20 Surprising Facts About Popular Pets You Never Knew

Pets are more than just companions—they often have fascinating traits and behaviors that might surprise even the most dedicated pet owners. From cats and dogs to smaller pets like hamsters and birds, here are 20 surprising facts about popular pets that you probably never knew.

1. Cats Have a Special Communication System for Humans

Cats rarely meow at each other in the wild, reserving this behavior mainly for humans. Over time, they’ve developed unique ways of “talking” to us through different meows, purrs, and body language to express their needs or moods.

2. Dogs Can Smell Medical Issues

A dog’s sense of smell is so powerful that they can detect medical conditions such as diabetes, certain cancers, and even seizures before they happen. Their ability to sniff out tiny chemical changes in the human body has made them invaluable as service animals in the medical field.

3. Goldfish Have a Better Memory Than You Think

The myth that goldfish have a three-second memory has been debunked. Studies show that goldfish can actually remember things for months, including feeding times and recognizing their owners.

4. Rabbits Can Be Litter Trained

Just like cats, rabbits can be litter trained! They’re naturally clean animals and prefer to use one area for their bathroom habits, making them surprisingly tidy pets to keep indoors.

5. Parrots Can Live for Over 50 Years

Some species of parrots, such as African Greys and Macaws, have incredibly long lifespans, often outliving their owners. These birds can live anywhere from 50 to 80 years, which is something to consider if you’re thinking about adopting one.

6. Hamsters Run Miles Every Night

Hamsters may look like tiny, lazy creatures, but they are extremely active at night. They can run up to five miles on their wheel in just one night. This is why it’s important to provide them with a wheel and plenty of space to move around.

7. Guinea Pigs Love Companionship

Unlike hamsters, guinea pigs are highly social animals and can get lonely if kept by themselves. In many countries, it’s even illegal to own just one guinea pig because they thrive in pairs or groups.

8. Cats Can’t Taste Sweetness

Cats are one of the few mammals that can’t taste sweetness. Their taste buds lack the receptor for sugar, so sweet treats don’t tempt them the way they do for humans and dogs.

9. Dogs Are as Smart as a Two-Year-Old Child

According to research, the average dog can understand about 165 words, gestures, and signals, putting their intelligence on par with a two-year-old child. Some breeds, like Border Collies, can even learn hundreds of words.

10. Ferrets Can Sleep Up to 18 Hours a Day

Ferrets are incredibly playful when awake, but they balance that out by sleeping anywhere from 16 to 18 hours a day. Their bursts of energy are followed by long naps, making them the ultimate mix of playful and lazy pets.

11. Birds Can See More Colors Than Humans

Birds have an extra type of cone in their eyes, which allows them to see ultraviolet (UV) light. This means that birds can see colors we can’t even imagine, giving them a more vibrant view of the world.

12. Turtles Can Breathe Through Their Rear Ends

Some species of turtles, like the Australian Fitzroy River turtle, can absorb oxygen through their cloaca, or rear end. This unique adaptation helps them survive in cold water during hibernation.

13. Cats Sleep for About Two-Thirds of Their Life

Cats are known for their love of naps, and it’s no exaggeration to say that they spend most of their lives sleeping. On average, a cat will sleep for 13 to 16 hours a day, which adds up to roughly two-thirds of their lifetime.

14. Dogs Have “Sweaty” Paws

Dogs don’t sweat the way humans do, but they do have sweat glands in their paw pads. This is one of the reasons why dogs leave wet paw prints on hot days. However, they mainly cool down by panting.

15. Hedgehogs Use “Self-Anointing” as a Defense Mechanism

When hedgehogs come across a new scent, they sometimes lick or bite the source and then rub the frothy saliva on their spines. This is called self-anointing, and while scientists are still unsure why they do it, some believe it’s a form of camouflage or a way to spread toxins from certain plants.

16. Rats Are Tidy Animals

Despite their reputation, rats are actually very clean animals. They spend a significant portion of their day grooming themselves and even have specific areas in their cages for using the bathroom. They also prefer clean, organized spaces and will avoid soiling their sleeping area.

17. Cats Have Whiskers on Their Legs

Besides the whiskers on their face, cats also have whiskers on the backs of their front legs, called carpal whiskers. These help them detect objects when they’re moving around, especially when hunting or climbing.

18. Dogs Can Get Jealous

Dogs are emotionally intelligent animals, and studies show they can experience jealousy when they feel that another animal or human is getting more attention than they are. This is often seen when their owners interact with other dogs or even people.

19. Bearded Dragons Can Change Color

Bearded dragons, like chameleons, can change the color of their skin. This isn’t just for camouflage but can also be a response to temperature, stress, or even mood changes. They often darken their skin to absorb more heat from their surroundings.

20. Horses Have Excellent Memories

Horses are known for having excellent long-term memories. They can remember people and places for years, even after long periods of separation. This is why horses often bond strongly with their owners and can recognize them after long absences.

These surprising facts give us a glimpse into just how unique and interesting our pets can be. From their intelligence to their quirky behaviors, there’s always more to learn about the animals we share our lives with.

Like our content? Be sure to follow us!

19 Unique Hobbies You Haven’t Tried Yet

16 Exotic Pets You Can Actually Own

18 Most-Followed Celebrities on Social Media Right Now

14 Celebrities Who Live Surprisingly Modest Lives