Facts about the animal kingdom
1.137 articles

Small, exquisite looking and very skilful, the chameleon is the animal kingdom's proof that spectacular things can come in small packages. Originally from the African continent, they are one of earth's most fascinating creatures. They have eyes which move independently of each other, a tongue which can extend...

Splooting in dogs is a relatively new term for an ancient phenomenon. It is the process by which an animal can spread themselves out on the ground as flat as possible with their legs outstretched. Social media has been awash with this fascinating phenomenon in the form of videos and photos. The reason...

Dogs love to sleep with their beloved tutors, because they feel more secure when it comes to enjoying a healthy sleep. Therefore it is not uncommon that animal’s often choose to sleep with or at the feet of their guardians. Animals will take any opportunity to receive affection, and this act of sleeping with...

The strong reputation dogs hold as main prominent protectors is undeniable. If looking for protection, a person is more likely to adopt a dog than a cat. However, we must not forget that cats too are able to establish a very special bond with their owner as well as protect them from any harm.
Many people...

Dogs communicate through smell, vocalization, body language and more. One of the most common ways a dog communicates is through licking. From the moment a dog is born it’s mother licks it, this is can be sign of protection, love or cleanliness. Therefore, one must understand that this habit is habitual...

Have you ever stopped to imagine how our 5 senses as humans help us perceive the world? Due to the difference in anatomical structure between animals and humans, our perception of the world differs. We see color differently and many animals, due to evolution, have gained senses which have been specifically...

Our planet has climates of all kinds: from raw winters to soft springs. These different types of climate and variety of geographical areas are so great, that in each one different species of fauna and flora can be found. But what kind of animals exist in the desert?
In this AnimalWised article we will...

It is not uncommon that, as dog keepers, we sometimes observe distinct behavior in our dog when it sleeps. This behavior can be presented through shaking, twitching, leg movement, eye movement and breathing agitation. And soon after, your dog will either wake up as if nothing has happened, or continue sleeping...

There is the widespread belief that cats are independent animals and are not sociable or affectionate. Although some felines can be more aloof than others, this description does not apply to the majority of domestic cats. Most often displays of affection are welcome and signify a health bond. When this...

The part of our day leaving your dog home alone is one of the most difficult of the day. The undeniable look of sadness in your dog’s eyes when you have to go to work can easily form a lump in your throat. Many animals then howl and cry in reaction. The howling from our animals can cause many problems,...

Among the South American countries, Brazil stands out not only for its continental dimensions and its multifaceted culture, but also for its enormous natural diversity. From North to South of the Brazilian territory, we find diverse ecosystems that make up a privileged bio-diverse landscape.
Although...

Many people are surprised when they get home and find a beautiful cat on their doorstep. In general, this is a stray cat begging for something. Due to a lack of resources they are most likely seeking food, heat and safety. As life on the street presents many dangers and challenges for its survival, they...

Cats can lick for hours. When you have that much fur, being clean takes dedication. Removing dirt accumulated over the day or detangling knots from their fur, cats use their specially adapted tongues to maintain proper hygiene. However, sometimes this cleaning ritual doesn't stop with their own bodies....

A cat's look is one of its finest features. It is not only due to the beautiful range of color in their irises, but their big imploring eyes can provide expressions which seem to convey so much. As humans and cats don't speak the same language, cats can't explain what it is through their voice. Instead,...

A cat's meow is an odd affectation. We say affectation as it is something which adult cats do not generally do to each other, yet domestic cats regularly do to us. The main theory is that meowing in adult cats is related to when they were kittens. Kittens will meow to get attention, just as babies or children...

Viviparity is a form of reproduction that is found in most mammalian creatures as well as some reptiles, fish and amphibians. It isn't, however, limited to the animal kingdom as viviparous plants also exist. Viviparity is a term which has some variation, but is generally accepted to refer to live birth of...

How many times have you seen your dog scratching their bed before laying down? It's not quite the same as fluffing your pillow before you rest your head at night, so why do they do it? This behavior may seem pointless or compulsive, but understanding this compulsion simply requires us to think the way...

