Animals like dogs and cats do not express emotions in exactly the same way humans do. This is why we may easily misconstrue their actions. One example is when they did something bad, like ruin furniture.
According to Dr. Karen Hiestand, a lecturer at the Royal Veterinary College at the University of London, the idea that animals feel guilt is “widespread but incorrect.”
“When you get home, and they’ve ripped up a cushion, what you’re seeing isn’t guilt – it’s fear. They are picking up that you are angry or upset,” Dr. Hiestand told The Guardian.
Still on the topic of peculiar behaviors, cats have a reputation for being standoffish, unlike dogs, which are often perceived to be warmer and more social. Dr. Hiestand addressed this, stating that dogs are group-living animals that co-evolved with humans for at least 40,000 years.
Cats, meanwhile, come from a “completely solitary” ancestor and have not lived alongside humans as long.
However, there are certain behaviors that pet owners must take note of. According to Texas-based veterinary service True Animal Vet, these actions may indicate an underlying health condition that requires attention.
Cats, for one, are “experts at masking pain.” This means that any subtle changes, like reduced appetite, litter box issues, or decreased interaction, may be early warning signs of health problems.
Meanwhile, a dog dealing with an illness may show changes in energy levels, sudden aggression, or anxiety. Possible illnesses include arthritis, dental diseases, or hormonal imbalances.
#16 Recently Put Our Cat On A Diet. We Set Him Up With An Automatic Feeder... He's Not A Fan
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#19 I Meowed At Our Neighbor’s Cat Once And Now It Regularly Comes Up To Our Door And Just Watches Us Live Our Lives
