Pet Pundit®
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Cathy has spent the past 35 years working in animal welfare.
She brings her experience and advice to the blog where you can find answers to common pet questions.
Canine submissive urination a tricky thing to fix
Dear Cathy, We have had a five-month-old mini-Australian Shepherd since she was nine weeks old. She has had a […]
Creating a Fear Free®environment and other strategies to keep your dog at ease
When it comes to our dogs, their emotional well-being is just as important as […]
Rawhides and chews are not for every dog
Dear Cathy, The other day, my dog pooped blood. The vet said there was no blockage and it […]
Keeping pets safe over the 4th of July
Halloween may be a spooky holiday, but it’s the 4th of July that […]
Butt-scooting, while embarrassing, is usually a sign of a health problem
Dear Cathy, I’ve noticed my dog dragging his butt across the carpet and grass frequently. It’s quite embarrassing, […]
Submissive Peeing in Dogs: A Common Canine Quirk
Have you ever bent over a dog only to be met with an unexpected stream of urine? You’re not alone. […]
Tips for handling a barking dog (yours, not your neighbors)
Dealing with a barking dog can sometimes feel like conducting your very own canine choir – with unexpected solos and […]
Animal Behavior During the Eclipse
As the anticipation of the upcoming April 8th solar eclipse sweeps across communities, it not only captivates the human imagination […]
How to speak fluent “cat:” Tips for communicating with our feline friends
Dear Cat Lovers, When it comes to our beloved feline friends, it’s easy to underestimate just how much they have […]
How to train your dog to be patient around his food bowl
Fast-eating dogs are often aggressive around their food, so it is important to train your dog to be patient around […]
Stressed cat not using litter box
Dear Cathy, I have four indoor-only cats. They range in age from two- to six-years-old. Our problem child is a […]
How to discourage cats aggressive behavior towards dog
Dear Cathy, We recently got a cat from our local Humane Society. He is a three-year-old male. His cage card […]
Help for dog whose been attacked at dog park
Dear Cathy, I read your response to the owner of a dog, Bella, who would become aggressive at times to […]
Help for cats not getting along
Dear Cathy, Last year, I adopted two male cats who were not previously paired. Fred is about 10-years-old, is mellow, […]
How to get your dog to not eat so fast
How to get your dog to not eat so fast Does your dog rush to eat his food? Does he […]
Do Microchips Help Lost Pets Return Home?
Do microchips work in returning lost pets home? Just ask Castle Hills, Texas, resident Edgar Fischel to tell his story. In […]
Recycle fish tank water for your garden
Dear Cathy, When I change the water from my fish tank, I toss the dirty water onto the lawn, not […]
Don’t get a rabbit just because it’s Easter
Dear Cathy, I have four pet rabbits of my own and am always looking for ways to spread education about […]
How to stop dog from stress-peeing in the house
Dear Cathy, My husband shared your column about the owner of a Dachshund and Dachshund mix whose dogs peed in […]
How do I stop my dog from obsessively licking?
Dear Cathy, We have a big 14-year-old Silky Yorkie named Howie. In November, my husband got severely sick and was […]
Does the cat have hairballs or something else?
Dear Cathy, Riya, my cat, has been doing this weird gag/cough/puke thing quite often the past few days. At first, […]
How to introduce a puppy to a home with two cats
Dear Cathy, We have two cats, and we’re thinking about getting a puppy. The cats are two years old. What […]
How to stop puppy from being so destructive
Dear Cathy, We adopted a boxer/pug/bulldog named Magento. He is three years old. Our problem is that he is systematically […]
How to reduce aggressive behavior with cats
Dear Cathy, I have two cats, Foxy and Florence, ages 8; they are brother and sister from the same litter. […]
How to stop dog from pooping in the car
Dear Cathy, I have a friend who received a dog from a shelter. This dog was previously with a breeder. […]
Question about cat with nodule above his eye
Dear Cathy, My older cat, Sonney, has a bump or nodule above his left eye. I have attached a photo. […]
Why is my older cat not using litter box?
Dear Cathy, We have a 17-year-old cat who over the past few months sometimes neglects to use the litter box. […]
How to get neighbors to pick up their dog’s poop
Dear Cathy, At our condo complex, we have a problem with dog owners who violate the rules relative to walking […]
Is my cat grieving?
