here’s why they do it...

Shiba inu dog sleeping in bed

Dogs need more sleep than humans. Here’s how much is healthy

Dog Lays On The Ground Barking

Decoding the many sounds your pup makes

Great Dane puppy and Husky meeting on leash out side.

Apparently even experts have a hard time defining these terms

dog hiding under a couch afraid of noises

Research finds why dogs may suddenly become super-sensitive to sounds

A black and white and brown jack russell lies spread eagled on the beach

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Nope, it’s your dog all stretched out like a frog

a picture of a white fluffy cat rubbing their head against a human leg

It’s (yet another) adorable behaviour your cat does, but could it indicate something more serious?

Same sex couple with their dog lying on the bed laughing at his farts

Expert solutions for your pup’s flatulence

Adorable dog sitting on a rug next to some boots scooting

Dog trainer Emma Bowdrey helps explain this common canine behaviour

Cat grabbing onto ledge of table and looking to the left

Yes, they are right behind you

dog with greying muzzle on sofa with person

And why stress could be to blame


Young man cuddling little white shih tzu puppy by the Atlantic Ocean.

The internet has a lot to tell you about your new addition. Here’s what’s actually true

Person with two small dogs that won't poop in snow

Snow days are fun – until your pup needs to do their thing outside

Dog looking at their shadow in the snow

A fascination with lights and shadows is common in high-energy dogs – but it can develop into obsessive-compulsive disorder if it gets out of hand

A brunnette woman petting her black cat sitting on her desk while she prepares to give him a pill

Everything you need to know about the difficult task of medicating a cat

Woman playing with a black kitten.

Keep track of all their fun phases with these guidelines

A kitten sneaking up on a laser pointer with big, interested eyes.

People have strong opinions about this cat toy. Here’s what you need to know

A woman on a plane being licked in the face by her small black dog.

The sentiment is nice, but...

Small dog humps its teddy bear toy on the room floor

Animal behaviourists weigh in on what’s behind all this bumping and grinding

Sad boxer rests on owners lap, dog doesn't want to be touched

Animal behaviourist Karen B London breaks down the silent ways your pet is trying to tell you they’re hurting

Woman holding brown kitten to her face.

Forget everything you think you know...

Woman playing with two cats on bed.

Is there a green-eyed monster hiding in that adorable ball of fluff?

Maine coon cat using the litter box.

And how you can encourage them to cover up after doing their business

dog looking at a ball in the hand of a human

Why fetch might be hurting your dog more than helping

Dog playing with a ball

Got a distracted pup? Discover if it’s ADHD and how to help

A dog howling on a sidewalk on a residential street.

How to help a howling dog turn down the volume (or even hit the off button)

cat paws kneading a brown blanket

It’s just one of approximately 10 million adorable behaviours your cat does every day. But why?

dog in snow wearing a coat

It’s not as simple as one universal temperature for all

Beagle dog shaking body and ears

It’s more than just a quirky habit

picture of a pitbull cocking their head to the left

It’s not just ’cause its cute

a puppy sprawled out on the couch sleeping

Four signs your puppy is ready for a nap

Dog hiding under the sofa and afraid to go out because he heard fireworks.

How to keep your dog mentally and physically safe this Bonfire Night

an image of a baby golden retriever puppy on it's hind legs up on it's cage looking up at the camera

And when does it become something more serious?

Two tabby cats in embrace lying in cushion.

Communication is key, and pheromones are your cat’s version of DMs

white-and-black dog sleeping in crate

It’ll make life easier for both of you – eventually

A cute brown dog laying on a cushion looking sad or tired.

Blue is a good name for a dog – not a good mood

a picture of a white poodle wearing a plastic recovery cone

If your pet is recovering from surgery and hates wearing a cone, don’t panic

Small dog lays between woman's legs in the grass.

Four legs up to the ceiling might not seem like a comfy napping position to us but pups seem to love it. How come?

corgi puppy hiding under table afraid

The emotional road to recovery can be a long one. Here’s what you can do

a nervous dog sits on a sofa

At so many points in those first hours, weeks, months, I screamed, internally: what have we done? 

You might already have a good idea of what your dog likes, but it‘s not always that straightforward

A white cat hiding on a book shelf.

No, they’re not on the lam. Here are four reasons your cat might be MIA

Extremely blissed out cats on a psychedelic background

I’m so high right meow

cat staring at person on table

...Is it something I said?

cat hissing under chair

Your cat’s hissy fit could mean ‘Don’t test me’ or ‘Let’s do this’. It’s best not to call their bluff

Woman in a white sweater hugging her cat next to a window

Find out if your cat has seasonal depression, and how to combat it

Big Ginger Cat With Belly Up On Bed.

