Feb. 25/2026

                               

14 Most-Protective Cat Breeds That May Defend Your Family At All Costs

By Keri-Beth Clur   

3/9/2025 

Your idea of a guard animal is probably a dog with large teeth, pointed ears, big paws, a loud bark, & a muscular body — something along the lines of a German shepherd or Doberman pinscher. But it may surprise you to know that your fluffy, nap-loving, & sun-bathing cat can have a protective side, too. Some cats are fearless, territorial, & always on guard, & if someone enters their home without a clear welcome, they may puff up, hiss, growl, chase, & attack to show the intruder that they're willing to defend their families at all costs.

Cats are naturally territorial, & if they feel they need to defend their space, they can act aggressively. As much as having a cat as a guard animal has its perks, aggressive cats can cause problems with guests & new pets. Early socialization can reduce these behavioral issues, as can the slow introduction of cats to new environments. Neutering, medication, & positive reinforcement can also calm overly aggressive cats. 

Some cat breeds, such as the Abyssinian & Siamese, have stronger territorial streaks than others, but there are many factors that make a cat the way it is. That said, if you're looking for an overall solid option, these 14 picks are among the most-protective cat breeds.

Norwegian forest cats are protective & always on patrol

The Norwegian forest cat comes from the cold climate of Norway & has a history that goes back to the Vikings, who used them to hunt rodents. They're gentle giants but are always on guard, monitoring their homes to ensure everything is as it should be. Norwegian forest cats are usually quite friendly — except to rodents, to whom they show no mercy. Why do cats torture their prey? Well, because it's the Norwegian forest cat's predatory instinct to do so; it wears its prey out, & it's fun for it.

This breed does well with high perches & cat trees, where they have good vantage points to watch over their territory. Although independent, this breed is loyal & protective of the people & pets it loves most, which is why it would defend them at all costs. One Redditor on r/NorwegianForestCats noted that their cat is "protective & growls at the neighbor's aggressive dog through the window" & that although he tries to look tough, he's sweet & sensitive.

Turkish Angora cats are protective because they're strong-willed

Although dainty & regal-looking, Turkish Angoras are strong-willed & independent, preferring not to be held or seated on a person's lap for long. As its name suggests, this breed comes from Turkey, where it's beloved & one of the earliest ancestors of long-haired breeds. These cats are intelligent & curious, & they like to be in charge, which means knowing who's in their territory. One Reddit user posted on r/turkishangoras that their cat defended them when a pit bull was aggressive toward them near their home. The user said that their cat came out of nowhere & "went after the pit bull. He went after a rearing pit bull!"

Although they're wonderful companions, they don't warm up to strangers quickly & may even hiss at, growl at, or bite invaders. Early socialization can reduce aggression toward strangers, but stress & anxiety can also cause aggressive behavior. If your cat is nervous around strangers, ask visitors to respect your cat's space by ignoring your cat until it chooses to come to them. It's your Turkish Angora's choice to be petted, so allow it to retreat or engage, depending on how it feels around the visitor.

Abyssinian cats are alert all the time

Abyssinian cats are known for their agouti coats & large ears that alert them to everything happening around them, & they have muscular, medium-sized bodies to back them up. They're busy cats who enjoy exercise, training, & mental stimulation, & due to their deep curiosity & protectiveness, they like to patrol their environments & watch everyone's movements.

Abyssinians are busy, intelligent, & always on guard. They're not big on strangers, & they can act aggressively toward people & pets if they feel threatened or challenged. One Reddit user said on r/aww that their Abyssinian was very protective of their family & didn't like anyone else, even extended family. The user shared a story about a time that their aunt playfully punched her dad on the arm, & their cat "went running up to her, started her down, & growled." The Abyssinian thought their owner was in danger & ran to the rescue, & if that's not protective, we don't know what is.

Bengal cats are incredibly territorial

If you think Bengal cats look wild, it's because they are — or at least their ancestors are. However, the more these offspring produce their own offspring, the more their personality resembles a domestic cat & not a wild one. Bengals are alert, territorial hunters & dog-like in nature, even enjoying playing with dogs quite a lot. 

