Life wouldn’t be the same without adorable furry companions like dogs and cats. For many people, they are not just animals but truly part of the family. Whether you’re a lifelong animal lover or preparing to bring home your first pet, you should find these facts about dogs and cats to be very intriguing. Remember these insights as you interact with four-legged friends and develop a deeper appreciation for these remarkable creatures.
Dogs Experience an Oxytocin Surge
Let’s start with canine companions and their infectious love for people. It’s no secret that dogs love to show affection, whether jumping up as soon as you walk in the door or cuddling on the couch after a long day. Dog reactions have a lot to do with brain chemicals such as oxytocin, which surges when they interact with their own kind and humans too.
This makes dogs different from almost all other mammals, which don’t experience a spike in the natural “love hormone” when they come into contact with humans. On the other hand, dogs experience increased oxytocin when they reunite with humans they bond with. Dogs demonstrate these positive feelings through eye contact, tail wagging, jumping, and licking their owners.
Dogs Are Sensitive to Human Behavior
Dogs are Clearly Loved Pets who naturally behave similarly to humans in terms of desire for company and affection. Research shows canines are highly sensitive to human attention and gaze direction, and they even switch up their behavior to better match the people they bond with.
Canines can imitate human activity through social bonding and observational learning. If you feel like your furry friend is staring at you, they pay attention to vocal cues, emotions, and body language. Dogs share a stronger connection with people they are familiar with, which explains why they are so happy to see their humans when they come home.
Cats Don’t Change Their Behavior As Much
Cats are more carefree than dogs and closely dependent on humans. While house cats may enjoy the company of humans and show contentment and affection, it’s not to the same extent as dogs, which will alter their behavior when someone comes through the door.
While dogs play differently with humans than other dogs, cats don’t show significant signs of adapting their behavior when socializing with people. Common cat behaviors like raising tails, rubbing against legs, and sitting down for a groom are what cats do to both people and fellow felines.
Cats Feel Stress, Too
Although cats are typically considered more low-maintenance and less bothered than dogs, they can feel their share of stress. A warm, comfortable home environment is essential for all pets. Cats, in particular, often feel stress when interacting with other felines because they don’t always get along.
Fights between felines are physically and emotionally stressful. That’s why it’s best for owners to consider each cat’s social lifestyle and whether they need more space on their own to feel less stress. This will, in turn, keep cats healthier and help them live long lives.
