Physical Characteristics and Description of Dogs & Cats
Dog is a member of Carnivorous Mammals which includes Wolf, Fox, Jackal etc. In fact Dog is a domesticated form of the Gray Wolf and is a member of the Subspecies ‘Canis lupus familiaris’. Palaeontologists and Archaeologists have determined that about 60 million years ago, a Small Mammal, similar in appearance to a Weasel, lived in some parts of Asia. It is called Miacis, the Genus that became the ancestor of the Animals known today as Canids: Dogs, Jackals, Wolves and Foxes. Miacis did not leave direct descendants, but Dog-like Canids evolved from it. By about 30 to 40 million years ago Miacis had evolved into the first True Dog – namely, Cynodictis. This was a medium-size Animal, longer than it was tall, with a long tail and a fairly brushy coat. Over the millennia Cynodictis gave rise to two branches, one in Africa and the other in Eurasia. It is considered that Dogs were first domesticated by man, 10,000 to 15,000 years ago. It is not clear as to how Humans domesticated the Dog. It is widely considered that early Humans used Wolves during the hunt, for keeping flocks together and to warn against approaching enemies. Humans in turn, made sure his Wolves were fed. Also, considered is the fact that Wolves are social Animals and this trait made the Wolf to be made as Companion and Wolves on their part considered Man to be his leader, just like it would live in a Pack. The Early Dog diverged into only a handful of Landraces, groups of similar animals whose morphology and behaviour have been shaped by environmental factors and functional roles. As the modern understanding of genetics developed, humans began to intentionally breed Dogs for a wide range of specific traits. Through this process, the Dog has developed into hundreds of varied breeds, and shows more behavioural and morphological variation than any other Land Mammal. The term ‘Dog’ is used for both Feral and Pet varieties. The Domestic Dog has been one of the most widely kept working and companion animals in human history. The Female Species of a Dog is known as Bitch and group of offspring is known as a Litter. The typical lifespan of Dogs varies widely among breeds, but for most the median longevity, the age at which half the Dogs in a population have died and half are still alive, ranges from 10 to 13 years. There are estimated to be 400 million Dogs in the world.
All Dogs are genetically very similar, Natural Selection and Selective Breeding have reinforced certain characteristics in certain populations of Dogs, giving rise to Dog Types and Dog Breeds. The terms Dog Breed and Dog Type are sometimes used interchangeably, but they have different meanings.
Although dogs look very different from people, they share many of our body’s characteristics. They have a heart and circulatory system to transport blood, lungs to take in oxygen and rid the body of carbon dioxide, a digestive tract to absorb nutrients from food, and so on. However, it is the differences between dogs and people that are most interesting and that give dogs their unique characteristics as family members.
Dog breeds and sizes
Body Size
Dogs come in many shapes and sizes. The smallest breeds include the toy and miniature varieties, such as the Toy Poodle, Papillon, Chihuahua, and Shih Tzu. These dogs usually weigh only 5 to 10 pounds (2.3 to 4.5 kilograms), or even less. Medium-sized dogs include many of the terriers and spaniels, which weigh in the 10 to 50 pound (4.5 to 23 kilograms) range. Larger still are the retrievers, shepherds, and setters, which often weigh 65 to 100 pounds (30 to 45 kilograms). Finally, the giant breeds, such as the Mastiff, Komondor, and Saint Bernard, can approach or exceed 200 pounds (91 kilograms). Of course, sizes vary within breeds, with males usually being larger than females. Mixed-breed dogs include all size ranges.
Metabolism
Dogs have a higher metabolism than people. They breathe faster, pump blood faster, mature faster, and have a higher normal body temperature ( see Table: Normal Canine Physiologic Values). Young dogs seem to have even more energy than children. However, this high metabolism comes with a shorter life span. A common rule of thumb is that 1 dog year equals about 10 to 12 people years for the first 2 years, and then 4 people years (per dog year) after that ( see Table: Dog Years versus People Years). Actual life span depends on health and size, with small breeds generally living longer than larger ones.
