June 24/2026

                                  

These Adorable Toy Dog Breeds Are Like Owning A Puppy Forever

By Asia Mayfield  

Aug. 31/ 2025 

All dogs are lovable & cute, but puppies are especially adorable. Their meltingly sweet eyes, tiny bodies, & zany energy can be irresistible, but some of that puppy charm naturally changes as the dog gets older — unless, of course, you have a toy breed at your side. Toy breeds are easy to spot because they weigh under 10 pounds even as adults, looking like puppies their entire lives.

Many toy breeds were bred to be companions, so they can act like loving puppies, too. Historically, toy breeds were often found in royal households across Europe & Asia, & they're known for being affectionate & inquisitive. Now, city dwellers are most likely to be associated with these tiny dogs, as their size & friendly demeanor make them perfect for apartments. In fact, toy breeds are so adaptable that you can find one to fit almost any lifestyle. You might even see a teensy chihuahua being carried in a purse or a fluffy dog like a Pomeranian being pushed in a stroller. Ultimately, people fawn over these toy breeds because they retain their puppy aura forever, & we're breaking down 15 unique dogs from this category in case you want to join the toy train.

The Chinese crested is small, playful dog breed that loves people

Someone with a Chinese crested dog will rarely have the biggest pooch at the dog park, but they might have the most noticeable one. Chinese crested dogs can be hairless with spotted skin & a few long tufts of hair, or they can have a silky, elegant coat. Either way, they're visually striking & bound to get attention. The breed's unique looks alone are enough to justify a fan club, but it has something even better: incredible energy & a charming, puppy-like personality.

Members of the r/chinesecrested Subreddit frequently describe their dogs as "loving" & "smart." Many even call their furry companions "Velcro dogs" because they're so loyal & attached. Puppies can sleep for up to 20 hours & then spend just a handful of hours interacting with its favorite humans. An adult Chinese crested might spend even more time engaging with people because it sleeps less & doesn't desire much alone time.

Pomeranians are the cutest fluffballs

Adopting a Pomeranian means you'll never have to worry about your adorable puppy outgrowing your lap. Even the largest pom typically weighs less than 8 pounds. Looks-wise, these tiny fluffballs can be mistaken for puppies their entire lives, & if you're unfamiliar with adult Pomeranians, you could even play with one and think you were romping with a puppy. It's easy to be fooled by the abundant charm & affectionate nature.

Pomeranians are so playful & cute that the top Pom on Instagram, Jiffpom, has almost 9 million followers! One fan said Jiffpom is "an actual walking stuffed animal & we're in love," another called him "the most adorable doggie ever." He's appeared on TV, in a movie, & in Katy Perry's "Dark Horse" music video. At 15 years old, Jiffpom is the perfect example of the breed's enduring puppy-ish appeal.

Toy poodles are one of the most iconic small dog breeds

The poodle has the refined beauty of an aristocrat, but don't let its regal bearing give you the wrong idea. Full-sized poodles are champion swimmers that were bred to hunt ducks. Toy poodles are too little to be effective hunters, but they retain classic poodle athleticism. They're tiny, fluffy balls of energy that are especially beloved because they act like puppies forever. They're eager & curious, & they're even rated "lovey-dovey" by the American Kennel Club!

If that weren't enough, toy poodles are also incredibly smart. Groups dedicated to the breed often highlight how these dogs are easy to train & almost seem human. Some pet parents even say that having a poodle is like having a toddler. "Having a poodle is more akin to having an intelligent child rather than a dog," one person wrote on the r/poodles Subreddit. This intelligence is another reason why your toy poodle might remind you of a puppy for life. It's always happy to learn, just like a pup that's still figuring out its world.

Cavalier King Charles spaniels have been beloved small dogs for centuries

If you love Cavalier King Charles spaniels, you're in good company. Floppy-eared & full of spunk, these eternal puppies have been adored by royalty. King Charles II of England loved his spaniels so much that he took them to court meetings, & their bond is cemented in the breed's name. Queen Victoria was also enamored with spaniels. She fell in love with a King Charles Spaniel named Dash, who acted like the queen's shadow, following her everywhere & receiving royal treatment. The dog was even a popular painting subject at the time, so you can still be charmed by his endearing good looks.

