Why Does My Cat Lick Me When I Pet Her?

November 12, 2022November 12, 2022 Julia

Why Does My Cat Lick Me When I Pet Her?

A lot of people wonder why their cats lick them when they pet them. It’s actually a sign of affection from your cat. When you pet your cat, it releases endorphins, which make them feel good. Licking is a way for your cat to show you that they love you and appreciate being petted.

There are a few other reasons your cat may lick you when you pet her. One reason is that she enjoys the taste of your skin. Cats also groom themselves by licking their fur, so your cat may be licking you as part of her grooming routine. Whatever the reason, it’s safe to say that your cat likes you if she’s licking you while you pet her.

Why Do Cats Lick?: Exploring the reasons behind this behavior

Licking is a natural behavior for cats. They lick to clean themselves and their fur. Cats also lick to show affection. When your cat licks you, it might be trying to tell you that it loves you.

Cats also lick as a way to communicate with other cats. If your cat licks another cat, it might be trying to show dominance or submission. Licking can also be a sign of stress in cats. If your cat is licking itself excessively, it might be feeling anxious or stressed out.

So why do cats lick? It’s a complex behavior that has many different meanings. But one thing is for sure: when your cat licks you, it’s definitely trying to show you some love.

A Cat’s Tongue: How does this help them groom?

Cats have a rough tongue that is covered in tiny hooks called papillae. These help them groom themselves by trapping loose fur and debris. When they lick you, they are actually trying to remove any dirt or oil that might be on your skin.

Science Behind It: Explain the science behind why cats lick their owners when they pet them.

When you pet your cat, you may notice that they start to lick you. While it may seem just a sign of affection, there is actually science behind why cats lick their owners.

In the wild, cats groom each other as a way of maintaining the social hierarchy within their group. By licking you, your cat is showing that they consider you to be part of their family. So next time your cat starts licking you, take it as a compliment!

What Cats Are Telling Us: Interpret what cats are trying to tell their owners when they lick them.

Sometimes cats lick their owners as a way to show dominance and control.

When a cat licks its owner, it may be trying to show that it is the boss. This behavior is often seen in feral cats, who use licking as a way to assert their dominance over other members of their colony.

While some owners may not mind being licked by their cat, others may find it to be annoying or even painful. If you find your cat’s licking to be unwelcome, there are a few things you can do to deter this behavior. Don’t encourage or reward your cat when she licks you. Some owners may find the sensation of being licked pleasurable, and will respond by petting or rubbing the cat’s head. This is a positive reinforcement for the cat and will likely encourage her to continue licking you.

How to Respond: Offer tips on how owners should respond when their cats lick them.

If your cat is licking you when you pet her, it’s likely that she’s trying to show you affection. While some people may not enjoy this behavior, there are a few things you can do to respond in a way that will let your cat know you appreciate her gesture.

First, try not to pull away from your cat when she starts licking. This can be difficult if the licking is unexpected or feels weird, but it’s important not to show your displeasure. Instead, calmly pet your cat and continue to give her the affection she desires.

If the licking persists and you really don’t enjoy it, you can gently redirect your cat’s attention by offering her a toy to focus on instead. This will let her know that you’re still open to receiving affection, but that she should express it in a different way.

Allergies: Could my pet’s licking be a sign of an allergy?

A recent study has found that your pet’s licking could be a sign of an allergy. The study, which was conducted by the University of Zurich, looked at a group of cats and found that those with allergies were more likely to lick their owners when they were being petted.

The researchers believe that the cats are trying to relieve the itchiness and discomfort caused by the allergies. So, if your cat is constantly licking you when you pet her, it might be time to take her to the vet for a check-up.

While this study was conducted on cats, it’s possible that the same is true for other pets as well. So, if your dog or other pet is constantly licking you, it could be a sign of an allergy. If you’re concerned, be sure to talk to your veterinarian about it.

Infections: What types of infections can be passed from cat to human?

There are a few different types of infections that can be passed from cat to human. The most common is called “cat scratch disease,” which is caused by a bacteria called Bartonella henselae. This bacteria is usually found in the saliva of cats, and can be transmitted to humans through a bite or scratch. Symptoms of cat scratch disease include fever, headache, and swelling at the site of the injury.

Another type of infection that can be passed from cat to human is toxoplasmosis. This infection is caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, which is found in the feces of cats. Humans can become infected with toxoplasmosis by coming into contact with contaminated soil or water, or by eating undercooked meat that contains the parasite. Symptoms of toxoplasmosis include fever, fatigue, and muscle aches.

