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Best Natural-Looking Aquarium Decorations

Kate Barrington
by Kate Barrington
Published:  December 6th, 2021

When decorating your aquarium, you may want to create a look inspired by nature. We’ve picked out some of the best natural-looking aquarium decorations.

When it comes to starting a home aquarium, there are many factors to consider. You’ll need to decide what size tank you want, choose your equipment, and think about the type of fish and other inhabitants you want to cultivate. On top of all of that, there’s one more thing to consider – decoration. If you want to create an environment that mimics your inhabitants’ natural habitat, go with a natural décor scheme.

In this article, we’ll talk about creating a natural décor scheme in your home aquarium. We’ll talk about how to make your tank look more natural and you’ll receive our top picks for the best natural-looking aquarium decorations.

Best Natural Decorations for Aquariums

Decorating your aquarium is half the fun of having an aquarium. It’s entirely up to you how you choose to decorate, but a natural-looking aquarium can be quite stunning when done well. Start with a natural-looking substrate, an aquarium background, and some live plants then top it off with decorations.

Here are our top picks for the best natural-looking aquarium decorations:

1. Editor’s Choice: NilocG Aquatics Natural Cholla Wood

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If you’re looking for a simple decoration to add to your aquarium, these 5-inch pieces of natural cholla wood are a great place to start. Cleaned and sustainably sourced from a pesticide-free location, this cholla wood will add a realistic, rustic touch of decor to your aquarium. Small shrimp and fry can swim in and out or around the holes, which make excellent hiding places, particularly for the vulnerable babies. Since they are fertilizer- and pesticide-free, completely safe for all aquarium inhabitants. Boil prior to use to increase the rate at which the pieces sink.

2. Runner Up: Natural Slate Stone for Aquariums

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Rocks are an essential décor item for any natural-looking aquarium and these are the perfect option. These 3-to-5-inch pieces of natural slate stone can be used separately or stacked in a pile to create a cave. They are 100% natural and perfect for aquascaping an aquarium. Owing to their popularity with aquarium enthusiasts and their exceptional quality, these natural stones have been awarded the Amazon’s Choice title.

3. Customer’s Choice: Hygger Small Trunk Log Aquarium Ornament

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If you prefer not to risk contamination with natural wood pieces, this resin log is a great option. This log aquarium ornament is made from resin in a natural shape and hand-painted. It can be used as a shelter for small fish, providing them a hiding spot and a place to explore and swim around, or you can anchor live plants to it. The size of this small trunk makes it a good choice for tanks up to 20 gallon capacity.

4. Best All Natural: Nautical Crush Trading Barnacle Cluster

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Give your marine aquarium a boost of natural décor with this barnacle cluster. It is all-natural and measures 5 to 7 inches in diameter. Pair it with other nautical-themed items like shells and starfish – and if you’re unsure where to start to create a realistic-looking environment in your tank, you’ll be glad to know that this barnacle cluster comes with a complimentary PDF copy of “A Practical Guide for Nautical Décor” eBook by Joseph Rains, which is delivered by email.

5. Best Realistic Plant: Marina Naturals Pennywort Plant

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It may seem odd putting a fake plant into your aquarium, but let’s be honest, planting in your tank can take a lot of time to maintain. Thankfully, there are a number of wistful, realistic looking silk plants from Marina Naturals. The Pennywort plant is made to have its leaves undulate under the water with the current of your aquarium. Marina Naturals offers this particular plant in two different sizes. All of their plants are made out of a non-toxic, fade resistant silk that will not affect the water chemistry in your tank. They are super easy to install as you just bury them under gravel or rock in your tank. Now we know that one pond plant wont give you the underwater look you are striving for, but the low prices and large selection of the Marina Naturals plants will make it easy for you to design a colorful marine life tank without the hassle of living plants. Now you can just focus on your fish.

6. Best for Smaller Tanks: Hygger Betta Log Hollow Tree Trunk

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Another option in natural-looking decorations is this resin hollow tree trunk from Hygger. This decoration is perfect for small- to medium-sized tanks (5 to 50 gallons) and gives smaller fish a safe place to hide. Plus, it has a flat base so it sits stably on the tank bottom, undisturbed by currents or fish.