Bengals are looking for adventure, things to climb, toys to chase, & problems to solve. With a mind like theirs, Bengals need constant stimulation, & without it, they can become destructive. When considering getting a Bengal, make sure you're selecting the right cat for your home or family because this breed doesn't get on as well with smaller pets & children due to its high prey drive & energy.

Although this means Bengals will defend their families at all costs, it also means that any new addition to the family must go through a slow introduction to your Bengal. In r/bengalcats, one Redditor shared how their Bengal became "destructive" & "aggressive" in an attempt to get out of the house to attack the new cats next door. The user mentioned that the cat never had a problem with other dogs, only cats. Another user replied, saying, "He is not being naughty. He is being protective of you & his home." The user also mentioned that they've seen many similar cases with Bengals because they're so territorial.

Siamese cats are very loyal to their owners

Siamese cats don't just act royal — they once were. These blue-eyed felines once belonged exclusively to Thai royalty, deemed too prestigious for commoners. They weren't just kept to look pretty, though. According to the Siamese Cat Society, they were considered "guardians of the temples" & would "receive the dead person's soul" when someone important died because the Thai people believed they held special powers. 

Today, Siamese cats are owned & loved by many for their loyal temperament. They share many interests with dogs, such as going for leash walks, playing fetch, learning tricks, & following their owners from room to room. They're intelligent, vocal, & interactive, & they're quick to alert their owners to anything out of the norm. Perhaps thanks to being temple guardians years ago, these cats are territorial, protective, & sometimes aggressive. One user on r/cats shared their experience with Siamese cats, describing them as "very protective with young children." They also shared how a Siamese cat they knew "would cry for hours when the child was away until the baby was back home."

Turkish Van cats are true defenders

The Turkish Van isn't an easy cat breed to find, but if you're fortunate enough to welcome one into your home, you'll have a very loyal, friendly, & sprightly cat to love. Although this breed is sweet-natured, a personality & behavior survey conducted by the University of Helsinki showed that "the Turkish Van breed scored considerably higher in aggression towards humans & lower in sociability towards cats." 

These results back up a 2019 study that was published in Scientific Reports that showed that Turkish Vans scored highest for aggression toward people & cats out of over 15 breeds studied. These results don't suggest that all Turkish Vans are highly aggressive, but it does suggest that early socialization is important to prevent these behaviors from developing, especially when they may feel that they need to protect their territories & family members from new pets or guests.

On the r/turkishvan subreddit, one user shared a few things that their 7-month-old Turkish Van likes to get up to. He regularly confronts dogs in their neighborhood, "patrols everyone's yards," & "repelled & deterred the constant attacks from the neighbor's Norwegian Tree cats." Not only does this young kitten sound fearless, but he's also a true defender and guardian.

Maine Coon cats are possessive of their owners

Although one of the giants of the domestic cat world, Maine Coons are gentle, loving, & affectionate, making them a popular breed. They also get on well with children & pets. However, these cats are avid hunters, so having smaller pets, such as birds or mice, could be difficult. If you do own rodents, never let them run freely around your Maine Coon.

Maine Coons are an intelligent breed that likes to hang around their owners & know what they're up to. They can be very possessive of their owners & envious of shared attention, whether with another cat, child, or adult. However, this trait makes them protective of the people they love. They're also vocal & will do whatever it takes to get your attention on them or warn you about something they're concerned about. 

An example of a Maine Coon defending the person it loves was shared on r/mainecoons. One morning, a user's flatmate woke up because their cat was making unusual & "angry" noises. When they looked to see where the cat was, they saw him "leap from the bed & onto a burglar climbing in through the window. The burglar panicked, fell out of the window, & ran away." Whew!

Manx cats develop guardian-like attachments to their owners

One of the most-distinguishable features of a Manx cat is its lack of a tail. However, some of these cats do have tails; it just depends on the genetics they were dealt & whether they have the tailless mutation. The breed's exact origin is unknown, but we do know that they've long called the Isle of Man home & may even have ties to the Vikings, who would have found their rodent-hunting abilities useful.

