Animals and Pets Directory

The websites in this category are about the animals and pets. The animal means any member of kingdom Animalia as distinguished from organisms of the kingdom Plantae and the kingdoms Fungi, Protista, and Monera in the five-kingdom system of classification. Essentially, animals are many-celled heterotrophic organisms. Plants and algae characteristically manufacture their food from inorganic substances; animals must secure food already organized into organic substances. They are dependent upon photosynthetic organisms, which provide oxygen as a byproduct and are the ultimate source of all their food. Animals (as well as plants) provide carbon dioxide through respiration and the decomposition of their dead bodies In addition, most animals have specialized means of locomotion, generally involving muscle cells, and possess nervous systems and sense organs-all adaptations for securing food.

A pet is an animal that is kept (mostly by humans) for companionship and enjoyment, as opposed to livestock, which are kept for economic reasons. The most popular are noted for their loyal or playful characteristics or their attractive appearance or song.

The term "pet" may also be applied to humans, usually in an endearing way by a lover, significant other, or partner. Calling another person a pet, though, can just as easily be considered an insult. Pets can provide their owners with many health benefits. The keeping of pets has been shown to help remove stress. Walking a dog can also provide its owner with exercise, fresh air, and the opportunity for social interaction.

A pet can be acquired from a pet store, an animal shelter, a breeder, and sometimes from people who have too many due to births. See also Dog adoption. Sometimes people treat their pets like they are children, especially when the people do not have children or their children are grown up.