Top 10 Most Informative Essays About a Pet Animal I Love

The world around us is incredibly diverse and rich with countless species. Over time, humans have increasingly connected with animals, seeing them as close, friendly companions. Some of these creatures have been domesticated and become pets. Among them are the adorable rabbits, which are my favorite.

Domestic rabbit breeds around the world originated from the wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Wild rabbits in Europe were first discovered by linguists who arrived at the coast of Spain around 1000 BC. By the early 19th century, rabbit farming spread across Western Europe, and Europeans introduced rabbits to many countries around the world.

By the late 19th century and especially in the early 20th century, rabbit breeds had adapted to captivity, with selective breeding gradually changing their appearance, physiology, and suitability for specific environments and production needs. In Vietnam, rabbits were introduced over a hundred years ago and are now raised in various regions.

Rabbits are relatively delicate animals that are sensitive and can react physically to changes in their external environment, such as weather conditions, humidity, temperature, food, water, noise, and other environmental pollutants. Rabbits exhibit some unique behaviors, like digging burrows to create shelters and breeding spaces, living in groups, with females typically outnumbering males. Female rabbits often use materials combined with belly fur to build a nest before giving birth. They can eat and drink at any time of the day or night and refuse food that is dirty or has fallen on the ground.

Temperature is a crucial factor that directly affects rabbits. When temperatures drop below 10°C, rabbits curl up to reduce their body surface area and conserve warmth. However, when the temperature rises to 25-30°C, they lie down to release heat. Rabbits enjoy well-ventilated environments, and an air circulation speed of about 0.3 meters per second is ideal. However, direct wind blowing on them can cause them to catch a cold or develop rhinitis.

Rabbits have highly developed olfactory senses and can distinguish between the scent of their offspring and that of others. Their nasal cavities have many partitions that trap dirt and pollutants from the air or food. Prominently displayed on their soft, white fur is a pink nose that is always moist, much like a person suffering from a cold.

Their hearing is also quite sharp. Rabbits are extremely sensitive to sounds, even the faintest ones, and can easily become frightened. Therefore, in rabbit farming, it’s crucial to avoid loud noises. At night, their large, round eyes glow like headlights, allowing them to see well even in darkness. As a result, rabbits can feed at night just as they do during the day.

Rabbits are mammals that give birth to live young, with each birth producing one or two babies. The pregnancy period lasts for 31 days. A rabbit’s lifespan can exceed 10 years, depending on its living conditions. Rabbits thrive in airy, cool environments, so it is important for farmers to ensure these conditions. In winter, when temperatures drop, it is essential to keep rabbits warm to ensure they remain healthy and disease-free.

Today, rabbit farming for meat and other purposes has become a profitable industry. In the realm of culture, rabbits hold a significant place. They were symbols of Spain during the Roman period, and in the legendary story of Chị Hằng - Chú Cuội, the jade rabbit is a close companion to Chị Hằng on the moon. Rabbits are often affectionately regarded as beloved pets in many households.

In conclusion, these small, cute rabbits are not only endearing and well-behaved but also serve a meaningful role in our lives. Therefore, we should always cherish and take good care of them.

Just like buffaloes, cows, dogs, cats, chickens, and pigs, ducks are also very familiar animals to humans, especially to farmers. In Vietnam, duck farming has developed into a distinct and thriving industry that provides substantial economic benefits. Duck meat is nutritious and highly favored by many. However, not everyone is well-informed about ducks.

Domestic ducks originated from the Mallard duck (the ancestor of all domestic duck breeds). They were first found in the ponds and marshes of Asia and have existed in Southeast Asia for thousands of years, where they were domesticated for food and feathers.

Like their relatives such as swans, geese, and wild ducks, domestic ducks are classified as waterfowl (birds that live and forage in water), distinguishing them from other poultry like chickens. The scientific name of the duck is Anas platyrhynchos domesticus, belonging to the Anatidae family and Anseriformes order. In Vietnam, the most common breed is the grass duck, also known as the field duck.

