Saskia Schneider

Dr. rer. nat. Saskia Schneider

Managing Editor

Dr. Saskia Schneider holds a doctorate in biology. During her studies at the Freie Universität of Berlin, she focused on zoology and animal behavior. In addition to training as an editor, she completed training as a behavioral consultant with a focus on cats at the Academy for Applied Animal Psychology and Animal Behavior Training in Switzerland. She is always accompanied by her Pomeranian Yumi - in her home office, her two cats Nairobi and Sweety also support her in her work on the articles. Immer mit dabei ist Zwergspitzhündin Yumi - im Home-Office unterstützen sie zudem die zwei Katzen Nairobi und Sweety bei der Arbeit an den Artikeln.

My main topics

cat behaviour dog behavior insects News from science and research

World's Smallest Snake (Tetracheilostoma carlae)

Tiny Survival Artist The World's Smallest Snake Is Barely Wider Than a Piece of Spaghetti

After nearly 20 years, the world's smallest snake has been rediscovered in Barbados. Here's why this find is significant.

Behavior, Stages of Dying, Saying Goodbye How to Tell if Your Cat Is Nearing the End

Saying goodbye is one of the hardest phases of living with a pet. How to recognize when a cat is dying and how to support it.

Border collie does its business on the meadow

Behavior Explained Why Does My Dog Stare at Me While Pooping?

Many wonder: Why does my dog stare at me while pooping or peeing? A dog trainer reveals the reason behind this eye contact.

Pinned-back ears and a fixed stare: This cat clearly shows it is not enjoying the situation.

Expert Provides Insight Cat-Spanking: Is the Social Media Trend Still Fun or Already Animal Cruelty?

In "cat spanking," cats are hit on the rear—supposedly because they "love" it. However, in most cases, the opposite is true.

Grass Snake (Natrix natrix) with protruding tongue

Germany's Snake Number 1 What Happens When a Grass Snake Bites?

PETBOK explains whether the grass snake (Natrix natrix) is venomous and why it is an important animal in our local ecosystem.

Bedbugs hide in the corner of the mattress.

Study Reveals Amazing Discovery! This Weakness Could Stop Bedbugs

Researchers have now discovered something that bedbugs fear—and it's something everyone has at home.

Expert Advises Caution Why You Shouldn't Lift Snails by Their Shells

Is it really harmful to pick up snails by their shells? PETBOOK consulted a snail expert to explain the proper way to do it.

Hierarchy Among Cats: One Cat Places Its Paw on the Head of Another, Younger Cat

Expert Explains Is There a Hierarchy Among Cats?

Cats clearly show each other who's in charge, but is there a fixed hierarchy among them?

Bizarre Sea Creatures Sea Cucumbers Throw Guts at Enemies–and Don't Even Have a Brain

Sea cucumbers lead an inconspicuous life, but these crawling creatures have a lot going on! PETBOOK presents 12 fascinating facts about them.

Giant European House Spider (Tegenaria gigantea, Tegenaria atrica), Female, Germany

Did You Know? How Long Do Spiders Actually Live?

Whether in the basement or the shed, there's always a corner where spiders lurk. PETBOOK reveals how long spiders actually live.

Australian Cattle Dog Looks Out the Window

Dog Trainer Provides Answers How Long Can I Leave My Dog Alone?

Leaving a dog alone for eight hours a day: Is it possible? A dog trainer explains the consequences and alternatives.

Rare black adder just awakened from hibernation

Black Snakes in Germany Rare but Deadly: How Dangerous Is the "Hell Viper"?

The "hell viper" is one of Germany's rarest snakes. Why some vipers are black and why there's no need to fear them.

Western Montpellier snake (Malpolon monspessulanus) eats another snake

"Ouroboros" Phenomenon Why Do Snakes Bite Their Own Tails?

Why Do Snakes Bite Their Own Tails? A Biologist Explains Causes, Risks, and What Owners Should Do in an Emergency

Guidelines and Tips Flying With Your Dog or Cat: What You Need to Know

If you're planning to travel by plane with a dog or cat, it's important to plan ahead. PETBOOK offers tips for a safe and as stress-free as possible journey.

Close-up of a caiman (Caiman crocodilus) in the dark

Many consider it a myth Were Crocodiles Really Found in the Sewers?

Crocodiles in New York Sewers: Fact or Fiction? Rumors have long circulated that crocodiles inhabit the sewers of New York. But is there any truth to this urban legend? PETBOOK investigates.

A fungus named after David Attenborough turns spiders into zombies.

Horror From the Basement Will the "Zombie" Spider Come to Europe?

A mysterious fungus turns spiders into bizarre, living "zombies." First discovered in Ireland, it has now also been spotted in the U.S.

From Hamster to Shark These Animals Eat Their Own Kind—for Good Reason

Cannibalism is widespread in the animal kingdom. PETBOOK explains why this behavior is not "cruel" but even evolutionarily sensible.

Sharks Underwater with Surfer at the Surface

11 Shark Myths Examined Do Sharks Really Need to Keep Swimming to Avoid Suffocating?

Do Sharks Really Need to Keep Swimming to Avoid Suffocating? PETBOOK Investigates This and Other Common Myths