Learn how you can get your chronically anxious cat to chill

A cat outside showing its bottom teeth.

Scientists believe they could be mimicking the calls of their prey

Dog sitter walks with two dogs on a leash. Dog walker with dog in the beautiful nature

Nobody’s perfect...

two little dogs look up at the camera and sit on a destroyed cushion surrounded by stuffing

Are they just letting their hair down, or is something more troubling afoot?

Woman hold a bowl and gives a water to her big white dog while sitting on her feet in courtyard of the residence.

Save some for later...

a puppy sleeping with their eyes open

Dogs: they’re not just like us

A rescue cat on a longtail fishing boat looks at the water for fish in Thailand.

More importantly: do they want to?

Image of orange cat with veterinary cone on its head.

If you’re bracing yourself for some wackiness, don’t worry – it won’t last forever

cat drinking from glass

It’s the elixir of life... but with conditions

Golden retriever lying in grass with red eyes

Pet parents are being urged to keep their pets indoors during peak pollen times “until September”

A dog looking closely into the thick of a forest.

If your dog zones out under tree branches or dangling cloth, they might have Trance-like Syndrome

kitten hiding inside a human's jacket

Was your kitten separated too early? Here are the signs to watch for and how to help them

XL Bully Cat

XL Bully cats might appear tough and muscly, but are they actually dangerous? 

A black dog holding its paw up to a woman's hand.

Boost your dog smarts with these cool facts

A dog standing in a lavender field.

A psychologist explains how stimulating scents can influence a dog’s behaviour

A Pit Bull puppy dog and woman sleep together on the couch at home after hard day.

No need to panic, but keep that video you took in case a vet needs to see it

Shiba Inu dog under a blanket, burrowing in covers

What’s behind the desire to burrow and is it safe?

a tabby cat with big eyes peering out from a hidey place

Hide and seek, or something more serious?

a fat grey cat looks menacingly out from behind a wall, licking his lips

Their instincts are sharper than you think

a picture of a golden retriever lying on a dog bed

It’s possibly the most important thing you’ll teach your pup

abyssinian shorthair cat on a kitchen counter looking down

It’s a surprisingly divisive topic

black and white cat stepping out of a green litter box

The case of the phantom litter box..

a picture of a scared black tuxedo cat hiding in a closet amongst hanging clothes

You’re not just moving objects – you’re dismantling your cat’s carefully constructed world

a picture of a grumpy grey cat surrounded by toys

Classic cat behaviour or something more sinister?

A curious mixed breed dog peeks from behind a bold red door onto a terrazzo-tiled threshold, its front paws resting on a clean white step.

Spoiler: you might actually be the problem

Sometimes dogs need to learn from dogs

If your workout never quite goes to plan, there might be a reason why…

It’s not prejudice – it’s pattern recognition

Science says you’re probably not playing with them enough

If your pet seems to be down in the dumps in the New Year, here’s why – and what you can do to help

Is it a sign of love or something else?

White dog hiding beneath some christmas wrapping paper

Just because a pet doesn’t actively struggle doesn’t mean they’re comfortable – they may simply be too frightened to move

small scruffy dog with ball looking angrily at camera

Yappy Chihuahuas, we’re looking at you


cute puppy in human bed with a girl with curly hair

And will it lead to an issue in the long run?

Dog poking head through red and white striped christmas wrapping paper

Even Jennifer Garner is getting in on the action...

a picture of a grumpy looking tabby cat sitting on a pile of festive gifts

And when that habit can become an issue, according to experts 


brown and white australian shepherd yawning

Stillness doesn’t always mean contentment

husky looking devilishly at a plate of barbecued chicken

How do you recover after your dog licks a stranger’s bum crack?

a picture of a fluffy brown spaniel holding a women's purse in their mouth

Teaming up with the toddler for a garden raid? Classic

brown and white dog sat on a brown sofa

Turns out, there’s more to being a dog genius than being good at tricks


silhouette of a man and a dog walking in the dark against a golden sunset

Gear up and get out there – even when it’s pitch black at 4pm

How are you meant to train them now?

Hypervigilance isn’t the same as affection

Corgi sitting in the sun indoors

Can thanking your dog for barking stop them barking?

two cats on a blue sofa looking at the camera

TikTok loves boy cats, but all felines need affection

Dog with pumpkin on their head

Pre-Halloween training tips to save your sanity

black cat lying on the arm of a sofa with their legs over each side

Zen vibes or CBA?

a picture of a grey cat lounging on a book on a sofa

What science tells us about feline intelligence


Woman petting her cat on the couch at home.

