Cats spend as much as 50% of their waking hours licking themselves. But why do cats lick themselves? Licking is instinctual in cats. Cats groom themselves through licking. A mother… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 5 hours ago
Kathryn Koehler
Kathryn Koehler is a writer at A-Z-Animals where her focus is on unusual animals, places, and events. Kat has over 20 years of experience as a professional writer and educator. She holds a master's degree from Vanderbilt University. When she is not writing for A-Z-Animals, Kat enjoys puttering in her garden, baking deliciously healthful treats for her family, and playing with her two rescue mutts, Popcorn and Scooter. She resides in Tennessee.
What is the most dreaded holiday, and why is it Valentine's Day? In a few short weeks, you'll either be commiserating with your single friends or wiping your brow hoping… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 12 hours ago
Cats are very expressive animals, which helps cat owners pick up on their moods quickly. Understanding the language of their tails is quite helpful. Cats will regularly use their tails… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 22 hours ago
The market is flooded with calming aids for cats and dogs, but what about our more exotic pets? Stress manifests differently in our scaled, finned, feathered, and little furry (think… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 1 week ago
I'm not sure who needs the calming aids more, my dog for the stress she's about to feel in any given seemingly stressful scenario, or me for my anticipatory anxiety… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 2 weeks ago
A friend referred to her toddlers as anchors: cute, squishy anchors, but anchors nonetheless. The same could be said of our pets — furry, feathered, and finned. We love them… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 3 weeks ago
Whether by plane, train, or automobile traveling with a pet can be daunting, requiring extra planning and lots of luck. Knowing your pet is safe during the holidays when nerves… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 1 month ago
As cherished members of the family and exemplars of unconditional love, our pets deserve the best that the holidays offer. The good news is that you can get your beloved… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 1 month ago
The year I was 9 years old, my mother opted for a Better Homes and Gardens tree. Precisely placed satin orbs of red, gold, and green replaced the handmade ornaments… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 2 months ago
Friends and neighbors who keep chickens will talk about them as long as you'll listen. The same is true for those who own any other type of avian creature. From… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 2 months ago
As the mercury begins to drop, it's time to start thinking about how we're going to keep our pups warm this winter. From outdoor "business" trips to keeping wee little… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 2 months ago
Every year without fail, while piling my plate with Thanksgiving fare, I'll spy the longing eyes of my two mutts. They're too polite to beg, but not so good at… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 2 months ago
Finding time to walk your pups during daylight hours can prove difficult as the days grow shorter. Many days, you're getting the kids to school and yourself to work before… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 3 months ago
Giant hyssop is among the plants that hummingbirds will visit in your Florida garden. Florida's diverse ecosystems provide an ideal environment for hummingbirds, and the state serves as a vital… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 4 months ago
Ants play a vital role in maintaining the health of your lawn. These tiny insects aerate the soil by creating intricate tunnels, improving water and nutrient absorption. They also assist… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 5 months ago
How much weight can a hawk carry? The answer varies depending on the type of hawk. Though North America boasts approximately 18 distinct hawk species, we focus on the magnificent… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 5 months ago
Any lively pup with a minor injury is destined for the inevitable cone of shame. Instead of opting for store-bought solutions, consider going the DIY route. Armed with scissors and… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 1 year ago
What do hummingbirds eat in the winter? Unlike creatures that alter their diets with the shifting seasons, most hummingbirds maintain a fairly consistent diet throughout the year. These tiny aviators… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 1 year ago
Though there are several stories regarding how and why the dragonfly got its name, the term dragonfly is from Old English. The name reflects the essence of these airborne beings,… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 1 year ago
Leafcutter ants and dung beetles are among the strongest animals on the planet, relative to their size. However, in terms of sheer strength, these little critters pale in comparison to… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 1 year ago
The coyote (Canis latrans) is native to North America. Coyotes employ dens primarily as shelters for rearing their young. The den serves as a secure and secluded space where a… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 1 year ago
Lake Victoria is the third-largest lake in the world, the second-largest freshwater lake in the world, and the largest lake in Africa! But how big is Africa's Lake Victoria? Lake… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 1 year ago
Fraser firs and Douglas firs are popular Christmas trees. They are coniferous evergreen trees. When it comes to choosing the perfect Christmas tree for your home, the type you choose… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 1 year ago
Can geraniums survive outside in the winter? The answer is a murky depends. It depends on where you live mostly, although a variety of other factors come into play as… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 1 year ago
The majestic snow leopard, native to the rugged mountains of Central Asia, finds itself in a precarious position. As the high-altitude habitats of these elusive cats increasingly succumb to the… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 1 year ago
