Welcome to the NEW I Love Every Dog newsletter! We’ve combined a few sections from our Sit & Stay newsletter to bring you even more doggy excellence and practical information, such as product recalls.

If you’re receiving this email, but don’t recall subscribing, you’ve probably been moved over from our Sit & Stay mailing list. Unlike S&S, this email newsletter comes out daily with a new topic and more adorable pups!

Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!

It's a question that has fueled cartoons, family debates, and countless internet memes: do dogs instinctively hate cats? The image of a snarling canine chasing a terrified feline is deeply ingrained in our cultural consciousness. But is this portrayal rooted in primal animosity, or is it more a matter of miscommunication and learned behavior? Let's delve into the fascinating world of our furry companions and unravel this age-old mystery.

To answer plainly, the idea of an inherent, hardwired hatred between dogs and cats is largely a myth. While it's true that some individual dogs and cats will never be the best of friends (just like some humans!), their interactions are far more nuanced than simple, instinctual loathing.

Consider the evolutionary paths of these two species. Dogs, descended from wolves, are pack animals with a strong drive to hunt and often work cooperatively. Their play style can be boisterous, involving chasing, pouncing, and body slams. Cats, on the other hand, are solitary hunters with a more subtle approach. Their play often involves stalking, batting, and quick bursts of speed.

These inherent differences in communication and play style can certainly lead to misunderstandings. A cat might interpret a dog's enthusiastic invitation to play as a threatening act. The dog's desire to chase a fleeing cat is often driven by their predatory instincts – the movement triggers their natural herding or hunting behaviors, rather than a deep-seated hatred for the feline itself.

Think of it like this: imagine trying to communicate with someone who speaks a completely different language and has entirely different social cues. Misinterpretations are bound to happen!

However, the capacity for friendship between dogs and cats is undeniable. Many households are filled with heartwarming scenes of canine and feline companions cuddling, playing gently, and even grooming each other. These peaceful cohabitations often arise when the animals are introduced properly at a young age, allowing them to learn each other's signals and establish a comfortable dynamic.

Furthermore, a dog's temperament and training play a significant role in how they interact with cats. A well-socialized dog, exposed to cats early in life and trained to be calm around them, is far more likely to coexist peacefully than a dog with a high prey drive and little to no exposure to felines.

So, the next time you see a cartoon depicting a dog chasing a cat, remember that this is often a humorous exaggeration. While their differences can sometimes lead to conflict, it's not a matter of instinctual hatred. Instead, it's often a story of different communication styles, individual personalities, and the crucial role of socialization and training in shaping their relationships. With patience, understanding, and a little bit of luck, dogs and cats can often become the most unexpected and heartwarming of friends.

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Here are the recent recalls and advisories:

🐶 Refer 10 people: we will donate a box of treats to an animal rescue 🐶

🐶 Refer 50 people: we will donate a bag of dog food to an animal rescue 🐶

🛏 Refer 100 people: we will donate a dog bed to an animal rescue 🛏

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Sources:

Dog of the day: IG threegingertails

Meme of the day: IG doggocom2