A new study published in Scientific Reports challenges the common belief that cats are not inclined to play fetch. The research, based on a survey of cat owners, suggests that many cats exhibit fetching behavior as an instinctive trait rather than being taught by their owners.
The study, led by Jemma Forman, a doctoral researcher in the school of psychology at the University of Sussex, involved 1,154 cats. Surprisingly, 94% of the cats in the study displayed fetching behavior, with toys being the most popular items to retrieve. Other items, such as spherical objects and cosmetics, were also reported to be fetched by some cats.
Contrary to the notion that cats are difficult to train, the study indicates that fetching might be an instinctive behavior for many cats. The research also revealed variations in fetching behavior among cats, such as preferences for specific items, playing with a preferred person, and engaging in fetch games at particular times of the day.
While the study sheds light on the fetch behavior in cats, the reason behind this behavior remains unclear. In contrast to dogs, who often fetch items for the bonding reward from their owners, the motivation for cats engaging in fetch activities is yet to be fully understood.
Jemma Forman, an animal psychologist at the University of Sussex and one of the authors of the study, noted that the personality and temperament of the cat, as well as the owner’s receptiveness to the cat’s needs, might play crucial roles in determining whether a cat exhibits fetch behavior.
The findings challenge stereotypes about feline behavior and emphasize the diverse and individualized characteristics present in domestic cats.
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