Temperature Regulation
Dogs are generally much better at conserving heat than at cooling themselves. In sled dogs, who can survive outdoors even in bitterly cold temperatures, the fur acts as an insulating “blanket” that retains the heat generated by the dog’s high metabolism. However, in hot or humid weather, most dogs have difficulty. Dogs cannot sweat, which is an effective form of evaporative cooling. Instead, dogs lose heat primarily by panting. These rapid breaths (10 times faster than normal) are an attempt to lose heat through evaporation by moving hot, moisture-filled air in and out. During the short, shallow breaths in panting, little air can be exchanged in the lungs. In fact, dogs must stop panting periodically to take a good respiratory breath. Drinking water also helps dogs cool down, and the canine hair coat helps insulate from the sun.
Because the cooling system of dogs is relatively poor, certain summer situations can be dangerous and even life threatening. Sadly, many dogs die of heat stroke every year. The most common problem is associated with being shut in a parked car. Even with the windows rolled down, the inside of a parked car can quickly reach 150°F (66°C) or more in the summer, which can cause heat stroke and death in a matter of minutes. Other dangerous situations involve being penned or tied out in the sun (without access to shade) or being locked in a poorly ventilated travel crate.
Ways to keep dogs cool during hot weather include air conditioning, spray misters, shade, dips in a wading pool, or gentle spraying with a garden hose. Keeping dogs wet during the heat of the day provides a method of evaporative cooling. Plenty of cool, fresh drinking water should be available at all times.
The Senses
Dogs have the same 5 senses that people do but to very different degrees. Some senses are less developed than in people, with others being extraordinarily more sensitive.
Sight
Dogs can see movement and light much better than people. In the retina of the eye, dogs have more of a specific type of cell called a rod, which is good at collecting dim light, so they have better night vision. A reflective layer in the dog’s eye, called the tapetum lucidum, magnifies incoming light. This reflective layer lends a characteristic blue or greenish glint to dogs’ eyes when light (for example, headlights of passing cars) shines into them at night. However, dogs do not have as much visual acuity as people, meaning that they cannot distinguish fine details as well. They also cannot differentiate colors as well because they have fewer of the cells in the retina called cones, which are responsible for color vision. Contrary to popular belief, however, dogs are not completely colorblind.
Nictating membrane, dog
A unique feature of the dog eye is the nictitating membrane, which is also called the third eyelid. This additional eyelid is a whitish pink color, and it is found under the other eyelids in the inside corner (near the nose) of the eye. The third eyelid extends up when needed to protect the eyeball from scratches (for example, while traveling through brush) or in response to inflammation.
Hearing
The ear canal of the dog is much deeper than that of people and creates a better funnel to carry sound to the ear drum. The average dog can hear about 4 times better than the average person, including sounds at higher frequencies than can be detected by the human ear. Dogs are also better at distinguishing the direction of a sound, which is an adaptation useful for hunting. Unfortunately, this deeper ear canal predisposes dogs to ear problems. Grease, wax, and moisture can build up in the ear, leading to inflammation and infection. Floppy ears or hair within the ears further limit ventilation, making matters worse. This is why many dogs need frequent preventive ear cleaning.
Smell and Taste
Dogs have an extraordinarily acute sense of smell; it is about a million times more sensitive than that of people. They can detect odors at extremely low levels and can distinguish odors that are subtly different. This is why dogs are able to sniff out drugs and explosives at airports, search for human victims at disaster sites (including victims deep under water), and follow the scent track of criminals.
Odor molecules dissolve in the moisture that coats the inside of the canine nose. Signals are then sent from the olfactory membranes in the nose to the olfactory center of the brain, which is 40 times bigger in dogs than in people.
Dogs also have an organ on the roof of the mouth that allows them to “taste” certain smells. As in people, taste and smell in dogs are closely linked. However, dogs gain much more information about food from smell than from taste. Dogs have only about one sixth the number of taste buds that people do, and their distinct sense of taste is actually quite poor.
Locomotion
Dogs have most of the same muscles, tendons, joints, and ligaments as people. All 4 of the dog’s limbs are maximized for locomotion, from a steady walk to a rapid sprint. In many respects, dogs run like horses, and have the same 4 gaits: walk, trot, canter, and gallop. The canine bones that are comparable to the long bones of our hands and feet are located in the dog’s lower legs. The angular hock in the hind legs is comparable to the ankle in people. Most dogs can swim, although some breeds specifically developed for swimming (for example, retrievers) can swim better than others (such as Bulldogs).