Manx cats are another dog-like breed in personality & behavior. If you're in any kind of danger, your Manx cat is likely to jump into action, as these tailless felines are intelligent & form strong bonds with their owners. One Reddit user posted on r/manx that their Manx cat is "a velcro boy, & goes so far as to get in the shower, under the water, to be near me." This behavior is common among Manx cats because they develop a guardian-like attachment to their owners.

Siberian cats are natural hunters

Siberian cats are a large breed that can get up to 15 pounds, & personality traits vary greatly among them, with some being very affectionate & cuddly & others being much more independent & active. These cats enjoy hunting & chirping loudly when they spot potential prey, even if it's on the other side of the window. 

You can take a Siberian cat for walks on a leash, & they're playful, curious, & intelligent. Consider using games & training to bond with your new cat, as Siberian cats love learning tricks. Puzzle games like the Catstages Scratch N' Hunt Puzzle Cat Toy are great options for this breed because they mentally stimulate these cats & allow them to problem-solve. Like dogs, Siberian cats can be territorial, & you should introduce new people to them to show them they're friends, not foes. 

On the r/SiberianCats subreddit, a few users have described their Siberian cats as "gentle giants." However, one user went on to add, "[E]xcept when I was scared as a kid, then he'd attack the thing scarring me cause he was like a guard cat. He was never super territorial but definitely super protective of their humans."

Egyptian Mau cats are devoted to their owners

The Egyptian Mau is a spotted breed that can get as tall as 14 inches & weigh up to 14 pounds. They have muscular bodies that are attached to a wagging tail — a clear sign that your Mau is happy or excited. It's true that many cats come across as aloof, but the Egyptian Mau doesn't hide its excitement to see you. It will trail you around your home just to be close to you, & although they can come across as timid, these fearless cats will defend their pet & human family if necessary.

These cats pick people to bond with & can become incredibly attached & devoted to them. Due to this, they struggle more than many other breeds with being re-homed. One Quora user shared how their Egyptian Mau is territorial of them & doesn't like sharing them with their partner, writing, "...if my husband gets too close to me he will move closer & put his paw on my husband as if to say 'she is mine & you are not supposed to touch.'"

Korat cats are dog-like in nature

The Korat is confident, intelligent, & fearless. It's a stunning but rare breed from Thailand that has a blue coat with silver tips & big, green eyes. These cats are medium-sized, weigh around 10 pounds, & haven't changed much from the ancient Korat, which is unusual for breeds with such a long history. They're big chatterboxes & like to get involved in family activities, including driving around in the car & cuddling up next to their owners. Korats even use different tones & sounds to communicate their needs & warnings to those around them.

The Korat is a loyal breed that forms strong bonds with their owners. They have strong personalities, & if a person or animal invades their territory, they will likely try to defend their possessions, including the people they "own." One Quora user said that their Korat "can be a little aggressive with my other cat." However, they also mentioned that their cat does submit when reprimanded.

Devon Rex cats don't like strangers

The Devon Rex has a similar look to the Sphynx with its large ears & elf-like face. However, these cats have short, curly coats, while the Sphynx is largely hairless (though some Sphynx cats have ultra-fine fur). These cats are quite small, only weighing up to 9 pounds, & they enjoy the company of their owners & other pets & will take any opportunity to play or hang out. They don't like doing things on their own, so adding them to a home with other pets will make them happiest.

If you own a Devon Rex, they're not your pet — you're theirs. These cats are loyal & deeply bonded to their owners, but interestingly, they want to rule the home. They're tolerant & social but can show aggression toward uninvited guests — & won't hold back from defending their family. They're funny, curious, & bright, making them quick learners. Positive reinforcement through treats is how to get your cat to come when you call and train them to do any other tricks.

Pixiebob cats are fearless

The Pixiebob is another dog-like cat breed that is tough, robust, & fearless, though they're also friendly, loving, & easy-going. Their large size, solid bodies, & wild look are quite intimidating & might be enough to warn people off without much persuasion. Furthermore, they're chirpy & chatty & will let you know if something is out of the norm. Some key features that make the Pixiebob extra special include their short tails & extra toes.

