Mental Floss
Pets section header

Pets

The Latest

Dogs have built-in fur coats, but that doesn’t mean they don’t get chilly during their winter walks.

Some of the best Disney movies at least feature a few animals as side characters, while others star animals. Test your Disney knowledge with our trivia quiz.
Natalie Zamora|
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|

More From the Animals Section

From horseshoe crabs to crocodiles, some of these creatures have looked about the same for hundreds of millions of years.
Eden Gordon|
Dive into the depths of the ocean to discover seven rare deep-sea creatures so strange and elusive, you won’t believe they exist.
Nitya Rao|
Want to call in some good luck this spring? Try killing the first snake you see—or any of these other springtime traditions from around the world.
Eden Gordon|
If you believe that mice love cheese, rabbits love carrots, and elephants love peanuts...you're wrong. Here are six incorrect beliefs about what animals like to eat.
Ryan Menezes|
From problem-solving to emotional intelligence, these five animals exhibit brainpower that rivals humans.
Logan DeLoye|
They don’t call them “Man’s Best Friend” for nothing. These six fiercely loyal dogs proved they’d do anything for their animal companion.
Lorna Wallace|
Always look before you sit.
Erin McCarthy|
From the 1200s to the 1990s, elephant deaths have had a strange place in history.
Ryan Menezes|
Pets section header

Read More About Animals

AnimalsAmphibiansBirdsCatsDogsFishInsectsInvertebratesParasitesPetsReptilesZoos