What you need to know about animals

Although it may seem strange, it is increasingly common to have pigs as pets. Back in the Eighties the pot-bellied pig breed started becoming popular in America as a pet thanks to George Clooney's not so little companion Max, who grew to be more than 135 kg (300 lb). Since then, these farm animals from...

Many families prefer to adopt cats when they are still kittens. However, once they have it at home, doubts start to arise: Where will it sleep? What to do if the kitten cries? What are the best toys for kittens to play with? What should I call it? It's normal to have doubts. We at AnimalWised want to give...

Have you seen any pictures of strange-looking cats lately on the Internet? They may be Lykoi, Werewolf or Wolf cats, and they're a new American breed. While they look like they must be the result of "designer" breeding, their unique coat pattern is the result of a mutation in domestic shorthair cats. Lykoi...

Rodents used to be frowned upon, but nowadays they are considered excellent pets: there are increasing numbers of people who choose to share their home with these friendly creatures. It is now common to see hamsters, guinea pigs, squirrels, gerbils or mice adopted as pets. It isn't as common to see...

The coati or coati-mundi (Nasua and Nasuella) are four different species in the Procyonidae family, that is, they are closely related to the raccoon. They share several physical and behavioral traits with this animal, but coatis are recognizable for their distinct long nose. These are certainly adorable...

Choosing if your dog will live inside or outside the house is a decision that will influence your dog's behavior and attitude as an adult. Whether you've decided that your dog will live inside or outside or if you've yet to make up our mind, this article will be very useful to reach a final decision. In order...

If you have decided to adopt a hamster as a pet, it is important to be informed about its specific care, feeding, and even how you should prepare its cage. For this reason, here at AnimalWised we'll offer you a simple step by step guide to preparing a hamster's cage. Have you decided that a hamster is the...

Dogs are certainly out best friends; living with a dog will create a deep bond between the two of you, and you'll share a relationship that will bring you many mental and physical benefits. If you have children at home, having a dog will help them learn about commitment, responsibility and caring. In...

There is no doubt that dogs are great pets, loyal and lovable, but of course these are not reasons enough to decide to live with one. Many animals are currently in the situation of having been abandoned by their owners, who realize that the responsibility of caring for a dog exceeds their capabilities or expectations...

In the wild, a silver fox is a red fox with melanism. However, when we talk about the silver fox as a pet, we are actually talking about a variation of the Russian domesticated fox. These foxes are bred and raised in specialized centers with the aim to produce tamer foxes while maintaining the melanistic gene...

Can a dog and cat get on well? Yes, of course, but it depends on lots of different factors. If you want to achieve a peaceful coexistence between the two species you will need to prepare properly for the introduction between the dog and the cat. You will also need to know how they will adapt to the presence...

The raccoon is a wild animal of the Procynidae family native to North America. This omnivorous mammal is quite small - slightly larger than a domestic cat - with sharp claws and a thick ringed tail, and it's known as a scavenger or pest in some areas. Raccoons are quite adorable, and many people consider...

The stoat is of the mustelid family, larger than the least weasel and considered particularly aggressive. Stoats, however, weigh less than 260 grams (9 oz), which gives them impressive and dizzying agility and speed to add to their ferocity. In fact, stoats are capable of taking on and defeating prey twenty...

In our opinion, keeping a marmoset as a pet is not a very sensible idea. While marmosets really are adorable animals, in most cases they have been furtively and illegally hunted. This has caused some of the 22 marmoset species to become threatened; in fact, simply possessing a marmoset is punishable by...

Aquariums and fish tanks tend to get dirty very easily. Too much food, direct sun or having too many plants or algae can make the water murky. It is a good idea to use a pump or filter, but there are fish and other animals that clean your aquarium naturally, feeding on carrion that resides in the sand...

The leopard cat is often confused with the Bengal cat because of their similar names and appearances. Both cats have reddish coats from gray to olive with spots or rosettes that remind us of those of leopards or ocelots. However, the leopard cat and the Bengal cat are not the same breed - they are not...

Despite what popular culture would have you believe, it is actually possible for dogs and cats to live in harmony even if they have completely different temperaments, lifestyles and behaviors. A peaceful relationship and cohabitation between your household pets is extremely important, as it will allow...

When we talk about ducks, we're actually referring to several species of birds that form part of the Anatidae family. This family also includes geese and swans, but it is correct to use the term "ducks" in a general sense, as most ducks have similar requirements and characteristics. The requirements of...

The world of companion animals is becoming more and more diverse. When it comes to getting a household pet with which you can share an emotional bond, there are many animals that can make excellent pets beyond cats and dogs. One of these modern popular pets is the ferret, a kind of mustelid. The ferret...

Nowadays, having a pig as a pet is no longer as peculiar as it would have been be a few years ago. The most sought-after domestic pig breeds include the pot-bellied pig from Vietnam and the miniature or teacup pig. Both pig breeds are nice, friendly, and smaller than wild and farm pigs, which make them...

