Cats Love a Game That Seemed to Be Exclusive to Dogs, Study Suggests

Cats Love a Game That Seemed to Be Exclusive to Dogs, Study Suggests
Cats Love a Game That Seemed to Be Exclusive to Dogs, Study Suggests (Piotr Musioł / Unsplash)

Recently, a study revealed that many cats also enjoy playing fetch, such as with a toy like a ball, just like dogs do.

+Why do large dogs die sooner? Science is beginning to find the answers
+This video of a little piglet in its owner’s hands is the cutest thing you’ll see today.

The research, which analyzed data from over 80,000 cat owners between 2015 and 2023, found that 41% of cats occasionally or frequently participate in this game, a surprising number.

More active and playful cats, especially those living indoors, are more likely to enjoy this activity. The Burmese, Siamese, and Tonkinese breeds are particularly known for this behavior.

While most dogs also love playing fetch, breeds like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and Border Collies are the most enthusiastic players. The study also indicated that both in cats and dogs, the game is less common in older animals, females, and those with health problems.

The authors suggest that, despite similarities to instinctive hunting behaviors, playing fetch is more related to play, reflecting an evolutionary trait of juvenile behavior maintained into adulthood.

Source: Pets Radar | Photos: Unsplash | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team

Back to top