AnimalBuzzSG

There are many physical differences between people and their pets. But it might surprise you that cats and dogs share the same basic limb structure as us – from the shoulder down to the wrist, and even the bones that correspond to our fingers. The key difference is how these limbs have evolved. 👱🐶🐱

Those “extra joints” you see on their front legs aren’t knees, but their wrists. Their true elbows sit higher up, closer to the body, which is why their limbs can look different from ours at first glance.

Unlike humans, cats and dogs walk on their toes, a type of movement known as digitigrade locomotion. This gives them better speed, balance, and agility for running and hunting prey.

Their limb structure is built for function. The front limbs help absorb impact and stabilise the body, while the hind legs generate power for running and jumping. This allows cats to land gracefully and dogs to sprint with bursts of speed.

In other words, your pet doesn’t have four identical legs – each of their front limbs and powerful hind legs are adapted for a specific purpose! 🐾🐾

Being a community cat caregiver is more than just feeding.

Swipe through to discover the three missions every caregiver champions to help cats and communities thrive together. Together, we can build a “pawsitive” Singapore where cats and people coexist comfortably 🏘️💚

On warmer days, simple acts like providing shade and clean water can make a big difference for community cats too!

🔗 Learn more about the Cat Management Framework at go.gov.sg/cat-framework

Your dog may not be able to tell you when something is wrong, but their tongue might give you a clue. A quick look during playtime or grooming could reveal early signs of health issues. 👅

🩷 A pink tongue usually indicates no significant health issues.

Here are some colours to watch out for (range of explanations listed are non-exhaustive), and to seek veterinary care promptly:

⚪ Pale or white – May be a sign of anaemia, internal bleeding, immune function degradation, or poor blood circulation to the limbs and extremities.

🔵 Blue or purple – Apart from breeds (e.g. Chow Chows or Shar-Peis) that naturally have this colour, this may indicate low oxygen levels in the blood, which could be linked to heart or respiratory conditions.

🔴 Bright red – Associated with overheating, dehydration, or severe conditions like blood or carbon monoxide poisoning.

🟡 Yellow – May be a sign of jaundice, liver or gallbladder issues, or gastritis.

⚫ Black or dark spots – Apart from breeds (e.g. Akitas and Dalmatians) that naturally have dark spots due to pigmentation, this may be due to oral melanomas or other types of cancers.

Keeping an eye on the tongue is an easy way to keep your furry friend happy and healthy! 🐾🐶

It can be hard to resist those pleading eyes, but not all human food is safe for dogs and cats. 🥺

From alcohol to everyday ingredients like onions and grapes, some foods, even in small amounts, can cause serious health issues for pets. Knowing what to avoid can make all the difference.

🚨 This isn’t a complete list, so it’s always safest to avoid sharing human food. If your pet eats something questionable, contact your vet immediately.

Want to bond with your cat the right way?

Here are some steps on how to understand your cat’s body language better! Respecting your cat’s preferences makes petting safe, stress-free, and rewarding for both of you 🐱💛

🔗 Find out more cat care tips at go.gov.sg/catcaretips

Calling all parrot owners and bird lovers! 🦜

In celebration of World Parrot Day, join us at Singapore’s inaugural Friends of Parrots Day, jointly organised by the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS), a cluster of NParks, and Parrot Society Singapore.

You’ll get to learn more about responsible parrot ownership, parrot welfare, and how the community can support lost and rescued companion birds.

Look forward to parrot-focused talks and workshops, educational booths, and complimentary parrot grooming sessions on a first-come, first-served basis!

📅 Date: 30 May 2026 (Saturday)
⏰ Time: 10:00am – 5:00pm
📍 Location: Gardenhouse, Jurong Lake Gardens (Banyan Hall & Mempat Hall)
📝 Registration: Free entry, walk in to register at Mempat Hall, then proceed to Banyan Hall for the talks

Find out more about the event here: https://go.gov.sg/friends-of-parrots-day