"An analogy can be drawn with homes in which a dog is adopted either before or after a baby is born," according to the scientists. "When the dog enters a home with a baby in residence, the status quo is already in place. However, when the baby is born after the dog has become accustomed to a certain amount of attention, and the focus now turns to the newborn child, the status quo is altered, and the dog will often display behavior resembling jealousy." The study also found that cats do best with dogs when their age at first encounter is six months or younger. For dogs, which have a longer learning period, that age extends to a year. Body language was so well read by cats and dogs fitting these scenarios that the researchers were able to document a dog behavior never before described. Normally dogs sniff each other's nether regions to get information. In the case of successful multi-pet households, the dog may sniff the cat's nose, which is a common habit among cats. The mutual nose-sniffing looks a bit like an "Eskimo kiss," where an individual rubs his or her nose on another person's nose. John Bradshaw of the University of Bristol School of Veterinary Science believes it's important to remember that, although dog and cat behavior can be somewhat predictable and controlled, each animal is an individual. He said, for example, that some cats seem to be bolder than others, with boldness appearing to be an inherited trait from fathers. Bradshaw also suggested that home is where the heart is for cats, while dogs are more flexible. "Cats are territorial animals and are likely to be stressed, and therefore less able to learn, when removed from familiar surroundings, whereas puppies' territories are usually centered on familiar people rather than specific places," he explained. Related Links: |
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