They will most likely accept your apology

brown and white dog with a bandana looking to the side

Your pup’s mixed signals, explained by experts

black dog looking to the side

Those attention-seeking antics might not be jealousy at all

a picture of a brown and white dog with floppy ears lying on a bed cuddling with a white woman in yellow top

There is a reason behind those AM cuddles

Dalmatian lying on the grass in a field

Athletic, loyal but definitely not low maintenance

red head woman and dog cuddling on a bed

What pet parents need to know about canine behaviour

Cute Golden Retriever rolling on the floor at home.

It might look a bit wild, but they obviously don’t care

Wait, have we been getting it wrong this whole time?!



A cat rubs against the legs of a woman in a kitchen in baggy jeans

It’s not always just to get food

a woman with a curly red bob poses with her face next to a long haired tabby cat

And more importantly, will they miss you?

a picture of a fluffy ginger cat peeking out from behind a tree timidly

Everything you thought you knew about our feline friends is wrong

a picture of a young black woman wearing a headscarf playing with a grey dog

A trainer explains the well-meaning mistakes she sees dog parents make

dalmation looks at angry handsome man in a stripey top

Why else did your dog hate your ex all along?

a picture of a person with cropped black hair cuddles their long haired little dog in front of a pink wall

A study claims new lockdown dog parents saw almost no lasting shift in mood or loneliness...

Dog lying in the sun

They just can’t get enough

man cuddling cat with eyes closed

And honestly, we can’t say we blame them

schnauzer with a retractable lead next to them

Not all leads are created equal

cat loafing on concrete

Your cat + concrete = true love. Who knew?

a black fluffy dog cocks its leg to wee in a field

Exhibit A: The Handstand

a picture of a cat with their mouth wide open

Are they a Chatty Cathy or Silent Simon?

a picture of a dark haired young woman looking at a sleeping black and white cat

It’s the cat version of sleeping with one eye open

a picture of a white cat looking down at a satsuma orange with suspiscion

What science says about fruit vs felines

Corgi on a sofa

The science behind spot-stealing behaviour

a senior dog puts their paw in the hand of a man with beard and beany. They are on a beach

They’ve still got it!

a fluffy ginger cat sleeps next to a ball of wool

Retired, not expired!

a picture of a kitten looking crestfallen in front of an enclosed litter tray

Are they marking their territory in their toilet?

kitten hiding

Why your cat doesn't love you yet... but might eventually

Dog stretching

“Biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiig stretch!”

Person in dress walking away on a field with a dog

Your dog’s joy > social media trends

a dog lies in the sun by a french window

But I thought we were having a moment!

young looking dog peeking through a fence

Why some dogs never really grow up

Lady And The Tramp spaghetti scene movie still

What Disney got wrong about your dog

Picture of a grey cat sitting next to a wet patch on a beige carpet

Not on the couch... again

picture of a husky puppy pooping in the grass

Like y’know, tapping into the Earth’s magnetic field while they go

a dog with a red collar has it's head in a hole in the ground

Let’s dig in...

spaniel dog sat by an armchair with human cuddling

It’s time someone said it

cat eating with human next to them

Dining side-by-side with your cat is cute but could it point to anxiety?

woman head to head with dog

Turns out, your dog does have notes – if you’re willing to ask

picture of a white cat peeking through a door looking angry

Knock knock, it’s me, your cat. Again.

A bengal cat looking at the camera

Meet the felines worth their weight in gold

worried looking dog at daycare

There’s such thing as too much play

two men and two dogs stop to talk by a canal

You think you know my dog better than me?

A woman with blonde hair sits on beach while her dog trots off on the sand

It’s the latest parenting buzzword, but should you apply the principles to your four-legged child?

Dog and woman on sofa

Safe pain relief tips for dogs, plus when to call the vet for help

a picture of a startled tabby cat caught in a camera flash

It’s especially common after a poo

a daschund waits by the door

Leaving dogs alone for too long is cruel and can cause distress

Dog jumping in the air

If your dog is snapping at the air, it could be more than just play

Cat sitting in a suitcase at home.

Your little jetsetter

Three dogs in a swimming pool

Get ready for some serious doggy paddle

a close up picture of an australian shepherd

Dogs that have better haircare routines than you

And do they want to join in?

Three Bassett Hound Dogs

Grooming scissors cost how much?!

