Pet 25079 225696398 2008-07-14T23:17:28Z Metagraph 6738192 Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/74.56.164.235|74.56.164.235]] to last version by Bobo192 (using [[WP:HG|Huggle]]) {{Refimprove|date=July 2007}} {{Three other uses|animals kept for companionship|"PET" used as an acronym|PET|"PETS" used as an acronym|PETS|the British comedy Television series|Pets (TV series) }} [[Image:Man and dog.jpg|framed|[[Dog]]s, by nature a [[Pack (canine)|pack]] animal, can form very close bonds with other animals, including humans.]] A '''pet''' or '''companion animal''' is an [[animal]] kept for companionship and enjoyment, as opposed to [[livestock]], [[laboratory animal]]s, [[working animal]]s or [[sport animal]]s, which are kept for economic reasons. The most popular pets are noted for their loyal or playful characteristics, for their attractive appearance, or for their song. Pets also generally seem to provide their owners with non-trivial health benefits;<ref>{{cite web| url=http://consensus.nih.gov/1987/1987HealthBenefitsPetsta003html.htm | title=The Health Benefits of Pets | publisher=US Government National Institute of Health | accesssdate=2006-12-25}}</ref> keeping pets has been shown to help relieve stress to those who like having animals around. There is now a medically-approved class of "therapy animals," mostly dogs, who are brought to visit confined humans. Walking a [[dog]] can provide both the owner and the dog with exercise, fresh air, and social interaction. ==Domestication== {{main|Domestication}} [[Image:Mao I 001.jpg|thumb|right|220px|''Cats in the Garden'', by [[Chinese painting|Chinese painter]] Mao Yi, 12th century; family pets in the [[Song Dynasty]] included watch dogs whose tails were often docked, long-haired cats for catching rats, cats with yellow-and-white fur called 'lion-cats' (who were valued simply as cute pets), and even crickets in cages.<ref name="gernet 48">Gernet, Jacques (1962). Daily Life in China on the Eve of the Mongol Invasion, 1250–1276. Translated by H.M. Wright. Stanford: Stanford University Press. ISBN 0-8047-0720-0. Page 48.</ref><ref name="gernet 122 123">Gernet, Jacques (1962). Daily Life in China on the Eve of the Mongol Invasion, 1250–1276. Translated by H.M. Wright. Stanford: Stanford University Press. ISBN 0-8047-0720-0. Page 122&ndash;123.</ref> Cats could be pampered with items bought from the market such as 'cat-nests', and were often fed fish that were advertised in the market specifically for cats.<ref name="gernet 48"/><ref name="gernet 122 123"/>]] While in theory any animal might be a pet, in practice only a small number of species of [[mammal]]s (especially [[dog]]s and [[cat]]s) and other small animals, such as [[bird]]s, [[fish]], or [[lizard]]s, are practical. One reason for this is that large animals are not able to fit inside small dwellings. In general, a pet must either be small enough (or easily controlled) for his or her undesirable behavioral tendencies to be negligible, or the animal must be actually [[domestication|domesticable]]. Examples of the former are such animals as fish (including [[carnivorous]] ones such as [[piranha]]), [[chickens]], [[invertebrate]]s or small mammals. A few animals are sufficiently capable of adapting to human interaction to be considered domesticable. Dogs ("man's best friend") are considered to be a classic example of domesticated animals normally suited to being pets. Domestic dogs are quite similar to [[wolf|wolves]], but their physical form and behavior are characteristically different, more than mere differences in size, coat, or coloring. Behaviorally speaking, characteristic changes in dogs due to domestication include a prolonged [[puppy|infancy]], increased playfulness, and increased [[bark (dog)|barking]]. Wolves are far less playful and vocal. Over the course of fifty years, Russian scientists also domesticated silver foxes, resulting in the [[Tame Silver Fox]]. While the number produced was extremely small, they have been sold as pets, and they prove that domestication of canids other than wolves is possible. Many rodents—such as [[fancy rat]]s, [[fancy mice]], and [[Syrian hamster]]s—are commonly kept as household pets. Such animals as [[reptiles]] are typically considered [[exotic pets]]. This may change in the future, as 'exotic' pet ownership is increasing rapidly. Some of these animals, such as green iguanas, large monitor lizards, and large birds, do not make suitable pets for the average person, as they require extensive housing and diet. They can also become quite aggressive if not regularly handled. Exotic mammals are also becoming increasingly more popular as pets. For example, the [[domesticated hedgehog]] has been selectively bred to the point where its physical characteristics no longer directly match its wild European and African counterparts.