Pet behaviour & body language UK

It’s the cat version of sleeping with one eye open

What science says about fruit vs felines

The science behind spot-stealing behaviour

They’ve still got it!

Retired, not expired!

Are they marking their territory in their toilet?

Why your cat doesn't love you yet... but might eventually

“Biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiig stretch!”

Your dog’s joy > social media trends

But I thought we were having a moment!

Why some dogs never really grow up

It’s the elixir of life... but with conditions

What Disney got wrong about your dog

Not on the couch... again

Why fetch might be hurting your dog more than helping

Like y’know, tapping into the Earth’s magnetic field while they go

Let’s dig in...

It’s time someone said it

Dining side-by-side with your cat is cute but could it point to anxiety?

Turns out, your dog does have notes – if you’re willing to ask

Knock knock, it’s me, your cat. Again.

Meet the felines worth their weight in gold

There’s such thing as too much play

You think you know my dog better than me?

It’s the latest parenting buzzword, but should you apply the principles to your four-legged child?

Safe pain relief tips for dogs, plus when to call the vet for help

It’s especially common after a poo

It’s (yet another) adorable behaviour your cat does, but could it indicate something more serious?

Leaving dogs alone for too long is cruel and can cause distress

If your dog is snapping at the air, it could be more than just play

Your little jetsetter

Get ready for some serious doggy paddle

Kinship has been keeping up with all the action

And do they want to join in?

Grooming scissors cost how much?!

Want to have your dog at your wedding? Here’s how you can make it work

Are they more of a Chappell Roan or Kendrick Lamar fan?

This article (and a whole bunch of patience) is all that stands between you stepping out with your new puppy into the wide world

It’s not just another way for your cat to exhibit diva-esque tendencies

It’s more than just a quirky habit

Turns out they back it up for a reason – here’s the science behind it

The rise of Cane Corsos as status dogs highlights deeper issues in the dog world

From your mood to where you’ve been, your dog’s sniffing tells them a lot about you

Everything you need to know about having an American Bulldog in the UK

Didn’t think naming your dog Toast said something about you? Think again...

Obviously it’s adorable, but can it mean something more sinister?

XL Bully cats might appear tough and muscly, but are they actually dangerous? 

It’s just one of approximately 10 million adorable behaviours your cat does every day. But why?

Learn all about this frankly adorable behaviour

Was your kitten separated too early? Here are the signs to watch for and how to help them

We know your dog is always the best in your eyes, but which breeds are stealing the nation’s hearts?

Overwhelmed by BKE? (Big Kitten Energy to you and me...)

It's time to reframe the situation

Those little teeth are sweet, but they definitely don’t feel good on your hand

It’s the most wonderful time of the year... for you. Your cat feels otherwise

Discover how to safely keep your kitty from counter-surfing

It’s all fun and games... until it’s not

The science behind the feline ability to land on their feet

It’s not just ’cause its cute

Is your dog overly clingy? Here’s how to help them build independence

Gear up and get out there – even when it’s pitch black at 4pm

Keen to hit the road and get fit with your pup? Read this first

Keeping your dog on a lead isn’t mean – sometimes, it’s the kindest choice

Work with your cat and not against them

Think cats and dogs are natural enemies? Think again

Fancy putting your dog’s nose to the test?

If your pet is recovering from surgery and hates wearing a cone, don’t panic

Taking “if I fits, I sits” to a whole new level...

How to make sure you’re not missing any cues and that you both stay safe

From ‘Cat TV’ to Netflix, discover why your feline is hooked on the screen – and if it’s actually good for them

From calming supplements to creating safe spaces, here’s how you can prepare your pup for firework season

Thanks to your neighbour’s treats, your kitty’s over-the-fence visits are starting to become uncomfortably regular...

If you think your pup’s basically James Acaster, science backs you up

It’s the key to a happy cat

Help your dog overcome the fear of the unknown

It’s giving Lady Whistledown...

Think Cockapoos are healthier because they’re crossbreeds? Learn what the latest research says

Hiding treats in your pockets out of sheer desperation? Learn how to make your thighs the Chosen Ones

Rolling on their back doesn’t automatically mean they want belly rubs...

The UK’s XL Bully ban has led to a tragic rise in cruelty cases

Before you pet that stray dog on your holiday, find out how to protect yourself and still show compassion

Four legs up to the ceiling might not seem like a comfy napping position to us but pups seem to love it. How come?

All dogs love cooling off by splashing about and swimming in water, right? So why does yours... not?

