Mental Floss
Pets section header

Pets

The Latest

Horses and humans have a long history together. But how much do you really know about these incredible animals?

The White House took a special liking to the animal.
Jenny Cohen|
A look at which states have some of the worst stressors on pet parents when traveling for Thanksgiving.
Chelsea Thatcher|
Dog parents in these 10 states are willing to make some life-changing decisions for their pets.
AJ DiCosimo|
Older animals can still make great companions—here’s what to consider when looking to add one to your family.
Garin Pirnia|
Here‘s why chimera cats look like two different furballs stitched together.
CaLea Johnson|
This island is struggling to manage its massive stray cat population.
CaLea Johnson|
Cats have attracted a lot of different superstitions over the years—some easier to believe than others.
Mental Floss UK|
Francine the cat went missing for a while in a different city. Now she‘s back home.
CaLea Johnson|
See which pet costumes people are most excited for this Halloween.
CaLea Johnson|
Is your new pet’s name on this list?
CaLea Johnson|
Cats sometimes act like a bowl of water is something to approach with extreme caution. There’s a reason for it, though.
Jake Rossen|
It’s important to be as prepared as possible before you and your pup hit the trail.
Alexia Kontolemos|
Some cities have dogs waiting much longer than 30 days to make it to their forever homes.
AJ DiCosimo|
If you need name inspiration for your own pup, take a cue from pet owners across the country.
CaLea Johnson|
The search is on for the next Buddy. Submit your golden retriever’s video and join the legacy of the beloved Air Bud franchise.
CaLea Johnson|
An extra-fluffy tail doesn’t just look cute—it’s your cat’s way of communicating how they feel.
Kirstin Fawcett|
Here’s a hint: It’s not by sweating through their paws.
Hannah Keyser|
You might be surprised to see which canines make the cut when it comes to the world’s most expensive dog breeds.
Jennifer Fabiano|
Fourth of July fireworks and parties can be distressing for dogs—and their pet parents. Here are tips that can help.
Nicolas Rivero|
We spoke to several veterinary behavior experts to learn how to keep anxious dogs calm, no matter the scenario.
Kate Schweitzer|

More From the Animals Section

From the 1200s to the 1990s, elephant deaths have had a strange place in history.
Ryan Menezes|
When you think of extinct animals, you might go to a saber-toothed cat, or the infamous dodo. But there are, unfortunately, a lot more recent animals that have gone the way of that ill-fated bird.
Erin McCarthy|
From leopards hidden in luggage to over a hundred snakes stashed in a man’s pants, there are some absolutely wild stories of people smuggling animals.
Erin McCarthy|
Yes, reindeer are real—but no, they can’t fly.
Jill Harness|
The annual holiday event, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, looked a lot different decades ago.
Jenny Cohen|
Many famous authors called unexpected animals their pets.
Lorna Wallace|
It may be tempting to channel your inner Disney princess and befriend (or at least, attempt to befriend) every animal you come across. But wildlife is always better left alone. 
Kerry Wolfe|
These now-extinct creatures, including the Anteosaurus and Nanuqsaurus, are total nightmare fuel.
Ivan Farkas|
Pets section header

Read More About Animals

AnimalsAmphibiansBirdsCatsDogsFishInsectsInvertebratesParasitesPetsReptilesZoos