Despite the ubiquitous animals that lick our faces and steal food off the counter, we really dont know a lot about the scientific side of their existence: why do dogs spin around when excited? Do our cats love us? Do lizards make good pets? Veteran science broadcaster and journalist Jay Ingram, author of twenty popular science titles, including the bestselling Science of Why series, has researched the latest science behind our beloved furry, and not-so-furry, creatures that sleep on our sofas and eat our pizza crusts. Along the way, he discusses the myths and misconceptions about our companions: do dogs always do their business facing north? Why are we seeing a rise in exotic pets such as tigers? Are the deer and foxes we see rescued on Instagram considered pets and could they be domesticated? Can you communicate with a turtle? Do highly intelligent octopi make good pets? And why are baby animals, like baby humans, so darned cute?You will be entertained and never look at your pets the same.