These cats are devoted to their owners & are active members of any family. They're sturdy enough for kids & get on well with other cats. They're usually not demanding or high-maintenance but enjoy activities & toys that challenge them & get them to problem-solve. Interestingly, Pixiebobs are a rare breed with a short history up until this point. The first Pixiebobs were bred by Carol Ann Brewer about 40 years ago. One of the first ones was named Pixie, & Brewer later named the new breed "Pixiebob" in memory of her.

Chinchilla cats are highly aggressive, which could work in your favor

The chinchilla cat shares its name with the chinchilla rodent, but this breed is actually a type of Persian cat, although they tend to have different personalities and temperaments. Like Persians, chinchilla cats are one of the best cat breeds for apartments because they're not avid climbers, overly noisy, or highly energetic, although they like to play. However, according to a 2009 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Medical Science that took a look at 12 different cat breeds' behavioral traits, chinchilla cats ranked highly in aggressiveness. They can be nervous of strangers, which can bring out some aggression, but they're still affectionate pets to their owners.

Chinchillas are excellent communicators & like attention. They're a stunning breed & seem to know it, as they prefer to be the top cat of the house. They can display aggressive tendencies when threatened but can also take some of that energy out on their owners. One owner shared their experience on JustAnswer, saying, "[My chinchilla kitten] becomes really aggressive when she's playing; her ears will go back on her head, & instead of charging the toy, she will charge at me!" This kitten's behavior is misdirected, but this is still an indication that cats of this breed may defend their territory & the people in it if faced with the opportunity.

Read More: https://www.cuteness.com/1805257/most-protective-cat-breeds/

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Feb. 18/2026

                           

Are Ducks Good Pets? What To Know About Pet Ducks

By Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP. Reviewed by Teresa Manucy, DVM

Updated 10/ 17/ 2024

Have you ever seen ducks swimming happily in a park pond & wondered, “can you have a duck as a pet?” You’re not alone.

If you think pet ducks might be the right fit for you, here are some tips for duck care & issues to consider before adopting a duck as a pet.

Can You Have a Duck as a Pet?

It depends on where you live. If you’re considering adding pet ducks to your family, the first step is to see if your local municipality allows you to keep ducks as pets. 

Some areas won’t permit any poultry (such as ducks & chickens) to be kept as pets. Some cities will allow only chickens, & others are more flexible. Certain areas might also only allow only a certain number of birds or restrict the hours that birds may be allowed outside.

Be sure you know what your town permits; there is nothing worse for you to be bonded to your birds & then forced to give them up because you didn’t follow local guidelines.

Are Ducks Good Pets?

For the dedicated pet parent, ducks can make great pets. They are feathered balls of personality—each one is different, & it’s fun getting to know them as individuals.

They are relatively long-lived pets; the average domestic duck lifespan is 10–15 years when they’re well cared for. Ducks also lay eggs more regularly than chickens.

Ducks also produce lots of manure, so they’re great pets to have if you have a garden to fertilize. They are less damaging on your yard & landscaping than chickens are, & ducks eat a lot of pesky insects.

The Best Kinds of Pet Ducks

If you are looking for a pet duck consider these types of domestic ducks that make ideal pets:

- Mallard ducks

- Indian Runner ducks

- Call ducks

- Pekin ducks

- Cayuga ducks

- Harlequin ducks

- Rouen ducks

- Swedish ducks

- Mandarin ducks

- Muscovy ducks

Things To Consider Before Adopting Pet Ducks

Ducks are high-maintenance pets. There’s a lot of cleanup needed, & it’s often a wet & stinky job. For example: Ducks need lots of fresh water, & they soil it frequently. So you’ll spend a lot of time refreshing their water.

Pet ducks usually are unable to fly, so they are a big target for local wildlife predators like coyotes, birds of prey, & even stray cats. This means you have to provide hawk covers, which should be placed over their pens. When outside, your pet ducks will also need to be supervised & protected from potential animal attacks.

Ducks also don't do well in colder climates. If temperatures drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, ducks are prone to frostbite on their feet. If you live in an area where it gets colder during winter, it’s important to offer treats that are high in fat & calories. Treats such as cracked corn, warm oatmeal, & peanuts may help provide additional warmth overnight as the food digests.