Scientists from the Waltham Petcare Institute explain how one simple buy could help your nervous pup feel more comfortable by themselves

They do love to stare at absolutely nothing

Got a distracted pup? Discover if it’s ADHD and how to help

This body language is not as simple as you probably think

They’re trying to tell you something... but what?

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Nope, it’s your dog all stretched out like a frog

Is your dog scared of every little noise? Here’s how to turn the volume down on their anxiety

Is your dog too friendly with strangers or other dogs? Learn effective strategies to manage and train your overly sociable dog to ensure proper behaviour and safety

What is enrichment and why is it so important to keep your kitty happy?

Cats are famous for turning up again weeks, months and even years after they disappear. But why? And how do they do it?

From the dog that detected a deadly hair treatment to the search and rescue hero from the Turkish earthquake, meet the pups who gave humans a second chance at life

A well-enriched dog is a happy dog – and who wouldn’t want that?

Your daily walks together are a special time for both you and your pup. Here’s how to lower stresses and find more joy during your daily routine

Can dogs tell the difference between a day, a week or a month?

Think a holiday with your nervous pup is off-limits? You just need to make a few adjustments. Here’s how to have a dreamy trip that you and your anxious dog can enjoy

Different breeds need different things...

An animal behaviourist explains why they do (and don’t) get involved in the game

Are faeces in your flower beds ruining your garden?

With consent, of course...

Add this unusual sound to your feline-to-English dictionary

Pet parents are being urged to keep their pets indoors during peak pollen times “until September”

Walk this way...

How can we best understand what’s going on in the minds of our cats and dogs? A neurology specialist veterinary nurse breaks it down

Tips for comforting your pup during a storm

There's no good reason to ever do this to your dog

Here are all the way your kitty is trying to tell you they’re hurting

Blue is a good name for a dog – not a good mood

We discover the reasons your cat enjoys so many strange things

Train your dog to stay calm when they’re on their own – instead of sad-singing “All By Myself” until you come home.

There might be a language barrier, but these two animals can still become best buds

It’s more than just an adorable habit… 

Or are they just ignoring you...

Chase? Wrestle? Tug-o-war? Find out which are fair game

Your brand new iPhone, antique figurine, full glass of water – they will swat it off the table. A cat behaviourist explains why

Researchers say dogs actually have a pretty good sense of what we’re thinking

You could solve the mystery that is your kitty

A study found that a dog’s breed accounts for less than 10 percent of their behaviour

We delve into the age-old debate

Breeders, judges and historians talk about breed standards – learn how they’re supposed to work and why they don’t

Save some for later, hun!

We can tell when cats are happy, but we’re pretty bad at figuring out when they’re not

Finally, the secrets to my cat’s outdoor life have been unlocked

Yep, your dog remembers that you didn’t take them out for a walk yesterday

We already knew our pups were smart – and this study confirms it

Forget everything you think you know...

A study finds that your pup can tell – er, smell – when you’ve been doom-scrolling

You love that your dog is your shadow, but maybe not when you’re on a Zoom call

It turns out the saying ‘you are what you eat’ isn’t just for humans

Whether you have a friendly feline or a senior sourpuss, it’s important to help your cat adjust to a new kitten in the house

A veterinary nurse and cat behaviourist explains the relationship between foxes and cats

This study found that cranky pups are actually very fast social learners

Beyond the fact that they’re your biggest admirer

More importantly: do they want to?

“A PAD can be life-changing – and even life saving”

And they all say the same simple thing…

The internet has a lot to tell you about your new addition. Here’s what’s actually true

You won’t live with a rambunctious goofy teenager forever

There could be a reason they seem to be a little more obsessed with you than usual

Your pup doesn’t actually feel bad about eating your pizza

Seriously, your kitty’s a little Olympian

All the reasons dogs go everywhere we go

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the cutest of them all?

I introduced my cat to an automatic litter box, and let’s just say it went off with... multiple hitches

And should you be worried?

Their noses are as powerful as they are cute

I’m baffled by the number of names I call my dog. Is my dog baffled, too?

What to do with a dog who gets rowdy near foxes? And is it even safe for my dog to be near them?

Say what? A look at the types of words that dogs understand

At so many points in those first hours, weeks, months, I screamed, internally: what have we done? 

