Think you know everything there is to know about your favourite furry, finned or feathered friend? Chances are there are some interesting facts that even the most ardent animal-lover may be surprised to learn.
- Tough tongue Cats’ tongues are covered with little structures called “filiform papillae,” which are like tiny hooks pointing toward the throat. These hook-like structures help hold food while a cat is eating. The papillae also help with grooming. Humans can feel these barbs when licked by cats.
- Seeing spots Dalmatians are born all white. Their spots will develop within the first few weeks of life and can be black, brown or liver coloured.
- Sleepy time Cats are born loungers and will spend on average 16 hours of the day snoozing. Only sloths spend more time asleep.
- Send a message Fish do not have vocal chords, but they can use low-pitched moans, grunts, hisses, and wails to communicate with one another.
- Watch the eyes Pet birds can communicate feelings through their pupils. If pupils are dilated, the bird is calm. Pinprick-sized pupils mean birds are agitated and may bite.
- Meeeoooowww Cats only meow to communicate with humans, not amongst themselves.
- Seeing colours Dogs are not colour blind as once presumed. They can see colours, just not as vividly as humans.
- Kindle … not just for reading A group of kittens is called a “kindle,” while a group of cats is a “clowder.”
- Almost wild Dogs are so genetically similar to wolves that they can interbreed.
- Noseprints Cats’ and dogs’ noses are unique, just like human fingerprints.
- Fishy growth rings Fish do not add new scales as they grow. The scales increase in size and form growth rings that can reveal the age of the fish.
- Not domesticated Birds are not domesticated. They’re still wild and must be taught acceptable pet behavior.
- Barkless Many dogs do not actively bark. One that rarely barks is the Basenji, due to a narrow larynx. It can yodel, however!
