Animal therapy: can the human-animal bond treat mind and body?
Barely a week passes without a media story claiming that pets benefit human health and well-being. Companion animals are increasingly used as ‘therapeutic tools’ in medical and mental health care. But...
Cat foods need the perfect combination of great flavour and nutrition
A study has revealed that while flavour is important initially cats learn to choose their food based on nutrition rather than flavour. The study published in Royal Society Open Science confirms that o...
Shelf life: our carefully designed cat units
A visitor to the WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition may be forgiven for thinking the smart new shelving in the cat housing is a handy storage solution for toys or equipment. On closer inspection, howeve...
How pets could aid learning in the classroom
Bringing a dog into a school classroom may delight students, but could it actually help them learn better? The question is increasingly pertinent, as many schools regularly introduce animals into clas...
Violence against pets and domestic abuse: how are they linked?
One in six American children is exposed to physical violence at home by the time they are 17. It is a disturbing statistic, and one that underlies a growing awareness of serious emotional and be...
How neurobiology and genetics can help researchers understand human-animal interaction
When you gaze into your dog’s face and he gazes back at you, do you ever wonder what is going on? The ‘mutual gaze’ between individuals is an important aspect of social communication and is essential...
Pets can be good for you – but the evidence shows it’s not quite that simple
When it comes to pet ownership, emotions often run high. Those who share their lives with a pet can be passionate about the benefits they feel their animal companion brings. However, the scientific ev...
Is the pressure to be a ‘responsible’ pet owner increasing?
Britain has long been thought of as a nation of pet lovers. Nearly half of UK households have at least one pet, but the last 40 years have seen many changes in attitudes to animals and their ownership...