The 19th century might have had Dash, but we have Instagram-famous Cavalier King Charles spaniels like Penny & Pippin. Penny is 9 years old & just as cute now as when she was a puppy, while Pippin is nearly 3 & so stinkin' adorable. You'll love this breed's personality as well. People describe Cavalier King Charles spaniels as cuddle bugs that are happy around kids, strangers, & other dogs. They tend to act like sweet, trusting puppies forever.

Havanese dogs are tiny and require a lot of attention

Are you searching for a cuddle buddy? Try adopting a Havanese. These dogs may not be the most energetic among the toy breeds, but it would be hard to find friendlier creatures. Their exuberant warmth is as comforting as a puppy's, whether they're 1 year old or 10. They also love to play, happily starting a game with you, your neighbors, your kids, or anyone else they encounter. Small breeds are sometimes great watchdogs, but the Havanese is far too sociable & fun to play that role well.

Visually, these dogs almost look like cartoon puppies because they're so cute. Their tiny size helps, but that's not the only reason they seem to have eternal youth on their side. Havanese dogs have endearing faces that are often turned lovingly toward their families, just as puppies eagerly watch their moms. But instead of trying to learn from you, a Havanese keeps its eye on you because it loves you & wants to please. Users on the r/Havanese Subreddit share that they rarely leave their "Velcro dogs" for more than 6 hours at a time because the dogs need attention, but they can be trained to spend several hours without you.

Pekingese dogs are one of the most mischievous toy breeds

Legend says that Pekingese dogs are lions turned small by the Buddha. Their long, puffy hair can even resemble a lion's mane from a distance, but these tiny dogs are much gentler than big cats. Pekingese are known for being intelligent, affectionate, & quite opinionated. Combine these traits with their diminutive stature, & you get a breed that stays like a puppy forever. The Pekingese also has the mischievousness of a spunky puppy. A dog like a Havanese will adapt to any situation & happily greet new people, while a pekingese may avoid small children & stick to its family.

Part of the joy of having a puppy is that you get a loyal best friend who lives for cuddling & can fit in your lap. When you adopt a Pekingese, you can experience that joy throughout the dog's entire life. That's why these dogs are often brought to stores & restaurants. For instance, famous figures like Elizabeth Taylor & Joan Rivers were known for going about in public with their Pekingese pups.

Papillons are a small but athletic dog breed

If you look at their large, adorable ears, it's no surprise that Papillons are inquisitive creatures. They hear everything, & they want to be involved, just like puppies. They were originally bred to be the companions of rich & titled Renaissance-era women who wanted small, good-natured pets. These dogs resemble puppies because that's the look that the noblewomen wanted. However, despite their teensy size, Papillons have quite the rugged streak. They're rough-&-tumble dogs that flourish in most environments & are extremely athletic. If you want to see a Papillon in action, just go to a dog show. You're sure to find one zipping through an obstacle course.

If you prefer to fawn over the breed's calmer characteristics, head to Instagram & follow the antics of 4-year-old Bimba. She's not a puppy anymore, but she still has all of her youthful good looks. Most pictures even show the big, puppy-like smile that fans adore.

Russian toy dogs balance cuteness with high energy

The Russian toy is among the smallest dogs on this list. Its maximum healthy weight is just 6.5 pounds. Looking at one of these tiny canines can evoke the same emotions that looking at a puppy does, regardless of the Russian toy's age. In both cases, there's a sense of sweetness & vulnerability. Russian toys are so dainty & fine-boned that you have to be careful about keeping them around small children. Little ones can unintentionally hurt this breed by being too rough with it.

Russian toys are delicate, yet they're also fairly energetic & sprightly. A happy Russian toy can keep you entertained all day with bouts of dog zoomies & bouncy play. One pet parent even claimed on the r/terrier Subreddit that they've "never" met a "lazy [Russian toy]." Don't worry about having to go on long walks or grueling treks, though. Because they're the size of little puppies, it doesn't take much to exercise a Russian toy. A 20-minute walk & a few games of fetch in the living room are enough to keep them healthy & happy.

