Most cat owners have a funny photo of their feline friend totally relaxed, tongue dangling from his mouth. While an outstretched tongue is normally a harmless—and adorable—feline quirk, any pet that’s taken to sticking out his tongue constantly is likely suffering from an injury or breathing issue that’s preventing him from closing his mouth.   Cats spend up to one-third of their lives bathing, so it’s no surprise they often have their tongues out. Cats’ tongues have stiff, backward-facing spines known as papillae that form a rough surface ideal for removing loose hair. Though most cats groom with laser-sharp focus, it’s not uncommon for felines to get distracted mid-lick. This leaves Kitty in a compromised position with his tongue dangling for several seconds. Likewise, cats can get so relaxed while resting or sleeping that their mouths hang open slightly, allowing your pet’s tongue to dangle in a comical, but completely healthy, way.   Problems arise when cats leave their tongues out constantly. This can signal a medical issue, as it’s likely your pet is sticking out his tongue due to an injury, breathing issue or other ailment that’s preventing him from closing his mouth. Feline periodontal disease, including inflammatory conditions such as gingivitis, is more common than many pet owners realize, and these mouth and gum conditions can cause your pet to stick out his tongue in an effort to relieve pain. Drooling and red, swollen or bleeding gums are common symptoms of an oral ailment. Oral tumors or fractured teeth can also cause Kitty to dangle his tongue, as can kidney failure, which can lead to painful ulcers on your cat’s gums. If you notice your pet sticking his tongue out more often than normal, or see any other symptoms of physical distress, take him to the veterinarian to check for gum disease, oral abscesses, tooth decay and other medical problems.   Remember, while dogs pant to cool off, this behavior is not normal in healthy cats. While chances are your cat’s tongue dangling is simply an endearing quirk and not a medical emergency, watch for sudden and unusual changes in your pet’s behavior. If he is sticking his tongue out more often than normal or constantly, or is showing other signs of physical distress, have your veterinarian examine him to rule out ulcers, abscesses and other medical conditions that can cause cats to leave their mouths hanging open.

We’ve all had the jarring experience of a cat jumping onto our laps, purring away, only to watch Kitty flip and suddenly give us an angry bite or swat just minutes later. This Jekyll-and-Hyde behavior may seem strange to humans, but to our feline friends, petting-induced aggression makes perfect sense.   Cats are not, by nature, close-contact animals. Accepting human affection is a learned behavior and some cats have a very low tolerance for touch. Once this threshold is passed, cats actually feel discomfort, rather than pleasure, from petting. It’s no wonder our pets want us to stop lavishing them with love, but humans are often obvious to the overstimulation taking place. Fortunately, cats use a series of body language to let us know when they’ve had enough affection and it’s time to back off.   Telltale signs that Kitty is fast approaching his affection quota include tail lashing, skin twitching, a shift in body posture, meowing or growling, flattened ears, and meeting you or your hand with a direct gaze. If your cat exhibits any of these signs, stop petting him immediately and leave him alone. If you continue petting him, chances are your pet will lash out by biting or clawing you as, in his mind, he’s already told you to back off.   All cats are different and you may be surprised by your pet’s boundaries when it comes to physical affection. Most cats don’t like belly rubs, for example, but some feel just as uncomfortable being stroked down their backs. Learning your cat’s favorite spots to be pet—and which to avoid— will help build trust between you and your pet. With time, you’ll be able to gauge your cat’s individual preferences and know when to stop petting even before he exhibits any warning signs.   Because petting-induced aggression is your cat’s last resort at communication, never punish your pet for lashing out. In his mind, your cat has already given you ample warnings to stop, all of which you ignored. Yelling, chasing or hitting your cat will only make him afraid of you and damage your bond. Instead, watch your cat’s body language to learn when he is enjoying affection and when he’s had enough. Ending a snuggle session on a positive note not only leaves your cat wanting more, but ensures that physical touch stays a positive part of you and your cat’s relationship.   If your cat is exhibiting sudden petting-induced aggression, you may want to visit a veterinarian to rule out pain as the source of his moody behavior. Cats with a tender spot could lash out when you touch the sore area, for example, so it is helpful to find out if Kitty has an abscess, arthritis or other physical ailment. Be sure to supervise children around your cat, too, since they are unlikely to recognize the warning signs that come before petting-induced aggression.