Cat licking: How to get your cat to stop

Cat licking can be a sign of affection, but sometimes it’s just a way for your cat to show that they’re hungry. If you’re looking to get your cat to stop licking you, there are a few things you can try.

First, try giving your cat a small amount of food when they start licking you. This will help them associate licking with getting something to eat, and they’ll be less likely to do it when they’re not hungry.

If that doesn’t work, you can try using a bitter-tasting spray on your skin. This will deter them from licking, since they won’t enjoy the taste.

Finally, if all else fails, you can always consult a veterinarian. They may be able to recommend another course of action to help get your cat to stop licking you.

Cat licking: Is it harmful?

While some people might think it’s a sign of affection, you might want to think twice before letting your cat lick you.

A study published in the journal BMC Veterinary Research found that cats can harbor harmful bacteria in their mouths that can cause disease in humans. The study’s authors say the findings highlight the importance of good hygiene when handling cats.

“Our results show that petting a cat and then allowing it to lick an open wound, even if the cat appears healthy, could transmit bacteria that could cause serious infections,” said senior author Marie-Claire Gaudreau, PhD, of the University of Montreal’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

Conclusion: Summarizing the main points of the article

A cat’s licking behavior is often misinterpreted by pet owners. Contrary to popular belief, a cat does not only lick its owner to show affection. Cats also lick to groom themselves or to spread their scent. If a cat licks you, it could be because you have something on your skin that the cat is interested in, or the cat might simply be trying to get your attention. Regardless of the reason, it’s important to remember that a cat’s licking may be a sign of love or it may have another purpose.

Be The Tortoise, not the Hare (Poems about the Hare and The Tortoise)

June 10, 2022June 16, 2022 Julia

Be the Tortoise, Not the Hare

Be the tortoise, not the hare
In life, slow and steady wins the race
Don't be fooled by the fast and flashy
The one who endures will reach the end
Think long term, not short term
The gains you make will be worth your while

The Tortoise is Slow and Steady

The tortoise is slow and steady 
While the hare is quick and jumpy 
The tortoise is a symbol of endurance 
While the hare is a symbol of haste 

The tortoise plods along at its own pace 
While the hare races ahead without thinking 
The tortoise will reach its destination 
While the hare may never make it there.

Not the Flashiest

Slow and steady wins the race
The tortoise knows this better than most
He's been around for years, through thick and thin
He's not the flashiest, but he'll get there in the end
Others may be faster, but they won't last long
The tortoise is patient and consistent – he's a survivor
When the race is over, he'll still be going strong.

When You Rush You’ll Only Tire

Slow and steady wins the race
Be the tortoise, not the hare
When you rush you'll only tire
The prize will be yours for the taking
If you just take your time 
You'll be surprised what you can achieve.

The Tortoise Is The One Who Wins

Slow and steady, the tortoise is the one who wins
The race against the hare, the fastest of all creatures
Though often underestimated, the tortoise is a force to be reckoned with
When it comes to perseverance and determination
In the end, the tortoise always prevails.

The Survivor

slow and steady
he keeps on moving
never giving up
he’s a survivor
through the good and bad
the tortoise is patient and consistent

The Courage To Start

You'll be surprised what you can achieve,
When you put your mind to it and try,
You can do anything that you believe,
So don't be afraid to try.
The sky's the limit when it comes to what you can do,
Just look inside yourself and find that power,
There's nothing that you can't do or conquer,
If you just have the courage to start.

The One Who Endures Will Reach The End

In life we all endure
A journey that is never ending
With hardships and heartache
But the one who endures will reach the end
Their trials have made them stronger
And they have found their courage
In the end, they will be rewarded
For their faith and perseverance.

In The End, The Tortoise Always Prevails

In the end, the tortoise always prevails
He's been around for centuries and he knows how to survive
He's slow and steady, never giving up or backing down
On his back is a hard shell that protects him from harm
He's the symbol of perseverance and determination
When the chips are down, the tortoise is always there
This humble creature is an inspiration to us all
He reminds us that slow and steady wins the race.

15 amazing facts about elephants (Poems for KS1 and KS2)

April 27, 2022April 27, 2022 Julia

This page (15 amazing facts about elephants (Poems for KS1 and KS2)) has mainly been written by my AI. Please let me know in the comments if you liked it and maybe you can share any poems about elephants that you or your children have written.

If you are interested in knowing more about this AI click here. (Affiliate link)

The Largest Animal on Land

The African elephant is the world’s largest animal on land.

Their ears are big, their trunk is long,

and they can weigh up to two tons!

