Secrets Your Pet Won't Tell You

We asked veterinarians, groomers, and other animal specialists to explain what your furry friends are thinking

Because I’m a creature of habit, even a subtle change in my behavior is a red flag that I might be sick.

So if it takes me an hour to eat my food instead of 60 seconds as usual, if I’m tiring out faster when we play, if there are more urine clumps in the litter box than usual, or if I seem to be drinking more water, call the vet right away.

        

There’s no question that if you keep me inside and don’t let me wander the neighborhood..

...whether I’m a dog or a cat, I’ll have a better chance of living a longer life. I won’t get hit by a car, stolen, or just plain lost. But once I’ve been allowed to roam free, it’ll be hard to change me.

 

Please introduce me around when I’m young so I’m not afraid of strangers.

Some experts say I should meet 100 new people of different sizes, genders, and ethnicities in my first 100 days at home, even if it’s just a quick greeting. Make sure you include people wearing hats and sunglasses, since those accessories can look awfully scary to me.