In The Science of Pets, bestselling science writer and beloved TV host Jay Ingram explores the surprising, hilarious, and heartfelt realities of the animals we share our homes with—and why they captivate us.

With over a billion pets worldwide, our bonds with animals are deep and personal—but how well do we really understand them? Ingram dives into the latest science behind our furry, scaly, and feathered companions to answer questions like: do cats truly love us? What are parrots thinking? Why do dogs spin in circles when excited? Can a praying mantis or even a robot be a pet? And why are baby animals (and humans) so irresistibly cute?

Along the way, he tackles stranger-than-fiction topics: the rise of exotic pets, the science behind Instagram-famous “rescued” animals, and whether creatures like octopi, horses, pigs—or even hydras—can or should be considered pets.

Drawing on decades of science communication and a gift for storytelling, Ingram also explores the evolutionary roots of pet behavior, debunks enduring myths (like dogs aligning north to poop), and reveals how our pets may know more about us than we think.

Insightful, entertaining, and packed with surprising facts, The Science of Pets is perfect for animal lovers, science buffs, and anyone who’s ever shared a slice of pizza with a dog or wondered what their cat is really thinking.