These gentle giants are often poached,

but they still roam the African plains,

painting the landscape with their huge bodies.

They are a sight to behold and a force to be reckoned with,

The mightiest of all elephants.

Elephant’s tusks are teeth!

Elephant tusks are teeth,
But they are also so much more.
They are symbols of power,
And tools for survival.

Elephant tusks are weapons,
Sharp and deadly when needed.
They can be used to crush bones,
Or to defend against danger.

Elephant tusks are symbols of strength,
And reminders of the power of nature.
They are a part of who elephants are,
And help define their place in the world.

Elephants have amazing memories

Elephants have amazing memories
Of their friends and family
They never forget a face
Even after years have passed
And they always seem to know
When someone is in need
They are truly remarkable creatures
And we can all learn a thing or two
From these amazing animals.

The African elephants’ ears

African elephants have large ears shaped like the continent of Africa
Their trumpeting calls can be heard for miles,
And when they run, their heavy bodies shake the ground.
Africa is their home, and they are a sight to behold.
In the morning light, their tusks gleam white,
As they walk through the long grasses, searching for food.
Their babies are so adorable, with big brown eyes,
And when they trumpet it sounds like a song.
African elephants are magnificent creatures, and we should all appreciate them!

Asian elephants have smaller ears

Asian elephants have smaller ears
And they’re shaped like India
Their skin is wrinkled and grey
They’re known for being very gentle
Though they’re still quite large
Asian elephants are a beautiful sight
And they’re definitely worth a look.

There are Three Species of Elephant

The elephant is one of the largest land animals on the planet.
There are three species of elephants: the African Savannah elephant, the African Forest elephant and the Asian elephant.
The African Savannah elephant is the biggest of the three, with males weighing in at around two-and-a-half tonnes.
The African Forest elephant is smaller, with males weighing in at around two tonnes.
The Asian elephant is smallest of all, with males weighing in at around a tonne.
All three species have a long trunk which they use to pluck food from the ground, as well as to drink, shower and dust themselves in mud.
Elephants are also able to swim quite well!

Elephants can hear through their Feet

Elephants can hear through their feet
They can feel the ground shake
They can hear the trodden earth
As an elephant passes by
The vibrations travel through their feet
And up to their ears
So they can always be aware
Of what’s going on around them.

Elephants Honour Their Dead

Elephants have a way of life,
A way of living that is very precise.
They always put their family first,
And show great respect for their dead.
When an elephant dies,
The others gather around and mourn,
Picking through their dead friend’s hair,
In a way that is both touching and sad.
For elephants, death is a time to reflect,
On all the good times they shared together,
And to remember the one who has passed,
With love and honour in their hearts.

Elephants use sunscreen

Elephants are gentle giants
Mud is their sunscreen
They have very sensitive skin
Which needs to be kept covered
The mud blocks the sun’s harmful rays
And helps keep them cool in the heat
Elephants are gentle and loving creatures.
Who use their natural sunscreen
To protect their delicate skin

Elephants and mice

Elephants and mice
They are so different
Elephants are big and strong
Mice are small and weak
But they both have something in common
They both love to eat
Elephants love to eat leaves and trees
Mice love to eat cheese and crackers

BTW Elephants are not afraid of mice!

Elephants can swim

Elephants can swim
they use their trunk to breathe like a snorkel in deep water.
They’re not afraid of getting wet
their sturdy trunk can hold their breath long enough
to stay underwater and explore.
The other elephants watch from the shore
as the ones who’ve ventured into the water
come back up, dripping and happy.

100,000 muscles in their trunk

Elephants have 100,000 muscles in their trunk
They can use it for drinking, bathing, and holding onto things
The trunk is also very strong
Elephants can use it to pick up things that are very heavy
Or to push things out of their way
The trunk is a very important part of an elephant’s body
And they use it all the time.

Elephants can walk backwards.

Elephants can walk both forwards and backwards
They’re not just stuck in one direction
This big animal is so graceful
It can move its trunk whichever way it wants
And it can walk backwards with such ease
Elephants are one of my favorite animals
I’m glad they can walk in more than one way.

Elephants scatter seeds around the forest

Elephants are one of the most important seed dispersers in the forest.
The seeds of many plants travel through their digestive system and are deposited elsewhere in their droppings.
This is an important way for plants to spread and reproduce, and it would not be possible without elephants.
Thank you, elephants, for helping to carry the seeds of life!
The plants have a much better chance to thrive.

Elephants and mirrors!