Grass ducks come in various feather colors, with some being pure white, others brown mixed with gray, some light black, and others even sporting a brownish pattern with small black spots. The reason for such a variety in feather color is due to crossbreeding between different breeds. A common characteristic is their smooth, thick, water-resistant feathers, which allow them to float and stay warm while swimming for extended periods.

The duck’s body is small, with a flat chest, a long neck, bright, lively eyes, and tall legs with webbed feet, making it easy for ducks to swim in the water. Their waddling gait may appear humorous, but they are quite fast and excel at swimming and foraging for food.

In addition, ducks are among the few species that can move on land, swim in water, and even fly, thanks to their strong wings, although they are not capable of flying long distances due to their heavier bodies. A prominent feature of ducks, as well as the entire Anseriformes order, is their long, flat, and strong beak, often yellowish-orange, which is ideal for foraging and diving for food. In terms of weight, a mature male duck typically weighs about 1.7kg, while a female weighs slightly less at around 1.5kg.

Ducks lay eggs year-round, and a mature female can lay 150-200 eggs annually. Their fertilization rate is very high, around 94.3%, and the hatching rate of fertilized eggs is 81.2%, making ducks excellent breeders. Typically, ducks raised for meat reach full feather growth at around 65-70 days, and can be slaughtered at 70-80 days of age.

In recent years, ducks have been widely raised in the Red River Delta, the Mekong Delta, areas rich in ponds, marshes, and rivers. This region, being the largest rice producer in the country, offers ducks abundant food from leftover rice after harvest.

Economically, grass ducks have gained an increasing share of poultry production in Vietnam, contributing both to domestic food supply and export. Duck meat is rich in protein, iron, phosphorus, calcium, and various vitamins, and is known for its sweet, chewy, and aromatic flavor, suitable for a wide range of dishes from simple to gourmet.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, duck meat is known for its sweet taste and cold properties, used to nourish the yin, improve the stomach, and treat internal heat caused by prolonged illness. Not only is duck meat valuable, but duck eggs are also commonly used in daily meals and in making cakes.

The domestic duck has become a symbol of rural Vietnam, particularly in water-rich areas. Ducks not only provide economic value, increasing the income of farmers with minimal farming expertise but also contribute delicious dishes that enhance the distinctive flavors of Vietnamese meals. It would be a pity to visit the water regions of Vietnam without tasting the famous boiled duck served with ginger sauce.

Human life would be dull and monotonous without the companionship of animals. While some people favor cute kittens as pets, and brave dogs serve as loyal guardians, the gentle and lovable pig brings moments of relaxation and joy to our lives.

Most people are familiar with pigs, as they have become a common domestic animal. Domestic pigs originated from wild boars, which were first hunted and gathered by humans. Over time, humans began selectively breeding the best boars for farming while using others for food. The ancestors of domestic pigs are wild boars, and Voncopvialov believes that domestic pigs were created from European and Asian wild boars.

Pig breeds are categorized into primary and secondary types. In the forests of Asia and Europe, there are four main pig breeds and 25 secondary breeds. Today, domestic pigs are derived from three secondary Asian breeds: Sus orientalis, Sus vitatus, Sus crytatus, and one European breed, Sus crofa. Wild boars and feral pigs are distinct breeds found in tropical and temperate regions. Swamp pigs or marsh pigs are adapted to semi-aquatic environments.

Pigs are classified as hoofed animals. Their size and appearance vary according to breed. A pig’s body can measure up to 190,500mm in length, and its tail can range from 35-45cm. Adult pigs can weigh up to 350kg. Their eyes are small and flat, situated high on the skull. Pigs have fairly long, drooping ears with a tuft of fur near the tip.

A pig’s skull is usually thick, with a flat, prominent spot. Its nose is as large as a clenched fist and is very flexible. All four of the pig’s legs have hooves, though they mainly serve to move the middle toes. Pigs typically have a pale pinkish-white coat, accented with a few white hairs.

Pigs raised for their meat are known for their delicious, flavorful meat, with a high ratio of edible meat and fat. Pigs can produce a significant amount of fat, which serves as a large energy reserve and enhances the taste and aroma of the meat. Additionally, pork is a high-value food product with a stable market price.