You should also provide additional warmth in their environment, such as a layer of straw to place on the coop floor. Wooden plants, benches, or stumps are also helpful in keeping ducks off the ground.

Be sure to insulate your duck house with bales of hay along the inner walls—this will limit how much cold air comes through & allows them to stay warm in their duck house

Pet ducks can also be noisy, especially when they want something. Neighbors may not appreciate the enthusiastic quacks as much as you do.

How To Take Care of Pet Ducks

If all of this sounds like a good fit for you & your lifestyle, you’ll want to take some time to set up your yard before bringing your new family members home.

Preparation is key. Finding pet duck supplies can be challenging, so time & planning is needed. Here are a few basic duck supplies you’ll need to get before bringing home pet ducks.

Duck Coop

You will need a completely enclosed, predator-proof coop for your ducks.

Ducks do not tend to fly up & perch like chickens, so height is not important. What you do need to consider is setup & floor space:

You’ll likely want to leave water in the coop with your ducks, so it’s important to have waterproof flooring & bedding material. You can use linoleum, tarps, or a rubberized floor coating to protect your floors from water damage.

You need a layer of absorbent bedding on top of the waterproof flooring, such as soft wood chips or recycled paper.

Ducks can’t jump wall into their coop, so the coop you choose should have a low opening or a wide, stable ramp to get through the entry.

Enclosed Yard

You need to have a safe place for your pet ducks to play when they are not in the coop. Having a fenced-in yard is the best solution, but know that this “free time” should be supervised because the risk of predators is still there, even with a fence.  

In addition to a fenced-in yard, pet ducks should have a secure, enclosed area that can serve as a safe place to be when you can’t watch them. This area should be surrounded with an electric fence & covered in hawk netting—even if you live in an urban area.  Many species of predators find pet ducks appealing.

Swimming Tub

Ducks love to swim, splash, drink, & bathe. Everything in their life revolves around water, which means the bigger the tub, the better.

Remember that ducks will soil their water with amazing speed, so the tub needs to be changed regularly—sometimes even several times per day. You’ll want to find a tub that has enough room for your ducks to swim but is small enough to clean easily.

A moderately large dog swimming pool, like the TRIXIE® Dog Splash Pool, works for most birds. Be sure that your ducks can both get in & get out of it easily, especially if you’re raising young ducklings that aren’t quite coordinated yet.

Duck Food

Many people choose to feed their pet ducks chicken food, but this is not recommended. Ducks have different nutritional needs than chickens, & these needs won’t be met if they eat chicken food.

Think of it this way: You wouldn’t consider feeding your dog exclusively cat food or your cat exclusively dog food, right? In the same way, ducks shouldn’t be fed exclusively chicken food. 

Instead, feed your ducks a commercially designed duck food, such as Mazuri® Waterfowl Maintenance Feed.

Duck Treats

Ducks love treats, & healthy treats that complement their diet are the best option.

Foods like fresh, leafy green vegetables are always favored. Carrots, ripe tomatoes, pumpkin, squash, oats, berries, bananas—the sky is the limit here! Corn, green beans, & Brussels sprouts are also go-to snacks.

For the most part, anything that is in season at the local farmer’s market or grocery store is probably fair game for the ducks.

Are You Ready for Pet Ducks?

Ducks can be amazingly fun  & interesting pets. They do require more work—& more expense—than keeping chickens, but the payback can be worth every bit. 

Ducks tend to be more consistent about laying eggs, & duck eggs are richer & creamier than chicken eggs, prized by bakers everywhere.  

So, if you are ready for lots of baked goods & plenty of manure for your garden, pick up a good book or 2 on keeping ducks, find a source for waterfowl food, & get ready to start on a great adventure!

Pet Ducks FAQs

How long do ducks live?

When well cared for, the average duck lifespan is 10–15 years.

Can ducks fly?

Most pet ducks don’t fly, but some breeds such as the Muscovy duck, Call duck, East Indie duck, & some domesticated Mallard ducks can fly to some degree. For these breeds, it’s recommended to clip their wings to limit flight.

Where do you buy ducks?

Pet ducks can be purchased online from farms & hatcheries. Local private breeders & local feed supply stores may also sell them.