Two Labrador dogs dressed for a wedding

Want to have your dog at your wedding? Here’s how you can make it work

Are they more of a Chappell Roan or Kendrick Lamar fan?

a picture of a big fluffy puppy biting their lead by the side of a lake. Their owner in jean shorts

This article (and a whole bunch of patience) is all that stands between you stepping out with your new puppy into the wide world

a picture of a ginger cat sitting in front of a pink plastic bowl with biscuits in

It’s not just another way for your cat to exhibit diva-esque tendencies

cat getting bum pats

Turns out they back it up for a reason – here’s the science behind it

Cane corso lying down

The rise of Cane Corsos as status dogs highlights deeper issues in the dog world

dog greeting a woman at the door

From your mood to where you’ve been, your dog’s sniffing tells them a lot about you

American Bulldog chewing a log

Everything you need to know about having an American Bulldog in the UK



dog with Bella collar

Didn’t think naming your dog Toast said something about you? Think again...

pic of a white dog sitcking his tongue out with a human hand under his chin

Obviously it’s adorable, but can it mean something more sinister?

picture of a dog sleeping in a shrimp position

Learn all about this frankly adorable behaviour

Kurzhaar's dog eats grass, oats, happy puppy playing in the meadow

When to worry about your pup’s grass consumption (and when it’s not a problem)

jack russell dog on lead barks at the camera
Rottweiler dog looking at camera

We know your dog is always the best in your eyes, but which breeds are stealing the nation’s hearts?

Kitten in a dustbin

Overwhelmed by BKE? (Big Kitten Energy to you and me...)

Labrador dog wants to eat breakfast.

It's time to reframe the situation

Woman holding her puppy in her lap while he tries to bite her.

Those little teeth are sweet, but they definitely don’t feel good on your hand

picture of a woman holding a cat while a man puts up a Christmas wreath

It’s the most wonderful time of the year... for you. Your cat feels otherwise

A grey kitten walks over some tinfoil

Discover how to safely keep your kitty from counter-surfing

Dog on their back looking at human's hand above them

It’s all fun and games... until it’s not

Black cat jumping from the table to the closet.

The science behind the feline ability to land on their feet

dog and person sleeping in bed

Is your dog overly clingy? Here’s how to help them build independence

a picture of a dog wearing an orange harness being held by the bottom half of a human male wearing running gear

Keen to hit the road and get fit with your pup? Read this first

Woman walking a dog on a lead

Keeping your dog on a lead isn’t mean – sometimes, it’s the kindest choice



A human hand dangles a treat over a cat's head as the cat looks up

Work with your cat and not against them

Cat and shepherd dog touching faces

Think cats and dogs are natural enemies? Think again

beagle dog sniffing grass

Fancy putting your dog’s nose to the test?

Somali cat lie inside transperent plastic box.

Taking “if I fits, I sits” to a whole new level...

a young woman wearing jeans and white headphones has a beagle on a lead

How to make sure you’re not missing any cues and that you both stay safe

Tortoiseshell cat watching a television

From ‘Cat TV’ to Netflix, discover why your feline is hooked on the screen – and if it’s actually good for them

Dog hiding under orange blanket

From calming supplements to creating safe spaces, here’s how you can prepare your pup for firework season

A woman with tattoos hugging her white cat in a cluttered, art-filled room

Thanks to your neighbour’s treats, your kitty’s over-the-fence visits are starting to become uncomfortably regular...

Young woman playing with a dog outdoors stock photo.

If you think your pup’s basically James Acaster, science backs you up

Woman playing with her cat.

It’s the key to a happy cat

labrador sitting with crossed paws

It’s giving Lady Whistledown...

dog held in humans arms

Help your dog overcome the fear of the unknown

person holding a cockerpoo mix

Think Cockapoos are healthier because they’re crossbreeds? Learn what the latest research says

grey fluffy cat sits on lap of girl with cat tattoo

Hiding treats in your pockets out of sheer desperation? Learn how to make your thighs the Chosen Ones

Picture of close up scared chihuahua in their bed

Rolling on their back doesn’t automatically mean they want belly rubs...

XL bully puppy

The UK’s XL Bully ban has led to a tragic rise in cruelty cases

woman on a beach in greece petting a stray dog

Before you pet that stray dog on your holiday, find out how to protect yourself and still show compassion


a dog stand nervously by the water on a dock

All dogs love cooling off by splashing about and swimming in water, right? So why does yours... not?

a close up picture of a beagle chewing a chew

Experts explain how one simple purchase could help your nervous pup feel more comfortable alone

Scared black cat standing on couch.

They do love to stare at absolutely nothing

Dog playing with orange ball toy at the beach on a sunny day

This body language is not as simple as you probably think

Woman petting cat on her desk at home.

