Pets - English

Types of Pets

When talking about pets, you can name many different animals. Some of the most common include bird, cat, dog, fish, hamster, rabbit, snake, turtle, lizard, mouse, and gerbil. You might introduce your pet to someone by saying, This is my cat or I have a turtle at home. You can ask someone, Do you have a pet? or answer, Yes, I have a hamster.

• My favorite pet is a dog.
• He has a bird and a fish.

Characteristics of Common Pets

To describe a pet, you can talk about its color (My rabbit is white), its species or type (She has a Siamese cat), or its personality (My dog is very friendly). The pet’s name can be shared by saying, His name is Max. If you want to talk about what your pet eats, say, Her favorite food is carrots. If you talk about their home, use habitat: A turtle's habitat is a tank. You can mention how long they usually live: The lifespan of a hamster is about two years. Weight is often described if the pet is large or small: My dog weighs thirty pounds.

• My fish is orange.
• My mouse’s favorite food is cheese.
• Our dog has a playful personality.

Pet Care Routines

Taking care of a pet involves daily routines. You might need to fill the bowl with food or fill water so your pet can drink. Cleaning is important: I clean the litter box every day. Feeding your pet happens at regular times: I feed my dog in the morning. Grooming is another care activity for pets with fur: I groom the cat twice a week. With small animals, you may need to litter train them: We litter train our rabbit. To keep your pet happy and healthy, playing and walking are essential: I walk the dog every afternoon. or I play with my hamster before bed.

• Don’t forget to fill the water bowl.
• You need to groom your lizard once a month.
• She likes to play with her kitten.

Common Pet Behaviors

Pets can behave in different ways. A dog may bark or wag its tail when it’s happy. Cats can meow, purr, or hiss, depending on their mood. Some pets love to be social and are friendly, while others might be shy or scared. If a pet is playful, it might roll over or run around the room. Quiet and relaxed pets might just lie down or be sleepy. Pets can sometimes be bored, aggressive, or bad (when they misbehave).

• My cat is very playful.
• The dog was aggressive with strangers.
• The puppy wagged its tail.
• Our parrot is social and curious.
• Hamsters can be quiet at night.