Are Ducks Good Pets? What To Know About Pet Ducks | PetMD

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Feb. 11/2026

                              
Meet The Animal That Hasn’t Changed In 300 Million Years — A Biologist Explains

By Scott Travers

Jan 07, 2026

Horseshoe crabs (family Limulidae) are among Earth’s oldest living animals. They’ve survived for hundreds of millions of years, endured mass extinctions, & remained remarkably unchanged throughout the process. Even today, they continue to play a vital role in science & medicine.

From the long-dead swamps of the Paleozoic epoch to the bustling coasts we know today, these creatures have endured where countless other species have vanished. But what’s truly remarkable isn’t just their longevity. It’s how little they’ve changed & how crucial they remain to science & humanity.

This Animal Is A Living Fossil

Horseshoe crabs occupy a rare space in our understanding of evolution. Paleontologists have found fossils of horseshoe-crab-like arthropods stretching back hundreds of millions of years. While the exact lineage of the modern species we know of today isn’t identical to that of 400+ million years ago, the similarities are striking.

Today’s horseshoes still have the exact same broad body plan, the same curved shell & the same long spike-like tail. Fossil evidence from around 310 million years ago shows that even their brain structures resemble those of modern specimens, which suggests deep continuity in both their form & function.

Scientists refer to this remarkable consistency as evolutionary stasis: a situation where a species’ morphology changes very slowly — or, in some cases, not at all — over geological time. A detailed 2022 study of horseshoe crab fossils reveals that, while diversity in form appeared at 2 key points in the distant past, once a durable blueprint emerged, it remained largely stable through subsequent epochs.

In other words, their evolution didn’t stop. In reality, they simply stopped needing to reinvent the wheel. If a design works, natural selection won’t try to fix what clearly isn’t broken.

An Animal With Blue Blood That Changed Medicine

As astonishing as their fossil history is, their contribution to modern medicine may be even more so. This is because horseshoe crabs don’t have the same red blood that we do; instead, their blood is copper-based & vividly blue.

Inside this ancient blue elixir, researchers have discovered specialized cells called amebocytes that react to bacterial toxins in an extraordinary way. Specifically, when these amebocytes encounter dangerous endotoxins, they clot around them. It’s a primitive immune defense, but it has immense practical value.

That reaction is the basis of the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) test. Scientists realized that the horseshoe crab’s clotting response could be used as a biological detector. By extracting the lysate (the cell contents) from horseshoe crab amebocytes, they created a reagent that clots in the presence of endotoxin. A sample is mixed with the lysate. If endotoxins are present, the lysate reacts by forming a clot or causing a measurable change.

Since the test’s development in the 1970s, it has been used worldwide to ensure that vaccines, injectable drugs, & implantable medical devices are free from bacterial contamination.

A 2017 study of biomedical testing techniques underscored how unique these horseshoe crab blood cells are; no other organism’s blood responds as quickly or reliably to minute traces of endotoxin. This makes their blood invaluable in quality control processes for drugs & medical devices. Millions of such tests are run every year, safeguarding public health & preventing life-threatening infections.

Why Evolution ‘Stopped’ For This Animal

The phrase “hasn’t changed in 300 million years” might lead you to believe that horseshoe crabs are frozen in time, but that isn’t quite the case. Evolution doesn’t have a direction or a goal “in mind” as it shapes an organism; it simply shapes organisms to be fit for their environment. This means they don’t necessarily always have to evolve to be different from how they were.

Horseshoe crabs have so effectively mastered their ecological niches — sandy, shallow seafloor, & swampy mangroves — that natural selection has ultimately favored stability over radical change. They’re perhaps the greatest living evolutionary example of stabilizing selection, where extremes are weeded out because the existing trait range works best.

The horseshoe crab’s design has remained competitive through ice ages, sea-level changes, & mass extinctions, which proves just how well it works. They’re:

- flexible enough to forage

- tough enough to survive predators

- hardy enough to weather environmental shifts

That said, this doesn’t mean nothing has changed about them genetically over 300 million years. Modern genomic research reveals ancient whole-genome duplications & rearrangements in the horseshoe crab lineage, which is a pattern seen commonly in long-lived species.

