Can dogs and cats get along well in the same home? People are thinking about getting a dog for their cat as a friend, but they are worried about that the dog and the cat will fight. A recent research has found that if the cat is taken back home before the dog, and if they are introduced when they are still young (less than 6 months for cats, a year for dogs), it is possible that the two pets will get along swimmingly. In two-thirds of the homes cats and dogs have a good relationship (关系) .
However, there was something unfriendly between the cat and dog in 25% of the homes, while aggression (侵略，好斗) and fighting were found in 10% of the homes. One reason for this is probably that some of their body languages are just different. For example, when a cat turns its head away, it means aggression. while a dog doing the same means submission (顺从).
In homes with cats and dogs living in peace, researchers found a surprising behavior (行为) . They are learning how to talk each other's language. It is a surprise that cats can learn how to talk "Dog", and dogs can learn how to talk "Cat".
The interesting thing is that both cats and dogs seem to become smarter. They can learn to read each other's body languages, suggesting that the two may have more in common (共同的) than was expected (预料) . If they understand each other's body language very well, cats and dogs can play together, and enjoy sleeping together on the sofa.
The importance of this research on cats and dogs may go beyond (超过) pets—to people who don't get along well, including neighbours, workmates at work, and even countries. If cats and dogs can learn to get along, surely people have a good chance.