Dear Cathy, Our seven-year-old cat started licking his front paws. He has always been afraid of everything, but it has […]
Dog still eating too fast? Here’s one more thing to try
Dear Cathy, We have a Black Lab named Deuces who devours her food. We bought her one of those food […]
How to stop puppy from being aggressive
Dear Cathy, My eight-month-old puppy has started to show aggression. He growls and tries to bite when you try to […]
How to help your cat overcome anxiety
Dear Cathy, We got our rescue cat in October 2015 as a seven-month-old kitten. As soon as she got in […]
Miniature horses as pet therapy animals
Dear Cathy, We wanted to tell you about a new pet that is making the rounds in the pet therapy […]
Books on pet care ideal gift for pet owners
Dear Cathy, I read your great pet column in the Las Vegas Review-Journal every Sunday. It’s always interesting. I am […]
Reader takes right steps towards dog/cat introductions
Dear Cathy, We just took in a five-year-old dog from a family friend who could not keep him anymore. All […]
Getting dog to relax with friends
Dear Cathy, I have a one-year-old rescue dog named Ted. He is a Wheaten Terrier. I don’t know his past. […]
Licking a dog licking habit
Dear Cathy, We have a seven-pound Chihuahua mix that we found roaming the streets six years ago. We absolutely love […]
Feral friend may be happier staying outside
Dear Cathy, I have been feeding a very feral cat since last March. Gradually, he has progressed to living on […]
Helping your dogs with a cross-country move
Dear Cathy, My husband and I are moving to Nevada. We have two dogs who will be making the cross-country […]
“Leave it” solves a host of doggie transgressions
Dear Cathy, I have some new neighbors that moved in with an outdoor cat. The cat uses our yard as […]
Pilling a cat who only eats dry food
Dear Cathy, I have a cat who is five years old that we rescued from the Humane Society. He is […]
Introducing new kitten to older cat
Dear Cathy, We have a three-year-old domestic cat. She has always had a picky appetite, and has times of affection […]
The right music may soothe dog on car rides
Dear Cathy, I dog-sit my daughter’s lovable Yorkypoo occasionally. He happily jumps into my car, but makes the most horrendous […]
Why dogs greet you with toys in their mouths
Dear Cathy, I have a two-year-old spayed female cocker spaniel named Roxy. She is a wonderful dog. Whenever anyone comes […]
Urinary incontinence in dogs can be frustrating to manage
Dear Cathy, We have a seven-year-old Chihuahua mix. She has a problem leaking urine all the time. We took her […]
Situational doggie incontinence
Dear Cathy, I have a problem with Buster, my two-year-old Jack Russell Terrier. Buster loves attention, especially from new people […]
Fostering as flexible opportunity to love and help animals
Dear Cathy, I am writing in response to the woman a few weeks ago whose cat died “in God’s timeline,” […]
Teaching a dog-reactive dog to calm down on a walk
Dear Cathy, My wife and I rescued an adorable little white munchkin a few years ago. I was going to […]
Doggie day care to help with socialization
Dear Cathy, I read your response to the owner of a dog, Bella, who would become aggressive at times to […]
Helping new adopted cats get along
Dear Cathy, Last year, I adopted two male cats who were not previously paired. Fred is about 10-years-old, is mellow […]
Reward tricks with treats to help dog learn new behaviors
Dear Cathy, My neighbors moved away and could not take their dog with them. We took Buster in with us. […]
Elderly cat started howling at night
Dear Cathy, I have a problem with our cat who is roughly 18-years-old. She started howling at night around five […]
To drive or fly pets on a long-distance move
Dear Cathy, I was reading your column regarding preparing a pup for a long-distance car ride, and I have a […]
German Shepard fighting staph infection
Dear Cathy, I have a ten-year-old German Shepherd. She has been fighting a staph infection for the past three years. […]
If you feed feral cats, please sterilize them too
Dear Cathy, I started feeding a few stray/feral cats in my back yard last year, and now they’re reproducing, including […]
Wild rabbit population increase
Dear Cathy, In my daily walks in my neighborhood, I’ve noticed an increase in the number of wild rabbits. They […]
Helping scooting dogs
Dear Cathy, My veterinarian has been trying to help my dog keep from constant scooting since age four. She is […]
Slippery floors can make dogs fearful and anxious
Dear Cathy, I need help with a one-year-old beagle mix that has suddenly become afraid to walk on tile. She […]
How cat got feline leukemia baffles one family
Dear Cathy, My husband and I went to a no-kill shelter to adopt a cat after I became disabled and […]
Getting a senior dog to eat
Dear Cathy, I have a ten-year-old Maltese/Shih Tzu mix, in relatively good health. About a year ago, my veterinarian put […]
Help for lethargic adopted dog
Dear Cathy, I adopted a three-year-old cockapoo from a shelter. Within two days, I realized he could not hear and […]
How to manage your high-energy dog
Dear Cathy, We have a three-year-old Chiweenie (Chihuahua/Dachshund mix). As a puppy, she was abused and kept in a small […]
Senior dog hiding her food
Dear Cathy, Rosie, my nine-year-old Scottie (Scottish Terrier), has been trying to hide her dry dog food with the cloth […]
How to correct (or reward) a dog’s digging habit
Dear Cathy, I adopted a lab/pug mix from a local shelter, and we just love her. Unfortunately, she’s a digger. […]
Treat dog anxiety and then train
Dear Cathy, I have a ten-year-old and 13-year-old Boston terrier and a two-year-old cat. My ten-year-old Billy is a handful. […]
Both male and female dogs hump for many different reasons
Dear Cathy, Our Katie is a five-year-old Lab mix. She’s always been obedient and will lick you to death if […]
Because most dogs can’t do two things at once either
Dear Cathy, We have a wonderful Beagle/mix who is almost 10 years old. We are constantly amazed by Tanner’s intelligence […]