It’s adorable, but there are actual reasons behind the behaviour

What to do when you don’t feel the close bond you want

Your personality may actually have something to do with your pet’s personality

A new study scores dogs on behaviours such as how they responded when unfamiliar people visited or if they were jealous when their owner gave affection to another animal

A study found that dogs can process numbers in a similar fashion to their humans

It’ll make life easier for both of you – eventually

Keep track of all their fun phases with these guidelines

Peel back the layers of mystery to discover the truth about our feline friends

Meeting your new partner’s pet is an honour – winning them over is another story. Here are some tips for being friends with your significant other’s best animal pal

How many kisses is too many kisses?

And why stress could be to blame

It’s normal to worry – but your pup might also need some space

Dogs: they’re not just like us

Learn how you can get your chronically anxious cat to chill

You might already have a good idea of what your dog likes, but it‘s not always that straightforward

You love them like a child, but is the feeling mutual?

Two trainers advocate against using these devices – here’s why

Communication is key, and pheromones are your cat’s version of DMs

They have up to 200 million odour receptors that can pick up all the good (and horrible) smells. Learn how to best support their sensitive sniffers

Just a few things to keep in mind so everything goes smoothly as you all get adjusted

There’s more to it than you might think

Cats have evolved to be skilled hunters, but how and why do they still do it?

Leaving your dog alone at home can be guilt-inducing... but it doesn’t have to be

Snow days are fun – until your pup needs to do their thing outside

Not that anyone’s complaining...

How to help your kitty warm up to your SO

Boundaries are the name of the game with this one

Here‘s how your dog’s ears can clue you into how they’re feeling

Time to whip out The Notebook for a doggy movie night

Those glowing orbs are actually a pretty useful result of evolution

If so, they’re probably about going to the vet in that stupid carrier

How to keep your dog happy and healthy under the new legislation

The emotional road to recovery can be a long one. Here’s what you can do

They’re not so mysterious after all

If you’re considering applying for an assistance dog, or you have a dog that assists you in your daily life, here’s everything you need to know

If only there were a dog version of University Challenge

Find out if your cat has seasonal depression, and how to combat it

It’s not as simple as one universal temperature for all

There are plenty of ways to spice them up

Unsolicited approaches from children can’t always be predicted

How to make sense of all those grunts and whines

Is the term ‘prey drive’ correct terminology or meaningless jargon?

When your dog growls, they’re expressing their emotions. A study found that you’ll probably be able to understand what they’re feeling

Maybe even better...

Four signs your puppy is ready for a nap

Cat behaviourist Cristin Tamburo’s got a game plan

There is a right and wrong way

Lili Chin’s book, Doggie Language, illustrates how dogs communicate – beyond ear perks and tail wags

What to do when your dog barks at everything from other cars to people

Cat behaviourist Kristiina Wilson on the importance of socialising cats

Which cats are more likely to have stranger danger? Bite the hand that feeds them? Get the zoomies? Scientists studied 5,700 pet cats and discovered some interesting traits

There’s a difference between being affectionate and being annoying

Here’s what to do when your cat starts pawing at your face before the sun has even come up

From health predispositions to breed history, Wisdom Panel’s genetic testing revealed my cat’s internal world

Expert solutions for your pup’s flatulence

The connection between people and dogs is the stuff of legends

A very sleepy kitty isn’t usually a problem, but watch out for these signs of medical distress

A (seemingly) unstoppable nibbling obsession with all the blankets

Cat behaviourist Cristin Tamburo on how to read cat eyes

Also called the ‘propeller wag’ or ‘helicopter tail’, this behaviour is a surefire way to tell that a dog is happy

There’s no time like the present, according to your pet

How to teach your pup to play nice

This has nothing to do with a werewolf named Jacob in a series called Twilight, but here’s what it is all about

One of the most popular breeds in the world is also one of the least genetically diverse, causing huge implications for the breed

If hypothyroidism is to blame, it’s best not to let sleeping dogs lie

A new study confirms our pets can have heartbreaking reactions to the loss of a canine companion

Cats are enigmas. But their tail movements can reveal a lot about their moods

Can your dog really see what you see when they watch TV?

Boost your dog smarts with these cool facts

The basics of the tug game and how to trouble-shoot common problems

I’m so high right meow

Get out the toys and puzzles

Chasing their tails, eating grass and rolling in rubbish – should you worry?

