Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This paper examines friendship patterns between dogs and cats in the same household. It focuses on the dynamics of interaction that result in the creation and maintenance of interspecies relationships. The study finds that the animals begin by using the signals they use with their own species but then innovate as necessary to achieve a satisfactory relationship. Thus, they are able to take the role of the other and modify their behavior to enhance interactions and achieve shared meanings. Dog and cat friendship pairs in the same household touch each other, sit, sleep, and play together and sometimes have a spot in the house they call their own. Both dogs and cats have a strong sense of group membership and belonging as revealed in dog protectiveness toward the entire household group and in the cats’ desire to stay with the group on walks and outings.