The conundrum of cats

The conundrum of cats


Cats now outnumber dogs 3-to-1 as the world’ most popular pet. It’s an interesting fact, given that a dog wears its heart on its paw, while a cat hold its cards close to the chest.

Our curious relationship with cats goes back nearly 15 thousand years. Early farmers were battling grain mice, which also attracted the appetite of wild cats. The result was a mutually beneficial relationship between farmers and felines.

Still, cats have never partnered with people to become working animals in the same way dogs have. And while dogs instinctively form packs, cats tend to be solitary. In fact, a cat’s bond to people is learned, not instinctive. If a kitten isn’t socialized to people by 10 weeks of age, it likely never will be.

Cats may still walk on the wild side, but there’s no denying we’re smitten by their mysterious mix of independence and affection.

 

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