Elephants can recognise themselves in a mirror
They are not surprised
Seeing their huge form
Staring back at them
They know they are unique
Large and strong
Commanding attention
In the herd or on their own
They are happy in their skin.

How Do Dolphins Sleep? (And other Dolphin Poems, Facts and Pictures)

March 11, 2022April 21, 2022 Julia

These poems are mostly written by my AI – click here if you are interested in getting your own version.

How do Dolphins Sleep?

Dolphins sleep by shutting off one half of their brain at a time.
They rest just like we do
when they take a break from swimming and playing
in the ocean’s waves.
They can even swim while they’re asleep
keeping watch over their pod so they don’t get lost.
Dolphins have been known to sleep with one eye open
in case there’s danger lurking nearby.

One Eye Open

Dolphins sleep with one eye open,
in case they need to swim away.
They’ll drift off to sleep,
but they’re never really far away.

The dolphins stay close together,
forming a protective circle.
They’ll nap for a while,
before swimming back into the sea.

Dolphins Are Mammals

Dolphins are mammals
They need to breathe air
They live in the water
But they come up to the surface
To breathe and jump around
Dolphins are so graceful
And they’re really smart, too
They help people out
In search and rescue missions

Just like us?

Dolphins are mammals just like us
They need air to breathe and they must eat
Just like any other mammal they grow and nurse their young
Dolphins communicate with each other in unique ways
They can be playful and full of fun
But they are also quite intelligent
In the wild they often work together as a team
They’re always a joy to see

Do Dolphins Have Gills?

Dolphins have no gills

But they can hold their breath

They will stay underwater

For quite some time

They can swim so fast

And they’re very smart.

Dolphins know how to play

And they have a lot of fun

They know how to sing and dance

But the best thing about them is that they’re friendly.

How long can dolphins stay underwater?

Dolphins can hold their breath for up to 10 minutes

They are one of the few sea creatures

Who can survive without air for a while

But they have to come up for air eventually

Otherwise they will drown

Dolphins use their echolocation to find food

And to communicate with each other

They are very intelligent creatures

And are part of our eco-system

Born to Swim

Dolphins are born to swim

and love the ocean deep

But how long can they stay

underneath the waves

before they have to come up for air?

Some dolphins can hold their breath

for up to five minutes

Others only a few seconds

It really depends

on how much they need oxygen

They use their blowholes to breathe

And when they’re underwater

They close their blowholes tight

So no water can get in

It’s an amazing thing to see

These creatures of the sea

How they can stay down so long

And not have to come up for air.

How Many Dolphins Are Kept In Captivity?

How many dolphins are kept in captivity?
Over 3000, it seems, and not enough space.
SeaWorld has them swimming in tanks,
But fortunately, some people care
And try to free these creatures so rare.

Majestic creatures held captive

Dolphins are majestic creatures
Often seen jumping out of the sea
But how many people know
Just how many dolphins are in captivity?

It’s estimated that over 5,000 dolphins
Are held in tanks and pools
Many of them for our entertainment
As we watch them swim and leap

The thought of these intelligent animals
In such cramped spaces is sickening
It’s time to let them free
So they can live as nature intended

Kept in Captivity

How many dolphins are kept in captivity?
Thousands, it seems, and not enough space.
SeaWorld has them swimming in tanks,
But fortunately some people care
And try to free these creatures so rare.

In captivity

In captivity,
many dolphins are kept
against their will
to do tricks for us
and make us smile
but in the wild,
they would be free
to swim and dive and play
and never have to worry
about a concrete tank.

Smart Dolphins

Dolphins are very smart

And can learn tricks easily

They are also very playful

And love to play games.

Where are Dolphins Found in the Wild

Dolphins – fascinating creatures frolicking in the seas

Found in many different parts of the world

In the shallow waters of ocean’s continental shelves

Enjoying tropical and temperate waters,

Some larger species found in colder environments,

Even in the Arctic Ocean.

Playful Nature And Friendly Smiles

Dolphins are truly amazing creatures

With their playful nature and friendly smiles

They always bring happiness to those around them

And we can learn so much from their ways

They always look out for one another

And they never give up hope

Their compassion and kindness is something to be admired

And we could all use a little more of that in our lives

Gentle and Kind

Dolphins are gentle and kind,
These creatures of the sea,
With their playful nature and sweet smiles,
Are a joy to behold.

They frolic and play in the waves,
In the ocean’s cool depths,
And they seem to enjoy each other’s company,
As they glide through the water.

Their grace and beauty is a sight to see,
And it’s easy to understand why,
People have been drawn to dolphins for centuries,
And why they remain so popular today.

