Unlock hundreds more features
Save your Quiz to the Dashboard
View and Export Results
Use AI to Create Quizzes and Analyse Results

OR
Sign inSign in with Facebook
Sign inSign in with Google
Quizzes > Lifestyle & Hobbies

Dog and Cat Trivia: Test Your Pet Knowledge

Quick, free dog and cat trivia quiz to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Gregory Fisher Updated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper cut style dog and cat next to trivia quiz text on coral background

This dog and cat trivia quiz helps you check what you know about common pet facts, from breeds to behavior, in a short, fun session. See your score as you go and pick up new facts along the way. Want more to try? Tackle our dog breed identification quiz or explore a broader animal quiz next.

What is the average lifespan of a domestic cat?
10 years
12 years
8 years
15 years
Domestic cats typically live between 12 and 18 years, with many reaching an average of around 15 years. Factors such as indoor living, diet, and regular veterinary care can extend a cat's lifespan. Understanding a cat's life expectancy helps owners plan for their long-term care.
Which animal is often referred to as "man's best friend"?
Dog
Horse
Parrot
Cat
The dog has been called "man's best friend" for centuries due to its loyalty and companionship. Archaeological evidence shows dogs and humans living together for over 15,000 years. Their roles have varied from hunters and herders to protectors and service animals.
What do cats use their whiskers for?
To attract prey
To sense the width of openings
For hearing high-pitched sounds
To mark territory
A cat's whiskers are highly sensitive tactile hairs called vibrissae that detect changes in air currents and help gauge the width of openings. They allow cats to navigate tight spaces and sense nearby objects. Whiskers also aid in hunting by detecting prey movements.
Which dog breed is known for its distinctive blue-black tongue?
Siberian Husky
Shar Pei
Beagle
Poodle
The Chinese Shar Pei is famous for its deep blue-black tongue, a trait it shares only with the Chow Chow among all dog breeds. This unique pigmentation is a distinctive breed characteristic. While other breeds may have some spots, only Shar Peis and Chow Chows have uniformly dark tongues.
At what age are kittens typically weaned from their mother?
6-8 weeks
10-12 weeks
4-5 weeks
2-3 weeks
Kittens are usually weaned from their mother's milk between six and eight weeks of age when they begin to eat solid food. Early weaning can lead to nutritional deficiencies and behavioral issues. Completing weaning during this window supports healthy growth and social development.
Which small dog breed is known for its bat-like ears and compact size?
Chihuahua
Yorkshire Terrier
Boston Terrier
French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is recognized for its distinctive bat-like ears and sturdy, compact body. They are a popular companion breed due to their playful temperament and adaptable size. Their unique ear shape and broad heads make them easy to identify.
What is the correct term for a group of cats?
Pack
Clowder
Flock
Herd
A group of cats is called a clowder. Less commonly, a group of kittens may be referred to as a kindle. These collective nouns originate from historical hunting and domestication terminology. Knowing these terms is a fun way to speak about cats socially.
Which sense is a dog's most powerful?
Hearing
Smell
Touch
Sight
A dog's sense of smell is approximately 10,000 to 100,000 times more acute than a human's, making it their most powerful sense. Dogs have up to 300 million olfactory receptors compared to humans' 6 million. This extraordinary ability allows them to detect scents at incredibly low concentrations.
Why do cats purr?
To communicate contentment
To mark territory
To cool down
To attract predators
Cats purr for a variety of reasons, most commonly to express contentment and comfort. Purring can also occur when a cat is nervous or in pain, as a self-soothing mechanism. Some studies suggest purr frequencies may promote tissue healing.
Which dog breed is the heaviest on average?
English Mastiff
Newfoundland
Great Dane
Saint Bernard
The English Mastiff is considered the heaviest dog breed on average, with males often exceeding 200 pounds. Their massive size and gentle temperament make them a distinct giant breed. While other breeds may be taller, Mastiffs hold the record for weight.
What is the fastest dog breed?
Whippet
Borzoi
Greyhound
Saluki
The Greyhound is the fastest dog breed, capable of reaching speeds up to 45 miles per hour. Originally bred for coursing game, their streamlined bodies and long legs are built for sprinting. Greyhound racing and lure coursing events showcase their speed.
Cats are obligate carnivores. What does this mean?
They must eat meat to survive
They can live on plants alone
They can fast for long periods
They need high amounts of carbohydrates
Obligate carnivores like cats require nutrients found only in animal flesh, such as taurine and arachidonic acid. They lack the metabolic pathways to derive these from plant sources. A diet deficient in meat can lead to serious health issues.
How many teeth does an adult dog usually have?
28
42
