What is my pet thinking? Adopt one and find out. Dec. 14-15

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Playing, barking, and purring are just a few of the behaviors that dogs and cats exhibit. These represent instances of animal behavior. Animal behavior includes how they behave in groups, by themselves and with other animals.

What does it mean when a cat purrs?

Kittens are born deaf and blind and stay that way until they are about two weeks old. But after only a few days, they start purring, mostly to alert their mothers to their presence and get their attention when it’s time for feeding. Cats frequently purr in response to human strokes, which helps people associate pleasure with purring.

A cat can purr to express contentment, cope with stress, get food or attention, or interact with other cats. It’s possible for a dying cat to purr. A cat that purrs at a vet clinic might be incredibly anxious and afraid, and it might be doing so to express comfort or self-soothe.

When is purring a warning sign?

Your cat may not always be happy and healthy just because it purrs. During a visit to the vet, if your cat is purring and exhibiting signs of fear (such as hiding, dilated pupils, swishing tail, or freezing and not wanting to move), they are stressed and require assistance from you or the veterinarian to help them relax and feel better. Check for these additional warning indicators and schedule a check-up with your veterinarian.

• Loss of appetite or energy level
• Acting tired or weak
• Urinating or defecating outside the litterbox
• Drinking more water than usual
• Weight loss
• Hiding more or not interacting with the family

Meet Remy

Why does my dog follow me everywhere?

• Dogs are social animals: Dogs are pack animals, although this idea is currently being debated. It is undeniable that dogs want to be with other companions outside of dogs, including you, their human friends.
• Your pup is nervous or scared: They may follow you around to calm themselves if they are afraid or anxious. These uncomfortable emotions can be brought on by strangers in the house, loud noises, thunderstorms, and other unfamiliar situations. They also might be trailing you in anticipation of you leaving. This might trigger separation anxiety once you’re gone.
• Your puppy thinks you are their mother: Puppies who don’t have a mother dog may “imprint” on their owners, viewing that someone as their mother.
• Your dog understands they will (eventually) get something out of it: Dogs are intelligent. Your dog will continue to follow you in the hopes of experiencing similar behavior if, after following you for some time, it consistently receives attention in the form of play or a treat.

UrgentVet – Staten Island is intentionally outfitted with non-slip flooring, dimmable lighting, soothing colors, soft music, calming pheromones and quiet exam lift tables, all in support of creating a fear-free experience. The clinic also has revolutionary tempered glass pet enclosures from Casco that are 70% quieter than metal cages—a design cue that helps make the enclosures the most Fear-Free product on the market today. As an added nod to pet comfort, all staff members at the clinic have received unique training to become Fear-Free-certified professionals.

ADOPTION EVENTS

Dec. 14

Dec. 15

• Staten Island Hope Animal Rescue will be at Bricktown Commons Petco, 165 Bricktown Way, Suite 1C, from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Ongoing

1. Low-cost or free spay and neuter: The ASPCA’s free and low-cost mobile spay and neuter van travels to every neighborhood in the five boroughs.

Low-income pet owners in the five boroughs with proof of public assistance, such as welfare, Medicaid, Medicare, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), disability, food stamps, TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), or public housing qualify for free spay/neuter services for their cat or dog. If you have a pit bull, pit-bull mix, or certain large breed dogs, it’s also free.

For the exact times, the van will be in your area, as well as pre-visit instructions, visit aspca.org/pet-care/spayneuter, or call 877-SPAY-NYC (877-772-9692).

2. Apply for a dog license. Save time and postage by applying online. For an application or more information, visit nyc.gov/doglicense. View the flyer in the gallery above.

Hiking trails

Dog-friendly parks

· Allison Park, off-leash area, the field at the end of the trail bordered by Prospect Avenue, Sailors Snug Harbor Cemetery, and the pond

· Amundsen Trail, off-leash area, between Amboy Road and Hylan Boulevard

· Arthur Von Briesen Park, off-leash area, lawn area, mid-park on the right side

· Bloomingdale Park, dog run, Maguire Avenue behind athletic fields closer to Ramona Avenue

· Clove Lakes Park, off-leash area, the open field above picnic area near Royal Oak Road and Rice Avenue

· Clove Lakes Park, off-leash area, Brookside Avenue between Alpine Court and Kingsley Avenue (lawn area)

· Clove’s Tail Park, off-leash area, lawn area, corner of Victory Boulevard and Little Clove Road

· Conference House Park, dog run, Clermont Avenue and Massachusetts Street

· Cozzens Woods Park, off-leash area, Page Avenue between Hylan Boulevard and Amboy Road

· Crescent Beach Park, off-leash area, Tennyson Drive, and Glover Avenue; located in the meadow area leading to the beach

· Evergreen Park, off-leash area, Greaves Avenue and Evergreen Street

· Father Macris Park, off-leash area, lawn beyond ball field

· Ida Court Playground, dog run, Ida Court between North Railroad Street and Drumgoole Road East

· Lemon Creek Park, off-leash area, the bottom of Seguine Avenue at Johnston Terrace; just below the playground

· Siedenburg Park, off-leash area, Greaves Avenue, and Evergreen Street

· Silver Lake Park, dog run, Victory Boulevard below the pavilion, across from the Parkview Apartments

· South Beach Park, off-leash area. Note: On sand only after Labor Day and before Memorial Day

· Willowbrook Park, off-leash area, Archery Range Field

· Wolfe’s Pond Park, dog run, to the left of Cornelia Avenue

For more information with rules and regulations, visit nycgovparks.org/facilities/dogareas.

Dogs cannot enter any bathing facilities, including those at New York City beaches. However, from Oct. 1 through May 1, leashed dogs are allowed on the sand and boardwalk at Midland Beach and South Beach.

For more information on rules and regulations, visit nycgovparks.org/facilities/dogareas.

Pet poison helplines

If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, contact the Pet Poison Hotline at 855-764-7661 or petpoisonhelpline.com, or contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or aspca.org.

As the seasons change, keep in mind the plants that are poisonous to animals: https://www.rover.com/blog/poisonous-plants/

To report animal cruelty

To report an incident of animal abuse, call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS or visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com.

Environmental conservation

To contact an environmental conservation police officer or report suspected violations, contact the DEC Law Enforcement Dispatch Center at 844-DEC-ECOS (844-332-3267) or dec.ny.gov/