They’re trying to tell you something... but what?

Dog hiding under bed

Is your dog scared of every little noise? Here’s how to turn the volume down on their anxiety

a group of friends pets a shiba inu dog

Is your dog too friendly with strangers or other dogs? Learn effective strategies to manage and train your overly sociable dog to ensure proper behaviour and safety

cat playing with pikachu toy

What is enrichment and why is it so important to keep your kitty happy?

two men with black hair stroke their cat who is sticking his tongue out

Cats are famous for turning up again weeks, months and even years after they disappear. But why? And how do they do it?

A woman with cropped grey hair hugs a black dog. They are surrounded by rubble

From the dog that detected a deadly hair treatment to the search and rescue hero from the Turkish earthquake, meet the pups who gave humans a second chance at life

dogs running with a football

A well-enriched dog is a happy dog – and who wouldn’t want that?



A person walking a dog on a paved road in a park.

Your daily walks together are a special time for both you and your pup. Here’s how to lower stresses and find more joy during your daily routine

a woman holding a chihuahua greets a great dane at the door

Can dogs tell the difference between a day, a week or a month?

Dog running on the beach

Think a holiday with your nervous pup is off-limits? You just need to make a few adjustments. Here’s how to have a dreamy trip that you and your anxious dog can enjoy

Woman hugging her small white dog at home.

An animal behaviourist explains why they do (and don’t) get involved in the game

Are faeces in your flower beds ruining your garden?

With consent, of course...

Add this unusual sound to your feline-to-English dictionary

A fluffy black cat walking along the top of a fence.

Walk this way...

A woman with brown hair sits on a sofa holding a grey cat while her Corgi sits next to her.

How can we best understand what’s going on in the minds of our cats and dogs? A neurology specialist veterinary nurse breaks it down

A dog looking timid in his bed

Tips for comforting your pup during a storm

picture of pit bull with cropped ears and bandages

There's no good reason to ever do this to your dog

Red cat with squinted eyes laying in a basket closeup

Here are all the way your kitty is trying to tell you they’re hurting

A cross-eyed white cat with their tongue hanging out, sat inside a cardboard box.

We discover the reasons your cat enjoys so many strange things

A woman wearing a knit sweater holding a dog close on the floor of her bedroom.

Train your dog to stay calm when they’re on their own – instead of sad-singing “All By Myself” until you come home.

A kitten and a puppy laying on the floor looking at each other.

There might be a language barrier, but these two animals can still become best buds

Golden retriever walking towards the camera with a pink rope toy in their mouth

It’s more than just an adorable habit… 



A woman wearing glasses lying on the floor in front of her Macbook and stroking her cat.

Or are they just ignoring you...

person playing tug with dog

Chase? Wrestle? Tug-o-war? Find out which are fair game

A cat sitting on a shelf with glassware.

Your brand new iPhone, antique figurine, full glass of water – they will swat it off the table. A cat behaviourist explains why

Brown, half breed dog sitting on a chair next to his owner, a blonde stylish woman wearing a brown smart suit.

Researchers say dogs actually have a pretty good sense of what we’re thinking

Cat being affectionate towards woman with tattoos

You could solve the mystery that is your kitty

A woman walking 5 dogs on leashes outside.

A study found that a dog’s breed accounts for less than 10 percent of their behaviour

Man walking his dog on a pavement

We delve into the age-old debate

A woman sitting with her arms around two dogs in a park.

Breeders, judges and historians talk about breed standards – learn how they’re supposed to work and why they don’t

Woman trying to hug a grumpy orange cat.

We can tell when cats are happy, but we’re pretty bad at figuring out when they’re not

Finally, the secrets to my cat’s outdoor life have been unlocked

A high contrast photo of a dog looking out of a screened window

Yep, your dog remembers that you didn’t take them out for a walk yesterday

Woman and her dog playing with a ball.

We already knew our pups were smart – and this study confirms it

Illustration of a woman hugging a dog

A study finds that your pup can tell – er, smell – when you’ve been doom-scrolling

Photo of a young woman working on her laptop from her home, while her dog is waiting for her to finish - so they can play and cuddle.

You love that your dog is your shadow, but maybe not when you’re on a Zoom call

black and white Corgi puppy eating out of a yellow dog bowl

It turns out the saying ‘you are what you eat’ isn’t just for humans

woman holding tabby kitten smiles at man holding tabby cat

Whether you have a friendly feline or a senior sourpuss, it’s important to help your cat adjust to a new kitten in the house

A fox stares down the camera on a UK street.

