Pets

There are many benefits to pet ownership: emotional support, friendship, protection and even affirmation.

There are drawbacks, such as travel, and a pet owner needs to accept a certain amount of house damage. Experts agree that pet damage may be caused by isolation when the owner is away for an extended period but it can also be caused by elation – some animals are just rowdy.

Cats are notorious for clawing woodwork and furniture, a problem that may be reduced by a scratching post or eliminated by declawing, a painful procedure.

Many animals mark their territory with urine. That may happen eve...