Scientists discover pheromones that foster friendship between dogs and cats. Illustration: Petepop/Condutta
Scientists from the University of Lincoln in the UK, specializing in animal behavior, have discovered that there are pheromones that promote friendship between dogs and cats.
The study was published in the scientific journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science and shared by the website Vet Candy.
Two products had a positive impact on the friendship between dogs and cats living in the same household. Over a six-week period, they reduced negative interactions – such as dogs chasing cats or barking at them, and cats hiding from dogs – and significantly increased friendly interactions between the animals.
The pet owners involved in the study reported weekly the frequency of ten undesirable and seven desirable interactions between their pets. The research divided participants into two groups, one using a product with cat pheromones and the other with dog pheromones, randomly assigned. The scientists found that the group using the dog pheromone product had more positive interactions.
“We would like to investigate this further to observe the effects of these pheromone products individually, as well as to explore their combined use,” said veterinarian and researcher Miriam. “We suggest that Adaptil may have had a beneficial effect because the more relaxed dog is likely to disturb the cat less, making the cat less stressed and more willing to interact with the dog.”
Illustration: Petepop/Condutta. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
