Friendship between dog and cat

Many people are reluctant to have both a dog and a cat in their homes, fearιng that they will not get along. However, by following a few simple steps, the relationship between canines and felines could be quite compatible.

For example, researchers have found that a friendship has a bigger chance for success when the dog is introduced to the home after the cat.

According to the researchers, Neta-Li Feuerstein and Joseph Terkel of Israel, their study is the first research regarding the connection between dog and cats “living together.” 

A good relationship between the two kinds of pets seems to be easier if the animals meet in a young age. Just like children, puppies and kittens are open to learning from the behaviour of others more than their older “brothers and sisters.”

The Israelis interviewed people who own both types of pets, as well as asking veterinarians about their experiences.

In addition, they spent numerous hours observing the situation in the pets’ home environment to get an accurate picture of dog-cat relations.

At every visit the researchers rolled a tennis ball between the dog and cat to see if a game would develop between them, and who of the two was the most dominant.

Other tests included putting a can of cat food between them, and observed co-eating habits; and in another test the pets’ owners were asked to make the animals play together.

Body language played an important part in the research. Formal studies proved that the face and body movements of the cat mean the opposite as that of the dog. Dogs express happiness by moving their tail, but in cats it is a sign of stress or aggression.

The most remarkable result from the research is that the dog that moves in later than the cat has the best relation with the other species. That is because the dog accepts the cat as his boss in his territory.

But always keep in mind: gentle, sweet-natured, or lazy dogs are more likely to be good with cats than strong-willed, active, alert dogs.

Strong-willed cats that stand their ground and hiss and spit, or swipe with a paw, are more likely to cope with a new dog, than the timid sort that run from everything.

Chinese Fad

To show that it is not only Greece who does weird things with animals, we decided to show you what’s happening in China. 

They are transparent chains containing small live fish!

Much to the disappointment of marine biologists, youngsters are standing in long queues to buy plastic pendants containing small marine creatures.

Vendors say the fish can live up to three months in the sealed containers, which contain water, fish food and two solid oxygen balls.

After three months the fish can be released into ponds or tanks by breaking open the pendants.

The ornaments, which cost less than 50 cents each, are popular as necklaces or bag decorations.

An expert at the Sichuan Provincial Marine Life Research Centre says the practice is cruel and should be banned, and this column agrees.