Maltese dogs will make you want to pet them all the time

Maltese dogs are almost as small as Russian toys, with the average adult weighing less than 7 pounds. You might even find a fully grown, healthy Maltese that weighs just 4 pounds. The breed's minuscule size & devoted nature are reminiscent of a puppy in all the best ways. Owners on the r/Maltese Subreddit say their dogs look like puppies & have the "cutest sad puppy eye look." You can emphasize your dog's young look even more by giving your Maltese a short puppy cut. These dogs naturally have long, silky white hair that trails on the ground, & the puppy cut keeps their hair short & easy to manage.

The Maltese looks like a canine model, but it's the dog's personality that's especially lovable. They're spirited, obedient, & very affectionate. You'll be enchanted by this breed if you want a furry companion that lives to be on your lap. With the Maltese, you get to relish its puppy-like behavior into old age.

Miniature pinschers stay fun & little for their whole lives

If you want a dog that will always look like a puppy but aren't a fan of lovey-dovey lap dogs, adopt a miniature pinscher. This feisty breed was once used to hunt rats, & it hasn't lost its athleticism. Having a min pin, as they're often lovingly called, means committing to giving them ample exercise. They're happy in apartments but don't want to lounge on the couch forever; after all, they're one of the most active dog breeds! The miniature pinscher is also sometimes called the "king of toys" due to its courageous & confident personality.

Don't worry; these independent dogs are still very attached to their humans. They won't cling to you, but they love being in your presence. And if you're amused by erratic puppies, you'll find a lot to appreciate in this breed. Pet parents on the r/minpin Subreddit say their adult dogs remain spry even in old age & have "loads of energy at all times." These dogs are pretty social, too. Max, a popular min pin on Instagram, is 10 years old & often pictured riding in strollers & exploring new places.

Pugs were bred to be an adorable toy dog breed

Pugs have a royal lineage that stretches back thousands of years. Many people know that the pug was an official mascot for Holland's House of Orange, but before it reached Europe, this squat-faced, muscular dog sat alongside Chinese emperors. You shouldn't expect a calm, dignified creature if you adopt a pug, however. They tend to act like happy, curious puppies all the time. Owners on the r/pugs Subreddit say their dogs are "Velcro dogs" who would willingly spend every waking moment with their families. One warns that even going to the bathroom becomes a group activity when pugs are involved. "But never have I ever encountered a creature that loves & trusts its human so absolutely," another shared.

Pugs will happily shower you with attention, but you can be warmed by the pug's appearance, too. They have the eternal puppy look that so many dog lovers appreciate. Chinese breeders bred pugs to have wrinkles, so their flat faces are tiny like a puppy's but still very unique.

Biewer terriers are a gentle & playful toy dog breed

Biewer terriers resemble puppies so much that their behavior is widely seen as reminiscent of children. They're happy to play with you or entertain themselves with their own silliness. Biewer terriers are the perfect dogs to play games like hide & seek with because they're extremely intelligent & fun, yet their play has a mellow quality that's rare in toy breeds. They're easy-going & playful rather than hyper. Members of the Friends of Rocky Mountain Biewer Terriers Facebook group are effusive with their praise, calling the breed "precious," "doll"-like, & "sweet."

These dogs resemble what they are: tiny terriers with black button noses. The length of their coat depends on your preferences. If you're willing to keep up with the maintenance, you can have a Biewer terrier with impressive, flowing hair. If you're not, you can make your Biewer terrier look more like a puppy & give it a short cut.

Shih Tzus are one of the cutest toy dog breeds around

The people-pleasing shih tzu is another long-haired show dog with gorgeous looks & an appealing personality. The puppy comparison is almost automatic because of the breed's extreme sweetness. Shih tzus are perfectly happy to spend all day cuddling with their favorite people. They're pretty much the ultimate lap dogs. They love being with family so much that many pet parents bring their shih tzus along when running errands. The Shih Tzus of Instagram group regularly features images of tiny shih tzus in stores & crowded human spaces.

All that loving energy comes with a slight downside, however. Shih tzus can suffer from separation anxiety, a condition that frequently strikes young puppies. Many toy breeds are susceptible to separation anxiety, but the delicate & sensitive shih tzus may be especially so. Fortunately, they're very comfortable around kids & other dogs, so there are plenty of potential playmates you can provide them with. You can even try out some puzzle games to keep your dog mentally stimulated between games of fetch. The breed's small legs mean it doesn't need much exercise!