Helping a grieving cat
Dear Cathy, We had two cats who were litter mates and adopted as kittens. One of the two cats disappeared […]
Separating bonded pair of cats easier while still young
Dear Cathy, My son, a second-year veterinary student, and I adopted two cats. They are brothers, about 13 weeks old. […]
Helping feral cats when person feeding them moves
Dear Cathy, I have five inside cats, and feed three stray cats in my yard, which has woods behind it. […]
How to handle approaching dogs on a walk
Dear Cathy, I have a 16-pound Havashu. We do not have a fenced yard, so she is walked several times […]
Training away an ankle-biter habit
Dear Cathy, My miniature poodle was a rescue. I was recently put in assisted living, so my daughter agreed to […]
Don’t believe it; dogs can get fleas at a kennel
Dear Cathy, We boarded our 115-lb. white German Shepherd for 10 days. A few hours after picking him up from […]
Dogs that get more anxious with age
Dear Cathy, I have an 11-year-old Maltese. For the last two years, we’ve noticed that whenever people come over, he […]
Where to find adoptable pets
Dear Cathy, Do you have any information on area shelters where you can adopt pets? Originally, I was looking for […]
When a cat won’t poop in the litterbox anymore
Dear Cathy, Our six-year-old house cat stopped pooping in the litter box, but she still urinates in it. We find […]
Behavior changes in older dog with health issues
Dear Cathy, I have a 14-year-old Min Pin (Miniature Pinscher) who has diabetes and is blind. She has started going in […]
What to do when your dog eats dog poop
Dear Cathy, Sometimes it is difficult during heavy rains and really cold weather to stand outside in the backyard when […]
Dog that barks while he walks
Dear Cathy, We have a Border Collie/Aussie shepherd mix. She’s a wonderful dog, and will be eight-years-old this September. We […]
When dogs stick their noses where they don’t belong
Dear Cathy, Our grand dog is one-year-old and not yet neutered. He has a habit of sticking his nose in […]
Grass eating could mean several things
Dear Cathy, My three dogs, Reesie, Captain Jack, and Dobie, all eat a lot of grass. I was told the […]
Cat’s punctual evening screaming
Dear Cathy, I have two Himalayan cats, Tango and Cash. These three-year-old brothers are very healthy indoor cats. However, at […]
Socialize your dog before visiting the dog park
Dear Cathy, I’m having a problem with my rescue dog, Bella, who is a 3-1/2-year-old Pitbull and Shar-Pei mix. When […]
Drawing a cat back to the litter box
Dear Cathy, I got a Manx female kitten from my daughter’s barn when she was six-weeks-old. Her name is Lil […]
You can change a dog’s diet if you transition slowly
Dear Cathy, When my mother passed away, I inherited her cocker spaniel. He ate dog food as a puppy, but […]
Benefits outweigh risks of the Parvo vaccine
Dear Cathy, My son recently bought a three-month-old Boston Terrier named Riley, who is now receiving all of his necessary […]
Finding relief for what’s itching your dog
Dear Cathy, My ten-year-old dog gnaws occasionally on his front legs, which end up red, inflamed and bare of hair. […]
Cat loves to eat plants and other things too
Dear Cathy, My four-year-old male orange tabby has a taste for weird stuff. He eats plants, but particularly loves pineapple […]
Respectful and non-intimidating engagement with new dogs
Dear Cathy, Your suggestions to James C. in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, who was having problems bonding with his daughter’s dog, […]
Keeping dogs under control when walking
Dear Cathy, The lady who wrote in saying that she found collars and leashes to be “cruel” and preferred to […]
The message is, “Adopt, Don’t Shop,” for your next pet
Dear Cathy, I read your recent article about research showing people are not more likely to return pets acquired during […]
Keep training to distract dog from chewing on household items
Dear Cathy, We have a 3-1/2-year-old Labradoodle named Rocco. He is basically a good dog, but he has a bad […]
Cat pees only on our bed
Dear Cathy, We’re having a huge problem with our cat. We bought a new bed a few months ago, and […]
How to handle your dog or cat’s bad breath
Dear Cathy, We rescued our golden labs – a six-year-old brother and sister – three months ago, and they are […]
Helping an adopted dog with separation anxiety
Dear Cathy, In April, I adopted a retired four-year-old greyhound. I named him Geo. He suffers from extreme separation anxiety. […]
Dog owner learns a colorful lesson on the dangers of chocolate
Dear Cathy, One of your recent columns reminded me of this story. It was Christmas day, and I was expecting fifteen […]
Teaching the dog to “go potty” outside
Dear Cathy, Evelyn in Las Vegas had a question about training her two dogs. We have a similar problem with […]
Teaching a dog-reactive dog not to react to other dogs
Dear Cathy, My daughter recently bought a three-year-old French Bulldog from a breeder who did not provide all the information […]
How to help a shy dog gain confidence in you
Dear Cathy, My adult daughter and her family have a female lab mix named Scooby. Despite my seeing her three […]
Skin problems and weight loss need a vet consult
Dear Cathy, My son has an almost four-year-old lab mix. These past few months, her fur seems to be coming […]
People and pets should stay together during euthanasia
Dear Cathy, I have a sad question. Since 2011, I have had to euthanize three dogs. My Dachshund Troy, almost […]
Lost cats can get trapped in garages, basements
Dear Cathy, Could you please warn people about lost cats getting closed in people’s sheds, garages and basements. I know […]
Cat food not good for dogs
Dear Cathy, Is it dangerous for my five-year-old poodle/Shih Tzu, Babou, to eat cat food? I am babysitting my daughter’s […]
Sensitive dog barks at movement and things on TV
Dear Cathy, I adopted BeBe two years ago. She is a mixed breed terrier about eight-years-old. She is very devoted […]
Kitty’s incessant night meowing
