You should be careful where you look at home, as scientists have shown that cats can correctly identify and evaluate human glances. This type of behavior was also discovered in dogs.
Researchers at a university in Budapest tested 41 cats in their natural environment so a change in place does not stress the examined animals and distort the results. The aim of the research was to determine whether the interaction between cats and humans will show similar reactions as they have so far only experienced in dogs - that they can understand and follow human glances.
The test was simple. The cat was to choose which of two bowls to run to based on the glance of a person, whether long or fleeting. One was empty and the other was full of food. Yet by the time the cat could head for one of them, the person's gaze was once again directed directly at the animal.
The cats did very well in determining and remembering where the person looked. They chose the right bowl in 70% of cases, which is more than if they had chosen purely randomly. Moreover, sound stimuli in the form of commands had no effect on the result, even though cats are able to recognize the voice of their master and who they are talking to.
Cat research is not conducted as often as with dogs, as cats don't cooperate as readily as dogs. This is evidenced by the fact that the research began with 85 cats, but 44 of them showed no interest in it, or became bored during the experiment and refused to cooperate. Despite this, the researchers managed to prove that they watch and interpret human glances. This type of nonverbal communication is called ostensive behavior, and the ability to read it was previously only found in companion dogs. The question is whether cats learn this ability during their lifetime, or whether this function has developed over 10,000 years of domestication.
Have you ever noticed your cat responding to your glance? The research showed that cats understand that the place a person is looking at may be important. When I think about it, I almost always hear meowing when I look at the refrigerator. Is my cat trying to say something? :)
Although we take care of our pets with love and as best we can, there may be times when we will need tens of thousands of crowns to treat our dog or cat. And insurance - as with people - can be the solution.
If you want to give a dog more than just a yummy treat, reward or praise, but you would like the treat to contribute to your dog's health, it's time to look for functional treats. They are actually food supplements and a treat in one, as their...
Our cat companions do not exactly love water. However, it might sometimes be inevitable. In such a case, it is better to get prepared for it in advance so all of you can survive unharmed.
Dogs poke their curious nose everywhere, so they (and not only they) may easily get stung by a bee or wasp in summer. What should you do if this happens?
I often hear that potatoes are toxic to dogs. But then how is it possible, that they are often a part of high-quality dog food? Are they harmful, suitable or even beneficial for dogs?
Every rodent is not the same, each rodent species needs something different for good digestion and health. Therefore, the food is marked accordingly, this is not only a marketing stunt.
The Bengal cat breed was created relatively recently by crossing domestic and wild cats. Thanks to this combination, it resembles a cat from prehistoric times, which is mostly due to its spotted fur.
Some of us go out to sea during the holidays, and the question arises whether to take our dog with us or leave it at home. One aspect in deciding may be the question of whether the sea is okay for dogs. Will the salt damage your dog's coat, or is...
These brothers of the Bichon are great companions for everyone. They are easy to handle even by someone who has no experience with dogs. They have a great personality, they require almost no care, they are easy to train and have good health. All they...
Today there is a healthy diet trend, even in the pet world. Pet owners are more interested in what they give their pets, which is definitely good. But what mistakes do we often make?
The days are getting shorter, the temperature decreases, the autumn has really come. If your cat doesn’t live inside a flat exclusively, it is the best time to prepare it for the unfavourable season so it’s not so hard for its immune system.
Summer is here, and with it the holiday season. If you take your dog on a trip, you shouldn't forget to pack a few necessary items. I will try to summarize some practical tips and things that you shouldn't forget to pack for your friend.