Humans always been in contact with the animal kingdom, and while it may be true that modern society differs greatly from the old days, we are unable to completely cut ties with nature and animals. A good example of this is the amount of people who choose to share their home with an animal. The world...

There are currently 14 species of macaw living in the wild in the forests of America, from Mexico to Argentina. Sadly, more than half of these species are threatened, and some have disappeared completely from their native habitats. However, macaws adopted in reputable shops come from breeding farms. As...

Budgerigars, shell parakeets or budgies are a kind of parakeet characterized by their friendly and sociable character, as well as for their easy adaptation to living in a home. As such, it's not surprising that the majority of bird lovers choose budgerigars as pets. When it comes to budgerigars, two...

It is quite common in our society to always look for exclusivity; we all want uncommon things that distinguish us from the rest. Without getting into whether this is wrong or right, the fact is that this attitude is also found among pet lovers, which is why many people nowadays are considering keeping foxes...

The raccoon dog, also known as mangut or tanuki, is an East Asian animal native to China, Korea, Japan and the far eastern regions of Russia. Nowadays, however, it's been introduced to Northeastern Europe. Its scientific name is Nyctereutes procyonoides. The raccoon dog is a very old species, but until...

Community aquariums allow for the harmonious and lasting coexistence of different plant and fish species, whether it is a cold-water or tropical aquarium. A community aquarium is one of the most complex and difficult systems that animal lovers can aspire to own. There are many variables and parameters that...

Cats are very sweet pets that will provide company in your home without having to dedicate too much time and effort. Cats are among the best pets you could ever have, and without doubt, the most beloved all over the internet! You'll never understand the special moments a cat can give you - in its own...

Pet iguanas are becoming more popular. However, before adopting an iguana you should be aware of their morphology, necessities and habits to see if they suit your lifestyle. Some people buy or adopt green iguanas because of their striking colors as young individuals and their manageable size, at around...

When we hear "pets", we tend to associate the term with cats and dogs. Nowadays, however, this association has started to change, as many people choose to share their home with ferrets, fish, tortoises, squirrels, rabbits, rats, chinchillas, and all sorts of different species that were unthinkable as companions...

The hamster is one of the most popular pets in the world, especially among children. Quite often, hamsters are the first pet that people bring home. This animal is easy to look after, and everybody falls in love with its sweet expressions and mousy movements. However, it is important to explain to children...

If you live in Australia, you will know that having a dingo as a pet is possible. Adopting dingo puppies and raising them as if they were domestic dogs has become enormously popular on the Australian continent. If you live elsewhere, however, it will be very difficult to have one because the exportation of...

Ostriches, or Struthio camelus, are the largest existing birds on the planet. They live in various sub-Saharan regions of Africa and, given their size and weight, flying is impossible for them. However they are exceptionally good at running. If you are considering adopting an ostrich as a pet, you...

If you are preparing for the arrival of a guinea pig into your home, you will have realized that setting up its cage is one of the most important parts. You don't want just any cage - you want the best one to help your pet have a long, healthy and happy life by your side. This is why we at AnimalWised have...

If you have decided to adopt a ferret as a pet you might be asking yourself if this is really the right animal for you. How to deal with a ferret's bad smell always seems to be one of the most frequently asked questions about these pets and their care. Inform yourself properly with this AnimalWised article...

If you have a prepared outdoor pond and want to decorate it and liven it up with fish, you should know the best types of fish for it. One of the determining factors for your choice of what and how many fish to get, of course, will be the size of the pond. Don't forget that we are talking about coldwater...

If you are looking for a clean, affectionate, lovable and independent pet, adopting a cat is a wise decision. A cat won't take up too much of your time to look after, and food expenses are reasonable, just like with the majority of pets. If you go to an animal shelter to adopt an adult cat, it is also...

If you are thinking of having a pet piranha, pay attention to this AnimalWised article about this very special exotic fish that requires a certain care and diet. It is a well-known fish, popular for its appearances on the big screen - especially in horror films. However, you shouldn't let yourself...

If you have adopted a pet chinchilla, you might have observed a very particular behavior every now and then: Squealing. You might be wondering the reason behind all that noise. Squealing is, in fact, one of the ways chinchillas have to communicate with each other - and with you. If you're worried and you...

Having a mixed-breed dog often has many advantages. What's more, in many cases these dogs are very beautiful, intelligent and good-natured. Some pedigree dogs have not been bred or brought up in the correct way, and some breeders produce inbred litters. This impoverishment in their gene pool greatly affects...

Kangaroo rats (Dipodomys) are interesting and unique mammals, and it is for this reason why many people consider keeping one as a pet. Despite the name "kangaroo", this tiny animal is a rodent; the name comes from its long hind legs and huge tail, which it uses to keep its balance. There are actually...