{{Fact|date=March 2007}} Individuals have occasionally run into legal trouble for keeping large exotic pets, both in rural estates and urban apartments. A few years ago, [[New York Police Department]] officers arrested a man who had kept large cats and an alligator in a small Manhattan apartment <ref>''People,'' date unknown.</ref> Many animal species are difficult to handle and cannot be pets for the general populace. Raptors, eagles, and falcons, must be handled very carefully to avoid attacks on their handlers; the sport of [[falconry]] is to a large extent ways of avoiding such outcomes, and so they are not really pets in the sense meant here. Large cats cannot become pets, as they do not reliably restrain their impulses (although [[cheetahs]] are an exception and have been kept as pets in the past). Nor do the large bears, for similar reasons. Small monkeys can be human companions, but they are notoriously unable to defer their curiosity which leads to much destruction. [[Raccoons]] also fit this example. They adapt easily to almost any environment, but resist domestication. One the other hand, several of the [[ferret]] and [[otter]] varieties can be human companions. A pet can be acquired from a [[pet store]], [[animal shelter]], a [[breeder]], and from private transactions, typically due to the giving away of extra newborns after the birth of a litter. See also [[pet adoption]]. Because of environmental and public safety concerns, some pets are illegal in many areas. ==Terminology== In [[veterinary]] [[medicine]], [[dog]]s and [[cat]]s are often considered "household" pets, while all other animals are grouped into either "farm animals" (such as [[horse]]s, [[cow]]s, or [[sheep]]) or "exotics" (including [[pocket pet]]s, birds, and [[reptiles]]).{{Fact|date=February 2007}} ==Local restrictions== Many cities and towns have local ordinances limiting the number of pets a person may have, and may also restrict or forbid certain pets (such as fowl or exotics). The cities of [[Berkeley, California|Berkeley]], [[California]] and [[Boulder, Colorado|Boulder]], [[Colorado]] have passed laws stating that people who have pets do not "own" them; rather, they are the pet's "guardian." [[Condominium]] associations and rental properties often ban animals {{Fact|date=December 2007}} because of the smells and noise the animals create. ==Pet popularity== The two most popular pets in most Western countries have been cats and dogs. In the United States, a 2007-2008 survey shows that dog-owning households outnumber those owning cats, but that the number of pet cats is higher than dogs.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/tables/07s1227.xls | title=Household Pet Ownership: 2001 | publisher=US Census Bureau | accesssdate=2007-09-17}}</ref> Combined [[reptiles]] are the next popular followed by [[birds]] followed by [[horses]], and finally, [[monkeys]]. ==Overpopulation== {{globalize|section}} Animal protection advocates call attention to the pet overpopulation "crisis" in the United States. According to the [[Humane Society of the United States]], 3-4 million dogs and cats are euthanized each year in the country and many more are confined to cages in shelters. This crisis is created by nonneutered animals ([[spayed]]/[[castrated]]) reproducing and people intentionally breeding animals. A particularly problematic combination of economic hardship combined with a love of animals contributes to this problem in parts of the rural United States.<ref>{{cite news | first = Erik | last = Eckholm | title = For Poor Families, an Added Burden of Too Many Pets | url = http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/30/us/30dogs.html?ex=1340942400&en=914cf2d080113914&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink | publisher = The New York Times | date = 2007-06-30 | accessdate = 2007-06-30 }}</ref> In an average year, a fertile cat can produce three litters of kittens, with up to 4 to 6 kittens in each litter. Based on these numbers, one female cat and her offspring could produce up to 420,000 cats over a seven year period if not spayed or castrated. There are also major overpopulation problems with other pet species, such as birds and rabbits. Local humane societies, [[Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals|SPCA]]s, and other animal protection organizations urge people to neuter their pets and to adopt animals from [[animal shelter]]s instead of purchasing them from breeders or [[pet store]]s. ==Effects of pets on their caregiver's health== ===Health benefits === Pets have the ability to stimulate their caregivers, in particular the elderly, giving people someone to take care of, someone to exercise with, and someone to help them heal from a physically or psychologically troubled past.