2005 Pet Horoscopes

Wow! In 2005, home and family will be happening for cats, dogs, birds, horses and exotics. It's going to be a great year for critters, big and small, to savor bonding with their human companions. The year 2005 will bring challenges, influenced by planets – Jupiter, Saturn, and others. Furry, feathery and scaly creatures may experience more peace, happiness, and healing as you'll cope with the changes in your environment. While novelty is in the stars, it's the right year to put on your best, "Aren't I a wonderful pet?" act, and follow through. Here, check out your forthcoming up close and very personal sun sign projection. Happy New Year to you and yours!

ARIES (MAR. 21 – APR. 20)
The new year finds you getting more freedom and ways to be Top Pet. Yes, you can put your bold nature to work! This is your year to enjoy the excitement of different relationships (a tails up for adaptable Rams!). Plus, you may be saying goodbye to a nurturing pet chum. 2005 Pet Tip: Give kindness and kudos to the animal companions and human caregivers in your household.

TAURUS (APR. 21 – MAY 21)
The year 2005 will be a time to spread your wings (so to speak) and empower yourself with other pets and humans. Like all stable-minded Taurean creatures, you'll appreciate the fact that this year your life will be calm and quiet – just the way it ought to be, right? 2005 Pet Tip: Nudge your humans to keep you (and your same-species housemates) on a regular routine to maintain peace and harmony.

GEMINI (MAY 22 – JUNE 21)
The eclipses will influence your Geminian relationships in 2005. That said, you may be surrounded by a young multi-species family (i.e., kittens, puppies, etc.) and it'll bring you joy. Encourage your caretakers to take you along on that trip and make it a pet-friendly event to remember. 2005 Pet Tip: As a chatty air sign you will benefit if you do some Zen-like soul-searching and keep it quiet during this period.

CANCER (JUNE 22 – JULY 23)
Like Gemini critters, Cancerians will sense the power of the eclipses in 2005, too. You'll feel your sensitive Crab psyche be challenged by new additions to your home. FYI: If your humans introduce you to a pet shrink or pet psychic you may surprise yourself and be open to this new, improved therapy. 2005 Pet Tip: Take more naps and enjoy grooming and you'll keep it together during cuddle time.

LEO (JULY 24 – AUG. 23)
While other pets are enjoying closer animal-human bonds in 2005, you'll be getting your social needs met, too. Go ahead – enjoy your wild life Lion pets. It's the year for you to go out and explore different places, different humans and pet companions. 2005 Pet Tip: It's essential for you energetic pets do get a move on and stay p-h-y-s-i-c-a-l, for your sanity's sake.

VIRGO (AUG. 24 – SEPT. 23)
Virgoan pets feel, throughout 2005, a real desire to be balanced physically and emotionally. Due to the shift in planets, you may be hip to the fact that vet visits and a change in your health routine will help enhance your spirit so you'll be more playful. 2005 Pet Tip: As an earth sign, you must keep active to maintain good health and well-being. (Refer to Leo's Pet Tip.)

LIBRA (SEPT. 24 – OCT. 23)
This year 2005 is a time for Librans to get it together. In other words, it will irk you if your cat toys, dog bones, or bird cage are disarray. Or, if you are too clingy with your caretakers it will take a toll on your individuality. Practice self-reliance (you can do this Lib!) and give your humans some space. 2005 Pet Tip: Follow your heart and you'll be a peaceful and lovable pet.

SCORPIO (OCT. 24 – NOV. 22)
Scorpion pets may be drawn to pets and humans who march to a different drummer. You'll find yourself willing to open up to different types of pets. But caution, open up and let your humans and companion animals know what you are feeling. 2005 Pet Tip: Enjoy life to the fullest Scorpy, and soak up the wide, wide wonderful world.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 – DEC. 21)
The year 2005 will be a time of achievements and recognition. Cats, dogs, horses – no matter what type of animal you are, you may be competing and winning. But free-spirited Sag, you'll also find time to be playful and amuse yourself. 2005 Pet Tip: No matter what you do in work or play, give your all and you'll be rewarded with your fave pet treats.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 – JAN. 20)
Influenced by Jupiter, your role as a Capricorn pet may take on more meaning. Simply put, Cap, you may be expected by your caretakers to be the role model for your animal roomies. Or, you may have a job (i.e., therapy dog/cat) or go to work with your humans. 2005 Pet Tip: Let go of your reserved nature and let others see the sweet pet that you can be and show them that you can give true love.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 – FEB. 19)
This will be a year of compromise. Yes, aloof Water Bearer pets – you may find that you'll have to be more yielding when it comes to your human or pet relationships. You may have to sleep on the floor or wait for that walk – but you people-oriented pets can do it because you know it is fair. 2005 Pet Tip: Eat a healthful pet's diet every day to keep sane and feel your best. balanced.

PISCES (FEB. 20 – MAR. 20)
During 2005, you may feel an uncanny super connection to your beloved humans and pet pals (especially a sibling or littermate). Translation: If you are apart from your family (due to a trip or vet visit) you won't fall victim to separation anxiety because your animal-human bond is strong. 2005 Pet Tip: Chill out by birdwatching, gazing at the fish tank or pond, or going back to nature and a natural lifestyle.

Kerouac is a chatty Gemini and a self-assured black cat who was saved by a private rescue organization in Lake Tahoe, Calif. He is the co-author of 202 Pets' Peeves, and is working on his next book, "Looking for Mr. PURR-fect: Chronicles of Kerouac, a Matchmaking Cat," illustrated by Michael Leu (www.cleverkitty.com/mrpurrfect).