Pigs contribute greatly to human life. Most of their body is used for food production, while their skin can be processed for leather, and their bristles are used to make brushes and paintbrushes, among other items.

The development of technology for curing, smoking, and fermenting meat has led to a wide variety of pork products. These technologies have improved preservation methods, diversified flavors, and enhanced the quality of food for consumers.

After domestication, pigs quickly became valuable assets for commerce and trade. Before the advent of currency, people exchanged pigs for other goods. This trade process marked the economic value of pigs. Selling pigs and pork products has provided income for millions of farming families worldwide.

These products have impacted other industries, such as trade, transportation, markets, slaughtering, food processing, and more. Additionally, they have stimulated demand in fields like animal feed production, breeding, semen collection, veterinary medicine, and equipment manufacturing. As pigs gained economic value, they became a form of savings for farmers.

Pigs are not only important for their food value but also hold cultural significance, reflected in songs, poems, artwork, and literature. Pigs are often portrayed with human-like characteristics, either as heroic figures or fierce villains in fables and stories.

Pigs bring considerable economic benefits to farmers and carry significant spiritual value. Therefore, we should care for and cherish this remarkable animal.

Since the early days of building the nation, the people of Vietnam have utilized domesticated animals as tools for labor. Over time, these animals became close companions, supporting humans in agricultural work. Among these animals, the cow stands out—strong and helpful to the farming community.

Research suggests that modern cows evolved from a common ancestor, the European wild ox (B.primigenius). This species survived until the 1600s, but was hunted to extinction. There are three main types of cows: Bos primigenius taurus, Bos primigenius indicus, and Bos primigenius primigenius. In Vietnam, cows are raised in most regions, with the yellow cow being the most common breed.

Cows are ruminants, meaning they chew cud. Like buffalo, cows cannot survive without the process of regurgitating and chewing their food, as it not only breaks down food but also stimulates saliva production, stabilizing the environment of the rumen. The chewing process takes about 5 to 8 hours per day, depending on the food's physical properties.

Unlike single-chambered stomachs, a cow's stomach has four compartments (rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum). Each section serves a specific function. The rumen and reticulum are considered fermentation chambers, where nutrients in food undergo breakdown and fermentation. Fermentation products are absorbed through the rumen walls, and large food particles are regurgitated and re-chewed. The omasum functions as a filtering system, further breaking down food, filtering, and absorbing nutrients and water. The abomasum is the cow's true stomach, where digestive enzymes and juices break down food that wasn't fully processed in the other chambers.

Thanks to this digestive system, cows can convert low-value materials like roughage (grass, leaves), agricultural byproducts (straw, corn stalks), and industrial waste (brewer's spent grain, pineapple pulp, cassava residue) into valuable products for humans (meat, milk).

Cows graze naturally in pastures, optimizing the use of natural resources like grass and grazing fields. This makes cattle farming an efficient and valuable part of agriculture, contributing significantly to the economy.

Cows provide two highly valuable products for humans: meat and milk. Beef is considered red meat with high nutritional value, while milk is a premium food due to its complete nutrition and ease of digestion. Both beef and milk are rich in protein and contain essential minerals like iron. As living standards improve, the demand for beef and dairy products continues to rise.

Besides meeting nutritional needs, cows are also used in agriculture for draft power, plowing, and transporting goods. During harvest season, strong cows pull carts full of rice from the fields, helping to speed up transportation and reduce the labor required from farmers. Cows also play a role in trade, boosting the economy.

By utilizing the roles of cows in these ways, cattle farming becomes an essential economic activity. Expanding cattle farming allows for the maximum use of natural resources, including renewable energy that would otherwise be wasted, such as straw and other crop byproducts, leading to the production of valuable goods for society. As a result, cattle farming has become a means of livelihood, a tool for poverty reduction, and a sustainable development strategy.

Cows have become integral to human culture. In India, cows are revered as sacred animals in religion. Simple yet significant, cows hold an important place in life. Therefore, it is essential to treat and care for them with love and respect.