If you have a young child (or multiple children) in your house, you might think that getting a cat is not a great idea. However, some cat breeds thrive around children, so it is smart to learn more about these breeds before choosing a pet. Here are some of the cats that are famous for being good with younger members of the family.    1. Ragdoll A Ragdoll is an obvious choice for a family with children, as their name is a reference to the way that they become loose-limbed and floppy when people hold them. They are very relaxed, calm cats who enjoy gentle play, and they appreciate being cuddled. As a bonus, their bright blue eyes are stunning, and they come in a range of dominant colors (from dark brown to pale lilac).   Image credit    2. American Curl Studies on cat behavior suggest that American Curls actually tend to prefer spending time with children rather than adults. Their name comes from their curled ears, and they are muscular, energetic cats who enjoy interactive games. When they become attached to someone, they will often rub their heads against that person's face.   Image credit    3. Maine Coon A Maine Coon can be an ideal companion for a child, as these cats absolutely love being around humans but are also perfectly happy to entertain themselves when company is absent. They are famous for following their owners to different rooms, and they bond equally with all members of a household. Their tufted ears also give them a very striking look, and they come in a wide range of colors.   Image credit    4. Siamese Most people can identify the shining blue eyes and stark points of a Siamese, but their compatibility with children is not common knowledge. These cats will carry on conversations with their owners, and have opinions about everything they see. Like dogs, they can be trained to play fetch with children, and they are also deeply affectionate.   Image credit    5. Bombay With their dark coats and golden eyes, Bombay cats resemble panthers. In terms of personality, you can expect a Bombay to be curious, sociable and very difficult to stress. This latter feeling makes them especially compatible with younger children who may still be learning how to touch cats. Although they love a good game, they are also peaceful lap cats and enjoy close contact.   Image credit    6. Exotic Exotics are flat-faced cats that resemble Persians, but they lack the need for constant grooming (so they are easier to care for if you have a busy life, as parents often do). Exotics are gentle, kind cats with relaxed personalities, and this is another breed that divides its time between enthusiastic play and sleepy cuddling.   Image credit    7. Birman A Birman resembles a Siamese in terms of point colors, and they are particularly good for large families who may want to add other children, cats or even dogs in the future. They are highly adaptable, vocal cats that make friends easily and love being given plenty of attention.   Image credit

It is often said pets look like their owners. According to science, it may actually be true. Psychology professor at the University of British Columbia, Stanly Coren suggests people are drawn to the familiar – and for that reason, are drawn to our own faces, which we see over and over reflected in mirrors every day. It is this preference that tends to drive people towards pets that subconsciously remind them of themselves.   Image credit   Image credit   Image credit  Coren conducted a study investigating the influence of a woman’s hairstyle on the dog breeds she was drawn to. He discovered there was a strong preference for women with hair that covered their ears to prefer dogs like the Springer Spaniel. Women with short hair and their ears visible preferred breeds like the Siberian Husky and Basenji. Coren’s conclusion: familiarity breeds like.   Image credit   Image credit   Image credit Psychologists from the University of California, Nicholas Christenfeld and Michael Roy found similar results. They asked test subjects to look at a muddled collection of photos of dogs and owners and try and match them up. In two-thirds of cases, the subjects linked master and pet on looks alone. The effect is probably as a result of evolutionary parenting drives. We are instinctively geared, according to Christenfeld, towards small, nonverbal creatures that resemble us as we are driven to be affectionate towards our children and young relations to ensure the survival of our genes.   Image credit Image credit   Image credit  If you and your pet are doppelgangers, showing off you matched looks can really pay off. Jiro Yamada won 300,000 yen with his two-year old Shar-Pei Occhansticks at an annual Tokyo look-alike contest.  Image credit    Feature image credit