Do Pallas's cats make good pets? No! Is it even a good idea? Absolutely not! Though these adorable, pint-sized kitties have faces that could launch a thousand awws, they do… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 1 year ago
Did you know that the Havanese is the only dog breed native to Cuba? The breed's roots harken back to the island's 19th-century aristocratic era. Beloved for their cheerful temperament… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 1 year ago
Choosing a name for your small dog presents a delightful opportunity to express your pup's personality or your interests. If you're a bookworm, consider delving into the world of literary… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 1 year ago
Are Australian shepherds aggressive? No. Australian shepherds, or Aussies, are typically not an aggressive breed. They are generally friendly, intelligent, and affectionate. However, like any breed, an individual dog's behavior… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 1 year ago
The world's first zoo, Vienna's Tiergarten Schönbrunn, opened in 1752, 72 years before the London Zoo opened in 1828. While England's zoological heritage may be younger than Vienna's, its oldest… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 1 year ago
In the case of mini dachshunds, the saying good things come in small packages holds true. Miniature dachshunds are compact little pups with loads of personality. They make excellent pets… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 1 year ago
In a world filled with quick judgments and first impressions, it's all too easy to let appearances dictate our choices. However, some of the most valuable experiences and relationships are… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 1 year ago
Spiders in the genus Latrodectus are commonly referred to as widow spiders. They belong to the family Theridiidae and have shiny black or dark brown bodies with red, orange, or… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 1 year ago
Pigeons (Columbidae) are a diverse group of birds with 352 distinct species contained in 50 genera. They are known for their stout bodies, short necks, and proportionally small heads. These… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 1 year ago
Tarantulas are a diverse group of giant, hairy spiders from the family Theraphosidae. They are impressive in size, unique in appearance, and have intriguing behaviors. There are over 1,000 species… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 1 year ago
From Beatrix Potter's universally beloved Peter Rabbit to Looney Tunes' wisecracking Bugs Bunny, pesky rabbits are more than literary treasures. They are real-life nuisances. Like their literary heroes, these prolific… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 1 year ago
The African fat-tailed gecko (Hemitheconyx caudicinctus) is one of nature's treasures. These little reptiles have captivatingly patterned scales and distinctive plump tails. Native to West Africa, they are small to… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 1 year ago
National Dachshund Day 2024 will be celebrated, as it is each and every year, on June 21st. Why June 21st? Because, like the lovable little weiner dogs it celebrates, June… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 1 year ago
From Eeyore in Winnie-the-Pooh to Donkey in Shrek, donkeys are portrayed as wise and witty characters with good reason: donkeys are inherently intelligent creatures. Their capacity for memory, problem-solving, and… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 1 year ago
Hummingbirds are recognized for their diminutive size, iridescent plumage, incredible agility, and distinctive hovering flight. They are fascinating and colorful creatures that are only found in the Americas. While there… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 1 year ago
Along the coastline of Rhode Island, Narragansett Bay's historic towns blend with the majesty of the Atlantic Ocean. Narragansett Bay is a coastal plain estuary, featuring cities like Providence, Newport,… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 1 year ago
Interest continues to grow for alternatives to conventional lawns, such as xeriscaping (water-efficient landscaping) and edible landscapes. Did you know that grass clippings offer a range of environmentally friendly benefits?… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 1 year ago
Oregon is a state located in the Pacific Northwest, admired for its diverse landscapes which include forests, mountains, coastline, and high desert. Oregon features natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 1 year ago
Generally speaking, it is unlikely for a caterpillar to bite a human in a way that causes significant pain. Caterpillars do not sting or bite in the traditional sense. While… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 2 years ago
In the arid landscapes of the Americas, the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia) reigns supreme. There are over 100 recognized species, each displaying unique characteristics and adaptations. The prickly pear cactus… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 2 years ago
Myrtillocactus geometrizans fukurokuryuzinboku (mur-till-oh-KAK-tus--gee-oh-MET-rih-zanz--fu-ku-ru-ku-ryu-jin-bo-ku) is more commonly known by the much easier to pronounce name boobie cactus or booby cactus. The name boobie is derived from the resemblance of its… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 2 years ago
Did you know that in the entire state of Tennessee, there are no true aquatic snakes? So, if you're worried about encountering a slithery surprise during your lake adventures, fear… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 2 years ago
Gather 'round and prepare to be amazed by a whale of a tale that will make your heart skip a beat. Allow me to introduce you to the striped bass.… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 2 years ago
In the heartland of Kentucky, where the thunderous roar of hooves marks The Run for the Roses, the iconic Kentucky Derby, another contest for the best is racing through the… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 2 years ago
While orioles are known for their striking appearance, there are several other bird species that may be mistaken for orioles at first glance. From similar bright colors to similar body… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 2 years ago
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