It should be no surprise that there are ancient dog breeds since it is estimated that humans and dogs have lived together happily for between 2,000 and 3,000 years. Although historical sources do not provide a precise date, it is widely believed that the domestication process of wolves began between 10,000...

In the wild, an animal's eyes might be the first thing you see as they walk toward you in the dark. While your cat may be a domestic animal, they are no exception. This is because the glow in your cat's eyes derives its purpose from their wild ancestry. Just because they are not as large as a tiger or...

If you have more than one cat at home, you will know the joy of communal cat living. Not only do you have more felines to share your life with, but they have pals they can socialize with when you're unavailable. They can form a great bond together and it is not uncommon to witness real sadness when one...

Any cat owner will be aware that felines like their independence. Unlike dogs, they are solitary animals in the wild. This doesn't mean they don't require socialization, but it does mean it's not unusual for them to spend most of the day outside and barely greet you when they return. On the contrary,...

If you see your male dog mounting other male dogs, then it can may seem like confusing behavior. It raises certain questions about their actions and it may even embarrass some others at the dog park, not that it should. Much of dog behavior can seem odd to the uninitiated or uninformed. We also often attribute...

It is easy to see the link between domestic cats and their big cat brethren. They have sharp canine (or should that be feline?) teeth which mimic the ferocious pictures we see in magazines like National Geographic. While their prey may not be as big as the beasts of the plain, you can see them pounce...

Calico cats are appropriately named. Calico is a material which is easy to produce, but is also able to be dyed in many different colors for printing and clothing. Calico cats are a common variety which take different colors from their ancestors and combined them in a three colored coat. This can make...

If you've seen a dog with a blue tongue, your first thought might be ‘where did they get the money to buy Jolly Ranchers?’ However likely this might seem, there just might be a more natural explanation. The Chow Chow is a dog which is estimated to have originated in China 2,000 years ago. Their distinctive...

From ancient times, the figure of the cat has been surrounded by myths that say they have supernatural powers, from the ability to transmit "bad luck" to the ability to anticipate events that have not yet occurred.
Leaving superstition aside, there are 7 things cats can predict. They have nothing to...

Today, we'd like to take the opportunities to share some highly compelling stories, those that are not usually told in the media, but that definitely make this world a better place, as it is not only humans that have acts of kindness and bravery, more often than not, animals are the kindest and altruistic creatures...

It is difficult to choose a single dog as the strongest dog breed in the world. There are several characteristics that give great strength to a dog, such as their body and bite.
Despite the strength of a dog, they should never be used to fight. They must be educated from an early age with positive reinforcement...

If you have witnessed two cats mating you will know that they make a lot of noise. The truth is that meowing begins when the cats go into heat, to attract the attention of males. They also respond with meowing and this is how the procession begins.
But it is during copulation that the screams and meows...

Cats are incredible animals that bring laughter, affection and happiness to humans. Nowadays, there are about 100 officially recognized cat breeds, but surely, we don't know even half of them unless you are experts in the subject.
In this AnimalWised article, we are not going to show you all the cat...

Everyone has heard of the famous Game of Thrones series and of course, its incredible dragons, probably the most popular fantastic characters in the series. We know that winter is coming, which is why, in this new AnimalWised article, we are going to talk about what the names of Game of Thrones Dragons...

As in the case of people, cats have preferences when it comes to maintaining social relations, for this reason, it is no surprise that they have a favorite person or more than one. But is that really true? Do cats prefer a person above all others? Or is it rather a myth?
In AnimalWised we have decided...

In this AnimalWised article we present the ultimate top 5 smallest cat breeds in the World. You'll also learn lots about their origins and their most distinctive physical features, which makes these tiny beings really adorable animals next to his small stature. The top 5 goes as follows:
Singapura
Korat
Munchikin
Skookum
Devon...