Chihuahuas are a temperamental breed, but it's worth it

The itty-bitty chihuahua is one of the oldest breeds in the Americas. Its weight typically tops out at 6 pounds, meaning it has puppyish features for life. In fact, the chihuahua is so tiny that it's the poster child for the dogs-in-purses craze. On the r/Chihauhua Subreddit, one owner explained that they used to think people who carried the little dogs around in purses were silly & annoying the animals but have since realized that many dogs actually love that method of travel. Their own dog hops into their purse whenever they stand near the front door now!

Chihuahuas accept being inside purses because they cherish the closeness to their special humans. This is a devoted & loyal breed that understands its role as a lap dog. However, it isn't quite as universally friendly as some toy breeds. Chihuahuas aren't necessarily the best dog breed to have around kids & strangers. Early socialization can potentially make this better, with some pet parents even recommending spending a full year focusing on socializing your pup.

Yorkshire terriers are an energetic yet loving toy dog breed

To see why Yorkshire terriers are on this list, just look at Ducky's Instagram. Ducky is a senior Yorkie living the good life in Los Angeles. He's overwhelmingly cute & still gets comments asking if he's a puppy, which is normal for this breed. Big-eared Bally from the r/Yorkies Subreddit was over 15 years old & still playing energetic games of fetch in a 2023 video. When they're not romping, Yorkshire terriers are cuddly creatures who thrive in human company. They're a little bit mischievous, too, so you'll never be bored.

When you look at a Yorkshire terrier, you see a true representative of canine beauty. The dog's glorious, floor-length coat makes it a dog-show regular, while its attentive little face has classic terrier charm. Like most long-haired breeds, it looks more like a puppy with short hair. Long-haired Yorkies exude refinement & grace rather than impish puppy glee.

Read More: https://www.cuteness.com/1952097/adorable-toy-dog-breeds-like-owning-puppy-forever/

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June 17/2026

                                

How the Enchanting, Elusive Pink Fairy Armadillo Became One Scientist’s Obsession

by James Hall

Jan. 26/ 2023

In the arid desert of Argentina’s Mendoza Province, Mariella Superina waits patiently for a fantastic creature to emerge from its lair beneath the sands. Her quarry, the pink fairy armadillo (Chlamyphorus truncatus), looks like it could have scurried straight out of the illuminated pages of a medieval bestiary. The animal’s shell, paws, & tail are a vibrant bubblegum pink that contrasts with its silky, milk-white fur & black eyes. About the size of a hamster—a mere 6 inches from head to tail & weighing just a quarter of a pound—it’s the smallest of all armadillo species. It’s found only in Argentina, in a broad swathe of sunbaked scrubland that stretches from the foothills of the Andes to the coastal province of Buenos Aires. And that is about all we know of these wondrous animals. “They are a total enigma… We don’t even know if they are common or rare,” says Superina.

In fact, some people doubt whether they’re even real. “The first question that hits on Google is, ‘Do pink fairy armadillos exist?’” says evolutionary biologist Simon Watts, author of We Can’t All Be Pandas (Ugly Animal Preservation Society). “‘Pink fairy armadillo’ does frankly sound fictitious.”

Watts, whose podcasts & tv shows champion the less charismatic members of the animal world, doesn’t count the pink fairy armadillo as one of his unsung uglies—between its cotton candy colors & curious name, he says, “people tend to be fascinated when they hear of them.”

Instant fascination was certainly Superina’s reaction the first time she saw one of the tiny mammals. “I was speechless,” she says. “At that moment I knew I wanted to learn everything I could about it. It became an obsession.”

Originally from Switzerland, Superina began studying armadillos in western Argentina 25 years ago. Today, she leads an international team that monitors global populations of anteaters, sloths, & armadillos but, thanks to her pink fairy armadillo obsession, she has also become the leading expert on the diminutive & enigmatic animal. She even hosted a live pink fairy armadillo—which turned out to be a real diva—in her living room in the name of science.

