Even if I don’t have to chase down my next meal, I still enjoy the thrill of the hunt. You see, prowling is how I play, and it’s what helps keep me happy and healthy. My instincts as a predator tell me to chase, swat and pounce. Without a mouse to hunt, a toy is my prey. Sometimes I’m full of energy and need toys that can stand up to all of my clawing and shredding – or I may be more content to skate around the room chasing after a ball or stuffed toy – you know how I like to play best and what toys best suit my personality. Whether I’m diving for dust bunnies or batting around my favorite toy, I master cat behavior basics through daily play. Not to mention, it helps me maintain this buff physique. So what are you waiting for? Come on, let’s play!
Fat Cats Aren't Happy Cats 
A few simple tips on how to ensure that I get enough physical activity to keep me fit and healthy.
Cat Play!
I need active playtime to remain happy and energized. Here are a few fun activities and play ideas to help stimulate my body and mind.
There’s no doubt about it: I sure know how to sleep. My body is designed for short bursts of focused energy to catch my prey – and my sleep patterns reflect that. I may be resting quietly one moment, or even be smack in the middle of a major snooze, and can suddenly burst into top speed, chasing the nearest shadow or imaginary mouse. Because it takes big-time energy for me to move so quickly, I need to regain my energy with lots of catnaps. My favorite spots? High or soft places. In fact, if you don’t give me a soft place to sleep, get ready for me to share your pillow or hunker down on the couch. So who’s ready for a catnap?
Do Cats and Dogs Dream?
Do I dream when I sleep? What do you think I dream about?
Scaredy Cats
Why are some of us shy and how can you help me be more comfortable around people?
Pet Massage
How can I benefit from pet massage, and how can you learn how to do it?
A Soothing Melody
Did you know I can be affected by music just like humans?
I must admit, I have pretty high standards when it comes to my hygiene, health and beauty regimen. But it’s not just to maintain my smashing good looks. Licking myself can help me regulate my body temperature, and my saliva is a natural deodorant so I can remove or restore scents that communicate territory to feline intruders. And the great thing is I have almost everything I need to stay clean: a barbed tongue for licking, forepaws I can moisten with saliva and use as surrogate washcloths and teeth to dig out tougher debris (so very efficient!). But while I do most of the hard work to keep myself clean, I could still use a little assistance to look and feel my best. And that’s where you come in with a little brushing and pampering to help me look and feel my best – or clean up help when I (oops!) have the occasional accident.
Cat Spas
A spa for me? Here’s what to look for in a cat spa if you want to treat me to a day of pampering.
Itching Dogs and Cats
Purina Animal Advice Show Podcast – Season 2, Show #10
Learn about how I can develop food and environmental allergies with Dr. Dennis Cloud of the Cloud Veterinary Center.
What could be better than some exercise and playtime with man’s best friend? Oh, I just love to run, frolic and play. But to me, it is about so much more than fun and games. Daily exercise and active play can be a much-needed release to help expend my pent-up energy and stress. My favorites? I love games that involve tugging, fetching, jumping and chasing. It engages me physically, mentally and emotionally and strengthens my special bond with you. Play and exercise can keep me in tip-top shape, help stimulate my senses and teach me the Ps and Qs of canine etiquette. The right toys can keep me busy and give me a sense of satisfaction and achievement – not to mention they help curb destructive behaviors and attention-seeking antics.
Exercising Your Dog
Here are some tips on how to make sure I’m getting what I need through exercise.
Scared Dogs!
I don’t always see things the way you do.
Pet Wellness
Purina Animal Advice Show Podcast – Season 2, Show #3
Is it possible to give me too much exercise? Find out as Dr. Caroline Gilje and Dr. Dennis Cloud discuss pet wellness and answer caller questions.
While exercise is important to my health and well-being, sometimes I just need to take it easy, rest and recharge my battery. A good snooze and a yummy meal out of my favorite, special bowl can do wonders to improve my mood and overall health and performance. Did you know that counting little naps and longer dozes, I can sleep for as much as 12-14 hours a day? You may think I will sleep anywhere, but I can be pretty particular about where I lay this pretty head of mine for a little dog nap. You see, in the wild, dogs sleep in dens, so it’s natural instinct for me to seek out soft, sheltered places to rest. That’s why the right bed – just like the right kind of food bowl – can mean so much.
A Soothing Melody
Did you know I can be affected by music just like humans?
No matter what you’ve heard, it’s not just what’s on the inside that counts. Or at least not when it comes to dogs. My health and happiness are also dependent on a well cared-for exterior: coat, ears, mouth and nails. Regular brushing, grooming and bathing not only help me maintain my stylish good looks but it can help remove excess hair and dirt, prevent matting, stimulate the blood supply to my skin and decrease my chances of developing other health problems. It can also help you show me affection and be a fun and relaxing bonding time together. And don’t forget my pearly whites – they’re an important part of making sure I’m healthy, too.
Dog Spas
How to choose the right spa if you’re thinking about treating me to a day of pampering.
Dental Care
Here are some simple tips on how to keep my pearly whites healthy and clean.
Pet Dental Care
Purina Animal Advice Show Podcast – Season 2, Show #4
Did you know that you should never use human toothpaste when you brush my teeth? Learn why as Dr. Tony Winkel discusses why we can suffer from similar dental problems to our owners.
Pet Eye Care
Purina Animal Advice Show Podcast – Season 2, Show #6
Is cloudiness in my eyes a warning sign? Find out as Dr. Caroline Gilje of the Barrett Station Veterinary Clinic discusses my eye health.
You know me. I’m all about the running, fetching and tussling around the yard! But you also know I need to learn the rules of the house and be a good member of the family. That’s why housetraining a dog (that’s me) is so important! If you train me with patience and a steady hand, I’ll follow your lead and learn to trust your guidance. Take puppy potty training, for example. If we make a potty schedule for me – and we really stick to it, my body will learn to wait until it’s “go-time.” And when I know what to expect, potty-wise – it’ll help me be calmer, more trusting and better-behaved! And, isn't that what you want in a friend – in addition to an awesome game of catch?
Housetraining 101
Here's a great place to find all the essential information we'll need for our puppy potty training, crate training and lots more!
More Ideas for Housetraining
Did you know that some dogs can be trained to use litter? Yep – it's true! But wherever you teach me to go, you can learn the latest ideas on housetraining a dog right here – from some real experts!