No, they’re not on the lam. Here are four reasons your cat might be MIA

Are they saying “Hi” or trying to high-five? Cat behaviourists decode your pet’s cryptic paw signal

Fast, furious and officially normal – according to a cat behaviourist

Why do they do it? A vet on the top three reasons your cat twitches in their sleep – from sweet dreams to scary spasms

Hey, everybody’s got their thing

Not into cuddling? Too bad – they’re spending the night

There’s a big difference between a dog smiling and showing their teeth

There are pros and cons of sleeping with your dog – for both of you

Turns out, the teenage years aren’t just tough for humans – they can be rough on dogs, too

Bow down, puppers. It’s time to play

Advice on how to deal with your dog’s humping habit

Dog trainer Emma Bowdrey helps explain this common canine behaviour

Weirdly, this is what it’s called when your dog raises their hackles. And here’s why they do it...

Your cat’s hissy fit could mean ‘Don’t test me’ or ‘Let’s do this’. It’s best not to call their bluff

Research says your dog is as special and perfect as you tell them they are

A cat behaviourist says ‘making biscuits’ could mean your cat thinks you’re their mum...

Surprise: it doesn’t always mean they’re happy

How to decode your cat’s love language when one meow has many meanings

Kindchenschema might explain why pet parents anthropomorphise their cuddly companions

Animal behaviourist Dr Karen B. London on how to strengthen your pet-parent bond

Between actual cats...

Studies have shown why some dogs choose to be friendly after a fight

...Is it something I said?

Five surprising ways cats show affection (and how you can show it back), according to a cat behaviourist

If your cat still approaches you with a figurative arched eyebrow of scepticism, try these tricks to put them at ease

It’s a little more complicated than that

To pet parents, a whimpering dog sounds as sad as a crying baby. Here’s why

And will they do anything about it if they do?

A fascination with lights and shadows is common in high-energy dogs – but it can develop into obsessive-compulsive disorder if it gets out of hand

Research shows that little dogs may feel the need to scent mark more frequently than big dogs

You want to sleep, your cat wants to party. Here’s how to deal with it

People have strong opinions about this cat toy. Here’s what you need to know

No need to panic, but keep that video you took in case a vet needs to see it

It’s the one food most dogs can't stand. Here’s why – plus, how to use their dislike of citrus to your advantage

We all have our talents

Their toes might smell like Monster Munch, but there’s no way they taste that good

If you’re bracing yourself for some wackiness, don’t worry – it won’t last forever

Dogs need more sleep than humans. Here’s how much is healthy

Short answer: yes – but not the way we do

Is there a green-eyed monster hiding in that adorable ball of fluff?

And how you can encourage them to cover up after doing their business

Apparently, you should take it as a compliment

Research finds why dogs may suddenly become super-sensitive to sounds

Not counting how fun they are to watch

There’s no winning this argument, but here’s what you should know about parenting each perfect pet

Animal behaviourists weigh in on what’s behind all this bumping and grinding

Animal behaviourist Karen B London breaks down the silent ways your pet is trying to tell you they’re hurting

The sentiment is nice, but...

Apparently even experts have a hard time defining these terms

They can’t take in as many colours as you can, but their world isn’t just black and white

Is it time to teach your dog some boundaries?

Decoding the many sounds your pup makes

Or are they just peacefully resting? Behaviourist Karen London explains how to tell the difference

Your pup may know you’re sick before you do

Scientists believe they could be mimicking the calls of their prey

Looks aren’t everything, but they can talk

When your dog looks back at its bum, you know what to do

If one hand isn’t stroking a furry dog belly, what are you doing?

If you have an older dog, they could have a condition called idiopathic vestibular disease. Here’s everything you need to know

When to worry about your pup’s grass consumption (and when it’s not a problem)

Two animal behaviour experts agree that it’s usually play fighting. Here’s how you can tell

How to keep your dog mentally and physically safe this Bonfire Night

World-renowned behaviourist Patricia McConnell explains

How to help a howling dog turn down the volume (or even hit the off button)

If your dog zones out under tree branches or dangling cloth, they might have Trance-like Syndrome

What’s behind the desire to burrow and is it safe?

Don’t just assume that your dog’s golden years should be spent quietly relaxing – they could be gaming

There’s a lot more to your pup’s furry appendages than you’d think

Is your dog showing empathy? Or just plain annoyance?

Trust me, I’m a dog trainer

Six animal behaviourists share pro tips for boosting the confidence of a fearful dog

Yes, they are right behind you

Everything you need to know about the difficult task of medicating a cat

Feeling like you have a little shadow these days? A cat behaviourist explains why that’s happening

Remember, dogs have more than one emotion

How the ‘love hormone’ oxytocin connects us with our pups

A psychologist explains how stimulating scents can influence a dog’s behaviour

Boundaries, folks. Boundaries