Made from quality resin and durable, this piece of decor is friendly for all types of fish and aquariums – it will fit in great in freshwater or saltwater tanks. A very detailed imitation of a real tree trunk, it will create a realistic-looking natural landscape inside your tank without limiting your view of its inhabitants: you can still easily see the tiny fish swimming around it through 3 side holes.

7. Best Resin: Marina Décor Polyresin Cave

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Also made from resin, this rock-like cave is completely safe and non-toxic for aquarium fish. It also includes three small fake plants to boost the natural appeal. It measures 5.1” in length, 11.4” in width, and 7.7” in height so it’s a good size for tanks 20 gallon and up.

8. Best Eco-Friendly: MyLifeUNIT Artificial Seaweed Plants

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Add color and dimension to your natural-looking aquarium with these artificial seaweed plants. They come in a bunch of 10 individual pieces, each made from eco-friendly, non-toxic pvc materials with a ceramic base for stability. This means that these artificial plants won’t contaminate the water and that their colors won’t fade – they are durable and fish-friendly. What’s more, the faux leaves are so soft and gentle that they can’t scratch the more sensitive fish (such as bettas with their flowy fins). Suitable for freshwater and saltwater tanks, these artificial seaweed plants come in green, purple, or wine red color.

9. Best Cave: SunGrow Coco Cave

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Give your fish a place to hide with this coco cave made from 100% natural coconut shell. It features smooth edges and a soft texture that is completely safe for fish and you can purchase it for less than $10.

10. Honorable Mention: Jangoster Natural Sea Shell Ocean Conch

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Another excellent decoration for marine tanks is this large conch shell. It measures a full 7 to 8 inches long and is completely natural. Just make sure you clean it well before using it in your aquarium.

Tips for Creating a Natural Décor Scheme

Aquarium decorations do more than just create visual intrigue in your tank. Certain types of decorations can be used to provide shy or nocturnal species with a place to hide – they can also break up sightlines and divide the tank into territories for more aggressive species. Decorations also provide a surface for beneficial bacteria to colonize and some decorations, like live plants, can actually improve the quality of your tank water for the benefit of your aquarium fish.

Here are some tips for creating a natural décor scheme in your aquarium:

  1. Start with a natural-looking substrate that is suited to the type of tank you want – sand is a great option for most tanks but if you want to create a planted tank, you may need to add some planted tank substrate as well.
  2. Add rockwork to create natural decorations of different sizes and heights in your tank – be sure to purchase rocks marketed for aquarium use or rinse the rocks very well to ensure that they are safe for your tank inhabitants.
  3. Consider including pieces of driftwood in your tank, especially as an anchor for live aquarium plants – again, be sure to soak it well to remove any tannins that might stain the water and affect your water chemistry.
  4. Add live plants of different sizes throughout the tank – keep taller plants at the back and sides with shorter plants in the mid-ground and foreground.
  5. Throw in a natural-looking aquarium background if the other decorations don’t cover the back – this is a great way to hide tank equipment and cords in addition to boosting the natural look of your tank.

How you decorate your aquarium is entirely up to you. You can choose to go with a whimsical décor scheme, including bright colors and funny elements, or you can go with something more natural. If you prefer the natural look, consider some of the top 10 aquarium decorations reviewed above.

Do fish like decorations in their tanks?

Anything that helps mimic a fish’s natural environment is something your fish will like, including decorations. And it’s not just about the realistic appearance of some decor, as much as it is about its function: fish are prey animals and instinctively seek hiding places. Having an aquarium without any decor means that there are no nooks and crannies your wish can hide in, so they will feel stressed and scared all of the time.

What is the best way to decorate an aquarium?

There isn’t a single “best” way to decorate a tank – different people have different tastes. While some aquarists want a minimalistic, modern look for their tank, others strive to create a realistic replica of a fish’s natural environment, and so on. The style of decor is up to you, but the general rule is choosing decoration that is safe for your fish, appropriate for the tank size, and can enrich the tank’s environment by serving as a hiding spot, adding oxygen, etc. The rest you can choose to suit your personal preference!

Can I put bamboo in my fish tank?

Real, traditional bamboo is not an aquatic plant so it can be added to aquariums as flora, but lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana), which looks almost the same as real bamboo, can successfully be grown in aquariums. Not only that, but lucky bamboo is usually easy to grow even if you are a beginner, it will add interest to the tank, and most importantly – it lowers nitrate levels in the aquarium. Naturally, lucky bamboo can only be grown in freshwater tanks.