These changes, as subtle & invisible as they may be externally, show that evolutionary processes are indeed active at the molecular level, even if their morphology has remained conserved.

A Conservation Crisis Beneath This Animal’s Shell

Despite surviving for hundreds of millions of years through asteroid strikes & ice ages, horseshoe crabs now face some of their greatest threats from humans.

Across North America and Asia, horseshoe crab populations are rapidly declining. Of the 4 living species, the American horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) is listed as Vulnerable, & the tri-spine horseshoe crab (Tachypleus tridentatus) is listed as Endangered on the IUCN’s Red List. Sadly, data on the other 2 — the coastal horseshoe crab (T. gigas) & mangrove horseshoe crab (Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda) — are currently too limited to classify.

Human-driven habitat loss, pollution, & intense harvesting for fish bait & for biomedical bleeding are all contributing factors. While pharmaceutical companies traditionally return the crabs to the water after extracting a portion of their blood for LAL tests, mortality rates after bleeding can exceed 15–30% in some estimates. Survivors may also be weakened, which makes them less likely to spawn successfully.

This is why the biomedical industry’s reliance on horseshoe crabs is now sparking ethical debates. Although LAL testing has undoubtedly saved countless human lives by ensuring the safety of vaccines & other critical medicines, continuing to harvest hundreds of thousands of ancient animals each year raises serious sustainability questions. This is especially the case now that their populations are dwindling.

Why This Animal Matters

The story of the horseshoe crab highlights a paradox of evolution. We’re often inclined to envision evolution as a process characterized by change: new species, new traits, new adaptations.

But horseshoe crabs show how stability itself can be a form of evolutionary success. Their body plan, immune system, & ecological role have been resilient through eons of geological & climatic upheaval. However, success in the geological sense evidently has not, nor could it ever, immunize a species against rapid, human-induced changes.

Today, they stand at the intersection of ancient evolutionary history & cutting-edge biomedical science. Their blue blood literally determines the quality of life-saving medicines. Their plight raises deep questions about:

-how much more value & respect we should be placing in ancient lineages

- how much we are willing to change entrenched industrial practices

- how science can evolve in ways that respect both human health & biodiversity

In the end, the horseshoe crab reminds us that some of the oldest, most successful designs in nature still have lessons to teach, but only if we’re willing to listen.

Meet The Animal That Hasn’t Changed In 300 Million Years — A Biologist Explains

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Feb. 4/2026

                             
How Cold Is Too Cold to Ride a Horse?

By Katie Navarra Bradley. Reviewed by Courtnee Morton, DVM, CVA, CVC

Updated 10/ 1/ 2024

You’ve got your hand warmers, fleece-lined riding pants, & a heavy winter jacket so you can ride all winter.  

But how cold is too cold for horses during winter riding? It depends on where you live, your horse’s health & fitness level, & the weather conditions. But Michelle Singer, VMD, a staff veterinarian at Mid-Hudson Veterinary Practice in Carmel, New York, generally recommends a cutoff of 20 F. In warmer areas, if your horse does not have a full winter coat or has an underlying respiratory condition, 32 F may be a safer guideline.  

Horses are generally well adapted—much better than people—to cold weather, but it’s important to prepare for winter & plan winter rides for optimal comfort & safety. 

Do Horses Get Cold?

Healthy horses with access to shelter or a windbreak can tolerate much colder temperatures than you think. You’ll likely get cold during a ride before your horse does.  

When a horse grows a winter coat, he has a built-in heating mechanism. Muscles on the end of each hair follicle trigger the hair to stand on end & “fluff” up the coat. That pocket of space traps air & heat, acting as an insulator.  

Blankets offer an added layer of insulation for older horses, horses with health issues affecting their hair coat, & clipped/short-haired horses. Be sure to measure your horse to get the proper blanket fit for safety & comfort.  

Horses living in colder climates have time to adjust to changing temperatures gradually as the seasons change. Shorter daylight hours & cooler temperatures trigger them to grow a coat, while horses living in warmer climates naturally maintain shorter coats. 

