Cats 'exploit' humans by purring

[Randi]

I picture a mother cat telling her kittens: "Kids, you need to learn to purr exactly like this . That way you can make the humans do everything you want! Kirsten

Exactly!

A friend of mine also sent me the article. Yes, we are known as cat-lovers!

[RICHARD]

Actually,

I hate to believe that my cat exploits me.

I tend to look at the arrangement as more a friendship, than a symbiotic one.
It could be looked upon as exploitation - My cat relies on my desire to have him as part of my family. Almost a child, but not needing the major guidance a human would.

I would be upset if my child

The age old problem of cats not having thumbs should be the main focus of any scientific studies.

With opposing digits, a feline would be able to open up drawers, cupboards operate can openers, open doors, feed themselves, operate electrical appliances and use handguns......


On second thought? I'll just go along with the exploitation and remain manipulated.

I feel safer that way?

[Kirsten]

feline would be able to open up drawers, cupboards...., open doors feed themselves,

Oh, mine have learned to open the sliding doors of the kitchen counter behind which their food is stored, even without opposing digits.

Kirsten

[Barbara]

Now tell me something I didn't know before

[GILL]

YEA SO!exploited

[lizbud]

I saw the article this morning. I think my cats have trained me well.

[Sonia59]

Current biology is a pretty good journal, well-ranked. As a scientist I would have loved to work on such topic, very pleasant to study!
It would be interesting to know whether cats do it also with their counterparts (e.g. babies with their moms) or if it's an adaptation of cats living with humans.

[catmandu]

Pursonally I dont feel exploited at all.
My Friends are askong me for sonething to eat, and of course as a Cat dad, I am happy to oblige!!
As a lonely old man , I LOVE them when they PURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR to me in the morning!!!!
It makes my day!!!

Especially Juke Joint Joseph whos PURRR is a lot like the Mooses Pigeon Purr somehow!!!!