FETCHING IN CATS IS MORE COMMON THAN PREVIOUSLY THOUGHT, RESEARCHERS FIND

Although it is more common in dogs, 4 in 10 pet cats also choose to play fetch with their owners, report Mikel Delgado from Purdue University, US, and colleagues in PLOS ONE.

Dogs are famous for playing fetch, but some cats also engage in this behavior. While fetching may stem from the natural hunting instincts of both cats and dogs, how it has evolved into the playful actions we see today remains unclear. Researchers analyzed data from online surveys of cat (Felis catus) and dog (Canis familiaris) owners conducted between 2015 and 2023, which included questions about their pets’ fetching behavior.

Among the over 8,000 cat owners surveyed, 41% reported that their cat occasionally, frequently, or always retrieves toys or objects that are thrown—much higher than previous estimates. The study found that fetching behavior is more common in cats that are generally active and playful, especially if they live indoors.

While cats of all breeds may engage in fetching, it is particularly common among Burmese, Siamese, and Tonkinese breeds. These breeds have their origins in cats that were brought to the Far East early in domestication, making them genetically distinct from other breeds.

Of nearly 74,000 dog owners surveyed, 78% said their dog occasionally, frequently, or always fetches sticks, balls, or other objects. The study also found that dogs that fetch tend to score higher in overall trainability.

Fetching is observed across most dog breeds, but certain breeds are more inclined to engage in this behavior, such as Labrador and Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, and English Cocker Spaniels. Breeds developed for herding livestock or hunting are more prone to fetch than others. In both cats and dogs, fetching behavior is less common in females, older animals, and those with health issues.

This study is the first to estimate the prevalence of fetching behavior in dogs and reveals that it is more common in cats than previously thought. While fetching resembles natural hunting behavior, the results suggest it is more closely related to play than to predation. The domestication process likely preserved many juvenile behaviors into adulthood, including playful fetching, which may have helped wild animals develop hunting skills.

The authors note, “Despite the many differences in behavior and domestication between cats and dogs, it’s fascinating that so many share the intriguing behavior of fetching. We hope our study will inspire further research into how fetching relates to play, hunting, and social interactions in both species.”