“Horses that come from the south & have little to no hair may need have to live inside the barn” if they move to a cooler area, says Trevor DeRudder, a colt starter in Parkland County, Alberta, Canada. “They get turned out during the day [with blankets] but are in at night.” 

Dr. Singer says horses that have not had the chance to adapt to colder temperatures should be outfitted in properly fitted sheets & blankets until they can acclimate. 

How Cold Is Too Cold for Horses?

Remember the last time you ran outside in cold air, or skied in sub-freezing temperatures? You might have struggled to catch your breath at first. The same is true for horses. 

“Riding in cold temperatures is harder for the horse to warm air in the lungs,” Dr. Singer says.  

While there is limited research about how cold weather affects a horse’s lungs during exercise, a handful of studies have found that when the temperature is about 20 degrees F, intense exercise for 20 minutes can cause inflammation in the airways.

Cold, dry air can dry out the respiratory tract, potentially increasing the risk of bronchoconstriction (airway narrowing) & irritation. Horses with heaves or asthma also experience more symptoms in winter. 

“Their performance may also change as they get more playful & friskier/energetic in the cold,” Dr. Singer adds. This may be frequent on mild winter days earlier in the season, but truly cold temperatures cause a horse’s muscles to tense & shiver, so they may be stiff & less likely to exercise on their own during these times. 

While DeRudder continues riding & training horses in colder temperatures, he slows down his activity level when it’s especially frigid.  

“Those are good days to slow it all down & not work them up too much,” he said. “Slow days are good for their mind too.” 

Riding indoors can keep you riding longer during the season because the building reduces the wind chill factor, & the footing remains good with proper maintenance. 

“Wind is also a big factor,” says DeRudder. “Sometimes, it’s only -15 C [5 F], but a windchill of -25 C [-13 F]… that’s worse in my opinion. I salt my arena every fall to help it not to freeze.”  

If you plan to trail ride often, ask your farrier if they think your horse needs shoes with caulks or borium to prevent slipping, or pads or snow rims to prevent snowballs from forming in the hooves. Hoof boots may also provide similar protection for barefoot horses. 

Winter Riding Temperature Guide

Temperature (Fahrenheit)  

Recommended Activity Level 

This is a general guide. Consider where you live, your horse’s health & fitness level, the weather conditions, & the temperatures you & your horse are used to riding in. 

>32 degrees

Normal warmup/cooldown & intensity. 

32–20 degrees

Extended warm-up/cooldown. Tailor intensity to horse’s fitness & comfort level in your geographical location.

25–0 degrees 

Extended warmup/cooldown. Limit to light walk & trot work unless your horse is highly conditioned & used to riding; minimize any riding below 20 F. 

Subzero temperatures 

Do not ride. 

Tips for Riding in Cold Weather

Winter trail riding, lessons, & regular riding sessions can help maintain your horse’s fitness level but require additional preparation during cold weather. Keep the following tips in mind when you ride during chilly weather: 

Before riding, you may need to lunge your horse so he has time to burn off pent-up energy.  

When your horse is ready to ride, warm up the bit with your hands or a bit warmer.   

Spend 10–20 minutes walking & slow trotting while incorporating gentle bending & stretching exercises to give your horse’s muscles & joints time to loosen up.  

Warming up with a cooler can help keep a horse’s body warm until they acclimate, especially if they are body clipped or maintained with a short coat. 

Horses that are clipped or ridden on trails with short coats may also benefit from riding with a quarter sheet. As a bonus, some cover the rider’s legs, offering added warmth for you!  

How hard your horse works will determine a cool-down routine. If your ride was an easy walkabout, your horse is likely ready to resume his regular post-ride routine. If he worked harder, spend 10–15 minutes walking under saddle or hand walking to give your horse time to catch his breath & stretch his muscles. 

A thorough cooling out is especially important when a horse is sweaty. Whenever a horse is wet post-ride, they need time to dry off. Blanketing a horse while still damp can create a chill & create an environment for bacteria to cause skin infections.  

Hand-toweling the horse’s coat can start the drying process, & a cooler helps wick away moisture until the horse’s coat dries completely. Once your horse is dry, resume his normal routine. 

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