Studying the animal in its natural habitat, however, has eluded her—& everyone else. For centuries the armadillo has evaded the most determined scientists; even Charles Darwin failed to collect a specimen during his visit to Argentina. The pink fairy remains as mysterious as its name suggests because of its subterranean lifestyle, the result of adaptation to a changing environment millions of years ago.

That’s when global climate patterns shifted, transforming the Andean foothills from grasslands into semi-arid deserts. As its habitat became less hospitable, the pink fairy’s ancestor retreated from the surface, evolving into a burrowing, or fossorial, animal. “Burrowing habits tend to appear when habitats become open, going from tree cover to grasslands or deserts, or when they get really hot,” said the University of Oregon’s Samantha Hopkins, who studies small mammal evolution, in an email.

Underground, in the absence of predators, most of the pink fairy’s shell softened, losing its defensive function. It serves instead as an air conditioning system: In hot weather, the armadillo flushes its shell with blood, radiating heat & cooling down its core body temperature. Using its brawny foreclaws, the armadillo burrows through the sandy soil hunting for worms & insects. As it digs, it uses its armored butt plate to compact the loose soil in its wake, shoring up tunnels to prevent collapses.

The elusive armadillo does appear above ground, when excessive rainfall—unusual in this desert region—floods its burrows. But the sight of a pink fairy is so rare that, “Octogenarians who have lived all of their lives in these rural areas (may have) seen this animal only once or twice,” says Guillermo Ferraris, a provincial ranger who works primarily in wildfire management. “But they never forget it.”

When the pink fairy armadillo does leave its subterranean sanctuary, it encounters a bewildering & perilous world. Towns & vineyards are gradually replacing what was once vast scrubland. Herds of feral goats overgraze vegetation & compact the soil under their hoofs, hindering the armadillo’s ability to dig its burrows. Oil fields & asphalt roads busy with trucks & cars bisect the desert landscape, isolating armadillos from one another.

Out of their element, pink fairy armadillos are highly vulnerable to speeding cars & predators, including dogs & cats. Sometimes, however, Superina gets a call: A live armadillo has turned up. She rushes to the scene to collect data vital to understanding the species. “It’s always a magical experience to see a pink fairy armadillo in the flesh, up close, but I put my awe to one side because we have to work fast to avoid causing any unnecessary stress, so we can immediately release the animal,” she says.

On one occasion several years ago, however, she did take one of the rescued animals home. The provincial department of natural resources had requested her help: The idea was that, by studying the basic needs of an animal under her care, Superina could improve the chances of successfully rehabilitating injured armadillos, so they could be released back into the wild. Despite being obsessed with the armadillo, it was not an easy sell for Superina.

“At first, I refused because these animals are very sensitive & usually die within a few days,” she says. “But then I realized that, for their conservation, we need to understand if it’s possible to keep them alive in captivity.”

Even now, as she recalls the event, she stresses that it’s not only illegal but also unethical to keep the animals as pets. Undertaking her role as armadillo caregiver required a special permit—& some serious home renovation. Ferraris, Superina’s partner, built a huge, sand-filled terrarium for the armadillo in their living room, creating natural hiding places & setting up infrared cameras to record its behavior. “It was quite an experience,” says Superina, laughing. “Our lives revolved around this pink fairy armadillo. We couldn’t go anywhere because we had to be in the house every night to care for it, & study its behavior.”

The unusual houseguest was rather demanding. Superina brought it a variety of insects & worms, but the pink fairy turned up its pale nose at everything offered. Undeterred, the scientist tried one idea after the next. Finally, 36 meticulously-prepared recipes later, the armadillo tucked into a meal that apparently satisfied its gourmet tastes: a premium brand of cat food mixed with finely mashed banana, & sprinkled liberally with insectivore pellets. The finicky fairy would leave its burrow to eat the food at exactly 9 p.m. each night.

“If only the slightest thing was moved in the terrarium, the armadillo would start scurrying around making this eerie, high-pitched scream until everything was put back exactly in the same place,” says Superina.

Her fussy subject, alas, lived only 8 months, but the experiment provided valuable information about how to care for injured individuals during rehabilitation. Learning about the animal in the wild, however, remains difficult.