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Kate Barrington
Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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A six-legged cocker spaniel found abandoned in a supermarket parking lot in Wales has had surgery to remove her extra limbs. The pooch was named Ariel, after the Little Mermaid, because her extra limbs were fused together, resembling a mermaid’s tail. Greenacres Rescue, a non-profit group from Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire, Wales, took Ariel in, arranged her surgery, and found her a foster family.  Ariel, who was born with multiple birth defects, was operated on at Langford Vets Small Animal Referral Hospital. Surgeon Aaron Lutchman performed the surgery and managed to save all four limbs amid fears that one hind leg might have to be amputated. “She’s doing really well, she’s bounced back and she’s a happy little dog and we’re hoping she’s going to go on to lead a fabulous little life,” said Lutchman. “She’s got her own little character and even though she’s had a tough start in life she really has done well to come through this as she has… if we can do what we can to help then that’s just absolutely brilliant.” According to Mikey Lawlor, founder and manager of Greenacres Rescue, Ariel was skinny and distressed when she was rescued. “The vet who initially assessed Ariel noted that, in addition to her two surplus back legs, she also had an additional vulva,” said Lawlor. A CT scan later revealed that Ariel was born with only one kidney, which increased the complexity of the medical treatment she required. Unfortunately, the pup’s pelvis never formed properly because she had two hip joints on one side of the body. As a result, Ariel’s normal hind leg had no muscle tone, so there was a chance that that leg had to be amputated as well. “Thankfully, that wasn’t the case though as it’s shown signs of having strengthened a lot in recent months,” Lawlor added.Ariel is recovering nicely after her surgery, having lots of love and fuss from the nursing team. Now that the surgery is behind her, everyone is hoping that she’ll have an easy and quick recovery.“There were two procedures which lasted about two hours, but both went fine. The next day she was up, walking around and eating and drinking.”“Now we just need to keep our fingers crossed she doesn’t get any infections, but she really is in the best of hands,” added Lawlor according to BBC. The brave pooch was discharged over the weekend and has already returned home to her foster family in Wales. According to her vet, Ariel has to rest for the next two weeks to recover completely. The founder of Greenacres Rescue hopes that the organization will be able to find a forever home for Ariel after she completes physiotherapy and recovery. “The response we had to Ariel’s story so far, including calls and emails from as far away as New York and Australia, has been incredible - so I’ve no doubt she’ll be snapped up,” said Lawlor.“I just can’t say enough of a thank you to everyone who’s contributed to helping her.” The organization raised around $19,000 for Ariel’s life-changing surgery thanks to donations from people all over the world.“Ariel was a complicated little dog whose care required close collaboration across a number of our specialist teams, including orthopedics, soft tissue surgery, anesthesia, and radiology,” said Vicki Black, the director of Langford Vets’ Hospital. “As part of the University of Bristol, we are a center committed to career-long learning and are proud to innovate and treat pets like Ariel. We are delighted such a lovely animal has recovered well from her surgery.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How To Tell if a Dog Is Cold