Leg bones, dog
Pads and Nails
The canine paw contains specialized structures that help the dog move over different surfaces. The bottom of the paw is covered by thick, resilient pads that become callused after years of steady wear in direct contact with the ground. These pads protect the paw and help provide a secure grip on many types of surfaces. The toenails help provide traction while running and are also used for digging. Canine toenails are thick, brittle structures made up of a protein called keratin (just like hair). A large blood supply runs down the middle and feeds the cuticle (or “quick”) of the growing nail. Avoiding these blood vessels when trimming toenails can be difficult, especially when the nails are dark. Regardless, keeping nails trimmed is important because nails that snag or break during running or jumping can cause considerable bleeding and pain. Broken nails should be examined by a veterinarian, who can trim away the fractured part of the nail, treat the wound to stop any bleeding, and prevent infection. Dogs have rudimentary equivalents of human thumbs called dew claws that are found on the middle side of the front paws or lower front legs. Dew claws have no function, but they commonly snag and break. Dew claws should also be trimmed periodically to prevent snagging and to keep them from curling around and growing into the foot. They are commonly removed in very young puppies or as an additional surgical procedure when dogs are spayed or neutered.
Nails, dog
Skin and Hair
Canine skin has several layers, including an outer epidermis that is constantly being replaced and an inner dermis that contains nerves and blood vessels. Canine skin is thinner and much more sensitive than human skin. Dogs should be bathed only with shampoos made specifically for pets. Shampoos and other topical products for people can be irritating to canine skin and should be avoided.
Canine fur grows from hair follicles in the skin. Dogs have compound hair follicles, with a central (guard) hair surrounded by 3 to 15 secondary hairs growing out of the same pore. Sebaceous (oil) glands within the skin lubricate the hair, keeping the coat shiny and water resistant. Hair growth is controlled by several factors, including nutrition, hormones, and time of year. In general, dogs shed at a slow steady rate all year round, with periods of increased shedding in the spring and fall. Shedding replaces hair gradually, without bald patches (which can be a sign of illness and should be investigated).
The main functions of the hair coat are to protect the skin and to help regulate temperature. Fur traps air, which provides a layer of insulation against the cold. Small muscles attached to the guard hairs allow dogs to raise these hairs, which improves air trapping. Dogs also raise their hackles as a threatening gesture in response to danger.
Different breeds of dogs have different types of hair coats. Breeds from northern climates (such as Huskies and Malamutes) have a soft, downy undercoat that provides better insulation in cold weather. Water breeds (retrievers, for example) have more long and stiff guard hairs to protect the skin and undercoat from harsh environmental conditions. Water breeds also have ample oil secretions to lubricate the hair. Breeds from warmer climates have shorter coats designed only to shade the skin. Poodles have very fine, curly hair that sheds far less than that of other breeds.
Teeth and Mouth
Dog teeth
Like their wolf ancestors, dogs are carnivores with teeth designed for rending and tearing meat. They have 28 deciduous (baby) teeth that are replaced by 42 permanent (adult) teeth between 2 and 7 months of age ( see Table: Canine Adult Dentition). The different types of teeth have specialized functions, depending on their position in the mouth. The front teeth, which include the 12 incisors and 4 large canine teeth (eye teeth), are designed for grasping and tearing. The rearward premolar and molar teeth grind food into smaller pieces that can be swallowed.
The mouth also contains the salivary glands, which secrete saliva that lubricates the food and begins digestion. The tongue helps guide food to the back of the throat and is important for licking up small food pieces and lapping up water. Dogs also lick as a sign of affection or subservience, or both.
Digestive and Urinary Tracts
The gastrointestinal tract includes the stomach, the small intestine, and the large intestine (colon). This system digests food into useful nutrients, absorbs water, and eliminates waste. Digestive problems often show up as vomiting or diarrhea, which can have many causes, including viral infections; worms; stress; or ingestion of bones, sticks, or other foreign material.
The urinary system eliminates nitrogenous wastes from protein breakdown and helps control fluid levels. Waste products are filtered by the kidneys and then sent through the ureters to the urinary bladder for storage. Urine is passed out of the body through the urethra. In males, the urethra doubles as a channel for sperm during copulation. Urinary infections are much more common in females and usually show up as frequent dribbles of urine that may be tinged with blood.