The pink fairy is particularly problematic because standard field observation techniques are of limited use. Radio transmitters used for tracking mammals, for example, are usually attached by placing collars around the neck; the armadillo’s body shape makes this nearly impossible. So Superina decided to use special glue to fasten a tiny radio transmitter to the pink fairy armadillo’s armored rear.

When a farmer found one of the animals out & about, “We went & attached a transmitter & released it back into the desert,” Superina says. “And off it went, looking like a little bumper car with the antennae trailing behind.” The next morning they found the tracks in the sand & began following the signal to look for the animal—only to discover that the transmitter had fallen off while it was digging itself back underground. She’s now exploring other options to track the armadillos, including one that relies on an animal that is usually more foe than friend to the pink fairy: the dog.

Superina is working with an organization that has successfully trained scent detection dogs in Africa to track down another secretive, armored insectivore: the pangolin. Superina hopes that a dog could be trained to locate pink fairy armadillos so researchers can fit them with improved radio transmitters.

For Superina, the search for the pink fairy has taken on an added sense of urgency. So little is known about the species that scientists can’t say whether it’s endangered—or how climate change is affecting it. “We just don’t know how these animals are going to cope,” Superina says.

For now, she waits, with a tiny transmitter at the ready, for the next appearance of her obsession. Tracking the animal underground will be a scientific milestone, but, perhaps more importantly, says Superina, it will be “a small step to better understanding this species, its needs, & what it needs from us for its conservation.”

Pink Fairy Armadillo: The Smallest Armadillo Species

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June 10/2026

                                

6 Fun Facts About Puffer Fish

By Janelle Leeson. Reviewed by Maria Zayas, DVM

2/ 21/ 2024

Puffer fish are well-known for their ability to puff themselves up. This defense tactic involves sucking water into their stomach, rendering them too large for predators to eat. Yet, the intrigue surrounding puffer fish goes far beyond their inflating skills.

We took a deep dive with expert fish curators to explore 6 fun facts about puffer fish.

1. There Are Over 190 Different Species of Puffer Fish 

Most puffer fish species are round in shape, but a few are more box-like, says Lizeth Webster, curator of fish & invertebrates at the Long Island Aquarium. If you have a saltwater aquarium, there are plenty of puffer fish species to choose from because most puffers thrive in saltwater. In comparison, there are less than 30 species of freshwater puffer fish.

2. Puffer Fish Don’t Have Scales … or Spines

Puffers are relatives of the spiny porcupinefish. However, where the 2 species differ is that porcupine fish are covered in spines.

“Puffers in fact do not have spines [or scales] on their bodies,” says Webster. “They have rough, textured flesh.” When it comes down to it, though, the spines of porcupine fish & the rough skin of puffers serve as good protection.

3. Puffer Fish Have Teeth

Puffer fish have 2 upper teeth & 2 lower teeth, both sets fused together to form a pointed beak-like structure. But they’re no ordinary teeth—puffer fish teeth form an overbite & continuously grow without routine care.

“To keep their teeth healthy & prevent them from overgrowing, puffers & porcupine fish chew on hard structures like clam shells or shellfish that naturally trim their teeth,” explains Webster. When they’re not fed a diet that includes hard substrates, a puffer fish’s teeth eventually become too large, which prevents them from properly opening their mouths.

4. Puffer Fish Have Strong Jaws

Wild puffer fish eat crustaceans & bivalves, such as crabs, shrimp, & mollusks. In home tanks, puffers are commonly fed prepared diets like fish meal-based pellets.

While convenient, a diet of pellets alone can lead to tooth & lead them to gnaw on aquarium decor. Therefore, Webster recommends adding frozen shrimp & clams or snails to your puffer’s diet. 

Just as intriguing as what puffer fish eat is how they eat it. “Many people who keep large puffers at home often hand-feed them,” says Nathan Farnau, curator of fishes & invertebrates at the Georgia Aquarium. Strong jaws allow puffers to open shells & other hard foods with gusto.

You can also feed your puffer fish live food to give them something to chase. They’re not the fastest swimmers, but they’re agile. Just be sure to keep live food in a separate tank for quarantine before feeding them to your puffer fish.

5. Puffer Fish Are Poisonous

Puffer fish are indeed poisonous & some even pose a lethal threat if eaten or touched.

