PETBOOK magazine offers answers to all things cats, dogs and animals

Migratory Birds Over the Island of Cyprus

Cruel Catching Methods Illegal Bird Hunting in Cyprus! Hundreds of Thousands of Migratory Birds at Risk

Every year, an illegal bird hunt targeting hundreds of thousands of animals takes place in Cyprus—despite an EU ban. PETBOOK investigated who benefits from this activity.

The Australian Cattle Dog was developed in the 19th century by crossing Dingoes with European herding dogs, including the Collie.

Sturdy Working Dog The Australian Cattle Dog is a dream for active owners.

Energetic, intelligent, and with a strong work ethic–the Australian Cattle Dog is not a dog for everyone.

Are Rescue Dogs Really More Grateful? Dog Trainer Simeon Faller Has a Clear Opinion on This.

PETBOOK Interview Dog Trainer: "Rescue Dogs Are Not a Gratitude Project!"

Are Rescue Dogs Really Grateful? Dog trainer Simeon Faller has a clear opinion: He considers this notion of gratitude to be even dangerous.

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a relatively new dog breed that originated in the United States in the 1970s.

Rare Dog Breed Alaskan Klee Kai: Why This Mini Husky Isn't for Everyone

The Alaskan Klee Kai resembles Nordic sled dogs—but in a miniature size—and is suitable for active owners.

An American Shorthair cat looks into the camera.

Formerly "Domestic Shorthair" Why the American Shorthair Is Considered the Original Cat Breed of the U.S.

Robust, charming, and with a centuries-old history: The American Shorthair is more than just an ordinary house cat.

Biologist Explains New Social Media Trend: Why Cat Owners Are Buying Concrete Blocks

A new social media trend involves using standard concrete blocks from hardware stores for cats–and the animals love them. But why? PETBOOK has the answer.

Dogs ›

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever originally comes from Canada and is considered the only breed that can both lure and retrieve ducks.

Unique Hunting Dog The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was long considered an insider tip.

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever has a unique hunting technique and is considered intelligent, energetic, and strongly bonded to its family.

Territorial Behavior The Dog Keeps Barking at the Garden Fence? Here's What an Expert Recommends

When the dog barks at the fence, it annoys not only the neighbors. Dog trainer Katharina Marioth explains the causes and offers specific tips for solutions.

Sabine Kaiser understands what animals feel—and what they truly need. Animal communicators have been experiencing a boom for years, even though their abilities cannot be proven.

PETBOOK Interview Animal Medium: "For me, it was always completely normal to communicate with animals in my thoughts."

What Can an Animal Communicator Really Do? PETBOOK Tried It–and Was Surprised by What the Dog and Cat Apparently Had to Say.

Hard to Hold! Kanaan–One of the Rarest Dog Breeds Worldwide

The rare Canaan Dog is a vigilant companion from Israel and is considered one of the oldest dog breeds, known for its demanding care requirements.

Maltese on the Exam Table at the Veterinarian

10-Year Study New Study Reveals Which Dogs Have the Highest Cancer Risk

A new study from Spain provides a comprehensive overview, for the first time, of which dogs have an increased risk of cancer.

The miniature poodle is a small breed within the poodle family that originated in Germany.

Smart Multitalent Why Toy Poodles Are More Than Just Family Pets

The miniature poodle is an intelligent family dog known for its diverse coat and adaptable nature, and it also makes an excellent therapy dog.

Cats ›

Collage Featuring Cat Paw and Portrait of Saskia Schneider (Circle)

Nekteso Trend from Japan Can You Read a Cat's Personality From Its Paw? Expert Explains

Nekteso is an unusual trend from Japan that claims to interpret the character of cats based on their paw pads. But what’s really behind it?

Spoiled and Pampered? 13 Signs Your Cat Is in Charge at Home

Our cats are often spoiled because we let them get away with almost anything. PETBOOK explains how owners can recognize this.

Rare Beauty Singapura: What You Should Know About Keeping the Smallest Domestic Cat Breed

The Singapura captivates with its exotic origins, silky coat color, and pronounced social behavior.

Expert on Common Mistakes Your Cat Isn't Playing? Here's What You're Doing Wrong

Many owners claim, "My cat doesn't play!" But this is rarely the case. PETBOOK explains what's really behind this behavior.