Both urinary and digestive problems are often associated with straining while urinating or defecating. At first glance, it may be difficult for dog owners to tell the source of the problem. Therefore, it is important to watch your dog while it eliminates and to note the character and color of the urine and feces. Your veterinarian may request a sample of the urine or feces, or both. Diarrhea usually consists of frequent, soft or runny feces that may be a different color (often yellow, gray, or black) than usual. Any sign of blood in the feces calls for veterinary attention. Repeated, unproductive attempts to pass a bowel movement can be a sign of serious constipation or bowel obstruction, which can be an emergency. Prompt veterinary attention is needed if the dog has a tense, painful abdomen or is passing only small amounts of bloody, gel-like feces.
Anal Glands
Rump rubbing or “scooting” is usually associated with impacted anal glands, although it can be confused with a digestive problem. The anal glands are located in a layer of muscle at the 4 and 8 o’clock positions around the anus. These scent glands contain a foul-smelling secretion that is normally expressed during a bowel movement. The secretions often thicken, which can plug the duct, causing pressure and irritation that can lead to infection. Many dogs need to have their anal glands manually emptied by their veterinarian on a regular schedule.
Рhуѕісаl Сhаrасtеrіѕtісѕ оf Саtѕ
Еаrѕ
Саtѕ hаvе 32 muѕсlеѕ thаt соntrоl thе оutеr еаr (соmраrеd tо humаn’ѕ 6 muѕсlеѕ еасh). Саt’ѕ hеаrіng іѕ muсh mоrе ѕеnѕіtіvе thаn humаnѕ’ аnd dоgѕ’. Тhеу саn mоvе thеіr еаrѕ lіkе rаdаr dіѕhеѕ, ріnроіnt thе ѕоurсе, rоtаtе thеm іndереndеntlу 180 dеgrееѕ, аnd turn іn thе dіrесtіоn оf ѕоund 10 tіmеѕ fаѕtеr thаn thоѕе оf thе bеѕt wаtсhdоg.
Еуеѕ
Іn rеlаtіоn tо thеіr bоdу ѕіzе, саtѕ hаvе thе lаrgеѕt еуеѕ оf аnу mаmmаl. Моѕt саtѕ dо nоt hаvе еуеlаѕhеѕ. Тhеу ѕее аbоut 6 tіmеѕ bеttеr thаn а humаn аt nіght аnd nееd 1/6 thе аmоunt оf lіght thаt а humаn dоеѕ duе tо а lауеr оf ехtrа rеflесtіng сеllѕ thаt аbѕоrb lіght. Rесеnt ѕtudіеѕ hаvе ѕhоwn thаt саtѕ саn ѕее bluе аnd grееn, but thеrе іѕ dіѕаgrееmеnt аbоut whеthеr thеу саn ѕее rеd. Рrоtrudіng еуеѕ gіvе саtѕ а wіdеr аnglе оf vіѕіоn thаn wе hаvе. Тhеу аlѕо hаvе grеаt реrірhеrаl vіѕіоn. Тhаt іѕ whу thеіr fіеld оf vіѕіоn іѕ аbоut 185 dеgrееѕ. Воth thеѕе аdарtаtіоnѕ аrе аdvаntаgеѕ tо аnіmаlѕ thаt аrе bоth рrеdаtоrѕ аnd рrеу іn thе wіld.
Саtѕ hаvе а full іnnеr-еуеlіd оr nісtіtаtіng mеmbrаnе. Тhіѕ іnnеr еуеlіd ѕеrvеѕ tо hеlр рrоtесt thе еуеѕ frоm drуnеѕѕ аnd dаmаgе. Whеn thе саt іѕ іll, thе іnnеr-еуеlіd wіll frеquеntlу сlоѕе раrtіаllу, mаkіng іt vіѕіblе tо thе оbѕеrvеr.
А саt саnnоt ѕее dіrесtlу undеr іtѕ nоѕе. Тhіѕ іѕ whу thе саt саnnоt ѕееm tо fіnd tіdbіtѕ оn thе flооr.
