Dog & Cat Articles with Advice from Our Experts

Whether you have a dog, cat or both, our experts are here with all the information and tips you need. We use our Purina expertise to cover topics like dog and cat health, nutrition, behavior, training and more.

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New Kitten Checklist: What Does a Kitten Need?

What does a kitten need in a new home? Beds, toys, litter boxes, grooming tools, food & other supplies are needed when bringing a kitten home. Read about the checklist of items your new kitten needs here.

Articles

Can Dogs Eat Grapes?
Can Dogs Eat Grapes?
Dogs love eating people food, and there are plenty of fruits and vegetables they can safely enjoy. While some make a nutritious and tasty treat for your pup, other fruits and vegetables can cause serious harm.
Why Is My Cat Scratching the Litter Box?
Why Is My Cat Scratching the Litter Box?
Every cat owner knows how unique and quirky their fur babies can be. From changing food preferences to swapping sleeping spots, cats can be puzzling creatures. One behaviour some feline owners wonder about is their cat scratching the litter box. Why do cats do this? What happens if it becomes excessive? Find out the answers you need about why your cat is scratching the litter box and what you might be able to do to help them stop doing it excessively.
Why Do Cats Hiss?
Why Do Cats Hiss?
If you ask a child what sound a cat makes, you're likely to get the answer, "Meow." And while this is correct, it's not the only sound cats make. The distinctive hiss that comes with the feline species is an important communication tool for cats, and understanding what that hiss means can help you better relate to your cat.
Why Do Cats Wag Their Tails?
Why Do Cats Wag Their Tails?
Dogs are known for expressing their feelings through their tails, but they’re not the only pets that do so. Cats also use their tails to tell you what they want — or don't — so learning how to interpret your cat's tail twitches, flicks and wags can help you better anticipate and meet her needs. So, what does it mean when a cat wags its tail? We answer that question and provide some insights into cat tail body language below.
How to Stop a Dog from Digging
How to Stop a Dog from Digging
Digging is a natural instinct in dogs, with many dogs digging to find out what might be under a particularly good-smelling pile of dirt or to create a cool place to lay down on a hot day. But if your dog has started digging in your yard, you're probably less than thrilled. It can destroy your landscaping and can be a danger if your dog digs a hole to get under the fence or if someone steps in one. Find out more about why dogs dig and how to stop them in the details below.
What is Kennel Cough?
What is Kennel Cough?
Imagine you're sitting in your living room with your dog and all of a sudden he starts coughing and hacking. Just as humans get the common cold and have coughing spells caused by respiratory viruses, dogs also are subject to these kinds of illnesses. Kennel cough often sounds much worse than it is, prompting worry and anxiety in dog owners, but educating yourself on what kennel cough is, what kennel cough sounds like and how kennel cough is treated can ease your fears and help you decide on the right course of action. We cover all this and more in this guide.
Why Do Cats Purr?
Why Do Cats Purr?
Anyone who has spent any time around cats has felt and heard the distinctive purring sound that most people associate with a happy and content feline. However, there's much more to this cat characteristic. It can signal that a cat is happy, be used as a self-calming mechanism and even have benefits to the owner. Find out the science behind this mysterious sound and learn what it means when your cat purrs.
Cat Stress: Is My Cat Stressed Out?
Cat Stress: Is My Cat Stressed Out?
Since cats do so much to help our stress levels, it's important to remember that cat stress is a real concern and that your cat can get stressed out based on various factors.
Why Is My Cat Sleeping in the Litter Box?
Why Is My Cat Sleeping in the Litter Box?
Some cats sleep in the litter box when they're kittens, but if you find your kitty sleeping in the litter box when she's older, something may be amiss and need attention.
Why Do Cats Eat Grass?
Why Do Cats Eat Grass?
Cats are wonderful companion animals and can be a lower maintenance pet for owners who aren't home all day or who can't commit to the daily exercise many dogs require. However, to best care for your feline friend, it's important to understand normal cat behaviour and eating habits.
When Do Puppies Open Their Eyes?
When Do Puppies Open Their Eyes?
Everyone loves puppies. The soft coat, big eyes, little squeaks and that special puppy smell seem perfectly designed to make you want to scoop up and cuddle puppies forever. Because most people get puppies when they are 8 to 10 weeks old and ready to leave their mother, you may be surprised to find out that puppies are actually very helpless when they're first born. They're born without a sense of hearing and with their eyes closed, and these senses continue to develop after the puppy is born. So, when do puppies open their eyes? We've got the answers right here.
When Do Cats Go Into Heat?
When Do Cats Go Into Heat?
While many people choose to spay their cats to help decrease the chances of a pregnancy and extra kittens running around the house, if your cat isn't spayed, she will eventually go into heat. If you have an adopted cat and you're not sure how old she is, you may not know if she's already had her first heat or when to expect the next one. While a cat's heat cycle can be a little confusing, once you learn to tell when your cat is going into heat, you can better anticipate when the next one will come.

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