You might think your dog feels fine in cold weather, thanks to their thick coat, but they can definitely feel the chill—and when they aren’t warm and comfortable, they could develop serious problems like hypothermia. So, it’s important to know the signs that your dog is cold, and to take steps to keep your pet comfy, whether they’re indoors or outside.  Although any dog can be affected by cold temperatures, wind, and snow, some are going to feel the drop in temperature sooner or more intensely. Puppies and seniors, as well as small dogs and those with short coats, are a few examples, along with hairless dogs and those who are ill or have chronic medical conditions.Signs Your Dog Is ColdHere are some of the ways to tell if your dog is cold:Your dog feels cold to the touch – An easy way to tell if your dog is cold is by petting them and feeling the temperature of their body. A good place to check is their ears, but also touch their paws, belly, and skin under their fur. If their body is cool to the touch, there are ways to warm them up.Your dog doesn’t want to be active – If your dog isn’t as active as they usually are, they might be feeling the chill in the air. Feel their body, as discussed above, to see if they’re cold, and take steps to make them warm. A dog who’s moving more slowly than normal while outside should be brought inside right away. Your dog is shivering – Just like people shiver when they’re cold, dogs will too, so this is an obvious sign that your pet needs to be warmed up as soon as possible. If your dog is trembling, consider the temperature inside your home, as you might need to turn the heat up. And if your dog is shaking while outside in the cold, bring them inside right away.Your dog is searching for ways to stay warm – If your dog wants to lie down next to the fireplace or heater, or they want to snuggle up next to you or under a blanket, they’re looking for ways to get warm. In addition, your dog might be reluctant to go outside, whether for a walk or to go potty. If they’re outside and you see them trying to find some shelter to warm up, bring them in immediately.  Your dog’s body language and vocalizations change – If you know your pet’s normal behavior and demeanor, it should be easy to tell when they’re cold. There will be signs that they’re uncomfortable, and they might exhibit anxious behaviors that let you know something is wrong. For example, your dog may tuck their tail, have a hunched posture, or curl up in a ball, and they might also bark or whimper. What To Do if Your Dog Is ColdWhenever your dog is showing signs of feeling cold, take action right away. Remember, a dog who gets too cold is at risk of hypothermia. Also, the cold can make some dogs, such as those with arthritis, experience even more discomfort. If your dog is outside, bring them inside. And if they’re wet from rain or snow, dry them gently.If your dog is already inside, move them to a warmer area, such as near a heat source and away from drafts.Help your dog feel warm and cozy indoorsYou can rub and massage your dog to help generate some warmth with your hands. Give your pet a cozy bed to rest in, and cover them with a blanket. You can also lie down next to your dog to help them warm up.There are heated dog beds you can use whenever your dog is chilly, along with dog heating pads that can work well too—just be sure to use these products as directed for safety and so your pet won’t get too hot. Keep your dog warm while outsideBefore heading outside with your dog, check the temperature. Generally, if it’s colder than 45°F (7°C), you should take additional precautions to ensure your pet won’t get too cold. But you know your individual dog best, so you’ll know when they need extra protection and less time outside.There are various jackets, sweaters, and boots made for dogs of all breeds and sizes. Put these on your canine companion before heading outside so they can stay warm while they go potty or go for a short walk.If it’s too cold for a walk or play session outside, don’t force your dog to stay out there. Instead, find ways to play with your dog indoors until the weather warms enough to be safer and more comfortable for your pooch.Use products that help your dog warm up and stay warmHere are a couple of items to consider buying for your dog: K&H Self-Warming Crate Pad

A Pennsylvania Dog Shocked Its Owners After Eating $4000 in Cash

A Pittsburg couple was shocked to discover that their dog Cecil decided to have the most expensive snack of his life, after wolfing down $4,000 in cash. According to Cecil’s owners, Clayton and Carrie Law, the seven-year-old goldendoodle is a well-behaved boy who has never really done anything bad before. The couple had withdrawn cash to do a home improvement project, but Cecil had other plans for the envelope full of money. Less than 30 minutes later, Cecil was caught devouring thousands of dollars. “I walked back into the room and then all this cash was on the ground. He’s just like this, standing there, and I’m like oh my gosh, he ate some of this money and was in shock. I yelled to Carrie ‘He ate the money, he ate the $4,000,’” said Clayton Law to CBS News. After the initial shock, the couple discovered that Cecil ate a lot of the bills, but that some were still on the floor, albeit torn up and chewed into pieces. Carrie and Clayton describe their pooch as laid back, weird, funny, and almost human-like, and say that he is typically more of a snuggly couch potato. “He doesn’t do many dog things, he doesn’t chew furniture or clothing, that’s why we were extra shocked when he decided to do this,” said Clayton Law. “He has never in his life tried to get anything from the counter, even coffee table. We could leave dinner and go to the kitchen and grab wine, and he would not touch the food, and he just doesn’t care. He just took this opportunity and ran with it,” said Carrie Law. Once the initial shock passed, the couple contacted their vet to see if the dog needed any treatment. Given the goldendoodle’s size, there was no risk of bowel obstruction and he only needed to be monitored at home. At first, Cecil seemed fine, but in the middle of the night, the Laws were awoken by the sound every dog owner knows - the retching of their dog about to vomit. “When you hear that, you immediately just react, so I jumped out of bed and just made sure that he didn’t throw up anywhere,” said Clayton. “And then I went to pick it up… and I realized there’s a lot of like half eaten and $100 bills and $50 bills here.”That night marked the start of the Law’s unfortunate mission of sifting through their dog’s vomit and poop in an attempt to recover some of their money. Luckily, the couple was able to piece together most of the bills after carefully washing and sorting all the pieces back together. “There we are at the utility sink washing this shitty money, yelling ‘Yay! Yes! We got one!’ It smelled so bad,” Carries confessed. After piecing together as many bills as they could salvage, the couple managed to recoup $3,550. According to Carrie, the bank was really nice about it and told them that these things happen all the time. “They said it actually happens quite a bit because money just picks up so many scents, especially if it’s used in the food industry. I guess dogs pick up on that - they have such a good sense of smell - and something about it just drove him crazy.”Almost a month after the incident, Cecil is doing fine and is still a good boy. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Are You A Hugger? Some Dogs Prefer You Back Off!