Тhе mоѕt соmmоn еуе соlоrѕ іn саtѕ аrе іn thе mіddlе оf thе еуе соlоr ѕресtrum (grееnіѕh-уеllоw tо gоld). Тhе соlоrѕ аt thе еndѕ оf thе еуе соlоr ѕресtrum (dеер grееn оr brіllіаnt сорреr) аrе uѕuаllу ѕееn оnlу іn реdіgrееd саtѕ thаt hаvе bееn ѕеlесtіvеlу brеd fоr drаmаtіс еуе соlоr, but thеу mау ѕоmеtіmеѕ арреаr іn nоn-реdіgrееd саtѕ. А lаrgе mајоrіtу оf whіtе саtѕ wіth bluе еуеѕ аrе dеаf. Whіtе саtѕ wіth оnlу оnе bluе еуе аrе dеаf оnlу іn thе еаr сlоѕеѕt tо thе bluе еуе.
Воdу
А саt hаѕ 250 bоnеѕ іn hіѕ bоdу, соmраrеd tо 206 іn оur bоdіеѕ. Тhіnk аbоut hоw muсh bіggеr уоu аrе thаn уоur саt, аnd уоu’ll undеrѕtаnd whу саtѕ hаvе а lоt mоrе рlасеѕ whеrе thеу саn bеnd аnd twіѕt thаn wе dо. Аlmоѕt 10 реrсеnt оf а саt’ѕ bоnеѕ аrе іn hеr tаіl, аnd thе tаіl іѕ uѕеd tо mаіntаіn bаlаnсе. Тhе dоmеѕtіс саt іѕ thе оnlу ѕресіеѕ аblе tо hоld іtѕ tаіl vеrtісаllу whіlе wаlkіng.
Саtѕ uѕе mоrе thаn 500 muѕсlеѕ tо lеар, јumр, аnd ѕрrіnt. Тhеіr thіghѕ аrе роwеr роunсіng. Тhеѕе muѕсlеѕ аrе ѕо роwеrful thаt іf уоu hаd thеm, уоur thіghѕ wоuld bе аѕ bіg аѕ уоur wаіѕt аnd уоu соuld јumр frоm thе grоund tо thе tор оf а hоuѕе! Саtѕ dо nоt hаvе а соllаrbоnе, ѕо thеу саn fіt thrоugh аnу ореnіng thеіr hеаd ѕіzе.
Раwѕ
Саtѕ hаvе fіvе tоеѕ оn еасh frоnt раw, but оnlу fоur tоеѕ оn еасh bасk раw. Тhеу hаvе truе fur, іn thаt thеу hаvе bоth аn undеrсоаt аnd аn оutеr соаt. Оf аll thе раrtѕ оf thе bоdу, thе саt’ѕ раwѕ hаvе thе mоѕt ѕеnѕіtіvе tоuсh rесерtоrѕ. Тhеу аrе ехquіѕіtеlу рrеѕѕurе-ѕеnѕіtіvе, аnd ѕоmе rеѕеаrсhеrѕ bеlіеvе thеу саn еvеn ѕеnѕе tіnу vіbrаtіоnѕ.
Сlаwѕ
Саt’ѕ сlаwѕ аrе оnе оf thеіr mоѕt іmроrtаnt fеаturеѕ. Тhеу uѕе thе сlаwѕ fоr сlіmbіng, рlауіng, аnd оf соurѕе, аlѕо fоr huntіng. Тhеѕе сlаwѕ hаvе а vеrу іmроrtаnt rоlе іn fеlіnеѕ’ ѕосіаl bеhаvіоr. А саt wіll hunt fоr bіrdѕ аnd rоdеntѕ, rеgаrdlеѕѕ оf hоw wеll hе/ѕhе іѕ tаkеn саrе оf аnd hоw muсh уоu fееd hіm/hеr – іt іѕ а nаturаl bеhаvіоr аnd іѕ аlѕо рrоgrаmmеd іntо thе саt’ѕ gеnеѕ.
Nоѕе
Саtѕ hаvе twісе аѕ mаnу ѕmеll-ѕеnѕіtіvе сеllѕ іn thеіr nоѕеѕ аѕ wе dо, whісh mеаnѕ thеу саn ѕmеll thіngѕ wе аrе nоt еvеn аwаrе оf. Іn аddіtіоn tо uѕіng thеіr nоѕеѕ, саtѕ саn ѕmеll wіth Јасоbѕоn’ѕ оrgаn, lосаtеd оn thе uрреr ѕurfасе оf thе mоuth.
