Why some cats love dogs—despite the risk
Interspecies play, such as between cats and dogs or different lemur species, can be risky due to miscommunication and physical mismatches, yet it occurs in both captive and domestic settings. Researchers observed rare play behavior between ring-tailed and ruffed lemurs at a German wildlife park, highlighting how close proximity in human care may foster cross-species understanding. Despite potential dangers, familiarity and shared environments appear to enable animals to develop the social skills needed for safe, playful interactions across species lines.
- ▪A young ring-tailed lemur and an adult ruffed lemur were observed playing together at a wildlife park in Germany, an unusual interaction not seen in the wild.
- ▪Interspecies play is considered rare and potentially risky due to differences in communication, size, and physical abilities between species.
- ▪Dr. Heather J.B. Brooks, a researcher at the University of Colorado, Boulder, suggests that animals in close proximity in human care may become better at interpreting each other's play signals.
- ▪A study published in February 2026 in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution documented four instances of interspecies play between lemurs.
- ▪Cats and dogs raised together in households often form playful bonds, demonstrating that familiarity can support cross-species social interactions.
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Environment Animals Pets Cats Why some cats love dogs—despite the risk Unusual animal playmates can be dangerous, but also really fun. By Clarissa Brincat Published May 1, 2026 9:05 AM EDT Add Popular Science (opens in a new tab) More information Adding us as a Preferred Source in Google by using this link indicates that you would like to see more of our content in Google News results. There are plenty of videos online of cats and dogs being BFFs. What gives? Image: Burak Kiliç / Getty Images Get the Popular Science daily newsletter💡 Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent six days a week. Email address Sign up Thank you! Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
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