Fun Facts about Pets
- Don’t think goldfish can live for very long? Think again! Tish, the oldest goldfish on record, was won at a UK fair in 1956 and lived to the ripe old age of 43 in 1999.
- Iguanas can hold their breath for as long as 30 minutes!
- In 2012, the American Veterinary Medical Association noted that 36.5% of American households owned dogs, 30.4% owned cats, and 3.1% owned birds.
- Hamsters aren’t just cute and cuddly – they’re smart, too. In fact, hamsters can learn their names if you use them enough.
- In 2006, Gallup reported that 68% of pet owners buy and give Christmas presents to their animals.
- Many American presidents have lived with dogs, from Gaullie the French poodle (John F. Kennedy) to Miss Beazley and Barney the Scottish Terriers (George W. Bush) to Bo the Portuguese Water Dog (Barack Obama).
- The word hamster comes from the German word “hamstern,” or “to hoard.”
- Do your dog’s paws smell like corn chips, or maybe popcorn? They could have something called “Frito Feet.” This is caused by bacteria thriving on your pet’s paws, usually picked up after walking through dirt or water.
- In Russia, stray dogs have learned to master the subway system. Maybe they need a faster way to work?
- If your furry buddy makes you smile, you’re not alone. 94% of pet owners say their pets make them smile at least once a day, whether they’re begging for treats, playing with toys, or looking cute while they nap. As any animal lover knows, any day spent with a pet is a good one.
- Scarlett the cat made quite a name for herself when she fought to rescue her kittens from a fire in 1996. Her story touched so many people, over 7,000 adoption requests were sent to the clinic caring for her. Scarlett lived until 2008 in a home that no doubt spoiled her rotten.
- 62% of American households have at least one pet, with 65% of Millennials making the commitment and 71% of Gen X answering the call.
- Parrots use the tops of their beaks to taste what they eat.
- 31% of owners occasionally (or frequently) cook something specifically for their pets. Fun, right?
- Pet birds have long life spans. If properly cared for in a wonderful home, some can live as long as 100 years!
- Bigglesworth, the kitty in the movie Austin Powers, was actually named Ted NudeGent. His nephews, Skindiana Jones and Hairless Potter, have also had roles in Hollywood films.
