Animal fun facts

Although it is not used much outside of scientific language, we humans are part of the primate order. As one of the great apes, we have relatives in the ape world, some more distant than others. It is the chimpanzee which is considered our closest ‘cousin’, so it is understandable we should share some characteristics...

Many people may think than an ox and a bull are animals of two distinct species. This is not the case since both are actually type of cattle. The difference between oxen and bulls lies in their use, as well as their reproductive state. While they may not seem connected, their ability to reproduce indirectly...

When our dog wants to lay their head on us, it is almost impossible to resist. Even when we are busy, the expression of closeness means we don't want to deny it. There is good reason why we enjoy our dog laying our head on us. As an expression of the bond between us, it can help reduce stress and improve...

Sharks are a group of chondrichthyan fish which means they are cartilaginous. In turn, this means they have cartilage instead of bone. This is something you might find a little surprising considering some sharks can be so huge, but they manage to get by alright. Included in this group of fish are rays,...

The smallest bird in the world is the bee hummingbird. While not much bigger than some beetles or other insects, the bee hummingbird is still very much part of the bird family. Their small size doesn't mean they can't engage in feeding, reproducing and social behaviors as any other bird might. They just...

People have an innate tendency to humanize their cat’s behavior. Many affirm that cats love us when a cat sits calmly on our lap and purrs when we pet them. And if a cat bites or ignores us completely, it’s a natural assumption to believe that our cat hates us. But is this a fair analysis? Are you wondering...

Our responsibility when adopting a dog is feeding, watering and caring for their basic needs. Our joy when living with a dog is getting to give them all the love they deserve. This means pampering when we can, giving them plenty of caresses and petting them like crazy. Fortunately, for most dogs, this is...

The slow movement of the sloth is where they derive their name, first being used in English in the early 17th century[1]. Since then they have captivated animal lovers across the world. Their slowness also connotes gentleness and it is hard to argue the docile grin they display isn't one of the most endearing...

We might stereotype people who watch funny cat videos as people who are easily distracted or who don't have enough taste to do something more productive, but we all know it's not true. Cat videos are for all. This is partly because there are many different types of cat videos. Some are boring and inane....

Black cats, perhaps more than any other type of cat, evoke such a response in we humans. Culturally, black cats have appeared in folk tales, art, films, internet memes and much more. This is not to say that the image of a black cat means to same to all cultures. Some see black cats as ominous figures,...

A cat’s whiskers, otherwise known as vibrissae, are incredibly interesting touch receptors. These sensory tools help cats maneuver in the dark or in threatening situations. Are you wondering, why are my cat’s whiskers so long? or whether or not cat whiskers fall out? if so, you’ve come to the right place....

Cats have a very well develop sense of smell. It is believed they have between 45 and 200 million olfactory receptors. They use these receptors to pick up on aromas of even the smallest concentration within their environment. The privileged nose of felines means they use it as an important tool to find...

Not counting the almost unlimited possibilities for mixed breed dogs, there are over 300 officially recognized dog breeds across the world. Each dog within these different breeds is an individual with a personality influenced by many factors. How obedient any dog will be is informed most by their socialization...

Undoubtedly, one of the best things about being a dog tutor is that we never really feel alone. In fact, sometimes it may feel as if we are constantly being watched by our furry best friends, who’s eyes seem to follow us everywhere. Have you ever noticed that your dog stares at you constantly, sometimes...

We know that adopting a cat, regardless of breed, color, sex or age, is an act of pure love. In addition, cat adoption gives us the opportunity to live with a charming, caring and beautiful animal. How often have you been genuinely surprised by the skills and abilities that your cat has presented? There...

There's a reason why dogs don't normally wear shoes. The soles of their feet are durable enough for them to walk across different terrain. If we were to go out in the snow without shoes, we wouldn't last very long. Huskies somehow manage to trek across snowy terrain on their paws alone. And yet, a dog's...