<ref name="whiteley">{{cite news|last=Whiteley|first=Ellen H.|title=The Healing Power of Pets|publisher=Saturday Evening Post|volume=258|issue=7|year=1986|pages=2-102|accessdate=2006-11-05|url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=afh&AN=12592944&site=ehost-live}} Academic Search Elite. EBSCOhost. Polk Library, UW Oshkosh</ref> Having a pet may help people achieve health goals, such as lowered blood pressure, or mental goals, such as decreased stress.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Asp|first=Karen|title=Volunteer Pets|journal=Prevention|volume=57|issue=4|year=2005|pages=176–78|accessdate=2006-11-05|url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=afh&AN=16471647&site=ehost-live}} Academic Search Elite. EBSCOhost. Polk Library, UW Oshkosh</ref> There appears to be strong evidence that having a pet can help a person lead a longer, healthier life. In a study of 92 people hospitalized for coronary ailments, within a year, 11 of the 29 without pets had died, but only 3 of the 52 who had pets.<ref name="whiteley"/> A recent study concluded that owning a pet can reduce the risk of a heart attack by 2% and that pets are better than medication in reducing blood pressure.{{Fact|date=May 2008}} Dogs which are trained into [[guide dog]]s can help persons with visual impairments. ===Pets in long-term care institutions=== Even pet owners residing in a long-term care facility, such as a hospice or nursing home, experience health benefits from pets. Pets for nursing homes are chosen based on the size of the pet, the amount of care that the breed needs, and the population and size of the care institution.<ref name="whiteley"/> Appropriate pets go through a screening process and, if it is a dog, additional training programs to become a [[therapy dog]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Huculak|first=Chad|title=Super Furry Animals|journal=Edmonton|date=Sun 4 Oct. 2006|page=W7}}. LexisNexis. Polk Library, UW Oshkosh. 5 Nov. 2006.</ref> Different pets require varying amounts of attention and care; for example, cats have lower maintenance requirements than dogs.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Bruck|first=Laura|title=Today's Ancillaries, Part 2: Art, music and pet therapy|journal=Nursing Homes: Long Term Care Management|volume=45|issue=7|year=1996|pages=36|accessdate=2006-11-05|url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=afh&AN=9608232012&site=ehost-live}} Academic Search Elite. EBSCOhost. Polk Library, UW Oshkosh.</ref> ===Health risks=== Health risks that are associated with pets include: * Aggravation of [[allergy|allergies]] and [[asthma]] * Injuries, maulings and sometimes deaths caused by dog bites and attacks * Disease or parasites due to animal hygiene problems (feces and urine) * Stress caused by behavior of animals * Fear or distress from animal presence or behavior ===Pets and allergies=== Some people with allergies can have adverse reactions to animal [[dander]] and [[fur]] or [[feathers]]. Some people with asthma can have attacks triggered by these. ==See also== * [[Animal Chaplains]] * [[American Animal Hospital Association]] * [[Animal hoarder]] * [[Animal keeping]] * [[Animal love]] * [[Dog attack]] * [[Human bonding|Human-animal bond]] * [[List of U.S. Presidential pets]] * [[Pet adoption]] * [[Pet cloning]] * [[Pet food]] * [[Pet insurance]] * [[Pet passport]] * [[Pet sitting]] * [[The Pet Network]] * [[:Category:Veterinary medicine]] * [[Zoonosis]] * Pet loss: ** [[Animal loss]] ** [[Pet cemetery]] ** [[Rainbow Bridge (pets)]] * Alternative pets: ** [[Digital pet]] ** [[Exotic pet]] ==References== {{reflist}} ==External links== *[http://www.hsus.org/web-files/PDF/hsp/soa_ii_chap02.pdf Companion Animal Demographics in the United States: A Historical Perspective] from [http://www.hsus.org/press_and_publications/humane_bookshelf/the_state_of_the_animals_ii_2003.html The State of the Animals II: 2003] *[http://www.freecatvideos.net Free Cat Videos] *[http://www.ttfpetstore.co.uk/ Online Pet Supplies] {{Wikibooks|How to choose your pet and take care of it}} {{commonscat|Pets}} {{Wiktionary}} [[Category:Pets| ]] [[bm:Sokɔnɔbagan]] [[bn:পোষ্য]] [[da:Kæledyr]] [[de:Heimtier]] [[et:Lemmikloomad]] [[es:Animal de compañía]] [[eo:Dombesto]] [[fr:Animal de compagnie]] [[gd:Peata]] [[io:Dorloto]] [[id:Binatang peliharaan]] [[it:Animale da compagnia]] [[he:חיות מחמד]] [[lt:Gyvūnai - žmogaus draugai]] [[nl:Huisdier]] [[ja:ペット]] [[no:Kjæledyr]] [[nn:Kjæledyr]] [[pt:Animal de estimação]] [[simple:Pet]] [[fi:Lemmikkieläin]] [[sv:Sällskapsdjur]] [[zh:寵物]]