A veterinary nurse and cat behaviourist explains the relationship between foxes and cats

profile portrait of grumpy a ginger dog, inside on a golden retro velvet armchair

This study found that cranky pups are actually very fast social learners

Shot of an attractive young woman petting her dog while sitting on the sofa at home.

Beyond the fact that they’re your biggest admirer

dog wearing service dog tabard jumps up at girl with brown hair and tattoos

“A PAD can be life-changing – and even life saving”

action shot of a black and white Border Collie coming out of a tunnel section of a dog agility course at Crufts

And they all say the same simple thing…

a brown puppy and a dog of different ages sit with person on grass

You won’t live with a rambunctious goofy teenager forever

Pregnant woman with his brown and white cat on her lap.

There could be a reason they seem to be a little more obsessed with you than usual

Pitbull puppy has a sad face and is in trouble.

Your pup doesn’t actually feel bad about eating your pizza

Black cat jumping from the table to the closet.

Seriously, your kitty’s a little Olympian

Dog sitting under a person's legs looking up.

All the reasons dogs go everywhere we go

Woman and her Dalmatian puppy look in the mirror at their reflections.

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the cutest of them all?

A cat walking by a little box

I introduced my cat to an automatic litter box, and let’s just say it went off with... multiple hitches

Dog holding a toy and looking up at their owner

And should you be worried?

Cat making a disgusted face.

Their noses are as powerful as they are cute

A cute Pit Bull Terrier mixed breed dog listening with a head tilt.

I’m baffled by the number of names I call my dog. Is my dog baffled, too?

fox on city street at night

What to do with a dog who gets rowdy near foxes? And is it even safe for my dog to be near them?

A spotted dog looking up.

Say what? A look at the types of words that dogs understand

Shiba inu dog sneezing.

It’s adorable, but there are actual reasons behind the behaviour

A woman sitting on a floor resting her head on the edge of a couch watching her dog sleep nearby.

What to do when you don’t feel the close bond you want

Bodil Jane illustration, someone waters a garden with a brown dog in it

Your personality may actually have something to do with your pet’s personality

Man holds his fluffy white dog outside.

A new study scores dogs on behaviours such as how they responded when unfamiliar people visited or if they were jealous when their owner gave affection to another animal

a dog looking at a person holding multiple treats

A study found that dogs can process numbers in a similar fashion to their humans

tri-colour, calico cat, white, black and tabby cat lying on their back with their paws lifted, looking at the camera

Peel back the layers of mystery to discover the truth about our feline friends

Couple lies on the grass with their Malamut dog in the park

Meeting your new partner’s pet is an honour – winning them over is another story. Here are some tips for being friends with your significant other’s best animal pal

Woman lying on bed with dog, dog is looking up at the woman and licking her in the face

How many kisses is too many kisses?

Young smiling female owner sitting on leather chair and embracing cute beige Cocker Spaniel dog.

It’s normal to worry – but your pup might also need some space

Man cuddling his gray cat.

You love them like a child, but is the feeling mutual?

Dog Barking In Nature Next To Its Owner.

Two trainers advocate against using these devices – here’s why

Home cat sitting on a chair with citrus.

They have up to 200 million odour receptors that can pick up all the good (and horrible) smells. Learn how to best support their sensitive sniffers

Woman playing with her cat and dog.

Just a few things to keep in mind so everything goes smoothly as you all get adjusted

Male and female cat lying side by side.

There’s more to it than you might think

behaviour

How Cats Hunt

Cats have evolved to be skilled hunters, but how and why do they still do it?

young man with black hair cuddling his beagle dog

Leaving your dog alone at home can be guilt-inducing... but it doesn’t have to be

Black spaniel dog laying at her owners feet under the chair indoors.

Not that anyone’s complaining...

Cat hissing at a person attempting to pet its cheek

How to help your kitty warm up to your SO

Cute little girl playing with her pet kitten at home.

Boundaries are the name of the game with this one

Russian Toy Terrier with ears back

Here‘s how your dog’s ears can clue you into how they’re feeling

Time to whip out The Notebook for a doggy movie night

a black cat’s amber eyes

Those glowing orbs are actually a pretty useful result of evolution

orange cat sleeping on pillow

If so, they’re probably about going to the vet in that stupid carrier

Grey XL Bully looking up at camera

How to keep your dog happy and healthy under the new legislation

a cat making an excited face at a person's hand

They’re not so mysterious after all

a woman in glasses smiles and sits cross-legged hugging a dog with a neckerchief

If you’re considering applying for an assistance dog, or you have a dog that assists you in your daily life, here’s everything you need to know

Portrait Of A Border Collie Dog.

