Did you know that dogs and cats typically have two sets of teeth? And that a group of kittens is called a kindle? As pet lovers, we knew all of this (and more) – but we bet you didn’t! Keep reading for more fun facts about pets, plus some hilarious GIFs that’ll make you smile.
1. Dogs can tell time.
Did you know that dogs can tell time? Dogs have an innate sense of time, and they can use this to their advantage. For example, a dog may start to pace back and forth when they know their owner is coming home from work. Dogs also use the position of the sun to help them determine what time it is. If your dog is lying in the sun, they may be trying to tell you it’s time to take them for a walk!
2. Cats don’t meow at each other
You might think you know everything there is to know about your furry friend, but we’re here to prove you wrong. From the weird ( Cats don’t meow at each other) to the wonderful (a group of kittens is called a kindle), read on for ten fun facts about pets that will make you smile.
3. Goldfish have a longer life expectancy than you think.
Goldfish are known for having a relatively short lifespan. But did you know that, on average, goldfish live for about 15 years? That’s longer than the lifespan of many other pets, like dogs and cats! Goldfish also have a very good memory – they can remember things for up to three months. So if you’re looking for a pet that’s low-maintenance and long-lived, a goldfish might be the perfect option for you.
Like Goldfish, rabbits also have a good memory. In fact, rabbits can remember things for up to two years! And did you know that rabbits are born without fur? Baby rabbits, or “kittens,” are born bald and start to grow their fur at about three weeks old.
4. Your dog’s feet really do smell like Fritos.
You might not think it, but your dog’s feet actually do smell like Fritos. It’s true! The reason behind this is because of the bacteria that live on their skin – which just so happens to be the same bacteria that’s found in corn chips. Who knew?!
5. Dogs lick their feet to help them remember.
You might think you know everything there is to know about your furry friend, but we’re willing to bet there are still a few things that surprise you. For instance, did you know that dogs only have sweat glands in their paw pads? That’s why they often lick their feet – it helps them cool down! And speaking of licking, did you know that a cat’s tongue is actually covered in tiny hooks? That’s why they can lick themselves clean!
6. Cat whiskers aren’t just for cuteness.
Cat whiskers aren’t just for show – they’re actually super sensitive and help cats navigate their surroundings.
Whiskers are sensitive to air currents and can help an animal gauge wind direction, which is especially useful for hunters. Cats have whiskers on the backs of their legs, too! These “leg whiskers” are helpful for gauging whether a space is too small for them to fit through. Interesting fact: not all cats have whiskers. Some whiskerless breeds include the Sphynx, Peterbald, and Devon Rex.
7. Hamsters’ cheeks are seriously huge.
Now for some smaller critters – did you know that Hamsters’ cheeks are seriously huge? They can actually store up to a pound of food in there! And Hamsters aren’t the only ones with impressive cheeks – Chipmunks can also pack away more than half their body weight in food, thanks to their extra-large pouches.
8. Geckos have superpowered tails.
Geckos have tails that are twice as long as their bodies and can detach from their bodies if predators grab them. Talk about a superpower!
9. Dogs have unique nose prints.
While we’re on the topic of dogs, did you know that each one has a unique nose print? Just like human fingerprints, no two dog nose prints are alike. In fact, law enforcement officials have used dog nose prints to identify criminals!
10. Guinea pigs aren’t actually from Guinea.
Guinea pigs aren’t actually from Guinea. These furry little critters are native to the Andes mountains in South America and were first domesticated around 5000 BC. Guinea pigs were actually brought to Europe by Spanish explorers in the 16th century – and they’ve been popular pets ever since.
We hope you enjoyed these fun pet facts! Be sure to check back next week for more interesting blog posts. And in the meantime, be sure to give your furry friend some extra love – they deserve it!
