Articles on Companion animals
Displaying 1 - 20 of 32 articles
What many people think of as ‘play’ may not be play at all. In fact, these interactions could cause cats stress.
Changing NZ’s Crimes Act to cover family pets caught in violent situations is a good start. But better resourcing and training will be needed to make it work.
When it comes to animals they love, many owners have ‘weight blindness’.
People don’t just love their dogs; Many owners seem to love pets more than people. It’s a symptom of wider social problems, a philosopher argues – one that’s hurting people and pets alike.
Cats are excellent at communicating, but humans still routinely misunderstand them.
The special bond between owners and pets has been recognised in family law changes, with dogs and cats defined as companion animals and not just property.
As we strive for social equality, it is essential to address hurdles that prevent some people from experiencing the known benefits of spending time or living with a pet.
While you might not like how your trash smells, to your dog it is an appealing buffet brimming with apple cores, banana peels, meat scraps and stale bread.
One of Australia’s pet microchip registries, HomeSafeID, could soon go defunct. Here’s how to make sure your pet’s details are up to date.
There are many unhelpful stereotypes about cats. Veterinarian Anne Quain explains how seeing things from the perspective of these complex creatures can help everyone get along.
The ginger colour in cats’ coats has a curious link to being male or female. Now, scientists have finally pinpointed the gene responsible for ginger colour in cats.
Animal shelters and other organizations that support pets and their owners after disasters will still need help months after the media has moved on.
Natural selection changed just 13 genes to separate your Felix and Fluffy from their African wildcat ancestor.
Children under 5 years old may easily mistake a dog showing teeth for one that’s giving them a “friendly smile”.
Before their dog was poisoned, these families recognised Australia’s lethal ‘pest’ animal control methods were necessary. But afterwards, they saw 1080 baiting as inhumane and horrific. Here’s why.
In a home with more than one cat, feline wrestling can be a common sight. But how do we know when it’s becoming a problem?
Are our animal companions showing off when they share more than toys with us? And what should we do about it?
A veterinary ophthalmologist explains what’s going on.
Treating companion animals like cats and dogs for cancer can bring us closer to a cure for humans.
Since canine arthritis can’t be cured, the goal of treatment in dogs is to reduce inflammation to increase comfort and improve a dog’s quality of life.



















