Ferret Boredom Is Real: Enrichment Matters
Ferrets are playful, intelligent pets whose well-being depends on their environment and daily experiences. Recognizing and addressing boredom is
Key Finding: 93% of owners agree ferrets experience boredom
Animal Behavior
23 articles
New Survey Finds 4 Percent of Dogs at Risk for ADHD-Like Problems
If your dog has ever seemed unable to sit still—bolting after squirrels, forgetting commands, or barking at everything—you’re not alone. Many owners
Key Finding: Two-part rating scale developed (inattention + hyperactivity/impulsivity)
Gabapentin Reduces Anxiety in Cats for Quicker, Gentler Nail Trims
If your cat gets stressed just seeing the carrier or flinches at the sound of nail clippers, you’re definitely not alone. Picture this: Mia, a shy
Key Finding: Gabapentin reduced fear responses enabling faster protocol progression
Snow Dogs Show Little Stress During Daylight Saving Time Shift
If you’ve ever watched your dog seem a little sleepy or off-schedule after the clocks change, you’re not alone—many pet owners wonder how Daylight
Key Finding: Sled dogs showed transient morning activity dip post shift
Cats Sniff Strangers Longer but Prefer Their Owner’s Scent
Ever wondered why your cat seems to ignore your partner’s hoodie but can’t resist curling up on your pajamas? If you’ve noticed your cat acting
Key Finding: Cats sniff unknown human odors longer than owner’s
Plant Chewing Is a Natural Behavior in Cats, Not a Health Concern
If you’ve ever caught your cat nibbling on your houseplants or the grass in your backyard, you’re not alone. Many cat owners wonder if this behavior
Key Finding: Most cats chew plants without preceding illness
Cats Know Their Limits: Body Size Awareness in Tight Spaces
Cats are famous for squeezing through surprising spaces. But they do not always try. New research in iScience shows cats gauge their body against
Key Finding: Cats slowed and hesitated at openings below shoulder height
Parrots Show Surprising Altruism, Sharing Food With Groupmates
If you share your home with a parrot, you already know how clever, social, and affectionate these feathered friends can be. But new research reveals
Key Finding: Parrots can be surprisingly altruistic - all four species routinely gave food to their group-mates …
Environmental Enrichment More Effective Than Punishment for Cat Scratching Issues
Cat scratching is a natural and essential behavior, but when it targets furniture, carpets, or other household items, it becomes one of the most
Key Finding: Environmental enrichment reduced scratching problems by 78% compared to punishment-based approaches
Harsh Training Methods Harm Dog Welfare, Study Confirms
Most dog owners want to train their pets effectively while keeping them happy and healthy. But does the training method you choose actually impact
Key Finding: Dogs trained with aversive methods showed significantly more stress behaviors
Shelter Dogs' Behavior Often Changes After Adoption, Study Shows
If you've recently adopted a shelter dog and noticed their behavior changing after the initial "perfect" period, you're not imagining things—and
Key Finding: Dogs showed a 'honeymoon period' of calm behavior followed by behavioral changes
Pandemic Puppies Show Higher Fear and Aggression Rates, Study Finds
If you adopted a puppy during the COVID-19 pandemic, new research suggests your "pandemic puppy" may be at higher risk for behavioral problems—but
Key Finding: Lockdown puppies showed significantly higher fearfulness and aggression as adults
Neutered Male Dogs Show Higher Anxiety and Aggression, Study Reveals
A comprehensive new study is challenging long-held assumptions about neutering's effects on dog behavior, revealing that castrated male dogs show
Key Finding: Neutered males showed 33% more aggression toward people and other dogs
Audiobooks Calm Anxious Dogs Better Than Music, Study Reveals
If your dog suffers from anxiety, you might want to trade your classical music playlist for an audiobook. Groundbreaking new research has discovered
Key Finding: Dogs exposed to audiobooks spent more time resting quietly and less time barking
Rabbits Need All-Day Exercise Space, Not Just Occasional Playtime
If you keep your rabbit in a hutch and let them out for a few hours of "exercise time" each day, you might think you're providing adequate care.
Key Finding: Rabbits with limited exercise time showed 'rebound' behavior when released, indicating pent-up …
Puppy Behavior Predicts Adult Dog Temperament, Guide Dog Study Reveals
Every puppy owner wonders: "What will my adorable little companion be like as an adult?" A groundbreaking new study provides fascinating insights
Key Finding: Early behavioral traits showed 76% consistency into adulthood
Parrot Experts Rank Top 10 Welfare Concerns Every Owner Should Know
If you're thinking about getting a parrot or already share your home with one of these intelligent birds, a groundbreaking new study reveals critical
Key Finding: Lack of owner knowledge ranked as the #1 parrot welfare concern
Happy Guinea Pigs 'Popcorn' and Cuddle - Signs You're Doing It Right
If you've ever watched your guinea pig suddenly leap into the air with pure joy, you've witnessed "popcorning"—one of the most delightful signs that
Key Finding: 87.6% of guinea pigs were observed eating and resting peacefully with companions daily
Hamster Exercise Balls and Small Cages Cause Stress, Study Reveals
If you've been using an exercise ball for your hamster or keeping their cage near your cat or dog, a comprehensive new study suggests these common
Key Finding: 18.4% of owners use exercise balls, which can cause stress and injury in hamsters
Foraging Toys Can Reduce Feather-Plucking in Parrots, Study Shows
If you've ever watched your parrot obsessively pluck or chew their feathers, you know how heartbreaking this destructive behavior can be. A
Key Finding: Feather-plucking parrots showed reduced foraging motivation compared to healthy birds
Nearly Half of Cats Play Fetch, Massive Study Reveals
If you've always thought fetch was exclusively a dog behavior, prepare to have your assumptions challenged. A groundbreaking study involving over
Key Finding: 40.9% of cats engage in fetch behavior 'sometimes' or more frequently
Daily Exercise Reduces Anxiety in Dogs, New Study Shows
Dog anxiety is one of the most common behavioral issues affecting millions of companion animals worldwide. From separation anxiety to noise phobias,
Key Finding: Dogs with 60+ minutes of daily exercise showed 45% reduction in anxiety symptoms
Dogs Follow Human Pointing Better Than Cats, Study Confirms
If you've ever wondered why your dog seems to instantly understand when you point at their toy while your cat completely ignores the same gesture,
Key Finding: Dogs significantly outperformed cats in following human pointing gestures