When thinking of the rural landscape of Vietnam, most people envision a serene, peaceful environment. This might include vast, green fields stretching to the horizon, a gentle river flowing with rich silt, and an ancient moss-covered communal house. And no matter where you look, the image of the buffalo is always present, tirelessly plowing the fields or leisurely chewing on straw. This image has become a familiar and beloved symbol for generations of Vietnamese people.

The Vietnamese buffalo is believed to have originated from the wild buffalo, a type of swamp buffalo, and through domestication, it has evolved into its current form. Buffaloes are found throughout the country and have become indispensable companions to the Vietnamese people. They are typically short, stocky, and muscular, with dark-colored skin and a characteristic stripe under the throat and across the chest.

The buffalo has thick, rough black skin covered with sparse, coarse hair. Its head is large and short, adorned with sharp, backward-curving horns, which are more pronounced than those of cattle. In the past, people would often judge the temperament of a buffalo by the size and shape of its horns: long, crescent-shaped horns and large, fierce eyes indicated that it might need to be tamed carefully. The buffalo’s robust physique is well-suited for plowing, with a broad, muscular body, a large belly, and a sloping hindquarters.

This powerful build, combined with its endurance, makes the buffalo perfect for farm work. At around three years old, a buffalo can start breeding, typically giving birth to one or two calves each year. A female buffalo usually gives birth to five to six calves, with newborns weighing between 20 to 25 kilograms. Buffaloes are classified as male or female, and they differ in terms of strength and physical characteristics.

For centuries, Vietnamese ancestors have relied on buffaloes as an invaluable labor resource. Buffaloes have been used to plow fields, saving farmers both time and effort. A male buffalo can typically plow around three to four sao (a local land measurement), while a female buffalo can handle two to three sao per day.

Additionally, buffaloes are used to pull carts, with their pulling capacity ranging from 400 kilograms to a ton, depending on the type of cart and the road conditions. The success of the harvest season often depends on the plowing and tilling done by buffaloes. Their stamina allows them to work for extended periods without much rest.

The buffalo also provides meat, which is leaner than beef and has a low fat content, making it highly nutritious and flavorful. At prices ranging from 200,000 to 300,000 VND per kilogram, buffalo meat has become a stable source of income for farmers, improving their living standards.

Buffaloes also contribute economically through their milk. A buffalo can produce between 400 to 500 kilograms of milk per cycle. Their thick hides are used to make drums, while their horns are carved into beautiful decorative items, adding elegance to homes.

Over time, the buffalo has become a symbol of rural life in Vietnam, beloved by people of all ages. For many children, their childhood is tied to the buffalo, making it a dear companion. In the evenings, when the breeze is cool and the sun begins to set behind the village's bamboo groves, children lead the buffaloes to the fields to graze.

On the buffalo's back, they sing joyful, innocent songs or sketch their first drawings, treating the buffalo's back as a canvas. They also cheerfully fly kites from the buffalo’s back, watching the kites soar high in the sky, carrying their childhood dreams with them.

The buffalo is also a symbol of the qualities and character of the Vietnamese people. As one of the 12 zodiac animals, the buffalo represents hardworking, patient, and diligent individuals. Moreover, it embodies those who are kind-hearted and persevering.

The buffalo has become a deeply ingrained part of Vietnamese culture, appearing in famous festivals like the dramatic buffalo fighting competition in Đồ Sơn, Hải Phòng, or the buffalo stabbing festival practiced by some ethnic groups in the Central Highlands.

The Vietnamese buffalo has also inspired countless works of art, such as the famous folk song “Trâu ơi ta bảo trâu này” or the poem “Quê hương” by Giang Nam.

In recent years, the buffalo has even transcended the bamboo groves to become a symbol of the 22nd SEA Games hosted in Vietnam. Despite the rise of modern machinery, the buffalo continues to hold an important place in life, remaining a loyal companion to the Vietnamese people for generations to come.

The pigeon is a peaceful, beautiful bird that is adored by many. Whether in cities or rural areas, people have kept pigeons as pets for centuries.

The domestic pigeon’s ancestors were wild rock pigeons, still found in many mountainous regions of Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Humans first domesticated pigeons in Egypt about 5,000 years ago. Today, there are around 150 different breeds of pigeons worldwide. In Vietnam, pigeons tend to be smaller, weighing about 500 to 600 grams, and come in a variety of colors including white, gray, brown, dark blue, and spotted. Pigeons from countries like France, the U.S., and the Netherlands can weigh up to 1 kilogram.

