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 levelActing tired or weakUrinating or defecating outside the litterboxDrinking more water than usualWeight lossHiding more or not interacting with the family
Meet Kelly
Meet Kelly!
Kelly is a beautiful medium-haired kitty. She is a curious and playful kitty who loves playing with her siblings including two dogs. Kelly enjoys being held and also hanging out on her cat tower looking out of the window. She lets you cut her nails and brush her. She loves playing with springs or anything that moves so she can chase. She is kid and dog friendly. If you’re looking for a sweet kitty, Kelly is your girl Just look at how beautiful she is. She would do well in a house with another young adult playful kitty or even a younger kitten. Kelly is currently being fostered with her foster mom and two dogs!
Kelly was born on March 1, 2025, and is up to date with vaccines, spayed/neutered and microchipped. She can be seen in her foster home by appointment or on the days when she is at PetSmart Forest Ave for adoption events.
SICAW will be at PetSmart Saturday, January 24, 2026 from 2:30 to 5p.m and Sunday January 25, 2026 from 12 noon to 3pm.
For more information about SICAW’s adoption process or to fill out an adoption application, visit https://www.sicawsaves.org/adoption-process or contact SICAW at 718.948.5623, Mon-Sat 9am-8pm. (Courtesy/SICAW)SICAW
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 them 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.
Meet Jackson
Meet Jackson, a 9-month-old, 40-pound (as of 1/23), adorable Labradoodle mix. This delightful puppy is soft, sweet, cuddly and super loving. He is great with other dogs and friendly.
If you would like to adopt this Rockstar, please email rescue@pupstarzrescue.org or visit www.pupstarzrescue.org for an application!
www.pupstarzrescue.org
Please Follow us on Instagram: @pupstarzrescue
Like us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/PupStarzRescue
**Puppies are hard work. If you are not ready for a ‘new baby,’ please adopt an adult or senior who needs you! In addition, we cannot guarantee the breed, size, temperament or age of a puppy.**
**Please note that puppies can grow .5-2.5lbs a week based on their breed** (Courtesy/Pupstarz)PupStarzAdoption Events
Jan 31
Louie’s Legacy will be at PetSmart, 2656 Hylan Blvd, Suite 240, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.SICAW will be at PetSmart, 1525 Forest Ave., from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Feb 1
SICAW will be at PetSmart, 1525 Forest Ave., from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.Louie’s Legacy will be at PetSmart, 1525 Forest Ave., from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.Staten Island Animal Hope Rescue will be at Petco, located at 165 Bricktown Way, from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.A special message from NYACC
Interested? Email accfosters@nycacc.org and let them know you’d like to participate! (Courtesy/ACC)ACC
Animal Care Centers of New York City is open for adoptions of dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and rabbits at 3139 Veterans Road West on Monday and Tuesday, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., and Wednesday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For general information on adopting from ACC and other community-based programs, visit www.nycacc.org.
You can also visit ACC to register and purchase a NYC dog license from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Meet Wolfie
Meet Wolfie!
Wolfie is a 4-month-old kitten who weighs 2 pounds. He is energetic and loves to play and chill – and he’s ready for his forever home!
Wolfie is extremely into cuddles and always wants to be by your side or snuffled in your lap. He is litter trained and loves to eat his favorite foods. He has a playful side and loves spending time with his people, but he also enjoys exploring the home by himself. Wolfie loves to scratch the scratching post, keep himself clean, and play with his toys. He gets along with other kittens. This cutie is very energetic, loves to play and can’t wait to share his big smile with his forever family!
Wolfie is currently being fostered in Long Island, NY, and his adoption fee is $200.
Kittens are only adopted in pairs or to homes with other friendly, social pets. They are very social by nature and need to be with other pets for their socialization.
Wolfie’s adoption fee is $200; to adopt a pair of kittens, the combined adoption fee is $325.
To adopt this pet, please visithttps://www.louieslegacy.org/adopt (Courtesy/Louie’sLegacy)Louie’sLegacyGifts for animal lovers
Stellar Villa is a New York City-based artist who recently raised over $11,500 for pet shelters after she single-handedly created 1,252 custom pieces of art of people’s pets over 21 days. Now, she is working to create ongoing partnerships with local animal shelters to continue raising money. If you’re looking for a gift for a dog lover, check out Stellar’s work.
Sophia Di Meglio wrote and illustrated A Big Life for Buddy, a children’s book that offers a lighthearted look at an exceptional dog and teaches children about growing older, belonging, and the naturalness of loss.
Meet Dardanius
Meet Dardanius, a 3-year-old, 23-pound, wonderful Australian Shepherd mix. He is friendly and gets along with other dogs well!
If you would like to adopt this dog, please email rescue@pupstarzrescue.org or visit www.pupstarzrescue.org for an application!
www.pupstarzrescue.org
Please Follow us on Instagram: @pupstarzrescue
Like us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/PupStarzRescue
PupStarz rescue cannot guarantee the breed, size, temperament, or age of any dog. (Courtesy/Pupstarz)PupStarzHiking trailsDog-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 the 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 N. 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: Dogs are permitted on the 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 on 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.
Leashed dogs are allowed on the boardwalk/promenade at Midland Beach and South Beach.
For more information on rules and regulations, visit nycgovparks.org/facilities/dogareas.
Meet Esme & Mousy
Meet Esme & Mousy, Two Resilient Sisters Searching for Their Forever Home
Esme and Mousy have already endured more hardship than any cat ever should. These sweet sisters were rescued from a colony that had to be relocated after ongoing abuse in their neighborhood. Despite such a traumatic start, they have remained gentle, loving, and quietly affectionate.
Since their rescue, they’ve been cared for indoors in a safe room by someone who truly loves them. Sadly, that caregiver is now facing serious health challenges and can no longer provide the care they deserve. Although a home was carefully vetted and approved for them, the adoption fell through at the last moment, leaving Esme and Mousy once again waiting.
A little more about them:
• Esme is a beautiful, affectionate 4-year-old who enjoys gentle attention.
• Mousy is a calm, sweet, 8-year-old with a soft and soothing presence.
• Both girls are spayed, microchipped, fully vaccinated, and in very good health.
They may be shy at first, which is completely understandable given what they’ve been through. But once they feel safe and trust is established, their true personalities begin to shine. Most importantly, they take great comfort in one another. They have been through everything together, and it is our heartfelt hope that they can be adopted as a bonded pair, so they never have to be separated again.
These brave girls have survived fear, loss, and uncertainty. What they deserve now is stability, safety, and a loving forever home where they can finally relax and just be cats.
Could you be the fresh start and the happy ending that Esme and Mousy have been waiting for?
If anyone is interested in meeting this amazing duo please DM us on this page and apply online https://www.statenislandhopeanimalrescue.org/applications (Courtesy/StatenIslandHopeRescue)StatenIslandHopeRescue
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/.