Mental Floss

PETS

iStock

The Paris Aquarium Is Home to a Massive Rescued Goldfish Sanctuary

Regretful pet owners can drop off their fish, no questions asked.

iStock

Pet Shops in England Will Be Forbidden From Selling Puppies or Kittens—and Animal Welfare Advocates Are Celebrating

The law was inspired by a special spaniel named Lucy.

iStock

Why Tiny Dogs Lift Their Legs So High While Peeing

They're lovable AND limber.

iStock

Are Dogs Empathetic? It Depends on the Individual Dog

Not all dogs have what it takes to be Lassie.

iStock

6 Common Dangers to Watch Out For When Walking Your Dog

Think twice before letting your pooch drink standing water or munch on that discarded bagel.

iStock

Are 'Dog Years' a Real Thing?

Here's why you shouldn't rely on the seven-year rule.

iStock

Potato-Based Pet Food Could Be Linked to Heart Disease in Dogs

Pet foods made from lentils and peas are also a potential risk.

IKEA

IKEA Is Recalling Its New Dog Water Fountain Due to Suffocation Risk

The dome-shaped water reservoir poses a suffocation hazard if dogs manage to get their snouts stuck in it.

iStock

California's Barkingham Hotel for Dogs Offers Plush Beds, Gourmet Food, and Pet Pilates

Where dogs are treated like royalty.

iStock

Canine Flu is On the Rise: Here's What You Should Know

Don't worry, you can still pet your coughing puppy for now.

Courtesy of Wellness Natural Pet Food

America's Most Pet-Friendly Workplaces

Here's where to work if you want to bring your pupper to the office.

iStock

11 Expert Tips for Adopting a Cat

Planning on taking a ball of fur home during Adopt a Cat month? Experts weigh in on 11 ways you can make the match a good one.

iStock

Why Do Dogs Crouch Forward When They’re Playing?

Here's what the "play bow" really means.

iStock

The Right Way to Hold Your Cat, According to a Vet

All the cuddles, none of the struggle.

Adobe

8 Pro Tips for Taking Incredible Pictures of Your Pets

Fido and Fluffy deserve to be captured like the stars they are.

iStock

What Pet Owners Need to Know About the Latest Dog Food Recall

Small amounts of pentobarbital were detected in Kibbles 'N Bits and Gravy Train products.

iStock

Why Your Pet's Food Bowl Might Be One of the Grossest Things in Your Kitchen

It's time you started washing these bacteria traps.

Courtesy of Isle of Wight County Museum // Used by Permission

The Story Behind the World’s Oldest (Pet) Ham

It’s 116 years old. Oh, and it’s still edible.

It’s dangerous to walk your dog when it’s too cold outside.

Handy Chart Tells You When It’s Too Cold to Walk Your Dog

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

Chloe Efforn

John Lennon Was a Crazy Cat Lady

John Lennon had almost as many cats as the Beatles had No. 1 hits.

iStock

The FDA Has Issued a Warning to Dog Owners About Store-Bought Bones

They've been linked to nearly 70 illnesses, and 15 fatalities.

There have been some pretty cute criminals prowling the streets.

25 Animals That Have Been Imprisoned or Arrested

From foul-mouthed parrots to prison-breaking cats, these 25 animals are proof that “crime” can sometimes be cuddly.

iStock

Dogs Rescued After Hurricane Maria Are Available to Adopt in New York

Animal Haven in Manhattan is now home to 28 rescues from Puerto Rico.

IKEA

Get IKEA's New Pet Furniture Collection for Not a Lot of Scratch

We still don't recommend feeding your cat the Swedish meatballs.