Valerie Mellema
Valerie Mellema has a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness and Equine Industry from West Texas A&M University. She has been a professional writer for the past 20 years, covering a wide variety of pet health and care topics before founding a nonprofit focused on mental health in children and thoroughbred aftercare. She has four Border Collies and eight retired racehorses.
Recent Kinship articles by Valerie Mellema
Do Cats Actually Like Being Pet?
No touch-y!
Why Do Dogs Roll On Their Backs?
Other than looking so stinkin’ cute.
Why Your Dog Doesn’t Bark: Possible Causes And What to Know
And what you can do about it.
Why Do Cats Bury Their Poop?
The instinct behind this behavior, explained.
How Often Should a Dog Pee? Find Out What’s Healthy
Everything you need to know about your dog’s pee habits.
Why Do Cats Tuck Their Paws? The Cat Loaf Explained
It’s not just cute—it can be a sign of something more.
Why Does Your Dog Lick You When You Pet Them? Find Out What This Means About Your Dog
What this common behavior means about your dog and you.
Why Do Cats Chirp When They See Birds Outside?
And what you should do about it.
![Cute dog sticking head through doggy door.]()
A Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching Your Dog to Use a Dog Door
Your pup will be a pro in no time.
Why Does Your Dog Bring Food to the Carpet to Eat?
This might be instinctual but could mean something more.
5 Reasons Why Dogs Yawn
Are you sleepy, bud?
![Cat laying on a laptop cord on the desk at home.]()
Is Your Cat Chewing Cords? Here’s What to Do About It
They love to push boundaries, but let’s nip this one in the bud.
![Woman looking at her nervous dog at home.]()
Why Is My Dog Suddenly Aggressive—and What to Do About It
If your sweet dog is acting unlike themselves, we have some answers.
Why Does My Cat Lick My Hand? About This Common Cat Behavior
Since when did my cat become a dog who can’t stop licking me? We explain why.
![Man looking down at his dog in his lap.]()
How To Teach Your Dog Their Name in a Couple of Simple Steps
How to get there.
![Cute Labrador puppy licking the air outside.]()
9 Reasons Your Dog Is Licking the Air
We break down the most common reasons.
![Puppy and cat meeting at home for the first time.]()
How to Introduce a Puppy to a Cat
Yes, there is a way to make this transition smooth.
![Man playing with his Golden Retriever outside in the grass.]()
How to Teach Your Dog to Roll Over in 4 Simple Steps
Get them doing tricks in no time with our guide.
![Young woman hugging her cat]()
Why Do Cats Purr So Much? Find Out the Main Reason for This Behavior
We break down everything you need to know.
![Woman teaching her dog to give his paw.]()
How to Teach Your Dog to Shake in a Few Simple Steps
You can help your dog learn this awesome trick.
![Two cats looking at each other while one sits in a little box.]()
Why Do You Need So Many Litter Boxes? Guidelines to Follow
It comes down to a math equation (don’t worry, it’s not hard).
Top 7 Reasons Why Dogs Growl When You Pet Them
It’s OK—they don’t suddenly hate you.
Why Does My Dog Pee When Excited? Experts Explain What to Do About It
You’re happy to see them, too. But you’d be even happier if they didn’t create a mess.
![Dog staring into space at home.]()
10 Most Common Reasons Your Dog Is Staring at the Wall
Turns out they’re not daydreaming after all.
6 Common Reasons Why Kittens Suck on Blankets
This totally cute kitty behavior is OK, right?
Why Do Dogs Watch TV?
Yes, pups can be couch potatoes, just like their parents.
What Does It Mean When Your Dog Bows?
No, it’s not always about getting in a good stretch.
![Cute dog sleeping at woman's feet in bed.]()
8 Reasons Why Your Dog Sleeps on the Bed by Your Feet
It’s very sweet, but also kind of… specific. So, why do they do this?
![Man playing with his two kittens in bed.]()
Why Does My Kitten Keep Meowing?
What to do, when something that was cute at first becomes perplexing.
7 Main Reasons Why Your Dog Is Whining All the Time—and How to Stop It
When the whining never stops, it’s time to do some detective work.