With their long ears, short legs, and droopy eyes, basset hounds are often portrayed in movies and TV as a comical and lazy dog breed. While this image may be true in some ways, you need a lot more information about these pups before you can decide if a basset is the right dog for you. Here is a look at five things you need to know about owning a basset hound.    1. They're laid back, but not always lazy  Bassets have a well-deserved reputation for being extremely easy-going, but you shouldn't assume that owning one won't involve any work. In fact, basset hounds were originally bred to be hunting dogs, and most of them love to go for long walks. Your dog is likely to get depressed if you don't make exercise a major priority, and obesity is a major issue among bassets that don't walk often enough. On the flip side, a basset will typically be extremely lazy at home. They tend to love snuggling up on the couch or getting stroked by a new friend.   Image credit    2. You need to have a sense of humor  As opposed to working dogs that focus primarily on the task at hand, basset hounds tend to be fairly "clownish," and you will need to have a sense of humor in order to make the most of owning one. Often, this tendency toward being a goofball will arise at the most inopportune times, such as when you are in a hurry, so you need to be willing to roll with the punches. Your dog is also likely to be extremely stubborn, so you will have more luck with your basset if you can see the humor in distinctly "unfunny" situations.   Image credit    3. Bassets drool all the time Next time you see someone walking a basset hound on the street, make note of how its face and ears look. You will notice that bassets are almost always covered in slobber. Since their skin is so droopy, these dogs tend to get dried drool caked onto their entire bodies much of the time. If you are turned off by an unkempt dog, then a basset probably isn't right for you.   Image credit    4. They're extremely vocal  Hounds in general have a reputation for baying, and bassets are no different. Be prepared for your dog to bay quite often-sometimes for no obvious reason. If you live in an apartment with neighbors who are likely to complain, then you are probably going to have trouble owning a basset. On the other hand, if you enjoy "talking" to your dog, then a basset hound might be the perfect breed.   Image credit    5. You'll need to care for skin, ears, and legs  All dogs are susceptible to certain health problems because of their shape and size. For bassets, the most common problem spots include their skin, ears, and legs. You should plan to clean ears at least weekly so that they don't get infected. Similarly, bacteria can get trapped in skin folds, so you will need to bathe your basset relatively often and always thoroughly towel dry your dog after a walk in the rain or snow. Your hound's legs are likely to become trouble spots as the dog gets older (after all, a basset has a lot of weight to support on such stubby ankles), but you can help your dog out by doing your best to prevent obesity. Feature image credit 

The Reading with Rover program involves dogs in the quest to help children with reading difficulties improve their literacy.   Dogs in the program visit schools, bookstores and libraries to listen to children read them stories. It has been found children who are nervous to read aloud to peers and adults are calmer when reading to a dog - who never pokes fun or criticises if they have difficulty deciphering a word.    Image credit The program hopes to improve children’s comfort in reading aloud, help them advance to higher reading levels, increase their empathy and social skills and given them greater confidence. Reading with Rover aims above all to help children learn to love the world of books.   The program is community based, with helpful volunteers and owners dedicating their time to helping kids in need. Interested people and their pets must first be evaluated before they are allowed to participate. It is necessary for dogs to be calm, gentle and happy to sit quietly for extended periods of time.    Image credit  Children are generally registered for weekly sessions for around two months to give their skills a chance to develop.   The results of the program are universally glowing. Parents report their children now nag them to take them to the library so they can find more books and read to the visiting dogs. In one group, four in five students doubled the number of words they could read correctly and the entire group showed great improvement in their reading accuracy.    Image credit In one remarkable case a 6-year-old with Asperger’s Syndrome was brought to a Reading with Rover session. Much to her mother’s surprise, her daughter suddenly began reading fluently to a dog in a way she had never shown herself capable of in front of her parents or teachers. When made to feel comfortable by her new dog friend, the girl was able to display her hidden skills for the first time. Her mother was amazed by the change that took place before her eyes.     Image credit Another girl began visiting the Reading with Rover dogs when she was in 3rd grade. At that point, there were strong concerns about her literacy levels as she was deemed almost two grades behind the skill-levels of her peers. Now in 5th grade she has spent two years in the program. Now she is reading at an 8th grade level.    Image credit  Currently the program operates only in the Washington area of America but there is hope it will spread, given its popularity and success. Feature image credit  