A cat's sense of smell is 14 times better than a human's, so it's much more developed and allows them to perceive scents more intensely. This advantage is very useful to detect smells and aromas that attract them most, as well as quickly identify those they hate. Some aromas can make a feline go crazy...

Dogs get stuck together when mating due to the physiology of their reproductive organs. The reproduction of dogs has adapted over time to best ensure mating is successful. They have various physical and behavioral processes which allow this to happen. This includes the estrous cycle, also known as the...

Whether you're thinking about devoting a beautiful phrase of love to your cat as if you were looking for funny and weird quotes about your cats, you have come to the right place, in this AnimalWised article we offer you a list of phrases and quotes you can dedicate to your best feline friend.
Discover beautiful...

Wolfdogs are hybrids between different wolf sub-species and domestic dogs, most commonly those that look like wolves such as the Alaskan Malamute, Husky or German Shepherd. They are often bred as military dogs or for guarding purposes. Although owning a purebred wolf in the United States and most countries...

Cats drool for various reasons, including both benign and potential health-related causes. Drooling in cats can be triggered by contentment and relaxation, where they enter a state of deep satisfaction. Excitement or anticipation can also lead to drooling, especially when they are eagerly awaiting something...

We are forever trying to interpret our dog's behavior. We know that a dog scratching at doors is likely because they want to get out, often as a result of separation anxiety. But when dogs scratch at the ground, it seems to be more from habit than out of concern. There are also different times when...

A dog's sense of smell is completely different from a humans', so it is not surprising that we have different tastes when deciding which fragrances seem pleasant and which aromas we consider unbearable. For us, the smell of urine and feces are some of the smells that repel us most. For dogs, these smells provide...

While the story revolves around human children becoming wizards, it is the magical creatures in Harry Potter which helped spark the imagination of generations of readers. J. K. Rowling's boy wizard and his cohorts come across many creatures, both real animals and fantastic beasts. Whether a massive Potterhead...

Our first interesting fact about Peruvian guinea pigs is that they are not pigs, they are not from Guinea and they may not even be Peruvian. One of the oldest guinea pig breeds, the Peruvian guinea pig still has their wild cousins roaming across many parts of South America, not just Peru. They are just...

It is a very common question that dog owners and people who live with dogs on a daily basis to ask themselves. How does my dog see me? Do dogs see in two dimensions? Does my dog see the world in the same way I do or other animals do?
To answer this question, at AnimalWised we have created this article,...

Cats are very special animals, full of curious behaviors that may seem like crazy attitudes for humans, but which, in general, respond to a survival instinct that they preserve from their life in the wild.
When living with a cat you quickly start picking up on the things that they like: sleeping next...

The Chihuahua is, by far, one of the most popular Mexican dog breeds. In fact, they get their name thanks to the largest state in Mexico. Probably due to their character, the physical traits they possess or the joy they convey have made them stand out enormously.
Do you have a chihuahua or a mix of this breed?...

They may look cute and practical to take out in your handbag, but these genetically modified dogs have more health problems than you may think. There are many breeds that have their version of teacup dogs, such as the Maltese, the Yorkshire Terrier and the Chihuahua. Although they may be confused with toy...

There are an estimated two million species of animals in the world. Some, like dogs or cats, can be seen almost daily in our cities and we know endless facts about them, but there are less common animals that are full of curious facts.
This is the case of ovoviviparous animals, which have a certainly strange...

There is a practical reason behind the color of a wild animal's skin or fur. If they are a predatory animal, the aim is to blend into the environment where their prey are loitering, making it easier to creep up on them and increasing the chances of launching a successful attack.
On the other hand, the skin or...

Although we may not be aware of this, many times the advances that the human being makes would not be possible without the unfortunate participation of animals, even though many times this participation is only fruitful for us. You may have been surprised when you heard that a dog traveled to space, but where...

Occasionally, a cat's behavior can be inexplicable to humans. Things that seem funny to us, like chasing strings or climbing up curtains, are completely normal to them and are actually based on their feline instinct.
If you've ever seen your cat rolling on the ground, chances are you've wondered what...