Animaltalk Magazine

16/02/2026

Think your cat is lazy? Think again.

Cats sleep 12–20 hours a day because they’re built for dawn-and-dusk action (hello, 5am zoomies). From curled-up cinnamon rolls to full belly-up trust mode, every sleeping position means something.

And if she’s sleeping on you? Congrats — you’re officially approved furniture.

Want to know what’s normal (and what’s not)?

Read ‘Catnap Facts’ here: https://animaltalk.co.za/catnap-facts/

12/02/2026

Hot days don’t have to mean bored dogs.

When walks aren’t an option, enrichment games can keep your dog mentally stimulated and content indoors.

Discover five simple activities you can try at home.

Read the full article here: https://animaltalk.co.za/hot-days-happy-dogs-five-indoor-enrichment-games/

20/01/2026

Win a SpongeBob movie merchandise hamper!

The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants is out at cinemas now, and to celebrate we are giving away three awesome hampers. Each one contains:

- A Christmas ornament
- An ocean night light projector
- An oversized beach towel
- Kids glow-in-the-dark pyjamas

To enter, send an email to [email protected] with the word ‘SpongeBob’ in the subject line. Please include your name, a daytime delivery address and a daytime contact number. Entries close Friday, 23 January 2026. One entry per person. Winners will be selected by random draw.

To read more about how amazing sea sponges are in real life, catch our article here: https://animaltalk.co.za/10-cool-facts-about-sea-sponges/

04/12/2025

Today is International Cheetah Day! Read our article for 10 cool facts about these amazing animals!

https://animaltalk.co.za/10-incredible-cheetah-facts-that-reveal-their-true-nature/

25/09/2025

Runways, rescues and unconditional love

From international runways to heartfelt rescues, Giovanna Barbosa’s story is as inspiring as it is moving. She opens up about life with her three beloved dogs – gentle Daisy, loving Trixy and playful Scooby – and the lessons they’ve taught her about patience, joy and unconditional love.

Read the full feature on our website:

Creative director Giovanna Barbosa shares the heartwarming stories of her three beloved dogs Daisy, Trixy and Scooby.

05/09/2025

10 cool facts about the axolotl

The axolotl is like nature’s mix of cute pet, science experiment and ancient legend – no wonder people around the world are fascinated by them!

Read more here:

These Mexican salamanders regrow limbs, never grow old and always smile – what’s not to love?

03/09/2025

Scent work

Scent work is teaching a dog how to search for a particular scent. Dogs are used for their amazing scenting abilities in all walks of life – to search for missing people, to find narcotics, to detect cancer and even to detect when someone is about to have an epileptic seizure. All this just by using their noses!

You can make scent work as easy as searching for pieces of food or finding a toy to more advanced work where you teach your dog to search for an article with a particular scent.

Read more here:

Scent work is teaching a dog how to search for a particular scent. Dogs are used for their amazing scenting abilities in all walks of life – to search for missing people, to find narcotics, to detect cancer and even to detect when someone is about to have an epileptic seizure.

02/09/2025

It’s officially spring! Time to enjoy the sun, the flowers and the warmer days. Are you and your pet ready?
Read our article to get some great tips: https://animaltalk.co.za/ready-for-spring/

21/08/2025

Did you know that family dogs play a big role in teaching children empathy, respect, and social skills? Research shows that walking, playing, and bonding with dogs can shape a child’s development in powerful ways. Experts also highlight how kids learn responsibility and care through these relationships.

Read the full article here:

Discover how children learn empathy, respect, and social skills from family dogs, supported by research and expert advice.

12/08/2025

In 2020, a three-month-old albino elephant calf named Khanyisa was found caught in a snare in South Africa. Her rescue and recovery became the focus of Diary of an Orphan Elephant, a moving documentary by Hermien Roelvert-van Gils.

From 12 August, World Elephant Day, South Africans can watch this award-winning film for the first time.

Follow HERD - Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development as they fight to save Khanyisa, nurture her back to health and attempt the delicate task of introducing her to the Jabulani herd.

Our article: https://animaltalk.co.za/diary-of-an-elephant-orphan-now-available-for-screening/

Watch the film here: https://watch.eventive.org/ifdelephantorphan/play/66fff0f421cfe700391c6bb8

08/08/2025

It’s International Cat Day and we’re celebrating the favourite fluffy weirdos who rule our homes and steal our hearts (and sometimes our lunch).

From murder mittens to top-tier nap skills, here are 10 reasons cats are just too cool for school 👉 https://animaltalk.co.za/10-reasons-cats-are-just-plain-cool-happy-international-cat-day/

Tag your cat-obsessed friend and tell us what makes your kitty the ultimate cool cat! 🐾

Celebrate International Cat Day with 10 hilarious reasons why cats rule our hearts and homes – from purring therapy to built-in murder mittens.