The body shape of a pigeon is similar to that of a dove, but slightly larger. Its body is covered in feathers, with a diamond-shaped torso and a short, wide tail that spreads when the bird is flying. The neck is about 6 to 7 centimeters long, and the beak is small and slightly curved. The round, brown eyes are bright and expressive. The bird’s head moves back and forth quickly, which helps it easily peck at food and preen its feathers and wings.

The slender, dark pink legs have four toes—three facing forward and one backward—all equipped with sharp claws that allow the pigeon to walk gracefully. Pigeons are easy to raise; they feed on seeds like rice, wheat, corn, and beans, and they rarely suffer from illness.

Despite being raised in ideal conditions, domestic pigeons still retain many traits of their wild ancestors. They prefer living in pairs or flocks in dry, clean, well-kept enclosures. Male pigeons perform a cooing courtship dance, and females lay two eggs every month.

Pigeons are exceptional flyers, capable of reaching speeds up to 100 km/h and flying for hundreds of kilometers without rest, like the messenger pigeons used during wartime. However, on the ground, they move slowly and clumsily.

Nowadays, pigeons are raised for both meat and ornamental purposes. Pigeon meat is considered a high-quality, nutritious dish. Meals like stir-fried noodles with pigeon meat, roasted pigeon, or pigeon stew with lotus seeds and Chinese herbs are not only delicious but also offer excellent health benefits.

Pigeons have long been a symbol in human life. Each morning, listening to their cooing or watching them soar high into the clear blue sky brings a sense of peace and tranquility to the soul!

My father loves raising pigeons. He built a whole row of pigeon lofts, painting them a pleasant green with white-trimmed round doors. In front of the lofts, there’s a wooden perch about three inches wide where the pigeons rest and sunbathe. This is the home for pairs of pigeons and their young.

The baby pigeons, only about a month old, look so adorable! Their pale pink beaks are oversized and always open, as if waiting for food. They chirp weakly, and their tiny legs tremble as they try to support their naked bodies, with only a few sparse feathers. Their round eyes blink in confusion as they look around, taking in the world for the first time.

The mother pigeon flaps her wide wings and gently lands beside her babies. The little ones eagerly open their beaks for food. The mother carefully feeds them, one bite at a time. Even though the babies hurry her along, the mother is calm and patient. The father pigeon stands guard at the entrance of the loft, watching over the family. He observes the mother and chicks and coos contentedly, clearly proud of his little family.

This scene fills my heart with warmth, reminding me of the sacred bond between mother and child. The sound of pigeons cooing amidst the lush garden creates an atmosphere of calm, peace, and beauty!

Pigeons are incredibly useful to humans. The image of the white pigeon is a universal symbol of peace and fidelity.

The carp is a familiar fish that has been closely tied to the lives of the Vietnamese people for centuries, both in terms of economy and spiritual beliefs. Due to the country’s proximity to the sea and abundance of rivers and lakes, carp has become an important resource for local farmers engaged in aquaculture and fishing.

Originating from Europe and Asia, carp are now found in most ponds and lakes around the world. The maximum length of a carp can reach up to 1.2 meters, and it can weigh as much as 37.3 kilograms. Saltwater carp are generally smaller and lighter than their freshwater counterparts. In Japan, there is a specific variety known as the Koi carp, which is bred for ornamental purposes due to its vibrant colors.

Carps are usually golden, black, or darken gradually toward their dorsal fins. They have a long, slender body that tapers at both the head and tail. The scales are tightly arranged, creating a protective layer to shield the fish from scratches while swimming. The head of the carp is small, with symmetrical eyes on either side and sensory organs such as the nose, mouth, and whiskers. Their gills are close to the body and are responsible for breathing underwater.

Apart from the fins along the body, carp also have two small fins near the gills that assist in their movement. Their tail fin is fan-shaped and divided symmetrically, helping the fish maintain balance and swim in a straight line. As it swims, the carp twists its body, the two tail fin lobes bending into the shape of the number eight, propelling the fish forward. The harmonious coordination between the tail, dorsal, and pectoral fins enables the carp to swim quickly and efficiently.

