Dogs Learn to Mimic the Family Cat

So, my Mini Schnauzer has picked up this interesting little habit of licking her front paws when she’s finished running around and is just lying down, relaxed and chill. Not heavy-duty grooming, just short, gentle, continual lapping at the tops of her paws. Sort of like her fur-brother Pumpkin (the cat) does. In fact, exactly like Pumpkin does.

And according to professional dog trainer and behaviorist Brian Galea, that makes sense. You see, canines are pack animals and highly social. And that’s why they are so easily influenced by the animals around them. Galea comments that "What dogs are more likely to pick up are emotionally based behaviors, by watching the emotional reactions of other animals around them." So, when my dog sees my cat relaxed and casually grooming themself, she figures that looks pretty good. So, why not.

Now, these feline-like maneuvers go beyond just the paw grooming behaviors my pooch is exhibiting. Cat-like activity can extend to your dog rubbing up against furniture and even sitting atop the back of the couch to enjoy a better vantage point when supervising his people. Think, monkey-see, monkey-do.

Here’s where it gets fun. Those that are most easily influenced are… puppies. Which makes perfect sense, right? And per Galea, that’s because they’re still developing their social understanding of everything around them. And the family cat is as good a place as any to start when you’re less than eight weeks old and the only thing your size is furry, feisty, and loves to meow.

But while your pup won’t purr or meow, they can be seen to adapt habits like tucking their feet up under their body like a cat and even bumping their forehead against people in affection. And because young pups are highly active and equally highly observant, they can also pick up on the family cat’s reactive behaviors. This means taking their cue from the cat on how to behave in certain situations, including when to shift into high alert.

Now, that of course leads to all those funny social media posts showing dogs doing everything in their power to avoid having to come in contact with the family cat. Galea says that the cat’s chill, confident demeanour can be intimidating to a dog, and for those observing the clip, that can present as bullying. Not necessarily so. You see, for the dog involved, it’s all about observing their furry little family member, learning what the signals are, and adapting their behaviors to respect those boundaries.