All puffer fish have a chemical called tetrodotoxin in their liver, sex organs, & skin, although some species of puffers are more toxic than others. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), tetrodotoxin is an “extremely potent poison” that causes paralysis of the muscles. Webster says the northern puffer fish is among the few species with minimal levels of tetrodotoxin.

In general, handling most fish is not recommended because it can stress them out & disrupt their immune system. However, if you must handle your puffer fish, “always wear latex gloves & use a hard container that can accommodate a puffed-up fish,” says Webster. Never ingest aquarium water & ensure other pets can't access it.

6. Puffer Fish Require an Experienced Pet Parent

Puffer fish may not be the ideal fish for beginner aquarists. Farnau describes puffer fish as “very high maintenance.” Here are some important care considerations to keep in mind before bringing a puffer fish home:

They require a specially tailored habitat. Puffers do best in an interactive habitat with caves, arches, & plenty of sturdy structures they can chomp on. Webster says that while coral tanks are nice to look at, puffer fish will simply decimate the structures.

You might need a bigger aquarium than you think. Puffer fish come in a surprising range of sizes. There are minuscule 1-inch cuties like the pea puffer, which require a 20-gallon aquarium for exploration. Then, there are the giants like the Mbu puffer, which can exceed a whopping 2 feet in length & require much larger tanks. Thoroughly research the mature size of your ideal puffer fish species & purchase an appropriately sized tank for their adult size; these fish continue growing even if the tank is too small.

You’ll need a top-notch aquarium filter. Puffers are notoriously messy eaters. It’s recommended to remove any uneaten bits of food after mealtime to help keep the water clean. Even with the best filtration system, expect to clean your filter often & change your puffer’s water frequently.

Always commit to a pet for the span of their life. The lifespan of a puffer fish in captivity averages about 10 years, depending on the species. Farnau urges pet parents to "never acquire a fish without the commitment to meet [their] long-term needs.”

https://www.petmd.com/fish/fun-facts-about-puffer-fish?utm_source=NewsletterSubscribers&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=Newsletter&utm_ca

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June 3/2026

                                 
How To Read a Cat’s Body Language

By Alison Gerken, DVM, DACVB

5/8/2023

Our feline friends have their own cat language to communicate their thoughts & emotions. They use both their body (including their eyes, ears, whiskers, & tail) & their voice to show what they are thinking & feeling. By learning the body language of a cat, we can better understand & fulfill our kitties’ wants & needs.

Note that when you’re interpreting cat body language, consider everything that’s going on around the cat. Put yourself in the cat’s paws & ask how the situation & environment—including the sights, sounds, & smells—might make them feel. For example, if a person is cornering a cat, even unintentionally, the cat might feel scared or threatened. If a cat looks upset for no reason, they may be sick or in pain.

The following are different body language signs that correspond to various emotions in our cats.

Happy Cat Body Language

When a cat is happy, their posture is typically loose, with their limbs & tail stretched out away from their body when lying down. If they are showing their belly, it probably means that they feel safe—though this is not necessarily an invitation for a belly rub! A happy cat might cuddle up next to you or knead you with their paws.

Eyes: The eyes of a happy cat may be round or partially closed, & their pupils narrow like slits. If a cat blinks slowly at you, it means they trust & love you. You can blink slowly back to show them that you love them too!

Ears: Happy cats’ ears are upright & facing forward.

Tail: A tail that is pointed straight up with a curl at the tip is a reliable sign that a cat is happy & confident.

A cat may purr to express their contentment & pleasure, meow when greeting someone or asking for something like food or attention, or trill (which is like a high-pitched purr) to show they are friendly.

Playful Cat Body Language

Cats are predators with a natural instinct to hunt. When they want to play, they may act like they are hunting by crouching down, wiggling their rear-end, & chasing, pouncing on, or grabbing hold of a toy.

Eyes: A playful cat’s eyes will be big & their pupils might be dilated.

Ears: Their ears will be up & facing forward.

Tail: Cats who are engaged in hunting behaviors will often flick their tail from side to side as they watch whatever is captivating their attention. (However, a flicking tail when the cat is not stalking something most likely means that the cat is annoyed.)

Play provides excellent physical & mental enrichment to help keep cats healthy, so provide them with a toy when they act like they want to play.