34
48
Adult dogs typically have 42 permanent teeth: 20 on the top and 22 on the bottom. Puppies initially have 28 deciduous (baby) teeth which are replaced by adult teeth by about six months old. Dental health is crucial for overall well-being.
What coat pattern is called "calico" in cats?
Tabby stripes
Bi-color only
Three colors: white, black, and orange
Solid black
Calico cats have a tri-color coat pattern, typically white with large patches of black and orange. This pattern is almost exclusively found in female cats due to its genetic linkage to the X chromosome. Calicos are not a breed but a color variation.
What is the primary function of a dog's dewclaw?
Extra traction
Assisting in gripping objects
No function
Balance when running
A dewclaw is the vestigial digit on the inside of a dog's paw that helps in gripping objects like bones or toys. It can also aid in making tight turns at high speeds. Some breeds have dewclaws removed to prevent injury, but they serve a purpose.
Which vitamin do cats require in their diet that dogs can synthesize?
Vitamin D
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Vitamin A
Cats cannot convert beta-carotene into active vitamin A, so they require preformed vitamin A in their diet. Dogs, however, can synthesize vitamin A from precursor carotenoids in plant matter. This makes vitamin A essential in feline nutrition.
What is the average gestation period for dogs?
90 - 100 days
58 - 68 days
45 days
70 - 80 days
The average gestation period for dogs is between 58 and 68 days, or about nine weeks. This can vary slightly by breed and litter size. Monitoring gestation helps breeders and veterinarians plan for safe whelping.
Which dog breed was the first to be cloned?
Afghan Hound
Golden Retriever
Labrador Retriever
German Shepherd
The first dog ever cloned was an Afghan Hound named Snuppy in 2005 by South Korean researchers. This milestone demonstrated that canine cloning was possible despite previous challenges in canine reproductive biology. Snuppy's birth opened the door to further genetic research.
What is feline triaditis?
Inflammation of three abdominal organs
A behavioral condition
A type of hairball
A respiratory infection
Feline triaditis is the concurrent inflammation of the pancreas, liver (cholangitis), and intestines (enteritis). It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss in affected cats. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Which gene determines whether a cat has tabby stripes?
MLPH gene
Tyrosinase gene
Spotting gene
Agouti gene
The Agouti gene controls the distribution of black pigment in cat hairs, leading to the banding that creates tabby patterns. When active, it alternates pigment bands along the hair shaft. Different alleles of the Agouti gene produce classic, mackerel, ticked, and spotted tabby patterns.
Which ancient civilization considered cats sacred and often mummified them?
Egyptians
Romans
Vikings
Greeks
Ancient Egyptians revered cats for their role in protecting granaries and for their association with deities like Bastet. Cats were mummified and buried with honors to ensure their passage into the afterlife. Killing a cat in Egypt was punishable by death.
Which dog breed has the largest heart relative to its body size?
Bulldog
Greyhound
Pug
Dachshund
Greyhounds have exceptionally large hearts relative to their body size, supporting their high-speed running capabilities and athletic performance. Their cardiovascular system is uniquely adapted for endurance and sprinting. This trait is a key reason for their success in racing.
Which disease is common in Scottish Fold cats due to their unique ear-mutation gene?
Osteochondrodysplasia
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Polycystic kidney disease
Diabetes mellitus
Scottish Fold cats carry a mutation affecting cartilage and bone development called osteochondrodysplasia. This mutation causes their characteristic folded ears but also leads to painful joint deformities and arthritis. Responsible breeding practices aim to minimize health issues.
What is the normal body temperature range for cats in Celsius?
35 - 37 °C
37.5 - 39 °C
40 - 42 °C
39.5 - 41 °C
A healthy cat's normal body temperature ranges from about 37.5 °C to 39 °C. Temperatures below or above can indicate illness such as hypothermia or fever. Regular monitoring is important for sick or senior cats.
Mitochondrial DNA evidence suggests modern domestic cats originated from which wildcat subspecies?
Felis bieti
Felis silvestris silvestris
Felis silvestris lybica
Felis margarita
Genetic analyses of mitochondrial DNA indicate that domestic cats descended primarily from the Near Eastern wildcat, Felis silvestris lybica, around 7,500 BC. This subspecies was first domesticated in the Fertile Crescent alongside early agricultural societies. Subsequent human migration spread cats worldwide.
0
{"name":"What is the average lifespan of a domestic cat?", "url":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/QPREVIEW","txt":"What is the average lifespan of a domestic cat?, Which animal is often referred to as \"man's best friend\"?, What do cats use their whiskers for?","img":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/3012/images/ogquiz.png"}

Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Canine Characteristics -

    After taking the quiz, you will articulate typical traits, breed differences, and behaviors of various dog breeds.

  2. Identify Feline Behaviors -

    You will recognize and explain common cat habits, quirks, and communication signals presented in the trivia questions.

  3. Compare Canine and Feline Traits -

    You'll contrast key differences between dog and cat behaviors, needs, and care requirements highlighted throughout the quiz.

  4. Apply Pet Trivia Knowledge -

    Use insights gained from the pet trivia quiz to answer practical questions about pet care, behavior, and health.

  5. Evaluate Personal Pet Knowledge -

    Assess your current level of understanding and identify areas where you can deepen your knowledge of dogs and cats.

  6. Engage with Fun Pet Trivia -

    Enjoy an entertaining and interactive quiz format that reinforces learning through playful challenges.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Breed Classification Basics -

    Understanding how the American Kennel Club (AKC) sorts dogs into Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding groups helps you breeze through the dog and cat trivia quiz by matching traits to categories. A simple mnemonic is "SHTTNH" (Sporting, Hound, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, Herding) to recall all six main AKC groups. (Source: AKC.org)

  2. Feline Communication Cues -

    Cats use distinct vocal signals - purring at 25 - 150 Hz to self-soothe, meowing primarily for humans, and hissing when stressed - so recognizing each sound boosts your score on any cat quiz. Remember "Purrfect 25" to recall the average purr frequency and why it's linked to healing (25 Hz promotes bone growth per Cornell Feline Health Center). (Source: Cornell University)

  3. Canine Olfactory Superpower -

    Dogs boast roughly 300 million olfactory receptors compared to our 6 million, giving them a scent accuracy nearly 50 times greater - crucial trivia for any dog quiz or pet trivia quiz challenge. Think of it as a biological "sniffer" that can detect parts per trillion, used in search-and-rescue and medical-alert roles. (Source: National Institutes of Health)

  4. Obligate Carnivore vs. Omnivore Diets -

    Cats are obligate carnivores requiring 50 mg/kg of taurine daily to avoid heart and vision issues, while dogs thrive on an omnivorous mix of meat, grains, fruits, and vegetables - a key fact for nutrition questions in the dog and cat trivia quiz. The AAFCO nutrient profiles outline these differences in essential amino acids and vitamins. (Source: AAFCO Official Publication)

  5. Socialization Windows & Body Language -

    Puppies have a critical socialization period from 3 - 14 weeks and kittens from 2 - 7 weeks when exposure to new people and environments shapes lifelong behavior - vital for behavior-based animal trivia quiz questions. Spot tail wag vs. tail tuck or purring vs. crouching to decode mood signals in both species. (Source: ASPCA and Journal of Veterinary Behavior)

Make a Quiz (FREE) Copy & Edit This Quiz Create a Quiz with AI

General Knowledge Trivia Quizzes

Powered by: Quiz Maker