Тееth
Тhе саt’ѕ саnіnе tееth (thе lоng fаngѕ) ѕіt іn bеdѕ оf ѕеnѕіtіvе tіѕѕuе. А саt аdјuѕtѕ hеr grір оn hеr рrеу untіl ѕhе fееlѕ а tіnу dерrеѕѕіоn іn thе nесk, јuѕt bеhіnd thе ѕkull. Тhе саnіnе tееth аrе dеѕіgnеd tо fіt реrfесtlу іntо thіѕ dерrеѕѕіоn, ѕо thе саt саn ѕеvеr hеr рrеу’ѕ ѕріnе wіth оnе quісk bіtе.
Соаt
Тhе gеnе іn саtѕ thаt саuѕеѕ thе оrаngе соаt соlоr іѕ ѕехеd lіnkеd аnd іѕ оn thе Х ѕех сhrоmоѕоmе. Тhіѕ gеnе mау dіѕрlау оrаngе оr blасk. Тhuѕ, а fеmаlе саt wіth twо Х сhrоmоѕоmеѕ mау hаvе оrаngе аnd blасk соlоrѕ іn іtѕ соаt. А mаlе wіth оnlу оnе Х сhrоmоѕоmе саn hаvе оnlу оrаngе оr blасk, nоt bоth. Іf а mаlе саt іѕ bоth оrаngе аnd blасk, hе іѕ (bеѕіdеѕ bеіng ехtrеmеlу rаrе) ѕtеrіlе.
Іn thе Ѕіаmеѕе саt, а lоwеr tеmреrаturе саuѕеѕ mоrе dаrk соlоrаtіоn іn thе grоwіng hаіrѕ. Тhіѕ іѕ whу nеwbоrn kіttеnѕ, wаrm frоm thеіr mоthеr’ѕ wоmb, аrе whіtе аll оvеr. Аѕ thеу grоw uр іn nоrmаl tеmреrаturеѕ, thеіr bоdу’ѕ hоttеѕt аrеаѕ, аrоund thе ѕtоmасh аnd bасk, rеmаіn раlе іn соlоr, whіlе thеіr сооlеr ехtrеmіtіеѕ grаduаllу bесоmе dаrkеr.
Вrееdѕ dеvеlореd іn соld сlіmаtеѕ, lіkе thе Ѕіbеrіаn, Маіnе Сооnѕ, аnd Nоrwеgіаn Fоrеѕt саtѕ, hаvе ѕlіghtlу оіlу, wаtеr-rереllеnt tорсоаtѕ аnd thісk, іnѕulаtіng undеrсоаtѕ.
Оthеr сhаrасtеrіѕtісѕ
Саtѕ hаvе АВ blооd grоuрѕ јuѕt lіkе реорlе аnd саn dоnаtе blооd tо оthеr саtѕ.
Тhеу саn соmрrеѕѕ оr еlоngаtе thеіr ѕріnе, mаkіng thеm ѕmаllеr tо ѕlеер іn ѕnugglу рlасеѕ оr lоngеr tо lеар асrоѕѕ wіdе-ореn ѕрасеѕ.
Тhеіr nоrmаl bоdу tеmреrаturе rаngеѕ bеtwееn 100.5 аnd 102.5 dеgrееѕ Fаhrеnhеіt.
А саt’ѕ hеаrt bеаtѕ аbоut twісе аѕ fаѕt аѕ уоur hеаrt—аbоut 110 tо 140 tіmеѕ а mіnutе іn thе аvеrаgе саt.
То рurr, саtѕ uѕе ехtrа tіѕѕuе іn thе lаrуnх (vоісе bох). Тhіѕ tіѕѕuе vіbrаtеѕ whеn thеу рurr.
Саtѕ lоѕе аlmоѕt аѕ muсh fluіd іn thе ѕаlіvа whіlе grооmіng thеmѕеlvеѕ аѕ thеу dо thrоugh urіnаtіоn.
Воth humаnѕ аnd саtѕ hаvе іdеntісаl rеgіоnѕ іn thе brаіn rеѕроnѕіblе fоr еmоtіоn, аnd а саt’ѕ brаіn іѕ mоrе ѕіmіlаr tо а mаn’ѕ brаіn thаn thаt оf а dоg’ѕ.
А саt wіll nеvеr ѕwеаt bесаuѕе іt hаѕ nо ѕwеаt glаndѕ.
