A recent study suggests that dogs and cats can coexist peacefully if socialized early.
The common belief is that dogs and cats are rivals. However, a new study indicates that early socialization can foster a friendly relationship.
Dogs and cats have been domesticated for thousands of years, undergoing genetic and behavioral changes due to their close proximity to humans.
Dogs, descendants of wolves, associated with humans, receiving food in return. Their role expanded to include guard dogs, guide dogs, and detection of bombs and diseases.
Felines, descendants of the African wild cat, were used as pest controllers. Domestication and control of cats has always been more complex than that of dogs.
Communication is key. Although both are carnivorous, they differ in social behavior.
The article "Inter-relationship of dogs and cats living under the same roof" by Feuerstein and Terkel, highlights that interspecies communication is complicated due to separate evolutionary development, different domestication processes, and a lack of innate ability to understand each other's communications.
For example, a wagging tail means happiness for a dog, but fear for a cat. This can cause friction, but early socialization can reverse this.
Early socialization with cats up to 6 months old, and dogs up to 1 year old, showed a satisfactory ability to establish a friendly relationship.
With time, most dogs and cats understand each other's body language, even creating their own codes, like greetings with a touch of snouts.
The study found good coexistence in two-thirds of the houses. Only 10% had conflicts.
This conclusion was reached through questionnaires and video recordings of the animals in their homes.
Dogs may see smaller animals as prey. There are reports of dogs bringing birds, rats, and lizards as gifts.
In conclusion, dogs and cats are not destined rivals. Socialization in early life promotes harmony. The earlier the encounter, the better the understanding.