Carps feed on soft plants like algae and moss, and they enjoy swimming in groups to forage together. They eat almost anything that crosses their path, including aquatic plants, insects, crustaceans, and even dead fish. Carps spawn seasonally, with each batch of eggs producing three to four thousand young fish. The large quantity of carp each season offers great economic benefits for fish farmers.

Carp meat is highly nutritious and has a delicious taste when raised in clean water. The fins and head are often used to make traditional herbal medicine. In traditional medicine, carp is considered beneficial for pregnant women and postnatal mothers, promoting lactation and improving digestive health. In Vietnam, carp is primarily farmed in rivers and lakes, and it is easy to catch and prepare into nourishing dishes such as carp cooked with sour vegetables, carp porridge, or fried carp.

Spiritually, the carp is believed in Vietnamese folklore to symbolize health and longevity. The legendary story of the "carp transforming into a dragon" is often used to encourage students to succeed in their exams and businesspeople to thrive in their ventures. During the Lunar New Year, carp are regarded as a means of carrying the Kitchen Gods back to the heavens, marking the end of the old year and welcoming the new year with prosperity and good health. Carp is also considered a sacred animal and is often set free during temple visits as a form of ritual.

The carp is a beloved creature deeply intertwined with the lives of the Vietnamese people. To ensure the quality and quantity of carp, careful management and sustainable breeding practices must be followed to ensure that the fish can reproduce effectively and meet human demand.

Many animal species have been domesticated by humans, nurtured, and have become beloved "pets" in households. Among them, cats are arguably the most adored and pampered.

Domestic cats belong to the feline family (which also includes leopards, lynxes, and others). Reliable scientific evidence shows that cats have coexisted with humans for approximately 3,500 to 8,000 years.

There are many different breeds of cats, some with no fur or tails. The coat colors of cats vary widely: white, yellow, gray, etc. Some cats have multi-colored fur, leading to names like calico cats (three fur colors), tabby cats (two interwoven colors), and spotted cats...

Kittens, from as young as one month old, begin learning hunting skills from their mothers, including running, jumping, climbing, stalking, and pouncing. At four months, cats can catch mice, cockroaches, geckos, and more. Cats communicate through meowing, purring, growling, hissing, and body language. Cats in groups use both sounds and body language to communicate with each other.

Typically, cats weigh between 2.5 kg and 7 kg. However, some cats have reached 23 kg due to overeating. Conversely, some very small cats weigh less than 1.8 kg. In a domestic setting, cats can live between 14 and 20 years. The oldest known cat lived for 36 years.

Cats conserve energy by sleeping more than most other animals, especially as they age. Their sleep duration varies but typically ranges from 12 to 16 hours, with an average of 13 to 14 hours. Some cats can sleep for 20 hours a day. Since they are most active around dawn and dusk, cats are playful and mischievous during these hours.

Cats are exceptional "athletes" capable of running swiftly and jumping from great heights. This is due to their unique body structure.

Cats have four legs, each with claws and pads that make contact with the ground. Like other members of the feline family, cats can retract their claws. When at rest, the claws are tucked inside the skin and fur around the pads.

This retractable feature keeps the claws sharp by preventing them from touching the ground, allowing the cat to move silently when stalking prey. The claws on the front legs are usually sharper than those on the back legs. Cats can extend one or more claws depending on their needs. When falling from a height, cats use their keen sense of balance and reflexes to rotate their bodies to land correctly. This ability is called "righting reflex," which allows them to adjust their body’s position mid-fall, giving them enough time to perform this reflex.

Like dogs, cats walk on their toes: they step directly on their toes, with the bones of the feet forming the visible part of their lower legs.

Cats take precise steps. When walking, they place their back foot nearly directly on top of the front foot, minimizing noise and leaving no trail. This makes them excellent hunters and aids in quiet movement. This walking pattern also helps cats maintain balance on rough terrain. In addition to their legs, their long, flexible tail plays a crucial role in maintaining balance while running, jumping, and climbing.

