Dog & Cat Articles with Advice from Our Experts
Whether you have a dog, cat or both, our experts are here with all the information and tips you need. We use our Purina expertise to cover topics like dog and cat health, nutrition, behavior, training and more.

New Kitten Checklist: What Does a Kitten Need?
What does a kitten need in a new home? Beds, toys, litter boxes, grooming tools, food & other supplies are needed when bringing a kitten home. Read about the checklist of items your new kitten needs here.
Articles

Can Dogs Eat Beans?
It’s common to wonder what foods you and your dog can both eat when you’re preparing a meal. Green beans are a vegetable you and your dog can enjoy, but they aren't even a bean! Can dogs eat other beans? Keep reading to find out about the types of beans your dog can eat.

Why Do Cats Like Boxes?
Even if you spend hundreds of dollars on the latest in cat toy technology, nothing seems to compare to a simple cardboard box. You might be wondering exactly why cats like boxes so much, but to your cat, the answer is simple. From nap time to play time, boxes are an appropriate accompaniment to any feline activity.

Why Do Cats Lick Their Owners?
Having a cat can bring a lot of joy to your life. They have so much personality and seem to always be running around doing something cute or quirky. Whether it's climbing the curtains or trying to dig up your favourite potted plant, your cat is never short on things to do. But what about when the attention turns to you? While it's not something that all cats do, some owners wonder, "Why does my cat lick me?"

Wet vs. Dry Dog Food
Almost every dog gets excited when it's mealtime, and that doesn't matter whether it's a wet or dry food. But when you're in the dog food aisle and looking at all the options, how do you pick? The truth is that both wet and dry dog food offer your pet plenty of benefits and well-rounded nutrition, but there may be a reason to pick one over the other for your dog. Read on to find out the differences between wet and dry dog food and the points to consider when making your choice.

How to Train a Kitten
Training your kitten is an important part of making sure that they grow up to be a healthy, happy, well-behaved cat. But cats also have distinct personality traits that mean they need to be handled and trained in a certain way to be cooperative. The earlier you start training the better, so we've compiled a list of tips and tricks for how to train your kitten right from the start.

Is Grain-Free Dog Food Best for Dogs?
Grain-free diets have become more and more popular for humans, and that's led many pet parents to wonder if their dog should also go grain-free. But before you switch up your dog's food, it's important to understand why grains are used in dog foods and what grain-free has to offer. Is grain-free best for dogs? We look at the details below.

Why Do Cats Spray?
Your cat sprays to mark his territory, an instinctive behaviour that goes back to his ancestral hunting days. Spraying behaviour is typically seen in unneutered male cats (although somewhat common in females too) and was once used by the cat to let other cats know that the area in question had been claimed and any prey to be found is scarce. Spraying behaviour usually goes away with neutering.

Why Do Dogs Chase Their Tails?
If you've ever spent any time with a dog, you've probably seen him chase his tail at least once. Some dogs only do it every once in a while, but others live for the chase and can spend hours running in circles trying to catch that elusive thing following them around. In most cases, your dog chasing his tail is perfectly normal. However, if you've noticed that your dog seems to be obsessed about catching his tail or there are other indications of a health or behavioural issue, you may want to work on curbing this behaviour. Learn why dogs chase their tails below and what you can do about it if it becomes a problem.

All About Kitten Teething
Kittens don’t have visible teeth when they’re born — just like baby humans. Their milk teeth emerge a few weeks after birth, and their adult teeth arrive on the scene a few months later. Some kittens are unfazed by teething, while others feel miserable; most mini felines fall somewhere in the middle of the kitten teething scale.

How to Get a Cat to Take a Pill
Not sure how to give a cat a pill? You're not alone. Pet owners often dread administering prescriptions to their feline friends, since cats are notorious for spitting out pills or unleashing teeth or claws.

Dog Hair Loss: What Causes Alopecia in Dogs?
When you notice your dog losing patches of hair, your mind might jump to the worst-case scenario and begin to panic. But, don’t worry. The truth is, alopecia in dogs is fairly common and usually treatable through medication or changes in their environment. Discover what might cause dog hair loss, possible treatments and how you can keep your dog comfortable.

Why Does My Cat Have Urine Crystals?
There are many potential causes for cat urine crystals to occur in your feline friend. Sometimes the crystals are triggered by dehydration and can be remedied by simply increasing her daily water intake. However, urinary crystals can also be a sign of more serious issues, such as a bladder infection.