Dear Cathy, I have a ten-year-old Ragdoll cat. She is very sweet, but since I am a light sleeper, she […]
You can help your dog cope with separation anxiety
Dear Cathy, We recently adopted a two-year-old male dog from a rescue shelter. He is a Pomeranian/Fox Terrier mix and […]
Help for itchy dog gnawing on paws
Dear Cathy, My ten-year-old dog gnaws occasionally on places on his front legs that end up looking bare of hair […]
Expectant parents: Wait until baby is born to adopt pet
Dear Cathy, My son and daughter-in-law are having their first baby in October. They have informed us that they plan […]
Stray dog found her new palace
Dear Cathy, Your column often reminds me of our first dog – a sweet beagle who literally adopted us. One […]
Dealing with the prospect of euthanasia
Dear Cathy, When we lost our last kitty, I was so thankful God took her in his timeline. For me, […]
Handling a fearful Chiweenie
Dear Cathy, We have a four-year-old Chiweenie who likes only four people and one other dog. He is afraid of […]
Night-time vocalizations keep cat owner awake
Dear Cathy, Our six-year-old neutered male cat has a behavior that disturbs our sleep. He will meow, run across the […]
Walking dogs off-leash can stress other dogs and people
Dear Cathy, A few months ago we moved to a community that requires dogs to be leashed while walking. Leash […]
Keeping pup from licking paws
Dear Cathy, Our ten-year-old rescue, Buddy, a Poodle Bichon, recently began to lick both fore ankles, just above the paws. […]
Obedience training can help with excessive barking
Dear Cathy, We have a 10-year-old pit bull who is an excessive barker. People do not visit because the dog […]
Calming a difficult rescue cat
Dear Cathy, My cat is 17-years-old and very frail. I rescued a kitten last Thanksgiving in part because I wanted […]
Keep pets safe from extremes of weather
Dear Cathy, Though I agree with your response to the lady in Arizona who has the 12-year-old Golden Retriever who […]
Couple rescues former housecat living on the street
Dear Cathy, My wife and I subcontract for several local banks, performing property assessments of foreclosed properties. We recently came […]
Resetting the feline alarm clock
Dear Cathy, We rescued our cat from our local shelter two years ago. She’s the sweetest cat in every way […]
Mourning dog’s behavior tied to loss of loved one
Dear Cathy, We are friends with an elderly couple who adopted a young rescue about ten years ago. The wife […]
SSSCAT Spray pet deterrent
Dear Cathy, SSSCAT Spray by Petsafe has kept my two cats away from the Christmas tree for years. I just […]
Keep food gifts out from under the Christmas tree
Dear Cathy, I live alone with Andy, my 110lb yellow Lab. (He is not fat, just a big dog.) Last […]
Chaos turned to peace after consistent training
Dear Cathy, I wanted to give you an update on the training you recommended for my pups last year. They […]
Should you worry when your cat goes from shy to friendly?
Dear Cathy, We have a female cat named Polly who we believe is about 17 years old. She’s always been […]
Cat-proofing the Christmas tree
Dear Cathy, We had a Persian cat that loved to bring down our holiday tree – glass ornaments and all. […]
Pet-proofing all around the Christmas tree
Dear Cathy, I am a professional cat sitter plus I have three cats of my own. I’ve been lucky when […]
Pet- and kid- proofing the Christmas tree
Dear Cathy, I read your column in the Chicago Tribune/Lake County News-Sun, and I enjoy it very much. You asked […]
Keep the leashes on- it’s safer and it’s the law
Dear Cathy, I’ve been fostering abused and neglected dogs for about five months. They pulled on their leashes, which produces […]
Good reasons to restrain your dog
Dear Cathy, You really brought up a hot-button issue the other day. While walking on a trail, we came upon […]
When is the right time to help a pet pass over?
Dear Cathy, Our beloved husky Krypto is over 13 years old. He has had Valley Fever for over a year […]
Separating bonded animals
Dear Cathy, My sister and I started our own cat rescue a little over a year ago and this is […]
Slightly feral cat not adjusting well to new home
Dear Cathy, We recently adopted a 2-1/2-year-old orange tabby cat from our local TNR rescue. He was rescued as a […]
Breaking the habit of growling at visitors at the front door
Dear Cathy, My dog, a Yorkie-Pekinese mix, barks at every noise he hears. He goes into a frenzy when someone […]
Strange cat loves to eat his clipped toe nails
Dear Cathy, I must have the strangest cat in world. I take out nail clippers, call him and he comes […]
Approaching neighbors about leash laws
Dear Cathy, In the Newsday column on July 16, 2018, a woman from Illinois complained about her neighbor having her […]
What to do when a cat stops covering its poop
Dear Cathy, My four-year-old male cat, Max, has developed an unusual habit. While he always uses the litter box, he […]
Cat’s nocturnal nature and getting some sleep
Dear Cathy, In regard to the woman whose cat keeps her up all night, the only thing that worked for […]
Socializing and training a fearful dog
Dear Cathy, My dog, Major, is a rescue who was 18 weeks old when we got him and is almost […]
Shaming owners to change behavior doesn’t work
Dear Cathy, I cannot believe your answer to John who “inherited” his daughter’s 115-pound Great Dane. Substitute “dumped” for inherited […]
Trimming cat’s nails all about personality
Dear Cathy, I love all the reader tips about getting a cat to cooperate with nail trimming. I have tried […]
Woman says condo doesn’t allow “service” dogs
Dear Cathy, I live in a condo that doesn’t allow certain service dogs. I have a certificate, a vest and […]
Redirect energy to keep kitten from chasing cats
Dear Cathy, I recently adopted a nine-week-old kitten we named Sonny. I have two older female cats- Dolly, we have […]
Cat gastric distress and reining in the vet bills
Dear Cathy, I have three one-year-old cats, all littermates. One of the girls, Mona, throws up from time to time; […]
What could cause a dog to go blind so quickly?
