Ask MetaFilter

In November, we got a 2 year old rescue mutt who has gone from a deeply depressed dog to a sweet, silly pup... when my wife and I are both in the house. When it's just one of us - either one - she suddenly becomes something of a standoffish loner. [more inside]
posted by eschatfische at 5:09 AM - 12 answers

One of my cats, S, has become more and more affectionate with age. But one thing that hasn't really changed is that when he's got enough he doesn't just get up and leave, he almost makes a break for it. He'll get all close and purry but - regardless of whether I pet him or not - after only a few minutes he'll make a break for it as if something's after him--especially if he's lying on me or right next to me in bed. Any suggestions as to why? [more inside]
posted by trollnystan at 3:41 PM - 15 answers

My cat may have just peed some blood. I'm stretched to my limit right now. Is there any possibility this isn't a big deal? Details inside. [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 1:43 PM - 18 answers

I know: cats are weird. And maybe that's the only answer here, but on the off chance that it isn't the only answer... here's my question: Lately, one of my cats has started to covet protein bars. He steals them, night and day. But why? [more inside]
posted by LOLAttorney2009 at 6:30 PM - 16 answers

I'm considering adopting a male dog. I've only ever had female pets. What do I need to know? [more inside]
posted by msali at 8:25 AM - 25 answers

I just got a new job. HOORAY! The biggest drawback will be that for the first time in years, no one will be home with our dog during the day. Please help reassure me she won't be horrendously bored and depressed. [more inside]
posted by nakedmolerats at 5:47 PM - 15 answers

Hello, a friend of mine is living out of his car in the north Austin area (Round Rock, Georgetown). He has two cats and is unwilling to give them up - they are very important to him. He is looking into low cost Airbnbs and motels for potential short term housing, but he needs to find alternative housing for the pets ASAP. The days are getting hotter, and they are already showing signs of distress. I've offered to help pay for pet boarding if we can find something under $150 / month. Suggestions needed urgently--thanks!
posted by houseofleaves at 8:04 AM - 8 answers

I'm looking for recommendations for an extra-large jogging stroller for a senior English bulldog. She can't walk very far, but she loves being outside and loves car rides. I'm hoping to take her out this spring and summer for some nice jaunts along paved outdoor paths. I will either be jogging or inline-skating behind the stroller. [more inside]
posted by keep it under cover at 5:42 PM - 2 answers

Just gave my dog a dip of sulfurated lime solution. She's licking it off her fur. Is it harmful to ingest? [more inside]
posted by valannc at 8:19 PM - 7 answers

Or, is it even recyclable? [more inside]
posted by thereemix at 9:00 AM - 8 answers

I would like to buy a stuffed and mounted European Starling as a gift for someone. Where can I get one? [more inside]
posted by bondcliff at 5:23 PM - 6 answers

I want to create lots more play and activity for my blind cat, has anyone any suggestions of cat toys and adventures that work well for an adult cat with nearly zero sight? [more inside]
posted by sarahdal at 11:31 AM - 18 answers

Audio clip of birdsong (and traffic) here. North Texas, recorded in our backyard about twenty minutes ago. [more inside]
posted by telophase at 5:25 PM - 5 answers

What breed is my cat? He might be mixed, but I would like to have an idea what he might be mixed with if he is. Photo Gallery [more inside]
posted by squirbel at 7:54 AM - 19 answers

Our cat is somewhat sedentary but really likes to play with feathers. [more inside]
posted by Frowner at 5:53 PM - 11 answers

If you're an apartment dweller and a dog owner can you tell me what your daily dog care routine looks like and how you manage to keep them healthy and happy? [more inside]
posted by kanata at 9:21 AM - 19 answers

My friend found this dead animal near her home in Nelsonville, Ohio. Neither she nor I can figure out what species it is. Can anybody identify it? Photo here (don't click if you are squeamish about dead animals)
posted by ootsocsid at 7:05 PM - 14 answers

To help control Lyme disease-carrying ticks, I want to spread home-made tick tubes around my yard. From all accounts, this is effective in killing ticks. The tubes contain permethrin- soaked cotton balls that the mice find and take for nest-making. Mice are ok, ticks feeding on them are killed. But I'm concerned that my cat will catch and eat one of these mice. Permethrin is deadly for cats, though dry permethrin is supposed to be safe, and the stuff should be dry. Helpful guesses are not useful. Authoritative answers only, please.
posted by Hobgoblin at 1:46 PM - 6 answers

(From my sister in Orlando, FL) The herd of feral cats--roughly THIRTY--that two of my neighbors are feeding have ruined my yard by turning it into an enormous toilet, made my dogs ill... ruined several of my screens, and live in my yard (I have trees, and the two feeder/complicit/enabling neighbors do not), despite me not feeding them and actively trying to shoo them when I see them (This results in them moving from the front to backyard.). [more inside]
posted by Glinn at 12:04 PM - 20 answers

Is this guy (link leads to imgur photos) a northern red-legged frog? It's easily the largest native frog I've ever seen. [more inside]
posted by maxwelton at 11:00 PM - 4 answers