Tiger Facts For Kids

October 18, 2021October 18, 2021 Julia

Tiger facts for kids

Tigers are the largest members of the cat family. They are solitary animals that live in tropical forests, primarily hunting other animals for food. Tigers have a wide range of habitats and can be found in forested areas, grasslands, swamps, and wetlands.

They typically hunt deer and wild pigs but will also attack domestic livestock such as cows and buffaloes when they become too numerous or threaten their habitat.

Despite being classified as endangered tigers still exist in many countries including India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Thailand, Bhutan and Russia.

What are the different types of tigers?

Siberian Tigers

Siberian Tigers live primarily in eastern Russia’s birch forests, though some exist in China and North Korea.

They have the advantage of huge forests to roam around in.

Bengal Tigers

Bengal tigers are the largest of all Indian big cats and can reach up to 3.3 meters in length, weighing 300-700 kilograms. They have a lifespan that ranges from 15 to 20 years and lives mostly in India’s tropical rainforests with other wildlife like leopards, elephants, deer and monkeys. Bengal tigers may be spotted along Sri Lanka’s wild southern coastlines while basking on seashores or fishing for crabs.

Black Tigers

A black tiger is a rare variant of the Bengal Tiger. It has been reported in India but it’s not well known that there are other black tigers around the world as well. The most famous one was born in 2007, which led to her being named Black Panther by zoo staff and visitors alike.

White Tigers

The white tiger or bleached tiger is also a variation of the Bengal tiger, Siberian tiger and hybrids between the two. It can be found in some places in India.

What Do Tigers Eat?

Tigers are carnivores and their diet consists mostly of large prey like deer, wild boars and elephant calves.

Baby Tiger Facts

Baby tigers are called cubs. They are born blind and depend on their mother for protection. Tigers have a gestation period of about 100 days, which means that they will be delivered in the late summer or early fall.

Females usually produce up to six cubs in one litter. After 15 months old, the eldest tiger will leave the mother to find its own territory and mate.

How Far Can You Hear A Lion’s Roar?

A tiger’s roar is a low-pitched, deep sound. It can be heard at 3 to 4 kilometres away.

Tigers typically use their roar to announce themselves when they’re hunting for food or scaring away rivals.

A tiger’s roar is a deep, resonating sound produced by the vibration of air passing through its vocal cords. This noise can be heard from some distance and may serve as an indication of where tigers are located in forest areas.

Furthermore, tigers roar to communicate with other members of their species. The range for tiger’s home depends on the abundance of prey in its territory and sex.

How Large is a Tiger’s Range

Tigers are the most powerful of all land predators. They have a wide range and those found in Manchuria, China, range from 500 to 4,000 kilometres.

Male tigers mark trees by spraying urine or anal gland secretions. and they mark their territory with feces. They also use claw marks to draw boundaries for themselves and others.

A young male tiger acquires territory either by seeking out an area devoid of other males or fighting for it with another male (often to the death).

How Fast Can a Tiger Run?

A tiger can run up to 22 miles an hour. They are also capable of swimming at speeds of 6 mph and jumping up to 18 ft in the air.

Why Do Tigers Have Stripes?

Tigers have stripes because they are a unique feature to this species.

Tigers have stripes to help them camouflage. Predators can’t see the tiger’s stripes, so they think it is a tree or shrub and won’t attack.

Tigers have stripes because they use them to blend in with the trees. They use their brown and orange colouration as camouflage against hunters, who would instead see a tiger’s striped form if it was hunting alone.

Tigers have their stripes for camouflage. Without them, they would be easy to spot and hunt. Sadly, hunting and habitat loss has put the tiger population at risk of extinction today!

Tiger size

Tigers are the largest living cats on Earth and they can grow up to 3 meters in length and weigh as much as 670 pounds.

How long do tigers live?

In general, tigers live in the wild for 10-15 years. In captivity, they can live up to 25 years old.

Living and hunting

Most tigers spend time living and hunting alone. Although tigers in the wild are typically solitary animals, they have been known to form coalitions with other males for short periods of time.

Most tigers like to live alone and/or with their spouse, but do not hold established territories.

Tigers do not have territories that they exert full dominance of. Giant cats walk for an hour between hunting zones in their territory, staying near water sources to hunt for fish, deer, crocodiles, turtles, frogs, lizards and more.

Females will only hunt when raising their young and both parents provide protection from predators while they are hunting.

Are tigers still endangered?

Tigers are endangered because of illegal wildlife trade, human-wildlife conflict, habitat loss/fragmentation, and poaching.

