Do you consider yourself a pet lover? According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), approximately 70% of U.S. households own a pet, equating to roughly 90.5 million homes. From cats and dogs to turtles and hamsters, there are all kinds of pets out there (and pet facts!) that bring joy into our lives.
We all love our pets, and as responsible pet owners, it’s important to do everything we can to make sure they’re healthy and happy. But how much do we really know about the creatures we share our lives with? Here are 23 interesting facts about pets and pet ownership that you might not be aware of. Enjoy!
Let the pet facts begin!
Pet Facts #1: Pets have been kept by humans since prehistoric times. Almost every single culture around the world has a history of pets.
2) The relationship between pets and humans offers an insightful look into how our societies have evolved. Researchers are studying that link to learn more about humans as a species.
3) The word “pet” comes from the Middle English word “petty,” meaning “small.”
4) The word “pet” was first given to humans, often in regard to a spoiled, whiny child. Only later did it transition to animals.
Pet Facts #5: Pet ownership was historically a sign of wealth and free time.
6) Cats were first domesticated in Egypt around the 16th century BC.
7) Dogs were domesticated much earlier, with the earliest evidence dating back to 32,000 years ago.
8) Fish have been kept as pets for centuries, and goldfish were first domesticated in China over a thousand years ago.
9) Pets can offer companionship, love, and support, and research has shown that they can have a positive impact on our mental and physical health.
Pet Facts #10: Dogs have about 2 times better night vision than humans.
11) Cats have 32 muscles in each ear, while dogs have only 18.
12) The United States has the highest pet ownership rate in the world, with over 60% of households owning at least one pet.
13) The most popular pets in the US are dogs and cats, followed by fish, birds, and small animals like rabbits and hamsters.
14) There are over 77 million pet dogs in the US, and over 47 million pet cats.
15) Approximately 1 in 3 US households own a dog, and 1 in 4 own a cat.
16) Dogs are the most popular pet globally, with an estimated 900 million dogs worldwide.
17) Dogs and cats typically live for 10-12 years, but some breeds can live much longer.
18) Fish have a shorter lifespan, with most species only living for 2-5 years.
19) Small animals like rabbits and hamsters typically live for 4-6 years.
20) Birds have a wide range of lifespans, depending on the species, but most live for 10-15 years.
21) It’s estimated that over 10 million pets are abandoned each year.
22) Animal shelters take in over 6 million dogs and cats each year.
23) Pets tend to have very distinct personalities, and pet owners often feel like they understand their animal companions better than anyone else.
I hope you enjoyed these pet facts!
Pets offer us companionship, love, and support, and they can have a positive impact on our mental and physical health. But it’s important to do your research before you get a pet and to be prepared for the responsibility of pet ownership. When you and your family feel ready to get a pet, adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue organization is a great way to find a furry friend, and it also helps to save a life.
H/t: Fact Retriever
Please share these interesting pet facts about pets and their owners with your friends and family.
