Facts about the animal kingdom

Antarctica is the coldest and most inhospitable continent on planet Earth. In fact, the coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth was -90 ºC at Antarctica's Vostok station. Contrary to this intense cold , there are also relatively warm regions in Antarctica, such as the Antarctic Peninsula, where temperatures...

We all know how therapeutic music can be and using this form of therapy for cats could be a no-brainer for some, but do cats like music? Thanks to numerous studies and scientific experiments, it’s safe to say that some cats enjoy specific types of music. However, understanding cat senses and cat hearing...

The North Pole is one of the most mysterious and inhospitable places on planet Earth. The Arctic North Pole, situated in the Northern hemisphere, is known for its extreme weather, climate and incredibly diverse fauna and flora. But which animals make up this full list of arctic animals living in the North...

Animals in the natural world have an incredible range of characteristics. Observing them is why we are all so hooked on nature documentaries. But there is something about animals with big eyes which sets them apart. The expression large eyes give to certain animals is invariably cute, although this is...

You may think a dog only yawns when they are sleepy. While they will indeed release a large yawn when waking up or bedding down, this behavior has a variety of meanings. Such meaning will depend on the context of the yawn and the body language they display when performing it. It may also depend on our...

Dogs, like all animal species, have a different way of expressing themselves. Dogs use specific body language and vocal sounds to communicate their mood and feelings. As dog tutors, it is important to both understand and respect canine nature in order to learn to communicate better with our furry friends....

If we spot a long eared little mammal running across a meadow, it's not always easy to tell if it is a rabbit or hare. In fact, we have to look at the taxonomic classification of these two species to see how they differentiate. If you ask yourself how closely related are rabbits and hares, then it is important...

Puppies, as with human babies, do not have any teeth at birth. Eventually newborn puppies will develop one or two deciduous teeth (also known as milk teeth) which are only partly developed and temporary. During breastfeeding, puppies will exclusively suckle from their mother's breast and don't require...

Australia, as you probably already know, is rich with incredible fauna. From the famous Kangaroo to dingoes to freshwater crocodiles, Australia’s animal world is incredibly diverse! Did you know that many Australian animals, having evolved in an environment devoid of predators, are extremely confident despite...

There are currently 8 different types of bear species in the world. We use the word ‘currently’ for the sad reason that some species are no longer with us and others have dwindling populations. Part of the reason for this is due to the complex relationship bears have with their environment. These environments...

In recent years, the definition of ‘ungulate’ has been up for debate. The debate centers around which animals should be categorized under this term as it is a word applicable to a diverse range of mammals. A common ancestor is believed to link the animals together, but some zoologists and taxonomists disagree...

Puppy dogs are particularly sensitive and vulnerable animals. At birth, they can be completely dependent on their mothers. They require their mother to feed them, keep them warm and even stimulate defecation. Part of the reason is because dogs are altrical animals, meaning they are unable to move around...

Of the many curious behaviors of dogs, sitting on our feet isn't the strangest. It's still peculiar, especially when we consider the dog. Even the largest of dog breeds, some bigger than their human guardians, choose to rest on top of their feet. What is odd is the fact there are many more cosy looking...

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...

Ask someone “what is the difference between an ox and a bull?”and they may picture images of two different animals. Although both terms are used to refer to males of the same species, they are terms which carry more specific meanings. These meanings have more to do with nomenclature rather than a breed...

Even at our busiest times, when our dog comes over and lays their head on us, it is difficult to resist. Humans and dogs share a unique bond which doesn't use words to be strengthened. Instead, dogs communicate with body language, vocalizations and facial expressions. Different actions have different...

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...

Habituation is the process of getting so used to a smell that we stop being able to register it as strongly as before[1]. We stop registering it because we need to keep our olfactory sense alert to new smells which may pose a problem. When we share our home with a pet, it is not uncommon for us to get...

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...

Are you wondering what cat headbutting means? does your cat rub its head against you and you don’t know why? Cats are enigmatic creatures and can prove to be a mystery to their human companions. They tend to be really sleepy, emit interesting sounds and purrs and do things that are sometimes inexplicable,...

The Border Collie dog breed is the most intelligent dog in the world. But this is not the only interesting fact about Border Collies. These dogs are intelligent, have different colored eyes and are often confused with Australian Shepherds. Border Collies have multiple qualities that make them extremely...

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...

If you envy your cat for the amount of hours it spends sleeping every day don’t worry, you're not the only one! Whether your cat sleeps on top of you , on a chair, under the sun, on the computer and in the strangest and most unlikely places, know that cats are expert sleepers! Although it seems incredible,...

Cats are strictly carnivorous animals, so the mainstay of their nutrition is protein from animal origin, such as; beef, chicken, turkey or fish. However, cats can also benefit from the consumption of some fruits and vegetables, which are actually sometimes good for their health. Cats also sometimes eat plants...

Like most herbivorous mammals, horses are not characterized for spending long periods of time sleeping. But a horse’s basis of sleep and a horse’s sleep characteristics are important to know for any horse lover. Like with all animals, good rest is essential for the proper development and maintenance of a horse’s...

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...

It’s very disconcerting for a dog owner when their dog cries or whines. Whether they are adults or puppies, it can cause worry for any dog owner. When a dog cries or whines, it usually means that they are trying to communicate with us. If your dog is whining all of a sudden it may be because it is sick, scared...

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...

There are no tricks to force a bitch accept being mounted. Animals act according to experience, learning and ethology. If your dog does not want to do something it should never be forced. In fact, it should be respected and understood that every animal does specific things in their own time. We must...

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...