Do Not Ignore Your Cat Runs to the Bathroom Often? It Could Be Life-Threatening

If a cat starts using the litter box more frequently than usual, it could be a sign of potentially life-threatening urethral blockage.

Attentive and Eager to Learn Why Siamese Cats Are Considered the Dogs of Cat Breeds

With its striking blue eyes and contrasting point coat pattern, the Siamese cat is one of the most distinctive cat breeds in the world.

Small pets ›

A rabbit is showing clear symptoms of myxomatosis.

First Time Also in European Hares New Cases of Rabbit Plague in Germany! Pets Also at Risk

Myxomatosis is a serious disease, also known as rabbit plague. Rabbits or hares can become infected.

A rabbit is in the arms of a veterinarian and shows signs of pain.

Hidden Suffering How to Tell if Rabbits Are in Pain

Rabbits skillfully hide their pain. However, there are now several ways to detect whether a rabbit is in pain.

A rabbit sits on the meadow, nibbling on a celery.

Tips and First Aid How to Protect Rabbits From Overheating in Summer

Rabbits are also prone to overheating in the summer and need protection. PETBOOK provides an overview of the most important measures and tips.

A guinea pig sticks its nose in the air and shows its teeth

"Popcorning", purring, single file, ... 9 funny guinea pig behaviors and what they mean

Guinea pigs sometimes display quite funny behavior. What's behind "popcorning", the goose march and others?

Editor Offers Tips How to Keep Rabbits Engaged and Active

Keeping rabbits entertained is not complicated and should not be overlooked for more variety and munching fun.

Heart Attacks and Related Conditions These Are the Reasons Why Guinea Pigs Suddenly Die

Guinea pigs are popular pets because they are easy to keep and quickly become trusting. PETBOOK explains the reasons they suddenly die.

Horses ›

Painful Condition How Mauke Develops in Horses and What Owners Should Know

Mud Fever in Horses: The Inflammatory Skin Condition That Should Be Detected Early and Treated with Targeted Care

Unusual Hair Growth Why Some Horses Have a Mustache

A horse with a mustache is an unusual sight—but not as rare as you might think. PETBOOK explains the amusing phenomenon behind it.

Common Illness Recognizing and Treating Laminitis in Horses

Laminitis is a painful and common condition in horses. It should be identified early to ensure successful treatment.

Between Profit and Animal Welfare Torturous Breeding in Horses? More Common Than You Think!

When people think of breeding for extreme traits, they often consider specific dog or cat breeds. However, there are also cases of such breeding practices among horses.

The horse takes a treat from the handler's hand.

Groundbreaking Study Decoding Horse Expressions: What Their Faces Reveal About Play, Conflict, and Friendship

The facial expressions of horses have been thoroughly examined for the first time in a study. PETBOOK presents the groundbreaking results.

Legal Regulations Safely Navigating Traffic on Horseback

When riding a horse in traffic, there are several rules to follow. You even have to "signal." PETBOOK gives an overview of the rules.

Birds ›

Study Shows Clever Cockatoos Master Drinking Fountains – How the Birds Adapt to Urban Life

Cockatoos in Sydney Learn to Open Public Drinking Fountains–Researchers Study Technique and Social Behavior

Ornithologist Explains 7 Exciting Facts About Corvids

Corvids are considered mysterious and secretive, but they are very intelligent. An ornithologist reveals 7 fascinating facts about Corvids.

Three Coconut Lorikeets on a branch (isolated)

Colorful Parrot Birds Origin, Husbandry, and Care of the Nectar-Feeding Coconut Lorikeets

The coconut lorikeet is a colorful parrot that is popular as a pet, but poses challenges due to its diet. Read about its care on PETBOOK.

Study Shows Cockatoos Season Their Pasta with Vegan Blueberry Yogurt

Cockatoos like to season their pasta with a somewhat strange dip - namely vegan blueberry yogurt. This is shown in a study.

Evolution Why Birds Are Actually Reptiles

Birds and reptiles are two classes of animals, right? No, because they actually belong inseparably together, as researchers have long known.

Bird species from Australia Keeping and caring for diamond doves as pets

Diamond doves are very small birds that can be kept as pets. However, they also have special requirements to feel comfortable in human care.

Aquarium & terrarium ›

For Garden and Balcony What Animals Can Be Kept in a Small Pond?