When it comes to snuggling your pet, the language of love can differ.

Study Shows These Dog Breeds Most Likely To Have an Extra Row of Teeth

Is your pooch more likely to sport a second row of teeth? The so-called “Shark Teeth” is a little-known dental condition that can affect up to 7% of doggos around the world. The “disorder” is officially known as persistent deciduous teeth (PDT) and it means that instead of falling out as you’d expect, baby teeth remain in the gums when adult teeth come through. The condition is not particularly dangerous, but even so, it can be odd or cause slight discomfort to a dog. Recent studies revealed that the dog breeds most likely to suffer from PDT are the Toy Poodle, the Yorkshire Terrier, the Maltese, and the Chihuahua. What exactly is PTD? And what does it cause? The disorder causes  malocclusion, or - in simpler terms - a misaligned bite. In the long run, this can cause your pet’s mouth to bleed, and also increase the risk of periodontal disease, which is considered a serious gum infection.The research team at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute in Leicestershire, led by Corrin Wallis, released their new study that focuses on PDT specifically. “Dogs use their teeth for a multitude of tasks and, as such, it is vital for their health and wellbeing that their oral health is maintained,” Wallis and colleagues  say.  “Persistent deciduous teeth (PDT), those that fail to fall out at the appropriate time, are associated with malocclusion (misaligned bite), soft tissue trauma and increased risk of periodontal disease.”In the course of their extensive study, which has been published in the journal  Research in Veterinary Science, the team from Leicestershire examined medical records from up to 2.8 million dogs in the US, in just a span of five years, from January 2010 to December 2014. The study itself was a major undertaking. Ultimately, it was revealed that the prevalence of PDT was 7%. When it comes to individual breeds, it was revealed that the highest prevalence is amongst the Yorkshire Terriers with 25.1%, followed by the Maltese and the Poodle, both with 14.8%.On the lower end of that spectrum, the lowest prevalence was with the Greyhound, with 0.1%, followed by the Rhodesian Ridgeback with 0.2%. Amongst those breeds with lower percentages were also the English Bulldog, the Boxer, and the Great Dane, with 0.4%. All of this reveals that the smaller the breed, the higher the percentage. The team is not certain why smaller breeds have a higher percentage, but it could be linked to their genetics. The team said that it was crucial for owners of smaller breeds to have a thorough oral examination at around six months of age. This can help them identify and remove PDT in its early stages. “Once identified, PDT can be removed and if this is carried out by six months of age, the chances of problems associated with PDT, such as the development of periodontal disease or malocclusion, can likely be greatly reduced,” they said. 