Winter is fast approaching. Here are some great ways to keep your dog and cat warm in the colder weather to come!   Pet socks   Image credit   Come winter human feet get cold – and so do paws! Pet socks such as those by Muttluks and Top Paw keep pet toes warm in winter. The best come with grips or plastic bases on the bottom to keep your pet from sliding on tiles or wooden floors.   Image credit These socks are great for older dogs, not only for keeping them warm, but also for helping them get around without tripping on slippery floors.  Doggy Jackets    Matilda Faux-Leather Jacket by Charliescloset  Jackets are the go-to choice for keeping dogs warm – but don’t settle! A number of options are now on the market that are super-stylish as well as warming.  The Beau Geste wool hand-knitted by Doggie Warmers   Cosi Kilt Dog Coat by Highland Dog  Cozy Cushion   Image credit  Cozy Cushion is a cat bed that heats without electricity. Beneath the faux-fur exterior is a thermo-reflective material that uses your cat’s body heat to make the entire cushion toasty as a heated blanket. Not having in cords, when soiled, the bed can just be thrown into the washing machine.  K&H Thermal-Bowl    Image credit  We worry about our pet’s having enough bedding and shelter in winter – but what about your pet’s lips? The K&H Thermal-Bowl heats up water to a comfortable temperature so your pet’s tongue is kept cosy in the cooler months. It is also great for ensuring water is always accessible in areas prone to snow and ice. The bowl is self-heating with the temperature monitored by the bowl to ensure it stays at the correct level.    Cuddles!  Snuggle up to your pet and heat each other up with hugs!    Image credit    Image credit    Feature image credit

BFF = Best Friend Furever 1. You talk at least once a day, even if just to say hi. Image credit   2. You can act yourselves around each other... no matter how weird. Image credit   3. Your dog is incredibly loyal to you.  "You jump, I jump." Image credit   4. You can't keep secrets from one another.  Image credit   5. Your dog always listens to what you have to say. "All ears, all the time." Image credit   6. When you need a shoulder to cry on, your dog is there for you.  Image credit   7. Your dog knows how to cheer you up without even trying. Image credit   8. Your dog likes to paw-ty with you...   9. But also likes to stay-in to watch TV with you. Image credit   10. Because at the end of the day, you're just happy to be spending time together.  Image credit  