There are still less than 3,000 tigers left in the wild today. However, recent conservation work has halted the decline of global tiger numbers by protecting their habitats and focusing on captive breeding which has helped to boost population levels over recent years.

How Many Tigers Are Left In The World

Despite the fact that there are only 3,900 tigers left in the wild, they’re not going extinct anytime soon. They’ve reached a low at which it’s difficult to see their numbers increase because of human interaction and habitat loss. The number has been slowly decreasing since 1900 when over 100,000 tigers were roaming free in India alone.

There are currently 6 surviving tiger subspecies in the world, all of which are endangered. The Siberian tiger is thought to be one of the most genetically diverse tigers in existence with an estimated 2,000-3,500 individuals remaining. There is also a growing population of captive-bred tigers for conservation purposes and these animals make up about 5% of the global population.

The Sumatran tiger is found only on the Indonesian island of Sumatra; their numbers have dwindled dramatically due to habitat loss and poaching. The South China tiger is found in southern China, Vietnam, Laos, Burma, Thailand and Malaysia; the largest population of these tigers is estimated to be between 1-4 thousand individuals.

The Indochinese tiger occupies a small range of forested areas in Cambodia, Indonesia and Vietnam; their numbers are unknown but they are thought to be declining due to habitat loss. The Malayan tiger has an extensive range across southern Asia including India; their numbers have declined significantly due to habitat loss.

The Siberian tiger, found in Eastern Russia, China and North Korea, are thought to be declining due to habitat loss and poaching for body parts. The Bengal tiger’s numbers have declined significantly due to poaching for body parts.

Chinese New Year – Tiger – 2022

The Chinese new year is also known as the Lunar calendar, and it has 12 different animals representing each lunar year. The 2022 Year of the Tiger is part of this cycle.

Tiger Cams

https://www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/webcams/tiger-cam/

https://sdzsafaripark.org/cams/tiger-cam

Webcams

How to Draw Videos

How To Draw A Realistic Tiger Head

How To Draw A Tiger

How to Draw a Tiger Cub

If you are looking for something more cartoonish try this one:

Tiger crafts

For younger children

https://www.activityvillage.co.uk/tiger-crafts

Tiger dot-to-dot and colouring

https://www.connectthedots101.com/Animals/Tiger-connect-the-dots – 24 pictures

Tiger Quizzes

For kids

https://www.cbc.ca/kidscbc2/the-feed/tiger-quiz

https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/quizzes/bp-are-you-a-tiger-expert-quiz

For older youngsters

https://www.wwf.org.uk/node/40636

Videos about Tigers

Tigers’ Teeth Are LONGER THAN HUMAN FINGERS! | Wild Bites | BBC Earth Kids

Excellent video may suit 8 -12 year olds

Amazing Animals from National Geographic – Kids

This is a very short, slightly amusing video

5 facts about Tigers

This is an excellent video for perhaps 6 – 9-year-olds. There are more than 5 facts as related facts are also talked about in this video.

Tigers for Kids: Learn All About Tigers – FreeSchool

Tigers for Kids

This video would probably only suit children under about 7.

How The Tiger Got Its Stripes

A folk story from Vietnam about how the Tiger got its stripes

Other web pages you might like to visit to find out more about tigers

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/siberian-tiger – great videos on this page about Siberian tigers. You do have to sign up to view them.

Educational Resources about Tigers

https://www.wwf.org.uk/get-involved/schools/tiger-tales

https://www.worldwildlife.org/teaching-resources/toolkits/tiger-toolkit

Fun Facts About Elephants

September 20, 2018May 18, 2022 Julia

Fun Facts About Elephants

Elephants are the largest and heaviest land animals that exist on Earth at the moment. They’re probably also the most intelligent domesticated animal. They have the longest noses of any animal. They have the longest teeth, these are known as tusks. Their gestation period is the longest and it may be that they have the longest memories as well. This article will help you learn some other fun facts about elephants.

Elephants have lived all over the earth, everywhere except Australia and Antarctica. They have lived in rainforests, deserts and glaciers.

Species of elephant

There were possibly 300 species of elephant. We now just have 2 left, the African elephant and the Asian elephant. There are two subspecies of the African elephant, the bush elephant and the round-eared elephant. Then there are three subspecies of the Asian elephant, the Sri Lankan, Indian and Sumatran elephants.

Family organisation

Male and female elephants (also known as bulls and cows) don’t live together. Usually, bulls will live together and the cows and their offspring will live together. The cows and calves (which are baby elephants) are usually in a herd which is led by an older elephant who will be a grandmother or maybe even a great-grandmother.

