Getting dogged: When your pet cheats on you

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the phenomenon of pets, particularly cats, seeking out new homes when they find better living conditions, such as tastier food and more affection. Veterinary behaviorist Terry Curtis from the University of Florida shares her experience with a cat named Molly, who left her original owners for a more favorable environment. Participants recount personal stories of pets that have left for other homes, highlighting the complex emotional lives of animals and their capacity for making choices based on their needs and desires.

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  • Familiarity with the concept of pet attachment and loyalty.
  • Knowledge of the social dynamics between pets and their owners.
  • Awareness of the environmental factors influencing pet happiness.
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  • Research animal behavior theories related to attachment and loyalty.
  • Explore case studies on pet relocation and its psychological effects.
  • Learn about the dietary and environmental needs of domestic cats.
  • Investigate the role of socialization in pet behavior and choices.
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Pet owners, animal behaviorists, veterinarians, and anyone interested in understanding the emotional and social dynamics of domestic animals.

Ivan Seeking
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...Grass is always greener
Some upwardly mobile pets may look for another home if they meet someone who has tastier food, more time for affection, better toys or a softer couch.

Veterinary behaviorist Terry Curtis of the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine in Gainesville has a cat that moved in with her after throwing over her first owner.

Molly, an orange tabby, originally belonged to Curtis’s neighbors, who also had two dogs and a newborn. The cat started coming over to visit Curtis and stayed longer each time.

“At my house, she could have toys, get more attention and not be bothered by the dogs,” Curtis says. When Curtis finally moved, Molly went with her. “The neighbors were really good friends of mine and they loved Molly, but they could tell she was happier with me.”
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http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26860866/
 
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Ivan Seeking said:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26860866/


My cat went out of the house on Christmas morning and never returned home ... I'm not really an animal lover however he took care of himself ever since he was little except for the food part - found him as a kitten inside the hood of my car during a morning that I took the SAT - it's been over a year since he is gone and I remember him every once in a while and wonder what happened to him. He's a quick one and very big so I'm inclined to believe that he has found greener pasteurs , he was injured and was kept inside the house for a couple of days ... perhaps he was disgruntled about this.
 
I was adopted by a cat once. It was a great cat, got along great with my two dogs. I have pictures of it laying stomach up across the paws of my very startled black lab/Chow mix.

Then one day the poor cat's nasty owner showed up saying it was his cat. :cry:

Mink (he couldn't meow, he just made a noise that sounded like he was saying "mink") kept coming back until I guess the owner killed him.
 
Evo said:
I was adopted by a cat once. It was a great cat, got along great with my two dogs.

Who adopted whom?

I believed it for like 4 seconds ...
:smile:


I think it's only cats who cheat.

But either dog or a cat .. they are living beings with some thinking capabilities. Why request for their endless unrequited love ... I wouldn't want a dog to always stay loyal to his owner if the owner can't take his care better than anyone else. I guess those people are just some jerks some superiority complex :(

More I think more disgraceful it gets :cry:
 
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My boss says he and some housemates owned a cat some years ago. One night, they attended a party at a neighbors house ... and found "their cat" right at home there! This cat was leading a double-life, and seemed to like both sets of owners equally.
 
All cats other than lions are solitary creatures who put up with others only if they get something out of it or are mother and young. A cat may stick around and even seem to like you, but give it a reason and it'll abandon you without ever looking back.
 
The cat next door used to live with people down the street, but moved in with my neighbors when he started getting more attention and better food there. Unfortunately, his new mommy and daddy just had a baby, so now I see him outside my door a lot, looking lonesome.
 
Math Is Hard said:
The cat next door used to live with people down the street, but moved in with my neighbors when he started getting more attention and better food there. Unfortunately, his new mommy and daddy just had a baby, so now I see him outside my door a lot, looking lonesome.

That's heartbreaking, MIH! You should adopt the poor little kitty!
 
I'm positive that Dr Foofer led a double life back at my old house. He rarely ate the food I gave him, but was always well fed. He'd be gone sometimes up to 3 weeks at a time.

Now he's an indoor cat at my new place and he adapted with no problem. I was really surprised. Unfortunately he gets his revenge with the constant nocturnal love fests he demands. He wakes me up at least twice a night to be petted. :frown:
 
  • #10
I would to. That's why my girlfriend quit sleeping over.
 
  • #11
lisab said:
That's heartbreaking, MIH! You should adopt the poor little kitty!

I probably would if my cat could stand him. He's an incredibly beautiful main coon. I give him petting and treats when I see him outside.