Thinking of getting a second cat? Here's how to make sure your first pet doesn't feel threatened

Your cat may not be as excited about a new arrival as you are. Gradual and controlled introductions will help your cat take to an unfamiliar animal.

Jenna Kiddie, Visiting Research Fellow in Animal Behaviour, University of Cumbria • conversation
March 3, 2023 ~6 min

Why it's time for the UK to introduce mandatory training for new dog owners

The old UK dog licence system wasn’t fit for purpose. But there is another way.

Angus Nurse, Head of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
Feb. 20, 2023 ~7 min


Chickadees, titmice and nuthatches flocking together benefit from a diversity bonus – so do other animals, including humans

Scientists are learning that diversity has many perks – whether in multispecies groups of animals or human society.

Todd M. Freeberg, Professor and Associate Head of Psychology, University of Tennessee • conversation
Feb. 7, 2023 ~6 min

Power struggles in nature can be more subtle, nuanced and strategic than just dog-eat-dog

Life can be a struggle for power – not just for people but for nonhuman animals, too. An animal behaviorist explains how this quest can be more Shakespearean drama than boxing match.

Lee Alan Dugatkin, Professor of Biology and Distinguished Arts and Science Scholar, University of Louisville • conversation
Jan. 27, 2023 ~7 min

Invasive rats are changing fish behaviour on coral reefs – new study

Rats are disrupting the flow of nutrients towards the sea on many tropical islands – this has consequences for fish behaviour and the wider ecosystem.

Rachel Gunn, Postdoctoral researcher in the Animal Evolutionary Ecology, University of Tübingen • conversation
Jan. 9, 2023 ~7 min

Urban light pollution is a danger for marine ecosystems – new research

Artificial lighting from cities illuminates coastal waters and can change the physiology and behaviour of marine organisms.

Tim Smyth, Head of Science: Marine Biogeochemistry and Observations, Plymouth Marine Laboratory • conversation
Jan. 5, 2023 ~7 min

How tracking technology is transforming our understanding of animal behaviour

Scientists use biologging devices to track animal behaviour – here are four times where it has improved our understanding of nature.

Louise Gentle, Principal Lecturer in Wildlife Conservation, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
Jan. 4, 2023 ~8 min

Pit bulls went from America's best friend to public enemy – now they're slowly coming full circle

A scholar of law and humanities compares bans on dogs with any pit bull genes to “one drop” laws that once classified people with even a single Black ancestor as Black.

Colin Dayan, Professor of English, Robert Penn Warren Professor in the Humanities, and Professor of Law, Vanderbilt University • conversation
Oct. 21, 2022 ~10 min


Animal friendships are surprisingly like our own

Friendships are formed all across the animal kingdom and the ways in which they resemble human ones may surprise you.

Erin Siracusa, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Animal Behaviour, University of Exeter • conversation
Oct. 12, 2022 ~8 min

Why you should train your cat – and how to do it

Plus how to train your cat to settle in its carrier in five easy steps.

Lauren Finka, Visiting Research Fellow, Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
Oct. 7, 2022 ~7 min

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