Mammoths and mastodons.

Many people will have heard of the woolly mammoth and know that it is one of the elephants’ extinct relatives. A woolly mammoth was found by a fisherman in Russia in 1799. It was frozen in a block of ice. Many other woolly mammoth tusks have been found in this area.

In North America, there were also some mammoths found but there were more mastodon remains found. Mastodons were similar to mammoths but they were shaped slightly differently. The mammoth had back which sloped downwards towards their tails, whereas mastodons have backs which are more level.

Ivory boomerang – Poland 23000 years ago

Stone Age tools weapons

Elephant feet

Elephants have large round feet and are designed to walk quietly around the forest when they want to. As they put their feet down on the ground the size of their feet expands slightly. Most elephants have five toes on each foot, but some African elephants only have four toes. However, their toes do not stick out like ours do but are covered in skin. Their “toenails” are attached to the front of the round foot rather than their toe bones and look a bit like hooves.

The Elephant’s Trunk

An elephant’s trunk is a bit like having a combined arm and a nose.

The trunk will suck up water and then put it into its mouth so that it doesn’t have to put its head right down to the water to drink. You will also see elephants squirt water all over their bodies and also each other as a game.

The end of the African elephants’ trunk seems to operate almost like a finger and thumb. It can pick things up and even take grit out of its eyes.

The Asian elephant seems to have one finger on its trunk so it picks things up by curling its trunk around them.

The elephant can move its trunk in any direction and it can also stretch its trunk to reach things.

Tusks

Tusks are the elephant’s front two teeth but they have grown much bigger than the other teeth. They can grow about 17 cm or 8 inches per year. They are used as tools and weapons and sometimes the elephants will sharpen one or both of them to make them more effective.

Unfortunately, many elephants have been killed for their tusks, also known as ivory, as poachers have been able to sell them for a lot of money. Tusks don’t wear out and last a whole lifetime unless they get damaged.

An ivory boomerang was found in Poland. It was thought to be 23,000 years ago

Ivory was used in the Stone Age both to make tools and weapons.

The Other Teeth

Elephants also have to lower teeth which they use to grind up their food. These teeth do get worn out and they get replaced about 6 times in an elephant’s lifetime. Each replacement is bigger than the last. Final teeth will be about the size of house bricks.

Elephants are constantly eating

Ok, not constantly! But for about three-quarters of the day and night elephants are collecting and eating their food. Elephants eat from 100 to 200 kg of food in the wild. They eat plants, they are herbivores, but they can’t eat cellulose which makes up a lot of what plants are made of. This is why elephant poo doesn’t contain much undigested plant fibre or seeds.

Elephants like bananas, other fruits and sugar cane so they are happy when they find these but they also trample these crops and push over the trees. This is a major problem for the people who have cultivated these as they can have their livelihood destroyed.

Elephant Quiz

Watch this video and see if you can answer these questions?

Can you name 5 things that elephants eat?

How old are the male elephants when they stop living with their female relatives?

For how long are female elephants pregnant?

How much does a baby elephant weigh when it is born?

Which elephants can’t run? Why can’t they?

What is special about elephants and mirrors?

How do elephants protect their skin from sunlight?

Some Baby Elephant Clips

Some Elephants Running to Greet their Friend

Elephants Can Hear Through Their Feet!

The first minute of this video gives you an overview, carry on with the video if you what to know more about the science behind this.

Dolphin Facts for Kids

May 21, 2018June 4, 2019 Julia

Dolphin Facts for Kids

The great thing about working with your child at home is that you can pick up on their interests. Many children like dolphins and so I have decided to do this page on dolphin facts for kids and how that might be the start of a project.

I loved dolphins from an early age and enjoyed the children’s TV programme “Flipper”. That ages me! Flipper was a bottle-nosed dolphin who looked like this one.

Start with a video clip.

There are lots of video clips you could choose from.

Here is one from YouTube called ”Five Facts About Dolphins”:

Here are some of the facts that are mentioned. There are 43 species of dolphin, including 38 marine varieties and 5 river varieties. Dolphins can swim at 34 miles an hour. Killer whales, which are a type of dolphin can be about 32 ft long. Dolphins are mammals not fish, and dolphins breathe through their blowholes whereas fish breathe through their gills.

You could just watch the video and then discuss it and see how many of the facts your child picked up on. Or you could write out some questions first so that they’re listening out for the answers and writing them down.

Basic facts on a webpage

Here I’m going to give you some websites that should be fairly accessible to a lot of children and some questions to go with them.