Dear Cathy, What causes a six-year-old dog to go blind in less than a week? Is there anything we can […]
Dog drinking excessive water a possible sign of disease
Dear Cathy, Your column is interesting, and I enjoy reading it. But, you dropped the ball on your advice to […]
Dog won’t drink water when owner not home
Dear Cathy, Whenever I have to go out during the day, I leave my 12-year-old Golden Retriever in the backyard […]
Newly adopted dog takes time to settle in
Dear Cathy, I recently adopted a two-year-old dog rescue from China. She had been in a rescue center here for […]
Animals associate pain with where they experience it
Dear Cathy, We have two nine-year-old cats. Charlie and Stella have been together since kittens and are both fixed. They […]
How do you clean a dog who is afraid of a bath?
Dear Cathy, Our eight-year-old dog, Shea, has never liked getting wet, but has tolerated being bathed and getting wet to […]
Reward tricks with treats to help dog learn new behaviors
Two 13-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer sisters enjoy getting a bath. But not all dogs do. Photo credit: studioportosabbiaDear Cathy, My […]
Does my cat really want us to watch him eat?
Dear Cathy, Oliver is our three year old cat. He was rescued at about eight weeks old. He has grown […]
Neighbors and pets
Dear Cathy, I am a very responsible pet owner. I currently have two small breed dogs, a 13-year-old toy Rat […]
Understanding your cat’s sound world (Music hath charms…)
Dear Cathy, I recently adopted two small kittens and am curious to know if keeping a clock ticking near where […]
Possible reasons dog has become a hoarder
Dear Cathy, We have a nine-year-old, 14-pound female dog named Bernie. We believe her parents were Bichons. We brought Bernie […]
Cats with the gift for gab sometimes drive owners crazy
Dear Cathy, My dear friend has a seven-year-old rescue cat that never stops meowing. She tried using a collar for […]
Calming a cat for nail trimming
Dear Cathy, I have a six-year-old indoor cat. He was rescued from the shelter several years ago by my daughter. […]
Get the vet to recheck growing spot
Dear Cathy, My seven-year old brown Shih Tzu has a black “hot spot” on his right-hind quarter. It was a […]
Why pets must be supervised with their toys
Dear Cathy, I look forward to your weekly column in my paper, however, I’m afraid I must disagree with your […]
OCD cat licks everything
Dear Cathy, My husband and I have four cats and a dog. One of these cats is a female, spayed, […]
Young reader worries about her lethargic dog
Dear Cathy, I am a thirteen-year-old girl. My parents and I adopted a three-year-old mixed-lab female dog last August from […]
Cats make toys out of almost anything
Dear Cathy, In response to your column on cat toys, both of my cats go nuts over small paper balls […]
Professional pet sitter a good choice for peace of mind
Dear Cathy, I read your column every week and find the topics on cats helpful as I am a professional […]
Dog has begun barking when home alone
Dear Cathy, Our 13-year-old Havanese has begun barking when we are not home. We only discovered this after installing a […]
Dog keeps digging at same spot in carpet
Dear Cathy, For the past few weeks, my ten-year-old poodle has been pawing the rug in my living room. As […]
Aggression in ageing dog can indicate pain
Dear Cathy, I have a 13-1/2 year old wheaten terrier. He is in failing health. The veterinarian told us he […]
Lethargic pets and possible causes
Dear Cathy, In response to a letter from Emma about her lethargic dog, Dorie, what about depression? Can’t dogs get […]
Helping a small overprotective dog feel at ease
Dear Cathy, My Chihuahua is extremely protective of me. No one can touch me or come near me. I want […]
Don’t leave dog in kennel all day
Dear Cathy, I inherited a 115-pound, seven-year-old Great Dane from my daughter. At my daughter’s house, she was kept in […]
Sleep-deprived mom needs help with wide-awake cat
Dear Cathy, I am a cat lover and have had several cats over the years. I have a three-year-old Russian […]
When people let their dogs run off-leash
Dear Cathy, I am getting frustrated with people with unleashed dogs. I have a six-year-old poodle-bichon, Rosie, that we rescued […]
Treating an over-grooming cat
Dear Cathy, Our 15-year-old male cat has started pulling tufts of fur from his legs with his teeth. He pulled […]
Build trust with cats through play and slow blinking
Dear Cathy, I have a seven-year-old cat named Squeaky. She was fixed as a kitten and is an indoor cat. […]
Why kitty stops using the litter box
Dear Cathy, Our cat stopped using its litter box. She will now target a left-out blanket or coat. – Carl, […]
How to control a dog trying to control you
Dear Cathy, We rescued a miniature poodle in 2016. He was five months old. It has been a trying 18 […]
Options for pet sitters
Dear Cathy, You suggested a few ways to find a pet sitter. Another way is to ask someone in your […]
Options for cats scratching furniture
Dear Cathy, I read the recent column about cat scratching furniture. My cats would never use scratching posts. They love and […]
Dog paws out special space before sleep
Dear Cathy, I have a one-year-old terrier mix who is very calm and sweet all day until bedtime. She comes […]
When should your dog’s pricked ears stand up
Dear Cathy, My wife and I recently purchased our fourth German Shepherd. Two have passed, and we have one who […]
Canary has stopped singing
Dear Cathy, My seven-year-old white canary hasn’t sung in over a year. It used to be beautiful. I’ve not made […]
Research ongoing for dogs with CIL disease
Dear Cathy, I would like to bring some attention to a terrible disease that strikes all breeds of dogs, but […]
Are pets as gifts a good idea for the holidays?