Chalk and cheese, night and day, hot and cold. All famous opposites, but none are as well knows as the dog and the cat. Believed the world over to be arch-enemies and never to be left in the same room as one another. But few people know that behind the facade, these would-be nemesises actually get on, and are possibly even friends... If you are a dog or cat owner and are thinking you'd like a new furry friend to add to your family, but are unsure whether your existing pet would be able to play nice with an animal completely opposite to them - don't worry! We've compiled a list (in no particular order) of the top 25 breeds of cat-friendly dogs.  1. Pomeranian Small, but incredibly confident a Pomeranian could be the perfect match to a cat. Pomeranians are inquisitive, intelligent and loyal and after some socialisation could be a great little friend to any cat.    2. English Setter The English Setter is a beautiful dog. They usually have a placid temperment - especially as they mature. Affectionate, friendly and gentle, they enjoy socialising with all sorts of animals - yes, even a cat.    Image credit 3. Shih-Tzu Adaptable is a word you want to hear when looking for a breed to get along with a cat and a Shih-Tzu is certainly adaptable. Their personalities are bigger than their bodies which sometimes means they can become a little arrogant - so plenty of discipline will be required!    Image credit 4. Pug Curious, devoted and ever the clown, a pug could be a wonderfully entertaining addition to any household. With this great sense of humour comes friendliness and they get on very well with cats.    Image credit 5. Chihuahua Chihuahuas are little guys and a cat is more than likely to be quite a big bigger than them - but the two can get on famously - even taking naps together! While they are highly energetic, Chihuahuas like to share the same space with cats.    Image credit 6. Italian Greyhound Fond of sun-baking, Italian Greyhounds are cat-like in that respect. They are gentle and sweet dogs who get on very well with feline companions.    Image credit 7. Maltese Maltese are smart, fast-learning dogs with excellent manners! They love to please and immediately become great companions to cats.    8. Yorkshire Terrier They may be little, but Yorkies have BIG personalities. Inquisitive, clever and very agile - this little pooch is a great companion to any cat.    Image credit 9. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Working best with outgoing and and good-natured cats, the Cav can have a very playful relationship with a kitty. They are smart and are able to learn tricks easily making them a great addition to any household.    Image credit 10. American Eskimo  Extremely intelligent, alert, mischevious and affectionate, the American Eskimo could be a great companion to your cat.    Image credit 11. Boston Terrier The Boston Terrier is a cheerful dog who loves to play fetch. They are extremely good-natured and gets on well with cats, especially if they are brought up together.    12. Newfoundland They might be big, but Newfoundlands are gentle giants who are extremely docile, loyal and trustworthy. Their laidback nature is compatible with that of a cat.  Image credit 13. Chinese Crested It goes without saying, the Chinese Crested is an unusual looking dog. Cat lovers love the Chinese Crested because of its loving, playful nature.    Image credit 14. English Bulldog The English Bulldog is a lovable breed that has a sweet and gentle disposition. While they can be gruff around unfamiliar dogs, they get on very well with cats - and could even act as bodyguard!    Image credit 15. Shetland Sheepdog The Shetland Sheepdog is a very alert breed that is extremely easy to train. They have great tolerance and patience, which can come in handy when introducing them to a cat.    Image credit 16. Havanese These little dogs are incredibly happy and enjoy being in the company of their owners. Once they have been properly socialised, they get on very well with cats.    Image credit 17. Japanese Chin An affectionate and adaptable breed, the Japanese Chin can fit in to any household - including ones with cats.    Image credit 18. Papillon These little dogs are social butterflies who like to mix with other breeds and cats. They are outgoing and energetic and are extremely agile.    Image credit 19. Bichon Frise Clever, happy and curious, the Bichon Frise is a wonderful dog - especially so because they get on very well with cats thanks to their affectionate and cheerful attitude towards other animals.  Image credit 20. Bernese Mountain Dog Its shyness can be suprising, given it's large stature, but the Bernese Mountain Dog could be a great companion to a cat, given that they are a calm and tolerant breed who is known for being a great watchdog who is never agressive.    Image credit 21. Beagle Beagles are friendly and highly social dogs who are not territorial at all (except over food maybe!) Because of this, they are perfect for mixing with felines.  22. Bearded Collie Intelligent and independent - 'Beardies' are a good match for cats. These lovely dogs are always eager to learn and please people - even cats.    23. Boxer Boxers are happy, energetic and loyal and once they are properly socialised, get along very well with cats.    Image credit 24. American Cocker Spaniel Gentle, sweet, charming and devoted - the American Cocker Spaniel could spend many a day devoted to a cat.  Image credit 25. Golden Retriever  A popular dog, the Golden Retriever is lovable, energetic and intelligent. Friendly to everyone, with little guarding instincts, the Golden Retriever could be the perfect friend for a cat.       

In a galaxy far far away these pets could be film icons...   The Star Wars films are modern classics, but did George Lucas make the correct casting choices? We’ve found pets that would rival the human actors’ portrayal of the much-loved characters.   1. Luke, I am your Scottish Fold father.   Image credit   Noooooooooooooo!!!      2. ‘Yodachshund’ wisely reminds us that, “Fear is the path to the dark side”.       3. This shiny Golden Retriever would make a great C3PO, enthusiastically giving you the odds for successfully navigating an asteroid field whether you wanted them or not, finished off with an all-knowing, loving lick.     4. According to ‘Obi Wan Catnobi’, “the force will be with you, always”.   Image credit   5. Wookies are one of the most feared beings in the galaxy, but the loyalty of ‘Chewbarka’ is legendary.   Image gallery   6. Princess Leia - the sassiest leader of the Rebel Alliance.   Image credit   7. R2-D2… Okay, perhaps this one’s a bit of a stretch. Maybe if the bin liner was blue instead? Fine, let’s move on shall we.   Image credit   8. Got Ewoks? These cute little soldiers, with their big eyes and ridiculously soft fur, will render any invading stormtroopers into mere swooning puddles.    Image credit Image credit Image credit Image credit