Stressed Cat Body Language

When a cat is feeling stressed, they may have a stiff & tense body held low to the ground. The cat may also engage in displacement behaviors—meaning normal behaviors (such as licking their lips, scratching, grooming, & yawning) that are performed out of context—to cope with underlying stress. Stressed cats may also urinate or defecate outside of the litter box.

Eyes: A stressed cat’s eyes may appear wide or narrowed.

Ears: Their ears may be rotated to the sides (in an “airplane ears” pose) or angled backward. The whiskers may be held further forward than normal.

Tail: The cat may hold their tail close to their body or thrash & thump it when feeling stressed or annoyed.

If you notice that your cat is stressed, try to identify the cause & remove it, if possible. If you suspect that you may be causing your cat stress, stop the activity or behavior that could be causing this reaction.

Fearful Cat Body Language

In addition to being predators, cats are also prey & may feel scared when they think something might hurt them. In response, they may initially make themselves look smaller by crouching low to the ground & scrunching up their body.

Eyes: A fearful cat’s eyes widen, & their pupils dilate due to the effects of the fight-or-flight response.

Ears: Their ears are often angled backward or sideways. The further back a cat’s ears are pinned, the more terrified they are. Their whiskers may be pulled back flat against their face.

Tail: A fearful cat may wrap their tail tightly around or underneath their body.

When a cat feels threatened, they may growl & hiss to warn the threat to back off. Hissing is mostly an involuntary reflex that occurs when a cat is scared or startled. As their fear increases, cats may let out a loud, drawn-out yowl followed by a shriek to indicate that they are about to defend themselves.

If a cat exhibits body language consistent with fear, remove the threat. Never attempt to pick up a growling or hissing cat, as this may cause a scared cat to resort to aggression. Many cats may seek a safe space when fearful, so their environment should have plenty of hiding spots & perches that they can easily & quickly access.

Aggressive Cat Body Language

Sometimes when a cat believes they are in danger, they may feel they have no other choice but to fight for their safety. They may try to make themselves look as large & as intimidating as possible by arching their back & letting their fur stand up (an involuntary reaction to fear called piloerection).

Eyes: A cat who is about to become aggressive may have widened eyes with enlarged pupils, or their eyes might be narrowed. They may stare directly at their foe to keep the potential danger in sight.

Ears: Their ears will be turned back or flat against their head & their whiskers might be flat against their cheeks or pushed forward.

Tail: They might flick or thrash their tail.

A cat often attempts to avoid resorting to aggression by growling &/or hissing. But if these warnings are not heeded, then a cat may spit, a sudden & explosive burst of noise that is often accompanied with a lunge or swat. Like hissing, spitting is an involuntary reaction.

Signs of aggression are usually obvious to pet parents, but it’s important to remember that a cat showing aggression is not being mean or vindictive—they are panicking. If you see a cat demonstrating these signs, remove the perceived threat & give the cat space.

Sick or Painful Cat Body Language

A cat’s body language doesn’t just provide a lot of information about how the cat feels emotionally—it can also reveal if the cat is sick or in pain. Cats are pros at masking physical illness, so changes in their body language may be the first signs that something is wrong.

When a cat is in pain or sick, they may hunch their body with their legs tucked underneath them. Their body may appear tense.

Eyes: When a cat is sick or in pain, their eyes may be squinted or held shut & may appear dazed or glassy. Sometimes, the cat’s third eyelid, which is pink tissue in the corner of the eyes, may be visible.

Ears: Their ears may be held low or rotated to the sides.

Tail: Their tail may be held underneath or closely wrapped around their body.

Cats may purr due to pain or illness, & an increase in meowing or yowling may signal emotional or physical distress.

If you see any of these changes (or other changes in your cat’s normal behavior such as hiding, aggression, decreased energy, or changes in appetite, grooming, or sociability), take them to the vet.

Understanding a cat’s body language is essential for understanding their emotions & needs, which will make you a better cat parent & advocate for your cat’s well-being.

https://www.petmd.com/cat/behavior/cat-body-language?utm_source=NewsletterSubscribers&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=Newsletter&utm_campaign=Newsletter&utm_source_platfor

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