It’s the time of year for gift-giving and giving pets as gifts is sometimes at the top of that list. […]
How to make a sick animal feel more comfortable
Ever wonder what you can do to make a sick dog or cat feel better? Animals, like people, just want […]
Older dog experiencing new separation anxiety
Dear Cathy, We have a 16-1/2-year-old rescue Jack Russell. He is the love of our lives. He recently went deaf […]
Try trimming nails on cat with a full belly
Dear Cathy, Recently, a reader asked you how to relax her cat, so that she could clip the cat’s nails. […]
Sweet talk, distractions and other “magic” tricks for cutting cat’s nails
When I opened my email, I was pleasantly surprised to find a slew of reader tips on how to cut […]
Helping dogs and cats survive the 4th of July
With the 4th of July midweek this year, your neighbors are likely to pop off fireworks before, during and after […]
Reader wants to clarify the benefit of keeping cats indoors
This references another letter in the post “Helping a grieving cat” Dear Cathy, In your letter to Mundy Rado from […]
Microfiber can dissuade cats from scratching
Dear Cathy, I read your recent column on how to get cats to stop clawing the couch and wanted to […]
Some 4th of July tips
If you have a noise-phobic dog – a dog scared of thunder, fireworks and other loud sounds, then I know […]
Discouraging dog’s distressing poop eating
Dear Cathy, What can I do to discourage my doxie’s occasional dog-poop eating? I try to pick it up every […]
Teaching energetic dog to relax
Dear Cathy, My son’s dog, a beautiful two year old German Shepherd, is great in so many ways except for […]
Feeding ferals and discouraging intruders
Dear Cathy, I have two feral cats. Pigeons are trying to take the cat food. I have to bring it […]
How to find pet sitters in your area
Dear Cathy, My daughter is getting married in a few months, and I need someone to pet-sit my Boston Terrier, […]
Dog afraid of going outside
Dear Cathy, I catch your column in the Allentown Morning Call. I found your column about basically taming your house […]
Don’t buy a rabbit- adopt from rabbit rescue groups or shelters
Dear Cathy, I read your column about rabbits and whether families should buy them for Easter. There are many rabbits […]
Got allergies around a rabbit? Look at the rabbit’s food first
Dear Cathy, I just read your piece on adopting rabbits. Another issue worth mentioning which my family encountered is allergies […]
It takes a lot of time for rescue cats to adjust to new home
Dear Cathy, I have a three-year-old female cat. She was a rescue cat and is fixed. Ever since I took […]
Teaching a teething puppy not to bite you
Dear Cathy, My 15-week-old silver Labrador is our pride and joy, but she just won’t stop biting. What do you […]
Cats can be distracted and redirected towards better behavior too
Dear Cathy, I have a four-year-old American short-hair female cat. I got her at eight weeks old from a friend. […]
Reining in the excited loud barking
Dear Cathy, My eight-year-old dog Zoe is part cattle dog and border collie. When we go for walks, she is […]
Going on vacation leaves some pets feeling very sad
Dear Cathy, Nani is our 15-year-old cat. We lost her brother four years ago. She was depressed for two years, […]
Bonded pets grieving and a spring burial
Dear Cathy, You recently wrote a column, which appeared in the Naperville Sun, about felines forming strong bonds, and it […]
Sewing thread is a threat to pets
Dear Cathy, I just wanted you to be aware of a danger concerning cats swallowing sewing thread. A friend took […]
Oral hygiene options for your dog and cat
Dear Cathy, My dog is six and a half years old and had to have her teeth cleaned about a […]
Reader requests more cat-focused content
Dear Cathy, Each week, I read your column and rarely find postings about cats. Your column is mainly about dogs. […]
She created a low-profile litter box for her cat
Dear Cathy, I read your column where Rich from New York wrote about his 17-year-old cat pooping outside his litter […]
Distract and treat for timid dogs afraid of cars
Dear Cathy, My son, who lives with us, has a three-year-old 106-pound female German Shepherd/Boxer mix. She is a very […]
Rescue cats drag toys to the water bowl
Dear Cathy, I have two rescue cats that I spend a lot of time playing with. One of our games […]
Teaching a rescue dog to play
Dear Cathy, My husband and I rescued a six-year-old yellow lab/ greyhound mix. He must have been abused because he […]
Why do some cats have a ridge of fur along their backs?