You can copy and paste the questions into a Word document or something similar and then the child will be able to answer the questions from the information on the website. It might be interesting to see how many questions are they can answer before looking at the website and use that to check there answers. Bear in mind that not all websites will give you the same information so you need to decide what you think is the most likely right answer, or whether you decide that nobody really knows the right answer.

Equally, you could start with one question and a suggested website and then your child could tell you what else they found out that was interesting. You could then follow up with further questions or perhaps give them a fact that you know and they can tell you if they already knew that from their reading. They might like to give you a test. You can decide how much of an expert you can pretend to be.

http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/animals/dolphin.html

How clever do you think dolphins are?

Are dolphins vegetarian?

What whale is really a dolphin?

Which dolphin is the most common?

What are male, female and young dolphins called?

How many individuals are there usually in a dolphin school or pod?

Give some reasons as to why dolphins are so popular with humans.

How do dolphins breathe?

Write something about dolphins’ eyesight and hearing?

How to dolphins communicate with each other?

How do dolphins find objects?

Name one type of dolphin which may have become extinct.

What do humans do that is dangerous for dolphins?

https://dolphins.org/kids_dolphin_facts

Dolphins live in the sea. Do they drink the water?

How many teeth do dolphins have?

What do dolphins use their teeth to do?

Can dolphins see at night?

Do dolphins see in colour?

Can dolphins see underwater?

Can dolphins see above water?

This is one of my favourite questions. Do dolphins have hair?

In what way are dolphins different from fish?

http://uk.whales.org/whales-and-dolphins/facts-about-dolphins

https://defenders.org/dolphin/basic-facts

Does it help dolphins to help humans?

Here is a fascinating article about dolphins that have been helping humans fish since 1847

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/phenomena/2012/05/01/dolphins-that-help-humans-to-catch-fish-form-tighter-social-networks/

Is your child ready for some quizzes?

Try these:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/quizzes/bp-dolphin-true-or-false – Just six questions but will you know all the answers?

http://www.funtrivia.com/playquiz/quiz2430881bd5088.html 10 questions

http://easyscienceforkids.com/free-interactive-dolphins-quiz-fun-science-quiz-for-kids/

http://www.dolphinsfilm.com/learn/Quiz1.htm

This one is harder but it marks itself as it goes along, so you get to learn at the same time.

http://quipoquiz.com/quiz/dolphins/

More challenging questions, but again you get the answers as you go along so it is interesting to do. The questions are randomised so you get some of the same questions and some new ones if you do it again.

https://www.purposegames.com/game/dolphin-quiz-game#

(I couldn’t do all these and I couldn’t see the answers.)

At “All The Tests” you can do other quizzes or create your own.

Would you like to know how to draw a dolphin?

Try following the instructions on this video:

Or take a look at this page http://www.wedrawanimals.com/how-to-draw-a-dolphin/ or http://www.hellokids.com/c_26032/drawing-for-kids/drawing-tutorials-step-by-step/animals/how-to-draw-a-dolphin-for-kids .

This one is a lot more complex https://design.tutsplus.com/tutorials/how-to-draw-a-dolphin-step-by-step–cms-28672

Some other fun Dolphin activities

http://www.dolphinkind.com/dolphin_fun.html – a variety of different activities.

http://www.dltk-kids.com/animals/mdolphin.html – make a dolphin model.

For you as an adult

A teacher’s guide – this is to go with a particular film – but it does have a lot of general information in it.

http://www.dolphinsfilm.com/learn/DolphinsTG.pdf

An article from the Guardian:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/oct/11/china-extinct-dolphin-returned-yangtze-river-baiji

This was one of my favourite books as a youngster:

The Day of the Dolphin by Robert Merle https://amzn.to/2IDZsLx I suspect it’s rather dated!

There was also a film to go with it. The Day of the Dolphin [ 1973 ] by George C. Scott https://amzn.to/2IBdpd2

Some Children’s Dolphin Books from Amazon

Winter’s Tail: How One Little Dolphin Learned to Swim Again by Craig Hatkoff https://amzn.to/2rYeaqa

Everything Dolphins: Dolphin Facts, Photos, and Fun that Will Make You Flip https://amzn.to/2ICoWbW

Dolphins: Amazing Pictures & Fun Facts on Animals in Nature (Our Amazing World Series) https://amzn.to/2KHMMUf

Dolphin Boy by Michael Morpurgo https://amzn.to/2J0DHZO

Let me know what you thought of this article, what else you would have liked to see here, and any requests you have for other articles. Just drop me a comment below.