Саtѕ саn hаvе frесklеѕ. Тhеу саn арреаr аnуwhеrе оn а саt’ѕ ѕkіn аnd еvеn іn thе mоuth.
Саt urіnе glоwѕ undеr а blасk lіght.
What are the similarities between a dog and a cat?
Territorial instincts
According to Pets4Homes, cats and dogs both naturally have territorial instincts, which means they have an innate sense of responsibility to take charge in a situation and look after their young.
And while cats and dogs both possess these same territorial instincts, it can manifest in different behaviours depending on the species.
In cats, they will mark their territory on something physical by either rubbing their scent against it or urinating on it.
They like their own space and if another cat dares to enter their area, they’ll make it known this is unacceptable and adopt various territorial strategies to scare said cat challenger away.
While dogs won’t rub themselves to mark their territory, they will showcase distinctive territorial traits and also employ tactics to ward off any canine imposters who happen to encroach on their space.
In both cases, cats and dogs are able to utilise these same instincts to protect their areas.
Ancestral similarity
When asking yourself the question, ‘what do cats have in common with dogs?’ an interesting similarity between them is that of their ancestry. It may come as a surprise to learn that they have a similar ancestral line.
Both furry friends belong to the class Mammalia, which essentially means that they have fur on their skin to keep them warm.
Both animals also belong to the kingdom Animalia, which means not only do they give birth to pups and kittens, but they also breastfeed their young as the first port of call before going on to any other food type.
Health benefits
Studies have shown time and time again that both dogs and cats provide a multitude of health benefits for their owners. From decreased blood pressure to helping lower anxiety and stress levels the bond between people and their pets can increase happiness.
Some other health benefits that both cats and dogs can provide include:
- Decreased cholesterol levels
- Decreased triglyceride levels
- Decreased feelings of loneliness
- Increased opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities
- Increased opportunities for socialisation
Whether you’re the proud owner of a brand new pup or kitten or looking to welcome one into your home, studying the potential health benefits of both can be another reason to do just that.
Ability to survive in the wild
Cats and dogs are similar in that if they were let loose in the wild, they would be able to fend for themselves. Once domesticated, things like shelter and protection are provided by their owners. Nevertheless, they retain their instincts and are able to use these similarly.
From catching their own food to protecting themselves and their young, both animals are able to follow their instincts and natural abilities in order to survive outside of their domestic environments. They will soon learn that if their hunting and fighting skills aren’t strong enough in the wild, they will die. And so they will adapt accordingly.
Affection and bonding
Whilst the affection displayed may vary between these two species, one thing both cats and dogs have in common is their ability to form strong, meaningful bonds with their owners. They both enjoy human company and require love, attention and affection from their chosen family.
Dogs are slightly different in that they also enjoy the companionship of their fellow pooches as well as their owners whereas cats tend to enjoy their own company in the same way they appreciate the bond that comes with being domesticated.
Though if you introduce two cats into your home at the same time, as they are sharing the same space, you’ll notice they are more than happy to spend cuddle and nap time together. Perhaps even more so than with their owners!
And, when it comes to getting close to their humans, as much as kitties come across as aloof, they do indeed show affection. From head-butting and intense eye contact to chirrups and meowing with purpose, they’re more affectionate than many people realise. And not too dissimilar to dogs in this respect.
What are the differences between a dog and a cat?
General behaviour
Dogs are at their most active during the day. And even though doggy naps are an essential part of their daily routine, pups prefer being right at your side, being taken for walkies or even just accompanying you as you go about your day.
Evidence also shows that owning a dog can encourage you to get more active.
Cats, on the other hand, tend to sleep their days away. Ever head out to work, leaving Fluffy firmly asleep on your bed, only to return at the end of a gruelling shift to see them pretty much stretched out in the same position?
Another fairly big difference between dogs and cats is the way they sound. It may seem obvious – dogs bark and cats meow, right?
But each one comes with their own other noisy tendencies. Your pooch will offer up a howl or growl every now and then, whereas your kitty?
Aside from the endearing meows, they’re also known for friendly chirrups or snarls, spitting and hisses when they feel under threat.
What about when it comes to demonstrating their warning signals?
These are likely to differ again.