A small pond enhances a garden or balcony without requiring construction. But what animals can be kept in it?

Helmeted Basilisk on a Branch in the Rainforest

Reptile with Ambition A Basilisk as a Pet? How to Properly Care for It in a Terrarium

The helmeted basilisk is a popular reptile in pet ownership—but it has specific requirements for its terrarium and feeding.

Common Musk Turtle Why This Turtle Smells–Yet Makes a Great Pet

Small, resilient, and quaint: Everything about the care, maintenance, and unique traits of the musk turtle—including its characteristic odor secretion.

Popular Reptile Proper Care for the Painted Turtle Chrysemys picta and Its Four Subspecies

The Painted Turtle—Chrysemys picta and its four subspecies—are popular pets in terrarium keeping. Here's what you should consider.

Aquatic Inhabitant Proper Care and Maintenance of the Cumberland Slider Turtle

The Cumberland slider is a beautiful but demanding reptile and cannot be kept by just anyone.

"Mini Dinosaurs" of Pets How to Keep the Plumed Basilisk in a Rainforest Terrarium

Everything about the care, diet, and terrarium of the plumed basilisk: An exotic lizard that can even run on water.

Wildlife ›

Burmese Python (Python molurus bivittatus)

Special Intestinal Cells Scientists Solve Mystery of How Burmese Pythons Digest Entire Skeletons

Burmese pythons devour their prey whole—skin, bones, and all—and even digest the skeleton. Researchers have now uncovered how.

Val, an adult male chimpanzee, exhibits the "grass-in-ear" behavior.

Behavioral Study Shows Chimpanzees Stick Grass in Ears and Rear Because It's a "Trend"

A research team observed chimpanzees suddenly starting to wear grass blades in their ears or even in their rectums.

Bees approaching their hive with pollen baskets on their legs

After Incident in France Why Are Bees Suddenly Attacking People? Expert Explains Reasons

In France, bees attacked 24 people. But why did the insects strike? Beekeeper and biologist Saskia Schneider discusses possible causes.

One of the famous Bournemouth goats on East Cliff with the beach and pier in the background

Animal Internet Stars Why a Herd of Goats Became a Tourist Attraction in Bournemouth

At the spectacular cliffs of Bournemouth, an unusual attraction is causing a stir: goats grazing here are drawing tourists in droves.

Two orcas touching each other with their mouths

Observed in Nature for the First Time Orcas Exchange "Tongue Kisses"–The Reason Is Surprising

Orcas and French Kisses? Yes, this behavior does exist. However, it has only been observed in animals in captivity until now.

Dangerous Discovery in Vacation Paradise Mysterious 'Blue Dragon' Appears off Mallorca

For the first time since 1705, the dangerous sea snail Glaucus atlanticus, better known as the "Blue Dragon," has been spotted near Mallorca.

Animal protection ›

Collage featuring two animal shelter employees with a dog in a kennel and a portrait of PETBOOK author Manuela Lieflaender with her dog Elvis (in a circle)

"Adopt, Don’t Shop" Trend PETBOOK Author Criticizes: "Anyone Who Goes to a Breeder for a Dog Becomes a Target"

"Adopt, don't shop" means prioritizing adopting dogs from animal shelters. However, this ideology has completely changed people's mindset.

Study Examines How Religion Shapes Our View of Animals

Family Member or Livestock? How We View Animals Depends on Religion and Upbringing, Study Shows

Dogs and cats are set to receive increased protection under future EU animal welfare regulations.

Ban on Cruel Breeding Practices Enacted EU Parliament Approves Stricter Animal Welfare Rules

Stricter Regulations for Pets Approved: Microchip Requirement and Trade Regulation Aim to Curb Illegal Puppy Trade

Animal Rights Activists Appalled Why Australia Culled Over 700 Koalas

More than 700 koalas were culled in an Australian national park. The government defends the controversial action as a protective measure.

Criticism of Tradition "That's Animal Cruelty!" Uwe Ochsenknecht Protests Bullfighting in PETA Campaign

Uwe Ochsenknecht raises his voice for a campaign by the animal rights organization PETA against bullfighting in Mallorca.

Popular Leisure Trend Are Alpaca Walks Animal-Friendly? PETBOOK Writer Shares Experiences

Online, they are promoted as a leisure activity and an opportunity to slow down: alpaca hikes. But are they animal-friendly?