Flat faces and difficulty breathing: how pet trends have harmed animal health – and what we can we do about it

The genetic mutations responsible for the unusual physical features in animals can also cause great harm.

Jacqueline Boyd, Senior Lecturer in Animal Science, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
April 23, 2024 • ~7 min

Could sharing a bedroom with your pets be keeping you from getting a good night’s sleep?

Pets provide a source of comfort and intimacy for many owners drifting off to sleep. But according to new research, they may also disrupt your ability to fall or stay asleep.

Brian N. Chin, Assistant Professor of Psychology, Trinity College • conversation
April 3, 2024 • ~5 min

Perils of pet poop – so much more than just unsightly and smelly, it can spread disease

The signs that remind you to pick up after your pet are not just trying to keep public spaces clean; they’re urging you to help safeguard your community’s health.

Julia Wuerz, Clinical Assistant Professor of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida • conversation
Feb. 6, 2024 • ~8 min

Cats like to play fetch, as long as it's on their terms – new research

There hasn’t been a lot of research into adult cat play, but a new study shows it’s not just dogs who like to play fetch.

Jemma Forman, PhD Candidate in Psychology, University of Sussex • conversation
Dec. 21, 2023 • ~6 min

Wildcats lived alongside domestic cats for 2,000 years but only started interbreeding 60 years ago – new study

And a recent history of wildcat hybridisation.

Mark Beaumont, Professor of Statistics, University of Bristol • conversation
Nov. 6, 2023 • ~7 min

Can animals give birth to twins?

Animals often give birth to litters of more than one offspring at a time. But are those babies twins?

Tracy Jaffe, Assistant Clinical Professor of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University • conversation
Sept. 11, 2023 • ~7 min

Want to help Maui's animals after the wildfires? Send cash, not kibble

Animal shelters and other organizations that support pets and their owners after disasters will still need help months after the media has moved on.

Sarah DeYoung, Disaster Researcher and Associate Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice, University of Delaware • conversation
Aug. 21, 2023 • ~10 min

Cats first finagled their way into human hearts and homes thousands of years ago – here's how

Natural selection changed just 13 genes to separate your Felix and Fluffy from their African wildcat ancestor.

Jonathan Losos, William H. Danforth Distinguished University Professor, Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis • conversation
Aug. 3, 2023 • ~10 min

How cats and dogs affect the climate -- and what you can do about it

The environmental pawprint of pets is huge – and it’s mostly down to what we feed them.

Peter Alexander, Senior Lecturer in Global Food Security, The University of Edinburgh • conversation
June 5, 2023 • ~8 min

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

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