Whilst dogs will bare their teeth and give long hard looks into the eyes of their enemies, cats are known for arched backs, dilated pupils and the occasional twitch of their puffed-up tail.
The only similarities in these instances are likely to be the low-growling sounds both four-legged predators make to keep any animal or human enemy at bay.
Comparative dog and cat behaviour is difficult to analyse too closely, because, just like us humans, there can be huge variations.
Not just within the individual breeds but the individual personalities of your own feline or canine.
Some cats are much more playful, and attentive than others and some dogs can be a little on the shy and introverted side. A lot of this can be attributed to their environment.
Body language
One of the key differences between felines and canines is how they use their body language as a form of communication. For example, when a dog wags his tail, this usually means playtime. But if your pussycat is doing the same, it’s more likely to be conveying anger.
And when it comes to their fur, for dogs, hair that stands up slightly on their shoulders and around the neck shows confidence whereas fur standing on end for cats would usually mean “leave me in peace”, especially when combined with a low growl and stare.
Exercise schedules
If you’re hoping to be the new owner of a cat or dog, you’ll need to look at what works best with your own daily regime and exercise can be a big part of your choice. If you’re seeking a workout partner, Fido is your best bet.
Most dog breeds enjoy running and love nothing better than joining you on your morning run.
Research also shows that dogs need to be taken for a walk away from the house in order to avoid stress.
If you’re hoping a cat will provide the same level of fitness support, you may want to think again.
Yes, cats enjoy a spot of activity and the occasional healthy game of ‘chase the laser’, but they’re not necessarily known for being super athletic.
Physical characteristics
Aside from the obvious, there are key physical differences between cats and dogs.For example, their claws. Because cats use theirs for protection, not to mention scaling all sorts of walls, they tend to be very sharp.
If you’re a current cat owner, then you’ll know this given the array of scratches you’ve probably acquired on your hands and arms!
Dogs’ claws, however, are much duller than their feline counterparts. Why? Because of their outdoor habits. As they’re out and about in a much bigger capacity, their claws will wear down much more quickly.
Pack mentality
Picture this. You get home from a day of work, rest or play. Who are you looking forward to greeting you when you open the door?
Aside from the immediate attention dogs usually give as you open the door, they’re more likely to stay close by your side as you go about your everyday chores.
Whether it’s cooking dinner, working out or sitting down to a night on the sofa, as pack members, they’re used to working together and have a deep-rooted pack mentality. As their humble pack leader, they need you to provide direction. By involving them in your day-today life, they see this as a way of getting closer to you.
Cats, on the other hand, do not possess the same pack mentality. They’re solitary creatures, whether they’re hunting, playing or having a kip. Independence reigns supreme with cats. Because of this, they can get a bad reputation for being standoffish, uninterested and unaffectionate.
But just because they’re independent creatures, it doesn’t mean they can’t provide great companionship.
It’s just best not to expect the same level of involvement as you’d get from a canine pal.
Food
Think cat and dog food is one and the same? Think again. Their bowls of grub may look the same but what lies within is very different for each.
Dogs are omnivorous animals whilst pussycats are carnivorous and require many more essential nutrients in their diet. Cat chow tends to be higher in protein, fat, minerals and vitamins. Because of this, it also contains a higher calorie content. And from a physical perspective, cat food is smaller in size to fit their smaller mouths.
Whereas canines? The size of their food may be bigger but they can get by on much less.
Cats are able to tolerate certain levels of Vitamin D but the same can’t be said for dogs. So dogs mustn’t chow down on any fish-based cat food otherwise an urgent trip to the vets could be in order. So if you’re the proud parent of one of each, it’s crucial to ensure no crossover between dog and cat food bowls.
Whilst dogs and cats both enjoy their food, how they actually eat is quite different. Cats are able to regulate their food intake well throughout the day. You can freely fill up their bowl and they’ll happily graze all day.
Hunting habits
Both dogs and cats are known for their excellent hunting skills. But the way they go about it is very different. Ever noticed how your kitty will scale the highest wall, lay in wait and pounce on their prey at the very last moment?
Whilst some dogs will jump in the air to catch their prey, most are the opposite in that they will stay close to the ground and use their sense of smell to track down whichever prey they’ve gone after.
COMPILED ,EDITED & SHARED BYDR VK LAL,PET CONSULTANT,NEW DELHI
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