Summary: A large-scale survey of pet owners shows that fetching behavior is not exclusive to dogs, with 41% of cats also engaging in this playful activity, particularly young, healthy males of certain breeds.
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Pet owners have long associated the game of fetch with dogs, but a new study published in PLOS ONE on September 4, 2024, reveals that cats are joining in on the fun more often than previously thought. Researchers from Purdue University have found that a surprising 41% of cats engage in fetching behavior, challenging the stereotype that this activity is primarily a canine pastime.
Why it matters: This research provides new insights into the play behaviors of domesticated animals, potentially influencing how we interact with and enrich the lives of our feline companions.
The study, led by Mikel Delgado and colleagues, analyzed data from online surveys conducted between 2015 and 2023, involving over 8,000 cat owners and nearly 74,000 dog owners. The results not only shed light on the prevalence of fetching behavior in cats but also offer the first comprehensive estimate of how common this activity is among dogs.
Fetching Felines: More Common Than You Think
The survey revealed that 41% of cat owners reported their feline friends would “sometimes, frequently or always retrieve toys or objects that they threw.” This figure significantly surpasses previous estimates of fetching behavior in cats.
Dr. Delgado and the research team found several factors that increase the likelihood of cats engaging in fetch:
- Activity level: More active and playful cats are more prone to fetching.
- Living environment: Indoor cats are more likely to fetch than outdoor cats.
- Breed: Burmese, Siamese, and Tonkinese cats show a higher propensity for fetching.
The breed-specific findings are particularly intriguing. These Asian breeds, which originated from cats taken to the Far East early in the domestication process, are genetically distinct from other cat breeds. This genetic difference may play a role in their increased tendency to fetch.
Canine Comparison: Fetching Remains a Doggy Favorite
While the cat data is surprising, dogs still lead the pack when it comes to fetching. The study found that 78% of dog owners reported their canine companions would attempt to fetch sticks, balls, or other objects at least sometimes.
Key findings for dogs include:
- Trainability: Dogs that fetch tend to have higher overall trainability scores.
- Breed differences: Labrador and Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, and English Cocker Spaniels are more likely to fetch.
- Breed purpose: Dogs bred for herding livestock or as hunting companions show a higher propensity for fetching.
The Evolution of Play: From Hunting to Fetching
The researchers suggest that fetching behavior may have its roots in natural hunting instincts for both cats and dogs. However, the study’s results indicate that fetching is more closely related to play than predation.
“Although fetching shows many similarities to natural hunting behavior, the results suggest that it is more closely related to play than predation,” the authors note. They propose that the domestication process may have selected for juvenile behaviors, including playful fetching, to be retained into adulthood.
Dr. Delgado adds, “Although cats and dogs are very different in many aspects of their behavior and in how they ended up being companion animals, we find it fascinating that so many of them share this very interesting behavior – fetching! We hope that our study will encourage further exploration of how fetching is related to play, hunting and social interactions in both cats and dogs.”
Common Threads: Factors Affecting Fetching in Both Species
Interestingly, the study found some similarities between cats and dogs when it comes to fetching behavior:
- Gender: Fetching is less common in females of both species.
- Age: Older animals are less likely to engage in fetching.
- Health: Individuals with health conditions are less prone to fetch.
These findings suggest that certain biological and physiological factors may influence fetching behavior across species.
Implications for Pet Care and Enrichment
This research has potential implications for how we care for and enrich the lives of our pets, especially cats. Recognizing that many cats enjoy fetching could lead to new ways of providing mental and physical stimulation for indoor cats, potentially improving their overall well-being.
For pet owners, the study serves as a reminder that individual animals may defy species stereotypes. It encourages a more open-minded approach to play and interaction with our pets, regardless of whether they’re feline or canine.
Quiz: Test Your Knowledge on Pet Fetching Behavior
- What percentage of cats in the study were reported to engage in fetching behavior?
- Which of these cat breeds was NOT mentioned as being more likely to fetch? a) Burmese b) Siamese c) Persian d) Tonkinese
- True or False: The study found that female dogs and cats are more likely to fetch than males.
Answer Key:
- 41%
- c) Persian
- False – fetching behavior is less common in females of both species.
