The Science of Pets

Science writer Ingram (The Future of Us) provides an intriguing if idiosyncratic exploration of the creatures humans keep as pets. He covers a wide range of questions, including what constitutes a pet, why people keep them, and how species like dogs and cats have evolved to live with humans. People have different ideas about the definition of “pet,” Ingram contends, noting that some people only see domesticated animals, like dogs and cats, as pets, while others consider any animal with whom they have an emotional attachment a pet (say, a praying mantis or a crow). How exactly these relationships began is a mystery, but Ingram shares theories. In regard to dogs, which evolved from wolves, for example, he explains that wolves may have taken the initiative to establish a bond after finding food scraps left behind by hunter-gatherer groups. Today, humans keep pets for many reasons, with some people claiming they ease depression and promote empathy. Many consider their pets members of the family, sometimes with equal status as human members. Ingram doesn’t shy away from inconvenient truths, such as the treatment of pets as disposable possessions (millions enter shelters each year) and pets’ impact on native wildlife (dogs may have contributed to 11 extinctions). There are some deficiencies; popular pets such as hamsters and guinea pigs are barely mentioned, while chapters are devoted to ants and hydras. Still, this solid work of popular science will likely have wide appeal. (Nov.)