Categorizing nature is a worthwhile endeavor. It allows us to see the interconnectedness of all nature and helps us to understand not only where we came from, but where we might be going. It engenders respect for all living beings. Categorization is also not easy and sometimes nature throws a spanner in...

Because of their adorable appearance and their restless nature, hamsters often attract attention and arouse a lot of curiosity, especially among children. However, it is very important to inform yourself about everything you need to know about hamsters before adopting one. Once all the important hamster...

Cats have a reputation of being frightened easily. So much so it has lead to the phrase ‘scaredy-cat’. However, some of the things that scare cats the most might be something you haven't considered before. You may be unaware you have been scaring them which has lead to cat anxiety. This is why AnimalWised...

You’ve probably noticed that your dog loves to sleep in a specific position. But have you every wondered what the meaning of this dog sleeping position is? Firstly, it is important to remember that an adequate amount of good sleep is necessary for a dog’s well-being. Therefore, we suggest respecting your...

Did you know that all living beings have origins which are linked to our aquatic environment? Throughout evolutionary history, mammals have been changing and adapting to conditions on the earth’s surface. This is until, several million years ago, some of these animals returned to submerge themselves...

The giant panda is almost synonymous with conservation. The World Wildlife Fund for Nature is the world's largest conservation organization and their logo has incorporated an image of the panda since its inception. Unfortunately, for many years the threat to this species was so grave that they were...

Honey bees are mostly grouped in the genus Apis. However, within the family Apinae are stingless bees, part of the Meliponini tribe. These bees are different from honey bees, producing less abundant and more liquid-based honey. This type of honey, produced by stingless bees, is traditionally used more for...

Did you know that the world’s oldest cat reached up to 30 years old? Scooter was a tomcat and his life totaled to about 136 human years when calculated. As extraordinary as this sounds, a cat that has received all necessary care can in fact experience extraordinary longevity. Many cat carers always...

All living beings need to adapt to their environment to survive. These environments are as wide ranging as life itself, whether underwater, above ground or even in the body of another living being. Helping to better understand these types of adaptations, we can group them as either physiological, structural...

It is important to know that if your dog is urinating where it eats, it is considered an unequivocal symptom of a problem. The act of a dog peeing beside or on food can be due to many causes and can manifest in dogs of all ages. In this AnimalWised article we will be discussing some possible causes...

If you share your home with a cat, you will be privy to a whole host of seemingly odd behaviors. Lying on their back an exposing their belly to you is just one of them. What is even stranger is that they do this, but then attack you like a jackrabbit if you try to pet their stomach. Adding to the confusion...

Many guardians wonder if their cats like kisses or if this kind of display of affection is uncomfortable for felines. Unfortunately, many others do not make this consideration. Instead they kiss and cuddle their kittens without considering their comfort and tolerance levels. It's important to remember that...

Transgenic animals are animals that have been cloned. The medical and biotechnological uses of animal cloning are almost innumerable, as many diseases have been eradicated thanks to the production of these transgenic animals. Due to the controversial concept of cloning and scientific testing on animals,...

Fish experience reproduction in one of two ways. These processes include fertilization inside or outside the body. Fish are either ovoviviparous, viviparous or oviparous. Additionally, it is important to note that reproduction can also change according to the fish’s environment, specifically if it lives in...

Of course, there are many reasons why a cat might cry, mewl or yowl. Each circumstance needs to be considered and the well-being, health and behavioral characteristics of the cat will help us to determine why your cat is crying al the time. However, there are some general reasons and common situations...

The Iberian Peninsula combines territories located in current day Portugal and Spain with the British Overseas Territory and the Principality of Andorra. However, the vast majority 79% is located in Spain. The fauna of this country alone is rich and diverse, harboring certain endemisms, plant and animal...

The reasons why cats run away from their poop can be due to instinct, but it is also possible they do so because of a problem in the home. For this reason, when a cat has a zoomie out of the litter box, it doesn't necessarily mean there is a problem, but we have to determine the cause in case there is...