If only there were a dog version of University Challenge

dog bouncing on lead in the countryside with girl

There are plenty of ways to spice them up

toddler boy bothering dog with ball in mouth

Unsolicited approaches from children can’t always be predicted

Jack Russell puppy grunting while laying on blanket and crying out

How to make sense of all those grunts and whines

A black dog running through a grassy field.

Is the term ‘prey drive’ correct terminology or meaningless jargon?

Mixed dog laying on the floor int he sun with an unsure look on her face

When your dog growls, they’re expressing their emotions. A study found that you’ll probably be able to understand what they’re feeling

Taylor Swift is TIME Person of The Year.

Maybe even better...

Black cat staring at a cat toy

Cat behaviourist Cristin Tamburo’s got a game plan

Cat being happily pet in the sunshine of a window

There is a right and wrong way

Young woman sitting at desk petting her senior Great Dane

Lili Chin’s book, Doggie Language, illustrates how dogs communicate – beyond ear perks and tail wags

Wiener dog barking out of window of blue truck

What to do when your dog barks at everything from other cars to people

Cornish Rex cat laying down on a pillow

Which cats are more likely to have stranger danger? Bite the hand that feeds them? Get the zoomies? Scientists studied 5,700 pet cats and discovered some interesting traits

Two tabby cats cuddling each other with their eyes closed

Cat behaviourist Kristiina Wilson on the importance of socialising cats

Unrecognizable man sitting at desk petting his dog

There’s a difference between being affectionate and being annoying

Woman laying on her bed while hugging her cat

Here’s what to do when your cat starts pawing at your face before the sun has even come up

Cat with ginger medium length hair and green eyes

From health predispositions to breed history, Wisdom Panel’s genetic testing revealed my cat’s internal world

Curled up tabby cat sleeping on pillows

A very sleepy kitty isn’t usually a problem, but watch out for these signs of medical distress

Curly haired woman with tattoos holding her Labradoodle dog up to her face in a tender embrace

The connection between people and dogs is the stuff of legends

training dog chewing blanket

A (seemingly) unstoppable nibbling obsession with all the blankets

A cute cat laying on the ground with wide eyes

Cat behaviourist Cristin Tamburo on how to read cat eyes

Black dog sitting on tiled floor

Also called the ‘propeller wag’ or ‘helicopter tail’, this behaviour is a surefire way to tell that a dog is happy

Dark brown dog sitting on a gray couch in a living room

There’s no time like the present, according to your pet

pet lover concept with mini dog on woman leg. sitting in room at home

How to teach your pup to play nice

A woman sitting on a floor playing with her dogs.

This has nothing to do with a werewolf named Jacob in a series called Twilight, but here’s what it is all about

cat meowing

How to decode your cat’s love language when one meow has many meanings

a red cat stretching on a bed

Why do they do it? A vet on the top three reasons your cat twitches in their sleep – from sweet dreams to scary spasms

An English bulldog resting on a floor.

One of the most popular breeds in the world is also one of the least genetically diverse, causing huge implications for the breed

A dog laying on a couch peacefully.

If hypothyroidism is to blame, it’s best not to let sleeping dogs lie

A dog resting its face on a wooden table.

A new study confirms our pets can have heartbreaking reactions to the loss of a canine companion

Two cats walking with their tails sticking straight up

Cats are enigmas. But their tail movements can reveal a lot about their moods

Woman sitting on couch with dog laying on lap watching TV

Can your dog really see what you see when they watch TV?

A blonde woman wearing a black t-shirt and striped overalls playing tug with her tan dog using an orange basketball squeaky toy

The basics of the tug game and how to trouble-shoot common problems

Golden Retrieve dog running in the grass outside, playfully chasing a flirt pole held by a man in blue jeans

Get out the toys and puzzles

weird dog rolling in poop

Chasing their tails, eating grass and rolling in rubbish – should you worry?

orange cat lifting its paw

Are they saying “Hi” or trying to high-five? Cat behaviourists decode your pet’s cryptic paw signal

black cat doing zoomies on a bed

Fast, furious and officially normal – according to a cat behaviourist

kittens licking woman's hand

Hey, everybody’s got their thing

kitten sleeping on top of person

Not into cuddling? Too bad – they’re spending the night

Dog in the sand smiling at the camera

There’s a big difference between a dog smiling and showing their teeth

Woman wearing a black t-shirt and jeans laying on the couch with her dog taking a nap

There are pros and cons of sleeping with your dog – for both of you

Two fearful adolescent dogs peeking through a slightly open door

Turns out, the teenage years aren’t just tough for humans – they can be rough on dogs, too

Bernese Mountain Dog with tennis ball in his mouth play bowing in the grassy backyard

Bow down, puppers. It’s time to play

Two dogs being playful outside on a grassy hill.

