Pets

Furry, feathery, scaly, slimy. Pull up with any health or behavior questions on cat, dog, snake, fish, bird, and other pets—or just a general appreciation for our domestic counterparts.

Latest in Pets

Best dog vitamins
Environment

The best dog vitamins to keep your pooch healthy

By Maddy Morris

European Gray Wolf Cubs in a Grass in a Spring Day
Environment

Two Ice Age ‘puppies’ weren’t exactly dogs

By Andrew Paul

a small white dog standing on grey sheets looks up
Environment

The 6 dog breeds more prone to diarrhea, according to new study

By Laura Baisas

Examples of the pig molar teeth specimens analyzed for a study on pig domestication.
Science

Wild boars began shrinking down to domesticated pigs 8,000 years ago

By Laura Baisas

Viking boat grave burial near road in Norway
Science

Viking woman buried in ceremonial boat with her dog

By Andrew Paul

a cat with wide eyes
Environment

Your cat probably knows your smell

By Laura Baisas

a dog with wide eyes and ears perked up is kissed by two humans
Environment

Dogs can fulfill our need to nurture

By Laura Baisas

A dog on stuffed stairs and a cat in an automatic litter box for Amazon Pet Day
Gear

The best Amazon Pet Day deals on food, supplements, toys, beds, and everything else for your dog or cat

By Stan Horaczek

Close-up of Funny gigner cat sniffs at a cucumber on the table against gray background,
Environment

Are cats really afraid of cucumbers? We asked the experts.

By Sarah Lindenfeld Hall

a pug named Doug stands on a red carpet with his tongue hanging out the side of his mouth
Technology

People tend to trust ‘pet-fluencers’ over human influencers

By Laura Baisas

dog standing in a lake
Environment

15 delightful images from the International Pet Photography Awards

By Popular Science Team

Tabby cats, with their distinctive coats adorned in a symphony of stripes, dots, and swirls, bring a unique charm to the feline world. These enchanting creatures, often seen in shades of brown, black, and gray with hints of cream, captivate us with their individual patterns. The classic tabby pattern, characterized by bold stripes that run along the cat's back and tail, evokes a sense of timeless elegance. Whether in ebony, tawny, or ashen gray, each tabby cat carries a visual narrative that tells a story of nature's creativity. Some tabbies flaunt the mesmerizing "spotted" pattern, where dots of color dance across their fur like stardust. Others boast the intricate "swirls," a delicate and graceful arrangement of lines that adds an artistic flair to their appearance. Completing their ensemble are those endearing whiskers that frame their faces, adding an extra touch of charm to these captivating companions. Tabby cats, in their varied hues and unique patterns, bring a touch of artistry and individuality to our homes, turning each encounter into a delightful exploration of feline aesthetics.
Health

How to protect your pets from bird flu

By Lauren Leffer

Dog wearing eye tracking goggles
Science

Dog goggles help scientists learn how to best get their attention

By Andrew Paul

dog college scent detection
Environment

A visit to dog college

By Lauren Leffer

noses and a green stink cloud
Science

Can bad smells harm you? 

By Keith Wagstaff

a black and white dog called a border collie sniffs around green grass
Environment

Border collies out-sniff some hunting dogs in scientific smell competition

By Laura Baisas

an orange kitten with its paw up
Environment

Relax, Whiskers. Scotland is not banning cats

By Laura Baisas

a close up of a dog's nose
Environment

Dogs sniff out two new species of truffle

By Laura Baisas

Two feral dogs walking near abandoned Ferris wheel in Chernobyl
Science

Chernobyl’s feral dogs are genetically unique, but not mutated

By Andrew Paul

a woman nuzzles a dog
Science

Meet the former musher investigating sled dog genetics

By Laura Baisas