Dear Cathy, I rescued a six-year-old part Siamese female about six months ago. I started noticing she has a long […]
Getting a visiting feral cat to use the litter box
Dear Cathy, How do I get a feral cat to use the litter box? He comes in the house and […]
Obedience training essential to correct over-protective dogs
Dear Cathy, I have a Havanese dog who is approximately seven years old. My daughter and I adopted him from […]
As popular as a green iguana
According to Reptile Magazine, “Leopard geckos have increased in popularity and are probably the most widely kept reptile pet next […]
What to do when a cat licks and chews clothing
Dear Cathy, I have a rescue kitten that was born June 2017. He was picked up on a freeway underpass. […]
Possible causes and solutions for hair loss in dogs
Dear Cathy, I adopted a four-year-old Maltese mix several months ago. He has a very sparse amount of hair on […]
Helping a traumatized cat trust his environment again
Dear Cathy, After seven months missing, our indoor cat was found by a neighbor. The poor cat suffered through below […]
Getting a feral cat to use the litter box
Dear Cathy, Regarding Gloria in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, (who was trying to get a feral cat to adapt to a […]
Techniques to train a dog to not “mark” around the house
Dear Cathy, We have four miniature dachshunds. We started with a brother and sister. Years later, we bred the sister, […]
Tips for getting dogs to pee outside
Dear Cathy, During wintery weather, our 14-year-old 10-pound female Chihuahua mix dog doesn’t want to go outside. Normally, we go […]
Cats will miss you but will be okay with proper care
Dear Cathy, My husband and I will be going away for a month, and we have two cats. We will […]
5 questions to ask yourself before getting this pet
The description on the website reads: “Alana and Andrina are a bonded pair. They must be adopted together. They are […]
When routine behavior changes look for a health problem
Dear Cathy, Our wonderful sweet rescue dog, Pippin, has developed some sort of anxiety at bedtime. This behavior has come […]
For birds, there is no 100% safe house paint product
Dear Cathy, I was very interested in your answer to Michelle from Naugatuck, Connecticut, about painting the house with birds […]
Household fumes dangerous for birds
Dear Cathy, You mentioned the dangers of using Teflon pans with a bird in the home. Another thing to keep […]
Keeping your birds safe when painting in the home
Dear Cathy, We would love to have the interior of our home painted professionally, but we have two birds. One […]
Mocking bird sings for a mate day and night
Dear Cathy, A mockingbird moved into the tree outside my bedroom window. He/she starts singing around 3 a.m. During the day, […]
Foiling squirrels at bird feeders
Dear Cathy, I have recently put out a bird feeder for a family of Cardinals that visit. I first put […]
Training older dogs keeps the mind young
The other day I was in the office supply store and found my heart racing. I looked at the pens […]
Do you have a gassy dog?
If you have a dog, you may have passed gas and then blamed him for it. “Max, did you do […]
Teaching a shy dog to have more confidence
Q: We have had our dog Schageh for about three years now, and he is still fearful, even of us. […]
Birds may be brainier than you think
Polly wants a cracker. And while you are at it, listen carefully to see if she says “please” and “thank […]
Prepare pet for baby’s arrival
At the shelter the other day, a young couple was waiting to adopt a Labrador retriever puppy. The puppy was […]
"Just one litter" adds to euthanasia crisis
A woman happily told me that she plans to get her cat spayed, but only after she has “just one […]
How to handle your dog's leash aggression
Dear Cathy: I have a 3-year-old terrier mix that loves to go for walks. She is usually friendly with other […]
"Resident dogs" are usually the biters
In a sensational world, headlines about dog bites and canine aggression tend to focus on certain breeds rather than the […]
Take the jump out of your dog
The other day while teaching a pets and babies class for new parents-to-be, I asked the group what their biggest […]
Five ways we pick pets names
A few weeks ago, I asked readers to share their pets’ names. After reviewing your e-mails, I realized that a […]
Who defines humane treatment for farm animals?
While this column focuses on companion animals, my background includes time on Capitol Hill, where I worked on companion animal, […]
Xylitol and a major pet emergency
When Tarin Goodnight, a student at Texas State University, ran to the store, she didn’t expect to come back home […]
Dogs don't always listen? Here's why
Letters about “stubborn dogs” that don’t seem to listen flood my e-mail. Margie G. says, “Whenever we go for walks, […]
Helping children cope with pet's death
When I was 7 years old, my little dog Pepper saw a cat across the street and ran out the […]
Why do dogs like squeaky things?
Does your dog go crazy every time you bring home a squeaky toy. Does he grab it and shake his […]
Searching for a way to use contraceptives with pets
In February 2008, Texas A&M announced the university would do a study on birth control for wild animals and eventually […]
Why does a cat bite after petting
A readers says, “Sometimes when I pet my cat, he starts twitching his tail and then bites my hands. This […]
How long do parakeets live?
Let’s say you just bought a parakeet for your 9-year-old child. How long will this bird live? What do they like […]
Can dogs watch TV?
A reader says her mom’s dog Jack watches TV. “He actually follows objects as they move across the screen and loves […]
Why do some cats "knead" and some do not?
Kittens knead their paws on the belly of their mother to stimulate milk production. Because this action brings immediate rewards […]
Would you perform CPR on your Pet?
In a medical emergency, would you perform CPR on your pet? Would you be willing to begin mouth-to-snout resuscitation — […]
Cat to Dog / Cat to Cat Introductions
Sara recently wrote to me to tell me that her cat Oliver had passed away. She plans to open her home […]
First H1N1 virus confirmed in a cat
Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine has confirmed the first known case of the H1N1 virus in a cat. Up […]
Man shoots baboon "to see what it feels like to kill someone"
AA Gill, a restaurant critic in England, said he shot a baboon on safari “to get a sense of what […]
Nora the piano playing cat wins Feline of the Year
Back in February, the Pet Pundit featured a story on Nora the Piano Playing cat. Watch her first video here. […]
Common sweetener can kill pets
My veterinarian told me today that three of her canine patients had died recently from xylitol toxicity. “That’s never happened […]
"GoD and DoG" brings smile to face
Thought you would enjoy this! (Source: http://www.wendyfrancisco.com/)
Dogs as smart as two to three year olds
When it comes to intelligence, the latest researchs shows dogs are apparently as smart as two to three year old kids. […]
Learning how to speak dog
I get lots of questions about dogs and their so-called “bad behaviors.” Mostly, people want to know how to get […]
How many dogs and cats live in your city?