Vet School Aims to Dispel Misinformation About Mysterious Illness

News about a mysterious illness has been making dog parents across the country nervous as they seek out available information. While there have been reported advances made in understanding the cause of the illness, many of the details are still vague, and a lot of “data” being shared by the mainstream media seems to be contradicting. How do you know what to believe?To help clarify the sea of information, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine has published an educational hub on their website with information about the illness, Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (aCIRDC).This hub is divided into several categories: Prevalence, Clinical Signs, Pathogenesis, Screening, Treatment, Prevention, Travel, and News. The goal is to share reliable and actionable information for pet parents that will help them make smart, knowledge-driven decisions about their pet’s health, especially as we head into a busy time of travel during the holiday season.Reported Cases of IllnessAccording to the hub, there are currently reported cases of “a chronic respiratory disease with characteristics of aCIRDC” in 16 different states, including:CaliforniaColoradoFloridaGeorgiaIdahoIllinoisIndianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsNew HampshireNevadaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandVermontWashingtonOne of the most important things to note is the wording used by LSU Vet Med. This list is based on reported respiratory illnesses that have characteristics of the mystery illness, but it does not mean that the disease itself has been confirmed. Many respiratory infections and ailments present with very similar symptoms, including Canine Influenza and Bordatella.How to Prevent Illness in Your Dog This Holiday SeasonWhile there is no guarantee that the above states pose a higher risk of aCIRDC, veterinarians and other professionals recommend that pet parents take precautions to keep their pets safe. This is especially important as many of us plan to travel and visit family for the holidays. The following recommendations (as outlined by LSU Vet Med) will help to prevent your dog(s) from getting sick from any respiratory ailment, not just aCIRDC.Ensure Vaccinations are Up to DateWe currently don’t have enough understanding of aCIRDC for a preventative vaccination, but there are vaccinations for some respiratory illnesses. Check with your veterinarian that your dog is current on all routine vaccinations.Limit Exposure (Where Possible)If possible, avoid or limit bringing your dog to areas that put them at a higher risk of contracting a respiratory illness. This includes dog parks or shelter environments. Have a conversation with boarding and training facilities where dogs socialize to better understand their preventative measures, including cleaning and sanitization efforts. You should also ask about the vaccine requirements for dogs in their care and their plan for handling animals that show signs of being ill.Isolate Dogs with Signs of IllnessIs your dog showing signs that they may be ill? If so, isolation is critical. Don’t bring a potentially sick dog to public spaces, and do your best to keep them safely isolated from any other unaffected dogs in your home.

Are Dogs Smarter than Cats?

The rivalry between cats and dogs is an age-old thing. Many pet owners are divided in their affections, as some adore kitties, but others are strictly doggo lovers. And this rivalry poses an intriguing question – could there be a difference between cats and dogs? While both are cuddly and loveable, they are inevitably different. So, could it be possible that  dogs are smarter than cats, or vice versa? This is a popular question in the scientific world, and many tried answering it. Let’s see what they came up with.Are Dogs Smarter than Cats? For ages, the debate on the rivalry between cats and dogs has been ongoing. Ultimately, however, it all depends on how you define “smart”. Dogs are often loved for their obedience, their ability to be trained and follow commands, their unwavering loyalty, and their excellent guardian traits. Cats, on the other hand, are known for their independence, their adaptability and problem-solving skills, their free and restless spirit, and their cuddly nature. So, as we can see, while generally different in personalities, both of these animals possess certain cognitive skills – but is one smarter than the other?Recent studies have revealed that both dogs and cats possess unique cognitive abilities suited to their respective lifestyles and evolutionary histories. Meaning, they are completely different animals. Dogs, for example, originated from domesticated canines, far, far back in history. They were bred over thousands of years to work alongside humans, protect flocks, help with hunting, and guard homes. This, in turn, has likely influenced their ability to understand and communicate with us, and to be so devoted as pets. But cats are different. In stark contrast to doggos, cats have retained more of their wild instincts, allowing them to thrive in a variety of environments and situations.All of this means that you can’t really compare the intelligence of a cat and that of a dog. It’s like comparing apples and oranges – it just doesn’t go. Each animal excels in different areas and possesses different strengths. It's more accurate to appreciate the unique qualities of each species rather than trying to determine which one is "smarter."But even so, scientists tried to reach a decisive conclusion. They studied both cats and dogs and ultimately reached an answer - at least, scientifically speaking. Their research shows that dogs are smarter than cats! Some of you might find this answer surprising but don’t raise a revolt just yet. Cats are super intelligent even so. It’s just that they are likely not as smart as some dogs are. The secret is in “smartness” itself. Dogs are intelligent in their own way. They are generally more reliant on humans for problem-solving tasks, but they are adept at learning from observation and experience. They can also be trained to perform a wide range of tasks, from simple tricks to complex behaviors, such as guiding the visually impaired or detecting explosives. Cats, however, are natural hunters and possess excellent problem-solving skills. They are known for their agility, stealth, and ability to strategize when stalking their prey. In a domestic setting, cats demonstrate problem-solving abilities when navigating obstacles, finding hiding spots, and even manipulating objects to access food or toys. So, both of them have different positive traits and different types of intelligence. But it could be that dogs, with their ability to learn and obey commands, are just a tad bit smarter.

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