Advice on how to deal with your dog’s humping habit

3 dogs posed together in a house

Research says your dog is as special and perfect as you tell them they are

grey kitten kneading blanket

A cat behaviourist says ‘making biscuits’ could mean your cat thinks you’re their mum...

Young woman hugging her cat

Surprise: it doesn’t always mean they’re happy

A man in a blue t-shirt holding a super cute puppy against an orange background

Kindchenschema might explain why pet parents anthropomorphise their cuddly companions

Couple hugs their merle Boxer

Animal behaviourist Dr Karen B. London on how to strengthen your pet-parent bond

Two cats in a living room that appear to be arguing.

Between actual cats...

A golden retriever and a Labrador staring at each other on a beach.

Studies have shown why some dogs choose to be friendly after a fight

cat snuggling man

Five surprising ways cats show affection (and how you can show it back), according to a cat behaviourist

a tattooed person with curly red hair on a couch pets a brown and black cat

And will they do anything about it if they do?

A woman with curly black hair sitting in front of a dark purple and yellow backdrop while looking down affectionately at her two cats sitting on her lap

If your cat still approaches you with a figurative arched eyebrow of scepticism, try these tricks to put them at ease

Short haired woman holding a gray cat that's playfully pawing at her nose

It’s a little more complicated than that

Man and golden retreiver laying on stomach looking at each other in bed

To pet parents, a whimpering dog sounds as sad as a crying baby. Here’s why

Woman walking her small black dog outside on leash.

Research shows that little dogs may feel the need to scent mark more frequently than big dogs

White cat switching on lamp on couch

You want to sleep, your cat wants to party. Here’s how to deal with it

Chihuahua puppy wearing a native Indian necklace sitting next to a lemon

It’s the one food most dogs can't stand. Here’s why – plus, how to use their dislike of citrus to your advantage

Cat running in the foreground outside with a dog out of focus running in the background

We all have our talents

a Chihuahua dog licking their paw

Their toes might smell like Monster Munch, but there’s no way they taste that good

Brown and White Cat With Rainbow Across Her Eyes.

Short answer: yes – but not the way we do

A cat headbutting a woman on her laptop.

Apparently, you should take it as a compliment

Jack Russell Terrier Puppy zooming around with a toy at home.

Not counting how fun they are to watch

A German shepherd and cat play affectionately in a bed.

There’s no winning this argument, but here’s what you should know about parenting each perfect pet

Reflection of a multi-colored rainbow on the face of a mixed breed dog sitting on the floor indoors

They can’t take in as many colours as you can, but their world isn’t just black and white

Close up shot of a brown dog sniffing upward out of frame with blurry grass in background

Is it time to teach your dog some boundaries?

A dog laying on a couch looking relaxed

Or are they just peacefully resting? Behaviourist Karen London explains how to tell the difference

A woman and a dog laying close together on a couch.

Your pup may know you’re sick before you do

Two boxer dogs playing with a ball together in the park

Looks aren’t everything, but they can talk

Woman and man petting dog outside

When your dog looks back at its bum, you know what to do

Woman scratching belly of Shiba Inu while sitting on lawn near bush on summer day in yard.

If one hand isn’t stroking a furry dog belly, what are you doing?

Two brown senior pointer dogs

If you have an older dog, they could have a condition called idiopathic vestibular disease. Here’s everything you need to know

Three dogs biting a stick.

Two animal behaviour experts agree that it’s usually play fighting. Here’s how you can tell

Two dogs sitting on a beach

World-renowned behaviourist Patricia McConnell explains

Dog resting on a computer laptop

Don’t just assume that your dog’s golden years should be spent quietly relaxing – they could be gaming

Puppy with one ear up an done ear down.

There’s a lot more to your pup’s furry appendages than you’d think

Asian baby at home with howling dog

Is your dog showing empathy? Or just plain annoyance?

A woman holding her dog close.

Trust me, I’m a dog trainer

Shy black dog walking with owner at the park.

Six animal behaviourists share pro tips for boosting the confidence of a fearful dog

dark-haired woman hugging cat that has imprinted on her

Feeling like you have a little shadow these days? A cat behaviourist explains why that’s happening

Man hugging his fluffy white dog happily

How the ‘love hormone’ oxytocin connects us with our pups

A woman in a parking lot kissing her dog.

Boundaries, folks. Boundaries

More in Behaviour

basic obedience & traininganxiety & separation anxietybehavioural issues