Cats have highly sensitive ears. Most cats have upright, perky ears. Thanks to their ear mobility, cats can rotate their heads in one direction while swiveling their ears in another. When angry or scared, cats point their ears backward while emitting growls or hisses. When playing, their ears may point forward. Their eyes are also special.

Studies show that cats have the best vision in the dark compared to humans, but their vision during the day is not as strong. Cats’ eye colors vary: yellow, black, brown, green, etc., giving them unique looks that captivate many, especially at night. In terms of hearing, humans and cats have similar hearing ranges, but cats can hear higher-frequency sounds, even better than dogs. When they hear a sound, their ears swivel to face the source, allowing them to pinpoint the location of an object within 7.5 cm when the sound is 1 meter away.

Cats also have an excellent sense of smell, 14 times stronger than humans. Their noses contain twice the number of scent receptors, allowing them to detect scents that humans cannot.

As carnivores, cats hunt small creatures like mice, snakes, frogs, and fish for sustenance. Their weapon for hunting is their claws. When hunting, they typically remain 5 to 6 meters from their prey. They then crouch low to the ground, eyes fixed on the target, and move stealthily closer.

Once within range, cats unleash their final burst of strength by pushing with their back legs and launching their entire body forward. They extend their sharp claws to capture the prey. Today, cats live alongside humans, and their food consists of rice or commercial cat food. However, their favorite meal remains fish.

Cats tend to avoid damp areas and prefer clean spaces. To groom themselves, they extend their tongue, lick their paws, and rub their face and body. This behavior removes dirt and even human scents from when they were handled. Cats groom themselves multiple times a day, typically after waking up or returning from outside. This behavior has become a daily habit, even when their body is not visibly dirty.

Over time, cats have become beloved pets in many households, especially among children. Cats are not only "protectors" and "mice hunters" but also incredibly adorable pets. Perhaps that is why the bond between humans and cats will continue to strengthen.

Dogs are beloved companions in most households today. These animals are loyal, familiar, and easy to care for, making them a cherished pet for many animal lovers.

Dogs were the first animals to be domesticated by humans, about 15,000 years ago, during the end of the Ice Age. Their ancestors included foxes and wolves, and they belong to the mammalian family. The modern dog has evolved from a small gray dog. In Vietnamese, dogs are often called "cầy." Some popular dog breeds include the German Shepherd, Collie, Labrador, and Pekingese.

Dogs are four-legged animals with omnivorous diets. Their average size ranges from 40 to 160 cm in length. A dog's lifespan is typically between 16 and 18 years. They have four limbs: two front legs and two hind legs, each with sharp claws that retract when walking. Dogs have broad chests and narrow bellies. At birth, puppies have no teeth, but by the time they are 4 weeks old, they have 28 teeth. After giving birth, mother dogs nurse their puppies for several months, and during this time, they can become quite protective. Adult dogs have 42 teeth.

Dogs have three eyelids: an upper lid, a lower lid, and a third lid positioned inside the eye, which helps protect their eyes from dirt. Dogs first detect objects by their movement, followed by light, and lastly, shape. Their vision is poor, and they can only distinguish between blue and yellow. However, they can see quite well in the dark.

Their hearing is extraordinary, capable of detecting up to 35,000 vibrations per second. Their sense of smell is also remarkable. While humans can detect food in the kitchen, dogs can distinguish the individual spices in a dish, and hunting dogs can even find small mushrooms deep in the forest, as they can detect nearly 220 million smells.

In the cold winter months, it’s not uncommon for dogs to curl their tails around their wet noses to keep warm. Dogs have two layers of fur: the outer layer we commonly see, and an inner layer that helps them stay warm and dry during rainy and cold weather. It even works to keep them cool in the heat of summer.

Dogs have highly developed brains and strong jaws. Particularly, their ears and eyes are sharp and efficient, especially at night. Dogs wag their tails to express affection. They are also known for their efficient digestive systems. Dogs are fast runners, reaching speeds of 70 to 80 km per hour. Additionally, they have excellent scenting abilities. While wild dogs still exist, domesticated and companion dogs are more common.