Ever wonder how people determine the population of dogs and cats in your city? In the past, it required some math, using […]
Top ten wild animals that most commonly attack pets
Wild animals can and do attack our pets, leaving lacerations, bite wounds, puncture, and soft tissue trauma — and a trip to […]
Tips on protecting pets from the heat
With unseasonably warm temperatures right now in many parts of the U.S., pet owners may not be aware that normal […]
Unsafe levels of fluoride found in dog food
The Environmental Working Group recently commissioned an independent study and discovered that eight national brands of dog food, marketed to puppies […]
Lucky the elephant’s story
I live in San Antonio and write a pet column and blog for the San Antonio Express News. A reader […]
What a cat must do to get his owner's attention
If you have ever had a cat, you will laugh at this short film that shows what a hungry cat must do to […]
Report sheds light on pit bull attacks
DogsBite.org, a national dog bite victims’ group, released their 2008 report on pit bulls shot for public safety reasons. The […]
Study shows majority of pet cats neutered
A new study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Association reports that the vast majority — at least 80% […]
Why do dogs hump?
One day, while giving a tour to some middle school students of the shelter, two dogs began humping. The kids […]
Rescue Waggin' gives pets a guaranteed second chance
Meet Ernie. He is the 25,000th dog to take a life-saving ride on a PetSmart Charities® Rescue Waggin’® vehicle. The […]
Soldier's often have to give up pets to go to war
Allow me to introduce you to Max. Max is a seven-year-old Golden Retriever with a sturdy frame, a bright orange […]
Scientists study what dogs are thinking
When it comes to studying animal behavior, dogs have rarely been on the top ten list. Not since Pavlov became interested […]
Dogs and cats underfoot can lead to falls
The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control of the CDC reports that there are 86,629 reported nonfatal falls annually […]
"What Now?" A guide for people faced with the illness or loss of a pet
As a pet parent, it can be difficult to learn that a pet is sick. As you begin treatment, you […]
If a pet has no potential for adoption, they won't get into a no-kill shelter
An SPCA in Danville, Pennsylvania says it wants to change its image as a dumping ground for animals. Their new […]
Puppy dies from eating Sago Palm
In my hometown, San Antonio, Texas, sago palms are a frequent plant in the landscape. In fact, my neighbor has […]
You can train your fish to do tricks (no joke)
So your fish does nothing, but swim around the tank all day. Maybe that’s because you didn’t know that fish can […]
Visit with a cat in a Japanese "cat cafe"
Sarah Marchildon, a blogger on the Hollywood North Report, is attending a university in Japan and has discovered the neatest new thing […]
One million pets at risk of being homeless
The current U.S. financial crisis has the potential to grow into a serious animal welfare issue, warns executive vice president […]
A look at how "Animals Make Us Human"
A person with autism, Dr. Temple Grandin , a Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University, has become famous in the […]
Presidential legacy may be linked to pet names
Turns out, if you are a good little President, your followers may someday honor you by naming their pets after […]
Ten ways your pet can help you score a date
Finding love is never easy, and with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, the pressure is mounting for singles everywhere. […]
The Link: Man kills pets with six children in the home
When I read about a Wisconsin man who shot and killed two dogs and four cats in front of six […]
Puppy Bowl, the "softer side" of Super Bowl Weekend
If you only watch the Super Bowl for the ads, then you also might enjoy flipping over to Animal Planet and […]
100 people cited for chaining their dogs
In Macon, Georgia, 100 dog owners were cited for chaining their dogs outside. And I say hooray to the city for […]
AKC releases most popular breeds for 2008 (and 1884)
The American Kennel Club’s top ten most popular breeds for 2008 shows the Labrador Retriever in the #1 spot for the 18th […]
CPR (and oxygen masks) can save pet's lives
Scared and frightened, pets often hide when a fire breaks out, making it difficult for rescuers to find them in […]
FDA recall on peanut butter affects pets too
Pet treats are being impacted by the FDA’s recall on peanut butter products. Salmonella contamination has been traced to a plant owned by Peanut […]
What does "no-kill" really mean when it comes to pet overpopulation?
The phrase “no-kill” has been bantered about in many communities as the end goal in the game of tackling pet […]
"Hotel for Dogs" features former shelter pets
In the movie “Hotel for Dogs,” many of the 35 plus dogs on the set, according to American Humane, were once […]
Obama family down to Labradoodle or Portuguese Water Dog
President-elect Obama announced this week that their family has narrowed down their dog choices to two possibilities – the Portuguese […]
Cat groomer recycles cat hair into purses
When Danelle German sees a Persian Cat come into her grooming salon, her heart skips a beat. That’s because many people […]
A simple guide to cat talk
Whenever I ask people how many words they think a cat can understand, they often guess “0” or “3”. I […]
Adapting to the rhythms of cats
Very often, we make concessions for our feline friends that we would never consider making for dogs or even our […]
Elephant and dog: two unlikely animals become BFFs
BFF — the text jargon meaning “best friends forever” — may not just be the mantra of young girlfriends, but […]
Top 10 pet poisons of 2008
Curiosity can kill the cat, but it can kill the dog also. In 2008, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) […]
New Year's resolutions learned from dogs and cats
While everyone is pondering their New Year’s resolutions, I have decided to venture forth this year as if my dogs and […]
Training remedies for Marley-like pups
As an animal person who has spent 20 years helping people better understand their pets, the movie Marley and Me […]
10 tips for finding the right cat – for you – at an animal shelter
Most people don’t think of an animal shelter when looking to adopt a cat. Very often, a neighbor has a […]
10 tips for selecting the right dog – for you – at an animal shelter
You can see him through the cage door just begging for attention: cute little brown eyes, soft plushy ears, and […]
Getting pets ready for baby
If you are expecting your first child, you probably feel excited, but also anxious, especially if you have a dog […]