It is common for your dog to always want to sleep next to you in bed or simply in the same room. Although not all dogs will do so, this behavior is related to their canine nature. Being social animals, wanting to sleep next to their guardians is a way to encourage our bond and feel secure. It is a behavior...

All foxes belong to the Canidae family. Foxes are closely related to other canids, such as: dogs, jackals or wolves. Their morphology and appearance has adapted itself to their significant environments. There are approximately 13 ‘‘true’’ fox species. If you want to know more about the types of foxes that exist,...

In nature there are several reproductive strategies one of them being oviparous. You should know that there are many animals which follow this reproductive path, these animals also appeared much earlier in evolutionary history than viviparous animals. If you want to know what oviparous animals are, find...

Cats use their bodies to communicate with us, other animals and their environment. Thanks to their postures and facial expressions, our felines are able to transmit their state of mind and perceptions about their environment. By understanding your cat’s postures and expressions, you will not only better...

71% of the planet is made up of oceans. There a many different types of sea animals present among these oceans and seas, some of which are still unknown. Unfortunately, with the rise in: water temperature, sea pollution and hunting, comes the reduction in our marine life. Everyday, more and more marine animals...

When it comes to choosing a toy or a dog training tool for your dog, it is important to take into account which colors are the most striking for dogs. In this way, you can ensure that your dog can distinguish toys from other objects, include floors. In this AnimalWised article we will be discussing...

Although black cats have been victims of a bad reputation for centuries, this stigmatization has decreased in recent years. Unfortunately, it has not gone away completely. For some, their mysterious appearance and inclusion is various folklores makes them the ideal pet. For others, black cats have negative...

When we discuss wolf attacks, there are many different variables to consider. Firstly, the location is important. In Spain, there hasn't been a verified wolf attack with a fatality since 1974[1]. In North America, attacks are similarly rare although the last recorded fatality was in 2010. In India, however,...

There are millions of different species and types of animals in the world, which altogether constitute a variety of fauna. This great collection makes our planet Earth a unique place among the immensity of the universe. Some animals or organisms are so small that the human eye is not even able to appreciate...

Do you know what it means to be in danger of extinction? Every day there are more and more animals that are making the list for endangered species. But, still today, many people do not really know what it means to be going extinct, why it happens and which animals are on this red list. According to official...

Cats can run very fast, making it difficult for humans to catch them if they run somewhere they shouldn't. They can dart about easily through our legs and even run up vertical surfaces with seemingly little effort. Although they have great speed in small spaces, does this mean cats can run faster than...

The sea, infinite and enigmatic, is full of mysteries. Most of these mysteries have not yet even been discovered. In the depths of the ocean, there is not only darkness and ancient hulled ships, there is also life. There are hundreds of creatures that live below the ocean's surface, some spectacular and...

Scavenger animals play an important and primordial role in the cycle of life. Thanks to them, organic matter can decompose and become available again for plants and other autotrophic beings. In addition, they cleanse nature of corpses that can, if left, cause and spread infection. In this AnimalWised article...

Have you ever wondered what the life cycle of sea turtles looks like? To study the life cycle of any species, we must take into account the development of their offspring, how and when the adults reproduce, and where and what they eat. Did you know that sea turtles migrate? They travel long distances...

All animals attract attention for various reasons, their physical appearance being perhaps the most common. It is a primal response we use as a way to protect ourselves and know who is friend or foe. Reptiles are one of the most feared in the animal kingdom as they encompass some of the deadliest creatures...

Snakes are fascinating animals, their striking colors, their curious way of moving and their voracious appetite can impress anyone. Since ancient times, these reptiles have been part of the culture of many societies, becoming one of the most famous animals studied by science. There are thousands of different...

Animals have many ways of communicating with each other. This may be through sight, sound, body language and smells. Humans share these methods of communication, but one which has yet to be verified by a peer reviewed study is our use of pheromones. The same cannot be said for cats as scientists have been...