We all wonder about the odd things that our pets do, such as the sounds they make or the severe cleaning regimen they complete every day. Every species has their own language. We’re sure that they stare at us with confusion often, too. “Why is that human pulling out their fur?” “Did that human just pet me without permission?” Communication comes in many forms, and because of that, we’re going to share some interesting facts about our lovable pets. This way, you can understand them just a little bit better. Let’s dive in before they catch you snooping.
Dogs
· Dogs Don’t Feel Guilt
Did you know that dogs don’t feel guilty? It’s hard to believe, since they act so guilty after tearing up your pillow. What you’re seeing is fear. They don’t want to be scolded, which is what they hate the most. They want your love, all the time. Remember this the next time they eat your dinner off the counter.
· Dogs Can See In Color
Despite popular belief, dogs do not see in black and white. They have two cones in their eyes, while humans have three. However, they’re only able to see yellow and blue colors, not red and green. This gives them a great advantage at night, and they take in nearly 25% more information than us at a time. Does this contribute to their “distractive” nature?
· Dogs Can Smell Disease
Dogs can smell a multitude of organic compounds in the human body. They can actually diagnose you with cancer, diabetes, and the initial signs of an epileptic seizure. Always trust your puppy’s nose, as it may mean life or death for you, apparently. We hope that scientists explore this further. Imagine…your dog the doctor.
Cats
· Cats Spend 70% Of Their Lives Sleeping
Does your cat laze around the house on a day-to-day basis? Well, it’s not because they’re lazy. It’s natural for them to sleep between 13-20 hours per day. Cats need to stalk, hunt, and chase. This takes a lot of effort. All that sleeping is meant to save up for the moment when they take down a buffalo…or mouse.
· A House Cat Can Reach 30 mph
If you own a cat, you’ll have experienced the “sugar rush” that they experience randomly throughout the day. They’ll zip into the living room and zip right back out, over and over again until they go back to sleep. Well, they’re reaching up to 30mph when they do so. Beat that Usain Bolt!
· Stubbs The Cat Was Mayor
We all know how superior and prideful cats can be. They have an air of authority around them, as they stare down their nose at you. Well, that attitude won Stubbs The Cat several mayoral elections in a little Alaskan town called Talkeetna. He didn’t hold any legislative power (so we think), but he was beloved by the locals and tourists until he died at the ripe old age of 20.
Birds
· Birds Don’t Have Teeth
Birds are beautiful creatures who choke down their food rather inelegantly. They don’t have any teeth to help them out, so they break the food with their beaks or swallow it whole. Keep this in mind when feeding your pet bird, as we don’t want an accident to happen.
· Birds Are Masters At Communicating
Birds have delightful singing voices (most of them), and they use it to communicate with the world. They use certain sounds for attracting mates, warning comrades of danger, and making their anger known to nuisances like humans. They even use their body language to communicate, such as dancing or displaying feathers to a potential mate.
· Birds Preen All Day Long
Preening isn’t just for beautifying, however, that is one of their priorities. They preen all day long to keep themselves healthy, too. Dirt, dust, and parasites can make them ill and affect their ability to fly. Adjusting their feathers during the process ensures that their exterior is perfectly aligned with their body shape. No wonder we’re so entranced by their beauty.
Hamsters
· Hamsters Are Nocturnal
Do you hear your hamsters exercise wheel squeaking while you sleep? That’s because hamsters are nocturnal creatures. They come out at night to avoid the predators during the day. There’s safety in the shadows, after all. Would you want to risk it at that size?
· Faces For Food Storage
Their tiny hands can’t carry much, so where are they supposed to put all those winter supplies? Their cheeks, of course! They have special pouches that can carry food long distances, and even save some for an emergency snack. Collecting food is hard work, you know?
· Hamster Teeth Never Stop Growing
A hamster’s teeth are meant to gnaw through hard food and tear apart debris to make nests. If they didn’t keep growing, they’d be without teeth. No teeth, means no surviving. So, be sure to give your hamsters something to chew on daily, as those buck teeth can grow too long.
