Friendly and full of character, hens make great family pets, and require surprisingly little space to roam free. More than half a million households in the UK keep chickens as pets, and that number is increasing every year as the lure of eating fresh produce grows stronger. And once you've tasted your own eggs, you'll find that un oeuf is never enough...

The biggest dog show on earth is usually the territory of its best-bred canines – and owners. Into this rarefied world step Tom Peck and his rescue hound, Bayda...

From transporting a tired terrier in style to making Fido shoulder his share of the load, we take a lead and scoop up the best canine clobber...

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With a rodent problem at Downing Street having been highlighted by the appearance of rats on not one but two broadcasts from outside Number 10 this week, it seems that Humphrey, the former feline resident, is sorely missed.

Horses in pools, cats up trees... animals cause so many 999 calls. But that could be about to change. Matt Chorley says budget cuts will be bad news for pets in distress

Q. I had a lovely hamster who used to roam around my flat. Last time he disappeared, I found out that he had jumped out of my second-floor window. I've bought a rat now and want to ensure it doesn't happen again. Have you got any advice? Laura, via e-mail

Beetles are quite fascinating members of the insect world. There are more than 350,000 different types of beetle, more than any other species on the planet, and they are crucial to the life cycle of their natural habitats. They may be small, but they have a huge impact on life on earth.

Tracey Emin, John Barrowman, Dame Vera Lynn and Ronnie Corbett are just some of the big names 'lending a paw' to raise money for the Cats Protection feline welfare charity.

Q. I have an eight-month-old male neutered Corgie and I have a real problem trying to groom him. He won't let me touch his paws or clean his eyes and last week he growled at me. I'm worried and I'd like to get on top of the situation. Mark, via e-mail

Undeniably cute with his twitchy whiskers, pouchy cheeks and shining eyes, it's easy to see how the hamster has snuggled his way to our hearts. Unlike Mickey Mouse or Bugs Bunny, the hamster has never needed an animated alter-ego equivalent to do the talking for him. Not unless you count Richard Hammond...

Q. This will be the first winter with our six-month-old kitten. Is it true that you have to keep him indoors and away from all the fun of Halloween and bonfire night? Or can he join in the fun with us? Claire, Essex

It's hard to imagine a more maligned breed than the SBT. Originally bred in the 17th century as working dogs, from the word go Staffies were used for fighting. Sadly, dog fighting still exists and is one of the reasons why so many of them are abandoned. To depict them as a vicious breed, however, couldn't be further from the truth...

Q. I have a one-year-old female bulldog, who has recently taken to biting my shoes when we are in the park and I'm on the mobile. She can be slightly aggressive and I'm starting to get worried and a bit annoyed. How do I stop her? Susan, London