It is clear that dogs are extremely versatile: they guard homes, serve as companions, perform rescue work, and work in various professions. Police dogs, for example, are trained to apprehend criminals. They are typically large, with pointed ears, agile, quick, and highly intelligent.

These dogs are carefully trained, as are hunting dogs, which are known for their sharp minds. Rescue dogs are used for saving lives in places like airports and harbors. In some countries, dogs are even employed for herding sheep, pulling carts, and guiding the visually impaired. As household pets, dogs are often likened to loyal bodyguards. The list of tasks that dogs can assist with or replace humans in is endless.

In addition, dog meat is a rich source of protein. However, it is not without its risks, especially in regard to rabies. Often, the early symptoms of rabies go unnoticed, but once a dog bites, the danger to human life becomes evident. This is why it is essential to regularly vaccinate dogs to prevent the spread of this disease.

Dogs are incredibly helpful in many aspects of life. They are companions due to their intelligence, loyalty, and many other qualities. Dogs are considered one of the most important animals in the world, offering invaluable assistance to humans. Whether in times of prosperity or poverty, when healthy or ill, a dog remains by our side. For these reasons, we should cherish and care for them properly.

The chicken is an animal deeply tied to the everyday life of Vietnamese people, offering both material and spiritual benefits. It is a common presence in the rural landscape.

Chickens are a widely raised type of poultry. They have short, round wings and their bodies are covered in glossy feathers that shine as if oiled. Their heads are small, with necks ranging from 10 to 12 cm in length. Chickens have poor vision and are often unable to see in the dark. To adapt to foraging, they have rough legs with blunt claws, and their legs are covered in yellowish scales with spurs, along with a strong yellow beak used to peck at food.

Studies suggest that their ancestors were wild jungle fowl. Through domestication, they gradually lost the ability to fly and now predominantly use their legs to walk and search for food. Chickens come in both male and female forms. The rooster is easily distinguished by its bright red comb, shiny plumage, and sharp spurs that attract the attention of hens.

Roosters are often seen as living alarm clocks, crowing at dawn to mark the passage of time and signal the start of a new day. Hens, in contrast, lack the rooster's vibrant comb and their feathers are usually plain, typically just one color. The main role of hens is reproduction and motherhood. They fulfill their maternal duties by incubating eggs and nurturing the chicks that hatch from them.

Hens lay between 10 to 20 eggs in a single clutch. Most hens make a clucking sound when laying eggs, which recalls the saying “the chicken clucks by the lime leaves.” When chicks hatch, they emerge into a new world outside the egg, resembling tiny, fluffy yellow balls, gathered around their mother, content and well-fed. Chickens usually eat rice or feed, but they also dig in the dirt to find pebbles, sand, or earthworms. This behavior not only helps them find food but also strengthens their claws and helps the hen teach her chicks essential skills.

Chickens are beneficial animals that provide numerous advantages to humans, both economically and for health. Chicken eggs are a major source of food, packed with protein. Eggs can be cooked in many ways, such as fried or boiled. Eating one or two eggs daily ensures an adequate protein intake and helps prevent certain diseases. Additionally, eggs play a key role in baking and are often part of weight-loss diets. Chicken meat is also a common food that provides protein to the body. Beyond its role in daily nutrition, chickens serve various practical purposes, such as using their feathers to make brushes, fans, and using their manure as fertilizer for plants.

Chickens hold an important place not only in Vietnam's agricultural economy but also in its cultural and spiritual life. Chickens have become an integral part of Vietnamese beliefs. They are sometimes called “Dậu,” and the year “Đinh Dậu” is a term used to refer to a year in the Vietnamese lunar calendar.

Chickens are featured in traditional Đông Hồ paintings, created by skilled artists who celebrate Vietnamese heritage. Chickens are also an essential dish on the ceremonial tables during ancestor worship or traditional Lunar New Year feasts. The chicken even appears in ancient lullabies and folk songs, such as the saying: “Be wise when answering strangers / Chickens from the same mother should never fight.”

The chicken is an important and beloved animal in the lives of Vietnamese people, embodying a traditional symbol of prosperity and fulfillment.