Cats are sometimes perceived as impartial and fewer trainable pets, however a brand new examine reveals that they’ve a shocking inclination towards taking part in fetch – a recreation generally related to dogs.
A complete survey of 924 cat homeowners sheds gentle on this surprising feline habits, revealing that almost all cats who interact in fetching accomplish that with out specific coaching.
“The motivation behind playing with objects in cats is different from that of dogs; cats are more motivated to engage in solitary play with objects that have prey-like features, as seen in other non-domestic animal species such as kestrels, whereas object play in dogs usually involves a dog or human partner and is socially motivated,” wrote the researchers.
Focus of the examine
The examine, carried out by Jemma Forman, Elizabeth Renner, and David Leavens, concerned an in depth evaluation of fetching behaviors in 1,154 cats.
The survey delved into varied facets of this exercise, together with the frequency of fetching, the sorts of objects used, and the dynamics of initiating and concluding the sport.
Cats management the sport
Key findings from the examine point out that cats are usually not simply passive individuals however lively controllers of the fetch recreation.
Approximately 59 p.c of fetching cats did so as much as ten occasions a month, and 55 p.c fetched objects as much as 5 occasions throughout their most recent recreation.
Interestingly, the cats themselves typically initiated and concluded these video games, suggesting a big stage of autonomy and management over the exercise.
Natural fetchers
A exceptional 94 p.c of householders noticed that their cats started taking part in fetch spontaneously, with none formal coaching. The survey additional reveals that 61 p.c of those cats began fetching as kittens, underlining an innate tendency in the direction of this habits.
While some cats might need discovered from different animals, solely 23 p.c cohabited with one other fetching pet, like a canine or a cat.
“Most cats who fetch first display this behavior as kittens or young adults. Cats have individual preferences for a variety of objects to fetch and they exhibit agency in the initiation and ending of fetching sessions,” wrote the researchers.
“Owners also provided detailed descriptions of the fetching process itself and highlighted how some cats will fetch only in certain circumstances.”
Specific breeds
Among the 160 purebred cats within the survey, Siamese cats emerged as the highest fetching breed, adopted by Bengals and Ragdolls.
This discovering factors in the direction of a potential breed-specific propensity in the direction of this kind of play, though the habits was noticed throughout varied breeds.
Cats’ fetching preferences
The examine additionally highlights the varied vary of objects cats select to fetch. While cat toys constituted almost 40 p.c of those objects, the bulk have been on a regular basis home goods, comparable to hair ties and bottle components, or gadgets thrown by homeowners, like crumpled paper.
Common areas for the video games included bedrooms and stairs, indicating that cats have a desire for acquainted and comfy environments.
The analysis is printed within the journal Scientific Reports.
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