Based on our most popular stories of 2021, it seems safe to say that our readers adore their pets, are fascinated by the strange features they see on motor vehicles, and really want to know what happened to all that white dog poop they used to see.

CATS
With kitty litter, Ed Lowe changed how cats and humans bonded. But not everyone understood the idea: One woman tried feeding it to her cat.
Science supports what we've long suspected: Cats can exhibit psychopathic tendencies. This online test can measure just how dangerous they really are.
We spoke to dog groomers about the most challenging breeds to groom, their tricks for handling difficult customers, and other hairy aspects of the job.
More people are naming their cats ‘Loki’ than their dogs. Also, ‘Brady’ is less popular in Boston than it used to be.
Even the best-trained cat or dog is likely to run away if you try feeding them a pill without a game plan.
In 'Jurassic Park but with a Cat,' OwlKitty plays the role of the 'T. rex' that terrorizes Sam Neill and Jeff Goldblum.
English and French bulldogs are two of the most expensive dog breeds—but they don’t top the list.
Axolotls are second on the list of the most in-demand pets in the U.S., beating cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs.
This cat-centric parody of 'Bohemian Rhapsody' is for any rock fan with a feline queen or king in their life.
Maybe your dog’s Halloween costume shouldn’t be Ted Lasso if your dog itself acts a lot more like Queen Elizabeth II.
Cats like routines, and their owners staying home all day isn't part of the plan. We spoke to a cat behaviorist about what to do when your fluffball revolts.
Is this a cat’s version of a happy dance? Are they showing off for spectators? What’s going on here?
There's a bigger danger for pets during Halloween season than being forced to dress as Baby Yoda. Chocolate and other candy can prove harmful and even fatal.
The purpose of a dog’s dewclaw is often overlooked—but that doesn’t mean there isn’t one. Here are all the details on the digit.
Pet owners know the perils of having carpeting in their home. When it comes to tears and rips, check out this method and you won't have to replace the entire carpet.
If you want to live in a city that's as welcoming to pets as your home is, consider moving to one of these spots.
Sadly, the answer to “How long do indoor cats live?” is not “As long as you do!” But they do usually outlive outdoor cats.
In a new study, cats passed up a food puzzle to get at freely available food. The reason is—cats. But there's a little more to it.
There are a lot of reasons why your pet is afraid of your robot vacuum. Learn more about why this is, and read on for some tips that could help.
Signs of pain in cats aren’t always obvious—this new app makes it much easier to tell how your cat is feeling.
Microchips can help reunite lost pets with their loved ones, but only if the chip's contact information is current. Here's how to check.