Mental Floss

PETS



Not all Manx cats are tailless like this one.

Manx cats can have tails of varying lengths, but only “rumpies” or “rumpy risers” are eligible to compete in the championship classes in CFA cat shows.

Kirstin Fawcett


Ever wonder what your dog finds so tasty about grass?

A dog that eats grass frantically may be trying to vomit—but the behavior doesn't automatically warrant a trip to the vet.

Michele Debczak




This dachshund wants you to know you're probably mispronouncing the name of his breed.

Dachshund is actually made up of two smaller German words (dachs, which means “badger,” and hund, which means “dog”) and it's not pronounced “dash-hound.”

Emily Petsko


Sorry cat, the secret is out.

Cats do fart—but their flatulence is usually quiet. Veterinarians explain why.

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Yorkies know how to strut their stuff.

Yorkshire Terrier dogs—better known as Yorkies—have a lot of personality packed into their tiny bodies. Learn more about this energetic breed and its history.

Rebecca OConnell






Frenchies are America’s top dog.

French Bulldogs may have roots in England, but they’re now the most popular dog breed in the United States.

Rebecca OConnell






There's more to these cute little amphibians than meets the eye.

Also known as Mexican walking fish, the axolotl is famous for its ability to regrow limbs and organs, but there's more to these aquatic salamanders than meets the eye.

Rebecca OConnell